MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)
The UAE capital Abu Dhabi holds ambitious targets in alignment with the national commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, said Carlos Gasco Travesedo, Energy Policy Executive Director and Energy Policy Advisor at the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE).
His remarks were made during a presentation outlining Abu Dhabi’s low-carbon policy roadmap, during the World Future Energy Summit 2024, held by Masdar at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), which concluded on Thursday.
Addressing the multidimensional nature of policymaking in the energy sector, Gasco Travesedo stressed the importance of striking a balance between environmental sustainability, economic viability, and energy security. He underscored the dynamic and collaborative nature of decision-making processes, acknowledging the diverse array of stakeholders involved in shaping Abu Dhabi’s energy future.
Travesedo delineated key sectors targeted for transformation, including transportation, buildings, industry, and power generation. From transitioning to electric and alternative fuel vehicles to enhancing energy efficiency in buildings and implementing carbon capture technologies in industry, Abu Dhabi’s energy transition agenda encompasses a wide range of initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions and fostering sustainable growth, he noted.
Highlighting the magnitude of the challenge ahead, Travesedo noted the need to eliminate around 90 million tonnes of CO2 emissions in the emirate annually while accommodating projected economic and population growth by 2050. Travesedo presented three distinct scenarios for achieving emission reduction targets, each informed by economic, technological, and policy considerations. He emphasised the importance of comprehensive planning, underpinned by quantitative analysis and long-term outlooks.
According to Travesedo, the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy is guided by a multifaceted approach, including various policy instruments, sector-specific initiatives, and cross-cutting reforms aimed at facilitating the transition. Central to their decision-making framework is the “energy cube”, a modeling tool integrating economic, environmental, and social factors to inform policy formulation.
Travesedo underscored the collaborative nature of the endeavours of the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, noting the involvement of diverse stakeholders from both public and private sectors. He added that the department ensures that its strategies are adaptive to evolving economic, social, and environmental conditions, encapsulating a holistic vision for sustainable development.