EU praises UAE's drive for renewable energy

Dr. Amal Abdullah Al Qubaisi, Speaker of Federal National Council (FNC) met here today with Carlos Moedas, European Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation.

They discussed ways to strengthen co-operation between the UAE and the European Union in the fields of energy and scientific research.

Dr. Amal Al Qubaisi said the UAE's strategy for energy enjoys the full support of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

She briefed the European Commissioner, about the UAE's plans to expand seawater re-use to achieve around 40 percent saving in daily consumption.

On renewable energy, she detailed plans to set up the world's largest environment friendly water desalination plant in Ras Al Khaimah at a total cost of US$196 million. She added that the plant, which will be operational by early 2017, will produce 22 million gallons of fresh water per day.

Moedas said he was impressed with the UAE's endeavours in clean energy, adding that the country had become a role model in sustainability and investment in renewable energy.

He also lauded the UAE's transparency in its drive to develop a peaceful nuclear energy programme, and its commitment to non-proliferation of nuclear weapons.

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