Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) hosted its first panel discussion of 2026 in Dubai, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and youth to explore challenges and opportunities in integrating renewable energy while maintaining grid stability and resilience.
Dr Habiba Al Mar’ashi, Co-Founder and Chairperson of EEG, opened the session by highlighting the ongoing transformation of the global energy landscape. She noted that renewable energy is now central to economic competitiveness, climate action, and energy security. Citing the International Energy Agency, she emphasized that renewables are projected to account for nearly 90% of global power capacity additions by 2030, stressing the need not only to expand capacity but also to ensure effective integration into existing power systems.
Al Mar’ashi underscored key global energy challenges, including intermittency, grid congestion, storage limitations, digital infrastructure gaps, and regulatory readiness. She called for coordinated planning, investment in smart grids and advanced storage solutions, digitalisation, and regional collaboration.
The event also featured EEG’s first inter-school debate of 2026, reflecting the organisation’s commitment to youth engagement and sustainability education. Students explored the opportunities and limitations of renewable energy systems, demonstrating critical thinking and environmental awareness.
The expert panel included representatives from the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, the University of Sharjah, the American University of Sharjah, and the private sector. Discussions focused on technical, regulatory, and financial aspects of clean energy integration, with particular attention to energy storage, smart grids, demand response mechanisms, and green hydrogen as a long-duration storage solution.
Panelists explored how surplus renewable power can be stored and used effectively, while addressing infrastructure, cost, and regulatory challenges. The potential of green hydrogen to enhance grid flexibility and support decarbonisation was highlighted, alongside the need for supportive policies, targeted investment, and regional collaboration.
The session concluded with an interactive Q&A, emphasizing the importance of closer cooperation between governments, industry, and academia to align policy, planning, and long-term investment in resilient energy systems.
The event was supported by McDonald’s UAE as the main contributor and hosted at Two Seasons Hotel and Apartments. Partnerships with the Emirates Green Building Council, the Clean Energy Business Council, the Swiss Business Council, Capital Club Dubai, and the Arabia CSR Network reinforced the session.
This panel marks the start of EEG’s 2026 discussion series, setting the stage for continued dialogue on sustainability, climate action, and clean energy transitions.
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