"The Middle Eastern countries investing in renewable energy are Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, which are expected to drive the region's renewable energy growth, primarily through solar PV."

The Middle East Green initiative aims to promote environmental sustainability and reduce the region's reliance on oil, as part of a broader effort to transition to a more sustainable economy.

Saudi Arabia launched the Middle East Green Initiative, as part of its efforts towards environmental sustainability and sustainable development, reflected in various national projects such as NEOM, Green Riyadh, and Green Saudi Arabia.

The Middle East is highly vulnerable to climate change, experiencing rising temperatures, water scarcity, and desertification, with severe consequences anticipated.

"The Middle East is promoting renewable energy, with a projected three-fold growth in capacity over the next five years, led by countries such as Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, with solar PV making up over 85% of the increase."

The Middle East's energy landscape is changing due to the global shift towards cleaner energy sources, driven by the need for carbon neutrality and expected increased demand for green energy after the pandemic.

"Saudi Arabia aims to achieve 50% of renewable energy by 2030, increasing from its current 0.3%."

The UAE aims to increase its share of clean energy to 50% by 2050.

"Middle Eastern countries such as Egypt and the Gulf countries are investing in solar energy due to their high rates of sunlight, with Egypt also having potential for wind energy production, as they transition away from petroleum energy sources."

"Countries in the Middle East are investing in renewable energy, with large-scale projects underway in countries like the UAE, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, and Hong Kong enterprises providing financial support."

"Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 program aims to increase the proportion of renewable energy to 50% by 2030."

"The Middle Eastern countries investing in renewable energy are Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, which are expected to drive the region's renewable energy growth, primarily through solar PV."

Title:

Content: MUSCAT: Renewable capacity expansion in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is projected to grow three-fold over the next five years (2023 – 2028), with the Sultanate of Oman ranked among the front-runners in driving this growth. According to a new report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), Oman’s renewables capacity growth is set to be the fourth largest in the region after Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Morocco.

These countries will account for the lion’s share of the 62 gigawatt (GW) increase in renewables capacity anticipated in the region by 2028, the Paris-based intergovernmental agency noted in its newly published report. “Over the next five years, the pace of growth is expected to accelerate to more than three times the previous five-year period, with solar PV making up over 85 per cent of the increase. Onshore wind and concentrated solar power also contribute,” said the IEA in its report, titled ‘Renewables 2023: Analysis and forecast to 2028’.

Driving much of this growth will be efforts by individual countries to decarbonize their electricity generation, but green hydrogen production is set to play a major role as well, according to the report. This is particularly the case in Saudi Arabia, UAE and Oman, it pointed out. “In fact, hydrogen accounts for more than 13 per cent of the region’s renewable capacity growth thanks to government policies to stimulate development for trade. Good solar resources, land availability and existing port infrastructure create favourable conditions for economically attractive renewable hydrogen to be shipped to demand centres in Europe and Asia,” the agency further stated.

Additionally, the report reaffirmed Oman’s positioning among the world’s top exporters of renewable hydrogen. It said: “By 2028, potential export countries could account for over one-fifth of hydrogen-driven renewable capacity deployment, led by Saudi Arabia, Australia, Oman and the United Arab Emirates. With the prospect of producing economically attractive renewable hydrogen to ship to potential demand centres in Europe and Asia, these countries aim to become major exporters of renewable hydrogen and hydrogen-based fuels.”

A revised Renewable Energy Plan enshrined in Oman’s 2040 Vision seeks to secure 16 per cent of electricity from renewables by 2025, rising to 30 per cent by 2030. Clean energy capacity is projected to rise to 2.6 GW by 2025 under the National Energy Master Plan. Supplementing this strategy is a commitment to embracing green hydrogen to, on the one hand, decarbonise the economy, and on the other to evolve into a major producer and exporter of renewable hydrogen. Green hydrogen output is targeted at around 1 million tonnes per annum by 2030.

2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).

The Middle East Green initiative aims to promote environmental sustainability and reduce the region's reliance on oil, as part of a broader effort to transition to a more sustainable economy.

