Today's Edition
MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)
The UAE has doubled its clean energy capacity from 3.1 gigawatts to 6 gigawatts between 2022 and 2024, according to Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment.
Her remarks were made on Sunday, during the opening of the 15th session of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Assembly in Abu Dhabi.
In her address, Al Dahak affirmed the UAE's "unwavering" commitment to supporting the global community in meeting its climate and renewable energy goals.
By 2030, the UAE is set on tripling its renewable energy share to reach 14.2 gigawatts.
"Our progress is not just the result of one nation acting alone," the minister said.
"Rather, it is the result of continuous collaboration and determination to drive collective progress and deliver inclusive prosperity."
The 15th session of the IRENA Assembly is being held from January 11 to 13 under the theme "Accelerating the Renewable Energy Transition – The Way Forward."
This session marks the 5th World Energy Transition Day, bringing together global leaders and energy decision-makers to assess progress and set actionable goals for a sustainable energy future, aligned with the UAE Consensus, the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, and the Paris Agreement.
"While the challenges we face are still immense, so is our collective potential to overcome them. Together, we have the tools, the knowledge and the determination to shape a future where renewable energy and renewable powers can provide prosperity and sustainability for all," Al Dahak said.
"Let us move forward with ambition and shared purpose."
She reiterated the urgency of the discussions at the IRENA Assembly by highlighting the escalating impact of climate change, evident in extreme weather events such as floods, droughts and wildfires, displacing communities, and reshaping landscapes around the globe.
"The world around us is changing constantly and rapidly. And climate change is no longer a political threat, but it's a present and pressing reality."
Fifteen years ago, the UAE hosted the first IRENA Assembly. Since then, it has maintained its momentum in driving positive change, the minister noted.
At COP28 in 2023, the UAE set ambitious goals to triple renewable energy and double efficiency by 2030.
"These twin goals set the foundation for a more sustainable, inclusive and prosperous future where energy access is no longer a gap to be breached, but a part of everyday life," she added.
Since the establishment of IRENA in 2011, global renewable energy capacity has more than tripled, reaching 3,864 GW by 2023, according to Al Dahak.
The Minister expressed her optimism towards achieving a just and equitable energy transition.
"The opportunity for transformative change has never been greater than now," she said.
"Renewable energy is more affordable, accessible and scalable than ever before. Technology has advanced. Expertise is more widespread. Training and upscaling are available to more people than ever before. Progress in energy storage is accelerating, and innovative solutions are emerging to address base load and peak demand challenges. These are all immense opportunities, and it's our responsibility to seize those opportunities."
She further noted that the IRENA Assembly serves as a "vital platform" for fostering long-term, impactful collaborations aimed at advancing the global renewable energy transition.
"The growth and progress and recognition of this agency is a testament to the vision, commitment and determination of its members; a vision to collectively shape the future of the energy landscape, a commitment to collaborate and act consistently and continuously, and a determination to co-design solutions that transcend borders."
