Cities100: Dubai - Demand and Supply-Side CO2 Reductions

Dubai has targeted both the demand and supply sides of the energy equation in a region-leading carbon abatement strategy.

The Challenge

Dubai is situated in one of the world's leading oil-producing countries and faces challenges regarding deeply rooted, vested carbon interests. The carbon abatement strategy is a big step towards reframing the city as a sustainability pioneer.

The Solution

The Dubai Carbon Abatement Strategy (CAS) is a performance-based program for reducing carbon emissions up to 2021 that integrates demand reductions with increased supply of renewable energy. This strategy, costing around $4 billion in total, allows Dubai to manage its energy demand, increase energy efficiency, and develop sector-based greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets. The high-impact sectors identified for emissions reductions in a preliminary study are power, water, manufacturing, road transportation, and waste processing. In 2015, Dubai reduced emissions equivalent to 5.7 million metric tons of CO2 and has achieved a 7.29% sectoral reduction target, of which 11% is from the power and water, 3% is from manufacturing, 6% is from road transport, and 6% is from waste. On the supply side, a planned 800 MW solar photovoltaic power plant will contribute more than 260,000 tons of CO2 equivalent emissions savings.

Environmental Benefits –  Dubai aims to increase domestic solid waste recycling rates from 10% to 70% by 2030, significantly reducing waste to landfill.

Economic Benefits –  Dubai's CAS aims to enhance green trade and investment and accelerate adoption of green technologies via initiatives like the Green Economy Partnership.

About Cities100

Presented by C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group (C40), Sustainia and Realdania – Cities100 2017 showcases leading solutions to urban climate challenges in five sectors: Energy, Waste, Adaptation, Mitigation and Transportation.

Available online and in print, Cities100 provides stakeholders an accessible format to explore achievable solutions for climate action in cities, and will be a useful tool for relevant groups ranging from impact investors and development organizations, to mayors and city governments. You can access the full Cities100 2017 publication online here.