# Vertical Gardens: Sustainable Innovation in Environmental Design

## Introduction

Vertical gardens or green walls are becoming increasingly popular in environmental design and architecture, offering both aesthetic appeal and significant environmental benefits.

This report explores the practical advantages of implementing vertical gardens in architectural design, focusing on air purification capabilities, temperature regulation, mental health impacts, maintenance requirements, and suitable plant selections for various climates.

## Practical Benefits of Vertical Gardens

### Air Purification

Vertical gardens serve as natural air filtration systems, significantly improving indoor and outdoor air quality.

Research from environmental agencies indicates that vertical green walls can:

- Reduce nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations by approximately 40%
- Decrease suspended particulate matter (PM10) by about 60%
- Lower indoor fine particulate matter (PM2.

5) concentrations by around 10%
- Reduce ozone levels by approximately 30%

NASA studies have confirmed that certain indoor plants can effectively remove toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethane from the air, which are commonly found in paints, cigarette smoke, and carpets.

This makes vertical gardens a natural and cost-effective alternative to expensive electric air purifiers.

### Temperature Regulation

Vertical gardens provide substantial temperature regulation benefits, addressing both indoor comfort and urban heat island effects:

- Research shows that vertical green walls can lower indoor temperatures by approximately 1.

8°C
- In urban environments, cities with insufficient green spaces create "heat islands" where temperatures can be 3-5°C higher than in rural areas
- Vertical gardens help mitigate these effects by providing natural cooling through evapotranspiration and shading
- Schools in Taiwan have successfully implemented green walls on east and west-facing walls to combat solar heat gain, significantly reducing cooling loads

### Mental Health Impact

The presence of vertical gardens offers significant psychological and mental health benefits:

- Studies confirm that simply viewing green spaces through windows helps people relax and reduces stress levels
- Gardening activities have been shown to improve mental health, with benefits comparable to talking therapies
- A case study at Sydenham Garden, which received 313 patient referrals from health professionals, demonstrated that most participants moved from low well-being to moderate well-being categories after engaging in gardening activities
- The presence of plants in indoor environments leads to happier, healthier living conditions and helps reduce accumulated stress
- Gardening teaches valuable lessons about growth cycles and external factors, providing perspective on mental health challenges

## Maintenance Needs

Proper maintenance is essential for the longevity and effectiveness of vertical gardens:

### Watering Systems
- Automatic watering systems are recommended for maintaining green wall ecosystems, especially in larger installations
- Stackable planter designs facilitate efficient watering and drainage, ensuring each plant receives proper moisture without risk of overwatering
- The frequency of watering depends on container materials: unglazed, porous clay pots require more frequent watering than plastic or fiberglass containers

### Soil and Fertilization
- Quality potting soil should be dense enough to support growth, porous for drainage, contain adequate nutrients, and be free of weed seeds
- Most commercial potting mixes contain no actual soil but combine organic and non-organic materials like perlite
- Plants require balanced fertilizer containing nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K)
- Common formulations include 20-20-20 or 8-7-6, though half-strength application is typically most effective
- Fertilization should occur when soil is moist, typically once monthly from spring through early fall for most indoor plants

### Physical Maintenance
- Vertical gardens require minimal bending and kneeling compared to traditional gardens, making them ideal for individuals with mobility limitations
- Regular pruning and plant health monitoring are necessary to maintain the aesthetic and functional benefits of the green wall
- Seasonal maintenance may include adding LED full-spectrum lighting in winter months to ensure plant health

## Suitable Plants for Different Climates

The selection of appropriate plants is crucial for the success of vertical gardens in various climatic conditions:

### Recommended Plant Species
Environmental agencies suggest several suitable plant species for vertical gardens:

- Lily bamboo (百合竹)
- Firecracker plant (炮竹紅)
- Yunnan yellow jasmine (雲南黃馨)
- Lantana (馬纓丹)
- Boston fern (波士頓腎蕨)
- Hydrangea (繡球花)
- African violet (非洲堇)
- Potted chrysanthemum (盆菊)
- Ivy or spider plants, which are particularly effective for air purification and reducing pet odors

### Plant Selection Considerations
- Plants can be selected as climbing or trailing types based on space planning and design requirements
- For air purification purposes, ivy and spider plants are ideal, especially for pet owners, as they reduce pet odors and absorb gases from cleaning products
- In warmer climates, plants like large trumpet vines (大鄧伯花) have been successfully used to form green walls that address east and west sun exposure
- For indoor applications, consider plants that thrive in the available light conditions, with north-facing windows typically supporting healthy foliage plants

## Conclusion

Vertical gardens represent a sustainable innovation in architectural design that offers multiple benefits beyond mere aesthetics.

Their ability to purify air, regulate temperature, and improve mental health makes them valuable additions to both indoor and outdoor spaces.

With proper maintenance and appropriate plant selection for specific climates, vertical gardens can serve as effective, long-term solutions for creating healthier, more sustainable built environments.

As demonstrated by successful implementations in schools and public facilities, vertical gardens are a practical and increasingly accessible option for architects seeking to incorporate sustainable design elements into their projects.

# Vertical Gardens: Sustainable Innovation in Environmental Design

## Introduction

Vertical gardens or green walls are becoming increasingly popular in environmental design and architecture, offering both aesthetic appeal and significant environmental benefits.

Title:

Content: Home Garden What Are the Benefits of Growing Indoors

What Are the Benefits of Growing Indoors

Growing plants is for everyone but not everyone has a garden to grow them in. If you live in an apartment, in the city, or if you just don’t have the time to grow outdoors try growing inside.

Indoor growing is a great option for those of us who can’t grow outdoors – it allows you to grow plants for a healthier life. Let’s look at the various ways growing indoors can help us improve our livelihood.

Having Plants Around Is Healthy

It is well-researched that having plants around your home makes you feel more relaxed, healthier, and just have a better life. Plants help filter pollution and bad air, helping your home feel less stale, they are beautiful to look at, and they help remind you that there is an impermanence to life and to our time.

Plants react to the changes in our environment, our moods, our attention, and our care, which in turn makes us more caring and more engaged with the world around us. They provide us with peace of mind and a balance in life.

You Can Grow Healthy Foods

If you’re inclined, you can grow plants in a grow tent, which will expand the number of plants you’re able to grow indoors. These grow tents offer a great way to efficiently grow plants that you would otherwise be unable to grow – from interesting trees, palms, seedlings, orchids, and anything you are interested in!

What’s most exciting about this grow tent is that you’re able to grow plants and then give them to your loved ones or you can grow your food indoors! Who knew – all it takes is a container for your plants to grow healthy, the right lighting, and ventilation and you’ll be able to grow enormous, delicious, and healthy foods. Within just a few short months you’ll change your life for the better!

You Will Learn a New Hobby

Hobbies are what give us meaning – move beyond the confines of work and the expectations of a society that only values money and get involved with something that is just for you. Hobbies will give your time so much more value and excitement.

Taking care of plants is like taking care of a part of yourself and, in a way, it is – the more time you put into your plants the more you’ll get out of them. Grow everything from tomatoes to leafy greens to flowers and you’ll see how they turn your life into something more beautiful!

You Can Create a Work-Life Balance

Take a break from the stresses of work by growing plants in your home. Growing indoors is a great way to take a break from the constant ebb and flow and stresses of a society that demands a lot from us – taking care of something will help you grow just as your plants do!

Growing plants indoors improves the way we live and can have a major impact on the way we live our lives. Have a happier, healthier life simply by growing plants in your home, and take away the stress that builds up in your life by adding little green friends to your space.

This report explores the practical advantages of implementing vertical gardens in architectural design, focusing on air purification capabilities, temperature regulation, mental health impacts, maintenance requirements, and suitable plant selections for various climates.

