His Excellency Suhail Mohamed Faris Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, emphasized the UAE’s ongoing commitment to solidifying its role as a key player in the global energy sector. This commitment is reflected in a balanced strategy that promotes energy security while accelerating the transition towards clean energy, aligning with the nation’s goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
During a ministerial session titled “Enhancing Energy Security and Resilience through Diversification,” Al Mazrouei outlined the framework of the UAE’s Energy Strategy 2050, which focuses on four main pillars:
– Diversification
– Backup Resilience
– Cost-effectiveness
– Robustness
These principles support the country’s long-term vision for sustainable development and ensure reliable energy supply through integrated planning, regional collaboration, and innovation.
He noted that reducing carbon emissions and ensuring energy security are complementary objectives that do not conflict with one another. The UAE employs an advanced model that aligns sustainability with resilience by diversifying energy sources and adopting the latest technologies and innovations.
“The UAE Energy Strategy 2050 demonstrates that decarbonization enhances energy security by improving the efficiency of the system and bolstering its sustainability and resilience, laying the foundations for a low-carbon and energy-secure future,” he stated.
The UAE is committed to a diverse energy mix that includes oil, natural gas, renewable energy, and nuclear power, with each source playing a strategic and complementary role. Investment in renewable energy is central to this strategy.
Al Mazrouei reaffirmed that innovation and international cooperation are essential foundations for realizing the nation’s aspirations to establish a sustainable, resilient, and secure energy system for future generations, fostering economic and industrial growth, while supporting the journey towards climate neutrality.
Aviation Fuel
Al Mazrouei also witnessed the official announcement regarding the construction of the UAE’s first facility dedicated to producing sustainable aviation fuel in Fujairah’s petroleum industry zone.
He was present at the signing of a strategic memorandum of understanding between MENA Biofuels Company, part of the Mercantile and Maritime Group, and Emirates Petroleum, which aims to establish local channels that bolster the commercial implementation of the project. The facility will convert used cooking oils and organic waste into internationally certified sustainable aviation fuel.
The initial phase is planned to produce 125 million liters annually, which equates to approximately 18% of the UAE’s target for sustainable aviation fuel by 2030. Production capacity is expected to double to 250 million liters per year in the second phase, contributing to 36% of the overall production goal.
The estimated investment for the first phase is around $200 million, with an additional $100 million for the second phase, positioning the project as a crucial component of the UAE’s roadmap in this sector, representing a significant step toward achieving the UAE’s climate neutrality strategy by 2050.
The company has also announced the launch of the first phase of a two-part tender for engineering, procurement, construction, and operation relating to the new facility in Fujairah.
Ali Al Shamsi, General Director of Emirates Petroleum, stated that building a comprehensive national system for biofuel production requires collaboration among investors and distribution networks, along with the utilization of modern technologies.
He highlighted that the cooperation agreement with MENA Biofuels will help turn this vision into reality by generating increasing amounts of locally-produced and treated sustainable fuel in Fujairah, providing airlines with a reliable pathway to reduce their carbon emissions.
Captain Salem Al-Afkhami, Director of Fujairah’s Petroleum Industrial Zone, remarked that the establishment of the UAE’s first sustainable aviation fuel facility in Fujairah marks a significant milestone and reflects a shared commitment to achieving the climate neutrality strategy for 2050 while progressing towards more sustainable energy sources.
Ghati Al-Jabouri, CEO of MENA Biofuels, confirmed that the company aims to leverage the advanced infrastructure in Fujairah and align its efforts with the UAE’s sustainable aviation fuel policy.