UAE participates in Irena Council meeting in Abu Dhabi

The UAE joined 100 countries this week for a renewable energy meeting in the capital.

The meeting was led by Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment. Wam

ABU DHABI // The UAE joined 100 countries this week for a meeting hosted by the International Renewable Energy Agency in Abu Dhabi.

The Irena Council meeting comes ahead of the Cop22 conference in Marrakech, Morocco, next week, where countries will set a roadmap to implement the Paris Agreement to address climate change.

As part of the agreement 196 countries pledged to limit global warming to less than 2 degrees.

“In Cop 22, we will have the chance to come together to enhance climate action and take concrete steps into achieving our intended goals” said Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment and Permanent Representative of the UAE to Irena.

As part of UAE plans, laws curbing vehicles emissions, renewable energy and consumption are among the changes expected to be implemented in the coming years.

“The UAE recognises the key role that renewable energy plays in addressing climate change and achieving sustainable development in our countries, and Irena’s work is vital to support countries in implementing their climate change national intended contributions and accelerating the deployment of renewables,” Dr Al Zeyoudi said.

The council also discussed Irena progress in implementing strategies, sustainable development goals and climate change national intended contributions, as well as the role of renewable energy in cities.

“We have seen impressive solar developments in the UAE this year with Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai, and recently in Abu Dhabi, [with] its planned 350-megawatt solar PV plant in Sweihan,” Said Al Shafar, deputy head of the UAE delegation to Irena’s council.

“The success of renewables in the world has been tremendous, with its costs falling even further accelerating its deployment.

“This fact accentuates Irena’s role as the global voice of renewables aiding countries in their energy transitions. As the host country of Irena, we remain committed to fully supporting the agency on all fronts.”