Title:

Content: The Green Middle East Initiative.
Integration and Interaction
|
The Kingdom has done well in launching the Green Middle East Initiative, and this is not the first and will not be the last, and it is no stranger to the Kingdom, it has launched many initiatives for peace, environment, dialogue of cultures, relief and reconstruction.
Based on the concerns of the Crown Prince, the godfather of the Kingdom ’ s Vision 2030, the environment and sustainable development, which was reflected in the giant NEOM project, the Green Riyadh Initiative, and Green Saudi Arabia, and the accompanying issuance of new legislation and the establishment of new bodies, in recognition of the importance of the environment to achieve sustainable development, and before that the survival of human health and safety.
A few days ago, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz inaugurated the summit of the “Green Middle East Initiative ” in Riyadh, and it enjoyed an international interaction reflected in a wide international participation that includes heads of state and decision-makers in the world.
The Green Middle East Initiative summit aims to “draw a regional map to preserve and raise the quality of life ” to address the challenges of climate change and its impact on the natural environment, humans and animals.
The initiative included reducing carbon emissions by more than 10 per cent of international requirements and planting 50 billion trees, or about 10 trees per Arab citizen, contributing to the achievement of approximately 5 per cent of the global afforestation target.
He pointed out that the Kingdom believes that traditional energy sources were the most important reasons for the transformation of the countries of the region and the world from traditional economies to globally active economies, and the main engine and motivation for the fastest economic growth that humanity has ever known.
Today, we are ushering in a new green era for the region, leading it together, believing that the effects of climate change are not limited to the natural environment, but include the economy and security. ”
Thus, the Kingdom has contributed to the great global economic growth after the Second World War through the production of conventional energy, and today it is taking the initiative to reduce carbon and develop clean energy through the concept of circular economy, and the establishment of a regional center to monitor and study climate change.
The summit resulted in a new initiative to establish a regional storm early warning centre to help reduce health risks from dust waves.
In addition, the summit statement pointed out that the Kingdom will work to establish a regional center for the sustainable development of fisheries to contribute to raising marine biodiversity and reducing the level of emissions in the fish sector, and the establishment of a regional program for cloud seeding to contribute to raising the level of rainfall by about 20%.
The summit paid particular attention to the degradation of vegetation in Africa and called for the establishment of the Green Initiative Foundation as an independent non-profit.
All the countries of the Middle East region, especially the world in general, must join hands in order to protect our blue planet from environmental pollution and desertification and the resulting climate change, which has no consequences for the future of life on this planet.
Finally, it is wrong to believe that a positive change in the field of environmental conservation within the Green Middle East initiative costs a lot, and can only be launched with the availability of significant resources.
Indeed, much can be achieved with simple efforts and reasonable costs, especially if there is a strong will in each State.
For example, the creation of uniform and strict legislation to protect the environment does not cost much. Similarly, raising the level of environmental awareness does not cost much with the presence of will and management. Volunteering in the field of the environment in general and afforestation in particular is popular with many and willing to participate in increasing afforestation, especially with private sector enterprises in social responsibility efforts.
This will enhance the success of the Green Middle East Initiative, especially with the generous support of billions of riyals, of which the Kingdom will contribute significantly.
Publish it.

Saudi Arabia launched the Middle East Green Initiative, as part of its efforts towards environmental sustainability and sustainable development, reflected in various national projects such as NEOM, Green Riyadh, and Green Saudi Arabia.

The Middle East is highly vulnerable to climate change, experiencing rising temperatures, water scarcity, and desertification, with severe consequences anticipated.

Title:

