Spain and the United Arab Emirates seek to cooperate in the renewable energy sector
The Spanish Minister for Ecological Transition, Teresa Ribera, has given an interview to the United Arab Emirates News Agency, in which she discussed the role the country is playing in the field of renewable energies, and the progress it is making in this regard. The Spanish minister was already in the spotlight a few days ago in the country, as she chaired the 11th Assembly of IRENA, the International Renewable Energy Agency, which took place in the United Arab Emirates.
Ribera highlighted the relationship that exists between the two countries in this area, due in part to the fact that they share common interests in the sector, especially in relation to wind and solar energy. The Emirates, due to its links to the oil sector, has long experience in offshore construction and engineering, something that the country has taken advantage of to apply to the offshore renewables sector, a growing interest in Spain, according to Ribera.
The Emirates has recently presented, following the hosting of the IRENA meetings, important advances in the treatment of hydrogen to combat climate change. On 17 January, the Mubadala Investment Company and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company launched an alliance linked to the production of green hydrogen, which aims to become a global benchmark.
Spain has expressed its interest in this type of industry, hence the Minister's words. Acciona will be responsible for developing offshore hydrogen production plants in Spain, using wind and solar energy. To this end, it will be important to count on the experience of the Emirates, in addition to the financial support that the European Union will provide for the project.
Irene has pointed out the growth that the renewable energy sector is experiencing, as a result of the awareness that is taking place around the world regarding the maintenance and care of the environment, as demonstrated during the Sustainability Week held in the capital of the Emirates.
The Gulf country, a major oil producer, is very conscious of diversifying its economy and energy resources. It knows that hydrocarbons are a finite resource, and is taking advantage of the economic benefits they continue to bring to move towards other types of unlimited and sustainable energy.
Last year, the UAE became home to the world's largest solar power plant in Al-Dhafra. The photovoltaic plant is expected to provide two gigawatts of power, which would support 160,000 homes through more than 3 million solar panels. All of this is part of the Emirati government's Energy Strategy 2050, which was presented almost five years ago and to which progress shows great commitment.