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The world is going through a transition in the way it generates and delivers energy, shifting its focus from fossil-based systems to renewable sources. With awareness regarding global warming on the rise, businesses and governments are aiming to dramatically reduce carbon emissions. A societal push towards sustainability has encouraged companies to adapt green and cost-effective sources of energy for a smarter, cleaner, and safer future. The International Energy Agency (IEA) forecasts the world’s total renewable-based power capacity to increase by 50% by 2024.

Recognizing the emirate’s commitment towards the Global green economy , UAE Vice-President and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed unveiled the Clean Energy Strategy 2050 to champion a 50% shift to clean energy and reduce Dubai’s carbon-footprint by 70%. The UAE’s bold ambitions bet big on renewables leading the transition to a smart city in line with its futuristic vision.

The 3 shifts in energy transition that are gaining wide consumer acceptance are:

Solar

A low-carbon technology, solar energy is the cornerstone to decarbonizing markets and accelerating the move towards a greener economy. With rapidly falling costs, solar is fast becoming an attractive alternative to power commercial and residential units. Leading companies such as Walmart, Apple and Intel have been reaping the benefits of solar panels, using the switch as a means of demonstrating their drive towards a carbon-neutral economy. Undeniably, solar is gaining widespread adoption and solidifying its base as a strong investment opportunity worldwide.

The UAE has amped up investment in infrastructure that harnesses solar energy. The UAE Ministry of Energy is continuously assessing the feasibility of centralized solar deployment and has encouraged the public/private sectors to adopt innovative arrangements to foster the wave of large-scale solar projects.

Electric Vehicle (EV)

Propelled by environmental concerns, stringent emission regulations and recent bans on petrol and diesel cars in some cities, the transport sector is rapidly moving towards green mobility with the introduction of EVs. EU policymakers have committed to 60% emission reduction by 2050. China is targeting 20% EV penetration by 2025. California has mandated zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) by 2030, with 17 other countries having consented to phase-out ICE vehicles by 2050. As battery technology continues to evolve and economies of mass manufacturing lower cost of ownership, EVs will gain wider consumer acceptance speeding the energy movement.

The UAE government has taken bold initiatives to bolster the adoption of EVs that include provision of free charging stations, free Salik tags and dedicated parking slots. RTA has converted 50% of its taxis to electric or hybrid vehicles and has endorsed a plan to have zero emissions public transport in Dubai to meet its 2050 energy goals. The highlights of the plan include broadening the use of electric-powered vehicles for public transport, school buses, taxis and limousines.

Battery storage

A key technology in the global energy transition, battery storage has emerged as an affordable grid-balancing tool. The dominant technology of lithium-ion batteries reserve electricity and release it on demand, assuring power supply during outages. Record-breaking deployments in pioneer markets like the US and Australia have demonstrated the potential of battery power storage to control utility bills. Installed in rooftops, remote sites or substations, batteries store surplus power, fill gaps in solar variable outputs and help maintain the reliability of the electricity system.

The battery storage facility built at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, Dubai marks the first storage system integrated with a PV plant at a grid-scale level in the UAE. Used in conjunction with PVs, batteries reserve power for seasonal requirements.

Electric Way actively supports the energy transition in the UAE by supplying a wide range of solar lighting units, EV charging systems and other eco-friendly technologies. We also actively propagate the cause of energy conservation with LED lighting, smart motion sensors, home automation systems and many more innovative technologies.