The UAE is leading a new era of renewable energy based on artificial intelligence and doubling production capabilities

The Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al-Dahhak, confirmed that the United Arab Emirates, in line with the vision of its wise leadership, is today leading a global movement to redefine the renewable energy system, which does not depend only on increasing solar panels, but rather is based on integrating the latest artificial intelligence technologies and strategic storage solutions to ensure clean and stable energy around the clock.

This came during Her Excellency’s delivery of the UAE’s statement before the sixteenth session of the General Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), which is hosted by Abu Dhabi from January 10 to 12, under the slogan “Providing Humanity with Energy: Renewable Energy for Shared Prosperity,” in the presence of an elite group of energy leaders, ministers, and decision-makers from 171 member states of the International Renewable Energy Agency, and an elite group of CEOs, investors, international organizations, and youth, with the aim of setting a common agenda and setting priorities for international cooperation. For a better energy future that the international community can take action in 2026.

Al-Dahhak began her speech by stressing that despite the geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty that the world is witnessing, the momentum towards renewable energy has not diminished, but rather has increased in strength, modernity and influence.

Al-Dahhak reviewed the Emirati model that moved from the planning stage to standard implementation, saying: “We have doubled our renewable energy capabilities from 3.1 gigawatts in 2022 to 6 gigawatts by 2024, and we are steadily moving towards achieving our national target of reaching 14.2 gigawatts by 2030.”

In the context of her review of the latest achievements, she highlighted the pioneering project whose foundation stone was laid in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and which is being developed by Masdar and Emirates Water and Electricity. It is a hybrid solar and energy storage station with a production capacity of 5 gigawatts and a storage capacity of 19 gigawatts per hour. Her Excellency explained that this project is not just a power station, but rather a glimpse into the future of global energy systems, as it provides 1 gigawatt of continuous clean energy around the clock, using… Artificial intelligence technologies for forecasting and intelligent dispatch, eliminating the dilemma of supply fluctuations once and for all.

Al-Dahhak also renewed the UAE’s commitment to supporting sustainable development in the Global South, noting the country’s launch of the “Artificial Intelligence for Development Initiative” worth one billion US dollars, to support technology projects in Africa and accelerate their integration into vital sectors such as infrastructure and agriculture.

On the sidelines of the General Assembly’s work, and during her participation in the high-level session on “Women in Diplomacy and Renewable Energy,” which focused on small island developing states, Her Excellency Amna Al-Dahhak stressed that climate justice is not complete without empowering women, especially in societies most vulnerable to climate repercussions.

She stressed that the partnership between the UAE and island countries is a development partnership, pointing to the UAE-Pacific Partnership Fund ($50 million) and the UAE-Caribbean Renewable Energy Fund ($50 million), which contributed to enhancing energy security in 16 island countries in the Caribbean.

She said: “Our collective mission is to harmonize three pillars: energy, water, and women’s empowerment. We look forward to completing this strategic dialogue during Abu Dhabi’s hosting of the ‘United Nations Water Conference’ next December, so that water will be an engine for peace and development.”

Al Dahhak reiterated the UAE’s readiness to work jointly with all partners, led by small island developing states, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the Republic of Italy, and the international community as a whole, with the aim of expanding the scope of renewable energy and enhancing water security, as well as empowering women and youth, to provide tangible and effective solutions that serve the most needy communities around the world.

In her opening speech at the IRENA Youth Forum 2026, which was held at the Mohammed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, Her Excellency Al Dahhak sent a direct message to the younger generation, describing them as “engineers of new systems.”

Addressing the youth, she said: “We stand at a historic crossroads, where artificial intelligence is reshaping the features of the energy sector. But technology alone is not the solution. You are the solution. Your passion and audacity to challenge the status quo is what we need to ensure that technology serves humanity.” Al Dahhak called on the youth to seize the opportunity of their presence at “Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week” to communicate with decision makers and ask bold questions that drive innovation.

Al-Dahhak concluded her participation by issuing an open invitation to all delegations to actively participate in the activities of “Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week,” which begins immediately after the General Assembly and continues until January 15, 2026 under the slogan “An Integrated Start to the Future,” stressing that the presence of the world in Abu Dhabi today is a new confirmation of the UAE’s role as an international incubator for innovation and a reliable partner in charting a sustainable and comprehensive path for the planet Earth.