Title:

Content: including ivy and aloe vera cactus
Plants that help purify the air in your home and improve your mental health
Many people, especially women, tend to decorate their homes with houseplants, but the function of some indoor plants goes beyond decorations, as some species contribute to purifying and humidifying the room air.
Depending on the type and size, green plants can filter large amounts of pollutants, thus significantly improving the indoor climate.
Replacement plants for electric air purifiers
NASA has conducted a study that confirms that growing some plants inside the house may be a great alternative to expensive electric air purifiers, and then get a home filled with fresh natural air, as well as improve mood and mental health.
Many houseplants can be effective at detoxifying such as formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethane and other air, which can be found in paints, cigarettes and carpets.
Best Home Plants for Air Purification
Ivy.
Ivy or spider is an ideal plant for pet lovers, as it reduces odors and absorbs gas from the use of cleaning products.
Prefer partial shade, that is, it may not be in the scorching sun nor in the dark shade.
Its green leaves are decorated with a white edge, making it particularly decorative, and also filtering pollutants such as formaldehyde and xylene from the air.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is known for its benefits to the body, and this evergreen plant has air purifying properties, producing oxygen 24 hours a day, including at night, and is therefore especially suitable for the bedroom.
Dragon Tree
A home plant that is easy to care for, and the dragon tree may reach a height of 2.5 meters, and is very suitable for air purification, because it can filter pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde, toluene and trichloroethylene, but it is less suitable for families with children or pets, because the leaves can be toxic.
Lilies of peace
According to the German website Stern, peace lily is one of the best air purification plants, removing toxic gases such as benzene, formaldehyde and carbon monoxide from the air.
It is also a beautiful looking plant, carrying bright dark green leaves and beautiful white flowers.
Source: Deutsche Welle

Title:

Content: Gardening Helps Fight Depression

Guangzhou, China, 2022-Oct-17 — /EPR Network/ — If you have depression and want to seek help from a doctor, he may suggest Green Therapy-Garden.

Christine Dow, 63, was originally referred to the garden by her GP to help overcome her depression. After a year of green therapy, she became a volunteer; for the past decade, she has spent a few hours every week supporting others referred to the project. “I’ve lived in Sydenham for 42 years and my husband was born here, but we never realized the garden was here,” she says. “My GP referred me to the garden years ago when I had depression. It was quite mild, but he thought gardening would be good for me. He was right. I came here for a year and saw all the seasons change,” she recalls. “It’s an oasis of calm. You can come here and, for however long you are here, the outside world stays outside.”

During 2017-2018, Sydenham Garden received 313 patient referrals from health professionals. A typical referral will be between six and 12 months. “I know from our stats that people are going to get as good mental health benefits from us as talking therapies,” says Sydenham Garden director Tom Gallagher. “On top of that, you can also get physical, social, and physiological benefits from gardening.” The majority of people referred will score in the low well-being category – according to the Warwick-Edinburgh scale – when starting, but score in the moderate well-being category upon completion.

When you are gardening you get very involved, because of all the elements and the seasons. You can’t run away from it; you can’t feel superior. And by watching things grow, you realize that it isn’t always the fault of the plant if things don’t work – it’s about the seasons and the weather. It’s the same with mental health issues: it’s not always your fault.

You who are reading this article at this moment, are you in a bad mood now? Take a look at the garden outside the window or the green plants in the room, and let yourself go for a while and enjoy the peace. From the evidence it compiled, it found that just viewing the green space through the windows can help people relax and reduce stress levels. Other evidence confirms that physical activity in gardening can improve mental health. It is better to start with a small space indoor vegetable garden, which can not only be used as an ornamental product but also can grow the fruits, vegetables, and herbs you want. Easy to take care of, suitable for busy working you. If you have already planted green plants indoors, add LED full spectrum light in winter, so that the plants can safely accompany you through the cold winter.

Auxgrow’s growing indoors with led lights also has the same function, with high efficiency and low energy consumption. The high and uniform PPFD provides more light to obtain dense buds and higher yields. The broad-spectrum LED growth lamp only consumes 150 watts and provides 435 μ mol/ms, which can be used as the best plant lamp for indoor planting. And light has kinds of functions, helping plants to provide light, but also providing light for you. We are a dynamic and innovative manufacturer, engaged in the research, development, production, and sales of horticultural lighting and hydroponic systems, with twelve years of horticultural experience. If you want to know more about our information and products, you can take a look at https://auxgrow.com/.

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Editor’s pick

Express Press Release Distribution

Title:

Content: "Taif Municipality": Establishing gardens of the highest standards and developing green investment with the participation of the third sector
“Al-Hasani ” to“ Sabq ”: The green areas are currently about 16.5 million square meters
Ghazi Al-Hasani
The Director General of Parks and Environment Architecture at Taif Municipality, Eng. Ghazi Al-Hassani, confirmed that the Municipality ’ s plan for the next phase includes supporting afforestation and increasing the area of green areas of the Municipality, which is currently about 16.5 million square meters, according to the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing indicators. of the new breaths.
Al-Hassani told Sabq: The participation of Taif Municipality in the implementation of the Bahja project, which was launched by the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing to transform unused areas into active areas, as part of efforts to develop parks and support urban interventions in the city, especially residential areas, to improve the quality of life and enhance the well-being of residents. Accent.
The project includes the creation, renovation and creation of parks and public parks, the provision of children ’ s play areas, as well as comprehensive urban sites prepared for active experiences that promote community cohesion and social well-being.
The Director General of Parks and Environment Architecture at Taif Municipality explained that the Municipality ’ s strategy has made advanced steps to improve the urban environment and enhance the quality of life for citizens and visitors, with the support of Taif Mayor Eng. Abdullah bin Khamis Al-Zaidi. Al Amana supports the sustainability of agriculture, afforestation and irrigation within the framework of the Saudi Green Initiative.
Eng. Ghazi Al-Hassani praised the initiatives of the Department of Community Participation in the Secretariat in coordination with the General Department of Parks and Environment Architecture to plant thousands of diverse agricultural seedlings, with the participation of volunteers in Taif public parks and gardens.
He pointed out that it is a positive step that supports the program of humanizing the city within the campaign to address visual distortion and improve the urban landscape, which contributes to instilling the values of tree conservation in general, and spreading the culture of volunteerism among all segments of society, especially that planting trees has an environmental role in tempering and purifying the air, and raising the per capita rate of green areas to achieve the goals of the Kingdom ’ s Vision 2030.
He also touched on the importance of public parks and afforestation in terms of employment opportunities, increasing productivity, raising the economic value of land, environmentally absorbing carbon dioxide and toxic gases, pumping oxygen, stabilizing the soil, lowering temperatures and reducing noise, socially promoting physical and psychological health and social interaction, encouraging activity in children, health in sports and promoting mental health. It stands out in the picturesque landscape and the overlap of trees with civil works.
He pointed out that the future trends are the establishment of gardens according to the highest modern design standards, offering investment opportunities for gardens, and involving the third sector in the establishment and maintenance of gardens, and activating the role of community partnership in this, as well as making gardens integrated with the residents of the neighborhood, so that their views are consulted and taken during the design period.
News you might like.
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Sabq Electronic Newspaper
sabq.org

Title:

Content: Partners news

Life
The expert called for greening cities to improve mental health of residents
Green plantations will help improve the mental state of residents, said the founder of the environmental service “Save the forest ” Andrei Khoroshilov.
It is noted that in cities where houses are built of concrete and insufficiently surrounded by green spaces, a so-called “heat island ” is formed.
In such places the temperature can be 3-5 gr. higher than in rural areas.
According to the WHO, cities are responsible for up to 60% of greenhouse gas emissions, and their residents are among the most vulnerable groups to climate change.
In the urban environment, there is often a reduction in the area of   gre
At the same time, it is important to create not only large green areas, but also small natural islands - squares, flower beds and trees in the busy city center.
Such islands of nature are necessary for the human brain to receive at least minimal saturation with flowering landscapes that are important for mental health.
Currently, urban planning projects are increasingly taking into account the need of people in contact with nature.
Earlier it was reported that more than 300 thousand flowers will be planted in Barnaul.
The most important thing is in our Telegram channel
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Tell the news

## Practical Benefits of Vertical Gardens

### Air Purification

Vertical gardens serve as natural air filtration systems, significantly improving indoor and outdoor air quality.

Research from environmental agencies indicates that vertical green walls can:

- Reduce nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations by approximately 40%
- Decrease suspended particulate matter (PM10) by about 60%
- Lower indoor fine particulate matter (PM2.

