Dubai floats plan to achieve 50% cut in carbon emissions by 2030

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Dubai has announced an ambitious plan to achieve carbon neutrality, with a target of achieving a 50% reduction in emissions by the year 2030.

The new plan will accelerate the momentum it has achieved in its transition towards clean energy over the last decade, backed by a clear roadmap for reaching its net-zero goal by 2050.

Abdulla Mohammed Al Basti, Secretary General of The Executive Council of Dubai, reaffirmed Dubai’s dedication to environmental sustainability and climate action, aligned with the Paris Agreement’s objectives.

“We are committed to collaborating with other global cities that share our vision for sustainability and climate action. Guided by the inspiring leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and under the directives of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council, Dubai continues to consolidate its status as a city that offers the world’s best quality of life.

“In an announcement that coincides with the UAE’s hosting of COP28, Dubai has announced its aim to double its carbon emission reduction, aiming for a 50% decrease by 2030. This ambitious goal is a testament to Dubai’s dedication to a sustainable future, emphasising environmental protection, biodiversity, conservation of resources, a substantial increase in renewable energy, and the advancement of a green and circular economy,” he added.

Ahmad Buti Al Muhairbi, Secretary General of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy stated: “The Supreme Council of Energy represented by key government entities has adopted a structured approach for developing prudent energy policies and clean energy projects with a focus on enhancing efficiency and fuel diversification, aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. We are proud to have achieved a significant transformation of our energy sector, marked by the adoption of a successful market-based strategy, applying the public-private partnership (PPP) model. This approach has not only facilitated the development of a robust clean energy portfolio but also catered to the rapidly growing infrastructure demands of our city.”

Mark Watts, Executive Director of C40, a global network of nearly 100 of the world’s leading cities that are united in action to confront the climate crisis, said: “I congratulate Dubai on its commitment to respond to the climate crisis by addressing their biggest sources of emissions and their climate risks, through the launch of the climate action plan, in line with the science and keeping temperatures below 1.5°C. The plan, the first of a major city in the Middle East aligned with the goals of the Paris Agreement, sets out a citywide target and sectoral pathways to reduce emissions 50% by 2030 compared to 2018 levels. From setting up the world’s largest single-site solar park to having 75% of vehicles as hybrid or electric powered, Dubai’s new climate action plan stands out in the region.”

By fostering partnerships with leading regional and international organizations in clean energy, Dubai has created green funding mechanisms, balanced risks and expanded its local capabilities to play a dynamic role in driving its energy transition.

This approach has sent positive signals to clean energy investors, created an attractive market for renewable technologies and led to the development of mega clean power projects. Today, Dubai has delivered exemplary projects such as the world’s largest single-site solar power park, the first hydropower plant in the region, a green hydrogen facility, a waste-to-energy plant and the production of green Aluminium.

On the other hand, UK climate leader Levidian and Tadweer (Abu Dhabi Waste Management Company) have announced an agreement to tackle emissions from one of Abu Dhabi’s largest landfill sites.

The companies are working closely on a first-of-its-kind pilot to install Levidian’s LOOP technology, which will strip the carbon from gas produced by organic waste and store it in high-quality graphene, a material that is 200 times more resistant than steel.

The device will also produce a hydrogen-rich blend gas that will be used to generate clean electricity on site.

It is estimated that the LOOP device will deliver a reduction in emissions of around 40% while supporting further upstream carbon savings through the addition of graphene to increase the performance of materials such as concrete, batteries and polymers.

If successful, the pilot could be scaled up to strip the carbon from an estimated 1.2 billion cubic metres of landfill gas over the next 10 years.

This deal is part of Levidian’s expansion into the UAE, which was announced in November.

Eng. Ali Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and CEO of Tadweer, said: “The installation of decarbonisation technology is a critical part of our journey as we work towards our strategic vision for sustainable waste management.”

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter