Abu Dhabi Accelerates Electric Vehicle Infrastructure and Green Energy Initiatives
Abu Dhabi is making notable strides in its commitment to sustainability and renewable energy, with the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure leading the charge. Engineer Sherif Al Olama, Undersecretary of the Ministry for Energy and Petroleum Affairs and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Company for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (UAEV), has announced the completion of 104 electric vehicle charging stations by the end of 2024. This number is expected to rise to 500 stations by the end of this year, marking a pivotal step in the UAE’s transition to greener transportation.
Al Olama,speaking on the sidelines of the World Future Energy Summit,highlighted the remarkable growth of the electric vehicle market in the Emirates. “The country plans to increase the share of electric and hybrid vehicles to 50% of the total vehicles on its roads by 2050,” he stated. In 2023, electric vehicle sales accounted for 13% of total car sales, a figure expected to rise this year due to increased price competitiveness and the availability of electric cars at suitable prices for various consumer segments.To support this growth, UAEV has introduced a charging tariff for electric vehicles, implemented in January 2025. The tariff is set at 1.2 dirhams/kilowatt hour for DC current charging, plus VAT, and 0.70 dirhams/kWh for alternating current charging, plus VAT. This pricing structure ensures fair and consistent rates, enhancing the operational excellence of the network.
UAEV is also enhancing the user experience through its mobile application, which allows users to easily search for charging stations, monitor their status, and make payments seamlessly. The company is further developing a dedicated call center to provide immediate support,ensuring a smooth and comfortable experience for electric vehicle users.
Al Olama emphasized the importance of private sector involvement in developing more electric charging stations, which will support the country’s plans to reduce carbon emissions and promote the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
Green Certificates Initiative
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In parallel, the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has launched the Green Certificates Initiative for commercial buildings, aimed at enhancing environmental sustainability and balancing economic development with natural resource preservation. This initiative aligns with the UAE’s Year of Sustainability,encouraging environmentally kind building practices.
The Ministry has signed 4 memorandums of understanding with Frist Abu Dhabi Bank, Aldar Properties, Packet Carbon Company, and Miguel Energy Company to study an integrated system for raising energy consumption efficiency in buildings.
Aldar Properties has allocated 10 buildings, including hotels, commercial centers, and office buildings, to review energy and water consumption in Abu Dhabi. Proposals have been reached that could reduce consumption by 20 to 30%, a concept previously applied to several enduring hotels in Dubai.
The Ministry is also collaborating with Siemens to reduce energy consumption in 60 government buildings, with a tender underway for rehabilitating more than 400 government buildings. With over 6,000 government buildings in the UAE, future stages will explore opportunities for their rehabilitation.
Solar Panels Initiative
Al Olama stressed the importance of a joint initiative between the Union Water and Electricity Company and the Ministry to enhance renewable energy sources in the Northern Emirates. This initiative involves installing solar panels on the roofs of real estate, contributing to the total output of renewable energy.
The Union Water and Electricity Company will provide certified contractors to install solar panels, prioritizing residential, industrial, and agricultural sectors. Customers participating in the initiative will have two meters: one to measure energy exported to the network and another for imported energy. If exported energy exceeds imported energy, the difference is credited to the customer’s account for use within the same year.
Key Initiatives Summary
| Initiative | Details |
|—————-|————-|
| Electric Vehicle Charging Stations | 104 stations completed by 2024, 500 expected by end of 2025. |
| Charging Tariff | 1.2 dirhams/kWh (DC) + VAT, 0.70 dirhams/kWh (AC) + VAT. |
| Green Certificates | Encourages environmentally friendly building practices. |
| solar Panels | Installed on real estate roofs to enhance renewable energy output. |
Abu Dhabi’s complete approach to sustainability, from electric vehicle infrastructure to green building certifications and solar energy initiatives, underscores its commitment to a greener future. These efforts not onyl support environmental goals but also enhance economic efficiency and consumer convenience, paving the way for a sustainable UAE.For more insights on the UAE’s sustainability initiatives,explore the World Future Energy Summit and the latest developments in renewable energy and electric vehicle infrastructure.
