DEWA Celebrates International Day Of Clean Energy With Key Events On Renewable Initiatives

The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) recently hosted two significant events, ‘Renewables Talk’ and ‘Women in Diplomacy,’ to commemorate the International Day of Clean Energy on 26 January. These gatherings, organised by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment alongside the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), took place at DEWA’s Sustainability and Innovation Centre located within the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park.

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, delivered opening remarks. The events were attended by Dr Nawal Al Hosany, UAE's Permanent Representative to IRENA, along with other high-level guests and delegations.

The UAE's Permanent Mission to IRENA collaborates with the energy agency to facilitate knowledge exchange through these platforms. This collaboration enhances communication among member states and partners in renewable energy. Such initiatives are crucial for promoting a sustainable, safe, inclusive, and equitable energy transition towards achieving net zero emissions.

The Renewables Talk event acts as a bridge between IRENA, its permanent representatives, and the UAE's diplomatic community. It offers experts a platform to share experiences and showcase opportunities in renewable energy. The event highlights projects and best practices within this sector.

The Women in Diplomacy event aims to strengthen diplomatic networks by recognising women's pivotal roles in renewable energy. It encourages knowledge sharing and builds partnerships that accelerate the shift to renewable energy while addressing climate change impacts.

Al Dahak emphasised the urgency of collective action against climate change. She stated that with 2024 marking a year where global temperatures exceeded 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, action is essential. "Clean energy solutions offer the world a pathway to long-term, low-carbon energy security," she said.

Commitment to Clean Energy Transition

Al Tayer highlighted DEWA’s Sustainability and Innovation Centre as a symbol of visionary leadership committed to sustainability and innovation in clean energy. He expressed aspirations for Dubai to become a global leader in renewable energy through ambitious initiatives aligned with the UAE’s role in advancing global climate action.

La Camera expressed gratitude towards the UAE's Permanent Mission to IRENA for their partnership and DEWA for hosting the event. He noted that celebrating International Day of Clean Energy also marks IRENA's founding anniversary on 26 January 2009.

"It is a reminder about renewable energy's role as a key enabler for prosperous lives," La Camera stated. He stressed renewables' potential to address climate change, foster sustainable development, reduce pollution, and shape a clean energy future for all.

With inputs from WAM