Title:

Content: Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi County, Chiayi
The school received an environmental subsidy of NT $220,000 two years ago to plant large Dumbo flowers to form a green wall, which helps to cool down the temperature and purify the air, and also to install an automatic sprinkler system to maintain the ecology of the green wall.
According to the Environmental Protection Bureau of Chiayi City Government, since 2019, the Environmental Protection Department has promoted the vertical air green wall project. Since 2019, three schools, including Xingjia, Jiabei Elementary School and Jiabei Elementary School, have installed climbing plants on the school's daughter wall and the balcony of the classroom.
The Environmental Protection Bureau of the Chiayi Municipal Government said that this year, the Environmental Protection Agency expanded the target of subsidies, in addition to the original subsidies of public middle school, public elementary school, public preschool institutions, public welfare groups, public facilities, environmental protection night market, civic activity center and other venues, air green wall subsidies of 3,000 to 6,000 yuan per square meter, single subsidy ceiling of 400,000 yuan.
According to the Municipal Environmental Protection Agency, according to the results of the study, vertical green walls can reduce the concentration of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), suspended particulates (PM10) by about 40% and 60%, but also reduce the concentration of indoor fine suspended particulates (PM2.5) by about 10%, ozone by about 30%, and indoor temperature reduction by about 1.8 ℃.
According to the city's Environmental Protection Bureau, the appropriate plant types are lily bamboo, firecracker red, Yunnan yellow carnation, turtle, Boston kidney fern, hydrangea, African pansy or panthera, and can be selected according to the space planning and installation requirements, so that the space is more beautiful.
# Green Wall # Cooling # EPB # EPD # Planting

5) concentrations by around 10%
- Reduce ozone levels by approximately 30%

NASA studies have confirmed that certain indoor plants can effectively remove toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethane from the air, which are commonly found in paints, cigarette smoke, and carpets.

This makes vertical gardens a natural and cost-effective alternative to expensive electric air purifiers.

### Temperature Regulation

Vertical gardens provide substantial temperature regulation benefits, addressing both indoor comfort and urban heat island effects:

- Research shows that vertical green walls can lower indoor temperatures by approximately 1.

8°C
- In urban environments, cities with insufficient green spaces create "heat islands" where temperatures can be 3-5°C higher than in rural areas
- Vertical gardens help mitigate these effects by providing natural cooling through evapotranspiration and shading
- Schools in Taiwan have successfully implemented green walls on east and west-facing walls to combat solar heat gain, significantly reducing cooling loads

### Mental Health Impact

The presence of vertical gardens offers significant psychological and mental health benefits:

- Studies confirm that simply viewing green spaces through windows helps people relax and reduces stress levels
- Gardening activities have been shown to improve mental health, with benefits comparable to talking therapies
- A case study at Sydenham Garden, which received 313 patient referrals from health professionals, demonstrated that most participants moved from low well-being to moderate well-being categories after engaging in gardening activities
- The presence of plants in indoor environments leads to happier, healthier living conditions and helps reduce accumulated stress
- Gardening teaches valuable lessons about growth cycles and external factors, providing perspective on mental health challenges

## Maintenance Needs

Proper maintenance is essential for the longevity and effectiveness of vertical gardens:

### Watering Systems
- Automatic watering systems are recommended for maintaining green wall ecosystems, especially in larger installations
- Stackable planter designs facilitate efficient watering and drainage, ensuring each plant receives proper moisture without risk of overwatering
- The frequency of watering depends on container materials: unglazed, porous clay pots require more frequent watering than plastic or fiberglass containers

### Soil and Fertilization
- Quality potting soil should be dense enough to support growth, porous for drainage, contain adequate nutrients, and be free of weed seeds
- Most commercial potting mixes contain no actual soil but combine organic and non-organic materials like perlite
- Plants require balanced fertilizer containing nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K)
- Common formulations include 20-20-20 or 8-7-6, though half-strength application is typically most effective
- Fertilization should occur when soil is moist, typically once monthly from spring through early fall for most indoor plants

### Physical Maintenance
- Vertical gardens require minimal bending and kneeling compared to traditional gardens, making them ideal for individuals with mobility limitations
- Regular pruning and plant health monitoring are necessary to maintain the aesthetic and functional benefits of the green wall
- Seasonal maintenance may include adding LED full-spectrum lighting in winter months to ensure plant health

## Suitable Plants for Different Climates

The selection of appropriate plants is crucial for the success of vertical gardens in various climatic conditions:

### Recommended Plant Species
Environmental agencies suggest several suitable plant species for vertical gardens:

- Lily bamboo (百合竹)
- Firecracker plant (炮竹紅)
- Yunnan yellow jasmine (雲南黃馨)
- Lantana (馬纓丹)
- Boston fern (波士頓腎蕨)
- Hydrangea (繡球花)
- African violet (非洲堇)
- Potted chrysanthemum (盆菊)
- Ivy or spider plants, which are particularly effective for air purification and reducing pet odors

### Plant Selection Considerations
- Plants can be selected as climbing or trailing types based on space planning and design requirements
- For air purification purposes, ivy and spider plants are ideal, especially for pet owners, as they reduce pet odors and absorb gases from cleaning products
- In warmer climates, plants like large trumpet vines (大鄧伯花) have been successfully used to form green walls that address east and west sun exposure
- For indoor applications, consider plants that thrive in the available light conditions, with north-facing windows typically supporting healthy foliage plants

## Conclusion

Vertical gardens represent a sustainable innovation in architectural design that offers multiple benefits beyond mere aesthetics.

Title:

Content: Gardening Tips: Why Stackable Planters Are A Must-Have For Summer Of 2024

IT Lifestyle Desk
Updated on May 16, 2024, 14:26 IST

As you design your ideal patio, garden, or balcony, you likely consider several key factors: What plants thrive in this light? How can I optimize space? How do I create a cozy sanctuary affordably? A trending solution has emerged online: stackable planters. Discover why they're becoming a gardening essential for the summer and how they can elevate your planting game without breaking the bank.

Pinterest

Gardening trend for 2024: Stackable planters

Stackable planters are emerging as the go-to solution for both novice gardeners and seasoned enthusiasts alike. These innovative gardening tools offer a plethora of benefits that make them an essential addition to any outdoor space. Here's why stackable planters are a must-have for the summer of 2024.

Why it is a must-have

Maximising Space

One of the primary advantages of stackable planters is their ability to maximize vertical space. In an era where outdoor living areas are becoming increasingly compact, stackable planters allow you to make the most of limited space by stacking multiple tiers of plants vertically. This vertical gardening approach not only saves space but also creates a visually stunning display that adds depth and dimension to your garden or patio.

shop.epicgardening.com/ Pinterest

Versatility

Stackable planters come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and materials, making them incredibly versatile for a wide range of gardening applications. Whether you're growing herbs, flowers, vegetables, or succulents, stackable planters provide a customizable solution that can accommodate the needs of any plant species. Their modular design allows you to mix and match different planter sizes and configurations to create a personalized garden layout that suits your space and preferences.

Ease of Maintenance

Another key benefit of stackable planters is their ease of maintenance. Unlike traditional gardens or raised beds, stackable planters require minimal bending and kneeling, making them ideal for individuals with mobility issues or limited mobility. Additionally, the tiered design of stackable planters facilitates efficient watering and drainage, ensuring that each plant receives the proper amount of moisture without the risk of overwatering or waterlogged soil.

stackable planters

Affordability

In a time when many are looking for cost-effective solutions for gardening, stackable planters offer an affordable alternative to traditional gardening methods. With stackable planters, you can create a lush and vibrant garden without the need for expensive landscaping or construction projects. Additionally, the ability to grow multiple plants in a single vertical structure allows you to maximize your garden's productivity while minimizing costs associated with soil, fertilizer, and water.

So, stackable panters are a must-have gardening essential for the summer of 2024. Whether you're a beginner gardener or a seasoned green thumb, consider incorporating stackable planters into your gardening repertoire this summer for a bountiful harvest and a stunning outdoor oasis.

For more on lifestyle, astrology and health from around the world please visit Indiatimes Lifestyle.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
IT Lifestyle Desk

Lifestyle refers to the way in which an individual or a group of people choose to live their lives. From Health & Wellness, Relationships, Fashion & Trends to Work-Life Balance, Art & Culture & Gardening, we have your life sorted with stories that will make your day.

Title:

Content: Indoor Plant Care

Bonnie Nowicki

Most of us continue to spend more time indoors while outside temperatures are uncomfortable. Let’s revisit some basic principles for growing houseplants and perhaps discover some lesser-known indoor plant facts.

