# Energy Transition in the Middle East: Solar Power and National Strategies

## Introduction

The Middle East, historically known for its vast oil reserves and dominance in the global energy market, is undergoing a significant transformation.

Several nations in the region are embracing renewable energy, particularly solar power, as part of comprehensive energy transition strategies.

This report examines the key national projects, current solar capacity, government incentives, and the impact of these efforts on local economies and climate goals across the Middle East, with a particular focus on Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

## Saudi Arabia's Energy Transition Strategy

### Key National Projects

Saudi Arabia has launched several ambitious initiatives as part of its energy transition strategy, primarily through the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI).

Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, the Saudi Energy Minister, announced plans to develop 10 additional renewable energy projects, with the goal of adding 840 megawatts of solar energy to the national electricity grid.

The Kingdom has also committed to over 53 initiatives with investments exceeding $185 billion.

One of the most significant projects is the development of one of the world's largest green hydrogen production centers in NEOM city.

Additionally, Saudi Arabia has signed an agreement to create the world's largest complex for carbon capture, transport, and storage in Jubail Industrial City.

This facility, led by Saudi Aramco and its partners, is scheduled to begin operations in 2027 with an initial capacity to capture and store 9 million tons of carbon dioxide annually, supporting the Kingdom's goal of capturing, using, and storing 44 million metric tons of CO2 by 2035.

The Kingdom has also launched the Circular Carbon Economy Knowledge Center, scheduled to begin operations in early 2023, which will serve as a platform for regional cooperation in developing carbon circular economy technologies.

### Current Solar Capa

# Energy Transition in the Middle East: Solar Power and National Strategies

## Introduction

The Middle East, historically known for its vast oil reserves and dominance in the global energy market, is undergoing a significant transformation.

