The Middle East has long been synonymous with oil and gas wealth, playing a central role in the global energy landscape through its vast hydrocarbon reserves.

For decades, the region’s economies and geopolitics have revolved around fossil fuel extraction and exportation.

However, rising concerns about climate change, energy security, and economic diversification have prompted many Middle Eastern nations to embrace a strategic energy transition.

Leveraging their abundant solar and wind resources, these countries are increasingly investing in renewable energy as a pathway to reduce dependence on oil, meet ambitious climate targets, and forge new economic opportunities.

This report explores the current state and prospects of the energy transition in the Middle East, focusing on the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and other key states, examining major national projects, policy incentives, international partnerships, and their economic and environmental impacts.

The UAE stands at the forefront of the region’s renewable energy ambitions, boasting the largest installed solar power capacity in the Middle East.

The nation’s flagship projects include the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, one of the largest independent power producer (IPP) solar installations globally, and the Al Dhafra Solar PV Plant, which is expected to become the world’s largest single solar plant with a planned capacity of 2 gigawatts (GW) .

The UAE government targets reaching 100 GW of renewable capacity and aims for 50% of its energy mix to come from renewables by 2050 .

Parallel to solar expansion, the UAE pursues investments in green hydrogen and carbon capture initiatives, reflecting a multifaceted approach to achieving net zero emissions by mid-century.

Strategic partnerships involving entities such as Abu Dhabi National Energy Company, Mubadala, and Adnoc have transformed Masdar into a leading clean energy developer and investor, helping to position the UAE as a regional clean energy hub .

Hosting COP28 in Abu Dhabi further underscores the country’s diplomatic and strategic emphasis on climate leadership .

Similarly, Saudi Arabia is aggressively advancing its energy transition within the framework of its Vision 2030 and subsequent strategies, aiming to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060 .

The kingdom plans renewable capacity to constitute approximately 50% of its electricity mix by 2030 .

Key projects include those within Neom, a futuristic city powered entirely by renewable energy, and large-scale solar and wind farms complementing the kingdom’s vast solar potential .

Saudi initiatives also pioneer the development of a zero-carbon hydrogen market, projecting significant future export opportunities valued at about $200 billion by 2050 .

The collaboration with international players and technology partners supports the kingdom’s swift deployment of renewables, while ongoing oil and gas production is balanced with these clean energy ambitions.

Egypt, as North Africa’s most populous country, targets securing over 40% of its electricity from renewables by 2035 .

The nation is notable for its large-scale renewable projects, including the Benban Solar Park, one of the largest solar installations worldwide, and the Zafarana Wind Farm .

Ongoing renewable developments also link with Egypt’s urban expansion plans, such as the new cities of Jebel Galala and El Alamein, which integrate substantial clean energy components .

Hosting COP27 accentuated Egypt’s emphasis on climate action and renewable energy as pillars of sustainable development .

National incentives aim to facilitate investments by reducing costs and enabling favorable electricity tariffs, promoting accelerated growth in the renewable sector .

Across the broader Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, countries such as Oman, Jordan, Algeria, and Morocco are committing to substantial renewable capacity increases.

The region’s renewable power generation, currently just above 2% of the energy mix, is projected to triple by 2030 and increase nine-fold by 2050 under ambitious COP28 pledges .

By 2027, installed renewable capacity in the region is expected to reach around 45 GW, with cumulative investments anticipated to approach $1 trillion by 2040 .

These expansion efforts are also interconnected with advancements in battery storage and smart grid technologies to manage the intermittency of solar and wind power .

Government incentives and policy frameworks across the Middle East typically include financial facilitation mechanisms aimed at reducing upfront investor costs, regulatory reforms to improve market entry and operation, and targeted subsidies or tariff adjustments to encourage clean energy uptake .

Investment in capacity-building and research further enhances the readiness of the workforce and local industries to participate in the transition.

The development of digital power solutions, exemplified by companies like Huawei, is playing a critical role by integrating ICT technologies with photovoltaic systems and energy storage, thereby improving overall system efficiency and reducing carbon intensity .

Huawei’s involvement also includes establishing ICT academies to train professionals in clean energy technologies, underscoring the region’s push for a skilled, technology-enabled green economy .

International cooperation serves as a significant catalyst for the Middle East’s energy transition.

Partnerships with countries such as China provide access to advanced photovoltaic and wind technologies, financial resources, and technical training .

China’s experience with large-scale solar and wind developments has facilitated joint projects, notably in solar parks like Zafra, thereby strengthening foreign investment and knowledge exchange .

Beyond China, international financial institutions and technology firms contribute to the development of sustainable infrastructure and innovation ecosystems.

Regional collaboration among Middle Eastern states also promotes knowledge sharing and coordinated policy development, helping to overcome common challenges such as grid integration, financing shortages, and infrastructure development .

Economically, the renewable energy shift presents a crucial opportunity to diversify heavily oil-dependent economies by fostering new industries, enhancing energy security, and creating significant employment opportunities in engineering, construction, operations, and technology sectors .

The transition also mitigates exposure to fossil fuel price volatility and positions countries to participate in emerging global clean energy markets, including hydrogen exports projected to reach $200 billion by 2050 for the region .

Climate-wise, these efforts align with global net zero ambitions, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly while meeting rising domestic energy demands in a sustainable manner .

Nevertheless, the transition faces notable challenges.

Financing remains a critical hurdle, given the scale and capital-intensive nature of renewable infrastructure.

Integrating intermittent solar and wind power into existing energy grids requires significant upgrades and technological innovation, including energy storage solutions to maintain grid stability .

Geopolitical instability and regional conflicts can complicate cooperation and project implementation.

Additionally, despite the rapid growth, renewables still contribute a relatively small share of the regional energy mix, emphasizing the need for accelerated deployment to meet stated targets .

In conclusion, the Middle East is actively transforming its energy paradigm from fossil fuel dependence toward a diversified clean energy future, driven by national strategies, large-scale renewable projects, supportive government policies, and international cooperation.

The UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt exemplify leadership in this transition through ambitious targets, groundbreaking solar and wind installations, and integration of innovative technologies.

While challenges persist, the region’s abundant renewable resources and growing investment climate suggest substantial potential to not only meet domestic energy and climate goals but also to emerge as a global clean energy supplier.

Future developments should be closely monitored for further scaling of renewables, advancement in energy storage and digitalization, as well as the maturation of hydrogen markets, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Middle East’s evolving role in the global energy transition.

Further detail and expansion are recommended in sections covering financial mechanisms and policy frameworks in each country, specific technological innovations and digitalization efforts, socioeconomic impacts including detailed job creation data, and comprehensive analysis of regional collaboration dynamics and geopolitical factors.

Additionally, a more granular breakdown of renewable capacity growth projections and investment flows by country would enhance the comparative context of this report.

The Middle East has long been synonymous with oil and gas wealth, playing a central role in the global energy landscape through its vast hydrocarbon reserves.

