Despite UAE Still Being Heavily Dependent On Oil & Gas, Its RE Sector Is Also Growing At A Steady Pace – Report

Despite UAE still being heavily dependent on oil & gas, its renewable energy sector is also growing at a steady pace. It aims to increase its renewable energy capacity to 44% in 2050, with the establishment of the Energy Strategy 2050. One of its renewable energy power plants with a large capacity is the Al Dhafra solar PV plant which has a capacity of 2 GW.

UAE is also a pioneer of nuclear energy in the Middle East region, with the establishment of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant. The Barakah Nuclear Power Plant consists of four APR-1400 reactors with a total capacity of 5,600 MW. Unit 1 reached 100% commercial operation in April 2021, Unit 2 reached commercial operation in March 2022 while Unit 3 has been connected to the national electricity grid in October 2022. Unit 4 is now in the final stages of the commissioning phase.

Hydrogen is a rising sector in the UAE, with the launch of the Hydrogen Leadership Roadmap during COP 26. UAE formed the Abu Dhabi Hydrogen Alliance (ADHA) in January 2021, with Mubadala Investment Company, ADQ, ADNOC, and the country’s Ministry of Energy and
Infrastructure. One of the pilot hydrogen projects in the UAE is the Muhammed bin Rashid (MBR) pilot hydrogen plant which has a capacity of 1.25 MW that is expected to produce 20.5 kg of hydrogen per hour.