UAE to double renewable energy portfolio in next 10 years

Abu Dhabi - By 2030, UAE will reduce our greenhouse gas intensity by an additional 25 per cent.

The UAE increased its renewable energy portfolio by over 400 per cent in the last 10 years and will double it by 2030, a top minister said in Abu Dhabi.
"We are well on track to double it again in the next 10," Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of State in the UAE and CEO of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) said in his address at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.
"To complement our clean energy portfolio, this year, we will become the first country in the region to deliver safe, commercial and peaceful nuclear power. The UAE not only talks the talk but walks the walk when it comes to delivering sustainable clean energy. We do this because it is right and make perfect economic sense."
In attendance was His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, with world leaders attended the opening ceremony.
In his address before ministers and delegates from 170 countries, Sultan Jaber said Adnoc will strengthen its position as one of the least carbon-intensive oil and gas companies in the world.
"By 2030, we will reduce our greenhouse gas intensity by an additional 25 per cent. We will limit our freshwater consumption to below 0.5 per cent of our total water use. We will increase our carbon capture utilisation and storage programme by 500 per cent to capture the same amount of CO2 as 5 million acres of forest. We will plant 10 million mangroves in Abu Dhabi's in Al Dhafra Region preventing coastline erosion and protecting biodiversity offshore and on land," he said and noted Adnoc is investing in youth, building a knowledge-based economy and fostering a true vibrant culture of innovation.
Sultan Jaber underlined the significance of partners as key stakeholders.
"We in the UAE extend an open invitation to the world and welcome all to partner with us in shaping a united vision of a shared positive, progressive future. We will partner with all who share our belief that they next day can be better than the day before. And together we can ensure that this generation will make the dream of a sustainable future a practical reality," Sultan Jaber added.
'Climate change will define this century'
Meanwhile, Indonesian President Joko Widodo, who came to the UAE on an official state visit, rolled out red carpet to investors to his country and new capital.
"In developing our new capital city, we intend to learn from urban planning pioneers including our host this week: Masdar City in Abu Dhabi and others, like Google's 'Sidewalk Labs' in Toronto. We invite the world to bring the best technology, the best innovation and the greatest wisdom."
He said Indonesia is initiating reforms to meet the challenge of environmental sustainability and macroeconomic stability.
"Climate change and environmental challenges will define this century. But these very great challenges and also represent very great opportunities - to clean air, to reduce noise and to build new cities, for a new generation. Therefore, I believe what is now required are truly bold initiatives on a grand scale."
In a light mood, he reminded the gathering that Indonesia is the world's largest producer of nickel, which means everyone has a piece of his country in their pockets.
"Every time you see your smart-phone, it might remind you of a little share of Indonesian mineral," he said and added: "We invite you to partner with us, as we build our domestic industries, to manufacture the components, and eventually the battery cells - as the natural downstream extension of our nickel production," he elaborated on the economics behind his light-hearted talk.
The four-day World Future Energy Summit held as part of the sustainability week brings together top policy makers, industry experts and next generation of sustainability leaders to deliberate on various issues under one roof at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.
- ashwani@khaleejtimes.com