**Vertical Gardens: Practical Benefits & Key Considerations**

**Environmental & Aesthetic Value:**
Vertical gardens (or green walls) are increasingly featured in innovative, sustainable architecture due to their capacity to transform urban and interior spaces.

Their ability to provide greenery in compact environments makes them ideal for offices and urban buildings—connecting people to nature and enhancing visual appeal.

**Air Purification:**
Green walls significantly improve air quality.

Plants absorb toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide—common in indoor environments—through their leaves and root systems.

By integrating these natural air filters, indoor spaces enjoy reduced airborne pollutants, benefiting occupant health and wellness.

**Temperature Regulation:**
Through shading and evapotranspiration, vertical gardens help regulate temperature.

Plants intercept sunlight and cool the surrounding air, reducing reliance on mechanical cooling and mitigating the urban heat island effect.

In warm climates, they protect interiors from heat; in cooler regions (or highly insulated buildings), green walls also serve as an extra thermal barrier.

**Mental Health & Social Benefits:**
Access to greenery in the built environment has been linked to enhanced mood, reduced stress, and increased productivity.

Biophilic design—an approach that connects occupants to nature—cultivates a sense of wellbeing and encourages social engagement.

Vertical gardens, therefore, function as catalysts for healthy workspaces and community connections.

**Design, Maintenance, & Plant Selection:**
- **Maintenance Needs:** Vertical gardens require regular care including irrigation, fertilization, pruning, and monitoring for pests or diseases.

Automated irrigation systems reduce maintenance but periodic inspection is essential.

- **Suitable Plants:** Plant choice depends on local climate and light availability.

In temperate regions, evergreen perennials and mosses are preferred.

**Vertical Gardens: Practical Benefits & Key Considerations**

**Environmental & Aesthetic Value:**
Vertical gardens (or green walls) are increasingly featured in innovative, sustainable architecture due to their capacity to transform urban and interior spaces.

Title:

Content: Hindustantimes wants to start sending you push notifications. Click allow to subscribe

World Environment Day: 5 sustainable and eco-friendly design ideas that can transform your workplace into a green haven

Jun 04, 2023 05:47 PM IST

On this World Environment Day, embrace a greener future with these five innovative and sustainable design ideas to transform workspaces into eco-conscious hubs.

World Environment Day, celebrated annually on June 5, is a global initiative that raises awareness about pressing environmental issues. It is a reminder of our responsibility to protect the planet. With an increasing focus on environment-friendly practices, "future of workplace" has evolved into a more sustainable approach to design spaces that we work in. Creating a sustainable workspace is not only beneficial for the environment but also for the well-being and productivity of employees. In honour of World Environment Day, let's discover five innovative and practical design ideas that can transform your workplace into a green haven, fostering sustainability and eco-consciousness. (Also read: 5 environment-friendly and cost-effective home design strategies )

Sustainable Workspace Design Ideas

Apoorv Mittal, Architect, Concept Consilio India Pvt. Ltd, shares with HT Lifestyle, five innovative design ideas that not only enhance productivity and well-being but also prioritise environmental sustainability.

1. Use furniture and fixtures that are sourced locally

A huge part of designing a space sustainably is to source all the furniture and fixtures locally. This cuts down immensely on carbon emissions in transportation and in turn, helps in reducing building costs of the project.

2. Provide green areas in and around the office

Pockets of green around the office can create a net positive impact on the well-being of the users as well as give the space a refreshing energy. Furthermore, there can be several HR initiatives that can help support the biophilic nature of this design scheme; such as "adopt a plant" and the use of hydroponic plants.

3. Use of modular meeting spaces and booths

Modular meeting spaces and modular booths are great innovations in truly reusing and recycling not only the waste that we create but also the spaces we use. Using such modular settings enables the design to last longer, which in turn leads to a more sustainable approach.

4. Proper use of natural light

Designing efficiently to maximize the use of natural light can reduce the load of electricity consumed by a space. On similar lines, the use of diffused light should be considered and utilised as much as possible to increase visibility while reducing the heat incurred. This brings down the air conditioning needs of the design as well.

5. Utilizing eco-friendly materials

The utilization of eco-friendly materials involves employing natural alternatives instead of synthetic products, which not only imparts a visually appealing natural aesthetic but also contributes to a more environmentally friendly approach. An example of such an alternative is the use of cork boards as a substitute for synthetic materials in the construction of acoustic panels. By opting for cork boards, we not only achieve a rich natural appearance but also prioritize sustainability and the preservation of our ecosystem.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
OPEN APP

Their ability to provide greenery in compact environments makes them ideal for offices and urban buildings—connecting people to nature and enhancing visual appeal.

**Air Purification:**
Green walls significantly improve air quality.

Plants absorb toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide—common in indoor environments—through their leaves and root systems.

By integrating these natural air filters, indoor spaces enjoy reduced airborne pollutants, benefiting occupant health and wellness.

**Temperature Regulation:**
Through shading and evapotranspiration, vertical gardens help regulate temperature.

Title:

Content: 7 Bioclimatic Façade Strategies for Tropical Architecture

When we think of the word "tropic," the image that typically comes to mind is an exotic space, characterized by perpetual warmth and humidity, with frequent and heavy rainfall nurturing lush vegetation. Throughout history, this tropical climate has been romanticized as a paradise and criticized for potentially fostering weakness due to its perceived clemency.

Thankfully, those judgments and associations have been relegated to the past, paving the way for theoretical and practical projects that outline the advantages and disadvantages of living in a tropical climate. These projects acknowledge the various strategies to enhance human adaptability within these distinctive climatic conditions.

+ 15

Certainly, climate is the most pivotal element of the natural environment, as it impacts all geomorphological processes, from soil formation to plant growth. It's this profound interconnection that renders climate change so concerning. Hence, akin to how the natural environment reacts to climate, architecture must also be responsive to it.

In temperate climates, houses typically remain "closed" to shield occupants from harsh weather, retaining warmth. Conversely, in tropical climates, it's essential to "open up" the house to dissipate heat and humidity while shielding it from the sun and heavy rainfall. The abundance of tropical climate and vegetation often encourages outdoor living or greater interaction with nature. The main challenges in tropical architecture involve protecting against rain and direct sunlight, with a focus on strategies to regulate internal temperatures.

Bioclimatic strategies play a crucial role in achieving these objectives. They guarantee that buildings adapt to the local climate, boost energy efficiency, and enhance occupants' comfort. These strategies encompass principles and design techniques that leverage natural elements to establish sustainable architectures. By minimizing buildings' environmental impact and prioritizing occupants' well-being, these strategies collectively contribute to overall sustainability.

Since many of these strategies are implemented at the junction between a building's interior and exterior, we've listed below seven bioclimatic strategies and how they are applied to the facades of residential projects in tropical climates.

Shading Elements

Incorporating shade devices such as brise-soleil, cobogós, or other latticed structures on facades is crucial. These elements effectively block direct sunlight while allowing diffused light and natural airflow. This helps to minimize solar heat gain, reduce glare, and maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.

The Kenz House / Srijit Srinivas Architects

Casa Delta / Bernardes Arquitetura

Vegetation

Introducing vegetation on facades through vertical gardens, living walls, or planters can provide natural insulation, reduce heat absorption, and improve air quality. Plants also contribute to shading and evaporative cooling through transpiration, further enhancing thermal comfort and reinforcing the tropical ambiance within architecture.

Tropical Shed / Laurent Troost Architectures

Stepping Park House / VTN Architects

Ventilation Strategies

In tropical architecture, facades often incorporate operable windows or strategically positioned openings to facilitate cross-ventilation and natural airflow. This design approach effectively reduces humidity levels and improves indoor air quality.

