Abu Dhabi: EAD launches carbon MRV programme to advance climate action

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The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has unveiled a measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) programme to standardize and strengthen the tracking of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the emirate, aligning with global climate best practices.

The initiative is part of Abu Dhabi’s broader efforts to transition to a low-carbon economy, decarbonise emission-intensive sectors, and bolster technical innovation in tackling climate change.

The programme will serve as a foundation for a potential carbon pricing mechanism, aiding industries to align with international competitiveness and climate requirements such as the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement’s Enhanced Transparency Framework.

EAD is aligned with UAE’s larger net zero ambitions

EAD’s secretary-general, Dr Shaikha Al Dhaheri, emphasised the programme’s importance, stating, “Abu Dhabi has fortified its position as a forward-thinking leader on climate action, through working closely with our government, industrial and energy sector partners, as we are integrating new mandatory measurement, reporting and verification efforts into our broader carbon accounting framework.

“Transparent data is essential for assessing climate policies, such as carbon pricing mechanisms, and supports Abu Dhabi’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions by 22 per cent by 2027 and contribute to the emirate’s continued sustainable economic prosperity. Through this journey, we are keen to proactively take the necessary steps as part of the national pathways towards Net Zero by 2050.”

The MRV system mandates large carbon-emitting facilities to monitor, report, and verify their emissions through third-party assessments. Initial reports are due in 2026.

Designed in consultation with public and private stakeholders, the system aims to ensure collaboration and alignment across sectors.

Ahmed Mohammed Al Rumaithi, under-secretary of the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, stressed the programme’s role in fostering transparency and trust, stating, “MRV systems are crucial for providing accurate data to track carbon emissions… and drive effective climate action.”