Abu Dhabi steps on the emissions-reduction accelerator
State-owned energy companies are intensifying efforts to decarbonise the emirate’s crude oil production and carve out a leading role in the nascent global hydrogen trade
The UAE’s decision to name the CEO of state oil company Adnoc, Sultan Ahmed al-Jaber, as president of the Cop28 climate change summit in Dubai later this year generated predictable criticism from many quarters. However, the firm and its state owner are doubling down on the argument that one of the world’s largest oil producers can also be a pioneer of decarbonisation and clean energy. Jaber’s appointment to the Cop28 role—a choice less jarring when considering his eight years as the UAE’s special envoy for climate change—is symptomatic of Abu Dhabi’s contention that the world will continue to need its cheap-to-extract oil for decades, despite accelerating decarbonisation. The state’s focus i
Also in this section
2 January 2025
From politics to power and pipelines, the year ahead looks challenging for the emerging clean hydrogen sector
31 December 2024
Uruguay has made significant progress in decarbonising its electricity generation, with state-owned ANCAP now leading the second phase of the country’s energy transition
31 December 2024
Whether it is hydrogen, LNG, carbon capture or water treatment, collaboration is key to meeting the world’s growing energy demand while meeting decarbonisation goals
30 December 2024
The aviation industry needs government action and policy support to realise the potential of hydrogen as part of SAF, and the UK has the potential to lead the way