He stressed that the country is a global model for comprehensive and sustainable development in the energy sector

Suhail Al Mazrouei: 159 billion dirhams, the value of 11 environmentally friendly energy projects in the UAE

  • Al Mazrouei: The participation of clean energy reached 19.63% of the energy mix in 2021. Archive

  • Minister of Energy and Infrastructure: Suhail Al Mazrouei

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The Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Suhail Al Mazrouei, affirmed that "the number of major environmentally friendly energy projects in the Emirates that have been completed and are being constructed reaches 11 projects, with a value of 159 billion dirhams, by the end of the year 2022."

Al Mazrouei said, "The volume of the UAE's production of clean and environmentally friendly energy during the year 2021 reached 7035.75 megawatts, which reflects the country's efforts in the field of clean energy, as it is one of the world's leading countries in relying on renewable energy despite its large oil reserves and is still proactive in adopting best practices." in the energy sector, along with the latest global technological developments.

He referred to the UAE's launch of the first unified energy strategy, the "National Energy Strategy 2050", which targets a mix of renewable and clean energy sources, to ensure a balance between economic needs and environmental goals and reduce dependence on other fuel sources over the next three decades.

Al Mazrouei added, "The UAE has adopted, in order to sustain the renewable energy sector and preserve the environment, the latest innovations that drive the sustainable development process, and is one of the first countries to ratify the Paris Agreement on Climate Change."

He pointed out that the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has started drawing the features of the future of the energy sector for the next fifty years, by starting the stage of reviewing the energy strategy 2050, preparing the national hydrogen strategy, based on the achievements made during the past fifty years, and preparing for the next stage by enhancing readiness for the future and preparing Policies and strategies and adopting a proactive approach that supports the UAE's global leadership and enhances its position as a global model for comprehensive and sustainable development in the energy sector, which is a major supporter of the national economy, as clean energy is an essential part of the future energy mix.

Regarding the achievement percentages achieved in the energy strategy 2050 that was announced, Al Mazrouei said that the contribution of clean energy reached 19.63% of the energy mix in 2021, while the contribution of renewable energy reached 12%, while the contribution of peaceful nuclear energy reached 7.55%. % of the energy mix in the country by the end of 2021.

On the expected changes in the UAE's plans towards renewable energy, he added, "Global turmoil in energy supplies has led to problems related to energy security and will therefore lead to a focus on using the lowest-priced resources available locally to meet the country's energy requirements, with an increase in non-oil sector exports from the country." The global competitiveness of local manufacturing will play a major role, and this can be achieved through the use of low-cost local energy resources and technologies.

Al Mazrouei pointed out that "the UAE has huge potential of solar energy, and the low costs of solar energy will enhance energy security in the country and its competitiveness in an economical and affordable manner," adding that "renewable energy sources will not only help achieve energy security in a competitive manner, but also It will also help achieve the goals of climate neutrality 2050.”

With regard to the expectations of the performance of the global oil markets during the year 2023, Al Mazrouei said, “There are many factors related to the oil market, which are considered to be the main driver of oil prices during the current year, as there are factors that may push prices to rise, including the end of China’s policy ( Zero Covid) and the decision of the United States to refill the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, the sanctions imposed on Russian petroleum products transported by sea, the continuation of global inflation, and on the other hand, there are other factors that may negatively affect prices such as the global recession, the decline in Chinese demand for oil, as well as the resumption of energy trade between Russia and the European Union and other influencing factors.

Regarding the local energy scene, with the commercial operation of the third unit close to the Barakah station, he added, “The Barakah station is one of the most important innovative energy projects during the transition to environmentally friendly energy sources, in addition to being a basic pillar of sustainable development and energy security and stability, by accelerating the reduction of the carbon footprint of the energy sector.” Energy, as the four stations, once fully operational annually, will reduce 22.4 million tons of carbon emissions, which is the main cause of climate change. This was achieved during the process of developing the four Barakah plants, which is the first multi-station peaceful nuclear energy project, in the operating phase in the Arab world, and plays a pivotal role in the process of accelerating the process of accelerating the reduction of the carbon footprint of the energy sector in the UAE in order to reach climate neutrality by 2050 ».

He continued, "The third station, once it is commercially operational, will add up to another 1,400 megawatts of carbon-free electricity to the UAE's electricity grid, which is a major guarantee of energy security in the country and a major step forward towards confronting climate change, as Barakah stations provide energy." Environmentally friendly electricity for homes, businesses, and advanced technical industries across the country, while the successive achievements in Barakah highlight the great capabilities of the UAE in developing and managing giant projects. In addition, work will be done to study the development of mini reactor models and the new generation of reactors, as well as paving the way for new sources. carbon-free energy such as hydrogen.

Al Mazrouei said, "The UAE's national hydrogen strategy is based on 10 main axes to achieve the country's goals within the (We are the UAE 2031) initiative, for the country to become among the top 10 hydrogen producing and exporting countries in 2031. Our first 10 elements include legislation, policies, and sustainable commercial and economic models." , research and development, climate and social drivers, global cooperation, financing and investment, industry development and activation, skills education, and others.

He added, “The UAE enjoys natural competitive advantages and as such, hydrogen will enable the diversification of the UAE economy, through the expansion of existing industries and the growth of new industries.

In addition, hydrogen will play an important role in the UAE National Energy Strategy 2050, and the national strategy for climate neutrality by 2050, and we hope to launch it during the first quarter of 2023 ».

Al Mazrouei said: “Grey hydrogen is currently being produced and used mainly in refineries, at around 0.3 million tons per year.

However, there are a number of pilot projects (DEWA / Siemens), ammonia based on blue hydrogen and exported to Germany and Japan as there are more than 10 projects under implementation, seven of which are major being developed and some are undergoing feasibility studies. 

• 10 hydrogen production projects in the UAE are under implementation, 7 of which are major under development.

• 7035.75 megawatts of the UAE's production of clean and environmentally friendly energy during 2021.

Suhail Al Mazrouei:

• «12% participation of renewable energy in the energy mix, and 7.55% participation of peaceful nuclear energy».

• "Several factors will support the rise in oil prices during 2023."

Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week

The Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Suhail Al Mazrouei, said, "Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week supports sustainability work worldwide in preparation for the UAE's hosting of the Conference of the Parties (COP28), as the slogan of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week for this year is (Together to promote climate action up to the 28th session of the Conference). parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), which is being held in the UAE.

It has a pivotal role in ensuring that the momentum of global interest and efforts related to sustainability and climate action is maintained until the convening of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) in the UAE, by uniting the efforts of the international community and promoting pioneering partnerships and innovative solutions.

He added, "Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week is a platform that reflects the UAE's commitment to effective and comprehensive climate action, and brings together global leaders and experts in the field of sustainability and various sectors to conduct constructive and effective dialogues prior to assessing the collective progress made at the Conference of the Parties (COP28)." 

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