Page 49 - Trends

Talking Green

The wealth of natural resources in the GCC, combined with future-focused governments,
is accelerating the region’s movement toward set sustainability goals.

By Alkesh Sharma, Abu Dhabi

C lean energy and sustainability have Saudi Arabia’s plans for renewables and roadmaps in the region as far as its en-
gone beyond just being buzzwords
nuclear energy remained the highlights of
ergy future is concerned. Last year, the
for the Gulf Cooperation Council
the annual event which was held as a part
UAE Energy Plan 2050 was announced
(GCC) nations. The governments
Maktoum, Vice President and Prime
in the region have laid down energy plans of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, last by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al
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and huge investments are being made to in the sector gathered during the event to Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
meet set targets. This pursuit becomes discuss the next steps in meeting the re- The move made it clear to the world that
even more relevant for the region due to gion’s ambitious renewable energy targets. the Gulf nation is fully equipped to move
the abundance of both renewable resourc- The wealth of natural energy resources, in the direction of a sustainable and smart
es, such as solar and wind powers, as well combined with future-focused govern- future with full zeal.
as hydrocarbons. Highlighting the inno- ments, is clearly accelerating the region’s The plan aims to slash carbon-dioxide
vation and digitalization trends that are movement toward set sustainability goals emissions by 70 percent, increase clean
helping to refurbish the global energy mix, and this was evident at WFES. On their energy use by 50 percent and improve
the World Future Energy Summit 2018 way toward a sustainable future, GCC HQHUJ\ HIÀFLHQF\ E\ SHUFHQW 7KLV
(WFES), held in Abu Dhabi last month, countries are making wise use of their is expected to result in savings worth
showcased the strengths of the region in clean energy resources. AED700 billion. The policy targets the
this ever-evolving energy sector and also source of energy for local consumption
evaluated the respective sustainability The goals DW SHUFHQW IURP UHQHZDEOH HQHUJ\
plans. The UAE Energy Strategy 2050 and UAE has one of the most well-planned percent from gas, 12 percent from clean

February 2018 | TRENDS 49