Few institutions have shown as much versatility and adaptability as the World Bank. Initially founded to address global capital-market imperfections after World War II, the institution’s primary mission evolved over time to focus on fighting extreme poverty. But now that the World Bank is welcoming a new president this July, it should adapt again, this time to address climate change.
Poverty reduction, of course, should remain a high priority, considering that the COVID-19 pandemic has left many low-income countries in dire straits. But climate change has emerged as an equally important threat to these countries’ futures, as well as to the entire planet. Poverty reduction therefore must go hand in hand with the goal of addressing climate change.
But grounding these efforts in evidence-based research is easier said than done. One often hears that low-income countries should focus on climate change because they have the most to lose from its consequences (natural disasters, soil degradation, water shortages, and so forth). That conclusion may be right; but the argument is flawed, because it is based on a spurious comparison.
Policymakers in poor countries do not care whether they have more to lose compared to richer countries. Rather, their focus is on weighing policies that promote growth but harm the environment against green policies that may imply slower or even no growth. To paraphrase what one such official once told me when I questioned the wisdom of his government’s strategy to encourage oil and natural-gas extraction: “Who cares what the long-term trend is? We can do this for ten years, grow rich and then move on to other activities while using the proceeds to clean up.”
The wastefulness of this approach is self-evident, as are the large negative externalities it entails for the rest of the world. But the tradeoff for many low- and lower-middle income countries is real, especially when, like India and Indonesia, they are rich in coal deposits or, as in Nigeria, oil reserves. Giving up on growth in return for a cleaner, greener future is not something that many policymakers in such countries find acceptable.
Still, there is scope for considerable improvement, and the World Bank has the financial resources, credibility and convening power to make a substantial contribution. To do so, it must ensure that decisions are based on the best available evidence, rather than on untested claims or first principles. Policymakers and advisers should study the experiences of countries that have successfully reduced greenhouse-gas emissions, as well as absorbing the emerging body of academic research focused on developing countries.
For example, the US experience shows that emissions reductions were the result of stricter environmental regulation, not the outsourcing of “dirty” production activities to developing countries (the so-called pollution-haven hypothesis). This implies that carbon border adjustment taxes, often justified on a notional “leakage” hypothesis, will do little to improve emissions in advanced economies. Worse, they may deal a severe blow to some low-income countries’ exports. The lesson from the United States, then, is that a path to a greener planet should start with stricter environmental regulation.
Recent research by the Nobel laureate Economist Esther Duflo and co-authors offers a second, related lesson, based on data from one of the biggest polluters in the world: India. Contrary to what many may think, India has some of the strictest environmental regulations in the world. What it lacks is the ability to enforce them. Weak state capacity, reflecting inadequate institutions, unreliable contract enforcement, or outright corruption, can nullify the effectiveness of environmental regulations.
Duflo’s team shows how devising proper mechanisms to address these constraints can significantly improve emission outcomes. It is precisely here, in the design and implementation of policies to address institutional shortcomings, that the World Bank could add enormous value.
Another recent paper reports on a bold, decade-long effort by a team of researchers, in cooperation with the Indian state of Gujarat, to introduce India’s first cap-and-trade programme (it also happens to be the world’s first market-based programme to regulate particulate emissions). Remarkably, they find that the programme functioned smoothly and produced significant emissions reductions as well as cost savings (relative to an alternative, command-and-control-based regulation).
Such results are extremely promising. Interventions to create “markets” for emissions have proven successful in the US and Europe. If such programmes can take root in developing countries, a truly global solution to climate change will be within reach. Moreover, if just a couple of research teams can make so much progress, imagine what the World Bank could achieve with all its resources, expertise, and access to top policymakers.
Perhaps the most encouraging message from recent research is that interventions that meaningfully improve environmental outcomes in developing countries need not be excessively expensive. Another recent paper examines why India, with its generally warm climate and plentiful sunshine, has been slow to deploy solar panels. It turns out that local governments’ inability credibly to commit to the contracts they sign with producers impedes investment. Once investments in a solar plant are made, state governments have a strong incentive to renegotiate. Because solar suppliers anticipate this, investment in green energy ultimately falls short of where it could be. Intermediation by the federal government could help, resulting in much higher solar adoption.
Such examples show that substantive progress toward de-carbonisation in low- and middle-income economies is feasible without bankrupting the country or halting growth. But success requires knowledge, perhaps even more so than money. Hitting poorer countries with punitive carbon taxes, which even advanced economies like the US have been reluctant to adopt, should be a non-starter. Encouraging the green-energy transition with policies tailored to the institutional constraints prevalent in low-income settings is much more promising.
The World Bank has always prided itself on being not just another “bank”, but rather a “knowledge bank”. As it develops its climate agenda, it must remain true to that credo by adhering to the lessons of rigorous research and evidence.
