A delegation led by Ahmed Mohamed Al Rumaithi, the Under-Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE), visited both the French Republic and the Federal Republic of Germany.
Their objective was to meet with senior government officials and key figures in the energy sectors of these countries, according to WAM.
Al Rumaithi stressed that this visit is part of the ongoing efforts by the Department to improve energy efficiency and sustainability, as well as to drive the energy transition within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Additionally, it seeks to foster greater collaboration and the exchange of expertise with major global organizations.
He added, “The visit represented a significant opportunity to learn about the efforts of leading international institutions in addressing challenges in the field of energy transition, as well as key solutions adopted to overcome them. The journey also involved identifying the best policies and regulations in the sector. This includes mechanisms for energy market reform, institution design, economic indicators and pricing, governance, energy efficiency, demand-side management, and green hydrogen.”
The Under-Secretary of the Department of Energy (DoE) met with Hend Al Otaiba, the UAE Ambassador to France. During the meeting, they discussed the Department’s initiatives, strategies, and regulatory policies for advancing the energy sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
They also reviewed the Department’s notable accomplishments in support of the UAE’s commitment to achieving the Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative. Additionally, they exchanged thoughts on the UAE’s preparations to host the 28th Conference of the Parties on Climate Change (COP 28) later this year in Expo City Dubai.
The delegation also visited the headquarters of the International Energy Agency (IEA), where Al Rumaithi met with Mary Bowers Warrick, Deputy Executive Director of IEA.
Al Rumaithi Highlights DoE’s Role in Abu Dhabi’s Green Transition
During the meeting, Al Rumaithi outlined the DoE’s role in leading the energy transition in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and highlighted key policies and regulations that aid Abu Dhabi’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
The presentation also touched on the progress of the strategic partnership established in 2019 between the DoE and the IEA.
The delegation also made visits to various institutions, including the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the French Ministry of Ecological Transition, the Energy Regulatory Authority, the French EDF Group, and the International Council on Large Electric Systems.
They also met with Audrey Jorn, CEO of Engie, to gain insights into district cooling systems and the activities of the Hypervision Center.
In the Federal Republic of Germany, the DoE delegation held discussions with Ahmed Al Attar, UAE Ambassador to Germany.
They deliberated on the DoE’s role in the comprehensive development of the energy sector and its contribution to sustainable growth in Abu Dhabi. Top energy projects in both the UAE and Germany were also on the agenda.
Emirati-German Dialogue: Advancing Clean Energy Strategies and Technological Collaboration
Moreover, the UAE Embassy in Berlin organized a roundtable discussion titled “Emirati-German Dialogue on Energy Transition,” which brought together the DoE delegation and their German counterparts in the presence of the UAE Ambassador to Germany.
This dialogue focused on the strategic objectives of the Clean Energy Strategic Target 2035, aiming to generate 60 percent of Abu Dhabi’s electricity from clean and renewable sources by 2035. The discussion also covered key insights, challenges, and best practices in energy transition in both countries.
The delegation conducted site visits to various international German companies, including Siemens, 50Hertz, and the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action of Germany (BMWK).
These visits aimed to enhance opportunities for collaboration in the development of innovative technological solutions in various crucial areas of the energy sector, particularly in energy transition and green hydrogen.
