RTA Sets New Milestone to Unveil Net-Zero Emission Strategy

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has introduced its pioneering ‘Zero-Emissions Public Transportation in Dubai 2050’ strategy, solidifying its position as the leading Middle Eastern agency dedicated to achieving a sustainable future. This groundbreaking strategy outlines a comprehensive plan to transition towards Net-Zero Emission Public Transport by 2050.

The primary objective of RTA’s strategy is to combat climate change and reduce its ecological impact across three key domains: public transportation, buildings, and associated infrastructure, and waste management. By implementing this ambitious plan, RTA aims to play a significant role in mitigating climate change and creating a greener, more environmentally conscious society.

In perfect harmony with the UAE’s preparations for COP28 and the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, the newly unveiled strategy by RTA reinforces its commitment to sustainability and places it at the forefront of sustainable mobility in the global arena. This strategic initiative is a testament to RTA’s relentless efforts to enhance the levels of sustainability in roads and transportation, aiming to secure a position of international leadership in this domain.

Aligned with the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, RTA’s strategy focuses on fortifying the adaptability of public transport infrastructure while addressing its impact on climate change. By shifting from mere promises to concrete accomplishments, this comprehensive plan aims to translate sustainability pledges into tangible achievements, paving the way for a future that aligns with the UAE’s vision for a net-zero economy by 2050.

In line with Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which strives to solidify the emirate’s position as a leading global urban economy, RTA’s latest strategy encompasses a multitude of objectives aimed at achieving remarkable milestones in the years to come. This comprehensive plan focuses on several primary goals, including the decarbonization of taxis, limousines, and public buses, the development of energy-efficient buildings with minimal energy consumption, the adoption of renewable energy sources, and the complete elimination of municipal waste by diverting it from landfills.

By implementing this strategy, a significant reduction of 10 million tonnes in carbon dioxide emissions is projected, contributing substantially to environmental preservation. Additionally, the strategy is set to yield substantial financial savings, amounting to AED 3.3 billion, when compared to the current operational framework. This forward-thinking approach showcases RTA’s unwavering dedication to both environmental sustainability and economic prosperity, positioning Dubai as a trailblazer in the global drive towards a greener and more prosperous future.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors, RTA, stated – “The newly introduced strategy establishes a comprehensive framework for sustainability within RTA, aiming to improve stability standards and decrease carbon dioxide emissions. By aligning with RTA’s mission of attaining international oversight in seamless and bearable mobility, this strategy strives to deliver creative roads and transport services that boost the client experience to world-class standards.

Comprising ten distinct initiatives spanning various sectors and agencies within RTA, as well as partnerships with the private sector, this strategy paves the way for its successful implementation over a period of five years. It acknowledges the importance of reviewing, adjusting, and aligning future goals to adapt to evolving circumstances and ensure continued progress.

Operating under the theme of ‘Zero-Emissions Public Transportation in Dubai 2050,’ this strategy upholds the UAE’s commitments to global, national, and local environmental and sustainability objectives, including those outlined in the Paris Climate Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Moreover, it remains in harmony with national strategies such as the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative, The UAE’s Green Agenda – 2030, the National Climate Change Plan of the UAE 2050, and the UAE Energy Strategy 2050. By embracing these synergies, RTA reaffirms its dedication to creating a sustainable future while actively contributing to the UAE’s broader sustainability vision.”

During the deliberations of RTA’s Board of Executive Directors, a comprehensive analysis was conducted regarding multiple factors, prospects, and challenges connected with the new system and its successful implementation. Key considerations encompassed evaluating the costs involved in adopting innovative green technologies, establishing a framework for target distribution and periodic review, and emphasizing the significance of securing energy technology providers, specifically for electric buses and hydrogen fuel production stations. These factors, among others, were taken into account to ensure the effective execution of the new strategy and overcome potential hurdles that may arise along the way.

Taxis and buses

The newly implemented strategy lays out specific target rates to be accomplished in the coming years, with the ultimate objective of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 across three key categories: green public transportation, buildings and facilities, and waste management.

In the domain of public transportation, the strategy outlines a phased approach for the conversion of buses into electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles. The plan entails transitioning 10 percent of public transport buses to these clean energy alternatives by 2030, with subsequent increases to 20 percent by 2035, 40 percent by 2040, 80 percent by 2045 and ultimately reaching 100 percent by 2050. Additionally, the strategy includes the conversion of 30 percent of taxis and limousines in the emirate to electric and hydrogen vehicles by 2030, scaling up to 50 percent by 2035, and achieving 100 percent conversion by 2040.

Furthermore, the plan targets the conversion of a specific percentage of Dubai Taxi Corporation’s (DTC) school buses into electric and hydrogen-powered buses. The aim is to convert 10 percent of DTC’s school buses by 2030, followed by increments to 30 percent by 2035, 50 percent by 2040, 80 percent by 2045, and ultimately reaching 100 percent by 2050.

Buildings and facilities

As part of the strategy, RTA plans to implement retrofitting measures for its buildings and facilities by incorporating solar cell systems. In the initial phase, a total of 24 buildings and facilities are set to undergo the installation of solar panels, scheduled to be completed by 2025. Feasibility studies will determine the viability of extending this initiative to all other buildings and facilities within the RTA network.

The overarching objective is to progressively retrofit and upgrade 74 percent of the buildings by 2030. Subsequently, the scope of this effort will be expanded to cover 83 percent of the buildings by 2035, with the ultimate aim of achieving a comprehensive retrofitting of 100 percent of RTA’s buildings and facilities by 2045.

This strategic approach reflects RTA’s commitment to sustainable practices and renewable energy utilization. By integrating solar cell systems, RTA aims to enhance energy efficiency, reduce carbon footprint, and pave the way for a more sustainable future within its infrastructure.

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