Pinelopi Koujianou Goldberg
Copyright: Project Syndicate, 2023.
The Minister of Climate Change and Environment, HE Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, officially announced that the UAE’s participation in the UK-led Agriculture Breakthrough Initiative. The initiative’s primary goal is to make climate-resilient, sustainable agriculture the most attractive and widely adopted option for farmers worldwide by 2030.
The announcement came during the AIM for Climate Ministerial session of the AIM for Climate Summit (AIM4C) in Washington DC, United States, where HE Mariam Almheiri highlighted the importance of collaboration and progress in addressing climate change.
HE Mariam Almheiri said: “The UAE is pleased to announce that it will join the Agriculture Breakthrough, recognizing that its objectives align directly with AIM for Climate and vice versa. Both provide a forum for collective action and mutual progress, offering us an opportunity to modernize and decarbonize while safeguarding our future food production.”
The Agriculture Breakthrough Initiative, first launched at COP26 in Glasgow, aims to make climate-resilient, sustainable agriculture the most attractive and widely adopted option for farmers around the globe by 2030. The UAE’s participation in the initiative will strengthen international collaboration, accelerate the deployment of clean technologies, and drive down costs in the agricultural sector.
HE Almheiri is heading the MOCCAE delegation at the AIM4C Summit, co-led by the UAE and the US. The summit, features a diverse agenda of sessions and meetings, effectively driving increased investment in agricultural R&D and innovation, which has a rich agenda of sessions and meetings, has successfully catalyzed greater investment in agricultural R&D and innovation, elevating global aspirations, and empowering policymakers to make informed decisions based on scientific data for the betterment of people worldwide.
On the second day of the AIM4C Summit, HE Almheiri showcased the UAE’s progress in the agriculture sector since COP26 alongside high-level speakers from the FAO, World Bank, and other organizations, at a Ministerial Meeting on the Agriculture Breakthrough. The meeting, hosted by the UK, aimed to drive global ambition in agriculture technology development and deployment, served as a platform for agriculture ministers to set ambitious goals for the 2024 Agriculture Breakthrough Priority Actions, scheduled for launch at COP28 in Dubai later this year.
The UAE Embassy in Washington organised a parallel Business Engagement roundtable for industry leaders from the US food sector. During the roundtable, HE Almheiri encouraged further US investment into the UAE and highlighted UAE agri-tech business opportuities.
She reiterated the UAE’s 2051 vision is to be a world-leading hub in innovation-driven food security. HE Almheiri also emphasized the importance of facilitating global agri-business trade, diversifying international food sources, and enhancing sustainable technology-enabled domestic food supply.
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) also participated in the High-Level Plenary “Breaking Barriers: Insights from Trailblazing Women in Science”. HE Mohammed Mousa Alameeri, Assistant Undersecretary for the Food Diversity Sector at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, emphasized the importance of women’s leadership in accelerating climate action and UAE’s progress in promoting gender equality, such as equal pay for equal work, expanded maternity leave, and introducing paternity leave.
The consequences of these achievements include increased agricultural productivity, improved livelihoods, conservation of natural resources and biodiversity, and development of greater resilience to climate change.
Diaverum, the Swedish-born, multinational healthcare organisation has today released its 2022 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report. Alongside information related to the company’s non-financial performance last year, the report shows how Diaverum’s focus on driving forward its ESG agenda has grown in importance and scale, particularly in light of the events that have played a dominant role on the world stage over the past three years – the global pandemic, the war in Ukraine and the resulting economic recession.
The societal and economic challenges that these combined events have created and that are still experienced today, pose health and well-being risks to our patients, staff and communities alike, as well as a strain on national healthcare systems’ capacity to serve society. This has highlighted a long-coming and unfortunate trend – CKD continues to be a global, escalating challenge that affects about 10% of the world’s adult population, and it’s estimated that the number of people requiring dialysis will continue to grow at approximately 6% every year by 2025. This is making CKD one of the leading causes of death worldwide today, the impact of which is felt primarily in low and middle-income countries.
Dimitris Moulavasilis, Diaverum CEO, said: “As a response to this, we are accelerating our ESG journey at Diaverum and in order to explain how we are doing it, we are proud to release our 2022 ESG report, our most comprehensive non-financial performance reporting to date. It includes clearer ambitions, solid governance controls information and a well-defined ESG roadmap for the years to come, covering our strategy and actions that ensure our stakeholder-centric business approach. But it is not only about that – this report is a tool we are equipping society with as means of holding us at Diaverum accountable for our commitments and impact on society & the environment”.
