Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC) 2023, which began on October 2 and will run till October 5, is focusing on the theme of ‘Decarbonising. Faster. Together.’ At this global event, Suhail bin Mohamed Al Mazrouei, UAE’s Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, unveiled the nation’s ambitious clean energy goals.
Clean Energy Ambitions
Al Mazrouei revealed that the UAE is on track to produce a total capacity of 19.8 gigawatts of clean energy by 2030. Furthermore, the UAE is striving to become a significant producer and supplier of low-carbon hydrogen. The country aims to produce 1.4 million metric tonnes of low-carbon hydrogen per year by 2031 and increase this production to 15 million metric tonnes per year by 2050.
These goals underscore the UAE’s commitment to environmental sustainability and align with global efforts to combat climate change. The UAE recognizes the importance of transitioning to clean energy sources to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
International Cooperation for a Sustainable Future
During the ministerial panel at ADIPEC 2023, titled ‘Fast tracking the energy transition,’ high-level officials discussed the imperative need for international cooperation in addressing the global energy challenges posed by climate change and growing energy demands.
Tayba Al Hashemi, Chair of ADIPEC 2023 and CEO of ADNOC Offshore, emphasised the urgency of decarbonising the energy sector while ensuring energy security. She called for collective efforts across governments, industries, businesses, and individuals to accelerate innovation and actions toward a lower-carbon and higher-growth future.
Amin H Nasser, President and CEO of Aramco, expressed his belief that energy security and sustainability can coexist. Aramco is committed to meeting the world’s energy needs while developing lower-carbon solutions for a more sustainable energy future.
Policy Innovation for Energy Transition
The panel explored how innovative policies and inclusive practices are key to meeting rising energy demands and achieving net-zero emissions. Governmental policies play a crucial role in driving collaboration and investment in sustainable energy solutions.
Minister Al Mazrouei emphasised the importance of technical cooperation, stating, “We need to keep the politics aside and, as OPEC, work as a technical group.” This approach is essential for addressing technical challenges and advancing the transition to clean energy sources.
Haitham Al Ghais, Secretary-General of OPEC, echoed this sentiment, stressing the need for a clear roadmap for the energy transition. A well-defined path is essential for guiding investments and efforts in the right direction.
ADIPEC 2023: Catalyst for Energy Innovation
ADIPEC 2023 features ten conferences, including a new hydrogen-focused conference and an expanded strategic decarbonization conference. These conferences address various themes such as energy security, financing, investment mobilization, and the development of a zero-carbon value chain.
The exhibition brings together over 2,200 companies from around the world, representing the entire energy ecosystem, including the Decarbonization Zone, Maritime & Logistics Zone, Digitalisation in Energy Zone, and Manufacturing & Industrialization Exhibition & Conference.
ADIPEC 2023 attracts over 160,000 attendees from 160 countries and features more than 40 ministers and 120 global C-suite executives contributing to over 350 conference sessions. Key priorities include addressing methane and carbon emissions, scaling up technology and renewables investment, decarbonising heavy industries, and nurturing future leaders in the energy sector.
As ADIPEC 2023 continues to unfold, it serves as a testament to the UAE’s commitment to sustainable energy development. The ambitious clean energy goals announced by Minister Al Mazrouei reflect the nation’s dedication to environmental stewardship and the transition to a low-carbon future.
International cooperation remains essential in addressing the global challenges of climate change and energy security. The UAE’s efforts to become a leading producer of low-carbon hydrogen and its plans for sustainable clean energy capacity demonstrate its leadership in the clean energy transition.
As the world faces critical energy transition challenges, ADIPEC serves as a platform for industry leaders, governments, and businesses to collaborate, innovate, and drive sustainable growth in the energy sector.