21 October 2023
Celebrating the World Energy Day, which was adopted during the 2012 World Energy Forum in Dubai, holds special importance in the Year of Sustainability in the UAE, when the country will host the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 28), at Expo City Dubai from 30 November to 12 December 2023.
HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, endorsed the World Energy Day initiative during the 2012 World Energy Forum in Dubai, along with representatives of 54 countries, in addition to the United Nations, the Arab League and the African Union Commission. Through the ‘Dubai Declaration - Energy for All’, all stakeholders agreed to observe World Energy Day on 22 October annually.
“Clean energy stands as a paramount pillar of sustainability and takes centre stage in the UAE’s strategic priorities and directions, guided by the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE; and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The UAE has assumed a pioneering role on the global stage, leading the way in clean and renewable energy through dedicated strategies and substantial investments that bolster sustainable development while enhancing the efficiency of energy production and use. This dual approach not only fosters economic growth but also protects the environment, thereby effectively addressing the challenges of climate change. World Energy Day, inaugurated by the UAE in 2012, gains added significance this year as we prepare to host COP28, the international conference where nations worldwide will unite to craft tangible solutions for mitigating the impacts of climate change and achieving comprehensive and sustainable development,” said HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy.
==============
HE Suhail Al Mazrouei: The UAE has future plans to diversify energy sources
“The UAE has developed a set of future plans aimed at diversifying energy sources and shifting towards clean ones, especially nuclear power. The operation of Barakah peaceful nuclear power plant supports the efforts to shift towards clean energy in the UAE. This is a big step towards ensuring energy sustainability, diversification and security for decades to come,” said HE Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure.
“On World Energy Day 2023, the UAE reiterates its commitment to following a long-term plan for the future of energy and reducing its emissions. We recently updated the UAE Energy Strategy 2050 to increase the efficiency of energy use by individuals and organisations by 42% - 45% compared to 2019. The strategy also seeks to triple the share of renewable energy by 2030 and raise the contribution of installed capacity of clean energy to 30% of the total energy mix by 2030. Moreover, it aims to achieve financial savings of AED 100 billion and channel AED 150-200 billion to national investments by 2030 to meet the energy demand and sustain the UAE’s economic growth,” added Al Mazrouei.
“Clean energy is a key pillar of sustainability and stands at the forefront of the UAE’s strategic priorities, especially considering that the UAE is a global leader in leveraging innovative climate change mitigation and adaptation solutions,” added Al Mazrouei.
==============
HE Saeed Al Tayer: World Energy Day is an opportunity to highlight the need to increase the share of clean and renewable energy
HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and MD & CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), emphasised that World Energy Day is an opportunity to highlight the need to increase the share of clean and renewable energy in the energy mix. This contributes to accelerating climate action, preserving natural resources, and supporting global efforts to reduce emissions that cause climate change, ensuring a sustainable f