As a healthcare organisation that provides life-enhancing renal care to patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) across 23 countries in 4 continents, Diaverum places great importance on the impact it has on the environment & the communities it operates in, reporting the company’s ESG performance annually and continuously working to increase the transparency and accountability of its ESG disclosure. Since 2021, Diaverum has been aligning its ESG report with the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) – Health Care Delivery Industry Standard.
As Diaverum welcomed almost 700 new patients every month last year, its non-financial performance in 2022 was robust and included:
• a continued strong track record of improving key medical outcomes for patients – e.g. 24.1% improvement in the company’s Clinical Performance Measurement since 2003, and 11.7% reduction in hospitalisation days per patient per year since 2011
• significant strides made in the company’s digital transformation;
• the development of a workplace and clinical environment that resulted in record Net Promoter Scores (NPS), captured both in patient (66.1%) and employee (81%) surveys;
• decisive action in promoting health literacy & empowerment among the communities the company operates in;
• the implementation of mechanisms to collect and act on the experiences from patients.
Stephanie De Sury, Global ESG Manager, said: “As with previous years, the report is organised across five fundamental pillars, which are based on our biennial materiality assessment priorities: patients; employees and well-being; access to care; operating responsibly; and the environment. It not only highlights our non-financial performance but also outlines our approach in meeting the expectations of our internal and external stakeholders, while respecting the environment and understanding our impact as an ethical business.”
Diaverum’s ESG roadmap
To ensure that we continue to make progress and accelerate the delivery of our ESG agenda, we have developed a comprehensive roadmap to mid-2024 that outlines specific goals and actions, explained in detailed in our 2022 report. This roadmap focuses on:
• aligning and further integrating the Sustainable Development Goals (United Nations 2030 Agenda) and Ethical Principles in Health Care (EPiHC) into our business development plans
• reshaping our ESG reporting in order to be compliant with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) according to the new European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), and preparing to subject it to external and independent third-party verification in the next 2 years
• defining specific goals in each of our ESG framework pillars and improving the measurement of our impact on our key material topics
• clarifying our environmental strategy for the medium and long term
• cementing ESG principles within our ongoing value propositions
Diaverum’s 2022 ESG report is available through the company’s website.
The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) highlighted the increasingly significant contribution of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant towards the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative and efforts to tackle climate change at the World Utilities Congress (WUC), held in Abu Dhabi from 8 to 10 May 2023.
With eyes on the global energy sector ahead of COP28 in the UAE, the WUC will convene global energy leaders, policymakers, innovators, and industry professionals from across the power & water utilities value chain as utilities worldwide work to deliver secure, sustainable, and affordable energy. The theme of WUC 2023 is ‘enabling a secure and sustainable utilities future’ with the industry converging to discuss the trends and technologies impacting future power and water demand.
During WUC, ENEC showcased the continued impact and progress of the Barakah Plant, a nation-defining strategic energy infrastructure project, alongside global utilities leaders. Barakah is spearheading the rapid decarbonisation of the UAE’s power sector and over the winter months, the Plant was generating up to 48% of Abu Dhabi’s electricity 24/7, with all of it being carbon-free.
His Excellency Mohamed Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ENEC, said: “Decarbonising the utilities sector in a sustainable manner is essential if the world is to achieve Net Zero. Bringing together experts from across the UAE and internationally is key to identifying realistic solutions to accelerating energy and water security. The UAE is already well ahead of the curve, having taken the decision to add nuclear energy to the national mix, which is having a swift and deep impact on decarbonising the country’s power portfolio. ENEC’s leadership has showcased a new model to the world for nuclear developments, with Barakah recognised as a global benchmark in terms of impact, success, project management and cost. It is a pleasure to be lead supporter for the Nuclear Energy Forum, where experts have convened to discuss the critical role of nuclear in achieving Net Zero along with the latest technologies and related clean energy sources such as hydrogen and ammonia that will accelerate innovation for the global clean energy transition.”
H.E. Al Hammadi gave a speech during the opening ceremony of the WUC alongside distinguished guests Her Highness Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, President and Chief Executive Officer of UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators (UICCA), His Excellency Suhail Bin Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, His Excellency Awaidha Murshed Al Marar, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, and Jasim Husain Thabet, Group CEO & Managing Director of TAQA. The strategic conference allows industry leaders to directly engage policymakers and discuss the support they need to ensure a secure and sustainable power and water future.
“Energy security and decarbonisation are two the most important priorities for governments and utilities today seeking clean energy security. With global electricity demand set to double by 2050, clean, reliable and abundant power generation capacity has become crucial for sustainable urban development and economic growth. As a result, we are seeing an increasing number of countries turning to nuclear for clean baseload electricity. The UAE’s energy portfolio includes solar, natural gas and nuclear and in the future, it will also include other clean energy technologies. While nuclear energy has already become the largest source of clean electricity in the UAE and wider region in just three years, and delivering the largest decarbonisation impact in the nation’s history, we are now moving into the next phase of our civil nuclear energy journey. I look forward to showcasing our nation’s success so far in terms of enhancing energy security and sustainability at COP28 and demonstrating to the world the benefits and infinite possibilities of nuclear energy,” H.E. Al Hammadi said.
