The UAE aims not only to meet but potentially exceed its green energy targets by 2030, as stated by Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure.

Masdar, the UAE’s clean energy company, is committed to supporting this ambitious goal. It plans to boost its global green energy capacity by 500% to 100 gigawatts (GW) by 2030.

Al Mazrouei highlighted the UAE’s significant investments in renewables, allocating $54.5 billion domestically and $50.3 billion in over 40 countries. 

The UAE’s approach to climate action emphasizes a balance between economic growth and environmental protection through low-carbon energy solutions. 

This strategy aligns with the 2023 National Hydrogen Strategy, which aims to position the UAE as a leading hydrogen producer by 2031. The target is to produce 1.4 million tons of low-emission hydrogen annually by that year, scaling up to 15 million tons by 2050.

Al Mazrouei emphasized the importance of global collaboration in achieving these goals. Key factors identified for success include supportive policies and regulations, increased financing and investment, ongoing research and development in advanced technologies, and the establishment of sustainable commercial models.

Reflecting on the UAE’s rapid progress, Al Mazrouei pointed to a doubling of renewable energy capacity between 2019 and 2022, followed by a further 70% increase in 2023, bringing the installed capacity to 6 GW. 

He said these achievements became feasible by translating national net-zero objectives into actionable policies. “We are working in a bottom-up approach with the engagement of all segments of the community, private sector, academia, and youth.”

The World Economic Forum in Riyadh provided a platform for ministers and experts to discuss the roadmap for tripling global renewable energy capacity by 2030. 

Marco Arcelli, CEO of Saudi-based ACWA Power, acknowledged the impressive momentum in the region, highlighting the ambitious decarbonization programs undertaken by both Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

“Saudi and the UAE have the most ambitious de-carbs programs in the world. There is a speed and dimension you don’t see much elsewhere,” he said.