- UAE reaches 27.83% clean energy in total mix, targeting 32% by 2030 with investments exceeding $12 billion in completed projects.
- The country achieves 70% growth in installed renewable energy capacity in 2023, reaching 6.1 GW and ranking second globally in per capita renewable energy consumption.
- UAE leads in green hydrogen production competitiveness and hydrogen market readiness in MENA, with ADNOC aiming for climate neutrality by 2045.
The United Arab Emirates is making impressive strides in its transition to clean energy, with investments exceeding $12 billion and a significant increase in renewable energy capacity. Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, recently shared these exciting developments, highlighting the UAE’s commitment to a sustainable future.
In a recent interview, Al Mazrouei revealed that clean energy now accounts for 27.83% of the UAE’s total energy mix, a substantial leap towards the country’s goal of 32% by 2030. This achievement is part of a broader strategy to triple the UAE’s installed renewable energy capacity by the end of the decade.
The minister emphasized the remarkable progress made between 2019 and 2022, during which the UAE doubled its renewable energy capacity. The momentum continued into 2023, with a staggering 70% growth in installed renewable energy capacity, reaching 6.1 gigawatts (GW). This surge has propelled the UAE to second place globally in per capita energy consumption from renewable sources, according to the latest Statistical Review of World Energy.
Al Mazrouei proudly announced that completed new and renewable energy projects in the UAE are valued at over AED45 billion ($12.25 billion). This figure doesn’t even include recently launched initiatives, suggesting that the actual investment could be significantly higher.
Looking ahead, the UAE has an impressive lineup of clean energy projects in the pipeline. These include the 1.8 GW Phase VI of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, Dubai’s second phase waste-to-energy project, and two major photovoltaic projects in Abu Dhabi: the 1.5 GW Al Ajban and the 1.5 GW Al Khazna. Additionally, the Hatta hydroelectric power plant and the fourth reactor at the Barakah nuclear plant are set to make substantial contributions to the country’s clean energy portfolio.
The UAE’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond electricity generation. ADNOC, the national oil company, is leading the charge in carbon capture and storage technologies, aiming to achieve climate neutrality by 2045. The company plans to double its carbon capture capacity to 10 million tonnes annually by 2030, further solidifying the UAE’s position as a leader in environmental stewardship.
In a testament to its forward-thinking approach, the UAE has claimed the top spot in green hydrogen production competitiveness, according to the Green Hydrogen Report 2024. The country also ranks first in hydrogen market readiness in the Middle East and North Africa region.
As the UAE prepares to host the World Utilities Congress 2024 in Abu Dhabi, it’s clear that the nation is not just talking about clean energy – it’s actively shaping the future of sustainable power generation and water management on a global scale.
Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter for startup & business news and inspiring stories of MENA businesses, entrepreneurs, startups, innovators, investors, and change-makers.
To report any issue or error in the story, please email us editor [at] rasmal [dot] com.