H.E. Al Hammadi also gave the welcome address to the Nuclear Energy Forum highlighting the importance of nuclear energy to deliver Net Zero and the UAE’s roadmap for the future. The dedicated Nuclear Energy Forum ran alongside the exhibition focusing on the role of nuclear energy in tackling climate change and will provide updates on new and emerging technologies in the nuclear industry.
H.E. Al Hammadi said: “Our success with the Barakah Plant has resulted in creating a new benchmark for nuclear as part of a balanced low-carbon energy system. Today, the UAE is exploring plans that span regional power exports, green molecules, alternative clean fuels and advanced nuclear technologies including Small Modular Reactors. Meanwhile, we will continue to enhance decarbonisation and sustainability…. building on the success we have already achieved in the areas such as clean energy certificates and green financing.”
In addition, Al Hammadi featured on the panel ‘Achieving net zero and ensuring energy security: What is the blueprint for solving these dual challenges with nuclear?’ discussing the importance of including nuclear in the energy mix to meet net-zero commitments. The panel explained how nuclear energy is the world’s second-largest source of low-carbon energy after hydro and is key to achieving global climate targets.
The UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program is a vital part of the UAE’s clean energy ecosystem of low-carbon technologies, ensuring the sustainability, reliability, and resiliency of the UAE grid for at least the next 60 years. Gas demand for electricity is now at an 11 year low in Abu Dhabi because of the significant transformation in how the Emirate is generating its electricity.
The three commercially operational units at Barakah provide electricity at all times of the day and night, sustainably powering the nation’s growth. A fourth unit is close to completion and all four combined will provide 25% of the UAE’s electricity needs.
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, the second edition of the World Utilities Congress 2023 was inaugurated by Her Highness Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, President and Chief Executive Officer of the UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators (UICCA). The second edition of the World Utilities Congress, hosted by Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA), returned to Abu Dhabi today with industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers from across the globe addressing the integral role power and water play in supporting the i of industry and the journey to net-zero.
Successfully returning to the UAE capital for the second year, the World Utilities Congress 2023 opened to thousands of delegates, industry specialists, and global leaders from the power and water industries convening to address challenges and explore solutions to deliver secure, sustainable, and affordable energy.
In her opening ceremony speech, Her Highness Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, President and Chief Executive Officer of the UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators (UICCA), stated, “The World Utilities Congress is quickly becoming one of the most important meeting places for the energy and water sectors in the world. The objectives of this highly significant event were designed to encourage global partnerships in the fight against climate change. Solidarity and collaboration worldwide are necessary to reach our net zero goals; and so we must take a long-term view and work together across borders to develop innovative solutions that pave the way to a cleaner and greener future.”
His Excellency Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, said: “The utilities sector has a significant role to play in the transition to clean energy. Decarbonising power production will allow other industries to decarbonise by electrifying their operations. As leaders in our respective fields, we have the responsibility to ensure our power supply is affordable, reliable, and sustainable and can continue to meet the needs of a growing global population.”
He added: “The UAE is taking confident steps in this space and aims to meet its net-zero target by 2050, mainly through the expansion of clean electricity in its power market. In line with our national vision, ‘We the UAE 2031’, that aims to enhance the sustainability of the energy sector, we are leveraging nuclear, solar, hydrogen, and waste-to-energy sources to drive a robust energy transition.”
Commenting on the second iteration of the world-leading utilities event, Jasim Husain Thabet, TAQA’s Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, said: “We are thrilled to be hosting the second edition of the World Utilities Congress. I want to express my sincere gratitude to H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, for his patronage and leadership, and to both the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy and the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure for their tremendous support.”
During his keynote address at the opening ceremony, Mr. Thabet, highlighted: “Building on the success of its inaugural edition last year, the World Utilities Congress continues to serve as a world-class platform that is shaping the future of the global utilities sector and exemplifies the UAE’s continued commitment to decarbonisation. Holding the distinction as the first Middle East nation to announce a net zero target, the UAE today holds ambitious goals to reduce its carbon footprint over the next three decades with plans to invest over $160 billion in clean and renewable energy.”
Mr. Thabet added: “As we convene in the leadup to COP28, which marks the first time that the UN Climate Change Conference will be held in the UAE, it is important that the industry uses this occasion to realise collaborative opportunities that will accelerate decarbonisation in a responsible manner but that also ensure energy remains accessible and affordable for all.”