Content: Israelis, Palestinians and Arabs “coming together ” to tackle climate change | Politics and economics | In-depth analysis with a broader perspective than DW | DW | 24.03.2023
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Israelis, Palestinians and Arabs ‘ coming together ’ to tackle climate change
The United States has launched a new initiative that brings together Israel and Arab countries to address climate change in the region, but the initiative faces the challenges of building trust between the parties as well as finding sources of funding for joint projects.
Agriculture could be a common area for addressing climate change among Middle Eastern countries
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is one of the most vulnerable regions to the effects of climate change. The region ’ s countries have been hit hard by rising temperatures, water scarcity and desertification, with more serious consequences ahead.
Organisers of a regional conference on agriculture, water and food security said the issue of tackling the effects of climate change was pushing for more cooperation.
The conference, which brought together experts from Israel, the Palestinian territories and Arab and Muslim countries, aims to develop practical programs to address regional challenges.
William Wechsler, director of the N7 initiative, which organized the conference last week in Abu Dhabi, said that “a lot can be achieved in the region through collaboration. ”
The initiative promotes cooperation between Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Bahrain, Sudan and the UAE within the framework of the Abraham Accords.
In this context, Wechsler said there are many areas for joint cooperation such as water, lowering food prices and providing security for the people of the region, adding that agriculture is an ideal basis for cooperation in the field of climate change.
Not only is agriculture the only area where progress can be made quickly, but it can also affect the people of the Middle East and North Africa, he said, warning that “if we miss the opportunity to address climate change right now, the window of opportunity will eventually close. ”
While there are challenges to strengthening cooperation between governments and the private sector, Wechsler believes that people who are actively engaged in tackling climate change and its implications are eager to collaborate.
In an interview with DW, he said that "scientists and engineers are considered scientific figures who are interested in ultimately solving problems regardless of affiliations."
Many people think the Middle East is far from the threat of climate change, but here ’ s the truth.
Financing joint ventures
Fawzi Bakkawi, director of Morocco ’ s National Institute of Agricultural Research, believes that his country could benefit from Israel in this area, adding: “There is Israeli experience in particular in the efficient use of water in irrigation systems and the development of more flexible and appropriate agricultural crops. ”
According to a report issued by the World Bank last year, Morocco is among the countries suffering from high water stress, with Morocco ’ s water resources among the weakest in the world, while this affects the agricultural sector, especially as the phenomenon of climate change worsens.
“Israel has made significant progress in biotechnology or genomics and all of these areas can be beneficial to Morocco as well, ” he said.
However, funds for joint Moroccan-Israeli projects or to promote academic exchange remain limited.
Bakawi said he applied to the Merck Foundation, which funds projects between Israel and U.S.-based Arab signatories to the Abraham Accords, for a grant.
Morocco and other countries could benefit from technological advances in irrigation in Israel
Yousef Wahbi, a researcher at the National Meteorological Center in Abu Dhabi, said during a podcast organized by the Middle East Institute that “most research departments in the region have limited avenues for funding research conducted by foreign organizations. ”
At the climate summit in Glasgow in 2021, rich countries pledged $40 billion a year by 2025, while the issues of financing joint projects between countries to combat climate change are more complex.
He explained that most forms of financing come in the form of loans to implement mitigation projects with climate change, such as reducing the use of fossil fuels by relying on solar and wind energy, which is profitable for the lending countries.
But Wehbi said funding for climate change adaptation projects was low, as "sources of funding are difficult to find and these projects are less attractive to funding countries than projects that generate profits for lending countries."
He called for enhanced cooperation in scientific research aimed at addressing climate change globally "for the exchange of ideas between the scientific community globally".
Egypt is seeking to address wheat shortages and inflation by growing crops that need less water.
Confronting climate change to reduce conflicts
Jamal al-Saghir, former World Bank director, said that cooperation between countries is the best solution, adding that "regional cooperation is in the interest of all and carries with it more benefits than national or bilateral projects."
In an interview with DW, Sagheer, who is also an expert on agriculture and climate change and a professor at Canada ’ s McGill University, said most countries in the Middle East “are not doing enough so far in the face of climate change despite the acceleration of this phenomenon. ”
A new climate study shows that the Middle East is warming twice as fast as the global average, with potentially devastating effects on its people and economies.
As a result, more than 400 million people in the region are at risk of extreme heatwaves, prolonged droughts and rising sea levels, the study said.
However, Sagheer believes that the region can overcome these issues through technology and believes that Israel and the Gulf states can take the lead, adding that “Israel is a leader in desalination and irrigation and the countries of the region will benefit greatly. ”
He pointed out that the UAE has invested heavily in the field of renewable energy, stressing that "joint cooperation will lead to the introduction of new ideas in the field of research and development, which can be implemented later in other countries."
He asked: “What are these countries waiting for?
We have to start now. ”
According to the study, the temperature in the Middle East is increasing at an average of 0.45 ° C per decade.
Building Confidence
Tarek Abu Hamad, executive director of the Wadi Araba Institute for Environmental Studies in Israel, believes cooperation among other scientists across the region to tackle climate change could pave the way for “confidence-building efforts. ”
"We live in a small region that is a hotspot when it comes to climate change, so we have no other choice but to cooperate with each other to deal with these challenges," he said.
Alex Pletsas, one of the researchers involved in the N7 initiative, noted that the conference is hopeful: “The great thing I saw in Abu Dhabi was sitting with an Arab diplomat from a Gulf country in a traditional Arab dress and an Israeli businesswoman late at night.
to see how to improve the lives of the people of the region. "
Jennifer Hollis / m.
p.

