UAE's Leadership in Clean Energy: Insights from Solar and Clean Energy Conference

His Excellency Eng Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI), officially opened the Solar and Clean Energy Conference as part of the ongoing World Future Energy Summit 2024 in Abu Dhabi. Emphasizing the necessity of collaboration, he highlighted the urgent need for a robust, sustainable energy transition on the global agenda.

Propelling Economies Forward

In his address, His Excellency Eng Al Olama underscored the imperative of propelling economies forward while simultaneously curbing emissions and ensuring energy security. He stressed that despite commendable efforts, momentum must be accelerated, particularly in addressing energy poverty in developing regions. He emphasized that empowering those lacking access to energy is not only an issue of equity but also crucial for collective prosperity and sustainability.

UAE's Pioneering Role

Eng Al Olama proudly outlined the UAE’s pioneering role in the energy transition, highlighting significant investments exceeding AED 600 billion in local clean energy initiatives. He revealed that the country is on track to achieve a clean energy capacity of 19.8 GW by 2030.

The Undersecretary highlighted the UAE’s leadership in renewable energy deployment, with several mega-projects already operational and more in development. Notably, the UAE hosts three of the world’s largest and most cost-effective solar plants and has committed to tripling its renewables capacity by 2030 in response to COP28 directives.

Investments in Nuclear Energy and Beyond

In addition to renewables, Eng Al Olama discussed the UAE’s investment in nuclear energy, particularly the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, set to cater to a significant portion of the nation’s electricity needs from a carbon-neutral source. He also emphasized efforts in advancing clean hydrogen technologies and establishing commercial-scale carbon capture, utilization, and storage facilities to mitigate carbon emissions.

Commitment to Net Zero Emissions

In conclusion, he announced the UAE’s national commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, pledging an additional investment of US$50 billion in clean energy ventures over the coming years, both domestically and internationally.