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Content: Global Economic News
Saudi Arabia: Climate change requires joint international response without bias towards one energy source
Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman delivered the Kingdom ’ s speech at the COP26 conference in Glasgow yesterday.
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Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman delivered the Kingdom ’ s speech at the COP26 conference in Glasgow yesterday.
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Saudi Arabia stressed the importance of uniting efforts to implement the Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement, taking into account the principle of common but differentiated responsibility among countries.
This came in the Kingdom ’ s speech during the COP26 Conference of the Parties to Climate Change in Glasgow, hosted by the United Kingdom, and delivered by Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Energy.
"The Kingdom affirms that we must all unite our efforts to implement the Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement, taking into account the principle of common but differentiated responsibility between countries and the special circumstances faced by the least developed countries, and working together to support these countries to face the negative effects of policies related to climate change, without disrupting their sustainable development," he said.
“Saudi Arabia has recently launched the ‘ Green Saudi ’ and ‘ Green Middle East ’ initiatives, which aim to reduce carbon emissions in the Middle East by more than 10 per cent of current global contributions, and recognizing the importance of raising ambition to meet the environmental challenges associated with climate change, especially during the current decade, Saudi Arabia has increased its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by reducing emissions by 278 million tons annually by 2030. ” That ’ s more than double what was announced in 2015. ”
The Kingdom also announced its goal of achieving zero neutrality in 2060 through a circular carbon economy approach, in line with the Kingdom ’ s development plans, enabling its economic diversification, and in line with the “Moving Baseline ”, preserving the Kingdom ’ s leading role in enhancing the security and stability of global energy markets, while developing and applying technologies to manage and reduce emissions.
Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman revealed that the Kingdom has announced its desire to join the global methane pledge, which aims to reduce global methane emissions by 30 percent from 2020 levels. To achieve these ambitious targets, the Kingdom has announced the details of more than 53 initiatives adopted by the Kingdom, with investments exceeding $185 billion. Green hydrogen production in the city of Neom.
The Kingdom aspires to produce 4 million tons of green and blue hydrogen annually, build the largest carbon capture, use and storage complex with a capacity of 44 million tons annually, all by 2030, establish a fund to invest in circular carbon technologies in the Middle East, Africa and developing countries, and launch a global initiative to provide clean fuel solutions to feed more than 750 million people worldwide. The Kingdom will work with countries and regional and international development funds to discuss ways to finance and implement these initiatives.
He explained that the Kingdom has announced a number of regional and international initiatives, most notably the launch of a number of centers and programs such as the establishment of a regional center for the sustainable development of fisheries, which will play a major role in creating the necessary infrastructure to protect the environment, reduce emissions, and raise the level of regional coordination.
“The global nature of climate change requires a joint and effective international response, and the success of this response lies in achieving three basic pillars, the first of which is energy security, the second is economic development that ensures the well-being of people, and the third is addressing the challenges of climate change. There is no bias towards one source of energy without the other. ”
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Saudi Arabia reinforces its global leadership in combating climate change
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The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has always taken the lead in many areas that concern humanity and affect their lives, including environmental issues and climate change, where the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Highness the Crown Prince have presented various initiatives in order to combat the phenomenon of climate change and address environmental challenges.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia shares the growing environmental challenges facing the countries of the world as a result of the increasing population and the rapid pace of industrial, economic, urban and agricultural development. It has striven to reduce the causes of climate change and meet its commitment to international standards and agreements within the framework of international programs emanating from specialized organizations, including the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.
Recognizing the importance of regional and international solidarity to promote global climate action and reduce carbon emissions, thus contributing to improving the quality of life and creating a better future for future generations, the “Saudi Green Initiative ” and the“ Green Middle East Initiative ” were launched to chart the direction of the Kingdom and the region in protecting land and nature and put them in a roadmap with clear and ambitious milestones, as they contribute strongly to achieving global targets.
His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the UAE, said: “As a leading global oil producer, we are fully aware of our share of responsibility in driving the fight against the climate crisis, and just as our leading role in stabilizing energy markets during the oil and gas era, we will be working to lead the next green era. ”
In furtherance of these efforts to preserve the environment and face the challenges of climate change, His Highness the Crown Prince announced in October 2021 that Saudi Arabia aims to achieve zero neutrality in 2060 through a circular carbon economy approach, in line with the Kingdom ’ s development plans, enabling its economic diversification, in line with the “moving baseline ”. management and reduction of emissions.
The Kingdom aims to achieve ambitious climate action targets by 2030: to convert 30% of its land and marine areas into nature reserves, and to plant more than 600 million trees.
The Kingdom is implementing a circular carbon economy model with the aim of implementing its commitment to reduce emissions by 278 million tons per year by 2030.
In line with its ambitions to increase the share of renewables in the electricity mix to 50% by 2030, the Kingdom announced 13 new projects under development in the field of renewable energy with a total capacity of 11.4 GW.
The value of investments in these projects is estimated at 34 billion Saudi riyals ($9 billion).
Once operational, these projects are expected to contribute to the removal of approximately 20 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent per year.
In support of achieving the emission reduction target set by the Saudi Green Initiative and contributing to national ambitions to become the largest producer and exporter of low-cost clean hydrogen in the world, work is underway to establish the largest green hydrogen plant in the world, with production expected to start with a capacity of 600 tons per day in 2026.
Saudi Aramco, SABIC and Ma ’ aden have also earned the world ’ s first independent certifications as certified producers of blue hydrogen and ammonia, boosting Saudi Arabia ’ s clean fuel export infrastructure.
In this context, His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Minister of Energy, said during his participation in the second edition of the Saudi Green Initiative Forum held in Sharm el-Sheikh in November 2022: “All government agencies in the Kingdom are joining forces to ensure the success of the Saudi Green Initiative.
Next year, we look forward to finalizing plans to develop 10 additional renewable energy projects and add 840 megawatts of solar energy to the national grid.
We also announce today that we will launch a program to trade greenhouse gas credits and compensation in early 2023, with the aim of stimulating efforts and investments in projects to reduce and eliminate emissions in all vital sectors in the Kingdom. ”
During the Saudi Green Initiative Forum, His Highness the Minister of Energy announced the signing of a joint development agreement to establish the world ’ s largest CO2 capture, transport and storage complex led by Saudi Aramco and its partners.
The center is scheduled to start operations in Jubail Industrial City by 2027 with a capture and storage capacity of 9 million metric tons of CO2 per year during the first phase, supporting the Kingdom ’ s goal of capturing, using and storing 44 million metric tons of CO2 by 2035.
Last year, the Kingdom launched three new projects, including the launch of the Carbon Circular Economy Knowledge Center in 2023, to serve as an important platform to support regional cooperation efforts in the development of carbon circular economy technologies through the exchange of information, best practices and results to enable countries in the region to implement their nationally determined contributions and help achieve the ambitious goals set by the Green Middle East Initiative.
The second project includes the establishment of a regional center to accelerate the pace of emissions reduction, in cooperation with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), with the aim of enhancing regional cooperation opportunities in support of reducing emissions and accelerating the adoption of the circular economy model.
The third project involves Saudi Arabia, in agreement with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), hosting Middle East and North Africa Climate Week 2023 in the run-up to the 28th edition of COP28, with the participation of regional and global stakeholders to explore challenges and opportunities, showcase innovative solutions, and promote climate action.
The Kingdom has also launched two carbon capture and use pilot projects led by King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Neom City, Saudi Electricity Company (SEC), Safwa Cement Company (ASCC) and Abdullah Hashem Industrial Equipment and Gases Co. Ltd.
In support of these efforts, His Highness the Crown Prince launched in February 2019 the Sharaan Nature Reserve in Al-Ula Governorate as part of a series of key strategic projects undertaken by the Royal Commission for Al-Ula Governorate, with the aim of restoring the balance between ecosystems. This initiative includes the establishment of the largest global fund of its kind to protect the Arabian tiger, the Global Fund for the Protection of the Arabian Tiger.
Since its launch, the Saudi Green Initiative has planted more than 18 million trees, including 13 million mangroves, and launched 17 new environmental programs across the Kingdom to restore natural green spaces and address the consequences of climate change.
Reclaiming the Kingdom ’ s wetlands is an effective natural way to prevent coastal erosion and combat climate change, as these trees absorb up to five times as much carbon as tropical forests.
NEOM also announced its intention to reclaim 1.5 million hectares of land and plant 100 million native trees by 2030 as part of its contribution to the goal of planting 10 billion trees.
As a culmination of its efforts to protect biodiversity in marine environments, the Kingdom announced the establishment of an institution dedicated to the conservation of coral reefs and the protection of marine turtle habitats in the Red Sea, and the successful reclamation of 60,000 hectares of non-arable land.
Around 100 carefully selected and adaptable local tree species are currently being planted in dedicated nurseries, with the aim of subsequent planting in 62 certified sites across the Kingdom.
This step contributes to the development of natural vegetation, the protection of biodiversity and soil stabilization to reduce dust storms.
By coordinating national efforts, the Kingdom has been able to quadruple the area of its natural reserves in 2016.
The Saudi Green Initiative was launched in 2021 with the aim of unifying and scaling up climate action in Saudi Arabia in line with Vision 2030.
The programs and projects under the umbrella of the Saudi Green Initiative reflect the Kingdom ’ s commitment to combating climate change and addressing regional environmental challenges, including high temperatures, low rainfall, dust storms and desertification.
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Climate change has accounted for the lion ’ s share of the Kingdom ’ s sovereign decisions, and official and popular trends have been shaped by the aspirations of ensuring a clean environment. Development transformations have been linked to the controls and standards of preserving the investment space, and taking into account all that surrounds the sites prepared for projects such as plants, humans, animals and water.
The Kingdom was quick to warn of the consequences of encroachment on the environment and the lack of respect for legal partners on the planet, and the consequences of provocation and provocation by industrial and nuclear pollution, which have serious consequences and are costly for peoples and governments.
There is no doubt that the global warming, scarcity of water sources, glacial melting and desertification are all indicators of intensive fuel consumption, urbanization, deforestation and excessive soil erosion, which threaten the lives of billions of people with carbon dioxide emissions, as well as greenhouse gases.
Given that the Kingdom ’ s climate is dry, its water resources are limited, and the culture of reconciliation with the universe and the friendly environment is an accident, our country has adopted several decisions to mitigate climate retaliation by trying to slow the rate of climate change, by reducing emissions of harmful gases, and by establishing advanced equipment to help society adapt to the effects of changes.
Perhaps the biggest challenge is to convince citizens and residents to change their way of life, reassess their relationship with the surrounding environment, and instill new concepts, including the establishment of home gardens, rationalization of water consumption, cessation of firewood, rationalization of fishing and the replacement of safe energy.
The Kingdom ’ s sending a delegation of six ministers to the COP27 conference in Sharm el-Sheikh, led by the Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, is a confirmation of the commitment to an effective contribution in the field of climate action to achieve the slogan “From ambition to action ”. The first day of the forum was devoted to the journey of green transition to Saudi Arabia. He plans to plant 450 million trees by 2030.

