Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA) | New report titled ‘Dubai’s Green Future: Powered by Renewable Energy’ showcases the Emirate's commitment to a net-zero carbon future by 2050

A special report of Entrepreneur Middle East titled ‘Dubai’s Green Future: Powered by Renewable Energy’ has been published in collaboration with Lucidity Insights. The recent report outlines Dubai’s ambitious journey towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, supported by significant investments in renewable energy sources.

The special report provides an in-depth look at Dubai’s strategies, initiatives and major clean and renewable energy projects that are driving the Emirate toward its net-zero ambitions. It highlights the exceptional progress being made by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) based on sound planning and execution, showcasing how Dubai is transforming its energy landscape.

A Journey to Net Zero: Strategies and Initiatives

The report highlights the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050 to provide 100% of energy production capacity from clean energy sources by 2050. This strategy positions Dubai as a global hub for clean energy and green economic practices, while deploying advanced technologies to render the city carbon-neutral by the target date. Since 2020, Dubai has consistently exceeded its targets. With a baseline target of a 7% clean energy mix set in 2020, Dubai achieved 8.2% by the end of the same year. By the end of 2023, this had doubled to 16.1%.

“Dubai’s commitment to a sustainable and green future is a meticulously crafted journey aligning with the UAE’s ambitious sustainability goals. Under the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the UAE has made significant strides in integrating sustainability into its core development agenda. Dubai’s green future is a story of innovation, commitment and unparalleled progress, promising a legacy that will influence generations to come,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA.

“At DEWA, we are proud of the achievements we have made in clean energy through prominent projects. The findings presented in this report not only underscore Dubai’s major clean and renewable energy projects, but also inspire other cities worldwide to pursue sustainable practices,” added Al Tayer.

Renewable energy at the heart of Dubai’s strategy

Wissam Younane, CEO of BNC Publishing, the media house behind Entrepreneur Middle East, said Dubai is at the forefront of an energy revolution, as highlighted in the special report published by Entrepreneur Middle East.

“The report delves into the Emirate’s ambitious plans to transition to sustainable, clean energy sources, driving innovation while ensuring environmental stewardship. With renewable energy at the heart of its strategy, Dubai is poised to set a global example for how urban centres can balance rapid growth with sustainability,” said Younane.

Key projects driving change

Several pivotal projects exemplifying Dubai’s renewable energy transformation are highlighted in the report. The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the largest single-site solar park in the world, based on the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model, is central to this success and is designed to become the world’s largest solar energy producer from a single location. With a projected total energy generation capacity of over 5,000MW by 2030, the solar park is expected to provide enough clean energy to power 1.5 million homes. Today, the park’s capacity stands at 2,860MW, which is approximately 17% of DEWA’s installed power capacity.

The solar park has garnered Guinness World Records, including being home to the tallest concentrated solar power tower globally and the largest thermal energy storage plant. Experts credit the solar park, with over USD 13 billion in investment, with significantly reducing the global cost of solar energy.

Innovative approaches to sustainable energy

The report also explores DEWA’s Green Hydrogen project, which is the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa. It contributes to the UAE’s ambition to become a major hydrogen producer by 2031. The country aims to produce 1.4 million tonnes of hydrogen annually by 2031, increasing to 15 million tonnes by 2050. Hydrogen is expected to play a crucial role in the global transition to a low-carbon future.

Furthermore, the report highlights the first pumped-storage hydroelectric power plant in the GCC that DEWA is implementing in Hatta. With a capacity of 250MW and a storage capacity of 1,500 MWh, this facility is expected to power approximately 60,000 households annually.

The report, which provides readers with valuable insights into Dubai’s ambitious projects and ongoing efforts in renewable energy, can be downloaded https://www.entrepreneur.com/en-ae/growth-strategies/dubais-commitment-to-a-net-zero-carbon-future-by-2050-is/480718.