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Dubai / WAMM
A UAE delegation, led by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al-Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, marked a successful attendance at the World Scientific and Engineering Congress (WSEC 2017), convened at Astana EXPO 2017 Congress Centre in Kazakhstan from June
19-20, 2017.
The conference held under the theme “Energy of the Future: innovative scenarios and methods of their implementation,” aimed to bring together world pioneers in energy, to engage in a critical discussion on the future low carbon energy systems and the role of sustainable and efficient technologies in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals and climate change objectives.
While delivering the UAE’s message at the conference, Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi said, “The renewable energy is at the heart of the UAE’s sustainable energy transformation strategy, noting that the renewable energy sector is witnessing remarkable growth and performance because of its innovative and cost-effective solutions that can meet the growing demand, especially in remote areas.”
“The World Scientific and Engineering Congress is a great platform to share our experiences and further expand our global efforts in fostering dialogue and enhancing cooperation in sustainable energy. The UAE is a key partner of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Astana Expo 2017, and we are proud to host one of the largest pavilions in the exhibition,” he added.
The minister continued, “Renewable energy is at the centre of our sustainable energy transition, which has been witnessing a remarkable growth outperforming conventional power, offering cost-effective solutions that can meet our growing energy needs and providing much-needed energy access to remote communities.”
He explained the UAE’s pioneering role in the global renewable energy landscape over the last decade, through implementing large-scale domestic and international projects, hosting the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) the nation’s capital, Abu Dhabi and convening international dialogues such as the annual World Future
Energy Summit.
“Most recently, in May of this year, the UAE started construction of the largest independent solar power project in the world, in Abu Dhabi.
The “Noor Abu Dhabi” with a capacity of 1,177 MW. The plant not only sets an unprecedented world record with its size, but also shattered global energy prices with the lowest solar energy price of 2.42 US cents per KWh,” he added.
“Our National Energy Strategy 2050, sets a target of a 50 percent clean energy share in the total energy mix by 2050, of which 44 percent will come from renewables. The national Climate Change Plan 2050, that was announced just last week, will firmly set the advancement of clean energy and energy efficiency as our priority. The UAE has dedicated billions of dirhams in public funds to clean energy research and projects, as we recognise that fostering innovation is key to develop an efficient sustainable energy system to facilitate economic and social development,” Al Zeyoudi explained.
Concluding the speech, Dr. Al Zeyoudi, reiterated the UAE’s commitment to maintain its leadership position in spreading the renewable energy sources and said that in 2020, the UAE will host Expo 2020 Dubai under three themes “Opportunity”, “Sustainability” and “Mobility”, with the aim to connect minds and create the future. It will feature renewable energy prominently through its sustainability theme, where 50 percent of the Expo site’s power will be obtained from renewable energy sources, including the iconic Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park.