Abu Dhabi is leveraging its oil wealth to support startups focused on climate solutions, despite not reducing its oil dependency. In April, Abu Dhabi’s Hub71 launched its first decarbonization technology program, supporting five startups in sectors like energy and aquaculture. Hub71 CEO Ahmad Ali Alwan highlighted the UAE’s commitment to the climate agenda, aiming to enable and commercialize innovative solutions.
The UAE, committed to net zero carbon emissions by 2050, has invested heavily in renewable energy and carbon reduction technologies, restoring 6,400 hectares of carbon-absorbing mangroves. Hub71 now hosts around 20 climate tech startups, with applications for its programs doubling. A new cohort will be announced later this year.
Despite oil production comprising 46% of Abu Dhabi’s economy, the UAE is pushing for higher production quotas within OPEC. State-owned Adnoc aims to increase oil output to five million barrels per day by 2027, investing $150 billion to meet this goal.
Critics question Abu Dhabi’s commitment to decarbonization due to its oil dependence. However, experts like Patricia Keating from PwC Middle East believe the city is planning for a sustainable, diversified economy, positioning itself as a leading climate tech cluster in the region. Abu Dhabi’s ecosystem includes venture capitalists, investment funds, and corporates needing to decarbonize, providing an edge in the climate tech space.
The latest Hub71 cohort includes startups focusing on reducing emissions in oil and gas plants and mitigating gas flaring. Swedish spin-off Graphmatech, using graphene technology to enhance hydrogen sustainability, has been attracted by Abu Dhabi’s financial support. Green hydrogen, produced using renewable energy, is seen as crucial for decarbonizing sectors like heavy industry and transport.
The UAE aims to be a top hydrogen producer by 2031, using renewable, nuclear, and fossil fuel sources with carbon capture. Projects like Masdar and Emirates Steel Arkan’s green hydrogen steel production pilot are underway. Graphmatech’s technology, reducing hydrogen leakage by up to 85%, is being discussed with key stakeholders in Abu Dhabi.
Companies like Adnoc, Siemens Energy, and TAQA are backing the Hub71 program, offering funding and pilot program commitments, making Abu Dhabi a test bed for climate technologies.