Sharif Al Olama Emphasises Storage Capacity Development To Achieve Tripling Of Renewables Target At COP29

At the 29th UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, Sharif Al Olama from the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure highlighted the need for enhanced energy storage. He stressed that increasing storage capacity is crucial for achieving renewable energy goals. The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts a need for US$1.2 trillion in storage investments by 2030 to meet global targets.

Al Olama explained that energy storage addresses the issue of renewable intermittency. It allows excess energy produced during peak times to be stored and used when demand rises. Without adequate storage, up to 30% of renewable energy could be wasted by 2030 due to current infrastructure limitations.

The goal of tripling renewable capacity requires adding about 11,000 GW globally by 2030. This expansion demands a significant increase in storage capacity from 30 GW to around 620 GW worldwide. In the UAE, advancements in integrating storage solutions are evident, such as at Dubai’s Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park.

This solar park has adopted battery storage systems enabling clean energy use after sunset. The IEA forecasts that hybrid systems like solar-plus-storage will make up nearly 40% of new renewable projects globally by 2030, allowing countries to utilise renewable power continuously.

Storage also plays a vital role in cutting carbon emissions. According to the IEA, decarbonising the global power sector by 2030 requires a 60% reduction in emissions. Effective storage increases renewable energy use, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Each GWh of stored renewable energy can prevent about 1,500 metric tons of CO₂ emissions.

During COP29, Al Olama participated in discussions on accelerating clean hydrogen deployment by 2030. He stated that under Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's leadership, the UAE aims to achieve mid-century climate goals through hydrogen technologies and renewable investments.

Hydrogen Strategy and Global Collaboration

The UAE was the first Middle Eastern nation to commit to net-zero emissions by 2050. Central to its clean energy agenda is the National Hydrogen Strategy, positioning the UAE as a leader in hydrogen production and exportation. By leveraging natural resources and carbon capture capabilities, the UAE plans to produce significant quantities of low-carbon hydrogen by 2050.

This strategy is essential for decarbonising sectors like heavy industry and transportation while establishing the UAE as a major hydrogen exporter to Europe and Asia. In sessions on hydrogen's role in decarbonisation, Al Olama emphasised the importance of addressing high-emission sectors through strategic investments and international cooperation.

UAE's Strategic Initiatives

The UAE recognises the challenges posed by industries such as aviation and maritime shipping due to their high energy needs and complex infrastructures. Achieving climate targets requires focused efforts within these sectors to limit global temperature rise.

Under its Energy Strategy 2050 and Net Zero by 2050 Initiative, the UAE aims to triple its renewable energy capacity by 2030. By mid-century, it plans to reduce industrial energy demand significantly, saving AED 14 billion and cutting emissions by millions of tons.

The UAE's commitment sets a benchmark for sustainable practices globally, inviting other nations and stakeholders to collaborate towards a low-carbon future.

With inputs from WAM