Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA) |World Green Economy Summit 2022 examines ways to decarbonise energy systems and make comprehensive changes in energy distribution globally to achieve net-zero goals

During the 8th World Green Economy Summit (WGES), several prominent speakers, experts, thought leaders and decision-makers discussed the importance of decarbonising energy systems and making comprehensive changes in energy distribution globally to support climate action, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve net-zero goals. The Summit was held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. It was organised by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), the World Green Economy Organization (WGEO) and the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, under the theme ‘Climate Action Leadership through Collaboration: The Roadmap to Net-zero’. The Summit focuses on four main themes: Energy, Finance, Food Security and Youth.

The Summit organised a number of sessions on ways to support the transition to clean and renewable energy and a green economy. The panel discussion titled ‘Successfully decarbonising energy systems’ highlighted the role of decarbonising energy systems and ensuring supply security in the MENA, as well as developing local energy sources in an environmentally sustainable and socially responsible manner. The ‘Net zero implementation case studies’ session profiled the critical role that the private sector will play in driving and accelerating the energy transition agenda. It showcased the leadership required of big business for others will follow. The ‘Hydrogen: Fuel of the future’ session addressed the adoption of hydrogen as a critical enabler in the transition to a net-zero world. This session showcased regional expertise and R&D-related projects.

Dietmar Siersdorfer, Middle East and UAE Managing Director, Siemens Energy, said: “Hydrogen is gaining popularity in today’s world, and we at Siemens Energy are equipped with optimum technologies to facilitate energy decarbonisation. Among our portfolio of clean energy solutions, we also focus on harnessing the power of the wind. Energy efficiency and decarbonisation are at the core of our operational strategy at Siemens Energy in the Middle East and globally.”

Charles Mellagui, CEO Cable Business Unit, Ducab, said that discussions have been held on the UAE’s position in decarbonisation, and they were looking toward addressing the upcoming challenges to align with the Paris Agreement. It is a big challenge and a tasking journey to attain a complete transformation in the energy ecosystem. To realise the goals of the Paris Agreement, overall transformation in the energy sector, the industrial sector and the mobility sector is needed. All should come together and work in tandem to shape a better future.

Gary West, Managing Director of Future Mobility, General Motors Middle East, said: “We firmly believe that powering towards our vision for the future of mobility, grounded in the convergence of all-electric architecture and cutting-edge in-vehicle connectivity, will contribute heavily towards the decarbonisation of the transport sector and creating a safer road ecosystem. As we strive to achieve a world with zero Crashes, zero emissions and zero congestion, we understand that we will need everybody. Therefore we are keen to continue collaborating with local governments, startups, and private entities alike, as well as being a part of global and regional conferences that address sustainability, such as the esteemed WGES, to bring forward this necessary transformation.”