Implementation plan for the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (ADQCC) - Spring

This capstone project evaluated policy mechanisms to help Abu Dhabi achieve its target of sourcing 7% of electricity capacity from renewable energy by 2020. The team analyzed the emirate’s energy mix, subsidy structure, and economic diversification strategy in the context of falling solar photovoltaic costs and increasing liquefied natural gas prices. Recognizing both economic and climate imperatives, the report examined three principal policy tools: Feed-In Tariffs (FITs), Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS), and competitive bidding frameworks. Each mechanism was evaluated for feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and institutional alignment within Abu Dhabi’s regulatory environment.

The team proposed tailored implementation pathways, recommending legal mandates for renewable targets, clearer agency responsibility, electricity subsidy reform, and enhanced coordination among energy stakeholders. Additional recommendations included licensing reforms to facilitate private sector participation and targeted investment in renewable energy research and development. The report concluded that meeting—and potentially exceeding—the 7% target would strengthen economic resilience, reduce fiscal exposure to fossil fuel volatility, and position Abu Dhabi as a regional leader in renewable energy innovation. The final deliverable provided a structured roadmap for operationalizing renewable expansion within a rapidly evolving energy market.

Learn more about the MPA-ESP Capstone Workshop.