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Content: Saudi-US Partnership On Energy ‘Key To Global Recovery,’ FM Prince Faisal Tells WEF

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By Daniel Fountain

The “strong partnership” between Saudi Arabia and the US in ensuring energy market stability will be a key factor in global economic recovery, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the Kingdom’s foreign minister, told a panel at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Tuesday.

Discussing the global energy and cost-of-living crises, Prince Faisal also said that the Kingdom’s position on an OPEC+ decision last year to reduce oil output targets was correct, despite opposition from the US.

However, the Saudi minister said that the Kingdom still has a strong relationship with Washington, even if the two do not “always agree.”

As the world’s top oil exporter, Saudi Arabia has a responsibility to continue providing stability to oil markets, Prince Faisal said, adding that the Kingdom and US will continue to engage in dialogue to work toward that goal.

“We have a strong partnership with the US and we continue to work through that partnership,” he said. “That doesn’t mean we always agree. We sometimes disagree.”

Saudi Arabia is committed to transitioning toward a “clean energy future,” but the switch “could take decades,” he said.

Prince Faisal added that ensuring reliability in traditional forms of energy for the developing world, which is still catching up in adoption of clean energy solutions, is also essential, with Riyadh investing $200 billion locally and abroad in renewable energy projects in 21 other countries.

“In that interim period, we need to maintain a stable supply of traditional energies and one that is priced in a way that ensures that stability and that I think we have been able to do,” he said.

Prince Faisal also highlighted the success of Vision 2030 in transitioning the economy of the Kingdom away from a dependance on oil as a source of revenue for the government and as a proportion of its GDP.

He continued: “That process continues to go on, we are activating all kinds of areas of the economy. Unemployment is significantly down, labor force participation up, especially for women.”

He said that the global energy crisis has been exacerbated by the war in Ukraine, a conflict that has ramifications for the developing world “far beyond” Ukraine’s borders.

The world has to “find a pathway to end the conflict,” he said.

