Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, marked the International Day of Clean Energy by reaffirming the UAE's commitment to developing an energy system that is resilient, diverse, and aligned with the accelerating pace of technological advancement.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Al Dahak said that the UAE is creating a new global energy landscape through bold investments, cutting-edge innovation, and a strong emphasis on collaboration.
"On International Clean Energy Day, we recognise the significant juncture before us. Human progress, accelerated by shifts like Artificial Intelligence, demands a resilient, sustainable, and diverse energy future," she said in a statement.
"The United Arab Emirates, guided by farsighted leadership and a strong approach to partnership, actively shapes this global transformation. We are establishing ourselves as a 'corridor to the future' where energy meets intelligence, and progress is delivered."
She said that AI, while driving digital transformation, also increases global energy consumption - making the transition to clean power even more urgent.
"Understanding that AI requires actual energy, the UAE prioritises meeting increasing global power demands responsibly. We are building an integrated, sustainable energy sector, driving diversification and innovation to fuel growth and environmental stewardship. Our focus is on engineering a better system for human advancement."
Dr Al Dahak highlighted several of the UAE's flagship projects as tangible demonstrations of its clean energy leadership, citing Al Dhafra Solar PV - the largest single-site solar plant in the world - and Noor Abu Dhabi as core to the UAE Energy Strategy 2050.
These initiatives aim to significantly increase the share of clean energy in the national energy mix while reducing the carbon footprint of electricity generation by 70%.
"This is considered a fundamental support for bolstering the UAE NetZero Strategy 2050 and reducing greenhouse gas emissions," she said.
The UAE also leads the region in nuclear energy, becoming the first Arab country to operate a nuclear power plant - Barakah, which is currently the country's largest electricity source. She also pointed to advances in wind energy, with UAE wind projects currently powering over 23,000 homes annually and offsetting 120,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide.
Looking to the future, Dr Al Dahak emphasised the UAE's growing investments in hydrogen, with both blue and green hydrogen projects in development.
"Looking ahead, we are scaling up blue and green Hydrogen production. Our ambitious National Hydrogen Strategy 2050 aims to position the UAE as one of the largest global hydrogen producers by 2031, solidifying our role in the emerging hydrogen economy. These initiatives underscore the UAE's comprehensive approach to energy transition. We integrate advanced technology, including AI, across our energy and industrial base to optimise every facet of production," she said.
"Our journey towards a cleaner, more resilient energy future reflects our national vision for an integrated energy system, our commitment to the Paris Agreement, and our function as an open platform for collaboration. We invite partners and investors to join us, where progress is powered, opportunities are realised, and partnerships are enduring, fostering sustainable development for all."
