A delegation from the UAE concluded a three-day visit to France, engaging in discussions about collaboration opportunities and exchanging best practices with prominent French stakeholders. The aim was to explore innovative strategies for addressing the forthcoming challenges of the energy transition.
This visit formed part of the UAE’s broader initiative to foster synergies with other nations in promoting sustainable development and enhancing energy security. Key areas of focus included advancements in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) regulations and infrastructure, hydrogen, nuclear innovation, and decarbonization strategies.
The delegation, led by Eng. Sharif Al Olama, undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, included Mohammed Al Hawi, undersecretary of the Ministry of Investment, along with representatives from AMMROC, Emirates, General Civil Aviation Authority, Bee’ah, Masdar, Emirates Nuclear Energy Company, Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation, and Lootah BioFuel.
Eng. Al Olama remarked that the UAE and France share a commitment to ongoing progress, a passion for innovation, and a readiness to embrace future trends. The visit aimed to bolster the UAE’s clean energy transition by identifying best practices, enhancing bilateral cooperation, and equipping delegates with actionable insights to advance national sustainability objectives.
He noted France’s position as a global technology leader, emphasizing its role in developing innovative solutions to today’s pressing challenges and its importance as a partner in the UAE’s mission to create a better future.
Sharing national hydrogen strategies
Al Olama expressed gratitude to all French officials and private sector representatives for their warm hospitality during the trip. He looked forward to transforming the outcomes of their fruitful discussions into concrete projects that would aid in building sustainable energy systems and accelerating the transition to clean energy, ultimately striving to leave a better world for future generations.
On the first day in Paris, the delegation participated in a closed meeting at MEDEF International, the foremost network of companies in France, with representatives from French firms, led by Ludovic Pouille, Director of Economic Diplomacy at the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. They examined ongoing cooperation projects and ways to enhance these initiatives.
Additionally, representatives from both nations shared insights on their respective national hydrogen strategies, followed by presentations on hydrogen development projects and solutions from leading French energy providers including HY24, EDF Renouvelables, Axens, Engie, Technip Energies, Fives Group, and Dassault Systèmes.
Nuclear energy technologies also featured prominently in the discussions, with the delegation receiving a briefing on the French nuclear value chain, nuclear fuel management, challenges, and the latest advancements in small modular reactors from experts at organizations such as CSFN, ORANO, CEA, Nuward, Newcleo, and Naarea.
During the meeting, Al Olama underscored the necessity of cooperation, reaffirming the UAE’s dedication to activating strategic partnerships within the energy sector in France.
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Strengthening economic ties and decarbonization
Additionally, this collaboration is aimed at strengthening economic ties and working jointly towards achieving decarbonization targets.
The second day in Paris was packed with site visits and meetings. The delegation toured the Innovation Hub of Schneider Electric, a leader in energy management and automation digital transformation, where they learned about the company’s advanced AI-driven solutions for energy optimization.
They also visited the R&D labs of Air Liquide, a global leader in gases, technologies, and services for both industry and healthcare, gaining firsthand exposure to the company’s cutting-edge technologies.
Moreover, a representative from the French Civil Aviation Authority detailed the country’s regulations and policies regarding the promotion and use of SAF, while a member of the UAE delegation shared the national strategy for increasing reliance on SAF as a means of decarbonizing the aviation sector.
Eng. Al Olama further engaged in a vibrant discussion on shared sustainability commitments with representatives from Airbus, Total Energies, Safran, Bureau Veritas, and Haffner Energy.
On the final day of the tour, the delegation traveled to Toulouse, where they visited the Airbus mock-up center and the A350 Final Assembly Line, one of the most advanced production sites in the aviation sector. They also met with UAE graduates currently interning at Airbus.
The UAE and France have long enjoyed strong ties, which have been further strengthened in recent years.
