The United Arab Emirates has participated in the BRICS Energy Ministers’ Meeting, hosted by India under its BRICS Chairship 2026, reaffirming its commitment to cooperation on energy security, energy transition, innovation, and sustainable development.
The UAE delegation was led by Eng. Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure.
The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation among BRICS countries through practical initiatives aimed at supporting secure, affordable, and sustainable energy systems.
During the meeting, Al Olama participated in the launch of the BRICS Digital Centre of Excellence for Smart Grids and Energy Storage, established under the BRICS Energy Research Cooperation Platform.
The center will serve as a platform for cooperation among member countries in smart grid technologies, energy storage, digitalization, capacity building, and knowledge exchange.
It is also expected to support policy dialogue and collaboration on pilot projects related to modern energy infrastructure.
The UAE stated that its participation reflects its support for initiatives that promote international cooperation, technical knowledge sharing, and the development of advanced energy technologies.
Focus on resilient energy systems
Speaking during the Centre’s inaugural session, Al Olama remarked that energy security is increasingly linked to the resilience of energy systems and their ability to integrate digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and energy storage solutions.
Sharif Al Olama also referred to Abu Dhabi’s renewable energy project currently under development, which combines a 5.2 GW solar power plant with a 19 GWh battery energy storage system.
HE Sharif Al Olama emphasized that the global energy transition requires stronger international cooperation, continued innovation, and practical solutions to ensure energy remains secure, sustainable, and affordable.
These priorities are aligned with the UAE Consensus, adopted during COP28, which provides a framework for advancing the global energy transition and climate objectives.
Al Olama welcomed the outcomes adopted during the meeting, including the Guidelines for Smart Grids and Energy Storage, the Terms of Reference for the BRICS Energy Research Cooperation Platform, the BRICS Hydrogen Value Chains Report, and the BRICS Energy Ministers’ Joint Communiqué.
Image Credits: India Ministry of Power@X | Cropped by GBN
BRICS Hydrogen Value Chains Report
The meeting also marked the launch of the BRICS Hydrogen Value Chains Report, one of the key deliverables under India’s BRICS Presidency.
The report outlines opportunities for cooperation in the hydrogen sector, including investment, innovation, and the development of low-emission hydrogen value chains. The UAE contributed to the report through the BRICS Energy Working Group.
Al Olama underscored that the report builds on the outcomes of COP28 and supports international efforts to expand the deployment of low-emission energy technologies, including hydrogen.
Al Olama outlined the UAE’s implementation of its National Hydrogen Strategy 2050, which focuses on developing an integrated hydrogen ecosystem covering production, transportation, storage, and industrial applications.
The Undersecretary also highlighted the UAE’s renewable energy investments in more than 70 countries and referred to the Global Energy Efficiency Alliance, an initiative aimed at promoting international cooperation, knowledge exchange, and capacity building to improve global energy efficiency.
During the meeting, the UAE reaffirmed its commitment to working with BRICS member countries through dialogue, joint initiatives, and knowledge sharing to support energy security and sustainable development.
Concluding his remarks, Al Olama reiterated the UAE’s support for the BRICS Energy Ministers’ Joint Communiqué and said the country will continue cooperating with member states on initiatives that strengthen energy security, promote innovation, and support the implementation of the UAE Consensus.
