Dubai's Hassyan power complex will be converted into a gas plant as the emirate seeks to reduce emissions and become carbon neutral within the next three years. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed, chairman of Dubai's Supreme Energy Council, has approved the retrofit of a 2,400-megawatt power plant using clean coal, the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority said. “This step supports Dubai’s security of energy supply by diversifying the energy mix through the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050,” said Sheikh Ahmed.

It is also in line with Dubai's 2050 Carbon Neutrality Strategy, which aims to ensure that 100% of the emirate's energy production capacity comes from clean energy by 2050. "This initiative is in line with the key role natural gas is expected to play in boosting the UAE's economic growth over the next 50 years." Dr Sultan Al Jaber, the UAE's special envoy for climate change and the country's minister of industry and advanced technology, said the decision will also support The UAE's 2050 Net Zero Emissions Strategy. "This move will reduce the carbon footprint of electricity generation in the UAE in support of the UAE's strategic initiative to achieve net zero by 2050," his office said in a statement on Twitter.

The UAE, the second-largest economy in the Arab world, plans to invest AED600 billion in renewable energy over the next three years. "Dubai has a clear strategy and specific goals to increase the share of renewable and clean energy in the energy mix," said Saeed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of Dewa. “Natural gas is considered a safe and environmentally friendly energy source. The Hassyan Gas-to-Power Complex will complement the Jebel Ali Power and Desalination Complex, which is the main pillar in providing reliable, efficient and high-quality power and water services to Dubai One." Keywords: engineering construction, engineering news

Dubai is also building other clean energy projects, including the 5,000 MW Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the world's largest single-site solar park. Deva said the fifth phase, with a total investment of Dh2.05 billion, is 60% complete. The project is part of Dubai's strategy to increase the share of clean energy in its energy mix to 13.3 percent from the current 11.38 percent in the first quarter of this year.EditorXingWentao