Valley Expansion House / Studio Heya

OF House / Studio Otto Felix

Sun Orientation

Ensuring the correct solar orientation of buildings maximizes natural light penetration while minimizing solar heat gain. In tropical climates, designing buildings with a north-south orientation reduces direct sunlight exposure, particularly during peak heat hours of the day.

The House of Silence / Natura Futura Arquitectura

Country house in Puente Iglesias / Oficina de Arquitectura y Paisaje OAP + MDE estudio

Thermal Mass

Using materials with high thermal mass, such as concrete, stone, or adobe, in facade construction helps absorb and retain heat during the day. The heat stored during the day is gradually released at night, helping to stabilize indoor temperatures and reducing the need for mechanical cooling systems.

Discreet House / Jirau Arquitetura

Earth Farmhouse / Studio Verge

Reflective Surfaces

Using light-colored or reflective materials on facades helps minimize heat absorption by reflecting solar radiation. This reduces the need for cooling and helps mitigate the urban heat island effect.

Nagato House / RASA Architektura

House COVE(R) / TOUCH Architect

Adaptability

By integrating responsive facade systems like adjustable blinds or dynamic shading elements controlled by sensors or automation, buildings can adapt in real-time to environmental conditions. This real-time adjustment optimizes both energy performance and occupants' comfort.

Patio House / Caio Persighini Arquitetura

ABK House / Bernardes Arquitetura

Image gallery

See allShow less
About this author
Cite: Ghisleni, Camilla. "7 Bioclimatic Façade Strategies for Tropical Architecture" [7 Estratégias bioclimáticas aplicadas nas fachadas da arquitetura tropical ] 10 Apr 2024. ArchDaily. (Trans. Simões, Diogo) Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1015392/7-bioclimatic-facade-strategies-for-tropical-architecture> ISSN 0719-8884

You've started following your first account!

Did you know?

You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.

Plants intercept sunlight and cool the surrounding air, reducing reliance on mechanical cooling and mitigating the urban heat island effect.

In warm climates, they protect interiors from heat; in cooler regions (or highly insulated buildings), green walls also serve as an extra thermal barrier.

**Mental Health & Social Benefits:**
Access to greenery in the built environment has been linked to enhanced mood, reduced stress, and increased productivity.

Biophilic design—an approach that connects occupants to nature—cultivates a sense of wellbeing and encourages social engagement.

Title:

Content: What Is Co-Creation in the Context of Architecture and Urban Planning?

What Is Co-Creation in the Context of Architecture and Urban Planning?

In recent years, the term “co-creation,” a buzzword in the business and management sector, has made its way into the architecture and urban planning discourse. The term is used to define a large concept that describes working intentionally with others to create something jointly. But architecture is already the result of a collaboration between multiple actors, architects, clients, investors, developers, and local administration, to name a few. Can the term still apply to this field, can it bring forth new forms of knowledge, and does it differ from the concept of participatory design?

+ 5

The term appears to have originated in the business sector, with some mentions in the early 1990s and its popularization in the 2000s, with C.K. Prahalad and Venkatram Ramaswamy’s article in the Harvard Business Review. The article describes a paradigm shift as globalization and technology developments challenge the traditional role of the expert. The new marketplace is beginning to understand that consumers have become a new source of competence, a source that can be tapped into to increase the value of the product. Now a similar shift is taking place in the world of design.

Since the onset of Modernism, and maybe even before, the image of the architect has been mystified as a strong-willed, free-thinking, and uncompromising figure. In stories such as Ayn Rand’s novel “The Fountainhead,” this romanticized heroic character is caught in a struggle between his own creative vision and the external collective opposition, an image reminiscent of Modernist architects such as Mies van der Rohe or Le Corbusier that has leaked into contemporary renditions of the starchitect. The image of a collective process of design stands in stark contrast to this. As architectural problems are growing in complexity, the necessity to find new methods of communicating and collaborating efficiently increases. Involving not just the typical actors but also the end-users in the design process promises to offer multiple advantages by deepening the understanding of the larger context, empowering communities, and generating long-lasting change.

Related Article

The Expert Citizen: A Change of Perspectives in Participatory Design

A Citywide People’s Network: The Example of Jhenaidah

Jhenaidah is a city in southwest Bangladesh built along the Nobogonga River. Despite being an important resource for the city, throughout the years, the river has become neglected, polluted, and even dangerous. A self-initiated local organization set out to change this and return the river to the inhabitants. The resulting project developed through an intensive dialogue between the architects at Co.Creation.Architects, the local municipality, and the local community. Small and accessible interventions along the riverfront transformed it into an accessible, open, and vibrant public space.

One of the keys to this success is the design process that stood behind it. The architects worked closely with the residents, especially the vulnerable groups such as women, children, the elderly, and the disabled. By implementing their inputs, like installing changing cabins or slip-safe paving, the architects ensured that the solutions provided an answer to their specific needs. The architects are also talking about the act of co-creating not just with humans but also with the surrounding natural context. According to them, the process of adapting to the environment is naturally occurring in communities. Thus, the role of the architect is to facilitate communication and bridge the gap between local communities and the authorities and professionals.

Although the project is ongoing, the effects on the quality of urban spaces are visible and felt by the local communities and the city at large. The people are bringing a deeper understanding of their environment while also changing their perspective on it. Once they can affect change in their spaces, they feel more connected to them. This also has a snowballing effect. Once local organizations see that change is possible, more and more initiatives are born, further developing well-adapted and site-specific solutions.

Is Co-Creation Reserved for Public Projects?

Most user-centered design initiatives focus on public spaces and larger communities, making it easy to dismiss the idea when it comes to smaller or privately-owned projects. Here communication with the client is often more straightforward. But the client and the user are not always the same entity. Taking into consideration all those affected by the project and involving them in the process ensures the projects are better fitted to the reals needs and, thus, more profitable for the client or developer.

A housing development in Amsterdam proves the contrary, demonstrating the advantages of involving future residents in the process and giving them the freedom to define their needs, both in terms of individual homes and collective spaces. The EnBloc project by Marc Koehler Architects developed a method for working with future residents in a cohesive and productive way. It uses a Tetris game approach, creating a system of units of 30 or 50 square meters. The units can be linked both vertically and horizontally, allowing the residents to vary the size of their homes according to their needs and budgets. The units were also empty, so the residents worked with the architects to create personalized solutions and create the rooms and spaces they needed. The project looks and feels coherent because f the framework developed by the architects, yet it empowers the residents, who were involved from the start, to create the spaces and communities they wished for.

And something else I find important: you move somewhere where you have known your neighbors for five years. This co-creation element in the design process creates social cohesion. As far as I’m concerned, it should be mandatory in new construction projects. – Iwan, one of the residents of EnBloc

Co-Creation: Beyond Participatory Design

Both terms, co-creation and participatory design, refer to aspects of Human or User-Centered Design, an attitude based on the belief that everybody can meaningfully participate in the act of design. Participatory design is often centered on the involvement factor, aiming to create a design that is centered on the users’ involvement in it. While there are some successful renditions of this concept, it often takes the form of token participation, mimicking involvement but avoiding to enact real change. Participatory design is also interpreted as consulting the community at one stage of the process, picking up the ideas suggested, and moving forward with the process.

On the other hand, Co-design refers to a collective creativity that is applied across the whole span of a design process. The concept understands the users and other parties as sources of competence, exploiting their knowledge about their own needs. The concept is also aligned with Jeremy Till’s idea of the expert citizen, viewing residents as experts in their environment and their needs. The result is a design process based on a collaboration between experts in different fields. Therefore, the users become part of knowledge gathering, idea generation, and concept development. The architect or designer retains responsibility for the design, acts as a moderator between experts and creates the structure of the process of collaboration.

Image gallery

See allShow less
About this author
Cite: Maria-Cristina Florian. "What Is Co-Creation in the Context of Architecture and Urban Planning?" 17 Nov 2022. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/992363/what-is-co-creation-in-the-context-of-architecture-and-urban-planning> ISSN 0719-8884

You've started following your first account!