Title:

Content: New technologies to achieve sustainability goals and address climate change
Science and Technology
Huawei
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Existing renewable energy initiatives in the Middle East are strengthening their role in supporting international efforts to address climate change.
In particular, the region is one of the largest contributors to the oil and gas sector globally, and at the same time is the cradle of a number of major and ambitious initiatives and projects aimed at enhancing the reliance on clean energy.
In the UAE, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park is the world ’ s largest IPP solar site, and the Al Dhafra Solar PV Plant is being built as the world ’ s largest solar power plant with a capacity of 2 GW.
Masdar City is the most sustainable urban community in the world.
ADFD is committed to funding innovative projects to accelerate access to sustainable energy as part of a joint initiative with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
In Saudi Arabia, Neom recently launched The Line, the world ’ s first car-free, carbon-free city with 100% renewable energy.
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) leads green energy projects designed to manage the recycling of grey water for reuse for plant irrigation and other purposes, and also has large area photovoltaic panels that produce clean electricity.
In Egypt, hydropower is the second source of energy after thermal, wind and solar, and the country has developed a number of future projects that seek to exploit solar energy and replace non-renewable energy.
Other green projects in Egypt include the cities of Jebel Galala and El Alamein.
The Bahrain World Trade Centre is one of the world ’ s leading examples of sustainable architecture, taking the lead in being the first skyscraper in the world to introduce wind turbines to provide total energy consumption.
Morocco, famous for its huge and world-leading solar arrays, has made a big name for itself as a leader in the fight against climate change, renewable energy makes up nearly two-fifths of the country ’ s electricity, and the country implements some of the world ’ s largest clean energy projects.
Since 2012, Jordan has turned to solar power to generate electricity and government policies have pushed citizens and investors to turn to renewable energy to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, by offering financial facilities to investors and reducing the electricity bill.
Sustainability initiatives in the Arab countries contribute effectively to building a diversified digital economy that achieves the national visions of these countries, and the green economy initiative launched by the UAE, and the Saudi Green Initiative is a good example of this.
Today, the ICT sector is increasingly playing a role in achieving sustainability through new technologies such as 5G, cloud computing and artificial intelligence that will play a key role in implementing clean energy initiatives as they enhance productivity, improve efficiency, reduce costs and waste, evaluate business systems, analyze waste, track problems and develop solutions.
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) says ICT will contribute to achieving the UN ’ s Sustainable Development Goals and improving the quality of life.
According to the United Nations, ICT can be relied upon in two ways: reliance on clean information and communication technology, and clean energy generation based on information and communication technology.
In the first scenario, ICT solutions that contribute to environmental safety and carbon reduction are designed.
In the second scenario, ICT solutions such as those in grids, buildings, smart logistics and industrial processes help promote sustainability and energy efficiency.
The sustainability efforts of tech companies have been recognized globally, Huawei is an example of companies that have adjusted their business in line with sustainability goals, and recently received an award from the International Mobile Phone Association for their contributions to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through mobile devices.
The company aims to rely on innovative technologies to drive clean development across various sectors and industries, and in 2021 it used more than 300 million kWh of electricity produced from renewable sources, an increase of 42.3% compared to 2020.
Huawei ’ s digital power solutions have generated 482.9 billion kilowatt-hours of clean energy and reduced electricity consumption by 14.2 billion kilowatt-hours, equivalent to 230 million tons of carbon emissions.
In parallel with efforts to promote a sustainable approach to technology, the ICT industry must not lose sight of the issue of enhanced security.
Technology providers should focus on protecting user privacy when working to provide modern, seamless technology and communications.
Certainly, we will not be able to grow the business and ensure its sustainability if we do not provide safe and reliable technologies to protect cybersecurity, which is a shared responsibility of all stakeholders involved in sustainability.
The current digital divide could isolate millions of people around the world from contributing to the development of a clean economy.
Tech companies can contribute to making technology accessible to all thanks to their technical capabilities and resources.
Through initiatives such as TECH4ALL, Huawei has relied on digital technologies to implement programs aimed at enhancing the leadership capabilities of more than 110,000 people in 2021.
The digital divide in global talent could undermine sustainability efforts, so greater emphasis should be placed on redressing it and priority should be given to strengthening collaboration between tech companies, academia and government institutions in order to bridge the digital skills gap.
By investing in programs to prepare local technical cadres, hone skills and enhance practical experience, more bridges of cooperation between the public and private sectors can be built to prepare the future generation of sustainability leaders with the help of technology.
Huawei has established 163 ICT academies in the Middle East.
More than 3,500 students participated in the Seeds for the Global Future program, while more than 37,000 students received Huawei certifications.
The company has also provided training to more than 120,000 ICT talents in the region who are expected to contribute to the advancement of sustainability in the countries of the region by making the most of technology.
In light of the increasing challenges of reducing carbon emissions facing various countries around the world, we all have a responsibility to strengthen cooperation and work together to build a sustainable and prosperous future for future generations.
By: Ammar Taba, Huawei Vice President for Public Relations and Media in the Middle East
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For decades, the region’s economies and geopolitics have revolved around fossil fuel extraction and exportation.

Title:

Content: Fossil fuels, which have powered the industrial growth and development of civilisations for centuries, are facing a looming deadline of depletion. Moreover, they have caused severe environmental and social problems, such as climate change, conflicts, and pollution. The need for alternative and sustainable energy sources is clear and urgent. However, the transition to a post-fossil fuel era is not easy or straightforward. It requires innovation, investment, cooperation, and vision.

This article explores the challenges and opportunities of global energy transformation, focusing on the dual nature of fossil fuels, the countdown to their exhaustion, and the promise of renewable energy sources. It also highlights the progress and potential of some countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, which is one of the most dependent regions on fossil fuels in the world.

Fossil Fuels: A Double-Edged Sword

Fossil fuels, comprising oil, coal, and natural gas, are ancient energy sources that have been central to the development of various industries and sectors. They have enhanced transportation, manufacturing, agriculture, and electricity generation. They have catalysed global trade, commerce, and innovation, elevating the quality of life for millions.

However, this ascent has been coupled with profound challenges. Fossil fuels have been a source of geopolitical strife, epitomised by wars and conflicts over their control and distribution. They have also exacerbated environmental issues, such as greenhouse gas emissions, global warming, and climate change. Incidents like oil spills, gas leaks, and fracking have inflicted severe damage on ecosystems and public health.

The Countdown to Depletion

The finite and non-renewable nature of fossil fuels leaves humanity facing a daunting deadline. Predicting the exact exhaustion of these resources is a complex endeavour, influenced by reserves, consumption rates, technological advancements, and price fluctuations. Nonetheless, projections based on current data paint a concerning picture.

According to Octopus Energy, the year 2060 may mark the twilight of fossil fuels, based on current consumption and reserve estimates. In 2020, global oil production reached 91.7 million barrels per day (b/d), with key players like the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Russia at the forefront. Simultaneously, natural gas production stood at 3.94 trillion cubic meters (bcm). Although the Covid-19 pandemic temporarily curtailed production, a resurgence is anticipated. In contrast, natural gas consumption steadily rises by over 3% each year.

Should additional oil reserves remain elusive, known deposits could be depleted by 2052. The stark reality is that demand for oil has surged, nearly doubling the average annual rate observed over the preceding decade in 2018.

Toward a Sustainable Energy Paradigm

The global imperative for alternative energy sources is clear. Sustainable options, even if not entirely devoid of environmental impact, have become a linchpin of energy discussions. The quest for sustainability is no longer optional; it is fundamental to securing a prosperous future.

Embracing alternative and sustainable energy solutions is our paramount responsibility. The adverse consequences of persisting with fossil fuels are increasingly undeniable. Furthermore, incidents such as oil spills, gas leaks, and fracking have grievously scarred ecosystems and human health.

The geopolitical maelstrom surrounding fossil fuels is a testament to their strategic importance. By reducing our dependence on these finite resources, we can contribute to global stability and peace.

The Promise of Sustainable Energy

Investing in sustainable energy is not merely an ecological commitment; it is a strategic move to safeguard long-term energy security. Renewable sources like solar and wind power do not suffer the same spectre of depletion as fossil fuels, offering a reliable and sustainable energy future. Moreover, technology’s relentless march is enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of these alternatives, ensuring a seamless transition.

In this era of unprecedented global challenges, the unsustainable trajectory of fossil fuels is no longer tenable. Transitioning to renewable and sustainable energy sources is both a moral imperative and an economic necessity. As we confront the relentless march of climate change, endeavouring to secure long-term energy stability and foster global peace, embracing this transformation is our only viable path toward a sustainable and prosperous future. It is a journey we must embark upon with unwavering determination and foresight.

The MENA Region: The abundance of wisdom

The MENA region stands as an interesting case study for global energy transformation. The region is one of the most dependent regions on fossil fuels in the world. According to the World Bank, the region accounted for 36% of the global oil production and 20% of the global gas production in 2018. However, the region also faces many challenges and risks related to its reliance on fossil fuels, such as price volatility, environmental degradation, social unrest, and geopolitical conflicts.