The event’s Strategic Conference kicked off with the first Ministerial Panel Session titled ‘Strengthening Ambition on Route to COP28 and Beyond,’ which offered industry insight from energy ministers discussing regional and national industry commitments and solutions at play to reduce emissions from the utilities sector ahead of COP28. Attendees learned how government entities are playing a vital role in ensuring the implementation of strategies that bring collaboration across the value chain to reduce carbon footprints and accelerate the energy transition for a sustainable future.
Participants included, His Excellency Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, His Excellency Yaser Bin Ebrahim Humaidan, Minister of Electricity and Water Affairs, (Kingdom of Bahrain), His Excellency, Dr Mohamed Shaker El-Markabi, Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy, Egypt, Dr. Kathryn Huff, Assistant Secretary, Office of Nuclear Energy, Department of Energy, His Excellency Jurabek Mirzamahmudov, Minister of Energy of Uzbekistan.
During his participation in the session, His Excellency Yaser Bin Ebrahim Humaidan, Minister of Electricity and Water Affairs, Kingdom of Bahrain, stated, “Bahrain is prioritising the climate agenda and is committed to achieving the objectives set out by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain. To achieve change by 2050, there needs to be collaboration between the private and the public sector, both need to work together to build their efforts and amplify them together. I think the magnitude of change will only come if we have private sector involvement.”
Dr. Kathryn Huff, Assistant Secretary, Office of Nuclear Energy, Department of Energy, United States of America, also said: “Nuclear energy is critical to the infrastructure of the United States and an essential part of its climate transition. To achieve net zero by 2050, it is important that we replace automated retiring and retired coal plants, which make up a large fraction of our power. This may require building out 100 or even 200 new gigawatts of nuclear power in the United States. One way to do that is to reduce the costs and improve the timeliness of bills.”
A global leadership panel entitled ‘Building Momentum on the Road to Net Zero’ also took place on the first day of the event.
The panel, which focused on market dynamics and how businesses are keeping up with their net-zero commitments in the current market landscape, convened speakers including, Jasim Husain Thabet, TAQA’s Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Adnan Ameen, CEO of the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), Luc Rémont, Chairman & CEO of EDF, Lorenzo Simonelli, Chairman and CEO of Baker Hughes, Sama Bilbao y León, Director-General of the World Nuclear Association (WNA) and Greg Jackson, CEO and Funder of Octopus Energy Group.
During the panel, Adnan Ameen, CEO of the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), said, “Over the last decade, we’ve had an annual growth rate of 35% in solar PV penetration in the power sector and a 9% decrease in the cost of solar PV power generation. Additionally, wind power has grown by approximately 15-16% year over year with a 27% penetration in the power sector, but we have the trend of electrification, new transmission, interpolation, powertrain electrification, new applications for electrification and decarbonising not only the power sector but also buildings and heavy industry. These are all things that are gaining momentum.”
Providing perspective from the global nuclear industry, Sama Bilbao y León, Director-General of the World Nuclear Association (WNA), said, “We have experienced an unprecedented interest in everything related to nuclear. There are many countries around the world looking at large reactors, small modular reactors, reactors for electricity, and reactors for coding applications. Depending on the application you have in mind, you are going to choose a small reactor or a large reactor. The UAE is a perfect example of how to deliver an enormous project, the largest in the history of the UAE, on time and on budget. So clearly there are financial frameworks in which this can be done.”
The second Ministerial Session focussed on ‘Enabling a Just Energy Transition: Bridging the North-South Divide Enroute COP28.’ Guided by the fundamental goals of COP28, the session provided insightful discussions on steps toward achieving a fair and equitable energy transition through unified actions to achieve net-zero targets.
Panel participants included: His Excellency Mika Lintila, Minister for Economic Affairs, Finland, His Excellency Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Hungary, His Excellency Antonio Almonte, Minister of Energy and Mines, Dominican Republic, and Francesco La Camera, Director General, International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
The final Ministerial Session focused on ‘Powering Africa’s Future: Fostering Cooperation and Synergy in Power and Utilities.’ Attendees gained a deep understanding from discussions of how regional cooperation can further unlock the potential of Africa’s abundant natural energy resources to meet the increasing electricity demand placed by a rapidly growing population.
Concluding the opening day sessions was a Global Panel Discussion titled ‘Exploring the Role of Utilities in Decarbonising Industrial Demand.’ Attendees heard from esteemed global leaders on how increased cooperation between utilities and industry can support decarbonisation through implementing energy efficient technologies and practices.
Commenting during the discussion, Dr. Afif Saif Al Yafei, CEO of TRANSCO said: “Transmission plays a key role, sitting between the three critical elements of supply, demand, and storage. The utilities sector has to ensure an infrastructure that is innovative, while upholding elite standards of reliability, safety, and security, meeting major interconnection needs, and delivering an evolving clean energy mix.”
