SDG7: AFFORDABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY
Affordable Energy in the UAE
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has made significant advancements in energy production and consumption, focusing on providing affordable and sustainable energy for its population. Recognizing the importance of energy accessibility for economic development and social welfare, the government has implemented various initiatives to enhance energy affordability and sustainability.
Ministry of Energy Initiatives
Diversification of Energy Sources: The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure is working to diversify the UAE's energy mix, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. This includes significant investments in renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and nuclear power.
Renewable Energy Projects: The UAE is home to some of the world’s largest solar energy projects, such as the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. These projects aim to increase the share of renewable energy in the national grid and provide affordable electricity.
Energy Efficiency Programs: The ministry promotes energy efficiency across various sectors, including residential, commercial, and industrial. Initiatives include awareness campaigns and regulations to encourage the adoption of energy-efficient technologies and practices.
Support for Research and Innovation: The UAE government invests in research and innovation in the energy sector, encouraging the development of new technologies that enhance energy efficiency and sustainability. Collaborations with academic institutions and private sector companies are key to these efforts.
Subsidies and Financial Support: The government provides subsidies for certain energy sources to maintain affordability for consumers. These subsidies are carefully managed to balance economic sustainability with the need for affordable energy access.
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy at Al Ain University
Al Ain University (AAU) is committed to advancing Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7), which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. The university's initiatives in this area include:
Educational Programs: AAU offers programs in engineering, environmental science, and sustainable development that focus on energy systems, renewable energy technologies, and energy efficiency. These programs equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute to the energy sector.
Research in Renewable Energy: Faculty and students engage in research projects aimed at exploring innovative renewable energy solutions and energy efficiency practices. This research addresses local energy challenges and contributes to the UAE's goals for sustainable energy.
Awareness Campaigns: The university organizes workshops and seminars to raise awareness about the importance of sustainable energy practices and the benefits of renewable energy. These events encourage students and the community to adopt energy-efficient behaviors.
Campus Sustainability Initiatives: AAU has implemented various sustainability practices on campus, such as using energy-efficient systems and promoting the use of renewable energy sources. This demonstrates the university's commitment to energy sustainability and responsible resource management.
Collaboration with Industry: Al Ain University collaborates with industry partners and governmental organizations to promote research and development in the energy sector. These partnerships enhance the university's role in advancing sustainable energy practices and technologies.
Conclusion
The UAE's commitment to providing affordable and sustainable energy is reflected in the comprehensive initiatives led by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. Al Ain University supports this mission through its focus on education, research, and community engagement related to SDG 7. By promoting affordable and clean energy solutions, AAU contributes to the broader goal of ensuring energy access for all, aligning with the UAE’s vision for a sustainable future.
A field trip to World Future Energy Summit 2023
The College of Engineering at Al Ain University (Abu Dhabi Campus) organized a field trip to World Future Energy Summit (WFES) 2023, under the supervision of Eng. Lama Mahmoud.
WFES 2023 is an annual leading international event accelerating sustainability and the Global transition to clean energy. The event was supported by the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, hosted by Masdar, and in partnership with Tadweer. World Future Energy Summit 2023 has six different forums, as follows: Solar and Clean Energy, Eco Waste, Water, Smart Cities, Climate Change, and Industrial forum.
The trip aims to give the students a chance to discover the latest developments affecting clean energy, solar, water, waste, smart cities, climate, and the environment sectors. These forums provide an essential platform to keep up-to-date with best practices, and current regulatory and market developments, and benchmark against global and regional players within the industry. Furthermore, providing the perfect opportunity to leverage the potential of innovative technologies and share expertise on key industry challenges.
Al Ain University and Siemens Energy collaborate to Foster Research and Innovation in the Energy Sector
Al Ain University (AAU) and Siemens Energy LLC have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a collaborative partnership to advance innovation, knowledge exchange, and joint research in the energy sector. The MoU was signed by Prof. Ghaleb El Refae (President- Al Ain University), and Dr. Fahad Al Yafei (Chief Technology Officer, Technology and Innovation Center Abu Dhabi, Siemens Energy.). The signing ceremony was attended by Dr. Noor Al Deen Atatreh (Board of Trustees Deputy Chairman- Al Ain University), Mr. Khalid Bin Hadi (UAE Managing Director- Siemens Energy), and staff members from both organizations.