Therefore, some countries in the region have started to prepare for the transition to a post-fossil fuel era by diversifying their economies, investing in renewable energy sources, and promoting innovation and sustainability. According to a report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the MENA region has a huge potential for renewable energy development, especially solar and wind power. The report estimates that the region could generate more than 60% of its total electricity from renewable sources by 2030.

Some of the countries that have made significant progress in this field are:

• UAE: The UAE has been a leader in innovation and sustainability in the region, with a vision of becoming a global hub for green economy and clean energy. The UAE has set a target of increasing its share of clean energy to 50% by 2050. The UAE has invested in various renewable energy projects, such as the Shams 1 solar thermal plant, which is one of the largest of its kind in the world, and the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, which is planned to be the largest single-site solar park in the world by 2030. The UAE is also home to Masdar City, which is a planned city that aims to be one of the most sustainable cities in the world. Also, UAE is one of the 10 largest oil producing countries with a proven reserves, according to BP statistical reviews, of 100 billion barrels.

• Morocco: Morocco has been a pioneer in renewable energy development in the region, with a target of achieving 52% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Morocco has invested heavily in solar power projects, such as the Noor Ouarzazate complex, which is the largest concentrated solar power plant in the world. Morocco also has a strong wind power sector, with a capacity of over 1.2 gigawatts (GW) as of 2019.

• Egypt: Egypt has also been pursuing an ambitious renewable energy strategy, with a goal of reaching 42% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2035. Egypt has a large potential for solar and wind power, especially in the Sinai Peninsula and the Red Sea coast. Egypt has launched several large-scale projects, such as the Benban Solar Park, which is expected to be the largest solar photovoltaic (PV) plant in the world when completed, and the Zafarana Wind Farm, which is one of the largest wind farms in Africa.

These are some examples of countries in the MENA region that are prepared for after fossil fuels era. However, there are still many challenges and barriers that need to be overcome, such as policy and regulatory frameworks, financing and investment mechanisms, public awareness and participation, and regional cooperation and integration.

The world is at a crossroads in its energy choices. Fossil fuels have been instrumental in driving industrial growth and development, but they have also caused severe environmental problems. Their finite nature also poses a threat to long-term energy security. The need for alternative and sustainable energy sources is clear and urgent.

Renewable energy sources offer a promising solution to this challenge. They are abundant, reliable, and sustainable. They can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, mitigate climate change impacts, and foster global peace. They can also create new opportunities for economic growth, innovation, and social welfare.

— Dr Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi is a former UAE minister of Infrastructure Development and for Climate Change and Environment

However, rising concerns about climate change, energy security, and economic diversification have prompted many Middle Eastern nations to embrace a strategic energy transition.

Leveraging their abundant solar and wind resources, these countries are increasingly investing in renewable energy as a pathway to reduce dependence on oil, meet ambitious climate targets, and forge new economic opportunities.

Title:

Content: Contribution ｜ Explore Hong Kong ’ s role and opportunities in the development of renewable energy in the Middle East
Author: 01 More Voices
Published: Updated:
In recent years, Hong Kong has actively promoted the development of renewable energy and launched a number of related products in the financial market.
In addition, more and more Hong Kong enterprises have also started to participate in the development of this industry, especially in the financial market, and launched a number of financial products to support the development of renewable energy.
At the same time, many countries in the Middle East, such as the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Turkey, are also actively engaged in various large-scale projects to promote the development of renewable energy, and expect to see a different energy mix and economic development model in 2030 or 2050.
For Hong Kong, China and other countries, the development opportunities of the Middle East market cannot be ignored, and Hong Kong ’ s participation in this area cannot be underestimated.
Submitted by: Kwong Cheuk-wui
Recently, I had the opportunity to participate in several seminars on economic and energy development in the Middle East, and have in-depth exchanges with government representatives in charge of foreign affairs and trade from various Middle Eastern countries and Azerbaijan.
These exchange experiences provide the author with a wealth of insight.
After many in-depth talks, to understand the interest and momentum of the development of renewable energy in many countries in the Middle East, the author synthesized the information from various parties and came to the following insights: The reason why the major oil producers in the Middle East are actively developing renewable energy is to achieve economic diversification and get rid of dependence on oil and related industries.
They hope to turn the country ’ s surplus renewable energy into new, dependable foreign revenues (i.e., revenues generated from natural resource exports; “Rents ”) through innovative technologies.
For other non-oil producing countries, they want to achieve economic sustainability through the development of renewable energy, reduce dependence on traditional fossil fuels or electricity imports, and convert renewable energy into new external rental income to boost the country ’ s economic development.
From this, it can be seen that the Middle East countries are very concerned about the development of renewable energy, but also hope to complete the energy transformation as soon as possible, and look forward to renewable energy can produce more and greater economic benefits, create new dependent income, promote economic diversification and modernization, but also benefit thousands of people.
As a result, many countries in the Middle East have invested heavily in and promoted energy transformation and clean energy development.
Although many countries have made extraordinary achievements in driving renewable energy development, they also face many challenges.
Jordan, for example, has a wealth of renewable energy resources, including solar, wind, geothermal and bioenergy, as well as state-of-the-art renewable energy laws, regulatory mechanisms and development frameworks.
Earlier this year, Jordan successfully achieved its national roadmap, originally set for 2030, with renewable energy accounting for 31% of total energy.
The Jordanian government also plans to increase this target to 50%, and is committed to building the country into a regional renewable energy development center and exporting environmentally friendly power to neighboring countries to increase the country ’ s foreign revenue.
However, like other Middle Eastern countries, Jordan faces a host of challenges.
These challenges include lagging energy infrastructure, imperfect grid planning, an over-concentration of resources on solar and wind with less focus on geothermal energy, and a lack of energy storage systems and foreign investment.
In addition, there is the debt problem of the national power company.
These difficulties not only affect Jordan ’ s progress in developing renewable energy, but also act as a barrier to modernizing and diversifying the country ’ s economy.
Some Jordanian officials and scholars are concerned about whether the development of renewable energy is progressing as expected.
They are concerned that if the development of renewable energy and its core economic development model are not carried out smoothly, or if the newly set targets are not successfully achieved, the country ’ s economic sustainability will be adversely affected.
At the same time, it can undermine the credibility and governance of the government.
In particular, those political forces that have been opposed to the use of renewable energy to promote economic development and diversification may take the opportunity to launch opposition actions, further endangering the political stability and regional security of the country and the Middle East as a whole.
It is worth noting that these challenges are not only in Jordan, but also in Middle Eastern countries such as Morocco and Egypt.
Other countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Qatar have also made great efforts to develop solar and wind power in recent years, but in addition to the above concerns and challenges, there are also concerns that the development of renewable energy will have some impact on the high dependence of these countries ’ economies on oil and gas markets, which may affect existing incomes and lead to economic and social instability.
Other factors include the huge demand for capital, the need for foreign technology and talents, the need for talent training, economic feasibility, etc. These are also issues of concern to the officials of these Middle Eastern countries.
These challenges are in fact a valuable development opportunity for Hong Kong.
The key is to make good use of our strengths, especially in the Belt and Road Initiative, to work with the Middle East countries to promote renewable energy and green economy development.
This not only helps these countries diversify their economies, but also creates development opportunities for Hong Kong businesses and governments, and indirectly promotes the development of other industries.
I suggest that Hong Kong can establish cooperation platforms and channels of communication with transnational organizations in the Middle East and North Africa, such as the Arab Parliamentary Union, the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Turkic Parliament and the Arab Maghreb Union.
Such a platform could be used to explore free trade agreements and to help Middle Eastern countries provide services such as finance, advisory, legal, education or training, and energy infrastructure.
This will not only help Hong Kong consolidate its leading position in the professional services sector and the financial sector, but will also directly or indirectly create many development opportunities, especially in Islamic finance.
Finally, Hong Kong can consider providing financial support to the Middle East countries by assisting in the issuance of Islamic financial bonds to promote the development of renewable energy, and can also take the opportunity to develop Islamic finance in Hong Kong as a new financial center outside the Islamic world.
Of course, Hong Kong should not only cooperate with major countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates or the above-mentioned multinational organizations and platforms, but also consider other regions with development potential and worthy of investment, such as Turkey, Azerbaijan, Morocco, etc.
This diverse collaboration will help Hong Kong expand its international presence and contribute to global sustainability in the renewable energy sector.
The author, Mr Kwong Cheuk-rui, is the Executive Director of the Hong Kong Group of Ideas, a Master of Arts from the Australian National University, and has worked at the Australian Institute of International Affairs.
The article is only the opinion of the author and does not represent the position of Hong Kong 01.
Please email us at 01view @ hk01.com.
Please attach the author ’ s real name and contact details.
If not applicable, without prior notice.