David Cullerier, Senior Business Developer, Flex Gen AMEA at ENGIE, said: “Green hydrogen and on-site solutions play vital roles in transforming and decarbonising industrial demand. They form a dynamic duo, empowering businesses to thrive sustainably while curbing carbon emissions. Green hydrogen, or low-carbon hydrogen (and derivatives), are energy carriers, storage mediums, or feedstocks offering decarbonisation prospects for gas assets and those of hard-to-abate industries, while also allowing the connection between renewable energies and energy-intensive sectors. Corporate PPAs, on the other hand, establish long-term partnerships between energy providers and businesses, securing a reliable supply of renewable energy and accelerating the adoption of clean technologies. Together, they empower industries to embrace sustainability, reduce carbon footprints, and shape a greener future for all.”
The Strategic Conference continues over the next two days alongside a Technical Conference for the entire value chain of power, water, and gas utilities. With the utilities industry undergoing rapid transformation, the technical conference provides industry professionals with unprecedented access to the latest technical developments, new projects, innovative technology, and the opportunity to learn from industry best practices.
At the ‘Live Talks Forum’, attendees learned how the utilities sector is driving positive progress in the fields of water, hydrogen, and technological innovation. Policymakers, global experts, and government authorities held back-to-back discussions on stage, displaying the impact of new products and innovation across the global utilities sector. The energy transition and achieving sustainability were in focus, with discussions covering sustainable water management, desalination techniques, and the use of hydrogen.
A dedicated ‘Nuclear Energy Forum’kicked off alongside the exhibition highlighting the integral role of nuclear energy towards achieving global net zero objectives. Industry professionals convened on addressing the future of the nuclear industry, new and emerging technologies, as well as future challenges and opportunities critical to decarbonisation of energy systems worldwide.
His Excellency Mohamed Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ENEC, said: “We have a golden opportunity to accelerate the path to net zero, but to do so, we must be bold with our actions and recognise that this window of opportunity is limited. With global electricity demand set to double by 2050, we need to focus on providing 24/7 baseload clean electricity and supporting a growing renewable footprint, and that means more nuclear energy, delivered with today’s model. The Barakah Plant demonstrates how nuclear can reinforce domestic energy security. By replacing natural gas for power generation, nuclear not only decarbonises, it diverts precious fossil fuels for higher value uses. Barakah also opens the door to regional power exports, green molecules and alternative clean fuels as we increase innovation and R&D to support deeper decarbonisation and sustainability.”
Christopher Hudson, President of dmg events, the organisers of the World Utilities Congress 2023, said: “Today we witnessed how the utilities sector is uniting in its efforts towards the sustainable provision of water and power with global industry leaders showcasing innovation, strategies and progress made in the path towards net-zero. We are thrilled to bring this global event back to Abu Dhabi for the second year and to see thousands of attendees and exhibitors returning to collaborate on defining the future of the sector.”
Hosted by TAQA and organised by dmg events, the three-day congress is supported by the UAE’s Ministry of Energy & Infrastructure, Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE), Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), and Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC). Running until 10 May 2023, the World Utilities Congress will welcome Energy Ministers, over 10,000 industry professionals, 1,000 conference delegates, 250 expert speakers, and 150 exhibiting companies, from across the entire utilities value chain.
During the opening plenary of the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM4C) Summit, Her Excellency Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, the Minister of Climate Change and Environment for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and co-host of the event, announced that partners from around the world are joining the UAE and the United States in increasing investment and support for climate-smart agriculture and food system innovations.
His Excellency Tom Vilsack, the United States Secretary of Agriculture, and ministers and representatives from numerous government and non-governmental organisations involved in the Climate-Smart Agriculture Innovation initiative attended the summit. Former US Vice President Al Gore shared the stage with HE Almheiri and Secretary Vilsack at the summit’s opening.
HE Mariam Almheiri was accompanied during the summit by His Excellency Engineer Mohammed Alameeri, the Assistant Undersecretary for the Food Diversity Sector at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, along with a delegation from the ministry comprising several of its leaders.
“AIM for Climate grew out of a shared recognition from the UAE and the United States that outdated and outmoded agricultural practices are contributing to climate change,” said HE Almheiri. “We are actively resolved to finding more sustainable ways to produce what the world needs, but to do so requires us to stimulate investment and innovation in equal measure.”
HE Almheiri added: “The growth of Aim for Climate emphasises that there is a growing acceptance that an outdated model of producing the food we need simply isn’t sustainable, desirable, or responsible. Here in Washington DC and at COP28 later this year, this presents us with a real opportunity to build a consensus behind an environmentally positive solution.”
HE reiterated that strengthening national and global food security through sustainable technology and innovation remains one of the key strategic pillars of the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy 2051. Through this strategy, the country aims to elevate the entire food value chain and build a sustainable future for all.
