UAE Calls For Action On Clean Energy And Technology At Baku Energy Week

The UAE is playing a pioneering role in spreading clean energy and advanced technology applications globally, according to Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and President of the Conference of the Parties (COP28). In his speech at the opening of the "Baku Energy Week" activities, Dr. Al Jaber called for combined efforts to turn the historic "UAE Agreement" into a reality by taking practical measures to achieve sustainable economic and social growth and low emissions for all.

Dr. Al Jaber also urged all countries to contribute to the success of COP29 based on the outcomes of COP28 in Dubai last year. He highlighted the achievements of COP28 in reaching the ambitious "UAE Agreement", which includes comprehensive results for climate negotiations since the Paris Agreement. Despite geopolitical tensions, COP28 proved the feasibility of multilateral action in achieving global goals and uniting efforts to preserve the possibility of avoiding global temperature rises exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius while supporting economic and social development.

In a significant development, the UAE and Azerbaijan announced the start of work on implementing the Belasovar and Nivchala photovoltaic solar power stations and the Absheron Karadag wind energy project. These projects, developed in partnership between Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company Masdar and the Azerbaijani company SOCAR, have a combined capacity of over 1GW of clean energy to meet Azerbaijan's growing needs. These projects are an extension of the historical partnership between the UAE and Azerbaijan to promote green growth and support sustainable development globally.

The "Troika of COP Presidencies" is another important outcome of the "UAE Agreement." It marks the first official tripartite cooperation between the COP28 Presidency held by the UAE, the COP29 Presidency held by Azerbaijan, and the COP30 Presidency held by Brazil. The troika will contribute to strengthening joint climate action and raising ambition in the next round of nationally determined contributions.

Dr. Al Jaber called for stronger cooperation between countries to implement global climate goals and emphasized the role of the oil and gas sector in confronting the repercussions of climate change. He praised SOCAR's initiative to join the "COP28 Charter" to reduce oil and gas sector emissions. He also urged more companies to join the charter and use their capabilities, resources, and technology to achieve a positive impact in a short time.
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Furthermore, Dr. Al Jaber highlighted the need for cooperation between the energy and technology sectors to meet the growing global demand for energy sustainably. He emphasized the importance of using artificial intelligence (AI) to explore solutions for low-emission economic growth and increase energy efficiency while reducing emissions. He identified the development of AI, the transition in the energy sector, and the rise of emerging markets and countries of the Global South as the three largest global trends that will shape the future.

Dr. Al Jaber stressed the necessity of an organized and responsible transition in the energy sector, which will vary in speed depending on locations and circumstances. He highlighted the importance of providing a mix of renewable energy supported by natural gas to enhance the growth of data centers and support the expansion of artificial intelligence.

Looking ahead to COP29 in Baku this November, Dr. Al Jaber emphasized the significance of climate finance in implementing the provisions of the "UAE Agreement". He called for international financial institutions and multilateral development banks to enhance the investment environment in emerging and developing markets, and for the private sector to participate in providing the trillions of dollars needed for climate action. He acknowledged the fulfillment of the pledge to provide $100 billion in climate financing and called for innovative solutions to provide more financing on easy terms and at an appropriate cost.

Dr. Al Jaber concluded his speech by stating that the world faces unprecedented challenges that can be transformed into exceptional opportunities to reshape the future. The transition to a sustainable economy will lead to emission reduction, job creation, and improvements in public health, benefiting billions of people worldwide. As preparations for COP29 are underway, he called for redoubling implementation efforts and ensuring their continuity to achieve tangible results.

The UAE's commitment to clean energy and sustainable development is evident through its partnerships and initiatives, as well as its active involvement in global climate negotiations. With its pioneering role, the UAE is contributing to a better future for humanity, promoting economic growth, and addressing the urgent issue of climate change.