EU Energy Day - World Future Energy Summit

13.01.2020

“On the road to becoming a climate-neutral continent”

The 9th EU Energy Day “On the road to becoming a climate-neutral continent” is part of the EU side events at the World Future Energy Summit and is held on Monday 13th in Abu Dhabi. 

 

This year, the EU Energy Day discusses the European Green Deal, proposed just a month ago by the new European Commission under the leadership of President Ursula von der Leyen, setting as its key priority for the next five years to become the world’s first climate-neutral continent.

 

The European Green Deal and its associated roadmap includes a number of new initiatives that will further mainstream renewables in the energy system and across all economic sectors - two of which were discussed at the event: industry and transport.

 

“The European Green Deal includes actions to further decarbonise the energy system, including a power sector largely based on renewable sources, complemented by the rapid phasing out of coal and decarbonising gas. Increased cross-border, regional cooperation and sector integration will help achieve the benefits of the clean energy transition at affordable prices.” said Ms Paula Abreu Marques, Head of Renewables and CCS, Directorate-General for Energy, European Commission during her opening statement.

 

In the transport sector, with a new target of 14% renewables by 230 and 8 Member States setting targets for zero-emission passenger vehicles by 2030, there are already initiatives that are accelerating the transition in transport, but still a 90% reduction of transport emissions is required for 2050. The event discussed available  technologies and solutions, the role of innovation and how other regions are tackling the transport sector.

 

HE Andrea Matteo Fontana, Ambassador of the European Union to the UAE highlighted the identified interest from the region in Europe’s plans to become a climate neutral continent and stressed the importance of international cooperation between the EU and other countries in the context of the European and the global energy transition.

 

The EU Energy Day is organised by the Directorate-General for Energy of the European Commission, with the support of the EU GCC Clean Energy Technology Network, an initiative funded by the European Commission that aims to bring together energy technology experts from the EU and GCC.

 

During the sessions, distinguished speakers give an insight of energy-related measures in the European Green Deal, and share their views on breakthrough technologies and innovative, clean energy and low-carbon solutions.

 

The event serves also as a meeting place for European institutions and innovative cleantech companies to share knowledge and expertise with international partners and gives networking opportunities to businesses, innovators and investors.