UAE Delegation Concludes Productive Visit to France Focusing on Energy Transition
PARIS – A delegation from the UAE recently completed a three-day mission in France, engaging in discussions about collaboration opportunities and exchanging best practices with important French stakeholders to find innovative solutions for future challenges related to energy transition.
This visit was part of the UAE’s initiatives to foster alliances with other nations in promoting sustainable development and enhancing energy security. Key topics of interest involved advancements in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) regulations and infrastructure, hydrogen, nuclear innovation, and strategies for decarbonisation.
Delegation Leadership and Composition
The delegation was led by Eng. Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. Other notable members included Mohammed Al Hawi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Investment, alongside representatives from AMMROC, Emirates, the General Civil Aviation Authority, Bee’ah, Masdar, the Emirates Nuclear Energy Company, the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation, and Lootah BioFuel.
Eng. Al Olama stated, “The UAE and France are united by a dedication to continuous progress, innovation, and readiness to embrace future trends. This visit was designed to bolster the UAE’s clean energy transition by uncovering best practices, enhancing bilateral cooperation, and equipping our delegates with actionable insights to support national sustainability objectives.”
He emphasized France’s role as a global technology leader, which is essential in addressing significant global challenges and in building a strong partnership with the UAE for a sustainable future.
Highlights from the Visit
On the first day in Paris, the delegation attended a closed meeting at MEDEF International, the principal network of French companies, hosted by Ludovic Pouille, Director of Economic Diplomacy at the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. Participants reviewed ongoing cooperation projects and discussed potential expansions.
Subsequently, representatives from both nations outlined their national hydrogen strategies, followed by presentations from prominent French energy companies, including HY24, EDF Renouvelables, Axens, Engie, Technip Energies, Fives Group, and Dassault Systèmes, showcasing their hydrogen development initiatives.
Nuclear energy also received attention, with the delegation gaining insights into the French nuclear value chain, nuclear fuel management challenges, and advancements in small modular reactors from French nuclear industry experts at CSFN, ORANO, CEA, Nuward, Newcleo, and Naarea.
During the meeting, Al Olama reaffirmed the importance of cooperation, highlighting the UAE’s commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships within the energy sector with France to achieve shared decarbonisation goals.
Day Two Activities
The second day was filled with site visits and meetings. The delegation toured Schneider Electric’s Innovation Hub, a leader in digital energy management and automation, where they explored advanced AI-driven solutions for energy optimization.
They also visited Air Liquide’s research and development laboratories, gaining firsthand knowledge of the company’s innovative technologies in gases, as well as services for various industries and healthcare.
A member of the French Civil Aviation Authority presented the country’s regulations and policies regarding the promotion of SAF, while a delegate from the UAE shared the national perspective on increasing the use of SAF in the aviation sector to facilitate decarbonisation.
Al Olama participated in a vibrant discussion with representatives from notable companies such as Airbus, Total Energies, Safran, Bureau Veritas, and Haffner Energy, focusing on their collective commitment to sustainability.
Final Day in Toulouse
On the concluding day of the tour, the delegation traveled to Toulouse, where they visited the Airbus mock-up center and the A350 Final Assembly Line, recognized as one of the most advanced production facilities in the aviation sector. They also met with UAE graduates currently interning at Airbus.
The UAE and France have established a robust relationship that has progressed significantly in recent years.