From collaboration to action: The importance of partnerships in addressing the global climate crisis
by Khalid Bin Hadi, Managing Director, Siemens Energy UAE, Board Member, Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry
As the world grapples with the urgent need for energy transition, the Middle East faces a unique set of challenges in achieving rapid sustainability goals. Despite these challenges, the energy sector is undergoing a monumental shift, presenting an exciting opportunity for innovation and progress. Technology and talent are the driving forces behind this transformation, paving the way for a future where clean energy is accessible to all.
Over the years, we have observed a significant change in the Middle East’s energy landscape. The biggest development has undeniably been the growing awareness and strong commitment to the energy transition. The region, historically reliant on fossil fuels, is now increasingly focused on diversification, decarbonisation, and the integration of renewables into the energy mix.
The UAE’s pioneering role in sustainability is a testament to that regional progress. The country is leading by example as it was the first in the Middle East to sign the Paris Agreement and set net-zero targets for 2050. Siemens Energy is proud to contribute to this vision, supporting the UAE along its inspiring development journey. Our legacy in the UAE spans over decades, with the company playing a crucial role in ensuring reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy supply across the UAE.
Projects like the Noor Energy 1 Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) Plant in the 4th phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai, the largest single-site solar park in the world, showcase the UAE’s commitment to a cleaner future. Siemens Energy’s steam turbines sit at the heart of the plant as the final crucial step in turning the sun’s rays into clean renewable electricity, providing fast start-up times and high reliability and availability. By 2030, the whole park that the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has been implementing, is set to generate 5 gigawatts of renewable energy.
Furthermore, Siemens Energy, in collaboration with DEWA and Expo 2020 Dubai, has completed the first industrial scale, solar-driven green hydrogen facility in the Middle East and North Africa. This trailblasing landmark project serves as a major milestone in energy transformation and the advancement of a sustainable energy industry in the region. It highlights the importance of partnerships in driving forward innovative energy solutions to tackle the existential threat from global climate change.
These projects are prime examples of our long-standing partnership with DEWA, and we are excited to showcase our innovative solutions during WETEX, DEWA’s Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition (WETEX) taking place on October 1-3. WETEX is the largest exhibition of its kind in the region and one of the most prominent specialised international exhibitions in water, energy, sustainability, green technologies, renewable and clean energy, and other vital sectors. We are an annual sponsor and long-running participant in the exhibition as it aligns with our vision to empower societies and meet their energy needs efficiently and in environmentally responsible ways. We are excited to convene with local and international organisations to contribute to the dialogue on energy sustainability.
Sustainability requires a fundamental shift in perspective. It is about understanding the impact of choices and actively seeking solutions that benefit both people and the environment. This mindset is deeply ingrained in Siemens Energy’s strategy, aligning with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Although the global energy transition presents significant challenges and complexities, we strongly believe that through collaborative efforts, we can pave the way for a cleaner and more sustainable future.