HE said: “Under the vision and guidance of its wise leadership, the UAE is committed to building a solid foundation for international cooperation to find solutions to various challenges facing global food and agricultural systems within a larger framework aimed at addressing climate change and mitigating its negative impacts on the future of humanity. The AIM for Climate Initiative, launched in collaboration between the UAE and the United States, embodies this important approach, reflecting our commitment to transforming global agricultural systems into more advanced and sustainable systems to confront the scarcity of water and arable land in many countries and thereby contributing to the eradication of hunger in the world.”
HE added: “We are proud of the results achieved by the leading initiative since its inception, with increased commitments from countries and various partners to invest more than $13 billion in innovative agricultural systems and projects and the growth of the initiative’s partners to over 500 partners from governments and non-governmental organisations around the world. The ambitious initiative results from the continuous fruitful cooperation and close relationship between the United Arab Emirates and the United States, especially in the globally pivotal field of environmental action. We are pleased with our progress so far and are determined to accelerate progress to advance this initiative and other areas of collaboration.
HE Almheiri continued: “These results give us optimism about the future of food in the world and encourage serious and tangible efforts to manage our agricultural and food systems in a way that aligns with our challenges and aspirations for the future.”
“Climate change continues to impact longstanding agricultural practices in every country, and a strong global commitment is necessary to face the challenges head-on and build more sustainable, equitable, and resilient food systems,” said Secretary Vilsack. “We need all of us working together to address the challenges of climate change and food security through innovative technology and approaches. The AIM for Climate Summit gives me hope that we will rise to the occasion, as future generations depend on us to do.”
Under the vision and guidance of its wise leadership, the UAE is committed to building a solid foundation for international cooperation to find solutions to various challenges facing global food and agricultural systems within a larger framework aimed at addressing climate change and mitigating its negative impacts on the future of humanity. The AIM for Climate initiative embodies this critical approach, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to transforming global agricultural systems into more advanced and sustainable systems to confront the scarcity of water and arable land in many countries, thereby contributing to eradicating hunger in the world.
The UAE and the US co-lead AIM for Climate initiative, which debuted at the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in November 2021.
AIM for Climate Progress
HE Mariam Almheiri noted that the summit is a pivotal moment to demonstrate AIM for Climate progress, as there is a global appetite to accelerate progress in meeting the challenges of global food and nutrition security and climate change. In partnership with Secretary Vilsack, Her Excellency announced new investments, partners, and resources to propel the initiative into COP28, including:
- Increased Investment: Partners have increased investment in climate-smart agriculture and food systems innovation to more than $13 billion (over a 2020 baseline), exceeding the challenge by US Special Envoy for Climate John Kerry at COP27 to achieve $10 billion by COP28.
- Innovation Sprints: 21 innovation sprints totalling an additional $1.8 billion in increased investment in climate-smart agriculture and food systems innovation, bringing the total number of innovation sprints to 51 (over $3 billion).
- Partners: New partners, including the governments of Argentina, Fiji, Guatemala, India, Panama, Paraguay, and Sri Lanka, bring the total number of government, innovation sprints, and knowledge partners to more than 500.
The summit is part of HE Almheiri’s visit to the United States, during which she will meet with several officials and business representatives in the United States to discuss the latest developments and efforts in the fields of climate change and food security and explore ways to cooperate in these areas.
SirajPower, the UAE’s leading distributed solar energy provider in the region, announces the successful completion of the construction of the solar rooftop project at Al Tajir Glass Industries’ manufacturing facility in the Jebel Ali Industrial Area. The state-of-the-art solar plant is now fully operational and is expected to generate an impressive 4.6GWh of clean energy annually.
The 2.9MWp solar plant sustainable energy solution will significantly reduce the facility’s carbon footprint, offsetting over 2,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions annually. To put this into perspective, this is equivalent to charging nearly 238 million smartphones. In addition to reducing their carbon footprint, SirajPower’s fully financed solar solutions support Al Tajir Glass Industries’ commitment to reducing their reliance on fossil fuels and their goal to promote clean energy and contribute to a greener future.
In line with UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative, this partnership represents an important step towards sustainable manufacturing practices and contributes to UAE’s commitment to fostering an eco-friendly future as the country continues to invest in renewable energy. With the completion of the Al Tajir Glass Industries solar rooftop project, SirajPower further cements its position as a frontrunner in the solar energy industry, playing a crucial role in shaping a sustainable future for the UAE and beyond.
Dubai Municipality’s mobile air quality monitoring vehicle obtained the ISO 17025 certificate concerning general requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. It is the first mobile laboratory in the field of monitoring the air environment to obtain this certificate in the UAE, which is a testament to the efforts of Dubai Municipality to improve air quality in Dubai, employing advanced technologies to ensure the preservation of environmental and natural sustainability in the emirate.
