Dubai has announced an ambitious plan to achieve carbon neutrality, with a target of achieving a 50% reduction in emissions by the year 2030.
The new plan will accelerate the momentum it has achieved in its transition towards clean energy over the last decade, backed by a clear roadmap for reaching its net-zero goal by 2050.
By fostering partnerships with leading regional and international organisations in clean energy, Dubai has created green funding mechanisms, balanced risks and expanded its local capabilities to play a dynamic role in driving its energy transition, said experts.
This approach has sent positive signals to clean energy investors, created an attractive market for renewable technologies and led to the development of mega clean power projects.
Today, Dubai has delivered exemplary projects such as the world’s largest single-site solar power park, the first hydropower plant in the region, a green hydrogen facility, a waste-to-energy plant and the production of green aluminium, they added.
Abdulla Mohammed Al Basti, Secretary-General of Dubai Executive Council, said the emirate was committed to collaborating with other global cities that share its vision for sustainability and climate action.
On its ambitious 50% emmissions cut goal, Al Basti said: "This is a testament to Dubai's dedication to a sustainable future, emphasising environmental protection, biodiversity, conservation of resources, a substantial increase in renewable energy, and the advancement of a green and circular economy."
Dubai Supreme Council of Energy Secretary-General Ahmad Buti Al Muhairbi said: "We have adopted a structured approach for developing prudent energy policies and clean energy projects with a focus on enhancing efficiency and fuel diversification, aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals."
"We are proud to have achieved a significant transformation of our energy sector, marked by the adoption of a successful market-based strategy, applying the public-private partnership (PPP) model. This approach has not only facilitated the development of a robust clean energy portfolio but also catered to the rapidly growing infrastructure demands of our city," he stated.
Mark Watts, Executive Director of C40, a global network of nearly 100 of the world's leading cities that are united in action to confront the climate crisis, lauded Dubai for its commitment to respond to the climate crisis by addressing their biggest sources of emissions and their climate risks, through the launch of the climate action plan, in line with the science and keeping temperatures below 1.5°C.
"The plan, the first of a major city in the Middle East aligned with the goals of the Paris Agreement, sets out a citywide target and sectoral pathways to reduce emissions 50% by 2030 compared to 2018 levels."
"From setting up the world’s largest single-site solar park to having 75% of vehicles as hybrid or electric powered, Dubai’s new climate action plan stands out in the region," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
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