Today's Edition
Fahad Essa Al-Mahri
Many countries have prioritised solar and clean energy in their plans to protect the environment and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as they do not produce carbon emissions and improve air quality by reducing air pollution. Therefore, they assist in achieving sustainable development and addressing global environmental challenges brought on by the impacts of climate change.
As one of the world's leading renewable and clean energy investors, the UAE has launched the Al Dhafra Solar Photovoltaic (PV) plant, the world's largest single-site solar PV plant with a production capacity of 2 gigawatts.
The plant is a part of the UAE's strategic plans to enhance energy security and achieve a just and gradual transition to renewable energy by creating a diversified mix of energy sources, promoting emission reduction and sustainable economic development.
Clean and renewable energy is unwaveringly supported by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, to create the best environment for human life and investment. This goal is pursuant to the country's objective to increase the clean energy share in its energy mix and support international efforts to stimulate effective climate action and mitigate the effects of climate change on our planet.
The launch of the groundbreaking and massive Al Dhafra Project coincides with the UAE's hosting of COP28. Designed to contribute to mitigating the impacts of climate change and highlighting the importance the country places on environmental and climate initiatives, Al Dhafra plant uses almost 4 million solar panels, which deploy innovative bi-facial technology, which captures sunlight on both sides of the panels.
Notably, the UAE ranks second globally in per capita solar energy consumption and is among the world's largest investors in clean energy. The UAE aims to triple its renewable energy production to reach 11 terawatts by 2030.
Given the significant technological advancements in efficiency and cost, solar power will play a key role in achieving this goal. Projects like Al Dhafra strengthen the UAE's and Abu Dhabi's position in the clean and renewable energy sector, driving its global growth, boosting sustainable development, and helping mitigate the impacts of climate change.
The new plant is part of a series of clean energy projects in the UAE, such as the Noor Abu Dhabi solar plant, the Barakah nuclear plant, and other world-class solar power plants. This underscores the country's commitment to the global climate action agenda.
When it starts operating, Al Dhafra plant will supply electricity to the Emirates Water and Electricity Company. It will also increase solar power generation capacity in Abu Dhabi to 3.2 gigawatts. This is part of an ambitious plan to create prospects for energy diversification by boosting the country's renewable energy production over the next seven years, serving as a model to be emulated by countries worldwide.
Al Dhafra project falls within the UAE's strategic initiative framework aimed at achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The country's pursuit of clean and renewable energy projects within its territories and elsewhere continues non-stop - as soon as it completes a key green project, it starts a new one.
This reflects the UAE's vision that green living is the future, not just for the UAE but for our whole planet.
The writer is the Head of TRENDS Research & Advisory's Dubai Office
