Abu Dhabi's Environment Agency Unveils International Carbon Measurement, Reporting, And Verification Programme

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has introduced a carbon Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) programme. This initiative aims to tackle carbon emissions in Abu Dhabi. EAD is exploring carbon pricing mechanisms to combat climate change and promote a low-carbon economy. The agency collaborates with federal, local, and private partners to support decarbonisation in emission-heavy sectors.

Studies by EAD indicate that a domestic carbon pricing scheme aids industries in reducing emissions. The MRV programme will help track greenhouse gas emissions accurately. This lays the foundation for effective carbon pricing strategies. It standardises greenhouse gas reporting across industrial and energy sectors in Abu Dhabi, aligning with global practices.

The MRV system generates data meeting international climate standards like those of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It aligns with the Paris Agreement's Enhanced Transparency Framework and supports international climate mitigation efforts. The programme also strengthens outcomes from the UAE Consensus adopted at COP28.

Large carbon-emitting facilities must monitor, report, and verify emissions annually under the MRV programme. The first reports are due in 2026. The programme's design involved consultations with public and private stakeholders to ensure collaboration and alignment. Dr. Shaikha Al Dhaheri of EAD stated that transparent data is crucial for assessing climate policies like carbon pricing.

"Abu Dhabi has fortified its position as a forward-thinking leader on climate action, through working closely with our government, industrial and energy sector partners, as we are integrating new mandatory Measurement, Reporting and Verification efforts into our broader carbon accounting framework," said Dr. Shaikha Al Dhaheri.

Commitment to Sustainability

Ahmed Mohammed Al Rumaithi from the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy emphasised collaboration to transform the energy sector. He highlighted the importance of collective efforts in achieving sustainable development goals and climate neutrality by 2050. "Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) systems are crucial for providing accurate data to track carbon emissions," he noted.

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban of Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) mentioned that the GHG MRV solution assists EGA in meeting regulatory requirements while ensuring transparency in emissions data throughout production processes. "This tool is an important step in achieving our bold aspiration of embedding sustainability in everything we do," he said.

EAD will oversee the MRV programme's implementation and administration within the emirate. This serves as a vital step towards decarbonisation through clean technology development, contributing to UAE’s 2050 targets for sustainability and economic prosperity.

With inputs from WAM