The Department of Energy (DoE) in Abu Dhabi hosted the Abu Dhabi Energy and Water Forum on February 28, 2025. This event attracted senior officials and representatives from various government and private sector organizations in the emirate. Key participants included the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA), and the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar), among others.

According to MSN, Dr. Abdulla Humaid Al Jarwan, Chairman of the DoE, stated that the forum serves as an important platform for communication and cooperation among stakeholders in the energy sector. He emphasized that this aligns with the objectives of the Abu Dhabi Energy and Water Strategy 2050, which aims to promote dialogue between public and private entities to develop innovative and sustainable solutions for supply security and economic growth.

Dr. Al Jarwan highlighted major transformations in Abu Dhabi’s energy sector, specifically the shift towards renewable energy, which currently makes up 45% of the emirate’s energy mix. He noted that significant advancements have also been made in water desalination, with reverse osmosis technology projected to supply about 80% of Abu Dhabi’s water by 2030, while reducing carbon emissions by 60%.

He pointed out that electricity and water demand is expected to double in the coming years, and Abu Dhabi has proactively prepared for this growth through skilled workforce development and innovation. Dr. Al Jarwan stressed the need for collaboration among stakeholders to create technological solutions that drive digital transformation and achieve sustainability in the energy and water sectors.

He concluded by inviting key players from various sectors to join in realizing Abu Dhabi’s vision for a sustainable economy, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050. Dr. Al Jarwan reiterated that future success relies on balancing economic and social sustainability with innovation to address global challenges.

Eng. Ahmed Mohammed Al Rumaithi, Undersecretary of the DoE, emphasized the forum’s role in advancing the emirate’s sustainable growth vision. He highlighted the importance of shared expertise and collaboration across sectors to effectively address future challenges in the energy sector.

Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), described the forum as a platform for fostering collaboration and showcasing best practices in the energy and water sectors. She reaffirmed EAD’s commitment to achieving the emirate’s climate change strategy goals, which include a 22% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 2027.

Jasim Husain Thabet, Group CEO of TAQA, remarked on the UAE’s leadership in clean energy solutions and the importance of collaboration in enhancing energy security and sustainability. He noted that initiatives like the forum are vital for developing solutions to address energy challenges.

Mohammed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, called the forum a crucial platform for enhancing cooperation between public and private sectors. He affirmed Masdar’s commitment to developing renewable energy and building strategic partnerships to support sustainable transformation.

The forum featured specialized workshops that focused on six key themes, including maximizing value for economic growth, expediting the transition to clean energy, and promoting digital transformation. Each theme aimed to address the challenges and opportunities within the energy and water sectors, emphasizing the need for effective policies and collaboration to ensure a sustainable future.