UAE calls for accelerated shift towards green energy

The International Renewable Energy Agency is supporting wider use of renewable energy

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Complex at Seih Al Dahal is set to have a capacity of 5000MW by 2030. Pawan Singh / The National.
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The UAE has sounded a rallying call for people across the country to back an accelerated drive towards energy saving schemes and renewable energy in 2020.

The UAE Mission to the International Renewable Energy Agency launched its latest drive towards a world supported by renewable energy sources, on Tuesday.

In a video posted on social media, officials said the time to act is now and called on people to share sustainable messages on social media — weeks ahead of the 10th Irena Assembly on January 10.

“The good news is the use of renewable energy around the world is increasing; the other news is that it is still not enough,” said Dr Nawal Al Hosany, a permanent representative of the UAE to Irena.

“Now must be our moment for action. Together we must act for impact.

“Renewables are the fastest growing segment in the global energy industry, and for good reason.

“They hold the key for turning the tide of climate change."

Heads of state and government ministers, delegates and heads of international organisations will meet at the assembly forum to discuss the transformation towards change ahead of Abu Dhabi Sustainability week, also in January.

The #Act4Impact digital campaign will provide the public and Irena representatives a platform and hashtag to share their country’s achievements and ambitions for a sustainable future, powered by renewable energy sources.

So far, the UAE has allocated $350 million in development aid through Irena / Abu Dhabi Fund for Development Project Facility — supporting renewable projects worldwide.

It has also disbursed $50 million through the UAE-Caribbean Renewable Energy Fund and a further $50 million through the UAE-Pacific Partnership Fund to support renewable projects around the world.

In total, the UAE invests more than $12 billion in 49 renewable energy projects across 25 countries, Dr Al Hosany said.

Government projects aim to increase the share of clean energy domestically to 50 per cent and reduce the cost of solar power production by 80 per cent to ensure clean energy is sustainable for future generations.

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park has become a regional beacon in how to transition towards renewable energy sources.

“The UAE has become a role model in a renewable energy shift,” said Dr Al Hosany.

“We have set a new benchmark.

“By 2050, we are going to increase the share of clean energy in our energy mix to 50 per cent.

“The need for a renewables revolution is here, but we can’t do it alone.”