Light, water, temperature, fertilization, and soil are chief factors affecting indoor plant growth. Light is the energy source to photosynthesize and produce food. Excessive light is as harmful as too little light. If your plant leaves are pale or turning brown, they are getting too much direct light. The quality of light, or wavelength, is an important aspect for growth. Two colors that plants use most effectively are blue and red. Household incandescent lights emit mainly yellow light, which is of little use to plants—surprise to me! Fluorescent lights are more effective. But north-facing windows should produce healthy foliage plants, and some flowering plants may prefer other sunnier windows.

Too much water or too little water accounts for many indoor plant losses. Roots are usually in the bottom two-thirds of the pot, so wait until the bottom two-thirds start to dry out. You must feel the soil. Stick your index finger about two inches into the soil. If it feels damp, don’t water it. You can also use a store-purchased moisture meter to eliminate dirty fingers. Plants prefer room-temperature water and not a steady diet of water run through a softener—another surprise to me! The best air temperature for indoor plants is between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and a bit cooler at night.

Regarding containers: Unglazed, porous clay pots are considered the healthiest type for a plant because they provide excellent aeration for plant roots. Plastic or fiberglass pots are okay to use and need less frequent watering. A good potting soil should be dense to support growth, porous for drainage, have adequate nutrients, and be weed seed-free. Most commercially prepared mixes contain no soil. Organic and non-organic (perlite, etc.) materials are used. Like most plants, indoor pots need a balanced fertilizer that has food elements nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). A common formulation is 20-20-20 or 8-7-6. Most plants grow best when half the recommended strength is used, and only fertilize when the soil is moist. For most houseplants, fertilizing once a month in spring through early fall is adequate.

I hope you find this information helpful in caring for your prized indoor plants. Happy gardening!

Their ability to purify air, regulate temperature, and improve mental health makes them valuable additions to both indoor and outdoor spaces.

Title:

Content: What is green affordable housing and how to opt for it?

A house which uses sustainably sourced, environmentally friendly, and/or recycled building materials and is water, energy and carbon emission efficient is called a “Green Home”

Green Housing is not just a green home, it is a way of life – responsible, healthy and even affordable! It involves living in harmony with nature and its resources by considering the future costs of environmentally irresponsible behaviour. People often avoid green housing, assuming it to be an expensive choice meant only for the rich and wealthy but once you actually look into it more closely, green housing could actually be more economical in the long run.

So, let’s look into this more closely. What exactly is a green home and why are we talking about it now? Since the 1800s factors like overutilisation and misuse of natural resources, population explosion etc have caused long-term damage to the environment globally.

While earlier we used to talk about melting glaciers and ozone layer depletion elsewhere, nowadays the change in weather and pollution can be felt in our everyday lives. Our world needs more sustainable measures to protect the natural resources for our future generations and a green home does exactly that!

Also Read: 5 signs to know you are ready to buy your own house

A house which uses sustainably sourced, environmentally friendly, and/or recycled building materials and is water, energy and carbon emission efficient is called a “Green Home”. While this might seem like a tall order, not only can all these be achieved at an affordable price point, it can also be scaled up.

Affordability and sustainability go hand in hand by using eco-friendly design, moving to greener building materials like AAC Blocks, manufactured sands, SRI paint, low flow fixtures and making efficient use of natural resources. Not only does a green home reduce dependency on non-renewable energy sources but also has a number of other benefits as follows:

  • Conserves energy: Green Homes are designed to reduce energy usage by optimising the use of natural resources like using sunlight in the daytime for illumination and renewable sources like solar water heaters. This reduces your dependence on conventional energy usage while also reducing electricity bills side by side. Moving to 5 star rated appliances, LED lights etc can help you save energy at a very nominal cost.
  • Conserves water: Fresh water is a very precious resource that is becoming increasingly scarce. Green Homes aim to make water utilisation more efficient. Water conservation techniques like rainwater harvesting help in recharging the ground water level while devices like low flow fixtures and dual flush toilets help reduce daily consumption.
  • Promotes healthy lifestyle: We often assume that the air pollution outside doesn’t affect you while you are home. However, with the average Air Quality Index around the world deteriorating, pollution is as much a part of our regular life at home as anywhere else as respiratory infections, heart diseases and lung cancer are becoming common. Installing air ventilators helps keep an uninterrupted air circulation while a low VOC paints have less volatile chemicals thereby limiting emission of harmful chemicals. Green homes are thus not only healthy for the environment but also for us.

How to opt for a green affordable home?

There are two ways to opt for a green affordable home:

1. Create your own green home: Consult with your architect to adopt sustainable practices and devices into your home as you build it from the ground up. This way you can create your customised green home by incorporating sustainable measures based specifically on your requirements. You can then get your green home certified by a relevant authority. Some of the most trusted green building agencies in India are Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA), and Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) ratings. This can help you evaluate the sustainability of your green home and be eligible for any government incentives.

2. Purchase a green-certified apartment: As you look for your new home, when you enquire from your builder/ broker about a gated community, regular water supply and adequate ventilation make sure to also ask about the green measures taken and if the building has green certification from authorities like IGBC, IFC, GRIHA etc. Based on the rating given by these organisations, you can assess the features of the apartment as per your requirement.

Also Read: How this Modi Govt move made luxury home sales jump in February

For people looking to build their new home, it is a wise decision to build a green home or at least create provisions where green measures can be incorporated. There is a noticeable shift in the global regulations around energy usage as countries are building their case towards fulfilling their obligations as per the Paris Climate Agreement. With India taking the presidency of G20, we have started on a path towards a greener future. Usage of sustainable material and equipment while voluntary today could become an obligatory one tomorrow and such foresightedness could prove to be a game changer in the long run.

(By Gaurav Mohta, Chief Marketing Officer, HomeFirst Finance Company. Views expressed above are personal)

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First published on: 04-03-2023 at 14:42 IST

Title:

Content: So, if you have not realized already, I love trees. There is nothing that soothes my soul more than a walk in the woods, camping, or enjoying the trees in my own yard. There are studies that have proven plants, trees, and forests are important to our mental and emotional health. Trees are like us humans in that each one is different and special. You have read about a couple of my favorite trees, now I am going to tell you why they are important to you, me, and everyone else on this planet.

First, trees are closely tied into our mental health by providing solace and an enjoyable environment, our physical health by cleaning the air we breathe and storing carbon dioxide, and our native wildlife by offering shelter and food. They provide us with shade, which we are going to need more of as the climate warms. Trees can help slow wind speeds and help with storm surges with their amazing root systems. They can slow erosion, provide healthy soils, and absorb rainwater which helps reduce water runoff

Trees clean the air of particulate material from the burning of fossil fuels, which is harmful to our lungs. Also, a mature tree can convert over 26 pounds of carbon dioxide into oxygen every year. The mature trees remove up to 60 times more pollution than younger trees, which is why they are so important to keep whenever possible. They store carbon dioxide throughout their lives which slows done the gas in our atmosphere that is causing rapid global warming. Using more concern when thinking of tree removal could help store more carbon, which is the same as less vehicles using our roads.

We should not randomly or in mass remove trees. Native trees grow bark, leaves, and fruit that feed native insects (and pollinators), which in turn feed the next species in the food chain. Removal disrupts that supply chain and in turn adversely affects our environment. Even removing dead trees and branches causes habitat loss to smaller mammals. Each tree is an independent ecosystem that provides food and habitat for specific species. Since we do not take this into consideration when making room for development, we are causing the loss of native species. This in turn opens the gap to nonnative species that find it too easy to invade under any circumstance. Even that area around the base of trees is special. That area is a safety zone for larvae and microscopic life. When you mow around the host trees you have killed important pollinators, one of which is the exquisite Lunar moth.

Native trees are beneficial to our environment since they do not need the fertilizers nonnatives do. They are better for our environment than lawns which use more pesticides, fertilizers, and water than is used for most farm crops. Want to save money, plant gardens instead of lawns. Beautiful trees can add value to your home, in fact the trees in my yard were the specific reason I purchased my property instead of one with upgrades in the house but no trees in the yard

Another reason to save trees is that a TNC scientist showed that spending time in nature directly corresponds to a drop in anxiety and depression. Also, since we are more active when we are around nature this can lower the rate of obesity. “Playing through the greenery and litter of a mini forest’s undergrowth for just one month may be enough to change a child’s immune system, according to an experiment in Finland. The diversity of microbes in the guts and on the skin of the young kids appeared healthier in a very short space of time.”