The partnership between Al Ain University and Siemens Energy focuses on collaborative research and pilot projects, with AAU students addressing real-world challenges and providing consulting solutions. At the same time, Siemens Energy experts contribute their knowledge to enhance the academic environment. This collaboration also aims to create new job opportunities for AAU graduates and develop a skilled talent pipeline for Siemens Energy. It involves sharing resources, pursuing joint funding for energy transition research, and working on projects in de-carbonization, energy storage, and blockchain applications.
“This collaboration marks a major advance in aligning academia with industry needs. By partnering with Siemens Energy, we offer our students exceptional opportunities to tackle real-world challenges, drive innovation, and prepare for leadership roles in the energy sector. Together, we are advancing research and developing sustainable solutions for a better future.” said Prof. Ghaleb El Refae, President of Al Ain University.
“Partnership is key to accelerating de-carbonization. Enabling knowledge transfer and fostering innovation in the energy sector is crucial to empowering future generations in the fight against climate change. We’re proud to launch this collaboration with Al Ain University and work with academia to develop and commercialize new technologies that will make a meaningful contribution to reaching net zero,” said Dr. Fahad Al Yafei, Chief Technology Officer, Technology and Innovation Center Abu Dhabi, Siemens Energy.
Al Ain University Launches "Innovators and Sustainability" Competition in Conjunction with the Year of Sustainability
The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center, in collaboration with the Deanship of Student Affairs (Abu Dhabi Campus), launched the "Innovators and Sustainability" competition as part of its series of events for the Year of Sustainability 2023, coinciding with (COP28) conference hosted by the United Arab Emirates.
The competition witnessed widespread participation from Al Ain University students and over 12 government and private universities in the country. Approximately 49 projects and innovations were presented, reflecting the creativity of more than 200 students in finding sustainable solutions to modern challenges in areas such as energy efficiency, renewable energy, waste reduction and recycling, environmentally friendly designs, sustainable agricultural practices, biodiversity preservation, marine ecosystem conservation, sustainable construction, geotechnical engineering solutions, and more.
The judging panel comprised university professors from various institutions in the country, specializing in sustainability fields, to evaluate the innovative projects and proposed ideas using precise evaluation criteria announced earlier.
The competition was intense, with both Abu Dhabi University and the University of Science and Technology in Fujairah sharing the first-place position. The University of the Emirates and Al Ain University shared the second-place position, while the Police College and the University of Dubai jointly secured the third-place position.
The closing ceremony of the competition was attended by Prof. Ghaleb Al Refae, Al Ain University President, and Prof. Amer Qasem, AAU Vice President (Abu Dhabi Campus). These competitions reflect Al Ain University's commitment to promoting a culture of innovation, achieving sustainable development, generating innovative solutions, and encouraging students to continue developing their projects and turning them into viable, implementable initiatives.
AAU students’ visit to the Energy Exhibition (ADIPEC 2023)
The Deanship of Student Affairs at Al Ain University (Abu Dhabi Campus) organized a student visit to the largest energy exhibition and conference in the world dedicated to addressing critical climate and energy challenges towards a cleaner and more sustainable future under the slogan of decarbonization.
The visit included a tour of the largest local and international companies and platforms in the field of industry, which is an opportunity for students to learn about the latest innovations and technologies that shape the future of the energy industry. The tour also included a series of interviews, panel discussions, and technical talks that addressed the paths leading to decarbonization and accelerated progress in the field of energy.
This type of visit comes from Al Ain University’s keenness to integrate students and their participation in various fields and scientific exhibitions, which reflects positively on their educational level and increases their awareness in the pursuit of environmental sustainability.
Virtual Webinar on Sustainable Energy Finance [1]
The College of Engineering at Al Ain University (Abu Dhabi campus) held a virtual webinar entitled “Accelerating the Energy Transition-Sustainable Energy Finance.” and it was moderated by Dr. Omayma Motaleb Mukhtar.
The virtual webinar was presented by Eng. Tarig Ahmed, a Program Officer in the Project Facilitation and Support Division leading the Climate Investment Platform from International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) side.
The webinar discussed how to achieve sustainable development goal number 7 as one of the most important goals of the 17 SDGs established by the United Nations, which ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all and is targeted to be achieved fully by 2030.
