Energy Transition Is No Longer A Choice: Al Zeyoudi
Faizan Hashmi Published January 11, 2019 | 08:00 PM
ABU DHABI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 11th Jan, 2019) Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment stressed the importance of expediting the deployment of renewable and clean energy around the world to help achieve sustainable development.
Addressing the ninth session of the Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the minister said: "Energy transition is no longer a choice, but a necessity for a better future for current and upcoming generations. In the last 13 years, the UAE spared no effort to leverage the transition to clean energy at home and abroad, positioning the country as a world leader in the adoption of renewable and clean energy."
"The UAE has taken a two-fold approach to drive the transition to clean energy. The first is setting a legislative framework and strategies that guide the transition into a climate-resilient, green economy, while the second is rolling out and financing renewable projects around the world."
He outlined some of Masdar’s local and international renewable projects in 2018 alone. Locally, Masdar completed the financing of a US$220 million waste-to-energy (WTE) plant in Sharjah, the UAE’s first of its kind, in collaboration with the leading environmental management company, Bee’ah.
As for Masdar’s overseas projects, the Minister said: "Masdar has completed the financing of the US$188 million 200 megawatt-capacity (MW) Baynouna solar energy project, the largest solar power plant in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Moreover, Masdar helped in building a five-megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic power plant with battery storage in the Republic of Seychelles. In addition, Masdar has successfully reached multiple key milestones of the collaboration to develop the largest utility-scale commercial wind project in Serbia. The 158-megawatt (MW) wind farm is expected to start production in the first quarter of this year.
"
Furthermore, Dr Al Zeyoudi spoke about the mega solar projects in the UAE that help the country in its transition to a low-carbon future. A prime example is Noor Abu Dhabi, the world’s largest independent solar power plant. The plant is expected to be officially inaugurated in the first quarter of 2019 and to generate 1,177 megawatts of energy, using photovoltaic technologies.
He also said: "The 5 gigawatt Mohammed bin Rashid Solar Park is advancing faster than planned. During 2018, Phase 3’s 200 megawatt PV was connected to the grid, and the total capacity of the Solar Park reached 413 megawatts. In November 2018, Dubai announced the addition of 250 MW capacity to its 4th phase, at a cost of 2.4 US cents per kilowatt hour."
Speaking of IRENA’s role, he said: "Over the past eight years, IRENA has grown rapidly from a humble secretariat to a leading international organization with near-universal membership, high-profile projects and global presence. Renewable energy today is a major player in the global energy market, and IRENA’s work is crucial to empowering the decisions of governments and actors. This prompts us to stress the need to accelerate our effort through IRENA, to help build our knowledge and capacity, and strengthen public-private partnerships, facilitate financing, and attain economic, social and environmental benefits."
The ninth session of the IRENA Assembly is the last to be held under the leadership of Adnan Amin, the Director General of IRENA. On this occasion, Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi expressed his gratitude to Amin for his great leadership and congratulated him on the many achievements he has made.
On the sidelines of the assembly, Dr Al Zeyoudi met with his Japanese counterpart, Yoshiaki Harada, Minister of Environment, and George Lakkotrypis, Minister of Energy, Commerce, Industry and Tourism in Cyprus.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Accountability in LESCO: Two officers dismissed
May 9 incidents - a biggest conspiracy against Pakistan's integrity, development ..
PTI's penchant for baseless allegations and stirring controversy: Khawaja Asif
Sub-Inspector's daughter achieves remarkable success in CSS examination
IHC dismisses notification of declaring Bushra Bibi's residence as sub-jail
IG Punjab congratulates SI Khadim Hussain on son's prestigious achievement
May 9 stands as dark chapter in Pakistan's history: AJK PM
Punjab lawyers announce strike on May 9
Ministry confirms moon unseen, Ziquad to commence May 10
Pakistani fishing industry attracts Chinese investors: PCJCCI
Punjab Police supporting Thalassemia-affected children in treatment: Dr. Usman A ..
IHC adjourns hearing on PTI founder's plea against verdict of accountability cou ..
More Stories From Middle East
-
UAE announces ‘Zero Bureaucracy Program’ to reduce bureaucracy
3 months ago -
COP28 President-Designate welcomes Transitional Committee agreement to operationalise Loss and Damag ..
6 months ago -
Global Media Congress 2023 to feature Co-Production Majlis as a new networking platform
6 months ago -
Young female athletes shine at Abu Dhabi World Youth Jiu-Jitsu Championship
6 months ago -
King of Jordan receives Abdullah bin Zayed and ministers participating in Arab coordination meeting
6 months ago -
Abdullah bin Zayed participates in coordination meeting of Arab foreign ministers, joint meeting wit ..
6 months ago
-
3rd annual conference of Emirates Society of Clinical Microbiology kicks off in Dubai
6 months ago -
SIBF 2023 hosts Nobel laureate to discuss emergence of ‘Afrofuturism’ in global discourse
6 months ago -
ALC announces winners of Kanz Al Jeel Award 2023
6 months ago -
SIBF turns spotlight on remarkable contributions of women
6 months ago -
Global assets in spot bitcoin ETFs hit $4.16 billion
6 months ago -
Rescuers struggle to find Nepal quake survivors as deaths reach 157
6 months ago