The United Arab Emirates (UAE) plans to increase the share of clean energy, including nuclear and renewable sources, to 35 per cent by 2030–2031. This was stated by UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Suhail Mohammed Al Mazrouei in an interview with
Emirates News Agency (WAM), a TV BRICS partner.
According to the minister, achieving this target will require stronger competition and greater opportunities for the private sector in electricity generation. The authorities continue to monitor changes in the energy market and adjust their strategy in response to falling costs and technological advances.
The UAE is pursuing a long-term strategy of maintaining reserve capacity to ensure a reliable supply for residents under all conditions. The country is modernising its grids and building new power plants, helping to reduce energy losses, improve efficiency and lower electricity tariffs. Al Mazrouei stressed that the cost of renewable energy continues to fall as the number of projects grows and technology advances.
The minister noted progress in energy storage systems. Modern batteries can store energy for up to 24 hours at competitive prices, compared with just two to three hours previously. As a result, solar power can now provide electricity around the clock on a par with natural gas or nuclear energy. At the same time, it remains a clean energy source that does not emit carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
According to the minister, the UAE’s electricity generation sector has long been open to private investment. Privatisation carried out several decades ago helped reduce costs, boost competitiveness and introduce high management standards. As a result, the UAE has become one of the countries with the most affordable electricity. Al Mazrouei added that national companies are successfully operating abroad and winning international tenders.
Speaking about the industry’s prospects, the minister identified three main areas: expanding the use of cleaner energy sources, strengthening cross-border electricity interconnections and improving the efficiency of transmission grids while reducing losses.