A Student visit to “WETEX”
The College of Engineering at Al Ain University in Abu Dhabi campus organized a field trip to the Water, Energy, and Environmental Technology Exhibition "WETEX" and Dubai Solar Show, under the supervision of Eng. Esraa Hijah, Eng. Esra AlNashash and Eng. Huda AlHeeh.
During the visit, a group of students from different engineering programs explored the latest innovations and technologies in the engineering industry. Students attended the seminars to learn more about various innovative solutions and technologies in energy, water, environment, clean and renewable energy, smart grid, electric vehicles, and sustainably. Through this visit, the engineering students were given the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the various facets of the engineering industry."
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGS): INSIGHTS FROM SDG7 “(AFFORDABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY) [4]
Start 25, Feb 2022 10:00 AM
The College of Business invites you to attend the 5th Annual Environment Day under the theme;
“SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGS): INSIGHTS FROM SDG7 “(AFFORDABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY)”
SPEAKERS
ENG. NAWAL ALHANAEE
Director Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, UAE
MR. GHULAM ASHRAF
Chief Operating Officer (COO) Lootah biofuels, UAE
MR. UMAR FAROOQ
Researcher Xian Jiaotong University, China
DR. SHOROUQ ELETTER
Academician Al Ain University
MODERATOR
DR. MOSAB TABASH
Academician Al Ain University, UAE
FRIDAY 25 FEB 2022 - FROM 10:00 AM TO 12:00 PM
THE WINNERS OF THE ENVIRONMENT DAY COMPETITION 2022 WILL BE ANNOUNCED
Various activities on the Fifth Annual Environmental Day at AAU
The College of Business at Al Ain University organized the Fifth Annual Environmental Day (Virtual) under the theme Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Insights from SDG7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) under the supervision of Dr. Mosab I. Tabash, Dr. Shorouq Eletter, Dr. Tahira Yasmin, and in the presence of Prof. Ghaleb El Refae, AAU President, academic and administrative staffs, and students.
The main objective of this day is to raise awareness about United Nations Sustainable Development goals, particularly SDG7 (Affordable and Clean Energy). The day was enriched by different views from the governmental sector, academia, industry, and research regarding Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Dr. Zafar Husain, Dean, College of Business, welcomed the audience. He emphasized the importance of sustainability and natural resources and sustained them for future generations.
Eng. Nawal Alhanaee from the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, Dubai, delivered a speech on The UAE's journey towards the fulfillment of SDG 7. She explained various initiatives and projects the UAE government took to meet this goal.
Dr. Shorouq Eletter from Al Ain University, UAE, spoke about affordable and clean energy goals in global and local contexts. She explained the history of energy use and how to achieve sustainability via renewable energy projects.
From a research perspective, Mr. Umar Farooq from Xi'an Jiaotong University, China, presented a research paper entitled Tackling the Ecological Footprints of Foreign Direct Investment and Energy Dependency Through Governance: Empirical Evidence from GCC region.
From an industrial perspective, Mr. Ghulam Ashraf delivered an exciting talk about how Lootah Biofuels company, Dubai, meets SDGs, especially SDG7. He gave more insights on: The Renewable Energy Lootah Bio-fuel Initiative.
The day also witnessed announcing the winner’s names for a competition held previously between students for the Best Poster/video addressing the SDG7.
Moreover, a plantation drive, planting some Ghaf trees in the university premises sponsored by Barari Natural Resources, took place, where Prof. Ghaleb El Refae, AAU President, and Faculty members participated in the drive, taking into account all precautionary measures related to the COVID19 pandemic.
It is worth to mention that; Al University pays more attention year after year to address urgent environmental issues. Where, the university is also a part of the Sustainable Campus initiative under the supervision of the Abu Dhabi Environmental Agency and we are ranked the 2nd in the UAE, 12th in the Arab World, and 169 Worldwide for 2021 by "UI GreenMetric World University Ranking".
Al Ain University Students Visit the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology
The Student Affairs Deanship at Al-Ain University of Science and Technology in Abu Dhabi organized a student visit to Masdar Institute of Science and Technology where they were greeted by Ms Shaima Al-Habsi from the Supplement Energy and Climate Change Sect. She explained about the insitution, which was created in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She also mentioned that the institutes offers postgraduate and research programmes in the field of advanced energy and sustainable technologies, where it aims to support research and development activities in the field of alternative energy and clean technologies in the city.
