Green Ventures Out West: Strengthening UAE-US Climate Cooperation

By Hussein El Gaafary, Head of Climate, Energy, and Water Initiatives, UAE Embassy in Washington, DC

Collaboration between the UAE and US has never been stronger as we push forward an ambitious clean energy transition. Together, we are expanding innovation and laying the groundwork for transformative climate action.

Recently, I traveled through the Western US, witnessing firsthand the groundbreaking work being done by top sustainability leaders. Each stop on this journey underscored how the UAE and the US are harnessing shared expertise to tackle pressing climate challenges.

Partners to Address Climate Change

The UAE and US are mobilizing significant investments in clean energy practices and environmentally friendly food production. The Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate, for instance, has secured $17 billion and enlisted 600 partners to make food production more sustainable. Similarly, the Partnership for Accelerating Clean Energy (PACE) is driving investments to deploy advanced technologies, including sustainable aviation fuel and advanced nuclear power.

At COP28, the UAE Consensus delivered critical progress toward phasing out fossil fuels and established targets to triple renewable energy capacity and double energy efficiency by 2030. UAE-US cooperation is key to this effort. In fact, UAE clean energy company Masdar just announced the closing of its acquisition of a 50 percent stake in Terra-Gen, one of the largest independent renewable power producers in the US. Building on Masdar’s previous 1.4 GW US portfolio, the deal significantly expands UAE investment in the US renewable sector.

Climate Outreach in the Western US

Throughout my trip, I visited research hubs and innovative organizations that are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the global energy transition. In Denver, a visit to the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) revealed how advanced analysis capabilities are helping to integrate renewable energy into national grids. The lab’s focus on developing hydrogen and energy storage technologies aligns well with the UAE’s ongoing work to diversify energy sources and ensure long-term energy security.

At the Desert Research Institute (DRI) in Las Vegas, I saw firsthand how climate research is informing real-world solutions. DRI’s studies on atmospheric conditions and water resource management reflect the challenges we also face in the UAE, particularly with respect to water scarcity and arid conditions. Collaborative discussions explored how both regions could share insights on groundwater management and desalination techniques.

In Phoenix, these discussions were expanded. I met with the Central Arizona Project and the city’s Chief Sustainability Officer to explore how their innovative approaches to water conservation, particularly in desert environments, can inform the UAE’s ongoing water sustainability strategies. The shared challenges of arid climates make Phoenix a valuable partner in co-developing long-term solutions to water scarcity.

The UAE’s Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative, for example, is raising awareness about the severity of water scarcity and empowering action to address water challenges. The MBZ Water Initiative has partnered with the US-based XPRIZE Foundation to launch a five-year, $119 million competition aimed at advancing seawater desalination technology to ensure widespread access to clean water.

The focus shifted to urban sustainability when I traveled to Los Angeles. Meeting with the Mayor’s Sustainability Office and visiting UCLA’s La Kretz Innovation Campus provided valuable insights into how large metropolitan areas are reducing their carbon footprints. Los Angeles’ progress in sustainable transportation and energy efficiency through urban planning offers replicable models for the UAE’s fast-growing cities.

Finally, in San Francisco I had an opportunity to discuss sustainable finance and technology. In conversations with the business community, we explored how green-tech companies can scale up operations and access international markets, particularly in the UAE. San Francisco, known for its entrepreneurial ecosystem, mirrors the UAE’s goal of attracting and nurturing green private sector opportunities through favorable regulatory frameworks and strong government support.

GreenTech Delegation

Just recently, the US Chamber of Commerce led a group of over 50 business leaders as part of a GreenTech Delegation to the UAE. Over three days, the delegation explored opportunities for private sector involvement in the energy transition and witnessed the UAE’s leadership in the green sector.

From Dubai to Denver, the conversations and connections taking place underscore how much we can achieve and the opportunities that lie ahead. Together, the UAE and US are paving the way for a greener, more resilient future.