This report explores the current state and prospects of the energy transition in the Middle East, focusing on the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and other key states, examining major national projects, policy incentives, international partnerships, and their economic and environmental impacts.

Title:

Content: Monday 26th September 2022 Abu Dhabi UAE
Prayer times
Today 's Issue
Today 's Issue
United Arab Emirates
TRENDS Conference: Middle East Security and Climate Change Challenges
TRENDS Conference: Middle East Security and Climate Change Challenges
September 26, 2022 02: 56
Abu Dhabi (Union)
With the participation of Al-Ittihad newspaper and in cooperation with the Atlantic Council, TRENDS Research and Consulting Center is organizing its second annual conference, entitled “Sustainable Security in the Middle East: Challenges and Prospects of Climate Change ”, at the Council ’ s headquarters in Washington, DC, with the participation of four ministers and about 30 speakers from important political figures and experts from different countries of the world.
The conference aims to highlight climate change as a global crisis that requires new approaches and joint steps to address the consequences, while at the same time providing innovative solutions in all sectors in which climate diplomacy plays a pivotal role for a better future for the Middle East and the whole world.
This year ’ s conference will discuss climate action in the region, explore environmental challenges and opportunities, and showcase ambitious solutions.
The two-day sessions will also provide unique perspectives focusing on climate resilience, the transition to a low-emission economy, and collaboration to solve pressing challenges.
The conference aims to draw insights from experts and practitioners from within and outside the region to formulate recommendations for policymakers.
Keyword
Keynote addresses will be delivered by H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance; Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Chief Executive Officer of the UAE Independent Climate Action Accelerators Project; H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology; UAE Special Envoy for Climate Change; H.E. Maryam Al Muhairi, Minister of Climate Change and David Livingstone, Senior Advisor to the US Presidential Special Envoy.
Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research and Consulting Center, said that the second annual TRENDS conference, which coincides with the Center ’ s celebrations of its eighth anniversary, with its participation of experts and thinkers, will certainly be an important opportunity to present ideas and perceptions that help support regional and international efforts to address the threat of global warming. In order to overcome them and achieve the desired goals, especially in the field of achieving sustainable environmental security, in the Middle East region.
Dr. Al-Ali stressed that TRENDS aims to organize its second annual conference “Sustainable Security in the Middle East: Challenges and Prospects of Climate Change ”, in cooperation with the Atlantic Council, to be a bridge of knowledge and academic communication linking the most important think tanks and studies at the regional and international levels. About 30 speakers were important political figures and experts from around the world.
Regional focus
Hamad Al Kaabi, Editor-in-Chief of the Union, stressed that the media is a key partner in raising awareness of the importance of addressing climate change, which is no longer a future threat but a daily challenge facing all the world ’ s population and all countries.
Al-Kaabi, who will present a paper at the conference on “The role of media in supporting green security initiatives, ” said that the region is now the focus of the world ’ s attention as it hosts Cop27 events in the Egyptian city of Sharm el-Sheikh from November 8 to 18, and the United Arab Emirates hosts Cop28 events in the city of « Expo Dubai » in November 2023.
It has become clear that climate change has become a file that requires regional cooperation, as well as concerted global efforts to curb climate change, protect sustainable development plans, and maintain the development and prosperity paths in the Middle East.
The conference will begin with an opening speech by H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, while the keynote speech will be delivered by David Livingstone, Senior Advisor to the US Presidential Special Envoy for Climate Affairs.
Security and Climate Change
The first day will also feature a welcome speech by Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Center, and Mr. Jonathan Panikov, Director of the Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative, Middle East Programs, Atlantic Council.
The first session of the conference will discuss the topic of national security, climate change and the Middle East: current challenges and future prospects, highlighting the perspective of climate change and national security in the region and their implications for the Middle East and the stability of the region, environmental changes and the effects of global warming on public health, the link between extreme natural phenomena and increased migration flows, and climate change as a geopolitical challenge: adaptation and resilient development.
The session will be moderated by Reina Nainan, Senior Non-Resident Researcher at the Adrian Arsht-Rockefeller Foundation Resilience Center, Atlantic Council, and the co-founder ’ s CEO, News3 Dow.
Scarcity of resources
The second session will address the impacts of resource scarcity and population growth in the Middle East.
The effects of the war in Ukraine are discussed in the Middle East's main agricultural imports, such as wheat.
As well as the challenges facing the region in terms of high demand for food and water, especially in light of the expected increase in the region ’ s population, future prospects and implications of population growth and drought on the infrastructure of food and water systems, the strategic importance of water and the growing concept of cross-border water conflict in the Middle East and North Africa, the impact of climate change on supply chains, regional food security strategies and the effects of the war in Ukraine.
The session will be moderated by Dr. Christian Alexander, Head of Strategic Studies at Trends.
Clean energy
The third session of the first day of the conference will begin in the afternoon US time with a keynote address by H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and UAE Special Envoy for Climate Change.
The session will then address energy industries, infrastructure and politics in the Middle East: opportunities and challenges of the transition to clean energy, and will discuss the transition to an energy system in which environmentally friendly technologies and the potential of sustainable clean energy sources play an increasingly important role.
In addition to the role of industrial partnerships in the transition to safe and low-carbon energy systems, the transformations of key high-energy industries in pursuit of sustainability objectives, the impact of increased regional gas supplies to Europe (in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine) on the rapid transition to wind, solar and hydrogen, the challenges of energy transition in the Middle East and North Africa, and the impact of renewable energy generation on urban infrastructure, transportation systems and electricity grids.
The session will be moderated by Dan Murphy, CNBC's Middle East anchor and correspondent.
Climate Diplomacy
The second day of the second annual TRENDS conference in Washington will begin with an opening speech by Her Excellency Maryam Bint Mohammed Al Muhairi, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, followed by the fourth session of the conference entitled between COP27 and COP28: Middle East Diplomatic Efforts to Address Climate Change.
The session will address the role of climate summits in facilitating the transition to a low-carbon economy and highlight the importance of geopolitical factors related to climate diplomacy, as well as new visions for building a sustainable environmental framework, assessing the commitments and commitments made at COP26, and climate diplomacy as a growing foreign policy challenge.
The title is divided into two themes: COP27 and COP28, which will be attended by Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, CEO of the UAE ’ s Independent Climate Action Accelerators Project.
It highlights the UAE ’ s hosting of this conference.
The session will be moderated by Awad Al Braiki, Head of Trends Global.
Green security initiatives
The fifth session of the conference is entitled “Multilateral Green Security Initiatives: The Beginning of a Green New Era Towards Collective Environmental Security in the Middle East ”.
It will discuss the importance of regional and collaborative efforts in operationalizing the Middle East ’ s green security initiatives, as well as ways to mitigate the challenges of environmental insecurity, and ways to enhance regional security and key infrastructure systems that accommodate different climatic conditions, through environmental measures and collective green initiatives.
The use of multilateral green security initiatives to improve the capacity of MENA countries to be global leaders in a resilient and inclusive post-carbon economy, the economic aspects of sustainable environmental security and the investments needed to achieve environmental security, and the role of the media in supporting Middle East green security initiatives.
The session will be moderated by Mohamed Al Mulla, Founder and Director of Diwan Al Mulla Network in the State of Kuwait.
The conference will conclude with recommendations and closing remarks, delivered by Somaya Hadrami, Vice President of Trends Global, and Mr. William Wechsler, Senior Director of the Rafik Hariri Center and Middle East Programs, Atlantic Council.
* Trends Research and Consulting Center is an independent research institution, established in 2014 in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and is interested in looking to the future through many specialized research programs.
Trends has been able to build a strong network of relationships and partnerships with various international research centers and international governmental and non-governmental organizations and bodies, and benefit from international research and academic expertise to enhance its scientific and research role at the regional and global levels, by organizing scientific events that enrich the exchange of research experiences and expertise, and the production of various publications in various fields of human knowledge. *
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The UAE stands at the forefront of the region’s renewable energy ambitions, boasting the largest installed solar power capacity in the Middle East.

