Emirates Energy Forum pushes energy transition

The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) organised the second edition of the Emirates Energy Forum that brought together concerned stakeholders and thought leaders to accelerate the UAE’s energy transition agenda.

Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, said, “Just a few weeks away from the highly anticipated 28th UN Climate Change Conference (COP28), the forum comes at a critical moment in the UAE’s journey towards greening its energy sector. Our goal is to ensure the energy trilemma of security, affordability and sustainability is equally balanced as we help build a net-zero world. Achieving this goal is only possible through a collaborative approach.”

He added, “The forum is a shining example of how effective partnerships can go a long way in driving progress across shared objectives. We thank our partners for their valuable support that contributed to making this forum a success with far-reaching outcomes.”

The highlight of the event was the release of the UAE State of Energy Report 2022/2023 that offers an overview of the latest developments in the energy sector. Its seven chapters outline the policies, visions, and technological innovations that underpin the UAE’s ambition to transform the way energy is produced and consumed with the ultimate target of becoming climate-neutral by 2050.

Developed by MoEI jointly with Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, Etihad Water and Electricity, Emirates National Oil Company, and Dolphin Energy, the report curates insights and contributions from experts on a range of topics relevant to net zero and the energy sector.

Yousif Ahmed Al Ali, CEO of Etihad Water and Electricity Company (EtihadWE), said, “The ongoing national endeavours in the current developmental phase within the energy sector, encompassing various developmental, transformative, and climate-related aspects, reflect the leadership’s vision for sustainable future growth. These efforts further solidify UAE’s global standing as a leading nation in addressing energy and climate concerns.”

Al Ali also praised the pivotal role of the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, notably the organisation of the Emirates Energy Forum. He commended the dedication of the forum’s partners and stakeholders, underscoring that the information, data, collaborative opportunities, and green investments it offers are integral to the UAE’s representation at the upcoming COP28 and its global message to the world.”

The event also featured the official launch of the National Hydrogen Strategy, previously announced in July 2023. Now accessible through the ministry’s website, the strategy outlines the UAE’s plan to become a leading producer and supplier of low-carbon hydrogen by 2031. The strategy targets a local production capacity of 1.4 million tons per annum (mtpa) of low-carbon hydrogen by 2031, with an ambition to increase production to 15 mtpa by 2050.

As per the strategy, the UAE will establish clean energy precincts and hydrogen oases as a practical approach to accelerating industry adoption of low-carbon hydrogen, building a robust supply chain, and creating an enabling infrastructure.

The Strategy was developed in collaboration with GHD, a leading Australian consultancy firm, and Fraunhofer CINES, a German research organisation.

Richard Fechner, Executive General Manager of GHD Advisory, said, “The launch of this strategy demonstrates a more sustainable journey is underway. Hydrogen is key to decarbonising challenging sectors, and the UAE is spearheading this global effort. We are privileged to be part of this critical process. With strong commitments and policies, setting up certifications and standards, and promoting strategic investments, the UAE’s net zero goals are within reach”.

Dr. Jan Frederik Braun, Head of Hydrogen Cooperation (MENA region) of Fraunhofer CINES, said, “This hydrogen strategy, which has been developed together with all key hydrogen and energy stakeholders in the UAE, considers all aspects of the hydrogen value chain: Production, distribution, and usage.

The UAE’s opportunities to create value in the emerging global hydrogen market will lie in its ability to produce innovative and competitive hydrogen-based end products along the value chain. As Europe’s largest applied research organisation, Fraunhofer has the expertise and experience to develop and test hydrogen technologies for industrial partners in the UAE and bring them to market.”

At the forum, MoEI announced the winners of the 7th cycle of the UAE Energy Management Award ISO 50001, a local version of the global ‘Energy Management Leadership Award’ that is led by the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) to promote the development of clean energy and energy efficiency programmes.

Contestants had to submit a structured case study about their energy management experiences and the resulting benefits. The first-place winner was Borouge, followed by Ras Al Khaimah Government and Al Nakheel Hygienic Paper Manufacturing for second and third places respectively.

Through the annual award, MoEI engages key public and private sector players in achieving the goal of the National Water and Energy Demand Management Programme of reducing energy use by 42-45 percent.

During the forum, MoEI signed MoUs with several stakeholders, including LuLu Hypermarket and Aldar Properties to install EV charging stations and promote public awareness of green mobility, and Wizz Air to circulate conservation and sustainability tips among tourists.

Moreover, the forum included three panel discussions - executive, technical, and youth-led - to ensure the voices of every segment are heard while shaping the future of the energy landscape in the UAE.

WAM