UAE rolls out major climate and clean energy projects in 2025

The United Arab Emirates rolled out a series of major environmental protection and clean energy projects throughout 2025, reinforcing its position as a global leader in climate solutions, according to the state-run WAM news agency.

The initiatives align with a national vision to build a low-carbon economy, lead international sustainability efforts and expand environmental and biodiversity conservation.

The UAE began the year by launching what it described as the world’s first large-scale, round-the-clock gigascale renewable energy project in Abu Dhabi. The facility combines solar power and battery storage to deliver up to 1 gigawatt of renewable baseload power daily and will be the largest combined solar and battery energy storage system globally.

In marine research, the specialized vessel Jaywun conducted the first comprehensive modern seabed sediment survey off the coast of Abu Dhabi. The survey aims to study the effects of climate change on the Arabian Gulf’s marine ecosystem.

Progress was also reported in the circular economy. BEEAH announced the Middle East’s first commercial-scale waste-to-hydrogen plant, targeting daily production of seven tons by 2027. At the same time, the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology launched a national initiative to recycle used tyres for industrial manufacturing.

To strengthen water security, the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure introduced the Geospatial Data Platform for Agriculture and Water Resources. The platform aims to reduce groundwater use in agriculture by 2% and increase the use of unconventional water resources by 8% to 13% by 2027.

In addition, the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative partnered with the World Bank to promote global innovation to address water scarcity.

Environmental conservation efforts recorded several milestones. Authorities announced the discovery of three new plant species in Sharjah, while the Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre was included in the Wetlands Link International network.

In Abu Dhabi, the Environment Agency launched the Abu Dhabi Coral Gardens initiative, covering 1,200 square kilometers. The project involves installing 40,000 eco-friendly artificial reef structures to support marine life. The agency also launched a plan to plant more than four million coral colonies by 2030 and expand the emirate’s natural reserves to 20% of its total area.

Sustainable transport also featured prominently. The UAE confirmed it will install 500 electric vehicle charging stations by the end of the year. DP World deployed an electric freight solution at Jebel Ali Port, expected to transport more than 204,000 twenty-foot containers and cut carbon emissions by over 14,600 tons.

Etihad Rail said it is on track to complete the solar-powered Ghuwaifat freight terminal by the end of 2025.

Internationally, the UAE expanded its clean energy footprint by developing 446 megawatts of solar capacity across Albania, Italy and Spain. It also advanced major projects in Indonesia and a 2-gigawatt solar plant in Saudi Arabia, alongside solar ventures in Madagascar, Yemen, Egypt and Chad.

Masdar partnered with Austria’s OMV to develop and operate a new 140-megawatt green hydrogen plant in Austria. It also secured contracts for two solar photovoltaic projects with a combined capacity of 2 gigawatts in Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, Mubadala invested €300 million in renewable energy projects across Central and Eastern Europe through a partnership with Actis.

At home, the Emirates Nuclear Energy Company marked one year of full commercial operations at the Barakah nuclear power plant. The facility now provides 25% of the UAE’s electricity and prevents an estimated 22.4 million tons of carbon emissions annually.

To support global climate resilience, the UAE also committed $10 million to strengthen disaster-ready infrastructure and adaptation efforts across the Asia-Pacific region.