Latest news with #InternationalDayofCleanEnergy
The National
31-01-2025
- Business
- The National
AI can help boost our clean energy ambitions
The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) was inescapable at this year's World Economic Forum Annual Meeting. Whether dialogues were focused on the global economic outlook, the future of the labour force, or the energy transition, the spectre of AI was ever present. And it's not hard to see why. With breakthrough technologies and innovations making their way from research labs to factories, supply and value chains, we are on the brink of a new era of social, economic and human possibility. Harnessing and integrating these technological breakthroughs into the global energy system will be crucial to unlocking this immense potential. This consensus from the Swiss mountains in Davos was also echoed at the International Day of Clean Energy. At a dedicated session hosted at the UAE pavilion at the annual meeting on January 22, global leaders who had gathered underscored the need for greater ambition and faster adoption of technologies to meet the UAE Consensus goals of tripling renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency by 2030. With 2024 marking the first time that the 1.5 °C warming threshold has been breached for the year on average, long-term solutions are as desperately needed, as our time to deploy them is short. Right now, the research suggests that, if scaled at the right pace, digital technologies can reduce emissions by 20 per cent by 2050 in the three highest-emitting sectors: energy, materials and mobility. That represents a significant portion of the emissions reductions needed to keep a 1.5 °C future in our sights. There is, however, a dichotomy at the centre of the AI-energy revolution. The more AI technologies and tools that are developed, the higher the demand for the energy that supports them will grow. Thus, energy demand is only set to increase the more we depend on AI tools and networks. A World Economic Forum report from the start of 2024 pointed out that AI's energy use is currently estimated to be around 2-3 per cent of total global emissions. But that is likely to change rapidly as more companies, governments and organisations use AI to drive efficiency and productivity. And, when we realise that AI, and in particular generative AI systems might use up to 33 times more energy to complete a task than task-specific software would, it also comes with a renewed sense to make our energy supplies clean and renewable. For now, the early signs of AI's affect on the energy sector are encouraging. We are already seeing a wave of technological disruption reshaping the energy system – from transforming renewable energy generation and fundamentally altering how energy is consumed across end-use sectors. On the supply side, innovations such as advanced solar photovoltaic systems, offshore wind turbines, and next-generation grid-scale battery storage are enabling cleaner, more efficient energy production while improving grid reliability. When transmitted to end-use sectors like transport, buildings, and industry, technologies such as green hydrogen, smart grids, and electrification are driving significant reductions in carbon emissions. What's more, digital tools such as AI and blockchain are optimising energy efficiency and facilitating the integration of decentralised renewable energy systems. This tech-driven energy revolution is simultaneously transforming how we produce and consume energy, and creating a new development pathway that prioritises clean, affordable and accessible energy. The integration of AI with renewables is also helping enhance community resilience in vulnerable regions. For example, machine learning algorithms are being used to optimise microgrids, ensuring uninterrupted power supplies during extreme weather events. AI-powered predictive maintenance tools are reducing downtime in solar and wind facilities, while advanced forecasting models improve energy storage and grid balancing to accommodate variability in renewable energy sources. Such digital solutions are critical in scaling renewable energy systems globally and ensuring they are resilient to disruptions. The UAE, as a global leader in renewable energy, is already demonstrating how AI can be harnessed to achieve energy resilience and security. For instance, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park uses AI to optimise solar panel cleaning schedules and enhance energy output. The UAE has also integrated AI into its energy planning systems, enabling real-time monitoring of grid performance and predictive analytics to mitigate potential outages. Through initiatives such as Masdar City and partnerships with global technology leaders, the UAE is using AI to drive efficiencies, reduce emissions, and future-proof its energy systems. The convergence of AI and the energy transition presents an unprecedented opportunity to tackle the twin challenges of decarbonisation and growing energy demand. However, realising this potential requires co-ordinated global action. Policymakers must prioritise investments in clean energy technologies, while industry stakeholders adopt AI solutions responsibly to ensure they align with sustainability goals. The UAE is showing what is possible when innovation meets ambition, but it cannot do this alone. If we want to keep 1.5°C within reach and create a future powered by clean, reliable energy, the time to act is now. AI, when integrated thoughtfully and equitably into energy systems, can help us achieve a transformative and sustainable future. But only if we commit to scaling the technologies and policies that make it possible.
Express Tribune
30-01-2025
- Science
- Express Tribune
Need for renewable energy stressed
BAHAWALPUR: The Faculty of Social Sciences and SDGs Collaboration Centre, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, marked the International Day of Clean Energy by organising an insightful session aimed at promoting a deeper understanding of sustainable energy practices. The event highlighted the urgency of transitioning to renewable resources, focused on educating students about the critical role of clean energy in mitigating climate change, its far-reaching environmental benefits and actionable steps individuals can take to contribute to a greener future. The International Day of Clean Energy is observed annually on January 26th and plays an important role in advancing several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Bahrain News Gazette
28-01-2025
- Business
- Bahrain News Gazette
China-Greece Wind Power Collaboration Boosts Renewable Energy Transition
Athens: Four wind farms nestled in the mountains of northern Greece have become prominent landmarks in the area. These wind farms are part of the Thrace Wind Power Project, led by China Energy Guohua Investment Europe Renewable Energy S.A. Since commencing operations in 2019, the project has generated approximately 160 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, supplying power to more than 30,000 households in Greece. According to Bahrain News Agency, the Thrace Wind Power Project was launched following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between China and Greece under the Belt and Road Initiative in 2018. Speaking ahead of the International Day of Clean Energy, the company's deputy general manager, Wu Bate, told Xinhua that the project represents China's first wind power investment in Greece. It comprises four wind farms equipped with 34 turbines, with a total installed capacity of 78.2 megawatts. 'The project reduces carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 150,000 tons annually and saves 53,000 tons of standard coal, equivalent to planting 360,000 trees,' Wu said. 'It has played a pivotal role in supporting Greece's energy transition.' In recent years, Greece has accelerated its shift toward renewable energy. According to the Greek government's revised National Energy and Climate Plan, renewable energy is projected to account for 75% of electricity generation by 2030, increasing further to 95% by 2035. Data from the Hellenic Wind Energy Association shows that wind power contributed 23.5% of Greece's total electricity generation in 2023.
