ABU DHABI – The UAE, driven by its leadership’s forward-looking vision, is playing a leading and active role both regionally and globally in the field of renewable energy. This effort is aimed at securing the future of humanity and the planet, said Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE’s Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology.
Dr. Al Jaber extended congratulations to IRENA for its efforts in promoting renewable energy projects. He urged all members to intensify their efforts to meet the global need to triple the capacity of renewable energy sources by 2030, a crucial step to keep the increase in global temperature within 1.5°C.
Dr. Al Jaber elaborated that COP28 saw all parties reach an agreement on the historic ‘UAE Consensus.’ This consensus includes achieving a well-organized, responsible, fair, and realistic transition to a zero-carbon energy system. It also set, for the first time, specific time-bound goals to triple the capacity of renewable energy sources by 2030.
He stressed that all parties must now transform commitments and pledges into tangible action and results, further boosting IRENA’s vital role in promoting policies, technology, and financing to achieve the desired progress in this area.
His remarks were part of statements from UAE ministers and officials, emphasizing the importance of the International Day of Clean Energy, celebrated on January 26.
In statements to the Emirates News Agency marking the first International Day of Clean Energy, which coincides with the anniversary of the founding of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), they highlighted the UAE’s leading role in the eco-friendly energy scene at all levels and its commitment to pumping investments aimed at accelerating the transition to a more sustainable future.
They also congratulated IRENA on its efforts in continuing to support the launch of renewable energy projects around the world and turbocharging the global climate action drive.
Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, said, “The UAE has invested heavily in clean energy projects, especially in nuclear and solar, to ensure reaching net zero by 2050. As we celebrate the International Day of Clean Energy, we reaffirm our commitment to innovative solutions and collective efforts to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable future.”
Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, said, “The injection of global investments in clean energy and its technologies will transform the world as we know it. In the realm of trade, this will enable us to create fully sustainable supply chains, which are crucial to overcoming the challenges of climate change and providing new opportunities for economies around the developing world.”
Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak Al Shamsi, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment, said, “The world’s celebration of the first International Day of Clean Energy, following COP28, is a testament to the global commitment to the clean energy transition. The Ministry of Climate Change and the Environment will continue to play a proactive role in national efforts to reduce emissions, achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement, mitigate the effects of climate change, and protect the future of our planet.”
Dr. Nawal Al-Hosany, Permanent Representative of the UAE to IRENA, remarked, “The adoption of the International Day of Clean Energy by the United Nations underscores the growing global interest in renewable and clean energy as the optimal solution for a just, inclusive, and practical energy transition.”
She emphasized the UAE’s unwavering commitment to collaborating with the global community to triple global renewable energy capacity and double energy efficiency by 2030, to set the world on the right path and keep the 1.5°C target within reach.
Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar), said, “The International Day of Clean Energy is a chance to celebrate the significant role of renewable energy in positively impacting our world and leading the way towards a sustainable future based on climate neutrality. As one of the fastest-growing renewable energy companies globally, Masdar is proud to be at the forefront of accelerating the deployment of clean energy solutions worldwide.”