Dubai’s net-zero efforts have yielded significant achievements in the past year. H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy (DSCE), chaired the 84th meeting of the council virtually in the presence of HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, vice chairman of the DSCE.
During the meeting, the council reviewed the annual carbon emissions inventory, which revealed a 29 percent reduction. This figure highlights the effectiveness of current measures under Dubai’s strategy to reduce carbon emissions by 30 percent by 2030.
Dubai targets net zero emissions by 2050
Dubai continues to be a global leader in controlling emissions and linking them to a range of programs and projects. Key entities including Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), Dubai Municipality, EGA, ENOC Group, Dubai Petroleum, and RTA have implemented several initiatives to achieve the net zero target.
“The council has evaluated future carbon emissions with the participation of relevant entities in Dubai. This will help identify the necessary steps to mitigate emissions and chart a road map to achieve net zero by 2050. The council is committed to establishing an effective regulatory framework to ensure the success of ongoing projects and programs over the past decade,” said Al Tayer.
Key projects supporting emission reduction
Al Tayer added that ongoing projects and programs in solar energy, water, and electricity conservation have played a significant role in achieving the annual emission reduction. Moreover, Dubai’s initiatives in green mobility and operational efficiency in factories and facilities have facilitated the transition to net zero emissions.
During the meeting, the council approved a program to involve the private sector in developing electric vehicle charging stations. This initiative will support the infrastructure and increase the number of stations across Dubai.
“Dubai began collecting carbon emissions data in 2013 and then comparing it with annual reduction targets,” stated Ahmed Buti Al Muhairbi, secretary general of the council. Muhairbi also added that the council reviews the implementation phases with performance indicators to ensure annual carbon emissions reduction targets.
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Dubai’s sustainability targets
Dubai’s departments and organizations have committed to net zero by 2050, with DEWA at the forefront. This commitment is evident in critical projects like the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the largest single-site solar park in the world.
The city is also on track to achieve the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050. In addition, it aims for 100 percent clean energy production capacity by 2050. Dubai also expects to exceed the short-term goal of reaching 25 percent clean energy by 2030.
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