Awaidha Murshed Al Marar, Chairman of the Department of Energy, stated that Abu Dhabi has managed to achieve a radical transformation in its production and consumption of energy and has drafted a new renewable energy strategy, enabling it to occupy a prominent international position in this area and become the clean energy capital of the Middle East.

In an interview with Emirates News Agency, WAM, Al Marar added that Abu Dhabi has implemented many initiatives, including Masdar’s projects for renewable energy and clean technologies, Suweihan’s project for solar energy, "Noor Abu Dhabi," and other related investments around the world. It has also established legislative infrastructure and institutions that support clean and renewable energy projects, he said.

Al Marar pointed out that the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy is one of the main pillars of realising the UAE Vision 2021, as it co-ordinates with the Supreme Council of Energy in Dubai, and the rest of the country, to promote sustainability and the use of clean and renewable energy sources. "This is to ensure the provision of sufficient supplies of electricity and water, support the country’s sustainable development process, and fulfil the economic aspirations and needs of future generations," he explained.

He also noted that efficient energy production and consumption and the greater use of clean and renewable energy are essential elements to achieving sustainable development and providing a decent life for citizens, as well as ensuring prosperity.

Regarding the move from traditional to renewable energy, Al Marar said that Abu Dhabi has clear objectives to protect natural resources and enhance the efficiency of their use while adding that the department is managing the process of placing an organisational framework for the work of several authorities, which will contribute to improving the end use of electricity and water.

He went on to say that Abu Dhabi is continuing to develop its strategy, with the aim of diversifying its sources of energy, including the production of clean energy sources through the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant and Noor Abu Dhabi Solar Energy Plant in Suweihan.

The ADIPEC Exhibition and Conference, which started in Abu Dhabi and will run until 16th November, 2017, is a global platform for creating new business opportunities and exchanging knowledge and ideas, which will contribute to future developments in the oil and gas sector, as it represents a global forum that brings together the most influential decision-makers on the strategic direction of many leading international oil companies, he said in conclusion.