WNEVC forum held in UAE amid global push for green transition

More than 200 executives and officials gathered in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday for the UAE forum of the 2025 World New Energy Vehicle Congress, as China and the Gulf nation pledged to deepen collaboration in clean transportation and renewable energy technologies.

Wan Gang, president of China's Association for Science and Technology and head of the WNEVC, emphasized that electrification, digitalization, and low-carbon transitions in the auto industry are now global imperatives.

He called for building a resilient, data-driven, and sustainable vehicle ecosystem — one that redefines the automotive supply chain and embraces battery tech, smart driving, and renewable integration.

"The UAE presents unprecedented opportunities for new energy vehicles," Wan said, urging Chinese companies to tailor offerings to local climate and consumer needs.

Speakers included UAE Energy Minister Suhail Al Mazrouei, IRENA Deputy Director Gauri Singh, and DP World Chairman Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, who underscored the region's strategic role in green transition.

Zhang Yiming, China's ambassador to the UAE, highlighted the "two-way rush" of collaboration, saying both sides could jointly tackle challenges in battery innovation, hydrogen deployment, and autonomous mobility.

Hainan Party Secretary Feng Fei showcased the province's 58 percent NEV penetration — the highest in China — and its clean energy milestones.

He noted direct shipping links with Abu Dhabi had already cut logistics costs by 12 percent and sped up delivery by up to 15 days.

Despite record global renewable installations in 2024, IRENA's Singh warned that progress still falls short of COP28 targets. Singh urged systemic innovation, citing China's momentum as a blueprint.

The event saw automakers like Nio and FAW, energy startups, and UAE stakeholders align on co-developing infrastructure, sharing R&D, and expanding access to sustainable mobility.