UAE’s Clean Energy Drive Takes Center Stage at ADIPEC 2023

The UAE recognizes the importance of international collaboration in addressing the complex challenges of the energy transition.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is making significant strides in its clean energy ambitions, with plans to generate a total capacity of 19.8 gigawatts (GW) of clean energy by 2030. This announcement was made by Suhail bin Mohamed Al Mazrouei, the Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, during the opening of ADIPEC 2023 (Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference), which is being held under the theme ‘Decarbonising. Faster. Together.’

Al Mazrouei emphasized the UAE’s commitment to clean energy, stating, “Having one of the fastest-growing clean energy industries in the world, the UAE is set to generate a total capacity of 19.8 gigawatts of clean energy by 2030. In addition, the UAE seeks to become a leading producer and supplier of low-carbon hydrogen, working towards producing 1.4 million metric tonnes of low-carbon hydrogen per annum by 2031 and 15 million metric tonnes per annum by 2050.”

This ambitious clean energy agenda aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and transition towards sustainable energy sources. The UAE recognizes the importance of international collaboration in addressing the complex challenges of the energy transition.

The ADIPEC 2023 event, which began on October 2 and runs until October 5, features discussions on fast-tracking the energy transition. Tayba Al Hashemi, Chair of ADIPEC 2023 and CEO of ADNOC Offshore highlighted the urgency of addressing the growing energy demands of a world population that is expected to increase by half a billion people by 2030. She emphasized the need for industry-wide cooperation to achieve decarbonization goals while ensuring energy security and inclusivity.

Amin H Nasser, President and CEO of Aramco, reiterated the belief that energy security and sustainability can coexist. Aramco remains committed to meeting the world’s energy needs while developing lower-carbon solutions for a cleaner and more sustainable future.

The high-level panel at ADIPEC explored innovative policies and inclusive practices as key elements in meeting rising energy demands while striving for net-zero emissions. The panel underscored the pivotal role of governments in driving collaboration and investment. Ministers also stressed the importance of a just transition to a low-carbon future that simultaneously reduces emissions and fosters economic growth.

Addressing the need for practicality and unity, Al Mazrouei called for a focus on technical collaboration within organizations like OPEC, stating, “We need to keep the politics aside, and as OPEC, work as a technical group.” Haitham Al Ghais, Secretary-General of OPEC, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of having a clear roadmap for achieving sustainable energy goals.

Ministers from Türkiye and Romania shared insights into initiatives in their respective countries aimed at facilitating the transition to a cleaner energy system.

ADIPEC 2023 is set to feature ten conferences, including a new hydrogen-focused conference and an expanded strategic decarbonization conference. These conferences will address critical themes such as energy security, finance and investment mobilization, and the development of a zero-carbon value chain.

With over 2,200 participating companies, 30 country pavilions, and 160,000 attendees from 160 countries, ADIPIEC 2023 serves as a global platform for shaping the future of the energy industry. The event includes contributions from more than 40 ministers and 120 global C-suite executives, who will participate in over 350 conference sessions covering essential energy transition priorities. These priorities include addressing methane and carbon emissions, increasing investment in technology and renewables, decarbonizing heavy industries, and nurturing the leaders of tomorrow.

ADIPEC, held in Abu Dhabi, is the world’s largest and most inclusive gathering for the energy industry. It brings together companies from around the world to showcase the latest strategies and innovations that are shaping the future of energy. The event also features specialized industry areas focused on decarbonization, maritime and logistics, digitalization in energy, and manufacturing and industrialization. The UAE’s commitment to clean energy and sustainability, as highlighted at ADIPEC 2023, reflects its dedication to driving the global energy transition and addressing the challenges of climate change.

Image source: https://www.adipec.com/