Abu Dhabi plans to cut emissions by more than 45% by 2035 — The National
Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, forecasts that by 2035 it will reduce carbon emissions from electricity and water production by more than 45%. The company published a long-term outlook for the development of the emirate’s energy and water network, The National reports.
According to EWEC’s estimate, total emissions are expected to decrease from approximately 42 million tonnes in 2019 to 23 million tonnes in 2035. At the same time, annual electricity demand is projected by the company to grow by about 70% between 2026 and 2033 due to economic and population growth in the UAE.
Solar generation and storage
EWEC cites the expansion of renewable energy as one of the main drivers of emissions reductions. The company plans to increase Abu Dhabi’s solar capacity to 14 gigawatts by 2030 and to more than 35 gigawatts by 2035.
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The development of this capacity will be supported by energy storage systems with a total capacity of up to 15 gigawatts. As new infrastructure is commissioned, EWEC expects dependence on gas-fired generation to decline.
Changes in water production
Another area is the transition to water desalination using reverse osmosis. EWEC forecasts that by 2035, this technology will provide more than 95% of total water production. The company expects the shift away from energy-intensive thermal desalination methods to also make a significant contribution to emissions reductions.
EWEC Asset Director Mohamed Almarzooqi said that strategic planning must simultaneously ensure infrastructure expansion, emissions reductions, and energy and water security. The company noted that its plans align with the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy’s Clean Energy Strategic Target for 2035 and the UAE’s strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