Did you know?

You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.

Vertical gardens, therefore, function as catalysts for healthy workspaces and community connections.

**Design, Maintenance, & Plant Selection:**
- **Maintenance Needs:** Vertical gardens require regular care including irrigation, fertilization, pruning, and monitoring for pests or diseases.

Automated irrigation systems reduce maintenance but periodic inspection is essential.

- **Suitable Plants:** Plant choice depends on local climate and light availability.

In temperate regions, evergreen perennials and mosses are preferred.


**Summary: Energy Transition in the Middle East – Focus on Solar and Renewables**

The Middle East, historically reliant on hydrocarbons, is witnessing growing momentum toward renewable energy—especially solar—as governments prepare for a post-oil world.

The recent UN climate conference in Dubai signaled global intent to "transition away" from fossil fuels within this decade, a resolution notably hosted in a petrostate highlighting the urgency and regional stakes involved.

**Key National Initiatives:**
- **United Arab Emirates (UAE):** The UAE is a regional frontrunner, aiming to increase its clean energy share to 50% by 2050.

Landmark projects include Masdar City, envisioned as one of the world’s most sustainable urban centers, and the rapid expansion of solar capacity through large-scale plants like Noor Abu Dhabi and Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park.

- **Saudi Arabia:** Partnerships such as Positive Zero’s ventures are expanding renewable infrastructure.

Saudi Arabia seeks to position itself as a green hydrogen and ammonia producer, with ports and energy companies preparing for future export markets.

- **Egypt:** With high solar and wind potential (notably in Sinai and the Red Sea), Egypt is leveraging international collaborations—Norway’s Scatec is partnering on green ammonia exports—to attract investment and boost renewables in its energy mix.

- **Morocco:** Outside the Gulf but key to regional trends, Morocco’s solar mega-projects, begun in 2009, aim to make renewables comprise over half its energy mix.

- **Jordan:** The government is prioritizing green energy, targeting a role as a regional exporter and hub, with new collaborations announced with Italy and Canada.

- **Israel:** Focused primarily on expanding solar, Israel is aligning its clean energy goals with technological innovation and sustainable achievements.

However, the lack of regional carbon markets and established trading frameworks could limit ambitions for green hydrogen, ammonia, and e-fuels.

**Summary: Energy Transition in the Middle East – Focus on Solar and Renewables**

The Middle East, historically reliant on hydrocarbons, is witnessing growing momentum toward renewable energy—especially solar—as governments prepare for a post-oil world.

Title:

Content: Israel's climate performance doesn't match its sustainable innovations - opinion

Instead of a rap on the knuckles, let us hope that future reports on Israel’s environmental performance match up to the incredible record Israel has on sustainable innovations.

AN ENDANGERED sea turtle makes its way toward the sea after hatching from a nest, at Palmahim Beach.
(photo credit: MILA AVIV/FLASH90)

Israel had a bit of a rap on the knuckles recently when it came to its environmental performance. While the innovation ecosphere is busy churning out new technologies to help tackle various aspects of sustainability, from climate change and waste to renewable energy and recycling water, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) the past and present governments have fallen behind.

Before I go into the details, I think it is important to zoom out for a wider perspective. Israel is a tiny country, roughly the size of New Jersey in the US and Wales in the UK, and half the size of New Delhi in India. With a population of less than 10 million people, there is clearly a limit to the population’s impact on a global level, although what is done here can certainly have a direct and immediate impact on quality of life for local residents.

It is thought by many that the biggest contribution Israel can make to the fight against climate change and for a better environment, is by providing technological innovations to reduce emissions, save and re-use water, and produce more and better-quality food through sustainable farming methods. However, it is also important for the current and future coalitions to take note of what the OECD report said about Israel’s own environmental performance, and its recommendations for action.

Off track

According to the intergovernmental organization, while Israel’s climate ambition has grown, the country is unfortunately off track in meeting its 2030 targets on climate, and over the past decade has raised subsidies for fossil fuels – neither is great news for reducing emissions. The report also says that out of the 38 OECD member countries, Israel has the second lowest rate of renewable energy.

The data appears to be backed up by Israel’s own annual review, which last month estimated that Israel would achieve a 12% emissions reduction by 2030, compared to a pledge to the United Nations of a 27% reduction in emissions. The review also predicted that despite setting a target of 30% of energy coming from renewable sources, Israel would reach 19%.

Clean and sustainable energy (illustrative). (credit: Wikimedia Commons)

The OECD report makes numerous recommendations for action to the government. For example, it suggests easing bureaucracy for integrating renewable energy into the national grid and for installing solar energy, as well as improving the monitoring of environmental compliance.

The report ranks Israel as having among the highest levels of pollution out of the OECD countries, and the highest rate of native mammals listed as “threatened.” Waste is often connected to both of these issues, and the report suggests that the government needs to provide financial incentives for recycling waste, such as charging households for trash collection to encourage recycling, rather than sending it to landfill. It also cites a need to develop strategies for moving toward a circular economy, which means reusing materials until the end of their lifespan to reduce waste.

Balancing competing interests

The report recommends passing a climate law, which would include legally binding emissions and renewable energy targets. But here’s the rub. As with many governments around the world, the Israeli government needs to tackle competing interests. These are not only external – such as environmental groups versus industries – but can also come from within the government itself.

A climate law, for instance, is supported by the Environmental Protection Ministry, but legally binding targets have faced resistance from the Energy and Finance Ministries, leading to protests against the proposed government bill by climate activists. While governments have a responsibility to secure energy supply (we all want access to electricity, hot water, fast WiFi, not to mention public transport and services like hospitals), this demand can often compete with the need to protect planet Earth.

Recently, with renewable energy progress delayed, the government gave the go-ahead for two gas-fired power stations to meet growing electricity demands in Tel Aviv, with one near Rosh Ha’ayin and an expanded plant in Ashkelon. Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman, reportedly raised her concerns that the move would increase dependence on gas, which is a fossil fuel, and that other countries were instead focusing on increasing renewable energy.

The plan in Israel is to increase renewable energy, particularly focusing on solar energy. However, recent power outages left hundreds of thousands of people without electricity, with the soaring temperature hitting more than 40 degrees. Israel’s existing solar panels weren’t as effective as usual because of the thick hazy weather, highlighting a limitation of solar power.

Moreover, progress on solar energy has been slower than anticipated, such as with the Jordan-Israel deal (whereby Jordan will provide land for solar panels for Israel, while Israel will provide desalinated water to Jordan). More on this, however, is reported to be planned in time for COP28 in Dubai at the end of the year.

When progress is made, it is important to remember that the government must still balance differing interests. For example, Israel’s National Planning and Building Council recently approved the allocation of 10,000 acres of land for solar energy sites. This sounds promising, and should help the country to increase the proportion of electricity generated from solar power. However, the Energy Ministry had originally applied for an allocation of over 17,000 acres.

Why the shortfall in the allocation? Because the move was opposed by the Environmental Protection Ministry, which prefers solar panels to be installed on already developed land – such as on new builds, car parks, in industrial areas and on greenhouses – rather than on open space. Critics, however, argued that this would cost more and face further bureaucracy, so building on open spaces was chosen as the preferred option.

Opportunities for the economy

According to Gil Proaktor, head of climate change policy in the Environmental Protection Ministry, there needs to be greater understanding among policymakers of the benefits that lowering emissions can bring to the economy to remain competitive, both in terms of direct benefits and indirect savings on public health and environmental damage. In fact, it has been estimated that the government would save 10 billion shekels – that’s approximately $2.8 billion – if the 2030 targets are met.