"The Middle East is promoting renewable energy, with a projected three-fold growth in capacity over the next five years, led by countries such as Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, with solar PV making up over 85% of the increase."

The Middle East's energy landscape is changing due to the global shift towards cleaner energy sources, driven by the need for carbon neutrality and expected increased demand for green energy after the pandemic.

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Huawei offers Middle East a digital supersystem to meet ambitions for a low-carbon future
© Sputnik.
Mikhail Voskresensky / Go to the Bank of Tyre solar power plant, 20 km from Damascus, Syria
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Tackling climate change is a growing priority on the agenda of most Middle Eastern countries, and last year, new climate action targets emerged across the region, and even major oil and gas exporters such as Saudi Arabia announced they would reach net zero emissions by 2060.
So far, 137 countries that are parties to the UN climate agreement, responsible for 80% of global carbon emissions, have begun to commit to clear emission reduction targets.
The Middle East also hosted an increasing number of conferences focusing on sustainable energy last year, paving the way for mega projects in the field.
The recent World Digital Energy Summit 2021 is one such forum, showing how public-private collaboration is helping usher in a low-carbon, greener future through advanced technologies.
Hosted by Huawei Digital Power, a new business for information and communications technology giant Huawei, the summit brought together more than 500 participants from 67 countries to examine the interplay between digital electronics technologies and clean energy.
Charles Yang, senior vice president of Huawei and head of global marketing sales and services at Huawei Digital Power, said: “Carbon neutrality has become a global consensus and a big task, and to achieve this goal, energy production must be low-carbon, and energy consumption must be regulated. ”
After the pandemic, there is expected to be greater demand from society for new and green energy sources.
For its part, Huawei sees an opportunity to deeply integrate digital electronics and energy technologies to create low-carbon energy solutions that cover the entire energy flow from green power generation to efficient energy consumption.
This is embodied in the company ’ s philosophy of “using bits to manage watts. ”
In June, Huawei proposed the Network Carbon Intensity (NCI) initiative, in which carbon emissions are defined by one bit as a new measure of green energy.
The initiative comes at a time when Huawei estimates that nearly 40% of its carbon emissions now come from electrical systems, and experts have highlighted how the power generation industry is transitioning to zero-emission status.
Honor launches its first phones in more than 40 countries after separation from Huawei.
Includes all Google Apps
The Middle East and Gulf region in particular is of strategic importance to Huawei, as it has the longest hours of sunlight in the world, estimated at 2,500 hours per year.
Yang asserts that there are significant opportunities for large-scale deployment of photovoltaic energy storage systems in particular.
Various test cases are now available for how to facilitate the use of artificial intelligence and big data in the operation and maintenance of energy systems more efficiently, thus companies can provide society with cleaner and more stable energy.
Smart photovoltaics, smart data center facilities, clean energy for electric vehicles, and for the construction site form an integrated network essential to driving the clean energy revolution.
Yang commented: “While we will cooperate with local companies in all these areas, I believe smart PV data center facilities are of particular importance in our plans. ”
“We have partnered with hundreds of companies, consultants, NGOs and governments around the world to consider opportunities to use a clean energy system, and the fact is that the Middle East is a major energy producer and a global leader in exploring alternative energy systems, and therefore we see tremendous potential for digital power to support the Middle East ’ s transformation agendas in building a better and greener future. ”
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"Saudi Arabia aims to achieve 50% of renewable energy by 2030, increasing from its current 0.3%."