Driving Sustainability: Abu Dhabi’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure and Green Energy Initiatives
Abu Dhabi is making significant strides in its commitment too sustainability and renewable energy, with the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure leading the charge. From expanding electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure to launching green building certifications and solar energy initiatives, the UAE is setting a benchmark for sustainable development. To delve deeper into these efforts, we spoke with Dr. Layla Al-Mansoori, a leading expert in renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure, to discuss the latest developments and their implications for the region.
Electric Vehicle charging Infrastructure
Senior Editor: Dr. Al-Mansoori, thank you for joining us. Let’s start with Abu Dhabi’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The Emirates Company for Electric vehicle Charging Stations (UAEV) has completed 104 stations by the end of 2024, with plans to reach 500 by the end of 2025. What does this expansion mean for the UAE’s sustainability goals?
Dr. Layla Al-Mansoori: Thank you for having me. The expansion of EV charging infrastructure is a critical step in the UAE’s transition to greener transportation.With 104 stations already operational and 500 expected by the end of 2025, the country is addressing one of the key barriers to EV adoption: charging accessibility. this aligns with the UAE’s goal of having 50% of all vehicles on its roads be electric or hybrid by 2050. The introduction of a fair and consistent charging tariff [[1]]—1.2 dirhams/kWh for DC charging and 0.70 dirhams/kWh for AC charging,plus VAT—also ensures that the network remains economically viable while encouraging widespread use.
Senior Editor: UAEV is also enhancing the user experience through a mobile app and a dedicated call center. how critically importent are these initiatives in driving EV adoption?
Dr. Layla Al-Mansoori: User experience is paramount. the mobile app allows EV users to locate charging stations, monitor their status, and make payments seamlessly, which substantially reduces the friction associated with EV ownership. The dedicated call center further ensures that users have immediate support, fostering confidence in the system. These initiatives not only enhance convenience but also demonstrate the UAE’s commitment to creating a robust and user-pleasant EV ecosystem.
Green Certificates Initiative
Senior Editor: Moving on to the Green Certificates Initiative, how does this programme contribute to Abu Dhabi’s sustainability objectives?
Dr.Layla Al-Mansoori: The Green Certificates Initiative is a game-changer for commercial buildings. By encouraging environmentally friendly building practices, it aims to balance economic development with natural resource preservation. The ministry’s collaboration with entities like Aldar Properties and siemens to reduce energy consumption in buildings—by up to 20-30% in certain specific cases—shows a practical approach to sustainability. This initiative not only reduces carbon emissions but also sets a precedent for other regions to follow.
Solar Panels Initiative
Senior Editor: The joint initiative between the Union water and Electricity Company and the Ministry to install solar panels on real estate roofs is another exciting development. Can you elaborate on its potential impact?
Dr.Layla Al-Mansoori: Absolutely. This initiative is a significant step toward enhancing renewable energy output in the northern Emirates. By installing solar panels on residential, industrial, and agricultural properties, the UAE is tapping into its abundant solar resources. The two-meter system—one for exported energy and one for imported energy—ensures that customers are fairly compensated for their contributions to the grid. This not only incentivizes participation but also accelerates the transition to renewable energy.
private Sector involvement
Senior Editor: Engineer Sherif Al Olama emphasized the importance of private sector involvement in developing EV charging stations. How crucial is this collaboration for achieving the UAE’s sustainability targets?
Dr. Layla Al-Mansoori: Private sector involvement is indispensable. The scale of infrastructure required for EV charging and renewable energy projects is immense, and public-private partnerships can bridge the gap. By engaging private companies,the UAE can leverage their expertise,innovation,and resources to accelerate progress.This collaboration also ensures that sustainability initiatives are economically viable and scalable, which is essential for long-term success.
Conclusion
Senior Editor: Dr. Al-Mansoori, thank you for sharing your insights. It’s clear that Abu Dhabi’s comprehensive approach to sustainability—from EV infrastructure to green building certifications and solar energy—is paving the way for a greener future. What final thoughts would you like to leave our readers with?
Dr.Layla al-Mansoori: Thank you.Abu Dhabi’s initiatives are a testament to the UAE’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. These efforts not only support environmental goals but also enhance economic efficiency and consumer convenience. As the world transitions to a low-carbon future, the UAE is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable development. I encourage everyone to stay informed and engaged with these initiatives, as they hold the key to a greener, more sustainable world.
For more insights on the UAE’s sustainability initiatives, explore the world Future Energy Summit [[2]]and the latest developments in renewable energy and electric vehicle infrastructure.
