UAE Boosts Clean Energy Share To 27.83% In 2023, Aims For 32% By 2030

The Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, said the UAE has increased the share of clean energy in its total energy production, reaching 27.83% in 2023, with a goal of 32% by 2030.

Ahead of the World Utilities Congress 2024 in Abu Dhabi, Al Mazrouei explained that between 2019 and 2022, the UAE doubled its renewable energy capacity, noting that this is part of the country's plan to triple its clean energy capacity by 2030, which is aligned with its commitment to meeting energy transition goals as agreed at COP28.

"In 2023, the UAE achieved a remarkable growth of 70% in installed renewable energy capacity, which reached 6.1 GW, and made progress in renewable energy competitive indicators," he was quoted as saying by WAM.

He further shared that these indicators included achieving a quantum leap from sixth to second place in the indicator of per capita energy consumption from renewable energy sources in the latest Statistical Review of World Energy prepared by the Energy Institute.

"The total value of our completed new and renewable energy projects is estimated at over AED45 billion. This figure doesn't even include the value of the latest projects that are now up and running," Al Mazrouei added.

He also detailed the progress of the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, pointing out key renewable and clean energy projects that are either in progress or planned. These include the large 1.8 GW Phase VI of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the second phase of Dubai's waste-to-energy project, and two major solar projects: the 1.5 GW Al Ajban and the 1.5 GW Al Khazna in Abu Dhabi.

Other important projects include the hydroelectric power plant in Hatta, Sharjah, and the recently launched fourth reactor at the Barakah nuclear plant. Al Mazrouei also emphasized the importance of the World Utilities Conference 2024, which started in Abu Dhabi on Monday.

This event brings together global experts to share knowledge and showcase the latest technologies and solutions for sustainability and water security. The conference supports national and global efforts towards sustainable development and highlights the UAE's key role in shaping the future of energy and water.