The certificate also reflects Dubai Municipality’s commitment to establish Dubai as a leading city for innovation and excellence in municipal services, in a way that enhances the quality of life for all residents and visitors of the Emirate.
The mobile air quality monitoring vehicle serves as the first reference station in terms of design, quality of devices, equipment, and technologies used to track air pollutants at the regional level. The vehicle was designed and equipped with international environmentally friendly standards, and is resistant to the extreme climatic conditions prevailing in the region, including high temperatures and humidity.
The mobile air quality monitoring vehicle is equipped with nearly 20 advanced monitoring systems that track around 100 elements and compounds of air pollutants such as toxic pollutants, volatile organic compounds, ozone catalysts, heavy metal concentration rate, and odor-causing gases, in addition to monitoring radioactive pollution levels, noise, and weather data.
Dubai Municipality offers a wide range of environmental services with the aim of promoting environmental and natural sustainability in the Emirate of Dubai while also monitoring environmental activities that can have an impact on community members and natural resources, further ensuring highest level of health and safety.
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority PJSC (ISIN: AED001801011) (Symbol: DEWA), the Emirate of Dubai’s exclusive electricity and water services provider, which is listed on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM), has today reported its first quarter 2023 consolidated financial results, recording quarterly revenue of AED 5.44 billion and net profit of AED 763 million. For the last twelve months, DEWA’s consolidated revenue was AED 27.7 billion and net profit was AED 8.1 billion.
Robust on the ground fundamentals are driving record financial performance
DEWA’s first quarter consolidated revenue increase of 7.3% to AED 5.44 billion was mainly driven by an increase in demand for electricity, water, and cooling services as well as an increase in the revenues of DEWA’s other portfolio of assets. Quarterly revenue growth for electricity, water and cooling services increased by 7.2%, 7.0% and 4.6% respectively. DEWA’s other portfolio of assets grew their revenue by 11.2%.
Demand for power in the first quarter reached 9.66 TWh compared to 9.17 TWh for the same period in 2022, representing a 5.3% increase. Average customer power consumption in the first quarter of 2023 was higher than that of 2022.
DEWA’s first quarter gross heat rate for power was 9,317 BTU / kWH, which is a 2.04% improvement compared to the same period in the last year, indicating increased operational efficiency, reflecting our targeted sustainability and environmental efforts.
Demand for water in the first quarter of 2023 reached 32.3 billion imperial gallons (BIG) compared to 30.4 BIG in Q1, 2022, representing a 6.25% increase. Average customer water consumption in the first quarter of 2023 was higher than that of 2022.
By the end of the first quarter of 2023, DEWA served 1,169,713 customers, representing an increase of 12,212 customers from the fourth quarter of 2022, and an increase of 51,022 customers from the first quarter of 2022.
“At DEWA, we continue the journey of excellence and sustainable growth guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the United Arab Emirates. Our reported results for the first quarter of 2023 have exceeded our expectations, reflecting the robust growth of Dubai. Looking ahead, I reiterate our optimism about our operating and financial performance for 2023 and beyond. DEWA’s shareholder strategy is focused on delivering consistency of returns, sustainability of growth and compounding of our growth value over time, which forms the bedrock of our core value proposition to our investors,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.
“DEWA’s efforts support the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to double the size of Dubai’s economy over the next decade. Our strategies, growth pillars and capital commitments are well positioned to deliver on our energy transition ambitions to achieve the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Emissions Strategy 2050 to provide 100% of the energy production capacity from clean energy sources by 2050, while supporting the strong demand for our exclusive portfolio of products and services,” added Al Tayer.
Select quarterly highlights
By the end of the first quarter of 2023, DEWA commissioned four 132 kV substations, and three 33kV substations. DEWA has now deployed 1,129,816 smart electricity meters (up by 21,286 from December 2022) and 1,010,924 smart water meters (up by 14,007 from December 2022).
Over the 1st quarter of 2023, DEWA added 100 MW of solar capacity. The company’s installed generation capacity at the end of the 1st quarter stands at 14.6 GW with 2.1 GW of this capacity from renewable energy. DEWA’s H Station at Al Aweer has reached a project progress of 95.49%, while the Hatta pumped storage hydroelectric power plant has reached a project progress of 65.2%.
The company’s installed desalinated water production capacity at the end of the 1st quarter is unchanged at 490 MIGD.
By the end of 2030, DEWA plans to have gross installed capacity of 20 GW and 730 MIGD of desalinated water. Of this 20 GW, DEWA plans to have 5 GW of installed renewable capacity, representing 25% production from renewable sources. The additional 240 MIGD of desalination capacity will be achieved using reverse osmosis technology.