The Kingdom’s strong dialogue with the US is in stark contrast to its relations with Iran, but Prince Faisal told the WEF panel that Saudi Arabia had “reached out” to Tehran in an attempt to find a path to dialogue.

“Focusing on development rather than geopolitical affairs is a strong signal to Iran and others in the region that there are other paths to work together and achieve prosperity,” he said.

“Whenever there is cooperation in the region, we achieve prosperity for the peoples of the region,” he added.

Arab News

Arab News is Saudi Arabia's first English-language newspaper. It was founded in 1975 by Hisham and Mohammed Ali Hafiz. Today, it is one of 29 publications produced by Saudi Research & Publishing Company (SRPC), a subsidiary of Saudi Research & Marketing Group (SRMG).

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Content: IRENA offers great opportunities for GCC leadership in the renewable energy sector
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The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has confirmed that the GCC countries have great opportunities to become a leading global hub for renewable energy, climate action and economic diversification.
In a report entitled “Renewable Energy Markets: GCC 2023 ”, the agency highlighted the opportunities for GCC countries to use their existing resources to develop innovative renewable energy solutions that contribute to reducing the impact of climate change, diversify their economies, create new jobs and reduce the environmental impact of the energy sector.
As the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) takes place in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, in Dubai, the new IRENA report is a resource for policymakers, business and society to tap into the region ’ s vast potential from this renewable energy resource.
Solar PV is now the least expensive option to produce energy in the GCC at less than $2 per kilowatt-hour, outpacing the cost of generating power using natural gas, liquefied natural gas, oil, coal and nuclear. Low generation costs and abundant solar and wind resources in the region open the door to adopting innovative energy technologies to produce resources such as green hydrogen competitively.
Francesco La Camera, Director General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), said: “The GCC region has a unique opportunity to maintain its leading role in the international energy market as the world enters a new energy era, and this momentum is growing in the region as the GCC countries develop ambitious renewable energy and hydrogen strategies and continue to implement their zero-emission commitments.
La Camera added: Renewable energy sources have become cost-effective in the GCC. Very successful achievements have brought solar PV prices to record levels globally, enhancing their economic viability and paving the way for the inclusion of large shares of renewable energy sources in the electricity mix.
To translate ambitious goals into reality on the ground, more sustained action is needed.
Production Capabilities
The report highlights the significant increase in renewable energy production capacity in the GCC, from 176 megawatts in 2013 to more than 5.6 gigawatts in 2022.
However, renewables still represent a small fraction of the region ’ s electricity generation capacity, while energy end-uses continue to rely on fossil fuels.
Public investments in infrastructure and value chains can stimulate and enable the deployment of renewable energy while enhancing the benefits associated with it.
The report stresses the importance of building on existing energy infrastructure, including the promotion of regional connectivity and infrastructure development to support the deployment of renewable energy sources in end-uses such as transportation.
The report emphasizes that GCC countries have an opportunity to play a greater role in achieving global energy and sustainability goals, both domestically and internationally.
The report concludes that GCC countries are well positioned, in addition to continuing their efforts at national levels, to support the energy transition in developing countries through joint international investments in renewable energy.
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Content: The Middle East and North Africa have significant investments in wind energy
The Middle East and North Africa have significant investments in wind energy
Renewable energy throughout the Middle East and North Africa is usually talked about from one point of view: the sun shining strongly on the region ’ s deserts.
Solar energy is indeed a great source of energy and is designed to power equipment and appliances, but wind also blows through the plains, hills and seas of the Middle East, and megaprojects harness the power of wind and turn it into energy.
Political analyst Robin Mills says the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region actually started using modern wind energy on a commercial scale a decade before using solar power, with projects in Morocco, Egypt, Israel and in Tafileh in Jordan, where the turbines are slowly spinning near the ancient fortress of Karak.
The cheapest electricity in the world is generated from solar power in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, and global projects such as the largest single-site solar farm in Al Dhafra in Abu Dhabi, with a power of 2 GW, and two of the largest multi-project sites, the Mohammed bin Rashid Solar Park in Dubai (5 GW) and Banban in Egypt (1.8 GW), can also be installed. solar on a smaller scale on the shelves of homes and factories.
Despite the lack of consistency unlike Northwest Europe, there are excellent wind resources in the MENA region.
Winds are blowing in southern Morocco and the areas around the Gulf of Suez and Aqaba in Egypt, Jordan, northwestern Saudi Arabia, southern Egypt and the southeastern coast of Oman.
Parts of Libya, southern Tunisia, the Algerian desert, inland Iran and Kuwait also experience strong winds, and in contrast to most parts of Europe, the region has open spaces where the construction of wind stations will not be rejected by some segments of society.
Egypt, which hosted the COP27, benefits from having projects that produce 1.59 GW currently installed, 0.75 GW under construction and 1.6 GW planned, and has signed a series of projects in recent weeks, which have included memorandums of understanding with Norwegian developer Skatek for 5 GW, with UAE clean energy company Masdar for 10 GW, and with Saudi energy development company Aqua for 10 GW.
It will be the second largest wind farm in the world, and the largest is Gansu, which produces 20 gigawatts in China.
Aqua is already building a 1.1 GW wind farm at Jebel Zeit on the Gulf of Suez, which will be the largest in the region when it comes into operation in late 2026, with Egypt ’ s total projected production capacity of 24 GW, the seventh largest national capacity in the world according to current figures.
In addition, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Morocco and Mauritania will need huge wind farms to build their planned green hydrogen projects, which use renewable electricity to analyze water with electricity.
Under MENA conditions, wind power is likely to be more expensive than solar, even if Saudi Arabia gets a very competitive tariff of 2.13 cents per kilowatt-hour for its first wind farm in Dumat al-Jandal (which was the lowest solar contract in the region at 1.03 cents per kilowatt-hour).
Wind power also takes longer to build, and production cannot be predicted after a few days.
But wind has many advantages: it is clear that it often blows at night more strongly than during the day, making it complementary to solar energy.
This is especially useful in hot early autumn evenings, when people need air conditioning even after sunset.
Solar energy in the region has achieved a capacity factor, which is the average output of the source as a proportion of its peak output, and is about 20 percent over the year, allowing work at night and different seasons, Egyptian wind power manages 53 percent, and solar and wind power in the best locations can have a combined capacity factor of more than 70 percent.
And there are still some vital questions about the location of turbines and mega projects planned in Egypt?
Wind lanes around Sinai are relatively confined and surrounded by mountains, and areas to the south on the Red Sea coast, or inland areas with difficult logistical hurdles, will have to be considered.
And will the region venture out and explore offshore wind power, as Northwest Europe has successfully done?
There are stronger and more consistent winds, and much more room to develop them, albeit at higher costs.
Will current project announcements overlap with green hydrogen projects?
If this is done, the wind requirements will be much greater, and will provoke competition for good sites and equipment.
Can countries in the Middle East and North Africa that are less exposed to wind power, particularly the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain, benefit economically from improved turbines for slower wind speeds?
Will other wind-blowing countries with low energy, such as Iraq, Kuwait, Libya and Tunisia, start adopting this technology?
If those questions can be answered with a yes, the spinning turbines and shimmering solar panels in the Middle East and North Africa will become a symbol of the region ’ s shift to clean energy.
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Content: UAE, France ink energy pact

