RAS AL KHAIMAH, H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, said that the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah is a leading partner in the global efforts to achieve sustainability by developing the energy sector, in line with the UAE’s relevant approach, which has enhanced its stature as an advanced country seeking to realise a sustainable future for everyone.
Investing in energy sustainability, especially in clean energy, is an investment for the future and will ensure the success of the sustainable development process, he added.
Sheikh Saud made this statement during his speech at the inauguration of the RAK Energy Summit, being held under his patronage and attended by a range of experts, speakers and scholars specialising in sustainability and renewable energy.
Sheikh Saud attended the first day of the summit, which featured the recorded speech of Francesco La Camera, Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), where he affirmed the importance of the energy sector’s sustainability.
During the event, Sheikh Saud stressed that Ras al Khaimah plays a crucial role in the UAE’s efforts to provide safe and reliable energy services to everyone.
“Our vision is to support the local and global efforts to find innovative and practical solutions based on energy technologies, to address the major challenges facing the sector,” he said, affirming that sustainability is being prioritised by the emirate, which has adopted a clear strategic vision to increase local reliance on renewable energy.
The hosting of the summit aligns with the emirate’s future approach and efforts to support the country’s related vision, he added, stating, “We believe in our capacity for progress in local and international climate action efforts, and we can play a larger role in creating a pioneering model of energy and water management.”
He then pointed out that ensuring sustainability, protecting the environment and supporting climate action efforts are vital foundations of Ras Al Khaimah’s developmental approach.
At the end of his speech, Sheikh Saud stressed that the efforts to advance the energy sector and ensure a sustainable future for everyone will not cease.
For his part, Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs, said in a speech delivered on behalf of Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, “The UAE is one of the leading countries in developing the clean energy sector, and a pioneer of modern methods to enhance the efficiency of the energy sector. Climate action in the UAE is based on three main axes: finance, technology and the environment. Hosting COP 28 represents an important and defining moment in the UAE’s climate diplomacy, by organising a comprehensive and exceptional conference that can fully mobilise for international climate action.”
Meanwhile, Munther Mohammed bin Shekar, Director General of Ras Al Khaimah Municipality, the host of the Summit, stated, “We envision a Ras Al Khaimah where suppliers of efficient products and services find consumers looking to benefit from energy efficiency, where our youth develops and executes innovative solutions and where society is aware of its sustainability responsibilities. We have taken some important steps towards this in the summit, including the launch of our home energy services, the launch of an industrial energy audit initiative, and the launch of the SME edition of RAK Energy Innovation Competition, along with several other programme announcements. We are grateful to our leadership, sponsors, partners and guests for making this first day a success.”
A highlight of the first day was the presentation of the UAE Energy Management Leadership Awards for 2022 by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. Ras Al Khaimah Municipality was awarded first place, while ADNOC Onshore and ADNOC Offshore were awarded second and third places respectively. The award is based on an assessment conducted by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) and recognises implementation of best practices in energy management.
Held under the theme of “Creating and contributing to the energy efficiency and renewable energy goals of the future”, the summit supports the RAK Energy Efficiency and Renewables Strategy 2040, the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative and the country’s preparations for both the UN COP 27, taking place in Egypt next month, and the UN COP 28, which will take place in the UAE next year. RAK Energy Efficiency and Renewables Strategy targets 30 percent electricity savings, 20 percent water savings and 20 percent renewable energy in the generation mix by 2040.
“We are pleased to be a part of this event that brings together leaders from government and companies to discuss energy efficiency and renewable energy as a driver for the competitiveness and sustainability of Ras Al Khaimah’s economy,” said Franco Atassi, the CEO of Siemens Smart Infrastructure in the Middle East. “Siemens is committed to developing technology that intelligently connects energy systems, buildings and industries, enhances the way we live and work, and protects our planet.”
“Luceco Group has adopted the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) and the Society of Light and Lighting (SLL) Technical Memorandum (TM66) which provides a framework for action and assessment for the lighting industry. With a clear explanation of the ‘Circular Economy’ TM66 identifies how circular principles can be embraced by specifiers and manufacturers such as our group,” Venkat Raman, M.D., Luceco Middle East, said.
The two-day summit, hosted by Ras Al Khaimah Municipality on October 4-5, 2022, at the Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Centre in Ras Al Khaimah, is supported by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), Masdar, and more than 10 government entities in Ras Al Khaimah.
Other key dignitaries and speakers at the opening day of the summit included Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs, Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure; Munther Mohammed bin Shekar Al Zaabi, Director General, Ras Al Khaimah Municipality; Yousif Ahmed Al Ali, Assistant Undersecretary for Water, Electricity & Future Energy Affairs, Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure; Dr. Mane Alsudairawi, Acting Director General, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR); Renaud Capris, Chief Executive Officer, Enova; Raheel Ahmed, Chief Executive Officer, RAKBANK, and a virtual keynote address by Francesco La Camera, Director General, IRENA.
The second day of the summit continues tomorrow, with leading speakers and decision makers, including Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment; Yousif Al Ali, Assistant Undersecretary for Water, Electricity & Future Energy Affairs, Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure; Essa Abdulrahman Al Hashmi, Assistant Undersecretary – Sustainable Communities Sector & Acting Assistant Undersecretary – Green Development & Climate Change Sector, Ministry of Climate Change and Environment; Esmaeel Hassan AlBlooshi, General Manager, Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority; Gauri Singh, Deputy Director General, International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA); Marco Matteini, Industrial Development Officer, UNIDO; Fawaz Al Muharrami, Executive Director, Masdar Clean Energy; Luc Kœchlin, Chief Executive Officer, EDF Middle East; and Hugh Richmond, Chief Executive Officer, Edina – Part of Energy Efficiency Services (EESL).
Source: Emirates News Agency