His Excellency Eng Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) today inaugurated the Solar and Clean Energy Conference as part of the World Future Energy Summit 2025.
In his opening speech, His Excellency Eng Al Olama said: “We gather at a critical moment in history. As the global community races against the clock to combat climate change, the urgency for transformative action in the energy sector has never been greater. Science is clear, the transition to solar and clean energy is not an option but a necessity. It is our collective responsibility to accelerate the pace of change, ensuring that clean energy projects are at the forefront of our strategies.”
He added: “The UAE stands proudly as a beacon of progress and innovation in the renewable energy sector. In the last few years, the UAE has taken bold strides to position itself as a global leader in clean energy. Today, the UAE boasts three of the world's largest and most cost-effective solar plants. Additionally, the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant plays a critical role in diversifying our energy mix, providing up to 25% of the UAE's electricity needs from emission-free source.
His Excellency noted that the National Hydrogen Strategy was launched to turn the UAE into a key producer and exporter of low-carbon hydrogen, The strategy helps accelerate the global hydrogen economy and will scale up local hydrogen production to 1.4 million tons per annum by 2031 and 15 million tons per annum by 2050. This initiative aligns with the UAE’s approach to further expand clean energy sources and reduce carbon emissions across multiple sectors.
He said: “At COP28, the UAE spearheaded the UAE Consensus, calling for tripling renewable energy capacity globally by 2030. This landmark pledge highlights our dedication to not only meeting but exceeding the targets required to mitigate the impacts of climate change. The UAE’s leadership in forming coalitions and driving international collaboration serves as a testament to our unwavering resolve. We envision a future where affordable, sustainable, and secure clean energy powers every corner of our country, and this requires the unwavering dedication of governments, private sectors, and communities alike.”
He added: “Achieving meaningful progress in the clean energy transition requires the full mobilization of resources and investments in renewable energy projects at both national and global levels. Strategic investments are essential for reducing emissions and strengthening the resilience of energy systems worldwide. However, technology and investment alone will not suffice. Collaboration is the key that will unlock the next wave of progress. The challenges ahead demand that we work together, fostering partnerships that drive innovation and knowledge exchange. I invite each of you to actively engage in the conversations and sessions of this conference, sharing insights, forging new alliances, and exploring opportunities that will shape the energy landscape for generations to come.”