The move aims to support the UAE's efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050

The UAE has committed an investment of over Dh600 billion in renewable energy as it pivots its economy to a clean future path and aims to emerge as the first Middle East and North Africa nation to do so.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy (DSCE), chaired the Council’s 68th meeting, which took place online. Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, vice-chairman of the DSCE; Ahmed Buti Al Muhairbi, secretary-general of the DSCE, and other top executives attended the meeting to finalise the Dubai Carbon Abatement Strategy 2030.

“In line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to increase the share of clean and renewable energy sources as well as achieve the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050, the meeting reviewed the plans and roadmap to implement the strategy, using the latest technologies,” said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer.

“The council has started evaluating carbon emissions for the next 10 years, in collaboration with the relevant organisations in Dubai to come up with the required measures to reduce emissions. A roadmap will then define the way to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050,” said Al Tayer.

Satellites launch

The meeting discussed several topics including the successful launch of Dewa-SAT 1, part of Dewa’s Space-D programme launched in January 2021. Dewa is the first utility in the world to use satellites in its operations.

The council reviewed the mechanisms and programmes implemented by the relative bodies under the umbrella of the council in electricity and water production, industries, waste management, and land transport to reduce carbon emissions. These resulted in significant reductions in 2019 and 2020.

The meeting approved the updated plans and objectives to reduce carbon emissions by 30 percent by the end of 2030 to support the UAE’s efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

The meeting also discussed the implementation stage for Resolution Number 6 of 2021 issued by the Executive Council of Dubai to regulate district cooling services in Dubai. The council approved the regulatory framework for cooling service providers and customers to ensure the effectiveness of permit issuance and billing.

Dewa’s Space-D programme aims to improve the operations, maintenance, and planning of Dewa’s networks with the support of nano satellite technology, Internet of Things (IoT), and remote sensing technologies. The programme also aims to train Emirati professionals to use space technologies to enhance its electricity and water networks. The programme shows how Dubai’s leadership is taking advantage of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies such as IoT, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and blockchain to exchange information with the help of satellite communications and earth observation technologies, said Al Tayer.

The Dubai Supreme Council of Energy board members Dawood Al Hajiri, director-general of Dubai Municipality; Abdulla bin Kalban, managing director of Emirates Global Aluminium; Saif Humaid Al Falasi, CEO of Emirates National Oil Company; Juan-Pablo Freile, general manager of Dubai Petroleum; and Nasser Abu Shehab, CEO of the Strategy & Corporate Governance Sector at the Roads & Transport Authority, also attended the meeting.

“We reviewed participation in the fourth edition of the Emirates Energy Award, which highlights the best existing practices in the areas of clean energy, energy efficiency and sustainability in the region,” said Al Muhairbi.