The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is rapidly advancing its clean energy transformation as part of its National Energy Strategy and its ambitious commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Central to this transition is a massive investment of $54 billion (AED 200 billion) earmarked for clean energy projects by 2030, with an even broader long-term goal of exceeding $163 billion by 2050. These efforts aim to expand renewable energy capacity, improve energy efficiency, and enhance energy security across the country.
Major Renewable Energy Projects
Solar Power
A significant portion of this transformation is driven by large-scale solar energy projects. The UAE is home to some of the world’s largest and most cost-effective solar plants. The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai is targeting a capacity of 5,000 megawatts (MW) by 2030, while the Al Dhafra Solar PV project and the Al Ajban Solar Park are expected to generate 2,000 MW and 1,500 MW respectively. Together, these initiatives aim to push the UAE’s total clean energy capacity to 14.2 gigawatts by 2030. Thanks to its high solar irradiance and cutting-edge technologies, the UAE is among the world’s top producers of low-cost solar energy, making solar a key pillar of its climate neutrality strategy.
Nuclear Energy
Beyond solar, the UAE’s energy diversification includes a range of technologies. The Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Abu Dhabi is a milestone project, being the first operational nuclear facility in the Arab world. It currently supplies about 25% of the country’s electricity needs.
Wind Energy
In 2023, the UAE also launched its first wind power initiative—a 104 MW program deployed across four locations—marking another important step in expanding the renewable portfolio.
Hydrogen Production
Hydrogen production is another core area of focus. The National Hydrogen Strategy 2050 outlines plans to scale up both blue and green hydrogen production, positioning the UAE as a global supplier of low-carbon hydrogen by 2031. Hydrogen is especially crucial for decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors such as heavy industry and long-distance transport.
Carbon Capture
Additionally, carbon capture and storage (CCS) is being developed at scale. ADNOC is leading the way with what will be the largest carbon capture project in the Middle East and North Africa, targeting the capture of 10 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually by 2030.
Progress So Far
The UAE has already made considerable progress in achieving its clean energy goals. By 2023, clean energy accounted for 27.83% of the national energy mix, with a target of 32% by 2030. Between 2019 and 2022, the country successfully doubled its renewable energy capacity and now aims to triple it by the end of the decade. The total value of completed renewable energy projects already exceeds AED 45 billion, excluding the latest projects that have recently become operational.
Strategic Focus Areas
Alongside clean energy expansion, the UAE is also focusing on enhancing energy efficiency and promoting technological innovation. The country is aiming for up to 45% energy efficiency by 2030, supported by research and development in energy systems and infrastructure. Moreover, the clean energy strategy is expected to contribute significantly to the economy by creating approximately 50,000 new jobs and nurturing a skilled workforce to drive the green energy transition forward.
Conclusion: Toward a Sustainable Future
All these efforts—solar expansion, hydrogen development, nuclear power, wind energy, carbon capture, and innovation—are central to the UAE’s strategy for reducing its carbon footprint, diversifying its economy, and achieving long-term energy resilience. They also position the UAE as a regional and global leader in renewable energy, particularly within the Middle East and North Africa region.
In 2026, these achievements will be highlighted at the Energy Evolution Award and Conference, a major event showcasing leadership in clean energy and sustainable innovation. As the UAE continues to lead the way in climate action and energy transition, the conference will serve as a platform for global collaboration, recognition of best practices, and discussions on the future of sustainable energy.
References
1. UAE Embassy: Energy Diversification
2. ESG Today: $54 Billion Clean Energy Investment
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