The UAE’s NDC aims to reduce emissions by 23.5% from 2016 levels by 2030, and the UAE has previously announced plans to achieve 44% renewables and 6% nuclear in the energy mix by 2050. The national oil company ADNOC has also pledged 25% emissions intensity reduction by 2030. Against the backdrop of low-cost solar, the UAE is moreover working on an ambitious long-term low-emission development strategy. Achieving these targets and incremental ambition will include investment in innovation in a number of critical sectors, including renewable energy; carbon capture, storage, and utilization; hydrogen; energy efficiency (especially for industry and buildings); agriculture; and water. Renewable energy and hydrogen investments are also linked to the transport sector.
The UAE aims to be a leading producer of clean hydrogen. Currently, two green hydrogen pilots are underway with Siemens in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, both with transport tie-ins, including aviation in Abu Dhabi. CCUS plans are also linked to production of blue hydrogen by ADNOC. ADNOC and state investment vehicles Mudabala and ADQ in January 2021 additionally formed the Abu Dhabi Hydrogen Alliance to develop enabling frameworks, policies, and RD&D, and, in March 2021, the UAE approved a nationwide system for hydrogen vehicles.
The UAE is also undertaking grid modelling studies for high-penetration of renewable energy and net-zero power systems. The initial results are expected to be available in late 2021.
Masdar, Emirates Water and Electricity Company, and the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority are principal actors for both RD&D areas.
We look forward to sharing our priorities in more detail with other members of MI.
Pathway