UAE Supports Global Energy Security at G20 Summit

The United Arab Emirates, represented by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI), participated in the G20 Energy Transitions Ministerial Meeting held in South Africa. Eng. Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at MoEI, led the UAE delegation. The meeting brought together global energy leaders to discuss strategies for achieving a safe, inclusive, and sustainable energy transition.

Al Olama emphasized the UAE’s strong support for the priorities of the G20 Presidency, focusing on global energy security and sustainable development. He highlighted that energy security forms the foundation of global stability and prosperity. According to Al Olama, the UAE approaches energy security not only through diversification but also through resilience, innovation, coordinated planning, and inclusivity.

The UAE delegation showcased the country’s achievements in renewable and clean energy. Through smart grids, electrification, and decentralised systems, the UAE has achieved 100 percent access to electricity under SDG 7. It also ranks first globally in access to clean cooking. Al Olama noted that the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant now supplies up to 25 percent of the nation’s electricity, demonstrating the importance of peaceful nuclear technology in reducing emissions while ensuring energy security.

Al Olama stressed the significance of linking water and energy for climate resilience. He highlighted the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative, which promotes cross-sector innovation for securing both water and energy resources. The UAE will co-host the UN Water Conference in 2026 with Senegal to encourage global solutions and collaborative action on water and energy challenges.

The UAE supports the G20 High-Level Voluntary Principles for Sustainable Industrialisation Hubs and applauds the focus on hydrogen as a driver of low-carbon growth. The country’s National Hydrogen Strategy 2050 aims to make the UAE a leading producer and exporter of low-emission hydrogen and ammonia. Al Olama emphasized that innovation, strong financing, and resilient supply chains are key to achieving these goals.

Al Olama introduced the UAE-backed Global Energy Efficiency Alliance (GEEA), designed to turn pledges into measurable action. Through GEEA, the UAE aims to support at least 15 countries by 2030, mobilise US$75 million in efficiency financing, and reduce energy intensity. Efficiency remains the most cost-effective tool to expand energy access, lower emissions, and promote economic growth.

The UAE also endorsed the G20 vision for African energy interconnectivity, highlighting the importance of regional collaboration. Drawing on the GCC interconnection experience and projects such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), the UAE is committed to sharing technical expertise, innovative financing, and investment in clean infrastructure. This approach aims to build resilient and sustainable energy networks across Africa.