Abu Dhabi: International officials participating in the 15th session of the IRENA Assembly have emphasised the UAE's exceptional leadership in energy transition projects and initiatives that contribute to achieving the global target of tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030.
According to Emirates News Agency, the officials made their statements during the meetings, which began in Abu Dhabi as part of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2025. They highlighted the UAE as a regional leader in solar energy and photovoltaic solar projects, with the country spearheading massive projects that reinforce its position as a regional and global hub for renewable energy production.
Sonia Dunlop, CEO of the Global Solar Council, noted their collaboration with governments and companies across the Middle East to achieve the ambitious global renewable energy target, largely based on photovoltaic solar energy and storage. She confirmed that the renewable energy projects launched by the UAE reflect the leadership's ambition and enhance its renewable energy production portfolio at the national level and across the GCC. Dunlop also pointed out the need for more projects in the GCC countries and the broader Middle East to meet the global target.
Dunlop highlighted that in 2024, around 600 gigawatts of solar energy were delivered globally, with expectations for solar-generated electricity demand to exceed 650 gigawatts this year. Regarding the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week events, which will run until 18th January, she emphasised the significance of this global event and the UAE's participation as part of the communities leading the deployment of renewable energy sources.
Jakob Lau Holst, CEO of the Global Wind Organisation (GWO), stated that the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week offers a unique opportunity to build awareness about scaling up renewable energy sources. He expressed anticipation for attracting more skills and technicians to the global renewable energy sector from both the UAE and abroad through the introduction of the organisation's work during the event. The GWO will participate in several workshops, including one on scaling up renewable energy sources.
Holst explained that his organisation has trained approximately 590 renewable energy technicians from 50 countries in the Middle East. Given the limited use of wind energy in Middle Eastern countries, the GWO confirmed its collaboration with the Global Solar Council to expand its network in the UAE and the region by enhancing its work with solar energy communities and introducing training standards for solar energy.