The UAE-France CSEP focuses on enhancing energy security, energy affordability and decarbonisation, as well as progressive climate action ahead of COP28, reports Asian Lite Newsdesk

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and French President Emmanuel Macron witnessed the signing of two agreements during a historic visit of the former to Paris on Monday.

The first is a Comprehensive Strategic Energy Partnership (CSEP) between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and France. The second is a strategic partnership agreement between ADNOC and TotalEnergies.

The UAE-France CSEP focuses on enhancing energy security, energy affordability and decarbonisation, as well as progressive climate action ahead of COP28 (28th Session of the Conference of the Parties) which is set to take place in the UAE in 2023.

The landmark partnership builds on the strong, close and long-standing bilateral relations between both countries and leverages the UAE’s position as a responsible and reliable supplier of energy. The UAE holds the sixth-largest crude oil reserves in the world and is committed to enabling global energy security.

Through a balanced and pragmatic approach to the energy transition, the UAE is expanding its crude oil production capacity to five million barrels per day while growing its global renewable energy capacity from 23 gigawatts (GW) to over 100GW by 2030.

The UAE is also investing over $50 billion in clean energy projects in six continents, including in 27 climate vulnerable island nations, through Masdar, the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, as well as other UAE platforms.

The agreement was signed by Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Bruno Le Maire, French Minister of Economy, Finance, and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty, as well as Agnès Pannier-Runacher, French Minister of Energy Transition.

The UAE is represented by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), while France is represented by the Ministry of Economy, Finances and Industrial & Digital Sovereignty, and the Ministry of Ecological Transition.

“France is a close, long-standing strategic partner of the UAE, and this Comprehensive Strategic Energy Partnership provides a robust platform for us to work together to better deliver secure, affordable and sustainable energy required to drive economic growth and prosperity for our countries and the world,” said Dr. Al Jaber.

“The landmark agreement deepens the cooperation between our countries across the energy value chain and unlocks technology and energy solutions that are good for the climate and the economy,” he added.

UAE is adopting a low-carbon pathway to a high-growth destination and is aiming to accelerate progress on this journey as hosts of COP28. The country was the first in the region to sign and ratify the Paris Agreement, the first to commit to an economy-wide reduction in emissions and the first to announce a Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, which it is leveraging as a catalyst for low-carbon growth, new technologies, new industries, new skills and new jobs.

Business Council

UAE Industry Minister Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber and Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies have launched the UAE-France Business Council, in the presence of French and UAE presidents, on the sidelines of an official banquet held at the Palace of Versailles.

The Council, chaired by Dr. Sultan Al Jaber and Patrick Pouyanné, aims to strengthen the economic relations between the two countries in the fields of energy, transport and investment.