Title:

Content: The Guardian: The Middle East is facing a ‘ resurrection ’
And Mecca may not be livable by the end of the century.
Friday 29 October 2021 05: 27 pm / Jerusalem time + 2GMT
London / Sama /
Titled “Resurrection Soon: A Reluctant Middle East Forced to Awareness of the Climate Crisis, ” The Guardian ’ s diplomatic editor Patrick Wintour said that Hurricane Shaheen hit Oman some time ago, the first tropical cyclone to reach this point west into the Gulf.
In Basra, southern Iraq, power has been cut off frequently as a result of this summer ’ s temperature of 50 degrees Celsius, forcing residents to move in their cars to get cold.
Kuwait broke the record for the hottest day of 2016 of 53.6 degrees Celsius, and this summer temperatures were very high, with floods in Jeddah and more recently in Mecca at a time when temperatures in Saudi Arabia have increased by 2 percent and the maximum temperature of 2.5 percent since the 1980s.
Qatar is the world ’ s highest emitting country and the world ’ s largest producer of liquefied gas (LNG), and public spaces are equipped with air conditioners.
In Tehran, pollution annually kills 4,000 people a year, and in Khuzestan province, citizens have blocked streets and burned tires due to drought as a result of mismanagement, U.S. sanctions and a deadly atmosphere.
In the United Arab Emirates, the climate crisis is estimated to cost $6 billion a year, the highest in terms of health costs.
The salinity of the Gulf increased with the proliferation of desalination plants by 20%, which affected marine life and biodiversity.
Conditions are expected to worsen at a time of rising temperatures, humidity and sea levels.
Warming rates in the Middle East are twice as high as in the world.
By the end of the century, if the dangerous predictions are correct, Mecca may not be fit for life, making the Hajj season dangerous if not catastrophic.
Large swaths of the Middle East have come to resemble the Afar region of Ethiopia, a vast area without human settlement that pushes towards the Red Sea.
The glittering cities of the Gulf may face the dilemma of rising water levels themselves.
We do not speak of the day of judgment, but of the day of judgment.
Jim Crane, an energy researcher at Rice University in Houston, said: “This is really a difficult topic because the interests of the ruling elites are at odds with the interests of the citizens.
The ruling elite depends on oil resources for the survival of their regimes.
They want to keep the oil trade in order to keep them in power.
Their system is based on oil leasing, but the population ’ s ultimate interests lie in a sustainable climate. ”
Zeina Khalil Haj, founder of Greenpeace in the Middle East, believes that the region is suffering from double pressure: “With increasing demands for energy change, a region that relies on fossil energy, oil and carbon for its economic survival, but cannot continue this dependency.
There will be no oil market but with climate change, they are required to increase efforts to survive.
The extreme climate is changing people ’ s lives on a daily basis and there is no choice but to go green. ”
The West ’ s persistent appetite for fossil energy has led the region to build car-based cities, shiny skyscrapers filled with air conditioners and shopping malls.
It must look for ways to avoid self-destruction, and it must be, according to Thomas Friedman, the Prometheus moment for the Middle East and the search for creative and creative ways.
In fact, the region has been reminded for a decade that it has to make the transition from oil.
Although the moment when oil demand will reach its highest point remains controversial, and depends on a number of assumptions about regulation, technology and customer behavior, the point I mentioned is 2040, after which demand will decline.
But the International Energy Organization ’ s “Net Zero ” report sees the peak as 2050 and by comparison suggests a reduction in oil demand from 88 million barrels per day in 2020 to 72 million barrels per day by 2030, and 24 million barrels per day in 2050, a 75% decline between 2020-2050.
The report argues that the Gulf has three factors underpinning the transformation: capital, sun, and vast, empty spaces.
Until recently, the Gulf states, including Iran, did not feel the desire to shift away from fossil energy to this extent.
When asked, Saudi Oil Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman said it was “a sequel to La La Land, ” meaning that the report and its writers do not know what is happening.