The nation’s flagship projects include the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, one of the largest independent power producer (IPP) solar installations globally, and the Al Dhafra Solar PV Plant, which is expected to become the world’s largest single solar plant with a planned capacity of 2 gigawatts (GW) .

The UAE government targets reaching 100 GW of renewable capacity and aims for 50% of its energy mix to come from renewables by 2050 .

Parallel to solar expansion, the UAE pursues investments in green hydrogen and carbon capture initiatives, reflecting a multifaceted approach to achieving net zero emissions by mid-century.

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Content: World Future Energy Summit to focus on providing ‘sustainability blueprint’

The three-day event will be held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from January 16 to January 18

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The 2023 World Future Energy Summit aims to provide a “crucial sustainability blueprint” amid a global focus on the energy transition and measures to boost investment in the renewables sector.

Energy industry leaders and policymakers from around the world will participate in the three-day event at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from January 16 to January 18, organisers said on Wednesday.

The summit is the centrepiece of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, a global initiative championed by the UAE and Abu Dhabi's clean energy company Masdar to hasten sustainable development and advance economic, social, and environmental progress.

“This event has evolved just as the energy sector and our economies are transitioning,” said Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure.

“It has now morphed into the Middle East’s most important industry gathering, of which clean energy and infrastructure are key components.”

Countries in the Middle East such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Oman and Egypt are boosting investment in the clean energy sector.

The UAE is investing Dh600 billion ($163.5bn) in clean and renewable energy projects over the next three decades as it aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

It is building the world’s largest solar plant with a capacity of two gigawatts in Abu Dhabi's Al Dhafra region that is expected to be ready next year, as well as the Mohammed bin Rashid Solar Park in Dubai with a capacity of five gigawatts.

Saudi Arabia, the Arab world’s largest economy, also announced a number of new renewable energy projects as it seeks to become carbon neutral by 2060.

Egypt, the most populous country in the Arab world, aims to derive 42 per cent of its electricity mix from renewable sources by 2035. The North African country is hosting Cop27 next month.

“This newly transitioned event profile is in the right place at the right time, underlining a much-needed shift towards reaching our clean energy goals, as well as achieving sustainable governance and adopting consumption and [the] production of natural energy methods that ensure the quality of life for current and future generations,” Mr Al Mazrouei said.

Renewable energy investment continued to rise amid green transition efforts globally. Capital investments in renewables are set to surpass oil and gas spending for the first time in 2022 as high power prices prompt countries to further diversify their energy mix, according to a report by Rystad Energy.

Investment in renewable energy is set to hit $494bn in 2022, outstripping upstream oil and gas spending at $446bn for the year, the Oslo-based energy consultancy said this month.

In addition to the focus on energy, water, eco-waste, solar, smart cities, climate and the environment, next year's event will also preside over the launch of a dedicated hydrogen innovation centre as demand for the clean fuel picks up globally amid green transition efforts, organisers said.

The event takes place at a time when the UAE is preparing to host Cop28 next year.

Updated: October 19, 2022, 10:41 AM
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Strategic partnerships involving entities such as Abu Dhabi National Energy Company, Mubadala, and Adnoc have transformed Masdar into a leading clean energy developer and investor, helping to position the UAE as a regional clean energy hub .

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Content: Energy transition provides opportunity to transform, diversify economy: Sultan Al Jaber

Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Special Envoy for Climate Change.

Globally, at least $3 trillion will be invested in renewable energy over the next ten years.

By WAM

Published: Tue 18 Jan 2022, 11:12 PM

Last updated: Tue 18 Jan 2022, 11:15 PM

The UAE sees the energy transition as an opportunity to transform and diversify the economic growth model of the country, according to Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Special Envoy for Climate Change.

Speaking during a virtual panel session titled ‘Projecting COP Ambitions across COP27 and COP28 and Economic Diversification Priorities Post-pandemic’ at the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), Dr. Al Jaber explained how the UAE and the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region can take advantage of the drive to climate action.

Al Jaber was speaking alongside the Alok Sharma MP, President of COP26, and Sameh Shoukry, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt and President-Designate of COP27, during the session moderated by Fred Kempe, President and CEO of the Atlantic Council.

Al Jaber said, “This region has specific advantages that can accelerate the energy transition from our position as energy leaders. Firstly, as long as the world continues to rely on oil and gas we can ensure reliable supplies of the least carbon intensive oil and gas available. We are leveraging this position to further drive down the carbon intensity through expansion of the first in the region carbon capture facility.

“We are also building on our unique capabilities in hydrogen to lay the foundation for a zero carbon hydrogen market. And, as you know, the UAE has been investing in the solar and broader renewable space for the last 15 years, and we are doubling down on this investment.”

Al Jaber pointed out that globally, at least $3 trillion will be invested in renewable energy over the next ten years. He said this represents a multi-trillion dollar opportunity that the UAE, the region and its international partners can capitalise on. “In fact, this is the thinking behind our Net Zero Strategic Initiative. Net zero, for us, is about new industries, new skills and new jobs. For us, the business of tackling climate change is simply good business.”

Dr Al Jaber cited the recent strategic partnership between Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC (Taqa), Mubadala Investment Company (Mubadala) and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) which transformed Masdar into a global clean energy powerhouse.

He said the new Masdar has almost doubled its renewable energy capacity and the ambition is to build on this solid foundation to reach 100 gigawatts (GW). Al Jaber called for partners, in the public and private sectors, to join the UAE and Masdar in delivering these ambitious goals that will lead to new industries, new skills, new jobs and new opportunities.

Responding to a question on the outcome of COP26 (the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference), Dr. Al Jaber noted it was a success as Glasgow united 90 per cent of the world’s economy on the path to net zero. “COP 26 also succeeded in launching many coalitions between governments and businesses to accelerate innovation. AIM for Climate, which the UAE launched with the US and 34 other countries is a good example. This is a growing coalition that directs investment to agri-tech to reduce agricultural emissions, which account for as much a third of global emissions. And critically COP26 finally reached a deal on Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which lays the foundation for effective carbon markets. All of this creates great momentum and a great platform which Egypt and the UAE can, and will, build on.”

On COP28 which is set to take place in Abu Dhabi in 2023, Al Jaber highlighted that it will mark the first ever global stocktake that will show us how we are tracking towards the Paris goals and, critically, it will set the roadmap towards 2030 and beyond. He added that the UAE is already working closely with the UK and Egypt to continue the momentum of COP26 and went on to detail the UAE’s approach to COP28.

“We want Abu Dhabi to be where the world turn pledges into concrete results and help take commercially viable climate solutions to scale around the world. This is why we want COP 28 to be as inclusive as possible, reflecting the views of developed alongside developing countries, the public and private sectors and scientists and civil society.”

“Inclusive also means including the expertise that exists across the energy spectrum, and specifically the hydrocarbon industry, because if we want to successfully transition to the energy system of tomorrow, we cannot simply unplug from the energy system of today. We need to make the current system work more efficiently with less carbon. We should leverage expertise from across the energy sector to find the climate solutions we need,” said Al Jaber as he stressed the need to always remember that the goal is to hold back emissions, not progress. — Wam

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Hosting COP28 in Abu Dhabi further underscores the country’s diplomatic and strategic emphasis on climate leadership .

Similarly, Saudi Arabia is aggressively advancing its energy transition within the framework of its Vision 2030 and subsequent strategies, aiming to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060 .

The kingdom plans renewable capacity to constitute approximately 50% of its electricity mix by 2030 .

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Content: People 's Network > > International
Sino-Arab green transformation cooperation is on the rise
December 8, 2022, 13: 09 | Source: Xinhua Network
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Xinhua News Agency, BEIJING, December 8 (International observation) Sino-Arab cooperation on green transformation is on the rise
Xinhua News Agency reporter Luo Guofang
China and Arab countries have different resource endowments and development paths, but they are in the key stage of green development transformation.
The pursuit of a common vision of sustainable development will push China and Argentina to move forward together in a cleaner, greener and low-carbon direction, and continuously deepen cooperation in related fields to benefit the people of China and Argentina.
Development Complementary Advantages
At present, China's development is changing from high-speed growth to high-quality development, and it is committed to energy transformation and clean development in the field of energy, and strives to build a clean, low-carbon, safe and efficient energy system.
At the same time, many Arab countries have also launched energy transformation plans in recent years, committed to the development of clean and renewable energy, and strive to reduce dependence on fossil fuels such as oil and natural gas, and promote sustainable economic development.
Saudi Arabia announced in its Vision 2030 development strategy that by 2030, the proportion of renewable energy in the country's energy mix will reach 50%.
The UAE ’ s Energy Strategy 2050 aims to increase the share of clean energy in the total energy mix to 50% by 2050.
Egypt plans to increase the share of clean energy generation to 40% by 2035.
The Arab region has one of the best solar and wind energy resource endowments in the world, and the development of clean and renewable energy has unique conditions.
According to a report released by the Global Energy Monitor in June this year, Arab countries in the Middle East and North Africa plan to add 73 gigawatts of utility-scale solar and wind capacity by 2030, more than five times the current installed capacity.
China has advanced technology and rich experience in the field of photovoltaic and wind power, and has complementary advantages with Arab countries in the field of clean and renewable energy.
Abu Dhabi Energy Director, Avida Murshid Maral, said that vigorously developing renewable energy has become a global trend, which creates a good opportunity for deepening Arab-Chinese energy cooperation.
Collaborating for a Green Transition
In recent years, China has actively expanded cooperation with Arab countries in the field of clean and renewable energy, and the two sides have jointly implemented a number of cooperation projects.
The Zafra Solar Power Station, about 35 kilometers from Abu Dhabi City, is the largest single photovoltaic power station in the world, with an installed capacity of 2 GW.
The solar power plant, which is contracted by a Chinese company, will help Abu Dhabi reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 2.4 million tons per year and play an important role in the sustainable development of the UAE's energy economy.
Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast is creating a green new city, the project called the Red Sea New City, the future electricity supply will be 100% from clean energy.
The realization of this vision will not only rely on solar and wind energy, but also benefit from energy storage systems that can act as energy “cisterns ” and“ regulators, stabilizers ”.
The successful signing of the Red Sea New City energy storage project by Chinese enterprises will help Saudi Arabia to build a global clean energy and green economy center.
Abdullah Wadi, a researcher at the Saudi think tank Research and Knowledge Exchange Center, said that Saudi Arabia and China are committed to vigorously developing clean and renewable energy, and actively promoting relevant international cooperation, which has set a good example for the international community to work together to promote green and low-carbon development and jointly deal with various challenges and global issues facing mankind.
Helping Fishing Development
With the deepening of cooperation between China and Arab countries in clean energy, low-carbon economy and energy transition, China ’ s advanced technology in related fields has also entered Arab countries. China adheres to the concept of “teaching people to fish ” and helps Arab countries improve their independent development capabilities through multi-level cooperative research and training programs.
China and Arab countries jointly set up the China-Arab Clean Energy Training Center to jointly organize capacity-building activities in photovoltaic, solar thermal, wind power and smart grid.
China and Egypt have set up a Sino-Egyptian joint laboratory on renewable energy to carry out joint research, promote personnel training, and help Egypt strengthen scientific and technological capacity building.
Since its establishment in 2015, the China-Arab Technology Transfer Center has built eight bilateral technology transfer centers in Saudi Arabia, Jordan and other countries, forming a technology transfer cooperation network linking nearly 5,000 Chinese and foreign members.
“The development of zero-carbon and low-carbon energy technologies is of great significance.
These technologies align with our energy transition goals, make the energy industry more resilient and help us build a sustainable and peaceful future, ” said Maral.
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Key projects include those within Neom, a futuristic city powered entirely by renewable energy, and large-scale solar and wind farms complementing the kingdom’s vast solar potential .

Saudi initiatives also pioneer the development of a zero-carbon hydrogen market, projecting significant future export opportunities valued at about $200 billion by 2050 .

The collaboration with international players and technology partners supports the kingdom’s swift deployment of renewables, while ongoing oil and gas production is balanced with these clean energy ambitions.

Egypt, as North Africa’s most populous country, targets securing over 40% of its electricity from renewables by 2035 .

The nation is notable for its large-scale renewable projects, including the Benban Solar Park, one of the largest solar installations worldwide, and the Zafarana Wind Farm .

Ongoing renewable developments also link with Egypt’s urban expansion plans, such as the new cities of Jebel Galala and El Alamein, which integrate substantial clean energy components .

Hosting COP27 accentuated Egypt’s emphasis on climate action and renewable energy as pillars of sustainable development .

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Content: General Supervision
Elham Aboul Fath
Editor-in-Chief
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General Supervision
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Editor-in-Chief
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World Future Energy Summit.
Green finance and climate change lead day 2
The second day of the World Future Energy Summit (WFES), held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) in the UAE, kicked off today.
The summit is the premier annual forum for future energy and sustainability.
The day ’ s events focused on green finance, with Boris Johnson, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, stressing the urgency of correcting climate change and thinking outside the box, and providing inspiring views on the obstacles to investing in renewable energy and ways to develop it during a session entitled “Financing Global Approaches to Low-Carbon Economies ”.
“It takes a lot of in-depth social studies, practical solutions and a lot of financial support – governments around the world spend a lot of money to defend themselves against other governments, but we don ’ t spend that much money to fight everyone ’ s first enemy, climate change.
He believes that finding practical solutions requires a serious approach to financing and establishing an assembly line for simple renewable energy projects, so that tangible results can be achieved as soon as possible, which is not possible without setting aside the side issues that usually concern us or we will not be able to solve the problem for another 10 years.
Ahmed Bahieldin, General Manager and Commercial Officer for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) at GE Vernova, an independent public company spin-off of GE ’ s energy, wind and electricity business, also joined the panel.
“Time is an important factor, especially as there is a lot of capital looking for projects in advanced markets, especially in the areas of renewable energy sources and new technologies, and regulatory reforms and the structuring of the revenue model give more room for growth.
The second day of the summit also saw the launch of the Solar Outlook 2024 report, officially released by the Middle East Solar Industry Association at the World Future Energy Summit.
The report highlights the growing contribution of solar energy to the MENA region ’ s ongoing energy transition from traditional fossil fuels to renewables, amid continued manufacturing boom, population and economic growth, as well as concerns about climate change and environmental sustainability.
Solar Energy
According to the report, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region today has one of the highest levels of solar energy potential in the world, with countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco and Egypt contributing on average annual solar radiation exceeding 2,000 kilowatt-hours per square meter per year.
While the regional solar growth trajectory is expected to continue, the report reveals that it is still well below the levels required to replace the current fossil fuel contribution of 87%, with solar providing just over 2% of the current energy mix in the MENA region.
Denisa Vines, Secretary General of the Middle East Solar Industry Association, said: “The COP28 pledge to increase renewable energy capacity and double energy efficiency with the support of 124 countries has set ambitious targets to increase the deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency measures by 2030, but we still face many challenges to achieve these goals, especially in the energy sector within the Gulf region. After 2030, a variety of technologies are expected to be market-ready, offering scalable solutions to decarbonize the energy sector, enabling a more effective role for renewables, energy efficiency and zero-emission technologies.
The broad pursuit of ambitious targets by 2030 is focused on public utility projects, which may overshadow the needs of the commercial and industrial sectors, and this underscores the importance of considering a balanced approach to energy deployment to ensure inclusive and sustainable development.
COP28 Pledges
Speaking at the Solar and Clean Energy Conference, Dr. Ralph Blumenthal, Head of Networks Programs Middle East at Siemens, praised the ongoing discussions on digitization and the great importance of integrating renewables into smart grids to help achieve the goals of the COP28 pledge.
Batteries are key if we want to triple renewables by 2030, and increase them nine-fold by 2050. Batteries are not only storage, they are essential to grid regulation and reduce disruptions that may occur during renewable energy generation. Today, around 1,500 GW of renewable energy has been installed globally and is ready for deployment, but cannot be integrated into networks. It operates 100% on renewable energy, but national grids have not yet been able to effectively integrate renewables on a large scale.
Constructive discussions and sessions on global energy issues and solutions will continue tomorrow with the Electric Mobility Forum, which will comprehensively examine the role of clean and independent transport in changing the future of city design, and what is needed to unlock the potential of investing in expanding electric mobility.

