UAE aims to boost renewable production

As Europe struggles to meet its renewable commitments under the 2015 Paris climate agreement, the United Arab Emirates is trying to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and increase green-energy production. The UAE says it has become a West Asian hub for clean energy technology, providing funding to build projects globally and investing millions in research on energy, water, microelectronics and transport systems. By the end of 2019, the UAE said 10 per cent of homes in Dubai would be energy self-sufficient with free solar power as part of work to implement green targets. The project, which began last month, will see the installation of photovoltaic solar panels, energy-saving lights and water-savers to cut the use of electricity and water for UAE nationals. The homes would then be connected to the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority grid, the authorities claimed.