From solar rooftops to carbon capture: UAE powers Net Zero future through innovation and a clear strategy, say experts
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
With the UAE sprinting towards Net Zero, innovation, policy and public engagement are driving the nation closer to a low-carbon future, experts across industries have told Aletihad . A detailed, nationwide action plan has been set for the UAE to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 – and power has been identified as one of the six sectors at the heart of the strategy.Utility provider Etihad Water and Electricity (EtihadWE), which serves the Northern Emirates, empowers its communities to actively participate in the energy transition.Its Distributed Solar System (DSS) initiative – in partnership with the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure – enables residents, businesses, and agricultural entities to become 'prosumers'. Through the EtihadWE's rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems, its prosumers are able to generate clean solar energy and contribute some surplus back to the grid.
'This approach delivers tangible environmental benefits. While the full impact on carbon emissions is subject to ongoing measurement, the early adoption rates, positive feedback, and growing number of certified installations are highly encouraging,' Eng. Yousif Ahmed Al Ali, CEO of EtihadWE, told Aletihad . 'This initiative directly contributes to the UAE's ambitious clean energy targets and underscores our commitment to a sustainable future, one rooftop at a time.'Leveraging advanced technologies, the utility provider has also deployed nearly 500,000 smart meters, covering more than half of its network. Full coverage is expected by 2026. These meters provide real-time data that supports leak detection, accurate demand forecasting, and AI-driven predictive maintenance.'Ultimately, this technological leap translates directly into reduced waste, improved service reliability, and a more responsive utility for our customers,' Al Ali said.In terms of water management, EtihadWE has taken a unique path by relying entirely on reverse osmosis (RO) desalination.'Our NAQA'A plant, one of the world's largest RO facilities, stands as a testament to this commitment – delivering large-scale water production with a significantly lower carbon footprint, and reinforcing EtihadWE's role in advancing both water and energy security,' said Al Ali.The integration of clean energy into existing infrastructure is central to EtihadWE's low-carbon strategy, the CEO added.
Beyond Clean EnergyThe country, led by Abu Dhabi, has built a solid reputation as a key player in industrial decarbonisation 'because it pairs state-level ambition with tangible delivery', said Timothy Hurst, Group Managing Director and Energy and Industrials Lead for EMEA at Burson. 'The UAE is not waiting for future breakthroughs, but using every lever today to build a credible clean energy platform,' said Hurst, who has supported clients for communications at COP28 and other global forums.Beyond investments in clean energy and AI, carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) is another technology that bolsters efforts to 'reduce emissions from energy-intensive and hard-to-abate industries without slowing growth', he added.Abu Dhabi is home to one of MENA region's largest CCUS projects. Sustainable energy solutions provider Everllance supplies critical technologies to this CCUS initiative, while providing support across ADNOC's oil, gas, and maritime operations.
'We expect to see a rapid expansion of CCUS projects. For example, ADNOC is targeting to capture 10 million tonnes CO₂ per year by 2030,' Gaby Hanna, Senior Vice President and Head of Region MEA at Everllence, told Aletihad .
'If this vision is realised, the UAE will take regional leadership of CCUS.'
Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
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