"If I wanted to worry about the IEA's expectations, I would be on Prozac all the time," he said.
Qatar ’ s Energy Minister Saad al-Kaabi said reducing oil and gas production levels would affect the supply process and laughed at “the enthusiasm surrounding the transition. ”
The Organization of Petroleum Producing and Exporting Countries (OPEC) forecasts that the process of oil demand will increase significantly through 2045 and the share of oil in global energy demand will fall from 30% to 28%, which is not a green revolution.
Gulf states still rely on gas and oil exports, accounting for 70 percent of goods exported from Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Oman.
Oil resources account for more than 70% of the total resources of Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain.
In Vision 2030, published by Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2016, he promised to turn the country into an important industrial hub.
World Bank figures show that Saudi Arabia relies on 75% of its oil resources for its budget.
Aramco, which is making its mark on global carbon emissions, is not diversifying at the same pace as Shell or BP.
Instead, it announced it would increase crude oil production capacity from 12 million barrels per day to 13 million barrels per day by 2027.
Haj believes that the shift away from oil may require a psychological shift from the consumer mentality, “The Gulf has not yet reached this kind of discussion.
If you see the way of life in the UAE and Qatar, it is based on inexhaustible consumption, and I fear we are still a long way from that in terms of politics and readiness. ”
Iran is the largest country in the world in terms of carbon emissions by population, followed by the UAE in second place and Saudi Arabia in 13th place.
Of course, Gulf rulers at events such as the Glasgow climate conference can defend themselves by saying that their region is not the primary source of carbon emissions, and historically, collectively, accounts for 4.7% less than carbon emissions and pollution from the United States, Europe and China.
The Middle East exports oil, but pollution is the responsibility of those who import it.
But the region ’ s leaders have come to grips with the problem not because of Western pressure but in response to citizens ’ demands, the goose has realized that the eggs, the oil, are no longer golden but brown.
The UAE is the first country to say it has moved to ratify the Paris Treaty and is the least dependent Gulf state on oil for its government resources.
Last week, she announced the “Net Zero by 2050 Initiative ” with an initial investment budget of $163 billion and appointed the Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Maryam Al Muhairi.
The announcement came after the government ordered awareness sessions in all its ministries since June for 80 days.
It was the first country in the Gulf to adopt a net zero domestic consumption policy.
The plan is still in its infancy and some of its features are unclear, but the direction is clear.
It promised to rely on renewable and nuclear energy by 50% to generate electricity by 2050.
Abu Dhabi ’ s national oil company said it would get 100 percent of its electricity from the nuclear reactor and solar power.
The Mohammed bin Maktoum Solar Park will be the largest in the world with a capacity of 5,000 megawatts.
Gulf states are competing with each other, with news reports that Qatar has appointed a climate minister, Bahrain aiming for net zero carbon by 2050 and Kuwait announcing a plan to reduce carbon emissions.
Saudi Arabia does not like to be late.
It announced that it would increase the proportion of renewable energy from 0.3% to 50% by 2030.
The plan is to plant 10 million trees in the coming decades.
Over the weekend, the kingdom organized a summit of the Green Middle East Initiative, attended by John Kerry and Britain ’ s Prince Charles.
It promised to reach net zero carbon emissions in its territory by 2060.
The main reason the Gulf states have been slow to shift away from oil and its commodities is that they have made them rich and helped them anesthetize their citizens.
Their loyalty was bought through a series of subsidies for water, electricity, fuel and tax breaks.
These dynamics were different from Iraq, Lebanon and to a lesser extent Iran, but the situation is changing with the emergence of local environmental groups.

