Abu Dhabi: Ahmed Al Kaabi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Electricity, Water, and Future Energy Sector at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI), emphasized the UAE's commitment to leading the global energy transition through innovative strategies and initiatives aimed at creating a sustainable future. His comments were made during the High-level Panel on 'Energy Transition Pathways in Emerging Economies', organized by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
According to Emirates News Agency, Al Kaabi highlighted the UAE's foresight in recognizing the necessity for cleaner energy sources to safeguard the planet and future generations. He remarked on the environmental, social, and economic advantages of renewable energy, noting the substantial investments made by the UAE in this sector. He highlighted that the UAE was the first in the region to sign the Paris Agreement, commit to nationwide emission reductions, and establish a net-zero target by 2050.
Al Kaabi credited the establishment of Masdar nearly two decades ago as a pivotal moment in the UAE's renewable energy journey. With Masdar's leadership, the UAE has advanced clean energy and sustainability efforts domestically and internationally. He pointed out that the UAE's renewable energy sector is experiencing rapid growth, with a target to achieve 14.2 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, alongside developing some of the world's largest solar plants.
The UAE's Distributed Solar System (DSS) project was mentioned as a key initiative empowering customers to generate solar power via rooftop PV systems, contributing to the grid and enhancing energy independence. Al Kaabi also noted that the UAE is pioneering peaceful nuclear energy use with the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, which provides 25% of the nation's electricity from a carbon-free source.
Low-carbon hydrogen is identified as a significant component of the UAE's clean energy strategy, with aspirations to become a global leader in hydrogen production by 2031 and plans to increase production to 15 million tonnes annually by 2050. Al Kaabi underscored the UAE's role in fostering innovation and global partnerships as a founding member of IRENA, affirming the nation's commitment to leading the global transition to clean energy with a goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.