The discovery of oil in 1958, in the western region of Abu Dhabi, set the UAE on a path of growth and prosperity. While our future is bright, we must remain focused on ensuring that our future generations continue to enjoy the economic and social opportunities available today.

Diversifying our energy mix — relying on new sources of power while continuing to innovate efficient ways to recover hydrocarbons — is an important step in extending our energy leadership and remaining competitive in the 21st century. This is especially important with the energy demand in the UAE growing at a rate of 9 per cent annually.

The UAE has taken a major step in diversifying its energy sources. In the western region of Abu Dhabi, Masdar inaugurated Shams 1, the world’s largest concentrated solar power plant in operation. A 100-megawatt solar power plant, Shams 1 will deliver reliable, clean energy to hundreds of thousands of people in the UAE.

Thanks to the country’s wise leadership, the UAE is making smart investments in hydrocarbon, renewable and nuclear sources of power to address its rising energy demands. But diversifying energy sources goes beyond the generation of electrons. The fact is that the country’s long-term economic and social strength will depend on its ability to ‘out-compete’ other nations. And this is especially true in the energy sector.

Shams 1 is a prime example of how harnessing the power of the sun is a calculated investment in the country’s growth. The development of renewable energy reduces the UAE’s dependency on a single source of energy, creates jobs, spurs economic growth, builds human capital and decreases the carbon footprint.

Local businesses have been direct beneficiaries of approximately Dh880 million for their contribution in designing, building and completing the sophisticated solar project. From technicians to contractors, Shams 1 supported — and continues to support — economic growth.

And with 100 highly specialised, full-time jobs needed to operate the facility, the UAE is training the next generation of Emiratis to excel in the rapidly evolving energy industry. Through this type of human capital development, the country is strengthening its competitive edge as a global energy pioneer.

In accordance with the legacy instilled in us by the UAE’s founding father Shaikh Zayed, Shams 1 is helping conserve and protect the environment. The solar project will reduce 175,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually, which is equivalent to planting 1.5 million trees or taking 15,000 cars off the road. More importantly, Shams 1 will provide energy to the grid when we need it most — during peak demand. As a result, the UAE can reduce its need for ‘peak shaving’ generators, which are expensive and lie idle most of the year. Spanning 285 football fields, Shams 1 is a major achievement in engineering. Incorporating the latest in parabolic trough technology, Shams features more than 258,000 mirrors that concentrate direct sunlight on to oil-filled pipes — producing heat and steam, which drive a turbine to generate electricity.

Completing a project of this scale was no easy task. However, the knowledge and expertise derived from successfully undertaking this project will pay dividends, and Masdar’s ability to replicate developments of this scale will provide an economic advantage to the UAE.

Sharing expertise

Through Masdar, and its partners, the UAE is generating and delivering clean energy across the world, thanks to international projects such as the London Array in the UK and Gemasolar in Spain. And with energy demands in the Middle East surging to unprecedented levels, Masdar is poised to share its expertise with neighbouring countries and facilitate the development of large-scale renewable projects that address regional energy security. As first movers, we are demonstrating that wind and solar power can be commercially viable in the region.

There is no question that hydrocarbon exports will continue to play an essential role in the UAE economy. Oil and gas are indispensable resources to meeting the world’s growing energy demands. However, by diversifying its energy mix and incubating a clean energy industry, the UAE is building knowledge capital and reinforcing its long-term economic and social growth.

The UAE has come a long way since oil was first discovered. And while it still has a long road ahead of it, the inauguration of Shams 1 is a major milestone in extending the UAE’s energy leadership for future generations. The project proves that the Middle East is just as serious about developing new sources of energy as it has been about exporting oil and gas.

Looking into the future, the western region of Abu Dhabi will continue to be the epicentre of our nation’s economy. Adjacent to hydrocarbon operations, you’ll see a growing industry of cutting-edge solar projects, safe nuclear energy and the latest in new energy technologies.

Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber is CEO of Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s renewable energy company.