The UAE-Japan Environment & Renewable Energy Collaboration

Introduction

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Japan have forged a strong partnership in the fields of environment and renewable energy, setting a precedent for international collaboration. This paper explores the various dimensions of this partnership, highlighting key projects, initiatives, and areas of cooperation. It also presents an argument on how this collaboration has not only contributed to the sustainable development goals of both nations but has also played a significant role in strengthening bilateral relations, making the UAE-Japan partnership stand out in comparison to other Arab-Japan relations.

Areas of Collaboration

The UAE and Japan have a long history of diplomatic and economic relations, with both countries sharing mutual interests in various sectors (WAM, 2023). In recent years, the focus has shifted towards sustainable development, with environment and renewable energy emerging as key areas of cooperation.

The global shift towards renewable energy and sustainable practices has prompted nations to seek international partnerships (World Economic Forum, 2022). In fact, this is Goal 17 of the UNs Sustainable Goals: global partnerships to advance sustainable practices (UN, 2023). The UAE and Japan, both leaders in their respective regions, have recognized the potential of collaboration in these fields to achieve their sustainability goals and strengthen bilateral ties.

Renewable Energy Projects

Renewable energy projects are front and center in the eyes of the UAE and Japan: they are working together to address sustainability issues in a major way. As reported by Gulf Today (2023), Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and UAE Special Envoy to Japan, met with Yasutoshi Nishimura, Japans Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, on the sidelines of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2023. This was just one of a series of planned meetings amidst the countries ongoing collaboration in renewable energy: during the Sustainability Week meeting, the ministers explored the hydrogen sector as a key component of a just energy transition. They also discussed the importance of accelerating progress towards carbon neutrality and opportunities for collaboration ahead of COP28 this year (Gulf Today, 2023). On top of this, at the same meeting, several agreements and MoUs were signed, which included a MoU between the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology and Japans Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (Gulf Today, 2023). This collaboration focused specifically on the field of industry and advanced technology and aims to enhance partnerships between Emirati and Japanese companies as well as explore joint investment opportunities (Gulf Today, 2023). In other words, the UAE and Japan are planning strong business ties around their sustainable and renewable energy ventures. The ministers of both countries showed with their mutual agreement that Japan and the UAE are determined to boost collaboration to accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies in support of both countries industrial goals and carbon reduction targets (Gulf Today, 2023). This is a huge step towards energy revolution not only for Japan and UAE but really for the world: these countries are acting as leaders in advancing green energy projects.

In anticipation of the Summit, Gulf Today (2023) further pointed out that Japan and the UAE will be bringing a powerhouse of inspiration across key sustainability sectors through six exhibitions and five dedicated forums individually addressing todays vital energy challenges and multi-sectoral impacts. The vertically segmented expos and forums focus on energy, water, EcoWaste, solar, smart cities, climate, and the environment. In short, there are seven areas where renewable energy projects are going to be facilitating technological growth across all sectors: energy sustainability, water conservation, waste management, solar power, the creation of smart cities, climate change, and environmental protection.

Thus, it is clear that the UAE and Japan have jointly invested in several renewable energy projects, both within their borders and internationally. Already, there is the Noor Abu Dhabi solar plant, one of the worlds largest solar plants, and the Fukushima Hydrogen Energy Research Field (FH2R) in Japan, which focuses on hydrogen production. Individually, therefore, these two countries have made steps on their own. But now they are coming together to work alongside one another, with mutually beneficial aims in mind. In fact, both UAE and Japan are signed up to serve as chairs of G7 at COP28 this year. Abdulkader (2023) reports that as chair, Japan will focus on the three concepts such as various transition paths, innovation, and finance, and also that Japan has taken up energy transition and decarbonisation as top priorities. As President of COP28, Japan has commented on the importance of LNG (liquefied natural gas). LNG is a transitional energy, so it occupies a very important position. We are looking to deepen our collaboration with the UAE on this as well (Abdulkader, 2023).

Both countries have engaged in knowledge and technology exchange...…Arab-Japan relations do not have: these two countries share a deep and rich past of mutual support and beneficence, and they are looking to carry that tradition into the future as they both explore and develop ways to create renewable energy solutions and environmentally friendly projects together. They continue to show, time and time again that they are mutually agreed to working together on this front. In fact, the UAE has stepped up to be a leader among Arab states with regard to renewable eergy: The UAE was one of the first countries to commit to Net Zero by 2050, and as we prepare to host COP28, we have been clear on the urgent need for actions, with industry playing their full part in finding solutions to the global climate and energy challenges we face (Arabian Business, 2023). Because Japan has suffered environmental catastrophes like the Fukushima tragedy, it knows the importance of having environmentally safe goals. For that reason, it is a logical step for it to embrace the UAE first among all other Arab states in terms of advancing forward on its clean energy objectives. The UAE and Japan thus have a special relationship that is different from other Arab-Japan relationships because they share the same vision and goals when it comes to clean energy; they have the funds to pursue these objectives; and they have the leadership qualities as the fact that they are co-chairs of COP28 shows (Asahi, 2023).

Conclusion

The UAE-Japan collaboration in environment and renewable energy serves as a model for international cooperation, demonstrating the potential of joint efforts in achieving sustainable development goals. This partnership has not only contributed to the progress of both nations but has also played a pivotal role in strengthening bilateral relations, setting it apart from other Arab-Japan collaborations. Both countries have implemented policies aimed at improving energy efficiency in various sectors, including industry, transportation, and buildings. These policies are crucial for reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The UAE and Japan have explored opportunities for collaboration in CCS, a technology that captures carbon dioxide emissions from sources like power plants and stores it underground. This collaboration aims to advance CCS technology and make it a viable option for reducing carbon emissions. The partnership also extends to the field of waste management, with both countries working together to develop sustainable waste management practices. This…