Driven by both private sectors, the UAE-France Business Council is a testimony to the willingness that both countries display towards the reinforcement of their economic relationship. Its aims are to promote economic exchanges, to convey the voice of the UAE and French businesses to the highest public authorities as well as to identify and implement private cross-investment projects.

The Council comprises 18 CEOs from France and the UAE, selected for their interest in strengthening economic ties between the two countries.

Council members will meet at least once a year, in the presence of their respective ambassadors, alternating between the UAE and France. The next plenary session of the Council will be held in the UAE in May or June 2023.

To set up a concrete action plan for the strengthening of the UAE-France economic relationship, the Council created three working groups dedicated to energy, industry, technology, transportation, and investment. Each working group will make clear recommendations to foster economic exchange between the UAE and France in their respective fields.

ALSO READ-MBZ invites Turkmen Prez for UAE visit

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Content: Saturday, 30 September 2023 03: 40 GMT
Ministry of Energy highlights ADIPEC ’ s sustainability efforts
(MENAFN- Al-Bayan)
The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure is participating in the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Conference and Exhibition (ADIPEC 2023), which will be held from 2 to 5 October at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), under the theme (Decarbonising faster together).
Saif Ghobash, Acting Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure for the Oil, Gas and Mineral Resources Sector, said: “As part of its participation in the global event, the Ministry will review the UAE ’ s efforts to preserve the environment and face its repercussions by adopting a sustainable approach in the oil, gas and mineral resources sector and accelerating the transition to clean and renewable energy, thus strengthening its position as a global leader in this vital field. ”
He added: “It will also highlight the range of initiatives, strategies, policies and projects adopted by the UAE to enhance efforts to deal with the issue of climate change, such as the updated UAE Energy Strategy 2050, which aims to ensure a balance between economic needs and environmental objectives, and raise the efficiency of individual and institutional energy consumption.
The Ministry has previously issued a law to regulate the circulation of petroleum materials. The Ministry has also worked to establish the basic frameworks of the National Biofuels Policy. These initiatives are a critical tool that will contribute to achieving climate neutrality by 2050, the requirements of the Paris Agreement, and strengthening the UAE ’ s position as a global producer and exporter of clean energy.
He continued: “The Ministry intends to highlight pilot projects and the latest sustainable practices and technology that represent a comprehensive approach to climate action, and will contribute to the creation of a diverse mix of energy sources and balance between sustainable development and reducing the impact of climate change, such as the pilot project and the giant Ghasha project, in addition to the UAE ’ s strategic initiative aimed at achieving climate neutrality by 2050. ”
He explained that the current session of the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Conference and Exhibition (ADIPEC 2023) is of utmost importance as it coincides with the year of sustainability ((today for tomorrow)), and the hosting of the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), and represents a critical opportunity to achieve tangible progress in climate action and conservation. on the environment.
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Several nations in the region are embracing renewable energy, particularly solar power, as part of comprehensive energy transition strategies.

This report examines the key national projects, current solar capacity, government incentives, and the impact of these efforts on local economies and climate goals across the Middle East, with a particular focus on Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

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Content: Tuesday, 26 September 2023 11:20 GMT

UAE, Netherlands To Collaborate On Sustainability, Energy Transition, Advanced Technology

(MENAFN- Emirates News Agency (WAM))

ABU DHABI, 26th September, 2023 (WAM) -- Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, and Mark Rutte, Prime Minister of The Kingdom of the Netherlands, have agreed to deepen collaboration on industries of the future during a CEO roundtable in Dubai held under the theme“Energizing the Future”. They both expressed the desire to catalyze investment flows and joint ventures in priority sectors such as renewable energy, space industry, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, agri-tech and smart mobility solutions, and concluded the meeting by witnesses the signing of an agreement to cooperate on water management.

Mark Rutte was leading a Dutch delegation to the United Arab Emirates to seek stronger trade and investment ties between the two nations, including the establishment of a sustainable economic corridor that can leverage the opportunities created by Net Zero and the drive for decarbonized value chains. This includes the potential for the transportation of green hydrogen between the two nations.

The UAE and The Netherlands have been expanding bilateral relations in recent years, with The Netherlands among the UAE's top-five trading partners in the EU. In the first half of 2023, bilateral non-oil trade reached AED11.2 billion, representing a 20.4 percent increase on the same period in 2022.

Al Zeyoudi said that the roundtable, which also featured Gerard Paul Marie Hubert Steigs, Ambassador of The Kingdom of the Netherlands to the UAE, helped underline a commitment to working together to develop pioneering solutions to the world's most pressing issues.“The Kingdom of the Netherlands is a long-standing ally in our journey to develop an agile economy that is built on knowledge and innovation. Our private sectors have already forged important joint-ventures in sectors such as agri-tech and energy transition, and we believe that there are many more high-value opportunities to explore on the path to Net Zero. We both share a vision of long-term, sustainable growth based on technology and talent, and believe our meeting today will spark a new wave of cooperation on multiple fronts.”

