emirates7 - Ahmed Al Kaabi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Electricity, Water, and Future Energy Sector at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI), emphasized that the UAE continues to lead the global energy transition with its ambitious strategies and initiatives, which contribute to building a better future.
His comments were made during his participation in the High-level Panel on 'Energy Transition Pathways in Emerging Economies' hosted by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
Al Kaabi explained that from the outset, the UAE recognized the importance of cleaner energy to protect the planet and future generations. He highlighted the environmental, social, and economic benefits of transitioning to renewable energy, which led the country to make significant investments in this area, positioning the UAE as a leader in the clean energy transition.
He pointed out that the UAE was the first country in the region to sign the Paris Agreement, commit to reducing emissions, and set a target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Al Kaabi also mentioned the creation of Masdar nearly two decades ago, a key player in renewable energy. He noted that Masdar has been instrumental in advancing clean energy and sustainability both within the UAE and internationally. He added that the UAE's renewable energy sector is expanding rapidly, with a goal of reaching 14.2 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. The UAE is also home to three of the world's largest solar power plants, with more projects in progress.
He highlighted the UAE's launch of the Distributed Solar System (DSS) project, which allows customers to generate their own solar power through rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems and feed this power back into the grid, boosting renewable energy supply and strengthening energy independence.
Al Kaabi also pointed out that the UAE is the first Arab nation to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, with the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant supplying 25% of the country's electricity from a carbon-free source.
He further noted that low-carbon hydrogen is a key component of the UAE's clean energy strategy. The country aims to become a global leader in hydrogen by 2031, with plans to produce 1.4 million metric tonnes annually, increasing to 15 million tonnes by 2050.
Al Kaabi concluded by stating that the UAE is driving innovation and forging global partnerships, and as a founding member of IRENA, the country is playing a pivotal role in shaping the global energy transition. He reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to leading the global shift to clean energy and expressed confidence that the UAE will achieve its net-zero target by 2050 through determined and forward-thinking leadership.
His comments were made during his participation in the High-level Panel on 'Energy Transition Pathways in Emerging Economies' hosted by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
Al Kaabi explained that from the outset, the UAE recognized the importance of cleaner energy to protect the planet and future generations. He highlighted the environmental, social, and economic benefits of transitioning to renewable energy, which led the country to make significant investments in this area, positioning the UAE as a leader in the clean energy transition.
He pointed out that the UAE was the first country in the region to sign the Paris Agreement, commit to reducing emissions, and set a target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Al Kaabi also mentioned the creation of Masdar nearly two decades ago, a key player in renewable energy. He noted that Masdar has been instrumental in advancing clean energy and sustainability both within the UAE and internationally. He added that the UAE's renewable energy sector is expanding rapidly, with a goal of reaching 14.2 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. The UAE is also home to three of the world's largest solar power plants, with more projects in progress.
He highlighted the UAE's launch of the Distributed Solar System (DSS) project, which allows customers to generate their own solar power through rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems and feed this power back into the grid, boosting renewable energy supply and strengthening energy independence.
Al Kaabi also pointed out that the UAE is the first Arab nation to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, with the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant supplying 25% of the country's electricity from a carbon-free source.
He further noted that low-carbon hydrogen is a key component of the UAE's clean energy strategy. The country aims to become a global leader in hydrogen by 2031, with plans to produce 1.4 million metric tonnes annually, increasing to 15 million tonnes by 2050.
Al Kaabi concluded by stating that the UAE is driving innovation and forging global partnerships, and as a founding member of IRENA, the country is playing a pivotal role in shaping the global energy transition. He reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to leading the global shift to clean energy and expressed confidence that the UAE will achieve its net-zero target by 2050 through determined and forward-thinking leadership.