Mid East Info
27-01-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
UAE Pavilion Hosts High-Level Panel Discussion on Clean Energy Ahead of International Day of Clean Energy - Middle East Business News and Information
Global sustainability leaders and energy experts convened at the UAE Pavilion in Davos today to discuss the critical role of clean energy in shaping a sustainable future. The high-level panel discussion, titled 'Clean Energy: The Ultimate Path Towards Safeguarding the Planet' , served as a prelude to the International Day of Clean Energy on January 26, 2025. The session explored actionable strategies to fast-track the global energy transition and meet ambitious targets, including tripling renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency by 2030. Panelists highlighted the interconnected nature of transformative technologies, policy frameworks, and financing strategies required to achieve these goals. They stressed the importance of collaboration among governments, private sector stakeholders, and international organisations to overcome barriers and realise the promise of clean energy. Francesco La Camera, Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), emphasised, ' I thank the United Arab Emirates for their steadfast partnership in accelerating the global energy transition as we celebrate this year's International Day of Clean Energy. This day not only marks the anniversary of IRENA's founding on 26 January 2009, but it also serves as a clear reminder of the potential of renewables to address climate change, foster sustainable development, reduce pollution, and shape a clean energy future for all. Despite record growth in renewables, the global distribution of renewable power remains alarmingly uneven, with the Global South increasingly being left behind. Urgent global action is needed to address the structural and systemic barriers hindering progress, including gaps in critical infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, technical capacity, and the need for significantly increased investment.' H.E. Mohamed AlHammadi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC), commented, 'Meeting growing energy demands to enhance energy security in a clean and reliable manner is a top priority for world leaders, who face the dual challenges of climate change and the increasing demand for electricity to power our modern world, including the technology that drives connection and innovation. Nuclear energy is increasingly recognised as a key solution for enabling electrification while decarbonising the grid. With its proven ability to generate abundant, clean electricity 24/7, nuclear energy is supported by 31 nations and 14 international banks committed to tripling global nuclear energy capacity. The UAE has witnessed firsthand the transformative role of nuclear energy in strengthening national energy security, with the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant supplying a quarter of the nation's electricity demand carbon-free, underscoring the UAE's unwavering commitment to reducing carbon emissions.' H.E. Dr. Nawal Al-Hosany, Permanent Representative of the UAE to IRENA, added, ' Collaboration and knowledge sharing are the driving forces behind a successful global energy transition. By cultivating meaningful partnerships and embracing diverse perspectives, we can unlock the full potential of clean energy solutions, making them more accessible, inclusive, and transformative for communities worldwide. The UAE is proud to be at the forefront of this journey, championing initiatives that pave the way for a sustainable future for all.' The UAE, a key sponsor of the UN resolution on the International Day of Clean Energy and host country of IRENA, has been at the forefront of advocating for renewable energy and sustainability initiatives. Following the UAE Consensus at COP28, 198 parties agreed to ambitious energy goals, underscoring the urgent need for decisive fiscal policies and financing strategies. The event concluded with a reaffirmation of the UAE's leadership in advancing renewable energy solutions and its steadfast commitment to global climate action.
Hi Dubai
27-01-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
DEWA Marks International Day of Clean Energy with Key Events
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) hosted two significant events, 'Renewables Talk' and 'Women in Diplomacy', on 26 January to commemorate the International Day of Clean Energy. The events, held at DEWA's Sustainability and Innovation Centre at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, were organised by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). Opening remarks were delivered by Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, and Francesco La Camera, Director-General of IRENA. The events were attended by notable guests, including Dr. Nawal Al Hosany, UAE's Permanent Representative to IRENA, and other high-level delegations. The events aimed to foster knowledge exchange and build partnerships in the renewable energy sector, aligning with the UAE's goal of achieving Net Zero by 2050. The 'Renewables Talk' provided a platform for experts and stakeholders to discuss best practices, while 'Women in Diplomacy' focused on empowering women in the energy sector. Al Dahak emphasized the urgency of collective action against climate change, noting 2024 as the first year with global temperatures exceeding 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. She highlighted the UAE's role in driving clean energy solutions both locally and globally. Al Tayer reaffirmed DEWA's commitment to sustainability and innovation, aiming to position Dubai as a global leader in renewable energy. La Camera praised the UAE's efforts and underscored the importance of renewable energy in addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development. News Source: Emirates News Agency
