Abu Dhabi's Energy and Environment Agencies Highlight Progress on Climate Strategy at COP29

Photo : Abu Dhabi Media Office

The Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) are making great progress with the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy for 2023–2027. The goal of the plan is to help Abu Dhabi fight climate change, reduce harmful emissions, and build a green economy.

This news was shared during the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11 to 22, 2024. COP29 is an important global meeting where world leaders discuss solutions for climate change as the planet is getting hotter, and extreme weather is becoming more common.

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The plan focuses on helping Abu Dhabi adapt to climate change by cutting emissions and attracting investment to create a cleaner, low-carbon economy. It also aims to protect important areas like energy, health, infrastructure, and the environment.

This is the first plan of its kind in the region. The strategy has two main parts: mitigation (reducing emissions) and adaptation (getting ready for the impacts of climate change). The plan aims to reduce emissions by the same amount that 500 million trees would absorb in 10 years. The long-term goal is to reach Net Zero emissions by 2050. The plan will run for five years and includes 77 projects, with help from 14 government and non-government organizations.

The strategy works in two ways. First, it helps Abu Dhabi adapt to climate change by strengthening four key sectors: energy, health, infrastructure, and the environment. Second, it focuses on mitigating (reducing) emissions by using new technologies and cutting emissions in major areas.

A team, led by the DOE and made up of people from EAD, the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), the Department of Economic Development (DED), the Department of Health (DOH), and the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), is in charge of making sure the plan is followed. This team checks the progress of the projects, suggests new ideas, and ensures everything fits with long-term plans. They also work with others to solve future challenges.

The team has reported that Abu Dhabi is expected to cut about 26 million tonnes of carbon dioxide by the end of 2024. This is a big step toward the goal of reducing emissions by 22% by 2027, compared to levels from 2016.

In the first year of the plan, many important projects were finished. For example, the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant reduced emissions by 22 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, and the Al Dhafra Solar Power Project cut emissions by 2.4 million tonnes. Other projects include setting up rules to recycle in industries and creating a system to track environmental data.

EAD keeps track of emissions by using reports that show where the emissions come from and how much they are. The fifth report for Abu Dhabi has been completed.

The work to prepare for climate change in key areas like energy, health, and infrastructure is about 30% done. The full plans to adapt to climate change in all sectors will be completed by 2027.

So far, 26% of the projects in the strategy have been finished. These include the Al Dhafra Solar Power Project and studies to reduce carbon emissions. There are 43 projects being worked on, including creating a warning system for high temperatures, reducing emissions in the oil and gas industry, protecting against natural storms, supporting the green economy, and improving city planning. Another 14 projects are being planned, like making shelters for natural disasters and improving infrastructure.

Engineer Ahmed Mohammed Al Rumaithi, Undersecretary of the DOE, said, “COP29 is a great chance to share ideas and set new goals for fighting climate change. Abu Dhabi is working with partners to change the energy sector and reach climate neutrality by 2050. This will help make Abu Dhabi a leader in clean energy and sustainability.”

He also mentioned important projects like the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, which cuts emissions by 22 million tonnes each year, the Noor Abu Dhabi Solar Plant, which reduces emissions by one million tonnes, and the Al Dhafra Solar Power Plant, which cuts emissions by 2.4 million tonnes every year. There is also the Taweelah Reverse Osmosis Desalination Plant, which produces enough clean water for 350,000 homes every day.

Al Rumaithi highlighted that Abu Dhabi is moving forward with new projects to support clean energy and meet the UAE’s goal of becoming carbon-neutral by 2050.

Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of EAD, said, “COP29 is an important time for global climate action. This event helps us work together to find solutions to climate change. We aim to protect the vulnerable areas in Abu Dhabi from the effects of climate change. We are working with everyone to achieve our goals.”

The strategy’s target is to reduce Abu Dhabi’s total emissions by 22% by 2027 compared to 2016 levels. The DOE is leading efforts to reduce emissions in the energy sector and aims to get 60% of Abu Dhabi's electricity from clean sources by 2035. The EAD is also working with the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company to reduce emissions and achieve climate neutrality by 2045, five years earlier than originally planned.

The team is committed to continuing cooperation with all partners to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s resilience against climate change and achieve its climate goals. This will help the UAE reach its vision of climate neutrality by 2050 and support global efforts for a better future.

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