Clean energy a strategic priority for the UAE, energy minister says

The country plans to raise the share of renewables in its energy mix to 50% by 2050

Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the Gharbiya region of Abu Dhabi. The energy minister cited the start of commercial power generation at the plant earlier this month as "one of the many progressive renewable energy projects launched by the UAE". Courtesy EnecShow less

The UAE's focus on clean energy as a strategic priority has "empowered" the country to become a leader in energy efficiency, according to the energy and infrastructure minister.

The UAE has innovated to become a leader in reducing natural resource consumption, offering alternative solutions and driving sustainable development, Suhail Al Mazrouei said in comments reported by state news agency Wam.

"The UAE exerts efforts towards diversifying energy sources as it is the foundation of achieving a balance between sustainable development and environmental preservation," he said.

Opec's third-largest oil producer is planning to substantially increase its clean energy production as part of its energy transition efforts. The country plans to raise the share of renewables in its energy mix to 50 per cent by 2050.

The UAE also started commercial power generation at the Barakah nuclear power plant earlier this month. Mr Al Mazrouei said the plant was "one of the many progressive renewable energy projects launched by the UAE".

As part of its Energy Strategy 2050, the UAE is also aiming to raise consumption efficiency by 40 per cent. The Emirates plans to lower the carbon footprint of power generation by 70 per cent, reduce demand for water resources by 21 per cent and increase water productivity.

The country also plans to boost the reuse of treated water to 95 per cent and maintain the national water storage capacity for up to two days.

The UAE was ranked among the top 20 countries in eight competitiveness indices related to climate change and environment last year, according to the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre.

The country was placed first in the Environmental Laws Index in the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook and first globally in the Satisfaction about Environment Protection Efforts Index in the Legatum Prosperity Report.

It was ranked ninth in the Pollution Problems Index and 17th in the Sustainable Development Index.

The UAE ranked 15th in the Reduction of Ocean Water Pollution Index.