Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050

In November 2015, Sheikh Mohammed launched the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 to produce 75% of its energy obligations from clean sources. The initiative also aims to make Dubai a global center of clean energy and a green economy.

Under this plan, up to AED600 billion will be invested in generating power from clean energy sources. The strategy is set to revolutionize the energy division over the next three decades with a dedication to sustainability in energy conservation and an overarching goal to have the smallest carbon footprint in the world by the year 2050.

All About the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy

The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) will guarantee the demand management and economic value of the strategy. Dubai is currently the top-performing city in the Middle East, according to the Sustainable Cities Index report.

The report provided by design consultancy Arcadis ranks cities by three sustainability factors: people, planet, and profit. Coming to the crux of the matter, the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy involves five main pillars.

They are explained as under -

1. Infrastructure

The first pillar includes initiatives such as Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. It is said to be the largest generator of alternative energy in the world from a single location with a capacity to provide 5,000 MW by 2030, which is 25% of the total energy production in Dubai, as estimated.

The infrastructure pillar also involves the establishment of a new free zone under the name 'Dubai Green Zone' committed to attracting research and development centre's and developing companies in the field of clean energy.

2. Legislation

This centers on the establishment of a legislative structure supporting clean energy policies in two phases. The first part would be completed through the Shams Dubai initiative that strives to encourage building owners to place solar panels on the roofs and connect them to the main network of DEWA.

The second part involves coordination with the Dubai Municipality to announce a set of decisions on the integration of consumption rationalization technology and energy production and the provision to install solar panels on the roofs of all buildings in the Emirate by 2030.

3. Dubai Green Fund

The third pillar is linked to funding solutions for investment in the analysis and development of clean energy and its utilization. This pillar comprises the establishment of the 'Dubai Green Fund' worth AED 100 billion, which will contribute through its financial resources simple loans for investors in the clean energy sector in the Emirate at decreased interest rates.

4. Building Capacities and Skills

The fourth pillar intends to make human resources capabilities through global coaching programs in the field of clean energy in cooperation with global corporations and institutes like International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) as well as worldwide companies and R&D centers.

5. Environment-Friendly Energy Mix

The fifth pillar targets making an environment-friendly energy mix involving solar energy 25%, nuclear power, 7% clean coal 7%, and gas 61% by 2030. The mix will steadily increase the utilization of clean energy sources to 75% by 2050, making Dubai the city with the least' carbon footprint' city in the world.

To make Dubai Clean Energy and these five-pillar under it successful, many important initiatives have been taken into consideration. One of which is the "Smart Initiatives." It includes -

• Connecting solar energy to houses and buildings
• Smart applications via smart grids and meters
• Infrastructure and electric vehicle charging stations.

Apart from this, DEWA has also launched an AED500 million Innovative Center with research and development labs in the field of clean energy.

Features of the Dubai Clean Energy and the UAE Climate Change Plan

Besides the Dubai Industrial Strategy 2030, the clean energy strategy is also very beneficial. Let us have a look at some of the features for the same.

1. National Greenhouse Gas Emissions Management System

With an emphasis on targeting the reasons for air pollution, the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) identified the main problem to be the excess emission of Green House Gases (GHG) into the atmosphere. In order to prevent GHG emissions, the pollution control panel came up with an emissions management system, which will monitor the increasing emission levels.

Emissions can be tracked from sources such as motor vehicles, industrial chimneys, and emissions from household and industrial appliances. Post data collection and recording, the government will take verification measures to reduce and control the emission levels to reduce the harm caused by GHG to the atmosphere.

2. National Program for Adaptation to Climate Change

Considering the risks and fragility associated with the entire plan, it is important to assess the readiness of the citizens and the business entities in the UAE to adapt to change for the betterment of the natural ecosystem. Therefore, the Climate Change Plan 2050 will take into account all factors covering current and future risks and, as per the data gathered, will validate the citizens of all the emirates to follow specific steps for the long-term success of the plan.

3. Private Sector-Driven Economic Diversification Program

The private sector will play a critical role in advancing the UAE's economic diversification agenda by enhancing the market of environmental goods and services. Businesses can be a source of innovation in addressing sustainability challenges, and they have tremendous potential to provide the necessary resources to advance the diversification agenda.

To fulfill this priority, the government is required to provide an enabling environment for the private sector through a combination of regulations and incentives. The variable success of the plan will largely influence the methods and tactics of business setup in Dubai, UAE.

The growth and initiatives taken by the government of the UAE will help entrepreneurs, startups, and established businesses to expand their businesses or start their companies in the Emirates. We at Commitbiz can help you right from business incorporation to office space. Contact us today for more information.