She extended her explanation about the solar energy used byPV panels, and also about the transportation systems operated by clean energy public transport system and personal transport system which is used on the institue’s campus as a pilot project. She also talked about how waste management through the use of biological waste to obtain rich fertilizers and soils by converting some of these wastes for additional source of energy. The visit was attended by a number of students of the College of Business Administration and the College of Law.
A lecture on Social Responsibility and its role in Energy Conservation"
Start 25, Nov 2018 04:00 PM
Abu Dhabi Campus - Al Jawhara Theatre
Al Ain University has the honor to host
HE Dr. Matar Hamed Al Neyadi, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Energy & Industry
To present a lecture on Social Responsibility and its role in Energy conservation
Sunday 25 Nov 2018 - 4:00 PM
Abu Dhabi Campus - Al Jawhara Theatre
H.E Matar Al Neyadi discuss the role of Social Responsibility in Energy conservation
Al Ain University represented by the College of Business at Abu Dhabi campus, hosted His Excellency Dr. Matar Hamed Al Neyadi, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Energy & Industry, to present a lecture entitled Social Responsibility and its role in Energy conservation, in the presence of Dr. Amer Qasem, AAU Vice President, academic staff, and AAU students.
His Excellency stressed the need to educate youth in the field of consumption and energy conservation to establish social responsibility, involve young people in the march of social development, and encourage them to preserve natural resources for future generations, to contribute in various projects and initiatives, and suggest new ideas that contribute in community development.
H.E. Al Neyadi thanked Al Ain University for organizing the seminar and stressed the need to continue educating students about energy conservation. As well as; he praised the student’s interaction with the lecture and their awareness in their important role to build a sustainable future for the UAE.
Institutional smart buildings energy audit
Apr 01, 2019
DOI:
Published in: International Journal of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Publisher: Institute of Advanced Engineering and Science (IAES)
Smart buildings and Fuzzy based control systems used in Buildings Management System (BMS), Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) and Building Automation Systems (BAS) are a point of interests among researcher and stake holders of buildings’ developing sector due to its ability to save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, this paper will review, investigates define and evaluates the use of fuzzy logic controllers in smart buildings under subtropical Australia’s subtropical regions. In addition, the paper also will define the latest development, design and proposed controlling strategies used in institutional buildings. Furthermore, this paper will highlight and discuss the conceptual basis of these technologies including Fuzzy, Neural and Hybrid add-on technologies, its capabilities and its limitation. Copyright © 2019 Institute of Advanced Engineering and Science. All rights reserved.
“Sustainable Universities Initiative” at Al Ain University
The College of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences at Al Ain University, Al Ain campus, hosted Ms. Amani Bin Humaid, Ms. Aisha Al Mazroui, Coordinators of the Sustainable Universities Initiative at Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, and Mr. Ahmad Al Rmaithi, Representative of Borouge, to present an awareness lecture on sustainable universities initiative implemented by the EAD in cooperation with Borouge, in the presence of the faculty members and students.
This initiative aims to increase sustainable practices in Abu Dhabi's universities through a range of elements, first; Green audit, includes five species land, climate change, biodiversity, water and waste. The agency provides intensive training for university students by forming teams of interdisciplinary students. Second: Sustainability Measures Project (SAP): the agency establishes a student club at each university to undertake an environmental project that benefits the community. Third: The Green Youth Council: Students from different universities and scientific disciplines meet periodically to discuss ideas for building sustainable communities. The Council is recognized by various international organizations, including the World Summit in Japan, a forum where youth can discuss innovative ideas and projects that can promote sustainable societies for our future generations.
The aim of this lecture is to contribute positively in developing a sustainable environment and climate change issues which attract the attention of all countries, including the United Arab Emirates.
In addition, Al Ain University is keen to strengthen partnership with government, private and environmental institutions to raise environmental awareness and sustainable development.
Earth Hour Show
Predicting energy Consumption using artificial neural networks: a case study of the UAE
DOI:
Published in: Electronic Journal of Applied Statistical Analysis
Shorouq F Eletter Ghaleb A El Refae Abdelhafid K Belarbic
Predicting energy consumption is very important for improving resource planning and for more efficient production. This study uses artificial neural network (ANN) models to predict energy consumption in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The multilayer perceptron model (MLP) and Radial Basis Function (RBF) were used for this purpose. Historical input and output data related to the long-term energy consumption in the UAE were used for training, validation, and testing. The developed neural network models were compared to find the most suitable model with high accuracy.