The UAE aims to increase its share of clean energy 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

"Middle Eastern countries such as Egypt and the Gulf countries are investing in solar energy due to their high rates of sunlight, with Egypt also having potential for wind energy production, as they transition away from petroleum energy sources."

Title:

Content: Urgent.
Chairman of Wafd Party
Dr. Abdul Sindh Yamama
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Dr. Ayman is an accountant.
Editor-in-Chief
I'm sorry.
Wajdi Zainuddin
Chairman of Wafd Party
Dr. Abdul Sindh Yamama
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Dr. Ayman is an accountant.
Editor-in-Chief
I'm sorry.
Wajdi Zainuddin
Reducing the price of green hydrogen encourages its entry into the market
Dr. Ali Abdel Hafeez, a colleague at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States of America, said that the countries of the world are currently facing two crises, the first of these crises is energy, which is centered on the fact that the most important source of this energy is oil, which is controlled by a certain group of countries that control the price of its production globally, which gives preference to some countries. In addition, the other crisis is the problems of pollution and thermal emissions resulting from the high rate of carbon dioxide, which is accompanied by a very high temperature, where the temperature of the planet can increase by 5 degrees every hundred years, which represents a great risk of its impact on the processes of melting ice and then rising sea levels, which will lead to the drowning of entire cities.
Although that danger may seem remote, that is, it is possible within the next 60 years, but we must start moving quickly from now to find alternative energy sources that do not emit carbon dioxide, which increases these emissions, pointing out that the world is currently heading to produce electricity that is completely free of carbon dioxide, in addition to reducing the levels of carbon dioxide that currently exist.
During the scientific forum organized by the Faculty of Graduate Studies of Nanotechnology at Cairo University, Sheikh Zayed Branch, he said that there are European countries that have already started to adopt legislation that encourages the transition from petroleum energy sources to the production of clean and renewable energy such as electric power and green hydrogen production decisions only starting in 2030. Including Egypt as well as the Gulf countries in general have a great advantage, which is that these countries have the highest rates of sunlight throughout the year, especially Egypt, which enjoys a high rate of wind speed, especially in South Sinai, Ras Mohammed, Ras Gharib, which requires the exploitation of solar energy and wind energy in the production of electricity alternative to petroleum energy. Energy as a source of income because most of the economy of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf countries is based on oil, in addition to that Egypt has resistance to the production of green hydrogen much higher than many countries, which requires the need to work on not only the idea of self-sufficiency of clean energy, but we have a great opportunity to produce large quantities of this energy and export it in the future.
He said that there is a problem, which is the sources of this energy can not be stored more than 8 hours, which requires the need to exploit this energy quickly at the same time of production, which is illogical, so we resort to the trick to take the electric energy from the wind and separate it by water into hydrogen and oxygen, and the hydrogen produced from water is called green hydrogen because its production process is completely free of carbon dioxide and we can store for long hours, days and months in plants Its storage until it is used when needed by reacting the hydrogen with the oxygen in the air to generate electricity that we can use in all energy uses such as cars and lighting through energy cells that help not to produce carbon dioxide.
He explained that there are some challenges facing the realization of this process, which is that the lack of efficiency of the process of converting energy to hydrogen affects the price of green hydrogen currently in the market, which makes its price compared to oil very high exceeds three times the price of petroleum materials. Our current role in scientific research has been to discover and find the catalysts for these reactions so that they can increase the efficiency of the hydrogen production process and at the same time these reactive materials are produced from cheap materials so that we can reduce the cost of producing green hydrogen.

"Countries in the Middle East are investing in renewable energy, with large-scale projects underway in countries like the UAE, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, and Hong Kong enterprises providing financial support."

Title:

