UAE boosts clean energy ambitions to 35% by 2031 - Sarmad
Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, confirmed that the United Arab Emirates has raised its target for the contribution of clean energy, including nuclear and renewable sources, to 35% by 2030 and 2031.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Emirates News Agency (WAM) on the sidelines of the Middle East Energy 2026 exhibition, Al Mazrouei stated that achieving this target requires implementing new projects, enhancing competition, and expanding opportunities for the private sector in power generation. He noted the ongoing update of the energy strategy to align with declining costs and rapid technological advancements.
He clarified that the UAE continues to develop electricity networks and construct new power plants to reduce losses, improve efficiency, and achieve the best electricity prices, pointing out that renewable energy costs are continuously decreasing due to project expansion and technological progress.
He highlighted that energy storage technologies have seen significant development, with batteries now capable of storing electricity for up to 24 hours at competitive prices, compared to just two or three hours previously. This has enhanced the ability of solar energy to provide round-the-clock supply and compete with continuous energy sources such as natural gas and nuclear power.
Al Mazrouei emphasized that the country’s power generation sector has been open to the private sector for decades, and its privatization has contributed to lowering costs, enhancing competitiveness, and implementing advanced governance standards.
He noted that UAE-based companies, including Masdar and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), possess global competitive capabilities and are executing projects in international markets.
He added that the future of the energy sector relies on expanding cleaner sources, strengthening cross-border electricity interconnections, improving the efficiency of transmission networks, and reducing losses.
Middle East Energy 2026 brings together approximately 1,500 exhibitors from 70 countries to showcase the latest technologies and solutions that contribute to lowering costs and enhancing the efficiency of the energy sector.
