Abu Dhabi Department of Energy Completes Gas Systems Remediation Project

Abu Dhabi: The Department of Energy - Abu Dhabi (DoE) has announced the successful completion of its Gas Systems Remediation project in buildings, achieving a 100% completion rate. The project, which commenced in August 2023, recorded over 200,000 safe working hours and was part of ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of gas systems throughout the Emirate. According to Emirates News Agency, Dr. Saif Saeed Al Qubaisi, Acting Director General of Regulatory Affairs at the DoE, stressed the importance of safety for Abu Dhabi's residents, properties, and economy. Dr. Al Qubaisi highlighted that safety is a collective effort involving all stakeholders in the sector, with building owners playing a crucial role in maintaining community safety. Since the project began, over 3,100 buildings across the Emirate have been inspected and remediated. The DoE reported that more than 2,400 buildings, including over 200 classified as high-risk, were addressed urgently. The project identified and repaired 550 previously undete cted gas leaks and relocated all gas filling lines outside buildings. Additionally, over 450 gas tanks and control panels were replaced, and more than 10,000 gas leak detectors were installed in kitchens, achieving a full completion rate. Eng Ahmed Alsheebani, Executive Director of the Petroleum Products Regulatory Affairs Sector at DoE, praised Abu Dhabi's leadership in managing gas system safety. He emphasized the importance of gas as a vital resource for daily life and its role in supporting the energy sector alongside clean and renewable energy sources. Alsheebani encouraged residents to continue their vigilance in handling gas to build a safer and more sustainable community. Alsheebani also expressed gratitude to various organizations, including the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, the Department of Municipalities and Transport, Abu Dhabi Police, the Abu Dhabi Civil Defense Authority, and the Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Mana gement Center, for their effective contributions to the project. Under the Executive Regulations for Gas Works in Buildings, property owners must sign annual maintenance contracts with DoE-approved gas operators and undergo regular inspections by independent third-party companies. Additionally, they must secure a No Objection Certificate from the DoE to confirm the safety and operability of their gas systems, which is essential for obtaining the Abu Dhabi Civil Defense Authority's Certificate of conformity with preventive safety requirements (ISTIFAA).