1 September 2010
Abu Dhabi makes big low-carbon claims
Renewable energy can deliver 7% of Abu Dhabi's electricity by 2020, the emirate claims. If the plan works, it could bring a shift in power generation across the region. Miles Lang reports
ABU DHABI is taking leadership of the greening of the Mideast Gulf. The emirate wants 7% of its electricity to come from renewable sources by 2020 and is spending more than $20bn to green its energy mix. If it works, the plan could transform the region, pushing the emirate's neighbours to tap their own renewable-energy potential to meet rising electricity demand – and free up more oil and gas for export. As in other Gulf countries, Abu Dhabi's electricity consumption is soaring. In August last year, peak demand reached a record high of 6.255 gigawatts (GW) and consumption is forecast to continue growing by 10% a year, with peak summer demand reaching 12 GW within a decade. The new 7% target
Also in this section
9 January 2026
A shift in perspective is needed on the carbon challenge, the success of which will determine the speed and extent of emissions cuts and how industries adapt to the new environment
2 January 2026
This year may be a defining one for carbon capture, utilisation and storage in the US, despite the institutional uncertainty
23 December 2025
Legislative reform in Germany sets the stage for commercial carbon capture and transport at a national level, while the UK has already seen financial close on major CCS clusters
15 December 2025
Net zero is not the problem for the UK’s power system. The real issue is with an outdated market design in desperate need of modernisation
