Uae is Leading the Path Towards Green Technology :
Uae is Leading the Path Towards Green Technology
It is 2022, and it remains 28 years for the United Arab Emirates to achieve its “Energy Strategy 2050”. This strategy, launched in 2017, aims to increase the contribution of clean energy to the total energy mix from 25% to 50% by 2050. In addition, it saves the nation AED 700 billion through an energy mix that combines renewable, nuclear, and clean energy sources. By investing AED 600 billion to meet its 2050 target, the UAE government hopes to satisfy the increasing energy demand. Also, to ensure sustainable growth for the country’s economy.
How the UAE is leading the path towards Green Technology
Green technology can change the world. From farming structures to household items and even transportation, adopting green technology will ultimately make life on earth cleaner and better. The UAE government understood this, hence, utilizing it to improve its economy.
Traditionally, UAE relied on its bountiful supply of oil. However, in the last decade, the country’s renewable capacity has grown by almost 20 000 per cent, making it the highest worldwide. The way the UAE is leading the path of green tech spans solar, wind, and nuclear energy.
Solar energy
The UAE is popular for its abundant solar energy sources. UAE is ranked top three in the world in concentrated solar power (CSP) production. The country boasts two of the world’s largest solar plants. First, the Shams 1 station in Abu Dhabi produces 7% of the total power needs and powers 20,000 homes in the emirate. The Dubai Solar Park is another of the nation’s innovations to help the UAE meet its target of 75% of its power needs coming from clean energy by 2050. By 2030, the project is expected to produce 5,000 MW of electricity.
Wind energy
The Masdar City Initiative has been developing some of the world’s largest solar and wind energy projects. The company in charge of the initiative is set to build the country’s first wind turbine to generate electricity on Sir Bani Yas Island. This plant is expected to possess the capacity to produce 850 kW of energy per hour.
Nuclear energy
In April 2021, UAE made history by becoming the Arab world’s first country to run a nuclear program. The opening of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant spearheaded the legacy the UAE is building as a foremost source of renewable energy. The Nuclear plant has four units, two of which are completed and fully operational. The third unit is undergoing operational readiness, while the fourth is close to completion. The Barakah plant is realizing UAE’s plan to achieve net-zero emissions. The plant provides the largest decarbonization effort in the Arab world while sustainably and securely powering the UAE on its path to net-zero. The four units are set to produce 85% of Abu Dhabi’s clean electricity upon its completion.
Looking forward
UAE has been on a trajectory of environmental sustainability since January 2012, when Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched a long-term initiative themed ‘A Green Economy for Sustainable Development”. As a result, the country is now recognized as a leading force for clean energy and a major investment hub for green technology entrepreneurs. With the consistent investment of the country into improving its green technology, the goal of 2050 is bound to be a reality.
