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Dubai to generate 5% of power from sustainable means by 2030

DUBAI — The Dubai Supreme Council of Energy is planning to generate five per cent of electricity through sustainable means by year 2030 in the hope of reducing carbon emissions in the country.

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice-Chairman of Dubai Supreme Council of Energy said that one per cent of the target is expected to be achieved by year 2020 while the remaining four per cent by year 2030.

“We are taking it step by step. The regulatory framework is in place and we already have laid out the plans. As we move into the future, we are expecting technology to improve so we can raise the percentage.

Five per cent seems like a small 
number, but it will reduce a big 
fraction of carbon emissions,” Al Tayer told Khaleej Times.

Al Tayer and Dr Elissar Sarouh, UN Resident Coordinator and United National Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in the UAE signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during a press conference on Monday, to set up the Dubai Carbon Centre of Excellence, a first of its kind, to regulate carbon emissions in the country through eco-friendly initiatives.

Al Tayer said that there are about 10 projects that have been planned to change UAE into a low-carbon economy, and one of these projects, currently under works, aims to reduce 
carbon emissions by 1.7 million tonnes a year.

“Initially our plan was to use 99 per cent gas and one per cent diesel. But we are now planning to make use of mixed fuel where it will consist of 71 per cent gas, 12 per cent coal, 12 per cent nuclear energy and five per cent solar energy,” said Al Tayer, adding that nuclear energy will be imported into the UAE.

The goal is in preparation for the upcoming United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio where UAE hopes to reduce carbon emissions by 30 per cent.

“We want to ensure that there will be savings in the future, security of supplies and play an active role in sustainability,” he said.

Sarouh said, “Carbon emission is a big issue everywhere in the world, especially in developed countries as you can see the numbers of natural disasters caused by it. The UAE has its own challenges but at the same time people are taking very significant steps toward addressing these issues through initiatives, such as setting up the Dubai Carbon Centre. They are trying to reach out to global expertise and technology as well as to align their policies and structures to international standards for the betterment of the environment.”

farhana@khaleejtimes.com