Formulation of an Integrated Energy Strategy for Abu Dhabi based on a holistic optimization of the country's energy resources

This paper is the initial phase of on going research work to develop a decision-making tool that employs a bottomup model of the integrated energy sector in Abu Dhabi. It showcases the formulation framework and the modelling design that will facilitate scenario analysis leading into policy recommendations that will promote sustainability in this sector. The stability of Abu Dhabi's energy sector, hence the stability of its economy are strongly coupled to volatile fuel prices and exhaustible resources therefore explicitly reflecting a future of energy security concerns. As such, the technology-explicit model developed in this work will provide optimal energy diversification targets essential to Abu Dhabi's future energy security. The major strength of the model is its ability to capture existing energy flows starting from resource management to end use demand. The existing consumption trends are used to constrain the production function while allowing for the minimization of energy supply costs. A set of scenarios was introduced in this study to: i) assess how the roadmap to a low carbon economy should be paved; and ii) analyse the impact of current and future energy conservation efforts on the cost of electricity and the amount of imported natural gas. This paper presents the baseline modelling scenario results in an effort to devise Abu Dhabi's comprehensive energy strategy.