Recent research involving the Israel Democracy Institute’s Center for Governance and the Economy, and based on international studies, suggested that the move toward a more circular and green economy could create 12,000 new jobs. This is despite the predicted decrease in employment in some areas of manufacturing and construction, and in industries dependent on fossil fuels. The new jobs would be in areas like waste recycling and repair services in particular, as well as renewable energy, food and agriculture. The research recommended that Israel develops a skills strategy to prepare the workforce for a smooth transition.

There are clearly changes ahead, with countries moving from industrial and digital economies to more sustainable alternatives. Israel has done exceptionally well so far, enabling the land to bloom in a country that is 60% desert, and becoming one of the world’s leaders in water innovation, despite the fact that – and arguably because – Israel is one of the most water-scarce countries on the planet.

Instead of a rap on the knuckles, let us hope that future reports on Israel’s environmental performance match up to the incredible record Israel has on sustainable innovations. 

The writer is Middle East Correspondent for India’s WION (World Is One) TV news channel. The author of Tikkun Olam: Israel vs COVID-19, she has helped numerous multinationals report on their contributions to tackling the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. On Twitter: @JodieCohen613 .

The recent UN climate conference in Dubai signaled global intent to "transition away" from fossil fuels within this decade, a resolution notably hosted in a petrostate highlighting the urgency and regional stakes involved.

Title:

Content: Analyzing The Impact On -And What's Next For- The Middle East After The UAE's Momentous Staging Of COP28 The United Nations climate conference in Dubai made history last month, uniting nearly 200 nations to adopt a resolution to "transition away" from coal, oil and gas in this decade.

By Megha Merani

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

The 28th edition of the Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) may have wrapped up- but the spotlight still remains fixed on the Middle East, with the UAE at the center, as it emerges as a potential key influencer in the global climate agenda. This focus comes amidst expectations from industry leaders that the summit's resolutions will spark a new wave of innovation and strategic rethinking across the region.

The United Nations (UN) climate conference in Dubai made history last month, uniting nearly 200 nations to adopt a resolution to "transition away" from coal, oil and gas in this decade. The landmark decision on fossil fuels -a first of its kind in the conference's three-decades- was won after intense debate and considerable resistance from leading energy producers.

Fossil fuels, which are responsible for the majority of global warming emissions, still account for more than 80% of the world's energy consumption, even amid a steady rise in renewable energy capacity. COP28 President Dr. Sultan Al Jaber said the deal "delivered a paradigm shift that has the potential to redefine our economies," but stressed the importance of action over rhetoric, signaling a turning point in international energy policies. "We are what we do, not what we say," he said. "We must take the steps necessary to turn this agreement into tangible action."

Salaal Hassan, founder and CEO of Ahya, an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered solution for businesses to measure and reduce emissions, said heightened awareness of climate challenges spurred by COP28 opens key opportunities for both policymakers and the private sector. "The private sector must move beyond an outlook of seeing climate change as corporate social responsibility (CSR), and instead adapt from purely capitalist models to green social capital-based enterprises," he said. To make the shift, he recommends the adoption of "double materiality", a concept that focuses on reinvesting profits into climate protection and accurately assessing climate risk.

Salaal Hassan, founder and CEO, Ahya. Source: Ahya

As for the road ahead, Hassan predicts the COP28 dialogue will be a major catalyst for climatetech innovation in the region, especially for software startups focused on database management, reporting, and reduction processes for climate initiatives. "Such solutions already exist in the US and European Union, but they are not transferable to the UAE due to cost, support, localization, and compliance aspects," he noted. As the region -which has been historically reliant on fossil fuels- pivots towards a sustainable future, Hassan also sees potential for Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology for greenhouse gas mitigation. However, he also pointed out that its capital-intensive nature poses limitations in emerging markets.

Meanwhile, Shukri Eid, General Manager for the Gulf, Levant, and Pakistan at American multinational IBM, said the urgency to measure carbon footprints, as well as the increasing demand for comprehensive data, including environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting, have exerted immense pressure on organizations. "To start, organizations need to establish baselines and develop data-driven strategies- deciding what data to collect, where to store it, and how to manage it for audits, performance assessment, and driving improvements," Eid said. Unfortunately, existing data is often "fragmented, incomplete, or outdated," Eid noted.

Shukri Eid, General Manager, IBM-Gulf, Levant, and Pakistan. Source: IBM

But he noted that technologies infused with AI "hold the most promise for climate action," citing IBM's collaboration with the US' National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on a foundation model for weather and climate. Trained on geospatial information, the model offers a novel approach to tackle climate change. "Unlike traditional AI models, geospatial foundation models can be fine-tuned for diverse applications, from flood detection to fire scars, driving impactful solutions across climate-related challenges," Eid explained.

Closer to home, IBM -which was an Associate Pathway Partner for the COP28 conference in Dubai – has also partnered with Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence to map the urban heat islands in the UAE. The research involves a fine-tuned version of IBM and NASA's geospatial foundation model to understand Abu Dhabi's urban environment and the formation of urban heat islands influenced by local landscapes. At the same time, IBM's Sustainability Accelerator is fostering innovation in water management at the University of Sharjah, which is developing a model and application to monitor and forecast water access in the Middle East and North Africa.

The financial sector is also adapting to take the lead in environmental initiatives. Dr. Saeeda Jaffar, Senior Vice President and Group Country Manager for the GCC at global digital payments leader Visa, said that finance and payment players "bear a significant responsibility" in driving adaptation, and that they are essential to bridging the gap between consumers and businesses in instilling sustainable practices. "The imperative for banks extends beyond merely reducing the reliance on cash payments and paper," she said. "It encompasses providing crucial capital to sustainable businesses, and creating an environment that fosters their growth. Any technology or innovation that inspires individuals and businesses to awareness and climate action holds great promise."

Dr. Saeeda Jaffar, Senior Vice President and Group Country Manager GCC, Visa. Source: Visa

Dr. Jaffar cited Visa's collaboration with sustainability-as-a-service startup Ecolytiq to launch an "Eco Benefits" bundle, in partnership with Mashreq Bank in the UAE and Qatar Islamic Bank in Qatar, as a prime example. The solution leverages payments data to allow consumers to track their carbon footprint per transaction, enabling them to understand the impact their spending behavior is having on the environment, and offers guidance on how to offset their carbon impact.

In the UAE, the carbon emissions insights are available to nearly one million Mashreq personal banking customers. "Rather than just offering products and services, we aim to craft experiences that truly benefit our customers," Faisal Al Shimmari, Head of ESG and Corporate Strategy at Mashreq Bank, said. "These products are designed to promote climate-positive behaviors, while delivering tangible impact for Mashreq customers."

Meanwhile, Mashreq is also actively ramping up its efforts to provide sustainable financing with a goal to reach US$30 billion by 2030, making it among the top facilitators of the UAE Banks Federation's (UBF) pledge at COP28 to mobilize $272 billion in sustainable finance by the end of the decade. The bank has already facilitated more than 30 deals in sustainable financing since 2021, including structuring and underwriting the recently closed Bapco Energies' $2.5 billion dual tranche Islamic and conventional term facility, the largest sustainability-linked loan in the region so far. Other projects that have received financing include adaptation-related projects such as water projects in Egypt, the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

Related: A Silicon Valley for Climate Tech? It Could Well Be the UAE

Having noted important gaps in climate finance for decarbonization in the UAE, Al Shimmari called it "a matter of national priority". This is why Mashreq is set to launch a UAE ESG Ecosystem Government Accelerator, an initiative uniting public institutions and financial private sector organizations to expedite the UAE's green transition.

Meanwhile, as 2024 now gets underway, Al Shimmari noted that UAE climate startups will need to confront regulatory uncertainties and funding challenges, yet promising avenues for innovation and growth await. "Startups should focus on increasing their technology readiness level through university collaborations and market-funded programs, and work on addressing climate risk stress testing, including data availability and governance challenges," he advised, noting a bright outlook especially for agri- and water-tech sectors.

