Sustainability and Renewable Energy in the UAE: A Case Study of Sharjah

In 2023, the UAE adapted its National Energy Strategy to accommodate several new goals, including doubling renewable energy (RE) capacity to 14 GW by 2030. This development further highlights the significance of transitioning towards RE sources. This study focuses on examining and assessing the util...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Shaima A. Alnaqbi, Abdul Hai Alami
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2023-10-01
Series:Energies
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/16/20/7034
_version_ 1797574009601130496
author Shaima A. Alnaqbi
Abdul Hai Alami
author_facet Shaima A. Alnaqbi
Abdul Hai Alami
author_sort Shaima A. Alnaqbi
collection DOAJ
description In 2023, the UAE adapted its National Energy Strategy to accommodate several new goals, including doubling renewable energy (RE) capacity to 14 GW by 2030. This development further highlights the significance of transitioning towards RE sources. This study focuses on examining and assessing the utilization of RE technologies in Sharjah, an emirate in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It offers an overview of Sharjah’s current energy scenario and investigates the factors influencing the adoption of RE technologies in the area. Furthermore, it provides an evaluation of RE installations, energy production capacity, and future prospects for RE in Sharjah. These findings contribute to a deeper comprehension of the transition towards RE and its potential in Sharjah. The analysis uncovers a growing inclination towards adopting RE in Sharjah. Solar energy installations are experiencing an upswing, driven by advancements in technology, cost reductions, and supportive policies. However, wind energy installations remain limited due to lower wind potential in the region. The adoption of RE technologies in Sharjah yields several advantages, including a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, diversification of energy sources, and the potential for economic expansion. Nevertheless, challenges like intermittency, grid integration, and initial investment costs require attention to further expedite adoption. The outlook for RE in Sharjah appears promising. Sustained government backing and ongoing research and development efforts, in addition to collaborations between public and private sectors, can facilitate the wider implementation of RE technologies. Implementing policies that encourage the uptake of RE, such as feed-in tariffs and net metering, should be considered. Additionally, partnerships with international organizations and the exchange of best practices can enhance knowledge transfer and capacity building.
first_indexed 2024-03-10T21:18:09Z
format Article
id doaj.art-f87d9da46aab445d908ba7a598412bea
institution Directory Open Access Journal
issn 1996-1073
language English
last_indexed 2024-03-10T21:18:09Z
publishDate 2023-10-01
publisher MDPI AG
record_format Article
series Energies
spelling doaj.art-f87d9da46aab445d908ba7a598412bea2023-11-19T16:21:13ZengMDPI AGEnergies1996-10732023-10-011620703410.3390/en16207034Sustainability and Renewable Energy in the UAE: A Case Study of SharjahShaima A. Alnaqbi0Abdul Hai Alami1Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management Department, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab EmiratesSustainable and Renewable Energy Engineering Department, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab EmiratesIn 2023, the UAE adapted its National Energy Strategy to accommodate several new goals, including doubling renewable energy (RE) capacity to 14 GW by 2030. This development further highlights the significance of transitioning towards RE sources. This study focuses on examining and assessing the utilization of RE technologies in Sharjah, an emirate in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It offers an overview of Sharjah’s current energy scenario and investigates the factors influencing the adoption of RE technologies in the area. Furthermore, it provides an evaluation of RE installations, energy production capacity, and future prospects for RE in Sharjah. These findings contribute to a deeper comprehension of the transition towards RE and its potential in Sharjah. The analysis uncovers a growing inclination towards adopting RE in Sharjah. Solar energy installations are experiencing an upswing, driven by advancements in technology, cost reductions, and supportive policies. However, wind energy installations remain limited due to lower wind potential in the region. The adoption of RE technologies in Sharjah yields several advantages, including a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, diversification of energy sources, and the potential for economic expansion. Nevertheless, challenges like intermittency, grid integration, and initial investment costs require attention to further expedite adoption. The outlook for RE in Sharjah appears promising. Sustained government backing and ongoing research and development efforts, in addition to collaborations between public and private sectors, can facilitate the wider implementation of RE technologies. Implementing policies that encourage the uptake of RE, such as feed-in tariffs and net metering, should be considered. Additionally, partnerships with international organizations and the exchange of best practices can enhance knowledge transfer and capacity building.https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/16/20/7034RE technologysolar energywind energySharjah
spellingShingle Shaima A. Alnaqbi
Abdul Hai Alami
Sustainability and Renewable Energy in the UAE: A Case Study of Sharjah
Energies
RE technology
solar energy
wind energy
Sharjah
title Sustainability and Renewable Energy in the UAE: A Case Study of Sharjah
title_full Sustainability and Renewable Energy in the UAE: A Case Study of Sharjah
title_fullStr Sustainability and Renewable Energy in the UAE: A Case Study of Sharjah
title_full_unstemmed Sustainability and Renewable Energy in the UAE: A Case Study of Sharjah
title_short Sustainability and Renewable Energy in the UAE: A Case Study of Sharjah
title_sort sustainability and renewable energy in the uae a case study of sharjah
topic RE technology
solar energy
wind energy
Sharjah
url https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/16/20/7034
work_keys_str_mv AT shaimaaalnaqbi sustainabilityandrenewableenergyintheuaeacasestudyofsharjah
AT abdulhaialami sustainabilityandrenewableenergyintheuaeacasestudyofsharjah