UAE places climate action on top of its agenda, says minister

Dr Amna Bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said the 16th Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), which was founded in Abu Dhabi in 2009, reflects the UAE’s global standing in the renewable energy sector.

She noted that the Assembly is welcoming more than 1,500 participants from around the world.

Al Dahak affirmed that the UAE is consistently keen to support renewable energy initiatives, particularly in light of the outcomes of COP28, which resulted in the historic UAE Consensus. One of its most significant achievements, she explained, was the agreement to triple global renewable energy production by 2030.

She added that such meetings directly contribute to supporting this direction and accelerating the achievement of global targets in the sector.

She pointed out that the UAE is among the world’s leading countries in renewable energy, implementing projects and operating in more than 75 countries worldwide. The country, she said, continues to lead in the development and production of clean energy, activating projects and deploying renewable energy solutions across various nations.

Al Dahak explained that the convening of these meetings comes as part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, which brings together a select group of innovators and leading global companies to showcase the latest innovations in the renewable energy sector and highlight the pivotal role of this sector in supporting climate action worldwide.

She stressed that the UAE places climate action at the forefront of its national agenda, noting that achieving these goals requires diversifying energy sources and expanding reliance on renewable energy.

She also reaffirmed the UAE’s support for international efforts aimed at achieving national and global targets in both climate action and energy transition.

Al Dahak affirmed that the UAE, in line with the vision of its wise leadership, is today leading a global movement to redefine the renewable energy landscape.

This approach goes beyond merely increasing solar panels; it relies on integrating cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) and strategic storage solutions to ensure clean, stable baseload energy around the clock.

She delivered the UAE National Statement during the 16th Session of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Assembly, hosted in Abu Dhabi from January 10 to 12.

Held under the theme “Powering Humanity: Renewable Energy for Shared Prosperity,” the Assembly gathered energy leaders, ministers, and decision-makers from 171 Member States, alongside CEOs, investors, international organisations, and youth representatives, to set a shared agenda and define priorities for international co-operation for a better energy future in 2026.

Al Dahak delivered a strategic message of reassurance to the international community, stating that despite global geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties, “the momentum for renewables has not stalled; on the contrary, it has strengthened.”

She highlighted the UAE model, which has transitioned from planning to record-breaking execution: “We doubled our renewable capacity from 3.1 gigawatts in 2022 to 6 gigawatts by 2024, and we are on track to reach 14.2 gigawatts by 2030.”

Showcasing the latest achievements, she spotlighted the landmark project recently broken ground on in Abu Dhabi, developed by Masdar and Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC). This hybrid solar-plus-storage facility features a production capacity of 5 gigawatts and a storage capacity of 19 gigawatt-hours.

She explained that this project is a “glimpse into the future of global energy systems,” delivering “1 gigawatt of uninterrupted clean power” using AI-driven forecasting and intelligent dispatch, thereby “overcoming intermittency once and for all.”

She also reiterated the UAE’s commitment to sustainable development in the Global South, pointing to the launch of the “AI for Development Initiative,” a US$1 billion fund designed to support technology projects in Africa and accelerate their integration into vital sectors such as infrastructure and agriculture.

During her participation in the high-level session on “Women in Diplomacy and Renewables”, held on the sidelines of the Assembly and focused on Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Al Dahak emphasised that climate justice is incomplete without the empowerment of women, particularly in communities most vulnerable to climate impacts.

She affirmed that the partnership between the UAE and SIDS is one of development, citing the US$50 million UAE-Pacific Partnership Fund and the US$50 million UAE-Caribbean Renewable Energy Fund, which have enhanced energy security across 16 Caribbean island countries.

“Our collective task is to align these pillars-energy, water, and women’s empowerment,” she stated. “We look forward to continuing this strategic dialogue as Abu Dhabi hosts the UN Water Conference this coming December, recognising water as a driver of peace and development.”

WAM