ABU DHABI: The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), and Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC (TAQA), one of the largest listed integrated utilities in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, have signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will see both parties explore cooperation across a range of key environmental initiatives.
The MoU was signed at a ceremony attended by Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of EAD and Jasim Husain Thabet, Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of TAQA.
The wide-ranging MoU includes cooperation around activities related to COP28, and includes sharing knowledge and collaboration, raising awareness, as well as building a knowledge and engagement bridge between local energy and environment communities to foster inclusive dialogue and advance climate action.
Another important area of joint cooperation and alignment will be on youth engagement and training in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, especially with regard to issues of climate change, the
environment and biodiversity.
Exploring areas of relevant studies and technical knowledge to be shared on improving water quality, as well as an exchange of knowledge, data and experience on issues related to air quality and GHG emissions, further serving the UAE’s net-zero strategic initiative and the UAE Air Quality Strategy.
As part of the MoU, the two entities will explore avenues to enhance water and electricity climate resilience and areas of cooperation in adapting to the risks of climate change in coordination with other UAE stakeholders.
Dr. Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of EAD said, ‘We are delighted about our partnership with TAQA as we will be embarking on several initiatives that will contribute to the sustainability agenda of Abu Dhabi.
By working together, we will be able to enhance the energy sector and ensure that we are all united in our commitment to combatting climate change as articulated in the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy that was recently approved by the Executive Council, and
on a larger scale contributing to the UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative for a greener and healthier future for all.’
Jasim Husain Thabet, Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of TAQA, added, “At TAQA we have placed environmental sustainability at the heart of our business as part of our ESG strategy. As the largest provider of power and water in the UAE we have a key role to play in helping achieve the UAE net-zero target.
Alongside this it is very important that we work hard in collaboration with others to minimise the wider environmental impact of power and water production.
This MOU is an important example of how the public and private sector in Abu Dhabi can come together to tackle such an important issue for the future of our country. ”
In alignment with the UAE’s Net Zero strategic initiative and environmental, social, and corporate governance objectives, TAQA and the Agency will jointly explore measures to uphold the highest standards of environmental and climate consciousnes
s among the local business community.
The MoU also covers opportunities for common staff training programmes that will cover topics such as environmental issues, regulation, and carbon markets.
Research areas that will enhance efforts to preserve the environment, biodiversity, natural resources plus atmospheric and marine-focused research in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi will also be explored throughout the three-year period.
Source: Emirates News Agency