However, Ahya's Hassan highlighted that the scarcity of capital for climatetech is a major obstacle to progress. "The biggest challenge is that of investors not having the risk appetite or a specialized thesis, due to the need to dive deep into the macroeconomics and regulations, which are distinguishably different from other sectors, as well as the need to see climatetech returns on a mid to long term horizon," Hassan said. "Here, very few investors have a focus on climatetech. And enterprises, whilst having sustainability departments, do not have specialists running them and have a general view of sustainability as an operational expense or CSR function. This can only change through confidence building, and simplifying the macro regulatory context."

Echoing Hassan's view, Victor Sunyer, Partner at Dubai-based investment firm Nuwa Capital, said that venture capitalists, in line with market conditions, "will continue to exhibit increased selectivity and caution." This cautious approach comes just as UAE-based data platform Magnitt noted a significant global investment growth in climatetech. The sector saw $82 billion in investments in 2022, up 20% from the previous year.

Victor Sunyer, Partner, Nuwa Capital. Source: Nuwa Capital

In the more nascent Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey (MENAT) market, climatetech startups attracted $651 million across 148 ventures between 2018 and 2022. However, Nuwa Capital envisions climatetech as "a fundamental area for growth and investment in the region" over the next few years, Sunyer said, motivated by the urgency to mitigate climate change impact. "Consumer sensitivity towards responsible behavior adds momentum to this trend," he said. "We are pursuing investment opportunities in the climate action space, spanning both early and growth stages."

Sunyer also said that the region is seeing "the beginnings of a solid climatetech ecosystem", also pointing to accelerator programs sponsored by major energy companies directing their focus to energy efficiency and transition. ADNOC, for example, launched a $1 million decarbonization technology challenge last year. Sunyer also noted "heightened enthusiasm" for water management and efficiency post-COP28, as well as technologies focused around low-carbon foods and locally grown produce, and on reducing building energy consumption. "Given the relevance of the construction sector and the climatic conditions, implementing energy-conserving measures for buildings is crucial for enhancing overall energy efficiency," Sunyer said. "Anticipated strides by policymakers in this regard underscore the potential impact."

With buildings accounting for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions, Maged Marie, CEO at Egypt-based real estate firm Magnom Properties, emphasized the role of the built environment in global energy transition discussions at COP28. The summit focused on practical solutions to decarbonize the buildings sector, Marie said, describing it as a move to "course-correct."

Maged Marie, CEO, Magnom Properties. Source: Magnom Properties

At the summit, the governments of France and Morocco, alongside the UN Environment Program (UNEP), launched the Buildings Breakthrough, setting a goal for near-zero emissions and climateresilient buildings by 2030– an initiative Marie lauded as one of the "most important sector-specific outcomes" at the conference in Dubai. "While the speed and scale of urbanization globally has brought manifold challenges to the climate crisis, the buildings sector is also uniquely positioned to be part of the solutions as we move forward on the path of net zero," Marie said. "At Magnom Properties, for instance, we are tapping into the long-term potential of clean hydrogen to power 75% of the total energy demands of the Forbes International Tower in Cairo, Egypt, designed to be one of the most sustainable buildings globally."

The Forbes International Tower, a commercial project planned to be constructed in locations including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, will also use solar power, while also incorporating water recycling and smart technologies for efficient use. The tower is set to reduce its carbon footprint by 58%, equivalent to 60 million kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions, and it is also targeting Platinum LEED certification.

Commenting on the industry as a whole, Louise Collins, Head of Engineering and Energy for the MEA, and Head of Project and Development Services for the UAE, at real estate services firm JLL, said that sustainability is "high on the agenda" for both local and global businesses operating in the real estate sector. More time, resources, and money are being spent on sustainability, she said, which is expected to continue in the years ahead. According to JLL, 59% of the top 100 office occupiers in Dubai have carbon commitments.

Louise Collins, Head of Engineering and Energy for the MEA, and Head of Project and Development Services for the UAE, JLL. Source: JLL

Collins said that much of the demand for low-carbon space is coming from international occupiers. But the Emirate faces a unique set of challenges in meeting this demand, she said, including extreme climate conditions, rapid urban development, and high-energy demand buildings. That said, the market also presents unique opportunities. "As Dubai continues to develop rapidly, local government officials and developers benefit from implementing stringent buildings codes and construction practices to ensure buildings are sustainable at the onset– a much easier route than having to go through expensive and complex retrofits," Collins explained. "Building owners can also capitalize on abundant solar energy potential and leverage smart city technologies."

A spokesperson from NWTN, a UAE-based electric car manufacturer and green energy provider, forecasted transformative shifts in the regional energy landscape, including an uptick in investments in renewables like solar and wind power, that would potentially lead to the emergence of new renewable tech companies. "Given the UAE's abundant solar resources, innovations in solar energy, such as more efficient photovoltaic cells or concentrated solar power systems, are particularly promising," the spokesperson said. "Wind energy, especially offshore wind turbines, could also see significant advancements."

Other promising technologies include green hydrogen produced using renewable energy sources. "It can be used in various sectors, including transportation, industry, and power generation, making it a versatile option for decarbonization," the spokesperson said. These, along with advanced energy storage systems including batteries and other novel storage technologies, along with smart grid technology, are essential for managing the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources.

Peter May, Vice President of Operations at Dubai-based proptech startup Silkhaus, underscored the shared collective accountability for climate action. "Climate action is everyone's responsibility across sectors, and not just that of cleantech businesses," he said. But startups face challenges, he added, in "avoiding the lure of greenwashing," and resisting the misconception that purchasing carbon credits is a primary solution. Advocating for a more comprehensive approach, May said companies need to focus on education, optimization, and direct impact reduction.

Peter May, VP of Operations, Silkhaus. Source: Silkhaus

But despite hurdles in the shift to green, May is upbeat about COP28's long-term effect on Middle East economies. Ultimately, the unprecedented agreement is encouraging as it aligns with the region's ambitions to diversify away from oil-dependence, he said. After all, expanding into non-oil sectors -while fostering sustainable practices- is a win-win scenario.

Related: What Are The Climate Solutions That We're Leaving On The Table? Ask Women Entrepreneurs.

Megha Merani

Independent Journalist

Megha Merani is an independent journalist based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Her stories have made headlines across a number of publications including Reuters, Associated Press, Entrepreneur Middle EastBloomberg Middle East, Arabian Gulf Business Insight, Arabian Business, and former local daily 7DAYS.

Megha also produces editorial for government platforms including the World Government Summit and World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting of the Global Future Councils. She has been a grant winner of the Thomson Reuters Foundation and The Global Initiative Against Organized Crime funded by the government of Norway to report on the online trade in illegal wildlife.

Megha is also an Associate Fellow (AFHEA) at Murdoch University in Dubai and leads its Digital Newsroom course unit. In addition, Megha serves as a United Nations Women mentor to support equal opportunities for women entrepreneurs, and supports various other programs including TIE Women, 60 Day Startups, and the Watt Inc. Business Incubator.

Related Topics

Money & Finance

Your Complete Guide to Building Passive Income in 2024

Forget active income — it's time to create some real financial freedom in your life.

Side Hustle

4 Passive Income Ideas to Try as a Side Hustle in 2024

The side hustle culture is upon us — are you ready to act?

Growing a Business

7 Innovative Marketing Approaches to Boost Your Sales in 2024

The year 2024 looks promising for marketers who are willing to embrace technology without sacrificing community.

Side Hustle

This Retired UPS Employee Started a People-Oriented Side Hustle That Earns More Than $500,000 a Year — and 'Anyone With a Pulse Can Do It'

William Zuniga wanted a side gig that would help him meet new people — and he found a very lucrative one.