With proper maintenance and appropriate plant selection for specific climates, vertical gardens can serve as effective, long-term solutions for creating healthier, more sustainable built environments.

As demonstrated by successful implementations in schools and public facilities, vertical gardens are a practical and increasingly accessible option for architects seeking to incorporate sustainable design elements into their projects.


# Energy Transition in the Middle East: Solar Power Takes Center Stage

## Introduction

The Middle East, traditionally known for its vast oil wealth, is undergoing a remarkable transformation as several nations pivot toward renewable energy, particularly solar power, as part of their long-term economic and environmental strategies.

This report examines how energy-rich nations in the region are preparing for a post-oil future through ambitious solar energy initiatives, highlighting key national projects, current capacity, government incentives, and the broader impacts on local economies and climate goals.

## Key National Solar Projects

### United Arab Emirates

The UAE has emerged as a regional leader in renewable energy adoption.

The country has signed a strategic partnership with the United States to invest $100 billion in producing 100 GW of clean energy worldwide.

At home, Dubai is developing the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Complex, which stands as the world's largest solar complex in a single location.

This flagship project is central to Dubai's goal of achieving 100% clean energy production by 2050.

The UAE became the first country in the region to adopt a comprehensive hydrocarbon neutrality strategy targeting 2050, demonstrating its commitment to balancing traditional energy strengths with renewable innovation.

### Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia's National Renewable Energy Program, launched in 2017 as part of Vision 2030, represents one of the most ambitious renewable energy initiatives in the region.

The Kingdom is implementing more than 80 initiatives in the public and private sectors with investments exceeding $188 billion to build a more sustainable future.

Saudi Arabia is also extending its influence globally, investing $200 billion in renewable energy projects across 21 other countries.

### Regional Developments

According to a Global Energy Monitor report, Arab countries collectively are planning for more than 73 GW of solar and wind energy projects, repr

# Energy Transition in the Middle East: Solar Power Takes Center Stage

## Introduction

The Middle East, traditionally known for its vast oil wealth, is undergoing a remarkable transformation as several nations pivot toward renewable energy, particularly solar power, as part of their long-term economic and environmental strategies.

Title:

Content: UAE to invest $100 billion in 100 GW of green energy worldwide
The UAE intends to invest $100 billion in the production of 100 GW of green energy around the world The UAE intends to invest $100 billion in the production of 100 GW of green energy around the world.
Energetics
Nov. 7, 2022, 5: 09 p.m.
The UAE intends to invest $100 billion in the production of 100 GW of green energy around the world.
This was stated on Monday by the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, speaking at the high-level segment of the 27th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP-27).
"A few days ago, we signed a strategic partnership program with the United States and plan to invest $100 billion in the production of 100 GW of clean energy around the world," he said.
“This initiative, along with others, will help to gain new skills, create new jobs and provide a glimmer of hope on the way to the goals of combating climate change. ”
He said that the Emirates became the first country in the region to adopt a strategy of hydrocarbon neutrality by 2050.
According to him, the UAE has been working for decades to diversify the national economy and develop the non-oil sector.
At the same time, he stressed that the country "will continue to provide the world with oil and gas as a reliable source of energy for as long as it is necessary."
Al-Nahyan announced that the next Conference of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP-28) will be held in 2023 at the Expo 2020 in Dubai.
In his speech, the President called for immediate decisions and actions during the current summit.
“Climate risks do not exclude anyone, and our future depends on today ’ s steps, ” Al Nahyan said.
Latest news

Title:

Content: In numbers...
Arab countries race to double their renewable energy production by 2030
ECONOMY
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3 minutes read
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — (CNN) Arab countries are on track to grow their utility-scale wind and solar capacity by more than 500% by 2023, according to a report by Global Energy Monitor.
According to the report, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has enormous potential for large-scale wind and solar power projects because of its favorable climate and sunny weather for most of the year.
Arab countries are planning more than 73 gigawatts of utility-scale solar and wind projects, a more than fivefold increase in current capacity, which together with operational projects will account for 91% of the Arab League ’ s renewable energy goals for 2030.
The UAE is at the top of the list of Arab countries that produce the most electricity from solar energy, with solar plants producing 2.6 gigawatts of electricity.
Egypt is among the Arab countries that produce the most electricity from wind power at 1.6 gigawatts.
Egypt produces 1.9 gigawatts of electricity from solar power plants.
Egypt ’ s total electricity production from both places it at the top of the list of Arab countries with a production capacity of 3.5 gigawatts.
Thanks to its huge investments in solar electricity production, the UAE ranks second in wind and solar electricity production, followed by Morocco in third place with 1.9 GW and Jordan in fourth place with 1.7 GW.
While Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco and Jordan are the first Arab countries to initiate wind and solar power plants, Oman, Algeria and Kuwait are poised to follow suit, ranking first in expected solar and wind power production in the near future.
Here are the top Arab countries in terms of the current operation of solar and wind energy on the scale of utilities and the capacity of wind and solar energy expected to be produced at the level of each country in the Arab region.

Title:

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

By

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: ...
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Economy of Jordan
Energy Ministry: Jordan committed to reducing emissions by 31% by 2030
Carbon reduction targets rise from previously announced levels of 14%
Posted in: Last Updated:
The Planning Directorate at the Jordanian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Shurooq Abdul Ghani, said that Jordan is committed to implementing the strategic criteria of the Green Middle East Summit to meet the challenges of the effects of climate change and reduce emissions to 31% by 2030.
In an interview with Al-Arabiya, Shurooq explained that the Middle East Initiative launched by Saudi Arabia and the high level participation in this initiative confirms that climate change transcends all borders.
Participation in the initiative requires countries to adapt to the challenges and impacts of climate change.
Jordan has increased its commitment to reduce harmful emissions from 14% to 31% by 2030, reflecting the Kingdom ’ s commitment to meet its challenges.
She said that the energy sector is one of the important sectors that has a great impact in facing the effects of climate change as the shift towards renewable energy is necessary, noting that the share of renewable energy in electricity generation in Jordan reaches 25%.
“Jordan ’ s energy sector strategy for the years 2020-2030 includes a number of programs and projects aimed at addressing the challenges and the transition to clean energy, ” she added.

Title:

Content: The green future.
« Climate Panorama » in the wings of the Arab countries
The Green Future Strategies received the largest part of the activities of the Arab pavilions participating in the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), and varied between innovative initiatives and agreements for cooperation and electrical interconnection, hydrogen production and resistance to environmental damage, to paint a comprehensive vision of the reality and the future in a “Climate Panorama ”, monitored by the UAE News Agency (WAM).
Memorandums and agreements
The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan has signed nine agreements and memorandums of understanding, including five in the field of green hydrogen and green ammonia production with several companies, and an agreement to develop a joint wind energy project with Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar).
Permit for electrical connection
In Morocco ’ s pavilion, the Kingdom and Portugal signed a joint declaration on electricity interconnection between the two countries, aimed at promoting renewable energy development strategies between the two countries, as well as the potential of energy exchange between the African and European continents, and intensifying dialogue to ensure a flexible and inclusive energy transition that responds to global goals in the field of sustainable development and climate change.
Joint declaration
In its booth at COP28, the Mauritanian government signed an agreement, a memorandum of understanding and a joint declaration with an Emirati company and two German energy companies.
The agreement signed with the UAE company AMEA POWER, which specializes in renewable energies, aims to build two plants, one solar with a capacity of 100 MW and the other wind with a capacity of 100 MW.
The joint announcement with a German consortium including the Institute for Research and Development (IFAS) and the German company SYNLIFT for the manufacture of equipment is related to a multi-sector development energy project, which includes the construction of solar and wind power plants.
Carbon Markets
The Egyptian pavilion presented a number of sessions and discussions that reviewed Egyptian stories about dedication and innovation towards a resilient green future, the Egyptian National Initiative for Smart Green Projects, efforts to accelerate climate action and the will to translate ambitions into action and explore the pivotal role of voluntary carbon markets in driving sustainable development.
A sustainable future
The Sultanate of Oman, through its booth at COP28, presents its vision and efforts in the field of clean energy transformation and the implementation of sustainable initiatives and projects through a range of projects and initiatives, most notably in the field of energy and minerals, investments in hydrogen, in addition to reviewing its vision in the sustainability components of « Sultan Haitham City », through the use of solar energy, energy production systems from waste, and the implementation of sustainability system to protect natural resources.
Desertification and water scarcity
The activities of the Iraqi pavilion highlighted that Iraq is one of the countries most affected by climate changes manifested in desertification, water scarcity, and high temperature.
The Minister of Environment in Iraq, Nizar Thamidi, called on all countries and companies to contribute to supporting Iraq's plan for green investment, and to seize the great opportunities available under a government that seeks to achieve economic progress and openness to the international community.
Green transformation
The Libyan pavilion participating in the COP28 conference highlighted the road map prepared by the Libyan state to implement an integrated climate policy, including addressing the consequences of climate change, in addition to the details of the national strategy on switching to renewable energies and supporting the green transition.
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Title:

Content: Renewable Energy
Renewable Energy Innovations
Mohamad Al-Asiri
Posted in: Last Updated:
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The need for renewable energy has become essential to reduce pollution and climate change and to improve environmental sustainability, where I spoke in a previous article about some statistical projections of the economic cost that will cost the global economy in general due to pollution and climate change, and the rise in temperatures and risks and catastrophic effects, where those studies indicated that the cost of the global economy will reach about $2 trillion annually by 2030.
In this article, I will discuss some innovative and useful solutions in this aspect, especially in renewable energy in particular, and how they contribute to the preservation of the environment and the fight against climate change and the great impact in achieving this.
Renewable energy is defined as that which is extracted and obtained from natural sources and renewable naturally, quickly and sustainably, and is not depleted when used, and the nature of this renewal is continuity over time, and it depends mainly on renewable natural resources, such as: sunlight, wind, water, earth heat, plants, organic waste and others.
This definition is the closest to the definition of the United Nations Environment Protection Programme, where this energy is environmentally friendly and an effective and sustainable alternative to fossil energy, which depends on the use of non-renewable resources, such as coal, oil and natural gas, which accounts for about 90% of carbon dioxide emissions around the world. of the desired impact of climate change.
There are many innovative technologies in this area to generate this energy, for example, solar technologies that convert the sun ’ s energy into electricity using solar cells.
These include wind energy technologies that generate electricity using wind turbines, hydropower technologies that convert the energy of water flowing in rivers or oceans into electricity, geothermal technologies that use earth heat to generate electricity, and solar thermal technologies that heat water or materials using the heat of the sun.
Green hydrogen is a clean fuel that can be used in many applications.
There are also many innovations in smart grid management technologies that control the distribution and management of renewable energy through electrical grids, and much more.
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There is no doubt that the switch to clean renewable energy has multiple positive effects that contribute to reducing pollution and climate change and providing energy in sustainable and future ways, including reducing global warming, which has become clear, reducing carbon dioxide emissions, water consumption and air pollution, and thus reflected on the environment and health in general.
Therefore, many research and development centers and companies around the world focus on technologies that provide higher energy efficiency and integrate them with artificial intelligence technologies to manage them in smarter and innovative ways, for example, the Australian startup Lavo, as a new energy production technology based on a green hybrid of hydrogen and lithium, where it manufactured green hydrogen fuel cells that use solar energy and water to produce electricity, as a robust battery system. Different temperatures and through which energy can be stored continuously, for example, the German startup Likewatt developed a patented software solution that provides an analysis of the total energy consumed using artificial intelligence where it can know and monitor the amount of energy used at all times and can also measure carbon dioxide emissions, among other features.
In Saudi Arabia, to strengthen its leading role in addressing global climate challenges, the National Renewable Energy Program was launched in 2017, one of its strategic initiatives and Vision 2030, which aims to exploit and activate local sources of renewable energy production, in addition to launching several investment projects in this field. Attract international companies and encourage local companies and exploit this in the localization of these technologies in this vital field, which has become a global trend that will contribute effectively to support the national economy system and achieve its objectives.
* Quoted from "Economic Journal"
Disclaimer: All published articles represent the opinion of their authors only.
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Content: Gulf News / UAE News
The UAE is one of the countries most interested in clean energy despite the abundance of oil
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Bassam Mohammed - Follow - Noor Najim:
Ahmed Al Kaabi, Assistant Undersecretary for Petroleum, Gas and Mineral Resources at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, said that although the UAE has abundant oil reserves, it is one of the countries most interested in clean energy.
He pointed out that the UAE began early to identify initiatives and ambitious visions to move to a new phase entitled, diversification of energy sources, and in order to achieve future targets, the UAE launched the UAE Energy Strategy 2050 with the aim of producing 50% of its energy needs from clean sources based on smart applications and modern technology.
He added in a statement on the sidelines of the ministry's participation in the "Gazettek" conference and exhibition: "We are keen to prepare well for the next 50 years in the field of energy, as one of the vital sectors supporting national economies, promoting the process of sustainable development, and a major axis to attract foreign investments."
He stressed that good planning and quality initiatives are the real bet to achieve the goals of the future and the aspirations of the wise leadership of the UAE, and a firm approach to achieve the global leadership sought by the UAE in various fields by the UAE Centennial 2071.
“The UAE is one of the leading countries in the development of renewable and clean energy, and has pioneered modern ways to enhance energy efficiency, rationalize the consumption of natural resources and find alternative solutions to traditional energy in order to support sustainable development, ” he added.
He explained that the UAE is confident that nuclear energy is the best option to meet the growing demand for energy, so we have worked on the construction of Barakah nuclear power plants, which will contribute to meeting the country ’ s electricity needs and support the goals of sustainable development.
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure participated strongly in the Gas Tech Conference and Exhibition.
The National Energy Strategy 2050 aims to increase the efficiency of individual and institutional consumption by 40% and raise the contribution of clean energy in the total energy mix produced in the country to 50% by 2050, taking into account annual demand growth of 6% and a reduction of carbon emissions from electricity production by 70% over the next three decades.
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Content: 19 °C Rabat

News
Wednesday 3 November 2021

COP26: Head of Government Holds Talks with Emirati Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology

The Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch on Tuesday held talks with the Emirati minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Sultan bin Ahmad Al Jaber, on the sidelines of the 26th United Nations Conference of the Parties on Climate Change (COP26).

In a statement to the press following the meeting, the Emirati minister said that the two countries are working together to strengthen cooperation in the fields of energy, renewable energy and climate action.

He also expressed his "pride in the historical, strategic and fraternal ties that unite the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Morocco."

For his part, Akhannouch welcomed the role played by the United Arab Emirates in the energy transition worldwide, through its multiple investments in the field of renewable energy.

He also said that the speech of HM King Mohammed VI sent to the COP 26 is of major importance as it emphasizes the need to act, a step that Morocco has already taken by contributing to global climate action and implementing national measures that were adopted at the previous climate summits.

It is in this perspective that investments in many sectors in Morocco take into account the issue of sustainability, he pointed out.

MAP 02 November 2021

Title:

