Dubai: Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, announced that the United Arab Emirates has increased its clean energy target, including nuclear and renewable energy, to 35 percent by the years 2030-2031. This was revealed during an interview with the Emirates News Agency (WAM) at the Middle East Energy 2026 event, currently being held at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
According to Emirates News Agency, Al Mazrouei highlighted that reaching this ambitious goal would necessitate the initiation of new projects, heightened competition, and expanded opportunities for private sector involvement in power generation. The UAE is keenly focused on updating its energy strategy in response to the decreasing costs and the rapid pace of technological advancements.
The Minister emphasized the UAE's long-term commitment to diversifying energy sources and ensuring a robust surplus capacity to meet the population's needs under varying circumstances. He stated that the development of grids and new power plants is a priority to reduce losses, enhance efficiency, and achieve more favorable electricity prices.
Al Mazrouei also noted the declining prices of renewable energy, which are being driven by project expansions and technological progress. He mentioned that advancements in energy storage technologies have been significant, with modern batteries capable of storing power for up to 24 hours, a considerable improvement from previous capabilities.
Solar energy, according to Al Mazrouei, can now provide continuous supply and is comparable to traditional baseload energy sources like natural gas and nuclear power. It offers competitive pricing without carbon dioxide emissions, showcasing the success of the UAE's energy strategy.
The private sector plays a crucial role in the UAE's energy landscape. Al Mazrouei explained that the decision to privatize the power generation sector has reduced costs, enhanced competition, and upheld the highest governance standards, establishing the UAE as a global leader in electricity costs.
Al Mazrouei affirmed that UAE-based companies, such as Masdar and Etihad, have the ability to compete on an international scale, securing competitive prices and international projects. He pointed out that the future of the energy sector hinges on expanding cleaner energy sources, improving transmission efficiency, and reducing network losses.
In closing, Al Mazrouei highlighted the significance of Middle East Energy 2026, where 1,500 exhibitors from 70 countries are gathered to present cutting-edge technologies aimed at reducing costs and enhancing efficiency. He encouraged participants to leverage the discussions and shared experiences, noting the Ministry's role in showcasing strategies and legislative frameworks at the event.