Industries that once drove economic growth are now facing scrutiny due to their substantial contribution to carbon emissions. While the industrial sector is responsible for nearly 30 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, the challenge is particularly acute in the UAE. The country's industrial landscape, dominated by sectors like aluminium, steel, and cement, emitted 103 million metric tonnes of CO₂ in 2019 alone. With the government's ambitious target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, the urgency for a transformative shift in these industries has never been more evident.
The UAE's Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology has introduced a detailed 'Industrial Decarbonisation Roadmap' aiming to reduce emissions by 93 per cent by 2050. This is a significant undertaking, especially for sectors traditionally considered 'hard-to-abate' due to their energy-intensive processes. As a leading energy solutions provider, Ducab Group is committed to supporting national goals through a multifaceted approach to sustainability, implementing initiatives to lower its carbon footprint. One of its flagship projects is the Blade Smart Factory, a cutting-edge facility that utilises Industry 4.0 technologies to optimise resource use and minimise waste. This factory has achieved a 30 per cent reduction in energy consumption, a 20 per cent reduction in waste, and a 15 per cent improvement in resource efficiency.
In addition to enhancing efficiency, Ducab Group has invested heavily in clean energy. The Jebel Ali facility now features two solar photovoltaic (PV) plants, meeting 50 per cent of the factory's energy requirements, in line with Dubai's aim to source 75 per cent of its energy from clean sources by 2050. Beyond its own operations, Ducab has supported over 30 renewable energy projects globally, including the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, one of the world's largest solar installations. These efforts are pivotal in advancing clean energy infrastructure and supporting the UAE's net-zero ambitions. Recognising the collective nature of decarbonisation, Ducab has partnered with Schneider Electric to bolster its ESG and decarbonisation strategies, focusing on emissions reduction across all scopes.
The journey to net-zero for the UAE's industrial sector is challenging, but a comprehensive sustainability approach demonstrates its feasibility. By integrating clean energy, adopting smart manufacturing, and fostering strategic partnerships, Ducab Group provides a viable model for other industries. With sustainability at the heart of business strategies, the industrial sector can achieve decarbonisation goals while adapting to a world increasingly focused on environmental responsibility. The writer is Group CEO of Ducab.
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