Blog Energy Pool Becomes the First Demand Response Aggregator in the UAE
Following a competitive tender process, the Emirate of Abu Dhabi has officially selected Energy Pool as the first licensed Demand Response (DR) aggregator in the United Arab Emirates. The agreement was signed during the World Utilities Congress in the presence of senior government representatives and senior members of Energy Pool’s MENA team.
The partnership was formalised by Eng. Ahmed Al Falasi, Executive Director of the Energy Efficiency Sector at the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE), together with Olivier Baud, President and Chairman of Energy Pool.
This milestone marks a key step in the UAE’s energy transition and in the expansion of Energy Pool’s advanced flexibility services across the Middle East.
Scaling Demand Response in Abu Dhabi
Led by the Department of Energy, Phase Two of the Demand Response Pilot Programme will introduce automated capacity management across 40 industrial and commercial sites in Abu Dhabi. These sites will adjust their electricity consumption during periods of peak demand to help enhance grid stability, alleviate pressure on the system, and contribute to decarbonisation objectives.The programme forms part of the UAE’s national demand-side management strategy, which aims to unlock 200 MW of flexible capacity by 2030, with the potential to reach 1,000 MW in the future.
Meeting the Growing Need for Flexibility
This new phase reflects the UAE’s wider commitment to energy efficiency, resilient infrastructure, and smart grid capabilities. By enabling market-based participation in Demand Response, it empowers industrial and commercial consumers to play an active role in balancing the energy system.Drawing on its international expertise in industrial load aggregation, real-time flexibility, and automated energy management, Energy Pool will act as the programme’s aggregator—ensuring seamless coordination between participating sites and the system operator
A Strategic Market for Energy Pool
"We feel extremely privileged and proud to accompany the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy in this major initiative," said Olivier Baud. "The introduction of state-of-the-art Demand Response technology in the UAE marks a key step towards strengthening the energy system and accelerating its decarbonisation in a competitive way."The Abu Dhabi project reinforces Energy Pool’s position as a trusted partner for governments, utilities (TSOs/DSOs), and industrial and commercial consumers—helping them optimise energy use, strengthen grid reliability, and advance national decarbonisation strategies.
To learn more, please read the official announcement from the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy.