Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) hosted the ‘Renewables Talk’ and ‘Women in Diplomacy’ events in partnership with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) to mark the International Day of Clean Energy, observed annually on January 26. These events took place at DEWA’s Sustainability and Innovation Centre in the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the largest single-site solar park in the world.
The events were opened by HE Dr Amna Al Dahak, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment; HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA; and Francesco La Camera, Director General of IRENA. Senior officials, diplomats, and energy experts attended the sessions, which highlighted the UAE’s leadership in renewable energy and its efforts to achieve net zero by 2050.
The Renewables Talk serves as a platform to share expertise, discuss best practices, and explore innovations in the renewable energy sector. The Women in Diplomacy event highlights the role of women in renewable energy and strengthens global partnerships to accelerate the clean energy transition.
HE Dr Amna Al Dahak stated, “Clean energy is essential for achieving a sustainable future. The UAE is leading by example with its national target to achieve net zero by 2050, supported by clean energy projects at home and abroad. This commitment ensures we tackle the climate crisis while fostering equity and progress.”
HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer emphasized Dubai’s role as a global leader in renewable energy. He highlighted DEWA’s commitment to 100% clean energy production by 2050, driven by initiatives like the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050.
Al Tayer also noted the critical role of women in DEWA’s workforce, with 1,938 women, including 797 engineers and technical staff, contributing to its clean energy projects. Emirati women represent 84.83% of DEWA’s female workforce.
The Sustainability and Innovation Centre at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park served as a focal point during the events, showcasing advanced clean energy technologies, including AI-driven energy efficiency solutions and innovations in green hydrogen. The solar park, set to exceed 5,000 megawatts of capacity by 2030, highlights the UAE’s leadership in renewable energy innovation.
Francesco La Camera, Director General of IRENA, praised the UAE’s efforts, stating, “Renewable energy plays a vital role in addressing climate change, fostering sustainable development, and promoting gender equity. With initiatives like these, we can shape a cleaner and more inclusive future.”
The events concluded with a tour of DEWA’s Sustainability and Innovation Centre, where delegates explored cutting-edge renewable energy technologies and innovative solutions that underline the UAE’s commitment to climate action and sustainability.