Content: Can Saudi Arabia break through its natural limitations? ｜ Geography of the World
Author: Zhou Xuan
Published: Updated:
“By 2030, Saudi Arabia will grow 450 million trees to supply 50% of the country ’ s electricity through renewable energy.
By 2060, Saudi Arabia will be carbon neutral … ” As early as a week before the United Nations climate summit, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman made such an ambitious pledge at the country ’ s first Green Initiative Forum, reversing the past Saudi Arabia ’ s barring of climate commitments.
Since his father became king in 2015, Mohammed has been aggressively diversifying and greening the Saudi economy, trying to break through the country ’ s path of development shaped by oil and desert.
However, the gap between ideal and reality is as wide as the sky, can Saudi Arabia get what it wants?
Geography has been an important factor dominating the trajectory of modern Saudi Arabia.
The natural environment of the country is quite harsh, subtropical high pressure and subtropical cyclone lock up hot air from the equator, forming a tropical desert climate, 95% of the country is desert, the maximum daily temperature for five months in the summer reaches an average of 45 degrees Celsius, the annual rainfall is less than 100mm, and there are even no regular rivers on the surface.
Saudi Arabia is a barren land compared to Syria and Iraq, which feed on the two river plains to the northeast, Egypt, which feeds on the Nile River to the west, and fertile land with abundant rainfall on the Yemeni plateau to the south.
However, the country has become the world ’ s largest oil exporter by relying on its rich oil reserves, thus breaking through the harsh environment and easily becoming a high-income country.
But in the context of the country ’ s race to develop renewable energy, there is uncertainty about the oil wealth that Saudi Arabia has relied on in the past.
The country has formed a fairly single economic structure, oil revenue accounts for about 70% of the state's fiscal revenue, 90% of the total exports, and the industrial system and service industries other than oil are quite weak.
When most major powers are determined to become carbon neutral by 2050 or 2060, it can be said to pose an existential crisis for Saudi Arabia, which urgently needs to embark on an economic transformation.
A future limited by drought and heat
However, Saudi Arabia ’ s poor natural conditions have created strong resistance.
The country ’ s water resources are extremely scarce, hindering the prospects for industrial development.
Although it has been very dry, it has at least been rich in groundwater resources, that is, the Arabian aquifer with reserves of up to 500 billion cubic meters.
However, since the 1980s, Saudi Arabia has overexploited these non-renewable fossil water resources, and the government subsidized the development of agriculture and livestock at high prices, which made the country create a desert agricultural miracle, and even became the world's sixth largest wheat exporter.
Saudi Arabia only woke up in 2008, cutting subsidies for wheat every year until 2016 to zero, and further adding desalination plants to increase the use of desalinated seawater, which has so far reached 50% of the country ’ s water, but this can no longer make up for the fact that four-fifths of the country ’ s groundwater has been depleted.
Considering that desalination is expensive and consumes electricity, the country will face the restrictions of expensive water prices if it wants to develop its industrial system, especially the photovoltaic and hydrogen production industries that are currently under consideration in Saudi Arabia, and the electronics industry that is standing in the wind outlet of the future are large water consumers.
Saudi Arabia once created a desert agricultural miracle as a wheat growing area in Saudi Arabia, but paid the price of over-extravagant groundwater and land salinization. (Wiki Commons)
In addition, warming will also be a serious constraint.
While some would argue that the Saudis are used to high temperatures and that rising temperatures have little impact, it ’ s not that simple.
Temperatures in Saudi Arabia have risen three times faster than the global average over the past four decades, with daily maximum temperatures likely to reach an average of 50 degrees Celsius by the end of the century, and humidity is also rising rapidly. Dewpoint, a measure of humidity, has risen by 6 degrees in the past four decades, especially on the east and west coasts.
Such a combination of high humidity and high temperature can make it difficult for sweat to evaporate, making it difficult to regulate body surface temperature, raising the risk of heat stroke and dehydration, and even life-threatening.
Saudis accustomed to dry heatwaves will find it hard to withstand the changes, and the country ’ s highly dependent foreign workers will find it even more intolerable.
In particular, Saudi Arabia has planned a large number of infrastructure options for its future development, and the open-air construction industry will bear the brunt of the extreme hot and humid climate.
In addition, such a deadly heat wave will also reduce the attractiveness of foreign talent and tourists.
To make matters worse, Mecca, Saudi Arabia ’ s first holy city, and Jeddah, the second largest port city, are both on the west coast, while Dhahran, the city of Saudi Aramco, where Saudi oil giant Saudi Aramco is headquartered, is on the east coast of the Persian Gulf, suffering more from rising humidity than Riyadh, deep in the heart of the desert.
These cities have now occasionally exceeded the “extremely dangerous ” threshold of“ Wet bulb Temperature, ” a comprehensive measure of humidity and heat, and scientists warn that they will become increasingly uninhabitable by the middle of the century.
Not only will this have a serious impact on Saudi economic activity, it will also affect the summer Hajj in Mecca, dealing a blow to its religious supremacy.
Saudi Arabia ’ s “Wet bulb temperature ” map on September 8 shows that the East and West coasts have exceeded the“ extremely dangerous ” threshold of 29 degrees Celsius. As temperatures and humidity continue to rise, the Saudi coast will become more uninhabitable. (Meteologix.com)
Off-site transformation and greening planning
The Crown Prince Mohammed is well aware of the unpromising prospects for the future.
Since 2016, he has proposed a “Vision 2030 ” aimed at attracting foreign investment and tourists and developing a diversified economic structure. In October last year, he proposed the“ Let ’ s Make it Green ” project for afforestation in Saudi Arabia, and recently proposed the goal of planting 450 million trees by 2030, generating electricity from 50% renewable energy, and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060.
However ambitious, these grand blueprints are underpinned by a lack of actionable action.
For example, the pillar project of Vision 2030, Neom Techno City, is full of Mohammed ’ s whims, including a taxi flying in the air, a Jurassic Park-like robotic dinosaur island, a sandy beach glowing in the dark, and a giant artificial moon.
The latest idea also includes a 170-kilometer stretch of The Line, connected by high-speed rail, with no roads and no vehicles, and an entire city powered by clean energy.
The whole idea is far beyond Saudi Arabia ’ s scientific and technological level and management capabilities, if not impossible.
The 170 km long line city (The Line) envisioned by the King of Saudi Arabia. (Neom official website)
At present, Saudi Arabia has invested US $1 billion in this project, but the project is still largely in the conceptual stage, and many foreign experts have resigned because they are not adapted to the management methods and the current situation of the project, so it is impossible to talk about the development of advanced technology and industry under the project.
As for attracting foreign investment, the influx of Saudi foreign investment has been greatly reduced since Mohammed seized royals and businessmen in the name of anti-corruption in 2017 and the dismemberment of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018, and the epidemic has worsened. Foreign direct investment (FDI) in the four years from 2017 to 2020 totaled only $15 billion, which is only 40% of the peak of foreign investment in Saudi Arabia in 2008. Desperate to step.
Similar to the loft-like Neom in the air, the Saudi carbon-neutral plan is also lacking in feasibility.
Muhammad, for example, has pledged to plant 450 million trees by 2030.
Not to mention that this rate is six times faster than the rate of tree planting in Saudi Arabia in the past year and a half, and it is doubtful whether it is feasible, and the specific tree planting options, planting areas and irrigation methods are unknown.
Planting trees in the desert is not easy. Although some traditional desert trees such as date trees and pea trees can survive on groundwater, the land may not be able to withstand large amounts of such trees in the case of excessive groundwater extraction and rapid decline in water levels in Saudi Arabia, which may require sophisticated irrigation technology, which is quite demanding in terms of technology and water resources. The cultivation of exotic trees can lead to an ecological crisis.
As for increasing renewable energy generation, this commitment is more feasible, after all, Saudi Arabia has sufficient light, large desert open space can be set up solar panels, and the strong wind brought by the northeast wind in the summer is also conducive to the development of wind energy.
However, given that the country ’ s renewable energy accounted for less than 0.05% of the country ’ s electricity supply in 2018, it is far from the target of 50% by 2030.
Coupled with the country's planning of a large number of infrastructure projects, the rapid increase in population, and the demand for desalinated seawater with the further depletion of groundwater, it is expected that electricity consumption will also rise, and the number of renewable energy installations and grid speed can catch up with electricity consumption is unknown.
For Saudi Arabia, the gift of oil allows the country to break through environmental constraints and easily become rich, but it also prevents it from developing industries, technologies and management experience other than the petrochemical system.
But as the share of oil wealth shrinks in the future and the country seeks to transform, harsh natural conditions begin to constrain the country ’ s development, and deadly climate change adds to the challenge. At the same time, the young king is too ambitious and avant-garde project planning, it is difficult to say whether it can transform the Saudi economy as it intended, rather than a waste of public money. And...
However, there is still time and money to transform the country in Saudi Arabia, which may be able to truly escape the blessings and curses of black gold and the restrictions of the sand and create a diversified green economy.

This report examines how energy-rich nations in the region are preparing for a post-oil future through ambitious solar energy initiatives, highlighting key national projects, current capacity, government incentives, and the broader impacts on local economies and climate goals.

Title:

Content: Report Warns Global, Efforts to Meet Climate Goals , Need to Be Doubled.

On March 28, the International Renewable Energy Agency warned that the world needs to ramp up the deployment of renewable energy sources by the end of the decade.

'Time' reports that the agency said that new wind and solar plants need to be deployed in order to meet the world's climate goals.