National incentives aim to facilitate investments by reducing costs and enabling favorable electricity tariffs, promoting accelerated growth in the renewable sector .

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Content: Sunday, 24 September 2023 02: 03 GMT
2030 Arab Goal to Advance Renewable Energy Capabilities Globally
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Several Arab countries are accelerating to keep pace with the international aspiration to achieve the goal of tripling global renewable energy capacity by 2030, which is receiving widespread attention, amid various plans and strategies at national levels in many countries.
The Arab countries that are likely to play the largest role in this regard, according to industry experts, are the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Egypt, Jordan, Algeria and Morocco, by injecting more investments into this vital and promising sector.
During the recent G20 summit in New Delhi in September, G20 leaders expressed their support for all efforts to increase renewable energy capacity and pledged to accelerate measures to address environmental crises and challenges.
With this growing international interest in the energy transition, the plans are facing many challenges, including (but not limited to) access to finance, especially for low- and middle-income countries, with significant investment required over the coming years.
(Al-Bayan), a group of American academics and specialists in the renewable energy sector were surveyed about the main opportunities and challenges on the way to increase the desired capacity, the investments required to achieve that goal, and the extent of its expected environmental and economic repercussions.
Huge spikes.
Achieving the ambitious goal of doubling global renewable energy capacity in the near term will be reflected concretely in several contexts, explains Gregory Nemet, a specialist in the analysis of international energy systems and environmental policies at the University of Wisconsin. By 2030, it will deliver significant benefits in terms of jobs, economic development, and improved air quality, as well as putting the world on the path to addressing climate change in the long term.
“The costs of renewable energy, especially solar and wind, have dropped dramatically over the last 10 years, and most experts expect them to continue to fall, ” says Nemet, explaining that a clean, affordable source of energy creates huge opportunities, allowing global renewable energy capacity to be tripled by taking full advantage of it.
According to Nemet, the 3-fold increase also presents challenges, such as “access to finance for low- and middle-income countries, and investments in electricity grids to accommodate this growth ”, stressing that“ challenges can be overcome through sustained efforts and supportive policies, as we have seen many examples in the recent past. ” A sign of broad international cooperation is required in this regard.
Last year, renewable energy capacity (globally) increased by 9.6 percent to 3,372 gigawatts, an increase of a record 295 gigawatts, despite global uncertainty in light of geopolitical developments and the Ukrainian war, according to data published by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) on March 22.
Almost half of the new capacity from renewable energy in Asia has been added, with China contributing more than 141 gigawatts to the new capacity of the entire continent.
Renewable energy sources in Europe and the United States grew by 57.3 gigawatts and 29.1 gigawatts respectively.
African capacity increased slightly by 2.7 gigawatts.
According to IRENA data, although hydropower accounts for the largest share of total global renewable energy capacity at 1,250 gigawatts, solar and wind power continue to dominate new capacity, contributing 90% of total capacity last year.
Solar capacity came first with an increase of 22%, followed by wind power with an increase of 9%.
Policies and Incentives
University of Massachusetts academic David Turcotte, whose research interests include climate change and environmental justice, believes that there are many opportunities in the context of increasing global renewable energy capacity, due to increases in oil prices as a result of the Ukrainian crisis, which makes renewable energy sources more cost-effective, as well as worsening economic and human costs. Recurrent, more severe climate change disasters.
“Many developed countries have expanded policies and incentives to encourage increased capacity to produce renewable energy.
However, we still face a lot of challenges […]
That threatens to derail efforts to increase renewable energy capacity, and the transition to a clean energy economy.
Among these challenges is the lack of adequate funding to support increases in renewable energy capacity in developing countries, a challenge he described as “serious. ”
While international efforts are accelerating to target investments in the context of increasing global renewable energy capacity, those investments are still below the 1.5 ° C target.
This is shown by data from IRENA and the Climate Policy Initiative (CPI) released in February, which estimate the total volume of investments in renewable energy sectors during 2022 at $499 billion, up from $430 billion in the previous year 2021.
Developments in the world over the past year, especially with the start of the Russian military operation in Ukraine in February 2022, have also encouraged many countries to move more towards renewable energy sources, to overcome the energy crisis caused by the consequences of the war, in the interest of the desired goal of increasing capacity.
Required investments
John Hall, Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the Center for Energy Production and Infrastructure, University of North Carolina, United States, notes that “the goal of tripling global renewable energy capacity by 2030 is a challenge, and achieving the goal requires an intensive global strategy, focused on significant financial investment, technological innovation targeting these communities, inclusive policies, and collaborative efforts. ”
Speaking with Al-Bayan, he stressed that community participation and infrastructure development in underserved areas should be central to the strategy, leading not only to the promotion of the energy transition, but also to economic upgrading.
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) estimates that $4 trillion per year will be required in the clean energy sector until 2030 to strengthen global capacity in this regard.
Logistical challenges
Warren Mabey, an academic at Queen ’ s University who specialises in energy policy and natural resource management, told Al Bayan that “it is technically possible to triple global renewable energy capacity over the next six years, and this will put enormous pressure on the global supply chains that support the sector. and manufactured goods, necessary for the transformation process).
Mabe believes that “the cost will be enormous, and the logistical challenge may be too great to overcome ”, stressing the need for“ strong and consistent leadership from countries around the world to achieve this. ”
Arabic Steps
At the Arab level, five Arab countries (Egypt, Morocco, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates) are expected to account for about 72% of the region ’ s total growth in renewable energy, according to the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC), which expects renewable energy capacity to reach 45 gigawatts by 2027, an increase of 3 times. Compared to the last five years.
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) estimates that in 2022, the Middle East saw the highest increase in renewables ever, with 3.2 gigawatts of new capacity added last year, a 12.8 percent increase over the previous year.
According to the Arab Renewable Energy Authority (AREA), the volume of investments by Arab countries in renewable energy projects is expected to reach $1 trillion by 2040, in light of the interest of Arab governments in this file, to achieve global environmental goals.
A Great Leap in 10 Years
According to the current data, the renewable energy sector in the region is expected to witness a huge leap in the next 10 years, at a time when eight Arab countries are leading this trend, according to the researcher in international relations and political economy, Abu Bakr al-Deeb, adviser to the Arab Center for Studies and Research, who tells Al-Bayan that the countries strongly candidate to move in this direction are:, Kuwait, Egypt, Jordan, Algeria and Morocco).
Aldeeb also cites the volume of electricity generated from renewable sources in the Middle East and Arab countries, which is expected to increase six-fold in 10 years through heavy reliance on solar photovoltaic energy, noting that the Arab region has “great potential ” to help launch major projects to produce energy from the sun. And wind, among these possibilities or advantages (the right climate, the bright sun most days of the year, as well as human expertise, and financial capabilities also for some countries).
The UAE is at the top of the list of Arab countries that produce electricity from solar energy, while Egypt is the largest country in the Arab world in terms of electricity production from wind energy, according to a report issued by (Global Energy Monitor), which Al-Deeb cites when explaining the progress made by some Arab countries in this sector, The UAE, Egypt, Jordan and Morocco are among the first Arab countries to establish solar and wind power plants.
According to the report, renewable power plant projects for Arab countries are likely to achieve 92% of the region ’ s total target by 2030 when completed.
One of the most reliable projects in this regard is the Green Hydrogen projects, through which the Middle East is seeking global leadership, with export revenues likely to reach $200 billion by 2050 for the Gulf countries, according to a study by Dii Desert Energy.
In this context, Al-Deeb notes the abundance of renewable energy resources, clean hydrogen, human expertise, capital, and their geographical proximity to the European market, all of which provide them with important and growing opportunities.
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Across the broader Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, countries such as Oman, Jordan, Algeria, and Morocco are committing to substantial renewable capacity increases.

