The National Experts Program (NEP) graduates are spearheading innovative projects to expedite the UAE’s sustainable development and climate action endeavors. These meticulously studied projects aim to tackle carbon emissions, bolster food security, and preserve the natural environment. They are expected to generate job opportunities and foster the growth of enterprises in the clean energy and environmental sectors.
Initiated in 2019 under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, the NEP serves as a platform for UAE-based experts aspiring to assume influential positions in future-oriented sectors aligned with the country’s key national priorities.
Tackling carbon footprint and e-waste
Abdulla Al Remeithi’s project, a crucial component of Abu Dhabi’s Environment Centennial 2071 initiative, introduces a virtual environmental identity for the UAE, enabling the measurement of per capita carbon footprint. This project is expected to provide invaluable insights that empower decision-makers in their endeavors to reduce emissions and improve environmental quality.
Azza Al Raisi’s electronic waste management model contributes to the UAE’s efforts in reducing the carbon footprint associated with e-waste. The model focuses on increasing e-waste recycling, minimizing environmental impact, and has the potential to generate an estimated annual revenue of approximately AED2 billion.
In 2019, electronic waste emerged as one of the rapidly expanding waste streams worldwide, reaching a staggering 53.6 million tons. However, this waste holds significant potential for recycling, with an estimated revenue opportunity of $57 billion.
Promoting sustainable agriculture
Nour Al Mehairi’s project serves as a bridge between environmentally conscious consumers and local sustainable farms in the UAE. By facilitating this connection, the project promotes sustainable agriculture, enhances food security, fosters the availability of healthier produce, and contributes to environmental preservation.
The UAE’s National Food Security Strategy has set an ambitious goal of becoming the global leader in the Global Food Security Index by 2051. The thematic day on “food, agriculture, and water” at COP28 presents a significant opportunity for the UAE to demonstrate its advancements in this area and showcase its progress towards achieving this objective.
Read more: ADGM announces its role as Principal Partner at COP28
Innovative energy solutions impacting sustainability goals
Omar Al Braiki’s project entails a cloud-based platform that effectively combines the functionalities of small distributed energy resources, such as solar rooftops in industrial, commercial, and developmental projects, along with batteries. This innovative platform aims to strengthen the UAE’s clean energy generation, reduce carbon emissions, meet future electrification needs, and decrease cost-reflective tariffs for industrial consumers.
In addition, Ali Alshimmari’s visionary project aligns seamlessly with the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure’s recent announcement of a comprehensive national hydrogen strategy. The project targets enhancing the UAE’s prominence as a leading player in global hydrogen production.
Likewise, Saood Al Noori’s project is geared towards advancing COP28’s presidential action agenda of doubling global hydrogen production and securing the necessary financing to accomplish this ambitious objective. By embracing all viable technologies and sources, the project will play a significant role in realizing an equitable, realistic, and practical energy transition, aligning with the aspirations of COP28.
Leveraging AI to safeguard biodiversity
Eventually, Maitha Al Hameli’s project harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to conduct in-depth studies on marine mammals. By employing AI, the project aims to improve the efficiency of these studies, enabling the UAE to enhance its understanding of the impact of climate change on marine life and take proactive measures to mitigate its effects on these creatures.
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