Dubai sets time, target for being powered by Green energy

Dubai is the only city in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) to launch a clean energy strategy 2050 that sets specific targets and deadlines, according to senior official with Dubai Supreme Council of Energy.  

“We discussed the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, which shapes the energy sector in Dubai over the next three decades. The strategy aims to provide 7 per cent of Dubai’s energy from clean energy sources by 2020. This target will increase to 25 per cent by 2030, and to 75 per cent by 2050,” said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice-Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy.

The latest updates of the strategy and Dubai Carbon Abatement Strategy, as well as other current projects and initiatives, were discussed at a meeting headed by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy.

“We also discussed Dubai’s Carbon Abatement Strategy, which aims to develop an effective framework in reducing carbon emissions in Dubai in support of the Dubai Plan 2021.

“Dubai Government departments implement a host of green initiatives and programmes to reduce carbon emissions by 16 per cent by 2020. We addressed the positive results borne from limiting greenhouse gas emissions during 2015. Dubai managed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by over 5 million tonnes, equivalent to a 9 per cent reduction, exceeding the 7 per cent target for 2015,” said Al Tayer.

Dubai Municipality highlighted its plans for treating waste through several key projects. These include converting methane gas emitted from landfills into energy, recovering waste water gas and transforming it into energy, burning solid waste to produce energy, in addition to other sustainability projects.

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority highlighted its cooperation with the International Energy Agency's Clean Coal Centre, as a sponsor. It will have access to the centre’s expertise, which includes consultancy services, study reports, analysis, workshops, conferences, and databases.

Solar gains

Separately, the share of global electricity generated by solar photovoltaics (PV) could increase from 2 per cent today to as much as 13 per cent by 2030, International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) said in a new report.

Released at InterSolar Europe, “Letting in the Light: How Solar Photovoltaics Will Revolutionize the Electricity System” finds the solar industry is poised for massive expansion, driven primarily by cost reductions. It estimates that solar PV capacity could reach between 1,760 and 2,500 gigawatts (GW) by 2030, up from 227 GW today.

“Recent analysis from IRENA finds that cost reductions for solar and wind will continue into the future, with further declines of up to 59 per cent possible for solar PV in the next ten years,” said IRENA Director-General Adnan Z. Amin.

“This comprehensive overview of the solar industry finds that these cost reductions, in combination with other enabling factors, can create a dramatic expansion of solar power globally. The renewable energy transition is well underway, with solar playing a central role.

“World electricity demand is expected to grow by more than 50 per cent by 2030, mostly in developing and emerging economies,” said Amin.

“To meet this demand while also realising global development and sustainability goals, governments must implement policies that enable solar to achieve its full potential.”

Reaching a 13 per cent share of global electricity by 2030 will require average annual capacity additions to more than double for the next 14 years. The report highlights five recommendations that can help achieve this increase including: updated policies based on the latest innovations; government support of continued research and development activities; creation of a global standards framework; market structure changes; and the adoption of enabling technologies like smart grids and storage.

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.