Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, reported significant progress in the UAE’s clean energy sector, noting that clean energy now comprises 27.83 percent of the energy mix, aiming for 32 percent by 2030.
In an interview with the Emirates News Agency (WAM) ahead of the World Utilities Congress 2024 in Abu Dhabi, Al Mazrouei highlighted that between 2019 and 2022, the UAE doubled its renewable energy capacity. This is part of the Energy Strategy aiming to triple capacity by 2030 to meet COP28 targets.
He added that in 2023, installed renewable energy capacity grew by 70 percent to 6.1 GW. The UAE also moved from sixth to second place in per capita renewable energy consumption, according to the Energy Institute’s latest review.
Al Mazrouei discussed the UAE’s commitment, stating that over AED 45B has been invested in completed renewable energy projects. Key upcoming projects include the 1.8 GW Phase VI of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, Dubai’s waste-to-energy project, and the 1.5 GW Al Ajban and Al Khazna photovoltaic projects in Abu Dhabi.
He also emphasised the World Utilities Conference 2024’s role in showcasing innovations for sustainability. ADNOC’s carbon management projects, including plans to double its carbon capture to 10 M tonnes annually by 2030, are crucial for the UAE’s climate strategy.
The UAE leads in green hydrogen production competitiveness and market readiness. Additionally, the Federal Energy Management Regulation aims to cut industrial energy demand by 33 percent by 2050, improve air quality, and save AED 14B. A new policy from April 2023 seeks to streamline energy services and enhance efficiency with AED 500M in private sector support.
