UAE to invest $35bn in clean energy by 2021
Energy minister's aim is to increase the share of renewable energy to 30% and to reduce that of natural gas to 70%
Low oil prices are prompting the hitherto fossil-fuel addicted Gulf oil producers to re-evaluate energy strategies. In the latest sign of the region’s tilt towards heightened energy efficiency, UAE energy minister Suhail al-Mazrouei told an Abu Dhabi energy conference 4 October that the country would invest $35bn in clean energy by 2021, with the focus on nuclear and solar projects. Mazrouei’s aim is to increase the share of renewable energy to 30% and to reduce that of natural gas to 70%, compared with its near 100% share of power generation feedstock. Energy efficiency has found renewed traction on the Arabian peninsula recently, with economic arguments to the fore in driving policy. The
Also in this section
28 November 2025
The launch of the bloc’s emissions trading system in 2005 was a pioneering step, but as the scheme hits 21 its impact as a driver of decarbonisation is still open to debate
18 November 2025
Vicki Hollub, president and CEO of Occidental, has been selected as the 2026 recipient of the Dewhurst Award, the highest honour bestowed by WPC Energy. The Dewhurst Award celebrates exceptional leadership, groundbreaking innovation and a lifetime of significant achievements in sup-port of the development and advancement of the energy industry.
11 November 2025
Transition policies must recognise that significant industrial demand for carbon will continue even as economies hit net zero
6 November 2025
After years of pursuing ideologically driven climate leadership, Western powers are now stepping back under mounting political pressure and rising populist opposition—prompting concern essential climate action could be sidelined