Content: Contribution ｜ Explore Hong Kong ’ s role and opportunities in the development of renewable energy in the Middle East
Author: 01 More Voices
Published: Updated:
In recent years, Hong Kong has actively promoted the development of renewable energy and launched a number of related products in the financial market.
In addition, more and more Hong Kong enterprises have also started to participate in the development of this industry, especially in the financial market, and launched a number of financial products to support the development of renewable energy.
At the same time, many countries in the Middle East, such as the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Turkey, are also actively engaged in various large-scale projects to promote the development of renewable energy, and expect to see a different energy mix and economic development model in 2030 or 2050.
For Hong Kong, China and other countries, the development opportunities of the Middle East market cannot be ignored, and Hong Kong ’ s participation in this area cannot be underestimated.
Submitted by: Kwong Cheuk-wui
Recently, I had the opportunity to participate in several seminars on economic and energy development in the Middle East, and have in-depth exchanges with government representatives in charge of foreign affairs and trade from various Middle Eastern countries and Azerbaijan.
These exchange experiences provide the author with a wealth of insight.
After many in-depth talks, to understand the interest and momentum of the development of renewable energy in many countries in the Middle East, the author synthesized the information from various parties and came to the following insights: The reason why the major oil producers in the Middle East are actively developing renewable energy is to achieve economic diversification and get rid of dependence on oil and related industries.
They hope to turn the country ’ s surplus renewable energy into new, dependable foreign revenues (i.e., revenues generated from natural resource exports; “Rents ”) through innovative technologies.
For other non-oil producing countries, they want to achieve economic sustainability through the development of renewable energy, reduce dependence on traditional fossil fuels or electricity imports, and convert renewable energy into new external rental income to boost the country ’ s economic development.
From this, it can be seen that the Middle East countries are very concerned about the development of renewable energy, but also hope to complete the energy transformation as soon as possible, and look forward to renewable energy can produce more and greater economic benefits, create new dependent income, promote economic diversification and modernization, but also benefit thousands of people.
As a result, many countries in the Middle East have invested heavily in and promoted energy transformation and clean energy development.
Although many countries have made extraordinary achievements in driving renewable energy development, they also face many challenges.
Jordan, for example, has a wealth of renewable energy resources, including solar, wind, geothermal and bioenergy, as well as state-of-the-art renewable energy laws, regulatory mechanisms and development frameworks.
Earlier this year, Jordan successfully achieved its national roadmap, originally set for 2030, with renewable energy accounting for 31% of total energy.
The Jordanian government also plans to increase this target to 50%, and is committed to building the country into a regional renewable energy development center and exporting environmentally friendly power to neighboring countries to increase the country ’ s foreign revenue.
However, like other Middle Eastern countries, Jordan faces a host of challenges.
These challenges include lagging energy infrastructure, imperfect grid planning, an over-concentration of resources on solar and wind with less focus on geothermal energy, and a lack of energy storage systems and foreign investment.
In addition, there is the debt problem of the national power company.
These difficulties not only affect Jordan ’ s progress in developing renewable energy, but also act as a barrier to modernizing and diversifying the country ’ s economy.
Some Jordanian officials and scholars are concerned about whether the development of renewable energy is progressing as expected.
They are concerned that if the development of renewable energy and its core economic development model are not carried out smoothly, or if the newly set targets are not successfully achieved, the country ’ s economic sustainability will be adversely affected.
At the same time, it can undermine the credibility and governance of the government.
In particular, those political forces that have been opposed to the use of renewable energy to promote economic development and diversification may take the opportunity to launch opposition actions, further endangering the political stability and regional security of the country and the Middle East as a whole.
It is worth noting that these challenges are not only in Jordan, but also in Middle Eastern countries such as Morocco and Egypt.
Other countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Qatar have also made great efforts to develop solar and wind power in recent years, but in addition to the above concerns and challenges, there are also concerns that the development of renewable energy will have some impact on the high dependence of these countries ’ economies on oil and gas markets, which may affect existing incomes and lead to economic and social instability.
Other factors include the huge demand for capital, the need for foreign technology and talents, the need for talent training, economic feasibility, etc. These are also issues of concern to the officials of these Middle Eastern countries.
These challenges are in fact a valuable development opportunity for Hong Kong.
The key is to make good use of our strengths, especially in the Belt and Road Initiative, to work with the Middle East countries to promote renewable energy and green economy development.
This not only helps these countries diversify their economies, but also creates development opportunities for Hong Kong businesses and governments, and indirectly promotes the development of other industries.
I suggest that Hong Kong can establish cooperation platforms and channels of communication with transnational organizations in the Middle East and North Africa, such as the Arab Parliamentary Union, the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Turkic Parliament and the Arab Maghreb Union.
Such a platform could be used to explore free trade agreements and to help Middle Eastern countries provide services such as finance, advisory, legal, education or training, and energy infrastructure.
This will not only help Hong Kong consolidate its leading position in the professional services sector and the financial sector, but will also directly or indirectly create many development opportunities, especially in Islamic finance.
Finally, Hong Kong can consider providing financial support to the Middle East countries by assisting in the issuance of Islamic financial bonds to promote the development of renewable energy, and can also take the opportunity to develop Islamic finance in Hong Kong as a new financial center outside the Islamic world.
Of course, Hong Kong should not only cooperate with major countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates or the above-mentioned multinational organizations and platforms, but also consider other regions with development potential and worthy of investment, such as Turkey, Azerbaijan, Morocco, etc.
This diverse collaboration will help Hong Kong expand its international presence and contribute to global sustainability in the renewable energy sector.
The author, Mr Kwong Cheuk-rui, is the Executive Director of the Hong Kong Group of Ideas, a Master of Arts from the Australian National University, and has worked at the Australian Institute of International Affairs.
The article is only the opinion of the author and does not represent the position of Hong Kong 01.
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"Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 program aims to increase the proportion of renewable energy to 50% by 2030."