Prime Minister Mark Rutte agreed that both sides have many synergies on the issue of sustainability.“The United Arab Emirates and the Netherlands have a lot in common. We are both trading nations with a big global impact, so it's only logical that our relationship has a strong focus on trade and investment. But we also both have major ambitions for green hydrogen and that's why we are strengthening ties to create a green hydrogen corridor of the future.”

The minister also invited Dutch entities to take advantage of the many incentives offered within the UAE's dynamic business ecosystem, which include full foreign ownership, flexible tax policies, and fast-track business setup and licensing. He also highlighted the nation's global connectivity, which is supported by world-class infrastructure and a new generation of trade deals under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement program. UAE-based exporters now have seamless access to the markets of India, Israel, Indonesia, Türkiye and Cambodia, which represent almost a quarter of the world's population.

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Content: Local Economic News
Minister of Environment: Saudi initiatives set a map to achieve global targets to address climate change
Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli, Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, stressed the Kingdom's keenness to provide the appropriate conditions to achieve growth and stability in the region and to support and enhance the volume of efforts exerted at the local, regional and international levels to face environmental challenges and reduce marine pollution in the region and the world.
The Kingdom has adopted a number of initiatives to contribute to addressing the environmental challenges facing the region and the world, including the Green Middle East Initiative, which set a road map to protect the environment and contribute to achieving global targets to address climate change.
He added that the Kingdom continues to support the efforts of the Authority to achieve environmental objectives and consolidate the approach of sustainable development in this unique marine environment in the world, and to strengthen this track, the Kingdom is making great efforts to preserve the marine environment and sustainable management of environmental systems.
At the regional and international levels, Minister Al-Fadhli revealed that the Kingdom is working within its environmental initiatives to promote biodiversity, reduce carbon emissions, reduce land degradation and improve the quality of life, which will contribute to achieving zero neutrality in 2060, through a circular carbon economy approach, in addition to joining the World Ocean Union and the Alliance to Eliminate Plastic Waste in Oceans and Beaches. fish.
He pointed out that Saudi Arabia is currently working in cooperation with its partners to implement the initiative of the Global Coral Reef Research and Development Acceleration Platform launched by the G20 leaders during the Kingdom ’ s presidency of the meetings of the group in 2020.
Al-Fadhli stressed the need to exert more efforts at all levels to address environmental challenges, reduce marine pollution and take measures to establish mechanisms to report any accidents, oil spills or chemicals that occur within the territorial waters of our countries. This requires strengthening the cooperation of the countries of the region, the international community and regional and international organizations with the regional authority to prepare and implement a regional response plan to address any future environmental disaster.
In conclusion, he praised the efforts of the Regional Authority for the Conservation of the Environment of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden and the support of Member States, which is a successful model of regional cooperation and contributes to reducing pollution and preserving the environment of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
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MENA Climate Week Discusses Renewable Energy Transition and Carbon Emissions Reduction
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Thank you for watching and reading the news about MENA Climate Week discussing the transition of renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions.
Gulf 365 - Riyadh - Ahmed Hassan - Gulf 365 _ WAS
The “Middle East and North Africa Climate Week 2023 ”, hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in coordination and cooperation with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Secretariat, discussed on the third day the transition of renewable energy and the reduction of carbon emissions.
The panel discussion, entitled “Accelerating the pace of achieving the transition of renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions, ” dealt with the mitigation of carbon emissions and climate change and the programs and initiatives adopted by the Kingdom to face climate change.
The speakers, who are Senior Sustainability Advisor to His Highness the Minister of Energy, Chief Negotiator of the Kingdom ’ s Climate Agreements, Dr. Khalid Al-Muhayid, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Energy for Electricity Nasser Al-Qahtani, SPPC CEO Mazen Al-Bahkali, ACWA Power ’ s Vice Chairman and Managing Director Raad Al-Saadi, and Saudi Energy Efficiency Center General Nasser Al-Ghamdi, discussed the objectives of the Kingdom ’ s energy programs, priorities and current government and private solutions....
They addressed the Kingdom ’ s high records in the fields of energy and efficiency, touching on the field of hydrogen from manufacturing to strengthening regional and international supply chains, pointing to the vast areas that enable solar and wind energy projects and the export of clean energy with international connectivity.
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## Saudi Arabia's Energy Transition Strategy

### Key National Projects

Saudi Arabia has launched several ambitious initiatives as part of its energy transition strategy, primarily through the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI).

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Content: Saudi Green Initiative Exhibition at COP27 highlights Kingdom’s climate action goals

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The Saudi Green Initiative (SGI) Exhibition, which was showcased at COP27 in Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh, has highlighted the Kingdom’s efforts to become a regional and global pioneer for climate action.

The exhibition put a spotlight on Saudi Arabia’s goals to reduce carbon emissions, support renewable energy sources and clean hydrogen production, develop the circular carbon economy and afforestation, and protect its natural environment.

