Energy drive eyes partly switching off street lights

About 40 per cent of lights in 55 residential areas earmarked

Dubai: As part of Dubai government's efforts to conserve energy and reduce carbon dioxide emissions, the street lighting in 55 residential areas will be partly switched off at night, officials announced Monday.

About 40 per cent of the lights in each residential area will be switched off from 10pm every day, without compromising safety of road users by avoiding vital traffic spots.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has already kicked off the project, from August 1 in four areas — Al Khawaneej 1, Twar 1 and 2, and Umm Suqeim 2. The project will gradually be extended to the remaining areas.

Extremely vital

By the end of the year, all 55 areas will be covered, officials told Gulf News. The RTA's Energy Saving Team, comprising experts and specialist engineers from various affiliated sectors and agencies, is in charge of the project.

"Lighting poles located in medians of two intersecting roads, or at U-turns, roundabouts and intersections are being exempted from these measures as they are extremely vital for the smooth flow of traffic, and the safety and security of road users in the area," said Mohammad Abdullah Al Ali, head of RTA's Energy Saving Team and Director of Buildings and Facilities.

Low traffic

On an average 40 per cent of street lights in each residential area will be switched off, though this rate varies from one district to another based on several factors including the area of the district, and the number of street lights and so on, he said. The street lights will be switched off from 10pm, considering the drop in the street light usage rate, and the low traffic movement during these hours, Al Ali said.

Pilot project

A pilot project was conducted in Al Warqa'a 4 area to assess the energy savings, whereby officials found a 30 per cent reduction in electrical consumption (per kilowatt hour, kWh).

"The reduction in kWh means reduction in the CO2 emissions. One kWh reduction equals 0.597kg of CO2 reduction."

This decision is in line with the Dubai Government Strategy 2015 to achieve sustainable development, which always seeks to conserve various resources of the UAE, including electricity, he added.

Source: Gulf News