Entrepreneurs

Dubai Future Foundation And Richemont Invite Startups To Solve Challenges In The Luxury Retail Experience

UAE-based and global startups, scaleups, and SMEs are invited to participate in the Future of Luxury Retail Technologies program.

Technology

LEAP 2023 In Riyadh Sees US$9 Billion Worth Of Investments Made In Saudi Arabia's Tech Sector

The huge investment packages are said to come with the full support of Saudi Arabia Crown Prince HRH Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who remains committed to accelerating tech developments in Saudi Arabia.

**Key National Initiatives:**
- **United Arab Emirates (UAE):** The UAE is a regional frontrunner, aiming to increase its clean energy share to 50% by 2050.

Title:

Content: Fossil fuels, which have powered the industrial growth and development of civilisations for centuries, are facing a looming deadline of depletion. Moreover, they have caused severe environmental and social problems, such as climate change, conflicts, and pollution. The need for alternative and sustainable energy sources is clear and urgent. However, the transition to a post-fossil fuel era is not easy or straightforward. It requires innovation, investment, cooperation, and vision.

This article explores the challenges and opportunities of global energy transformation, focusing on the dual nature of fossil fuels, the countdown to their exhaustion, and the promise of renewable energy sources. It also highlights the progress and potential of some countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, which is one of the most dependent regions on fossil fuels in the world.

Fossil Fuels: A Double-Edged Sword

Fossil fuels, comprising oil, coal, and natural gas, are ancient energy sources that have been central to the development of various industries and sectors. They have enhanced transportation, manufacturing, agriculture, and electricity generation. They have catalysed global trade, commerce, and innovation, elevating the quality of life for millions.

However, this ascent has been coupled with profound challenges. Fossil fuels have been a source of geopolitical strife, epitomised by wars and conflicts over their control and distribution. They have also exacerbated environmental issues, such as greenhouse gas emissions, global warming, and climate change. Incidents like oil spills, gas leaks, and fracking have inflicted severe damage on ecosystems and public health.

The Countdown to Depletion

The finite and non-renewable nature of fossil fuels leaves humanity facing a daunting deadline. Predicting the exact exhaustion of these resources is a complex endeavour, influenced by reserves, consumption rates, technological advancements, and price fluctuations. Nonetheless, projections based on current data paint a concerning picture.

According to Octopus Energy, the year 2060 may mark the twilight of fossil fuels, based on current consumption and reserve estimates. In 2020, global oil production reached 91.7 million barrels per day (b/d), with key players like the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Russia at the forefront. Simultaneously, natural gas production stood at 3.94 trillion cubic meters (bcm). Although the Covid-19 pandemic temporarily curtailed production, a resurgence is anticipated. In contrast, natural gas consumption steadily rises by over 3% each year.

Should additional oil reserves remain elusive, known deposits could be depleted by 2052. The stark reality is that demand for oil has surged, nearly doubling the average annual rate observed over the preceding decade in 2018.

Toward a Sustainable Energy Paradigm

The global imperative for alternative energy sources is clear. Sustainable options, even if not entirely devoid of environmental impact, have become a linchpin of energy discussions. The quest for sustainability is no longer optional; it is fundamental to securing a prosperous future.

Embracing alternative and sustainable energy solutions is our paramount responsibility. The adverse consequences of persisting with fossil fuels are increasingly undeniable. Furthermore, incidents such as oil spills, gas leaks, and fracking have grievously scarred ecosystems and human health.

The geopolitical maelstrom surrounding fossil fuels is a testament to their strategic importance. By reducing our dependence on these finite resources, we can contribute to global stability and peace.

The Promise of Sustainable Energy

Investing in sustainable energy is not merely an ecological commitment; it is a strategic move to safeguard long-term energy security. Renewable sources like solar and wind power do not suffer the same spectre of depletion as fossil fuels, offering a reliable and sustainable energy future. Moreover, technology’s relentless march is enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of these alternatives, ensuring a seamless transition.

In this era of unprecedented global challenges, the unsustainable trajectory of fossil fuels is no longer tenable. Transitioning to renewable and sustainable energy sources is both a moral imperative and an economic necessity. As we confront the relentless march of climate change, endeavouring to secure long-term energy stability and foster global peace, embracing this transformation is our only viable path toward a sustainable and prosperous future. It is a journey we must embark upon with unwavering determination and foresight.

The MENA Region: The abundance of wisdom

The MENA region stands as an interesting case study for global energy transformation. The region is one of the most dependent regions on fossil fuels in the world. According to the World Bank, the region accounted for 36% of the global oil production and 20% of the global gas production in 2018. However, the region also faces many challenges and risks related to its reliance on fossil fuels, such as price volatility, environmental degradation, social unrest, and geopolitical conflicts.

Therefore, some countries in the region have started to prepare for the transition to a post-fossil fuel era by diversifying their economies, investing in renewable energy sources, and promoting innovation and sustainability. According to a report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the MENA region has a huge potential for renewable energy development, especially solar and wind power. The report estimates that the region could generate more than 60% of its total electricity from renewable sources by 2030.

Some of the countries that have made significant progress in this field are:

• UAE: The UAE has been a leader in innovation and sustainability in the region, with a vision of becoming a global hub for green economy and clean energy. The UAE has set a target of increasing its share of clean energy to 50% by 2050. The UAE has invested in various renewable energy projects, such as the Shams 1 solar thermal plant, which is one of the largest of its kind in the world, and the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, which is planned to be the largest single-site solar park in the world by 2030. The UAE is also home to Masdar City, which is a planned city that aims to be one of the most sustainable cities in the world. Also, UAE is one of the 10 largest oil producing countries with a proven reserves, according to BP statistical reviews, of 100 billion barrels.

• Morocco: Morocco has been a pioneer in renewable energy development in the region, with a target of achieving 52% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Morocco has invested heavily in solar power projects, such as the Noor Ouarzazate complex, which is the largest concentrated solar power plant in the world. Morocco also has a strong wind power sector, with a capacity of over 1.2 gigawatts (GW) as of 2019.

• Egypt: Egypt has also been pursuing an ambitious renewable energy strategy, with a goal of reaching 42% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2035. Egypt has a large potential for solar and wind power, especially in the Sinai Peninsula and the Red Sea coast. Egypt has launched several large-scale projects, such as the Benban Solar Park, which is expected to be the largest solar photovoltaic (PV) plant in the world when completed, and the Zafarana Wind Farm, which is one of the largest wind farms in Africa.

These are some examples of countries in the MENA region that are prepared for after fossil fuels era. However, there are still many challenges and barriers that need to be overcome, such as policy and regulatory frameworks, financing and investment mechanisms, public awareness and participation, and regional cooperation and integration.

The world is at a crossroads in its energy choices. Fossil fuels have been instrumental in driving industrial growth and development, but they have also caused severe environmental problems. Their finite nature also poses a threat to long-term energy security. The need for alternative and sustainable energy sources is clear and urgent.

Renewable energy sources offer a promising solution to this challenge. They are abundant, reliable, and sustainable. They can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, mitigate climate change impacts, and foster global peace. They can also create new opportunities for economic growth, innovation, and social welfare.

— Dr Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi is a former UAE minister of Infrastructure Development and for Climate Change and Environment

Landmark projects include Masdar City, envisioned as one of the world’s most sustainable urban centers, and the rapid expansion of solar capacity through large-scale plants like Noor Abu Dhabi and Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park.

- **Saudi Arabia:** Partnerships such as Positive Zero’s ventures are expanding renewable infrastructure.

Title:

Content:   • The agreement marks Positive Zero’s first strategic partnership in Saudi Arabia, boosting the group’s presence and reach across the Kingdom.
  • The collaboration will support attaining Saudi Arabia’s goal of installing 40 GW of solar PV capacity in line with Vision 2030.

Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA): Positive Zero, the leading provider of decentralized energy solutions in the GCC, and Tamimi Energy, one of Saudi Arabia’s pioneers in integrated and sustainable energy services, have announced a strategic partnership to develop and deliver solar power projects across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The collaboration was formalized with the signing of a Partnership Agreement between SirajPower, Positive Zero’s distributed power generation subsidiary, and Energy Equipment Rental Company (ENERCO), one of Saudi Arabia’s leading power solutions providers under Tamimi Energy.  The agreement establishes a flexible framework for the two parties to leverage each other’s diverse solar project capabilities, enabling them to support the rapid growth of the Saudi clean energy market.

SirajPower and ENERCO will work together by leveraging their complementary capabilities for the development and financing of commercial and industrial solar power solutions across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This will include deploying human talent, equipment, technology, and other resources to the projects they secure jointly.

The partnership follows Positive Zero’s recent announcement of a landmark investment of up to $400 million from BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager with over $9.4 trillion in assets. The investment will boost Positive Zero’s growth and innovation in the GCC region, where it offers a range of decentralized decarbonization solutions, including solar power, energy efficiency, and mobile battery storage, to support the region’s energy transition and economic diversification goals, as well as the global efforts to combat climate change.

Salah Abdullatif, Executive General Manager at Tamimi Energy Holding Company, said:

"The pace of the clean energy transformation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is picking up rapidly, with the Saudi Green Initiative setting an ambitious target to increase the share of renewable energy to 50% of the primary energy mix by 2030. This is no small feat, and ENERCO, as a key subsidiary of Tamimi Energy, is ideally positioned to play a crucial role in this journey. Our collaboration with SirajPower and the Positive Zero group will perfectly complement Tamimi Energy’s capabilities and open up significant opportunities for both parties to accelerate the adoption of solar power across multiple sectors in the Kingdom."

David Auriau, Co-Founder and CEO of Positive Zero, commented on the occasion:

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is about to experience a surge in demand for clean energy, and photovoltaic solar power will be the foundation for meeting this demand as the key element of the National Renewable Energy Program of Vision 2030. To support attaining the goal of installing 40 GW of photovoltaic solar power by 2030, our partnership with Tamimi Energy will bring out the best of both our groups to the Saudi market, and we could not have chosen a better partner for Positive Zero’s first strategic partnership in the Kingdom. We look forward to playing a crucial role in the transformation of the Saudi energy sector through this agreement between SirajPower and ENERCO to bid on projects and deliver them together.”

Saudi Arabia is one of the top 10 countries in the world with the highest potential for producing centralized solar energy, according to the Shell Global Energy Resources Database, with the Kingdom approving new regulations over the past 18 months to enable the construction and provision of distributed solar energy solutions to increase the contribution of distributed solar PV power to the country’s energy mix.

Positive Zero’s foundational companies have already made remarkable strides in key GCC markets. SirajPower, the company's Distributed Generation arm, leads the region with a 200 MWp portfolio of distributed solar energy, reducing over 223 thousand metric tons of carbon emissions annually - an equivalent to powering over 43,000 homes every year. Taka Solutions, operating as the company's Energy Efficiency arm, has achieved energy savings exceeding 100,000 MWh across eight sectors in the United Arab Emirates, which is equivalent to planting more than three million trees. Situated under the company’s Clean Mobility vertical, our HYPR mobile battery units, the first clean energy delivery service in the region, have provided construction sites and other off-grid locations with cheaper and cleaner power.

About Positive Zero

Positive Zero is empowering a new energy economy by enabling businesses, communities, and cities in the Middle East region to take charge of their energy future. As the leading energy transition partner for the commercial, industrial, and public sectors, Positive Zero helps businesses achieve energy savings as high as 50% by removing upfront investments and operational complexities from the onset.

Positive Zero’s decarbonization-as-a-service offering combines clean technologies with data-driven solutions in distributed solar generation (SirajPower), energy efficiency (Taka Solutions) and clean mobility (fleet electrification, charging infrastructure and HYPR Energy) that reduce cost and consumption, and carbon footprint. In addition to financing, we offer end-to-end services, which means we manage the entire process from engineering, design, installation, construction, maintenance, and monitoring so that businesses can focus on what they do best.

For more information about Positive Zero, visit our website www.positivezero.com and our social media handles on LinkedIn /positivezerohq, Twitter @positivezerohq, and Instagram @positivezerohq.

For media inquiries please contact:
Carine Bouery
Head of Marketing
cbouery@positivezero.com

Saudi Arabia seeks to position itself as a green hydrogen and ammonia producer, with ports and energy companies preparing for future export markets.

Title:

Content: Will the Middle East use clean hydrogen to hold onto energy export economies?

September 17, 2022 0 By Frankie Wallace

Ships leaving ports in that area have the potential to allow the region to remain among leaders.

Middle Eastern container ships have the potential to one day shift the nature of the region’s energy leadership to clean hydrogen as the area undergoes a considerable change in economic focus.

The region has broad potential for generating green H2 powered by renewable energy like solar and wind.

Middle Eastern shipping ports are “primed for hydrogen transition”, said ABB Marine & Ports product line manager for electric solutions Jostein Bogen. He went on to say that the company was prepared for handling the expected H2 demand from the current 1,000 metric tons to the 39 to 161 megatons by 2050.

[French] Could Africa unite as a po...
➡PLAY THIS HYDROGEN NEWS ARTICLE IN: ENGLISH, FRENCH & GERMAN

ABB Marine & Ports is already using fuel cell technology for powering smaller cargo vessels that travel across shorter distance. It’s also applying the H2 to meet larger ships’ auxiliary energy requirements. As a component of the company’s efforts in research and development for this area, it is developing a high-power H2 fuel cell concept that would be able to generate 3 megawatts of electrical energy to be deployed on larger ships.

Many predict that collaboration will be required in the region to maximize the potential of clean hydrogen.

To realize the true potential of renewable H2 for Middle Eastern economies, it will be necessary for ports and producers to collaborate. This could include collaborations such as between the Abu Dhabi National Energy Company, Taqa, and Abu Dhabi Ports, which will generate 2GW of renewable H2 and that will be processed into ammonia for expert and bunker fuel uses. That H2 will be made using electrolysis powered by solar energy from a 2GW solar photovoltaic plant.

Bogen made his statement to the media on the heels of an International Energy Agency Clean Energy Ministerial Hydrogen Initiative (CEM H2I) acknowledgement of the role coastal industrial clusters and ports play in accelerating the deployment of this renewable fuel and fuel cell technology across all components of the economy.

CEM H2I coordinates the Global Ports Hydrogen Coalition, which is a working group aimed at bringing port authorities together for the use of clean hydrogen to decarbonize their activities.

- **Egypt:** With high solar and wind potential (notably in Sinai and the Red Sea), Egypt is leveraging international collaborations—Norway’s Scatec is partnering on green ammonia exports—to attract investment and boost renewables in its energy mix.

- **Morocco:** Outside the Gulf but key to regional trends, Morocco’s solar mega-projects, begun in 2009, aim to make renewables comprise over half its energy mix.

Title:

Content: Morocco will commission three large solar power plants within a landmark strategy launched in 2009 to boost renewable sources to more than half its energy mix.

Addressing a seminar in Rome on Monday, Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch said the three new projects are based in the mountainous town of Midelt in central Morocco.

“We have plans to commission three new solar power plants in Midelt in 2027 at the latest…these projects will sharply expand the country’s renewable energy generation,” he said in his comments, published by Hespress and other Moroccan newspapers.

Akhannouch said renewable sources now account for nearly 40 percent of Morocco’s electricity production and the level is poised to rise to 52 percent by 2030.

He also said Morocco counts on its “geographic and strategic” location to become a major producer of green hydrogen.

(Writing by Nadim Kawach; Editing by Anoop Menon)

(anoop.menon@lseg.com)

Subscribe to our Projects' PULSE newsletter that brings you trustworthy news, updates and insights on project activities, developments, and partnerships across sectors in the Middle East and Africa.

