The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Global Climate Finance Centre (GCFC) during the 2025 World Utilities Congress. This agreement was made in a high-level consultation co-hosted by the DoE and GCFC as part of the preparations for the 2026 United Nations Water Conference. The GCFC has been officially designated to lead the Finance Track of this upcoming conference.

The signing ceremony was attended by prominent officials, including His Excellency Dr. Abdulla Humaid Al Jarwan, Chairman of the DoE, and His Excellency Abdulla Balalaa, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability. The MoU was signed by His Excellency Engineer Ahmed Al Falasi, Energy Efficiency Sector Executive Director, and Mercedes Vela Monserrate, CEO of GCFC, alongside various directors and senior officials from both organizations.

Engineer Ahmed Al Falasi remarked that this agreement marks a significant step in the efforts to transition toward a sustainable economic model that addresses climate change issues. He emphasized the importance of partnerships with institutions like the Global Climate Finance Centre, which play a crucial role in developing innovative projects and financing solutions beneficial to both the economy and society.

He also expressed optimism about implementing impactful initiatives through this collaboration, starting with projects like “Cooling as a Service.” Al Falasi highlighted the aim to create an effective ecosystem involving government entities, the private sector, and the wider community.

Mercedes Vela Monserrate, CEO of GCFC, noted that the agreement represents the ongoing collaboration between GCFC and the DoE aimed at developing financing mechanisms for energy and water efficiency. She reiterated their commitment to mobilizing capital, supporting regulatory frameworks, and providing practical solutions through a robust pipeline of investable projects.

The MoU aims to enhance the bilateral partnership by supporting the implementation of Abu Dhabi’s Finance Strategy and reinforcing the Emirate’s status as a hub for climate finance and innovation. It will also focus on building institutional capacities, sharing knowledge, and scaling financing for projects related to energy and water efficiency, including initiatives for behavioral change and environmental conservation.

Specific areas of cooperation outlined in the MoU include the development of financing instruments for energy and water efficiency infrastructure, capital structuring tools such as guarantees and bond frameworks, and technical support for regulators and financial institutions. Additionally, the agreement calls for policy alignment to enhance investment readiness and high-level meetings to foster pipeline development and institutional coordination.

GCFC and the DoE will collaborate to align these financing solutions with Abu Dhabi’s strategic priorities, positioning the Emirate as a regional leader in climate finance.