Braslia: Eng. Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, represented the UAE at the BRICS Energy Ministerial Meeting, which was hosted under the Brazilian Chairmanship in the capital city Braslia. Addressing representatives of BRICS members and partners, Al Olama emphasized the importance of the global energy transition and the dual challenges of ensuring secure and affordable energy access while reducing emissions to meet climate goals.
According to Emirates News Agency, Al Olama highlighted the UAE's achievements in energy access, noting that the nation has reached 100 percent access to electricity, clean cooking solutions, and affordable heating and cooling services. He also mentioned the UAE's top global ranking in key energy access and affordability indicators. Despite these achievements, Al Olama acknowledged the ongoing global energy challenges and stated the UAE's commitment to investing in renewable energy projects in over 70 countries, particularly in Africa, the Caribbean, and small island developing states.
Al Olama invited BRICS nations and partners to join the Global Energy Efficiency Alliance, an initiative founded by the UAE to reduce carbon intensity through efficiency standards, knowledge exchange, and joint capacity-building. This alliance aims to play a significant role in accelerating global energy savings and advancing the collective decarbonisation journey.
Furthermore, Al Olama discussed the UAE's regional energy integration efforts through the Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Authority (GCCIA), which enhances grid stability and energy security among GCC states. He also highlighted the UAE's collaboration with India on establishing a direct power interconnection and participation in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). These initiatives aim to strengthen economic cooperation, promote clean energy deployment, and improve connectivity between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
At the meeting, the Brazilian Presidency presented the BRICS Energy Research Cooperation Platform (ERCP) Report and the Roadmap for BRICS Energy Cooperation for 2025-2030. These documents focus on ensuring access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy, especially for underserved communities, and outline a strategic vision for advancing cooperation in clean energy, sustainable fuels, grid interconnection, and innovation.