Abu Dhabi Energy Sector Research Highlights
The Report: Abu Dhabi 2023OBGplus
Abu Dhabi stands at the forefront of the MENA region’s economic growth, boasting a 9.3% growth rate in 2022. Looking ahead, the emirate’s ambitious roadmap, the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, charts a course for economic transformation. A key goal of the roadmap is to substantially reduce reliance on hydrocarbons, with a target of achieving 64% of GDP from non-hydrocarbons sectors by 2030. Th
Regulations, solar power keeps Abu Dhabi on track to meet climate goalsOBGplus
Abu Dhabi has set an ambitious goal that goes beyond the UAE’s national energy strategy, which aims to increase the share of clean energy in its installed capacity mix to 50% by 2050. The Department of Energy (DoE) has been the regulatory authority for the energy sector in Abu Dhabi since 2018 and plays a pivotal role in driving energy transition efforts. Indeed, the emirate is committed to generating…
How emerging markets are navigating the rising cost of solar energyOBGplus
With high energy prices and supply chain disruptions creating shortages of key renewable energy components and materials, emerging markets are reassessing how to build out utility-scale solar power to accelerate their energy transitions. After more than a decade of decline, the cost of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels has risen around the world, due primarily to the increasing cost of solar-grade polysilicon…
Abu Dhabi aims to be a leader in hydrogen amid shift to cleaner energyOBGplus
Hydrogen has a key role to play in helping the world to meet its net-zero targets. Its primary uses are for power generation, energy storage and transportation, including sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). It is also seen as a means to decarbonise the world’s heavily polluting industries such as steel, aluminium and cement. The National Hydrogen Strategy seeks to produce 1.4m tonnes per annum (tpa)…
How COP28 will create opportunities in Abu Dhabi’s energy sectorOBGplus
Despite Abu Dhabi’s history and reputation as a major oil exporter, the emirate is integral to the UAE’s ongoing transformation from an economy dependent on fossil fuels to one fuelled by clean energy. This clean-energy transition has already seen Abu Dhabi host the Arab world’s first nuclear power plant, as well as the largest single-site solar power plant in the world at the time when it was…
Jasim Husain Thabet, Group CEO and Managing Director, Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA): InterviewOBGplus
Interview:Jasim Husain Thabet How can energy and utility players help the UAE achieve its energy transition goals? JASIM HUSAIN THABET: Key energy and utility stakeholders in the country, including TAQA, are committed to achieving the UAE’s net-zero target by 2050. Utility companies are playing a key role in driving progress across multiple fronts, for example, by launching additional renewable…
Awaidha Murshed Al Marar, Chairman, Department of Energy (DoE): InterviewOBGplus
Interview:Awaidha Murshed Al Marar How can Abu Dhabi’s electricity segment adapt to the UAE’s decarbonisation obligations? AWAIDHA MURSHED AL MARAR: In October 2021 the UAE became the first country in the MENA region to announce a national net-zero initiative, with the target year being 2050. Abu Dhabi, which is the largest emirate and accounts for 60% of the UAE’s energy consumption, will…
The Report: Abu Dhabi 2023: EnergyOBGplus
Abu Dhabi’s ongoing transition from a fossil fuel-dependent economy to one driven by clean energy marks a significant shift. Hosting the Arab world’s first nuclear power plant and the largest single-site solar power plant, the emirate plays a pivotal role in this transition. While hydrocarbons remain integral to the broader UAE’s economy, global energy shifts and geopolitical tensions have increased…
The UAE seeks to pioneer innovative and sustainable water solutions around the globe
On innovative approaches in water conservation and reuse Where do you see opportunities for the UAE to contribute to global sustainability efforts? AHMED AL SHAMSI: The water-management segment in the UAE is undergoing a transformative shift towards sustainable solutions, in line with global efforts. This transition involves moving away from conventional waste-disposal practices towards…