The Energy Support Programme (ESP)
Supporting energy cost reduction for qualifying industrial sites
In 2019, the Energy Support Programme (ESP) initiative was launched. The programme is currently overseen by TAQA Distribution and Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO).
This initiative supports investment and expansion in the manufacturing sector, contributing to the goals of the Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy 2031 and the UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative.
The initiative will assist companies to:
-
Become more energy efficient.
-
Reduce operational costs.
-
Boost productivity.
-
Enhance competitiveness.
-
Pursue technological transformation.
The initiative provides a discount on normal industrial tariffs for sites with an active industrial license that fulfils specific criteria
To qualify, the following criteria must be met. These are based on achieving a minimum cutoff score mentioned for each test:
-
Economic test for contribution to the Abu Dhabi economy - 50% of the total score.
-
Economic test for productivity - 30% of the total score.
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Energy management test - 20% of the total score.
Details about the economic contribution and productivity tests are available on the ADIO website.
For 2025-2026 enrolment, the scoring method varies depending on the electrical supply capacity to the site (also known as the "Connected Load").
For sites above 5MVA supply transformer capacity, the energy management test score contributions are:
- Connected load: 10%
- Energy Management System (EMS): 10%
For sites below 5MVA supply transformer capacity, the EMS score contributions are:
- Energy Management System: 20%
TAQA Distribution energy management qualification requirement
Each site is required to submit evidence demonstrating that the fundamental elements of energy management systems are in place. This evidence must be submitted to their chosen certifying body (CB). It will be evaluated against specific pass/fail criteria, all of which must be met for the site to receive the CB's formal report of conformance
The CB may consult with TAQA Distribution to verify whether the submitted evidence aligns with the programme's requirements. Based on the CB's assessment, the site may be admitted into the scheme. Continued eligibility to receive the incentive tariff throughout the year will depend on ongoing performance assessments conducted by TAQA Distribution.
The energy management evaluation criteria are divided into two separate groups:
- Initial joining and reapplication criteria - These must be fulfilled for the site to receive a conformance certificate from its certifying body and rejoin the scheme as part of the qualification process at the start of each year, as per tables 1 and 2 that follow.
- Ongoing performance criteria - these must be met for the site to continue receiving the tariff, as per table 3 that follows.
Tables 1 and 2 outline the evidence that new applicants and reapplicants should submit at the beginning of each year.
Applicants can reuse evidence submitted in previous years, as long as the dates are still valid and the evidence meets the specific requirements for the current year's application.
For cases when a site's energy management evidence demonstrates certain characteristics that deviate from the prescribed quality specifications, the CB should consult TAQA Distribution to ensure a fair and contextual evaluation.
Table 1: Requirements to submit evidence at the start of each new ESP year for reapplicants.
| Item |
Reapplicants |
|
| 1 |
Site details, governance, and high-level EnMS action plan |
Required |
| 2 |
Single line diagram(s) |
Required |
| 3 |
Direct debit evidence |
Required |
| 4 |
Site energy efficiency activity checklist |
Required |
| 5 |
Five-year energy demand forecast |
Required |
| 6 |
Energy manager, and executive appointment details |
Required |
| 7 |
Policy for energy management |
Required |
| 8 |
Monthly executive team board energy reports |
12 examples |
| 9 |
Site energy survey report |
Required |
| 10 |
Energy performance and continuous improvement review |
Required |
| 11 |
Energy management implementation plan |
Required |
| 12 |
Energy analysis report |
Required |
| 13 |
ISO 50001 |
*Optional |
* If applicable
Table (2): Requirements to submit evidence at the start of each new ESP year for new joiners.
| Item |
Applicants |
New joiner (1st time applicant) |
| 1 |
Site details, governance, and high-level EnMS action plan |
Required |
| 2 |
Single line diagram(s) |
Required |
| 3 |
Direct debit evidence |
Required |
| 4 |
Site energy efficiency activity checklist |
Required |
| 5 |
Five-year energy demand forecast |
Required |
| 6 |
Energy manager, and executive appointment details |
Required |
| 7 |
Policy for energy management |
Required |
| 8 |
Monthly executive team board energy reports |
One example |
| 9 |
Site energy survey report |
Required |
| 10 |
Energy performance and continuous improvement review |
Required |
| 11 |
Energy management implementation plan |
Required |
| 12 |
Energy analysis report |
Required |
| 13 |
ISO 50001 |
*Optional |
Table 3 lists the ongoing performance criteria that sites in the scheme must satisfy to continue benefiting from the incentivised tariff.
| Item |
Criteria |
When |
Requirement/test |
Definition |
Checked by |
| 1 |
Ensure that the documents in the site energy management system remain in date or are revised during the year. Ensure that key staff positions remain filled during the year. |
If any of the documents submitted at the start of the year expire during the middle of the year, or when individuals designated for roles in energy management are changed. |
Spot checks will take place by TAQA Distribution. Failure of the site to ensure documents in their system are in date or to ensure that key staff positions are filled may place incentive tariff at risk. Sites do NOT need to resubmit to TAQA Distribution any documents updated during the year. |
Various |
TAQA Distribution |
| 2 |
Monthly energy performance reporting |
Monthly |
The energy performance report should be submitted to the site's senior management monthly and to TAQA Distribution annually |
Various |
TAQA Distribution |
| 3 |
Maintain direct debit payments |
Ongoing requirement |
Bills should be paid through direct debit. Failure to comply may result in the incentive tariff being revoked |
Defined by TAQA Distribution |
TAQA Distribution |
| 4 |
Peak power demand management |
- If approached by TAQA Distribution
- Ongoing (if stated in any agreement that was reached at the start of the year)
|
- Make reasonable efforts to meet with TAQA Distribution representatives when they approach you to discuss peak demand and have open discussions about it
- Fulfil the terms of any agreement reached with TAQA Distribution
Failure to comply may result in the incentive tariff being revoked.
|
Defined by TAQA Distribution on a case-by-case basis |
TAQA Distribution |
| 5 |
Power factor compliance |
- If approached by TAQA Distribution
- Ongoing (if stated in any agreement that was reached at the start of the year)
|
- Make reasonable efforts to meet with TAQA Distribution representatives when they approach you to discuss power factors and have open discussions about it
- Fulfil the terms of any agreement reached with TAQA Distribution
Failure to comply may result in the incentive tariff being revoked
|
Defined by TAQA Distribution on a case-by-case basis |
TAQA Distribution |
Table 3: Ongoing performance criteria that should be satisfied for the site to continue receiving the tariff during the year.
Special note on single line diagram for proving Connected Load (supply capacity)
Sites must provide an up-to-date, approved single line diagram of their electrical supply. If the diagram is unavailable, the site should contact TAQA Distribution - based on their respective supplier - to request an archive search for a copy.
In cases where a copy doesn't exist, the site must engage with an approved electrical contractor to prepare an accurate as-built diagram. The contractor will then have to apply to TAQA Distribution for an inspection via email or letter to confirm that the new diagram accurately reflects the installation and meets all necessary safety standards.
Once the as-built drawing is approved, it must be uploaded to the ADIO web portal along with a copy of the approval letter from TAQA Distribution. This should be done simultaneously while uploading all the other mandatory energy management evidence to the portal.
If ADIO awards the incentive tariff, the site will receive a certificate, which must be submitted to TAQA Distribution via email at: etip@taqadistribution.com
Once TAQA Distribution has confirmed the information, the incentive tariff will be activated.
For more information please visit our FAQs
For all technical inquiries, please contact dsm.industrial@taqadistribution.com
