Abu dhabi: The UAE, through the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI), took part in the G20 Energy Transitions Ministerial Meeting held in South Africa. Eng. Sharif Al Olama, the Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at MoEI, led the UAE delegation at this significant global event.
According to Emirates News Agency, Al Olama emphasized the UAE’s dedication to the G20 Presidency’s goals, which focus on achieving a secure, inclusive, and sustainable energy transition. He articulated the nation’s commitment to bolstering global energy security and expediting the move toward clean energy sources that facilitate sustainable development.
Al Olama stated, “Energy security is the foundation of global stability and prosperity. In the UAE, we regard it not just as diversification but as resilience, based on innovation, coordinated planning, and inclusivity.” He further elaborated on the UAE’s success in achieving 100 percent electricity access under SDG 7 through investments in smart grids, electrification, and decentralized systems. He also highlighted the contribution of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, which supplies up to 25 percent of the country’s electricity, as a testament to the role of peaceful nuclear technology in ensuring energy security and emission reduction.
He noted the importance of the water-energy nexus in climate resilience, citing the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative as an example of the UAE’s commitment to cross-sector innovation for securing water and energy futures. Al Olama extended an invitation to global partners to participate in the UN Water Conference, co-hosted by the UAE and Senegal in 2026, to foster collective and solutions-oriented action.
Al Olama expressed support for the G20 High-Level Voluntary Principles for Sustainable Industrialisation Hubs and praised the focus on hydrogen and its derivatives as low-carbon growth drivers. He discussed the UAE’s National Hydrogen Strategy 2050, which aims to position the UAE as a leading producer and exporter of low-emission hydrogen and ammonia, supported by innovation, robust financing, and resilient supply chains.
He also highlighted the establishment of the Global Energy Efficiency Alliance (GEEA), a coalition focused on implementation that seeks to convert pledges into tangible progress. Through GEEA, the UAE plans to support at least 15 countries by 2030, mobilize US$75 million in efficiency financing, and deliver measurable reductions in energy intensity.
Al Olama concluded by affirming the UAE’s endorsement of the Presidency’s vision for African energy interconnectivity, emphasizing the essential nature of regional cooperation. Drawing on experiences from the GCC interconnection and global initiatives like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), the UAE is committed to sharing technical expertise, innovative financing, and investment in clean infrastructure to build resilient energy networks across Africa.