UAE plans to double Solar Power, Batteries by 2035

The UAE plans to add more solar power plants and battery storage sites as the oil-rich country strives to produce carbon-free electricity.

“The capital, Abu Dhabi, plans to reach 16 GW of green power generation capacity by 2035, almost double the current level. The company expects to increase electricity demand by 5% annually during the remainder of the current contract,” Ousmane Al Ali, CEO of the Emirates Water and Electricity Company, said.

The UAE, the first Gulf country to announce its target to reach net zero emissions by 2050, is hosting the UN climate summit “COP28”, which will begin later this month.

Earlier, the UAE inaugurated Al Dhafra solar power plant, with a production capacity of 2 GW, which is the largest single-site solar power plant in the world.

“The UAE is proceeding with its plans to enhance energy security and sources by creating a diverse and flexible mix that contributes to reducing emissions and supports the national economy and sustainable development efforts,” Sheikh Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi, said.

“This pilot project, which is being launched as we are about to host COP28, is a model for projects implemented in accordance with national strategies aimed at raising the share of clean energy, reducing emissions, and supporting global efforts to stimulate effective climate action in order to mitigate the effects of climate change and support the comprehensive sustainable development process,” he added.