Coinciding with World Energy Day 2024, the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy announced today (Tuesday, October 22) the launch of the fifth edition of the Emirates Energy Award 2025 in Cairo. Held under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, this year’s theme is “Empowering Carbon Neutrality.” The announcement took place during a press conference at the Nile Ritz-Carlton in Cairo, with the presence of senior officials from the energy sector and notable figures from both the public and private sectors, as well as media representatives.
During the press conference, His Excellency Ahmed Butti Al Muhairbi, Secretary-General of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and Vice Chairman of the Emirates Energy Award Committee, addressed the audience alongside distinguished energy sector officials, highlighting the significance of launching the award in Egypt, a leading player in the Middle East in renewable energy and energy efficiency.
His Excellency Al Muhairbi stated, “We are pleased to launch the fifth edition of the Emirates Energy Award in Cairo, in conjunction with World Energy Day 2024. Egypt has made remarkable achievements in the fields of clean and renewable energy; and has established leading strategies that support environmental sustainability and carbon emission reduction. This award fosters cooperation among Arab countries to address climate change challenges and support innovation in the energy sector.”
Egypt as a Leading Renewable Energy Force in the Middle East by 2050
In light of an international study, Egypt is positioned to become a leading force in wind energy within the Middle East, with the capacity to generate an excess of 76 gigawatts per hour by 2050. This capability would solidify its status as a potential leader in clean energy across the region. Published in the journal Science of The Total Environment, the study utilized weather modeling techniques to assess wind and solar energy potentials across 16 countries in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East. It projects that by 2050, renewable sources could cater to 89 percent of the region’s projected energy needs, predominantly through wind and solar power.
His Excellency Al Muhairbi added, “The launch of the award in Egypt underscores the UAE’s dedication to bolstering regional and international initiatives aimed at advancing renewable energy solutions. I eagerly anticipate valuable contributions from premier Egyptian institutions that are spearheading innovative projects and solutions in clean energy. These efforts are pivotal in promoting sustainable development throughout Egypt and the broader region.”
The Importance of the Award and its Aspirations
The current edition of the Emirates Energy Award coincides with Egypt’s intensified commitment to clean energy utilization, aimed at generating a significant portion of its electricity from renewable sources. This aligns with the global Sustainable Development Goals. Notably, Egypt’s private sector has played a crucial role in developing sustainable energy projects, thereby enriching opportunities for innovation and fostering partnerships between the public and private sectors.
During the conference, Mr. Taher Diab, Strategy & Planning Senior Director at the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and Secretary-General of the Emirates Energy Award, provided a detailed presentation on the objectives of the award and its various categories. He noted that the award serves as a global platform allowing companies and individuals to showcase their leading projects in the fields of energy management, efficiency, and environmental innovation.
Mr. Diab added, “The award recognizes successful projects and aims to enhance education and scientific research in the field of energy and encourage youth and innovators to present new ideas that support the transition towards a sustainable and environmentally friendly economy.”
Towards a Sustainable Future
In conclusion of the conference, His Excellency Al Muhairbi expressed his appreciation to the Egyptian institutions and media partners for their attendance, emphasizing the importance of continued cooperation between the UAE and Egypt in addressing energy challenges and offering innovative solutions to ensure a sustainable future for the generations to come.
The Emirates Energy Award seeks to highlight best practices and innovations in the fields of energy efficiency and renewable energy. Egypt, with its significant potential in renewable energy, remains a strategic partner in bolstering global efforts to achieve carbon neutrality and reduce emissions.
