In a significant stride towards clean energy advancements, the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE) has sealed two pivotal Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) during COP28 UAE with esteemed international collaborators. The agreements aim to leverage solar power from space and foster the development of world-class clean energy policies and technologies. These initiatives intend to hasten climate action, both locally in Abu Dhabi and on a global scale.
The MoUs, signed with the Arizona State Board of Governors representing the University of Arizona and SolarSpace in the US, along with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), highlight the DoE’s commitment to partnering with global regulators, academic institutions, infrastructure developers, and green financiers. These alliances seek to expedite the UAE’s transition to a net-zero energy future while steering the economy toward sustainability.
The agreements, formalized at the UAE House of Sustainability Pavilion within the COP28 UAE Green Zone, signify the DoE’s dedication to exploring innovative net-zero pathways and technologies for collective climate action. This strategic move aligns with the DoE’s endorsement of the UAE’s role as this year’s host to unite nations and drive climate solutions.
His Excellency Eng. Awaidha Murshed Al Marar, Chairman of the DoE, emphasized the significance of these agreements in propelling innovative policies and projects to accelerate regional and global energy transitions. He highlighted the commitment to socioeconomic progress, ensuring an inclusive approach towards a sustainable energy future.
The collaboration with the University of Arizona and SolarSpace targets advancements in clean energy by harnessing space-based solar power (SBSP) technology. The partnership aims to explore the feasibility of SBSP technology and its potential applications in the UAE and the Middle East, offering an alternative route to reduce global carbon emissions.
Robert C. Robbins, President of the University of Arizona, expressed enthusiasm for their involvement, citing the university’s leadership in solar energy technology and space sciences, aligning with the region’s needs.
David Vili, Founder and CEO of SolarSpace, echoed the excitement, highlighting the multifaceted potential of their technology in addressing various challenges, from desalination to capturing solar energy in outer space.
Additionally, the DoE’s framework agreement with IRENA focuses on collaborating in renewable energy policies, energy scenarios, and technologies. This collaboration aims to drive the energy transition and bolster Abu Dhabi’s long-term sustainability efforts.
Eng. Ahmed Mohammed Al Rumaithi, Undersecretary of the DoE, emphasized the importance of stakeholder collaboration and consensus building in achieving cleaner energy transitions. The collaboration with IRENA aims to leverage emerging technologies and global best practices for bolder climate action and faster decarbonization of the energy industry.
Francesco La Camera, Director General of IRENA, expressed delight in fortifying their partnership with the DoE, aligning with the UAE’s Vision 2050 and Abu Dhabi’s 2040 Vision, and supporting energy transitions at domestic, regional, and global levels.
The MoU between DoE and IRENA also encompasses collaboration on the energy-water nexus, focusing on system integration and efficiency to ensure both cleaner energy and water security for the UAE.
Discover more from SolarQuarter
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