The Saudi Green Initiative (SGI) Exhibition at COP27 in Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh. (SPA)

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The exhibition allows visitors to explore the significance of the diverse initiatives being currently implemented in various parts of the Kingdom – including the largest clean hydrogen plant in the world in NEOM, as well as successful resettlement programs for endangered wildlife in Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi Green Initiative (SGI) Exhibition at COP27 in Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh. (SPA)

Under the theme “From Ambition to Action,” the SGI aims to bring together environmental protection, energy transition, and sustainability programs within the Kingdom, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

The initiative embodies the Kingdom’s vision to protect its land and nature while adopting ambitious goals in the coming decades, as well as improving the quality of life and protecting future generations by increasing reliance on clean energy, neutralizing the effects of oil production, and protecting the environment, SPA reported.

The exhibition comes ahead of the SGI Forum – held under the patronage of Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman – where climate leaders will gather on November 11-12 to discuss the best practices, highlight innovation, evaluate progress, and drive forward substantive action in the race against climate change.

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Documentary: The Green Promise

Saudi Arabia commits $2.5 bln for Middle East Green Initiative: Crown Prince

Saudi Crown Prince to take part in Mideast green summit: Report

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Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, the Saudi Energy Minister, announced plans to develop 10 additional renewable energy projects, with the goal of adding 840 megawatts of solar energy to the national electricity grid.

The Kingdom has also committed to over 53 initiatives with investments exceeding $185 billion.

One of the most significant projects is the development of one of the world's largest green hydrogen production centers in NEOM city.

Additionally, Saudi Arabia has signed an agreement to create the world's largest complex for carbon capture, transport, and storage in Jubail Industrial City.

This facility, led by Saudi Aramco and its partners, is scheduled to begin operations in 2027 with an initial capacity to capture and store 9 million tons of carbon dioxide annually, supporting the Kingdom's goal of capturing, using, and storing 44 million metric tons of CO2 by 2035.

The Kingdom has also launched the Circular Carbon Economy Knowledge Center, scheduled to begin operations in early 2023, which will serve as a platform for regional cooperation in developing carbon circular economy technologies.

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Content: Sun, October 24, 2021

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Oil giant Saudi Arabia pledges net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2060

BEIRUT - Saudi Arabias crown prince pledged Saturday that OPECs largest producer will reach "net zero" greenhouse gas emissions by 2060, joining other nations in setting ambitious targets before next months U.N. climate summit.

The announcement was made by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in a televised statement at the kingdom's first Saudi Green Initiative Forum. Previously, the powerful Saudi energy minister, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, had ridiculed the International Energy Agency's 2050 target for reaching net-zero emissions, calling it "a sequel to (the) 'La La Land' movie."

But there was no indication in Saturday's announcement that Saudi Arabia aims to slow down its investments in new oil and gas development. The Saudi economy still heavily relies on revenue from fossil fuels, despite an aggressive campaign spearheaded by the crown prince to diversify its commerce away from the production of fossil fuels.

The announcement also provided little detail as to how the kingdom aims to reach its goals and cut emissions in the short term, which experts say is a necessity for capping global warming at the level agreed upon in the 2015 Paris accord.

At next month's COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, Scotland, more than 100 countries will hold further talks on ways to slow Earth's warming amid alarming evidence that the pace of climate change could be moving faster than earlier predictions.

The prince emphasized his intention to turn the Saudi capital, Riyadh, into one of world's most sustainable global cities. By 2030, he vowed to plant 450 million trees, to rehabilitate nearly 20 million acres of land - about the size of South Carolina - and to reduce 278 million tons of carbon emissions a year.

The transition to net-zero carbon emissions, the prince said, will be reached through a "carbon circular economy" - a plan built around initiatives such as recycling and carbon removal - but he gave no specific details.

This transition will be reached in a way that "preserves the kingdom's leading role in enhancing the security and stability of global energy markets, in light of the maturity and availability of the necessary technologies to manage and lower emissions," he said.

During the Riyadh forum, the Saudi energy minister said the goal could be achieved earlier than 2060 and would not have any adverse financial or economic impact.

The minister promised that what is happening now "is only a prelude of what kind of a vision we would have that would enable us to build the bridges between sustainability, economic diversity, economic growth and the enhancement of the well-being of Saudi Arabia."

Saudi Arabia also joined the Global Methane Pledge, an agreement to cut methane emissions by 30 percent by 2030. The pledge has become a high priority for the United States and the European Union. Saudi Arabia is one of the world's largest producers of natural gas, which is made up almost entirely of methane, much of which leaks into the atmosphere.

About half of the world's 20 largest emitters have now signed up to reducing their methane, which is one of the most potent greenhouse gases.

Saudi officials and Amin Nasser, chief executive of Saudi oil giant Aramco, expect demand for oil to continue and for it to be the dominant energy source for decades to come, and argue that reducing supply before demand drops risks a dangerous oil price spike, hurting economies such as Saudi Arabia's that are dependent on oil and gas.

Published : October 24, 2021

By : The Washington Post