UAE’s renewable energy capacity is building up nicely, but grid stability needs constant watch

UAE’s renewable energy capacity is building up nicely, but grid stability needs constant watch

A key driver of economic growth and a catalyst for social welfare and national security, energy has been a priority for policymakers for decades. The challenges faced by the world due to unprecedented energy demand and the prolonged use of traditional energy sources dominate government and corporate agendas. The global energy transition is progressing with the UAE leading the way as it marks the ‘Year of Sustainability’ and prepares to host COP28. The UAE joins other nations in facilitating deep changes in its energy sector. Over the past decade, the UAE has made great strides towards an increasingly sustainable energy. Besides substantial investments in clean energy and emerging technologies, the UAE became the first Arab country to embrace nuclear energy. It has also established the world’s largest solar parks and achieved globally competitive rates. The nation’s goal to generate 50 per cent of its energy from clean sources by 2050 is well within reach. The ongoing transition is not without hurdles. While clean energy capacity continues to rise, the most prominent challenge remains reliable transmission and distribution. The changed energy mix has impacted the resiliency of the electric grid, exposing its vulnerability. Unlike traditional power plants that generate constant power