UAE launches global initiative to double energy efficiency rates at Cop29

Alliance calls on governments, industries and the private sector to do their part

Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, said one of the key objectives of the alliance will be knowledge. Photo: Wam

An initiative has been launched by the UAE to double annual global energy efficiency rates by 2030 and reduce emissions.

The Global Energy Efficiency Alliance is in line with the UAE Consensus from Cop28, where countries, organisations and companies committed to reducing carbon emissions and minimising natural resource consumption.

Speaking at an event at the UAE's national pavilion at Cop29 in Azerbaijan, Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, said one of the key objectives of the alliance will be knowledge.

“Through this platform, we will be able to share best practices, lessons learnt with the global community in terms of what has worked well and what hasn't,” he said, adding that the alliance will also build on the partnership between the public and private sectors.

“We are working hard in terms of gaining momentum with a number of governments, private entities [and] financial institutes to establish this alliance and create a framework in quarter one,” Mr Al Olama said.

He added that from the second quarter onwards the aim will be to see tangible results when it comes to energy efficiency and improvement. “There will be a benchmark when it comes to certification, and whatever it may result in terms of carbon credits and carbon trading.”

Mr Al Olama concluded the session with an open invitation to governments, industries and to the private sector to join the alliance, “to do their part when it comes to building a sustainable future for generations to come”.