UAE to build on lead in renewables



The UAE leads the region in renewable energy, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency, and is working to increase its capacity further.

The country now produces 139 megawatts from renewable sources, up from 134MW in 2015 and 13MW in 2012.

Renewable Energy Capacity Statistics 2017, by the agency that has its base in Abu Dhabi, also found that last year was the strongest for new renewable capacity around the world, which was up by 161 gigawatts.

The agency estimated that by the end of last year, global capacity reached 2,006GW, with solar energy showing especially strong growth.

“We are witnessing an energy transformation around the world and this is reflected in another year of record-breaking additions in new renewable energy capacity,” said the agency’s director general, Adnan Amin.

He said the growth showed a strengthening business case for renewables, which would create jobs and help the environment.

“This new data is an encouraging sign that although there is much yet to do, we are on the right path,” Mr Amin said.

The agency’s data showed the world’s renewable energy capacity grew by 8.7 per cent last year, with a record 71GW of additional solar energy leading the way.

Among the UAE’s largest are the 110-megawatt Shams 1 solar station, Meydan race track and Masdar City Powerplant.

Projects in the pipeline include the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park.

Globally, 2016 was the first year since 2013 that solar growth outpaced wind energy, which rose by 51GW, while hydropower and bioenergy capacities increased 30GW and 9GW – the best year yet for in bioenergy.

Geothermal energy capacity increased by less than 1GW.

Asia accounted for 58 per cent of new renewables last year, giving it 812GW, or about 41 per cent of global capacity. It was also the fastest growing region, with a 13.1 per cent increase in renewable capacity. Africa installed 4.1GW of capacity last year, twice as much as 2015.

Globally, up to 60 million households, or 300 million people, are served with and benefit from off-grid renewable power.

nalwasmi@thenational.ae

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Other workplace saving schemes
  • The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
  • Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
  • National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
  • In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
  • Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
Need to know

The flights: Flydubai flies from Dubai to Kilimanjaro airport via Dar es Salaam from Dh1,619 return including taxes. The trip takes 8 hours. 

The trek: Make sure that whatever tour company you select to climb Kilimanjaro, that it is a reputable one. The way to climb successfully would be with experienced guides and porters, from a company committed to quality, safety and an ethical approach to the mountain and its staff. Sonia Nazareth booked a VIP package through Safari Africa. The tour works out to $4,775 (Dh17,538) per person, based on a 4-person booking scheme, for 9 nights on the mountain (including one night before and after the trek at Arusha). The price includes all meals, a head guide, an assistant guide for every 2 trekkers, porters to carry the luggage, a cook and kitchen staff, a dining and mess tent, a sleeping tent set up for 2 persons, a chemical toilet and park entrance fees. The tiny ration of heated water provided for our bath in our makeshift private bathroom stall was the greatest luxury. A standard package, also based on a 4-person booking, works out to $3,050 (Dh11,202) per person.

When to go: You can climb Kili at any time of year, but the best months to ascend  are  January-February and September-October.  Also good are July and August, if you’re tolerant of the colder weather that winter brings.

Do not underestimate the importance of kit. Even if you’re travelling at a relatively pleasant time, be geared up for the cold and the rain.

In numbers: China in Dubai

The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000

Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000

Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000

Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000

Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent

From Zero

Artist: Linkin Park

Label: Warner Records

Number of tracks: 11

Rating: 4/5

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