- **Jordan:** The government is prioritizing green energy, targeting a role as a regional exporter and hub, with new collaborations announced with Italy and Canada.

Title:

Content:
Jordan Signs 9 Green Energy Accords At COP28, Strengthening Renewable Commitments

(MENAFN- Jordan News Agency)

Amman, Dec. 6 (Petra) -- Amid the UN Climate Conference "COP28" in Dubai, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources penned nine pivotal agreements and memoranda of understanding, solidifying the Kingdom's commitment to advancing sustainable energy initiatives.
These agreements, unveiled during the conference, signify a crucial stride toward fostering green energy partnerships and embracing renewable energy sources, according to a statement by the Ministry on Wednesday.
Among the prominent agreements, five memoranda specifically focus on the production of green hydrogen and green ammonia in collaboration with various reputable companies. Additionally, a significant accord was reached to jointly develop a wind energy project alongside Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar), exemplifying Jordan's proactive approach in fostering renewable energy collaborations.
Minister of Energy Saleh Kharabsheh elucidated the specifics of these agreements inked during the climate conference, noting that the agreement with Masdar aims to establish a 1-gigawatt wind energy station accompanied by a battery energy storage system (BESS) within Jordan's borders.
Furthermore, alliances with Aqua Power Saudi Arabia, Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), Xenel International, Ossur India/Emirates Energy, and Catalyst Investment Management Company were solidified. These collaborations intend to initiate preliminary studies for projects targeting annual production ranging from 100,000 to 1 million tons of green ammonia, demonstrating Jordan's phased approach towards scaling up green energy production.
Kharabsheh highlighted that the initial memorandum, focusing on green hydrogen production alongside Masdar, endeavors to initiate a feasibility assessment, with a primary goal of establishing a green hydrogen facility adjacent to the Aqaba port, to enable an annual production capacity of up to 50,000 tons. "This ambitious venture relies on desalinated seawater and renewable energy sources, ensuring competitive cost-efficiency in the production process," he added.
Furthermore, alliances with Aqua Power Saudi Arabia, Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), Xenel International, Ossur Energy India/Emirates, and Catalyst Investment Management Company were solidified. These collaborations intend to initiate preliminary studies for projects targeting annual production ranging from 100,000 to 1 million tons of green ammonia, demonstrating Jordan's phased approach towards scaling up green energy production.
The Minister emphasized the government's resolute efforts to position Jordan as a regional hub for green energy production. He highlighted leveraging the country's abundant renewable energy resources and strategic geographic location to ensure access to European markets for high-quality, competitively priced green hydrogen fuel.
He also commended the collaborative efforts both regionally and nationally, emphasizing the significance of partnerships forged with signatory allies. These alliances are in harmony with the ministry's strategic objectives and resonate with Jordan's recently unveiled Economic Modernization Vision (2023-2033). Integral to this vision are substantial investments directed towards green hydrogen production initiatives, emblematic of Jordan's overarching commitment to transitioning towards clean energy practices and striving for carbon neutrality.
Mohammed Al-Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, echoed these sentiments, accentuating Jordan's potential as a global player in green energy due to its substantial wind and solar energy resources. He underlined the strength of long-term partnerships, providing expertise in clean energy technologies to support Jordan's ambitious carbon reduction plans and harness its vast energy potential.
In addition to these agreements, collaborations with the Italian Ministry of Environment and the Canadian Climate Change and Clean Growth Fund were announced. These initiatives aim to fund renewable energy encouragement projects and enhance energy efficiency in Jordanian government buildings, aligning with Jordan's commitments to reduce carbon emissions.
The culmination of these agreements reflects Jordan's concerted efforts to attract investments and bolster energy efficiency across sectors by 2030. The Ministry envisions facilitating the transition to eco-friendly cooling systems in the Middle East and North Africa, as evidenced by discussions held during the Climate Change Conference in the United Arab Emirates.

MENAFN06122023000117011021ID1107545666

Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.

- **Israel:** Focused primarily on expanding solar, Israel is aligning its clean energy goals with technological innovation and sustainable achievements.

However, the lack of regional carbon markets and established trading frameworks could limit ambitions for green hydrogen, ammonia, and e-fuels.

Title:

Content: The absence of regional and national markets for trading in carbon credits could potentially hinder the Gulf countries’ ambitions to become global leaders in sustainable fuels, whether green hydrogen, ammonia, or e-fuels.

The Zero Emissions Traders Alliance (ZETA), recently established in Dubai, aims to change this by creating a GCC-based clean energy market resembling the regional Emissions Trading System (ETS) in Europe.

Clean energy markets distribute risks more equitably between producers and buyers of sustainable commodities and help price the carbon they reduce, according to ZETA's CEO Jan Haizmann.

He told Zawya Projects that unlike Europe, where the ETS has effectively lowered carbon emissions, the GCC has limited experience in carbon trading.

With ZETA staff and affiliated companies boasting extensive experience in zero emissions trading in Europe, he said the organisation is well-equipped to offer valuable knowledge-sharing on carbon trading to the GCC community. This expertise can be a significant asset in the region's transition to sustainable energy.

The power of regional markets

Haizmann noted that current efforts for carbon markets in the GCC are fragmented, with each country pursuing its own approach, unlike the regional initiative seen in Europe.

"There is a limited degree of transparency about national policies," he said.

Except for Saudi Arabia, other GCC countries are too small to launch their own carbon trading markets due to insufficient liquidity.

Haizmann continued: "Preparing a regional GCC-ETS would substantially increase the potential impact of ETS compared to various insular ETS initiatives. This joint initiative would require common certificate standards, free transferability of carbon rights within the GCC region and an agreement on how to link national initiatives in a regional context."

He stressed that the European ETS, established in 2005 as the world's first international emissions trading system, could, due to its mature functionality, serve as a yardstick for the GCC.

A collaborative platform in pursuit of price discovery
The ZETA CEO said the organisation can serve as a collaboration platform for industry players to agree on market standards and engage in transparent preparatory work. It can also guide the creation of a robust ruleset by leveraging its experience with established markets.

"Price discovery relies heavily on a market built on integrity and open information," he said, adding that ZETA can facilitate industry-government dialogue for market design as industry input is crucial for a successful market launch.

Haizmann said a market for sustainable commodities could hedge price risks and bridge the gap between long-term contract prices and fluctuating market prices, paving the way for green fuel projects to reach the final investment milestone.

However, he acknowledged that creating standard contracts for trading could be challenging due to regulatory fragmentation, especially in terms of product definitions.

"A good starting point would be to agree on commodity definitions for these new sustainable fuels," he said, adding that tradeable certificates that verify their sustainability claims are also necessary.

Unlocking GCC’s sustainable production potential
Haizmann pointed out that GCC countries shouldn't focus solely on exporting sustainable commodities to Europe and other developed markets.

"The primary beneficiary is the environment, not European companies. By fostering regional markets for these goods, alongside exploring export options, GCC countries can unlock their sustainable production potential and boost their financial markets," he said.

Last month, oilprice.com reported that ZETA also intends to collaborate with stakeholders in Saudi Arabia and internationally to develop certificates that guarantee the origin of carbon-free fuels. The group will also develop pricing benchmarks similar to the LNG spot price benchmark to create reliable reference points for clean commodities, including hydrogen, ammonia, and e-fuels.

By addressing knowledge gaps, fostering regional cooperation, and developing transparent market mechanisms, ZETA is set to play a pivotal role in the sustainable energy transition in the Gulf and the broader Middle East.

(Reporting by Anoop Menon; Editing by SA Kader)

(anoop.menon@lseg.com)

Subscribe to our Projects' PULSE newsletter that brings you trustworthy news, updates and insights on project activities, developments, and partnerships across sectors in the Middle East and Africa.