UAE state energy company brings forward net zero target to 2045

UAE state energy company brings forward net zero target to 2045

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The UAE’s state energy company has brought forward its emissions reduction target as the Gulf country prepares to host the COP28 climate talks in December.

Adnoc, which is one of the biggest oil producers in the world, on Monday said it would aim to achieve net zero emissions from its operations by 2045 rather than 2050 and cut methane emissions to zero by 2030.

The announcement comes as the UAE, the world’s eighth-largest oil producer, faces criticism from activists and a group of US and EU lawmakers over its preparations for the climate talks, which will be chaired by Adnoc chief executive Sultan al-Jaber.

Critics have argued that al-Jaber’s role as head of Adnoc is at odds with his leadership of the talks.

This month, the Adnoc chief executive put forward his vision for COP28, which included setting a “mid-century” timeline for the phasing down of fossil fuels produced without the capture of emissions.

However, climate activists have called on the incoming COP president to go much further and commit to the phasing down of all new production.

Adnoc’s new net zero goal is the most ambitious emissions-reduction target of