Image Credit : WAM
Abu Dhabi, 23 December 2025 — Throughout 2025, the UAE rolled out a series of landmark initiatives in environmental protection and clean energy, further cementing its role as a global frontrunner in climate action and sustainable development.
These efforts reflect the country’s long-term vision to build a low-carbon economy, lead international sustainability initiatives, and advance environmental and biodiversity conservation at both national and global levels.
The year began with the launch of the world’s first large-scale, round-the-clock gigascale renewable energy project in Abu Dhabi. Combining solar power with advanced battery storage, the facility is capable of delivering up to one gigawatt of renewable baseload power daily, making it the largest integrated solar and battery energy storage system of its kind worldwide.
In marine science, the specialised research vessel Jaywun carried out the first comprehensive modern seabed sediment survey off the Abu Dhabi coastline. The project aims to better understand the impacts of climate change on the Arabian Gulf’s marine ecosystems.
Progress in the circular economy also gained momentum. BEEAH announced plans for the Middle East’s first commercial-scale waste-to-hydrogen facility, targeting daily production of seven tonnes by 2027. At the same time, the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology launched a national programme focused on recycling used tyres for industrial applications.
To bolster water security, the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure introduced a Geospatial Data Platform for Agriculture and Water Resources. The initiative is designed to reduce groundwater consumption in agriculture by two percent and increase reliance on alternative water sources by 8 to 13 percent by 2027. In addition, the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative partnered with the World Bank to promote global innovation in addressing water scarcity.
Environmental conservation achievements marked another highlight of the year, including the discovery of three new plant species in Sharjah and the inclusion of the Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre in the Wetlands Link International network.
In Abu Dhabi, the Environment Agency launched the “Abu Dhabi Coral Gardens” project, covering 1,200 square kilometres and involving the deployment of 40,000 eco-friendly artificial reef structures. The emirate also announced plans to plant more than four million coral colonies by 2030 and expand protected natural areas to cover 20 percent of its total landmass.
Sustainable transport initiatives advanced significantly, with confirmation that 500 electric vehicle charging stations would be installed nationwide by the end of the year. DP World introduced an electric freight transport solution at Jebel Ali Port, expected to move more than 204,000 twenty-foot containers and reduce carbon emissions by over 14,600 tonnes. Etihad Rail also confirmed it remains on schedule to complete the solar-powered Ghuwaifat freight terminal by the end of 2025.
On the international stage, the UAE expanded its clean energy footprint by developing 446 megawatts of solar capacity across Albania, Italy, and Spain, alongside major renewable projects in Indonesia and a two-gigawatt solar plant in Saudi Arabia. Additional solar initiatives were launched 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 and secured agreements for two solar photovoltaic projects in Saudi Arabia with a combined capacity of two gigawatts. Meanwhile, Mubadala invested €300 million in renewable energy assets 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 Energy Plant. The facility now supplies 25 percent of the UAE’s electricity demand and prevents approximately 22.4 million tonnes of carbon emissions each year.
Further demonstrating its commitment to global climate resilience, the UAE pledged $10 million to support disaster-preparedness infrastructure and climate adaptation initiatives across the Asia-Pacific region.
