Dubai: Ministers, officials, and leaders in the local energy sector emphasised that World Energy Day represents a call for collective action and cooperation among countries worldwide, providing an opportunity to celebrate the UAE’s achievements in this field.
According to Emirates News Agency, World Energy Day, observed on 22nd October each year, was approved by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. It was adopted by 54 countries, representatives from the UN, the Arab League, and the African Union at the World Energy Forum 2012 in Dubai. The day aims to raise awareness of the importance of providing safe and sustainable energy for all, encouraging policies that achieve a balance between economic growth and environmental protection.
H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, underscored the UAE’s commitment to a sustainable future through partnership and collective responsibility. He highlighted the UAE’s pioneering approach to clean energy, aligning with the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategy, the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050.
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and MD and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), noted the importance of diversifying energy sources. He highlighted the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, which is a significant project in Dubai’s energy mix and will increase its capacity to over 8,000MW by 2030.
Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, spoke on the UAE’s commitment to clean energy targets as per the UAE Energy Strategy 2050. He mentioned the UAE’s achievements in renewable and nuclear energy, highlighting the Barakah nuclear plant and the Mohammed bin Rashid Solar Complex as key projects.
Ahmed Buti Al Muhairbi, Secretary-General of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, stressed the role of innovation and investment in clean energy solutions for a sustainable future. He outlined the need for efficient energy use to protect the environment and support economic development.
Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO of Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower), reiterated the significance of World Energy Day in promoting energy efficiency and sustainability. He emphasized Empower’s role in advancing district cooling solutions to reduce electricity consumption and carbon footprint.
Yousif Ahmed Al Ali, CEO of Etihad Water and Electricity (EtihadWE), discussed the UAE’s approach to combining economic growth with resource sustainability. He outlined projects like the Distributed Solar System that contribute to the national sustainability agenda and enhance operational efficiency through transformative technologies.