- The International Day of Clean Energy highlighted the UAE’s leadership in advancing global clean energy and climate action.
- Dubai continues to scale major renewable projects through DEWA to support net-zero goals by 2050.
The world observed the International Day of Clean Energy on Monday, January 26. The United Nations General Assembly created the day to accelerate the global shift to renewable power. The date aligns with the founding anniversary of the International Renewable Energy Agency in Abu Dhabi. This alignment highlights the UAE’s leadership in global clean energy diplomacy. The UAE also co-sponsored the resolution with Panama.
Speaking on the occasion, Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, said the UAE ranks among the global leaders in clean energy deployment. He attributed this progress to the strategic guidance of the country’s leadership.
Furthermore, Al Tayer noted that the UAE Consensus adopted at COP28 marked a major turning point in global climate policy. The agreement committed nearly every country to reduce emissions faster and scale clean energy technologies. He added that the International Day of Clean Energy strengthens global resolve and encourages practical cooperation.
DEWA continues to advance projects aligned with the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Net Zero Carbon Strategy 2050. Both strategies aim to generate all of Dubai’s power from clean sources by 2050.
The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park anchors these efforts. The project currently delivers 3,860 megawatts of capacity. Meanwhile, clean energy accounts for about 21.5 per cent of DEWA’s installed capacity. Projections indicate that this figure will exceed 36 per cent by 2030, cutting millions of tonnes of carbon emissions each year.
The solar park uses an independent power producer model that encourages private-sector participation. Five phases have reached completion, while the sixth phase remains under construction. In addition, DEWA issued a tender for the seventh phase. The phase will add 2,000 megawatts of photovoltaic capacity and a 1,400 megawatt battery storage system with a six-hour duration.
DEWA has also built the first green hydrogen facility in the Middle East and North Africa powered by solar energy. The pilot plant produces hydrogen and supplies electricity through a combined heat and power unit. The project demonstrates future applications for transport and industry.
Moreover, DEWA is developing a 250 megawatt pumped-storage hydroelectric plant in Hatta. The plant will store up to 1,500 megawatt-hours and operate for several decades. The system will also enhance grid stability by responding quickly to changes in demand.
Finally, Participation from residents and businesses continues through the Shams Dubai rooftop solar programme. The initiative enables building owners to generate electricity and feed excess power into the grid. This model also supports Dubai’s ambition to become a smart and sustainable global city.