The region’s renewable power generation, currently just above 2% of the energy mix, is projected to triple by 2030 and increase nine-fold by 2050 under ambitious COP28 pledges .

By 2027, installed renewable capacity in the region is expected to reach around 45 GW, with cumulative investments anticipated to approach $1 trillion by 2040 .

These expansion efforts are also interconnected with advancements in battery storage and smart grid technologies to manage the intermittency of solar and wind power .

Government incentives and policy frameworks across the Middle East typically include financial facilitation mechanisms aimed at reducing upfront investor costs, regulatory reforms to improve market entry and operation, and targeted subsidies or tariff adjustments to encourage clean energy uptake .

Investment in capacity-building and research further enhances the readiness of the workforce and local industries to participate in the transition.

The development of digital power solutions, exemplified by companies like Huawei, is playing a critical role by integrating ICT technologies with photovoltaic systems and energy storage, thereby improving overall system efficiency and reducing carbon intensity .

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Huawei offers Middle East a digital supersystem to meet ambitions for a low-carbon future
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Mikhail Voskresensky / Go to the Bank of Tyre solar power plant, 20 km from Damascus, Syria
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Tackling climate change is a growing priority on the agenda of most Middle Eastern countries, and last year, new climate action targets emerged across the region, and even major oil and gas exporters such as Saudi Arabia announced they would reach net zero emissions by 2060.
So far, 137 countries that are parties to the UN climate agreement, responsible for 80% of global carbon emissions, have begun to commit to clear emission reduction targets.
The Middle East also hosted an increasing number of conferences focusing on sustainable energy last year, paving the way for mega projects in the field.
The recent World Digital Energy Summit 2021 is one such forum, showing how public-private collaboration is helping usher in a low-carbon, greener future through advanced technologies.
Hosted by Huawei Digital Power, a new business for information and communications technology giant Huawei, the summit brought together more than 500 participants from 67 countries to examine the interplay between digital electronics technologies and clean energy.
Charles Yang, senior vice president of Huawei and head of global marketing sales and services at Huawei Digital Power, said: “Carbon neutrality has become a global consensus and a big task, and to achieve this goal, energy production must be low-carbon, and energy consumption must be regulated. ”
After the pandemic, there is expected to be greater demand from society for new and green energy sources.
For its part, Huawei sees an opportunity to deeply integrate digital electronics and energy technologies to create low-carbon energy solutions that cover the entire energy flow from green power generation to efficient energy consumption.
This is embodied in the company ’ s philosophy of “using bits to manage watts. ”
In June, Huawei proposed the Network Carbon Intensity (NCI) initiative, in which carbon emissions are defined by one bit as a new measure of green energy.
The initiative comes at a time when Huawei estimates that nearly 40% of its carbon emissions now come from electrical systems, and experts have highlighted how the power generation industry is transitioning to zero-emission status.
Honor launches its first phones in more than 40 countries after separation from Huawei.
Includes all Google Apps
The Middle East and Gulf region in particular is of strategic importance to Huawei, as it has the longest hours of sunlight in the world, estimated at 2,500 hours per year.
Yang asserts that there are significant opportunities for large-scale deployment of photovoltaic energy storage systems in particular.
Various test cases are now available for how to facilitate the use of artificial intelligence and big data in the operation and maintenance of energy systems more efficiently, thus companies can provide society with cleaner and more stable energy.
Smart photovoltaics, smart data center facilities, clean energy for electric vehicles, and for the construction site form an integrated network essential to driving the clean energy revolution.
Yang commented: “While we will cooperate with local companies in all these areas, I believe smart PV data center facilities are of particular importance in our plans. ”
“We have partnered with hundreds of companies, consultants, NGOs and governments around the world to consider opportunities to use a clean energy system, and the fact is that the Middle East is a major energy producer and a global leader in exploring alternative energy systems, and therefore we see tremendous potential for digital power to support the Middle East ’ s transformation agendas in building a better and greener future. ”
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Huawei’s involvement also includes establishing ICT academies to train professionals in clean energy technologies, underscoring the region’s push for a skilled, technology-enabled green economy .

International cooperation serves as a significant catalyst for the Middle East’s energy transition.

Partnerships with countries such as China provide access to advanced photovoltaic and wind technologies, financial resources, and technical training .

China’s experience with large-scale solar and wind developments has facilitated joint projects, notably in solar parks like Zafra, thereby strengthening foreign investment and knowledge exchange .

Beyond China, international financial institutions and technology firms contribute to the development of sustainable infrastructure and innovation ecosystems.

Regional collaboration among Middle Eastern states also promotes knowledge sharing and coordinated policy development, helping to overcome common challenges such as grid integration, financing shortages, and infrastructure development .

Economically, the renewable energy shift presents a crucial opportunity to diversify heavily oil-dependent economies by fostering new industries, enhancing energy security, and creating significant employment opportunities in engineering, construction, operations, and technology sectors .

The transition also mitigates exposure to fossil fuel price volatility and positions countries to participate in emerging global clean energy markets, including hydrogen exports projected to reach $200 billion by 2050 for the region .

Climate-wise, these efforts align with global net zero ambitions, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly while meeting rising domestic energy demands in a sustainable manner .

Nevertheless, the transition faces notable challenges.

Financing remains a critical hurdle, given the scale and capital-intensive nature of renewable infrastructure.

Integrating intermittent solar and wind power into existing energy grids requires significant upgrades and technological innovation, including energy storage solutions to maintain grid stability .

Geopolitical instability and regional conflicts can complicate cooperation and project implementation.

Additionally, despite the rapid growth, renewables still contribute a relatively small share of the regional energy mix, emphasizing the need for accelerated deployment to meet stated targets .

In conclusion, the Middle East is actively transforming its energy paradigm from fossil fuel dependence toward a diversified clean energy future, driven by national strategies, large-scale renewable projects, supportive government policies, and international cooperation.

The UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt exemplify leadership in this transition through ambitious targets, groundbreaking solar and wind installations, and integration of innovative technologies.

While challenges persist, the region’s abundant renewable resources and growing investment climate suggest substantial potential to not only meet domestic energy and climate goals but also to emerge as a global clean energy supplier.

Future developments should be closely monitored for further scaling of renewables, advancement in energy storage and digitalization, as well as the maturation of hydrogen markets, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Middle East’s evolving role in the global energy transition.

Further detail and expansion are recommended in sections covering financial mechanisms and policy frameworks in each country, specific technological innovations and digitalization efforts, socioeconomic impacts including detailed job creation data, and comprehensive analysis of regional collaboration dynamics and geopolitical factors.

Additionally, a more granular breakdown of renewable capacity growth projections and investment flows by country would enhance the comparative context of this report.