MOEI drives strategic partnerships in clean energy sector
AB U DHAB I: Sharif Al Olama, Under-secretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MOEI), visited Germany and the Netherlands to reinforce existing partnerships and discuss common goals, energy transition, technology deployment, and potential projects.
The tour started at the German city of Freiburg. Al Olama visited the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE), the largest solar research institute in Europe, where he joined a distinguished line-up of aendees from the gov ernment, business sector, and academia for the Freiburg Energy Talks 2023. Al Olama provided aendees with an overview of the UAE’S energy transition, with a focus on its hydrogen industry. He then toured the Fraunhofer ISE and learned firsthand about its advanced R&D in hydrogen technologies.
In the Netherlands, Al Olama participated in the World Hydrogen Summit 2023, the leading global plaform for hydrogen business held in the Dutch city of Roerdam. With the participation of over 11,500 decision-makers, energy ministers, and CEOS from more than 100 countries, the summit highlighted the latest developments in hydrogen technologies and policies and facilitated related investment opportunities.
As part of the summit, Al Olama joined a site tour of hydrogen-related facilities across the Port of Roerdam, the largest port in Europe, where he learned about the Dutch authorities’ best practices and future plans and projects for the port, which will support the Dutch hydrogen economy.
During his stay in the Netherlands, Al Olama held multiple bilateral meetings with high-level officials to explore ways to enhance strategic partnerships, share knowledge, and promote investment opportunities in sustainable energy sources. In this context, he met with Liesje Schreinemacher, Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, and Petra Schwager, Chief of Climate and Technology Partnerships Division at the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO).
He also had a meeting with Ahmed Aboutaleb, Mayor of Roerdam, in the presence of Jamal Jama Al Musharakh, UAE ambassador to the Netherlands, and representatives of leading Dutch companies to explore joint investment opportunities.
One of the key highlights of the summit was the Masdar roundtable, where Al Olama briefed representatives of Dutch public and private sector entities about the UAE’S hydrogen industry.
Al Olama said, “Such visits provide ideal opportunities for advancing collaboration and sharing knowledge and best practices with European countries that are pioneering the shit to clean energy. This is in line with our steadfast commitment to sustainable development and a robust green economy.”
He added, “By promoting reliance on clean energy tech, we are driving our climate action, creating new jobs, and reinforcing an innovation ecosystem in the UAE. Meeting with likeminded counterparts helps us align our visions and goals and enhances strategic synergies for energy transition, particularly in hydrogen that is arguably considered the energy source of the future.”
Meanwhile held under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MOEI UAE), Seatrade Maritime Logistics Middle East, the region’s leading shipping and maritime supply chain event, held last week at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
Placed at the heart of the UAE Maritime Week, the conference and exhibition witnessed the participation of renowned industry leaders, experts, and policymakers from around the world, who discussed and showcased the most recent advancements and best practices in the industry.
Marking the opening of the event, Eng. Hassan Mohammed Juma Al Mansouri, Undersecretary for Infrastructure and Transport Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, delivered an inspiring address on the UAE’S vision and strategic plan to advance its maritime and logistics sectors’ growth and development.
During his speech, Eng. Al Mansouri highlighted the UAE’S significant progress in expanding and modernising its ports, increasing cargo volumes, and strengthening its position as a global trade hub.
Eng. Hassan Mohammed Juma Al Mansouri, Undersecretary for Infrastructure and Transport Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure said: “Through strategic investments in infrastructure, technology, and talent development, the UAE has established itself as one of the most dynamic and innovative maritime hubs across the globe.”
“Capitalising on the capabilities of our stateof-the-art ports, several of which rank amongst the top 10 globally, we have been able to handle over 25,000 port calls, and more than 19 million TEUS annually, cementing our position as a preferred destination for international trade. Despite achieving these significant numbers, we are dedicated to further development and progress.”
“In this regard, we are constantly pushing our limits through ground-breaking initiatives to foster an environment conducive to growth and expansion, aacting massive foreign investments from global leading maritime organisations looking to establish their headquarters in the country. As a result, we will be able to add significantly to the Dhs90 billion the sector has been contributing to the national economy, and enhance the industry’s role in the country’s success.”
The Ministerial and Government address was followed by an exclusive video address by Kitack Lim, Secretary-general, International Maritime organisation (IMO). During his virtual address, Lim stressed on the importance of cooperation and collaboration to drive the maritime sector towards a brighter future.