Cost of Petrol is cheap in UAE as compared with Asian, European & other western countries. The level of pollution is also under control as the country follows strict pollution control measures. Despite all of the above the local electricity company of Sharjah & Dubai runs many vehicles on natural gas. Now the local taxi company has added hybrid taxies to its fleet. Road & Transport Authority [RTA] of Dubai has also announced the introduction of high speed electric buses. Both these initiatives proves the commitment of UAE authorities towards environment.

The hybrid Taxis are expected to consume 35% less fuel than petrol vehicles & the carbon emissions will be lower. The purchasing cost will be more but that will offset in fuel saving over a period of time. These cars are self-sustaining as the battery pack included is recharged by itself from the kinetic energy emitted through braking.

The electric buses will be powered by rechargeable batteries. These batteries can be recharged upto 80% in less than 30 minutes. Bus can cover 200 KMs distance with full battery at a good speed of 100 km per hour.

H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the RTA, said: ?This step is in line with the initiative launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, themed (Green Economy for a Sustainable Development) aimed at fostering a green economy in the UAE in view of the importance of power for humans and various ingredients of development projects. The initiatives also concords with the power & low carbon strategy pursued by the Government of Dubai with the objective of making Dubai a role model in the efficient power consumption, and curbing carbon emissions.

?The RTA strongly supports efforts made by the Supreme Council of Energy to achieve Dubai's Integrated Energy Strategy 2030. This year the RTA has carried out 32 energy conservation initiatives and 8 green economy support initiatives. These initiatives, which are expected to achieve savings of about AED 17 million, covered various RTA's sectors and agencies, thus contributed to saving power consumption saved in Dubai Metro stations and railway, reducing water consumption, improving road lighting efficiency by using energy-efficient LED lighting, cutting down bus diesel consumption, and slashing taxi fuel consumption in addition to reducing carbon dioxide emissions in 2013 by 41% compared to 2012,? elaborated Al Tayer.

Such news reports are indeed morale boosting for the people of the country & this motivates & encourages them to conserve & save environment in all their actions.

Source: Gulf News, The National & Khaleej times