DREBG Webinar Highlights Resilience and Innovation in UAE’s Clean Energy Transition

The UAE’s clean energy sector is entering a new phase of transformation — one defined not only by renewable energy expansion, but by system resilience, infrastructure readiness, technological integration, and long-term sustainability. These were among the key conclusions emerging from the recent webinar hosted by the Dubai Renewable Energy Business Group (DREBG), titled “UAE Clean Energy Market Outlook: Resilience, Risks and the Way Forward.”

Moderated by Ravneet Singh Bhalla, Director – Advisory at KPMG Lower Gulf, the webinar brought together leading industry experts including Laurent Longuet, CEO – Generation at Positive Zero; Manoj Divakaran, Managing Director of Emperial Energy & Services; Rachid Hamida, VP – Energy & Technology at Enova; Mahabir Sharma, Advisor at AMEA Power; and Victoria Shapovalova, Senior Manager at Deloitte. Together, the panel explored the opportunities, risks, and strategic priorities shaping the UAE’s evolving clean energy landscape.

A central theme throughout the discussion was the UAE’s successful transition from ambition to execution. Panelists highlighted that the country has established itself as one of the region’s most mature clean energy markets through progressive policy frameworks, strong public-private partnerships, investor confidence, and accelerated deployment of utility-scale renewable projects. The UAE’s continued investments in solar energy, nuclear power, storage technologies, and emerging hydrogen infrastructure were identified as critical pillars supporting national decarbonization and energy security objectives.

The discussion further emphasized that the next stage of the energy transition will require greater focus on resilience and integration. As renewable penetration increases and electricity demand grows — particularly from AI-driven infrastructure, urban development, and data centers — the sector must evolve beyond standalone generation projects toward integrated and flexible energy ecosystems. Hybrid systems combining solar, storage, thermal management, smart grids, and digital optimization are expected to play a defining role in maintaining reliability and operational stability.

Panelists also highlighted the importance of addressing implementation challenges including supply chain resilience, procurement timelines, regulatory alignment, workforce readiness, and grid modernization. The need for stronger coordination between policymakers, developers, investors, utilities, and technology providers emerged as a recurring theme throughout the session.

The webinar additionally explored the growing role of artificial intelligence and digitalization in improving energy forecasting, predictive maintenance, system optimization, and operational efficiency. Emerging technologies such as battery energy storage systems, green hydrogen, AI-enabled energy management, and smart infrastructure are increasingly becoming commercially viable and strategically important for the UAE’s long-term energy transition.

The discussion reinforced the view that the UAE is well positioned to lead the region’s clean energy transformation. With a strong policy foundation, growing investment momentum, and a rapidly evolving innovation ecosystem, the country continues to demonstrate how energy transition can be aligned with economic resilience, infrastructure development, and long-term sustainability objectives.

Through initiatives such as these, DREBG continues to foster industry dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge exchange in support of the UAE’s vision for a resilient, future-ready, and low-carbon energy economy.