This paper examines the growing partnership between the United Arab Emirates and Japan in the fields of renewable energy and environmental sustainability. Drawing on recent diplomatic meetings, signed agreements, and joint projects, it explores how the two nations are collaborating on hydrogen production, solar energy, carbon capture, and clean technology in anticipation of COP28. The paper also compares the UAE-Japan relationship to other Arab-Japan relations, arguing that shared vision, financial capacity, and mutual leadership roles make this bilateral partnership uniquely positioned to advance global sustainable development goals.
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 for 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.
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). This alignment reflects Goal 17 of the UN's Sustainable Development 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 are at the forefront of UAE-Japan cooperation, as both nations work together to address sustainability challenges in a significant 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, Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, on the sidelines of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2023." This was one of a series of planned meetings amid 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). At the same meeting, "several agreements and MoUs were signed, which included a MoU between the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology and Japan's 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 building strong business ties around their sustainable and renewable energy ventures. The ministers of both countries affirmed 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 represents a major step towards an energy revolution not only for Japan and the UAE but for the world as a whole, as these countries are acting as leaders in advancing green energy projects.
Gulf Today (2023) further noted that Japan and the UAE would bring a "powerhouse of inspiration across key sustainability sectors through six exhibitions and five dedicated forums individually addressing today's 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, seven areas of renewable energy focus are set to facilitate technological growth across all sectors: energy sustainability, water conservation, waste management, solar power, the creation of smart cities, climate change, and environmental protection.
It is clear, then, that the UAE and Japan have jointly invested in several renewable energy projects, both domestically and internationally. Already, there is the Noor Abu Dhabi solar plant, one of the world's largest solar installations, and the Fukushima Hydrogen Energy Research Field (FH2R) in Japan, which focuses on hydrogen production. Individually, both countries have made considerable strides. Now they are coming together with mutually beneficial aims. Both the UAE and Japan are serving as chairs of the G7 at COP28. Abdulkader (2023) reports that as chair, "Japan will focus on the three concepts such as various transition paths, innovation, and finance," and that "Japan has taken up energy transition and decarbonisation as top priorities." As a key partner at 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 programs, with Japanese companies playing a significant role in the development of renewable energy infrastructure in the UAE. In anticipation of COP28, Japan noted that "Japanese companies are taking part as partners in ADNOC's LNG project," and the minister also addressed hydrogen and green energy: "I understand that the UAE has revised its national hydrogen strategy and is looking to become part of the league of nations that are going to be the largest hydrogen producers in the future. Likewise, Japan also revised its hydrogen strategy in July this year, which positions Fukushima as the pioneering site for hydrogen" (Abdulkader, 2023). This represents a significant development for Japan-UAE collaboration on the green energy front. Additionally, joint research initiatives have been undertaken to explore innovative solutions in renewable energy and environmental conservation: "Last week's signing of a joint declaration of intent (JDI) between the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology and Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry to enhance cooperation between the two nations on climate action and on advancing the energy transition gives high hopes, the minister said. The JDI envisages the development of a global green energy hub between the two nations. Japan has cutting-edge technology in hydrogen and ammonia. I am sure that the UAE and Japan can work together to build tangible cooperation in this regard" (Abdulkader, 2023). These commitments will be reflected in policy and regulatory frameworks at COP28, where nations from around the world will look to establish a way forward on renewable energy goals.
Reuters reported in July 2023 that "Japan and the United Arab Emirates agreed to cooperate on technology and climate change during Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's visit, his second stop in the region focused on securing energy supplies and promoting green technology" (Uppal, 2023). The two countries are clearly preparing for significant joint projects: "The partnership would include a new scheme to accelerate energy security, as well as a framework for the UAE to cooperate with and invest in Japan on chip and battery technology, according to the statement issued late on Monday. The two leaders also adopted a joint statement on climate action, which said that both remain committed to the goal of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and acknowledged 'the role of clean hydrogen and derivatives including ammonia in accelerating the energy transition'" (Uppal, 2023).
This comes on the heels of the UAE already establishing itself as a leader in the Middle East on environmental issues. MIT Technology Review (2023) has explained that "the United Arab Emirates is leading climate action through investments in advanced technology and partnerships with other nations and private sector leaders." Its approach is unrivaled among other Arab states. MIT Technology Review (2023) explains further that "by establishing a resilient science and technology ecosystem within the UAE and investing in clean energy projects and renewables worldwide, the nation looks to address climate change challenges regionally and globally… these investments and policies will create new green business models and services that can enable the UAE to achieve both carbon neutrality and strong economic growth through its pragmatic, resilient, and inclusive approach." That is precisely why Japan is so interested in collaborating with the UAE for years to come. The Emirates (2023) has officially stated that "the UAE and Japan are joining forces in many vital areas and current joint initiatives, which include hydrogen production and low-emission blue ammonia, to meet the ambitions of the two countries to benefit from new commercially viable technologies to reduce emissions. For its part, the UAE focused on solidifying bilateral cooperation within the framework of climate diplomacy to advance economic development, enable low-emissions growth, and enhance energy security."
The UAE and Japan are also working together on multiple fronts to harness energy without harming the environment: "Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), ENEOS Corporation (ENEOS), and Mitsui & Co., Ltd. have formed a Joint Study Agreement to evaluate the development of a clean hydrogen supply chain between UAE and Japan. The project aims to be developed in two phases, with the first phase utilizing by-product hydrogen from ADNOC's system in the Ruwais Industrial Area in Abu Dhabi, while Phase 2 envisages greenfield blue hydrogen production from natural gas. The hydrogen will be transformed to methylcyclohexane (MCH), an efficient form of hydrogen transport vector to export to Japan" (Emirates, 2023). These are forward-looking initiatives rooted in both business and environmental imperatives: the agreement "builds on ADNOC's low-carbon fuels leadership and extensive experience in carbon capture and storage. The joint study agreement with INPEX, JERA and JOGMEC provides a roadmap to deepen access to Japanese markets for ADNOC's products and further strengthen the UAE's hydrogen value proposition" (Emirates, 2023). There is nothing comparable underway elsewhere in the Middle East. The UAE and Japan represent a multinational force leading the way in tackling climate and renewable energy challenges through serious research and technological advancement.
"Why UAE-Japan ties are uniquely strong among Arab states"
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 — policies that are crucial for reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The UAE and Japan have also explored opportunities for collaboration in carbon capture and storage (CCS), a technology that captures carbon dioxide emissions from sources such as power plants and stores it underground, with the goal of making CCS a viable option for reducing carbon emissions. The partnership extends to the field of waste management as well, with both countries working together to develop sustainable waste management practices, including initiatives to promote recycling, reduce waste generation, and convert waste into energy — all topics that were to be discussed in further detail at COP28 (Abdulkader, 2023; Gulf Today, 2023).
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