Today's Edition
By Abrar Mohamed Al Ali*
The transition in the energy sector is now an undeniable fact, and everyone must embrace it. However, some countries recognised the need for change early on and began investing in the future and a just transition to clean energy, rather than waiting for crises to occur.
One of these forward-thinking countries is the UAE, which is actively working to increase renewable energy production and expand its share in the national energy mix. The UAE is also building regional and international partnerships to accelerate this transition and reduce dependence on traditional energy sources in a way that contributes to achieving energy security without compromising development.
In its latest step towards energy transition, the UAE has signed a tripartite strategic partnership framework agreement with Italy and Albania to cooperate in clean energy projects worth one billion euros. The agreement aims to link renewable energy across the Adriatic Sea and implement projects in Albania, particularly focusing on photovoltaic solar power, wind power, and hybrid solutions, as well as transmitting part of the renewable energy to Italy. This cooperation accelerates the transition to clean energy in the Mediterranean region.
Notably, the new framework agreement is centered on interconnecting energy sources globally to double renewable energy capacity and reduce emissions. This is so because achieving the UAE’s and global climate goals requires collective efforts and cooperation in green energy, along with innovative and sustainable solutions that support the transition to clean energy. This cannot be accomplished quickly on an individual basis.
Moreover, the UAE has become a leader in clean energy production in the Middle East and is actively investing in renewable energy in Africa. The transition to renewable energy not only helps address climate change, air pollution, and health issues but also creates three times as many jobs as the traditional fuel industry. This is why the UAE was the first country in the Middle East to sign the Paris Agreement on climate change, commit to reducing carbon emissions, and set a goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
Abu Dhabi is actively sharing its expertise in renewable energy projects with African countries, aiming to provide power to tens of millions of people in developing countries. It has become the largest investor in projects across Africa, with investments totalling $110 billion, most of which are concentrated in renewable energy and the transition to clean energy. This is in addition to the development of projects in India and Central Asian countries.
At the same time, the UAE is partnering with the United States in investing $100 billion to produce 100 gigawatts of clean energy by 2035. Abu Dhabi also plans to invest over $163 billion by 2050 in clean energy sources, with international partnerships supporting efforts in wind, solar, nuclear, and hydrogen energy.
Globally, Masdar owns more than 20 gigawatts of clean energy production capacity. However, its ambitious goal is to reach 100 gigawatts by 2030. Meanwhile, the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development is supporting the global expansion of renewable energy projects through a strategic partnership with the International Renewable Energy Agency, driving the energy transition in countries with limited energy access and facing the impacts of climate change.
The UAE’s historic agreement at the COP28 climate conference outlined a vision for the world to transition away from fossil fuels with confident, clear, and equitable steps towards renewable energy. The framework agreement between the UAE, Albania, and Italy is a key contribution to this transition.
It enables Albania to achieve its renewable energy goals by utilising its abundant natural resources in cooperation with the UAE, which is a leader in developing innovative renewable energy projects, and Italy, with its expertise in the field. This is a win-win partnership for all.
In recent years, the UAE has made significant strides in clean energy production and reliance on various types of clean energy. It has become a regional pioneer by harnessing peaceful nuclear energy through the Barakah nuclear plant, alongside low-carbon hydrogen and some of the largest solar power plants in the world.
With this transformation, international partnerships, and investments in renewable energy across many countries, the experience of the UAE is indeed unique. The country recognised the future’s needs early on, embraced change without hesitation, and has been investing in the planet’s future and the wellbeing of people worldwide for years.
*The writer is a columnist and works for the research and advisory firm TRENDS