According to the agency, renewable energy accounted for 83% of new power generation in 2022.

Meanwhile, the global share of installed renewable power generation reached 40% last year.

However, the Abu Dhabi-based agency said that renewable power deployment would need to be doubled in order to cap global warming at 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit.

In 2015, governments agreed to the Paris climate accord which aimed at preventing significant harm from climate change.

In 2015, governments agreed to the Paris climate accord which aimed at preventing significant harm from climate change.

A profound and systemic transformation of the global energy system must occur in under 30 years, Francesco La Camera, IRENA Director General, via 'Time'.

According to the agency, annual investments in renewable energy would have to exceed $5 trillion to achieve the goals set forth in the Paris accord.

The agency called for investments in fossil fuels to be diverted to renewable energy sources.

They also called for financial assistance in developing nations struggling to deploy alternatives to oil, coal and gas power generation.

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Content: Dubai is on track to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050
T + T - normal size
The UAE is one of the leading countries in the world in the transition to clean and renewable energy, and ranked second globally in the energy transition in the Global Green Future Index 2023, and sixth in the rate of solar energy consumption per capita, which confirms the UAE ’ s commitment to sustainability standards under the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Ruler. Dubai, may Allah protect him, in the field of sustainability and global climate action.
The UAE has confirmed for nearly 10 years that it will celebrate the export of the last barrel of oil, because our economy is diverse, prosperous and sustainable, and our leadership plans for decades to come following the approach of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan to comprehensive and sustainable development, people-centered, and investment in natural resources and conservation.
The UAE set new standards for international cooperation by hosting the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) in Expo City Dubai.
COP28 is the culmination of the landmark UAE Agreement, which marks an exceptional turning point in international climate action and strengthens the efforts of countries and international cooperation to accelerate the achievement of an orderly, just, responsible and rational transition in the energy sector and the transition to a non-conventional fuel energy system that contributes to climate neutrality.
Through DEWA ’ s participation as a key track partner in COP28, we helped introduce the world to DEWA ’ s major renewable and clean energy projects that are driving Dubai ’ s energy and water transformation, as well as DEWA ’ s efforts to leverage Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies, including IoT, artificial intelligence, nanosatellites and data analytics, to improve efficiency, predictive maintenance and customer services.
In line with the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to promote the transformation of the Emirate of Dubai to a carbon-neutral economy by 2050, and in line with Dubai ’ s firm commitment to sustainability, and to enhance its proactive role in shaping the future and actively supporting energy and climate change issues, the Dubai Future Energy Council conducted an in-depth study on how to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 through a clear strategy and roadmap. Using the latest technologies in this field to include required investment and other possibilities, as well as modeling social and economic impact and opportunities.
With a detailed and well-established strategy and roadmap covering the energy, water, transport, industry, buildings and waste sectors over the next 30 years, we seek to expand the adoption of renewable and clean energy solutions and technologies and provide investment opportunities in the green economy.
The commitment of Dubai ’ s departments and institutions, led by DEWA, to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 is reflected in major projects such as the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the world ’ s largest single-site solar park. The emirate is on track to achieve the goals of Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and Dubai ’ s Carbon Neutrality Strategy 2050 to provide 100% of its energy production capacity from clean energy sources by 2050.
Dubai ’ s clean energy capacity is expected to reach 27 per cent by 2030, exceeding the target of 25 per cent by 2030. One ambitious project that demonstrates our commitment to using clean technologies to reduce environmental impact is the Hasyan desalination plant, which will be the world ’ s largest reverse osmosis and solar-powered desalination plant.
According to DEWA ’ s strategy, 100% of Dubai ’ s desalinated water production in 2030 will come from a clean energy mix, which will make the emirate exceed the global target for the use of clean energy in desalination. Increasing the operational efficiency of separating desalination from electricity production will save approximately AED 13 billion by 2030 while reducing 44 million tonnes of carbon emissions.
In Dubai, we stopped launching any new fossil fuel energy projects several years ago, limited the new desalination projects to reverse osmosis technology using clean energy, and raised the fuel efficiency of major production units to about 90% at the best global level.
The Hasyan Reverse Osmosis Seawater Desalination Complex, the largest of its kind in the world for solar desalination, underscores our commitment to sustainability, as reverse osmosis plants consume less energy than other desalination technologies, which means lower operational costs and reduced emissions and environmental impacts.
The strategic shift to the Independent Water and Energy Producer (IWPP) model and enhanced partnership with the private sector have attracted more than AED 43 billion in investments. DEWA and Dubai Municipality have signed an agreement for a biogas landfill power generation project in Muhaisnah 5, enhancing Dubai ’ s pioneering sustainability practices and accelerating the achievement of the UAE Climate Neutrality Strategy by 2050.
DEWA ’ s various initiatives, including the Innovation Centre and the Research and Development Centre at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, underscore DEWA ’ s commitment to innovation and adoption of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies. The focus on developing solar technologies, improving the efficiency of solar photovoltaic plants, and addressing intermittent solar energy production through various storage solutions, reflects our efforts to overcome challenges in the renewable energy sector.
As we enter a new year, we are optimistic and positive, and pledge our leadership to continue to work on pioneering projects to diversify energy sources and achieve competitive results at the global level, and to strengthen Dubai ’ s position as a global center for sustainability and the green economy, supporting the UAE ’ s efforts to advance the global sustainability agenda and stimulate sustainable economic and human development to ensure a brighter and more sustainable future for us and future generations to come.
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Title:

Content: Azernews.Az

Thursday October 13 2022

Minister: Attracting investment necessary to prevent oil shortages, price volatility [PHOTO]

13 October 2022 17:05 (UTC+04:00)

By Ayya Lmahamad

Attracting investment is necessary to prevent oil shortages and price volatility in the oil market in the future, Azerbaijan’s Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov has said, Azernews reports.

He made the remarks while addressing the panel discussion, entitled “New challenges-new opportunities. What awaits the global oil and gas market?” at the Russian Energy Week International Forum.

Speaking at the panel discussion, he shared his views on balancing the global oil market and the development of green energy under new realities.

The minister noted that hydrocarbons will remain important in the changing energy architecture, but the picture of the oil and gas sector in the world is likely to be different.

Stressing that there is currently political and investment support for green energy, Parviz Shahbazov noted that last year 257 GW of renewable energy capacity was commissioned worldwide, adding that $365 billion was invested in this sector, as evidence of the green energy development.

“Today many countries are successfully implementing a green energy policy and have no problems with energy security. Azerbaijan is one of such few countries,” he added.

In this regard, he mentioned that wind and solar energy facilities with a total capacity of 4,700 MW are currently being created together with international energy companies.

“A little later, we have plans for projects with a capacity of 6 GW,” he said.

Azerbaijan's Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov is attending the Russian Energy Week International Forum, at the invitation of Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak.

--

Ayya Lmahamad is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @AyyaLmahamad

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz

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## Key National Solar Projects

### United Arab Emirates

The UAE has emerged as a regional leader in renewable energy adoption.

The country has signed a strategic partnership with the United States to invest $100 billion in producing 100 GW of clean energy worldwide.

At home, Dubai is developing the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Complex, which stands as the world's largest solar complex in a single location.

This flagship project is central to Dubai's goal of achieving 100% clean energy production by 2050.

The UAE became the first country in the region to adopt a comprehensive hydrocarbon neutrality strategy targeting 2050, demonstrating its commitment to balancing traditional energy strengths with renewable innovation.

### Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia's National Renewable Energy Program, launched in 2017 as part of Vision 2030, represents one of the most ambitious renewable energy initiatives in the region.

The Kingdom is implementing more than 80 initiatives in the public and private sectors with investments exceeding $188 billion to build a more sustainable future.

Title:

Content: ECONOMY
He said the kingdom is a model to follow.
Energy Minister: 130 GW of renewable energy in years
Albilad – Riyadh
Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman said the kingdom aims to add 20 gigawatts of renewable energy annually to reach 100 to 130 gigawatts of renewable energy before 2030.
His Highness added in his speech during the opening of the Smart Grid Conference 2023 in Riyadh: We are ready to export electricity to up to 150 gigawatts, whether green or hydrogen electricity, and we are determined to move in a model in various fields and one day you will see Saudi Arabia as a model to follow.
The Kingdom doubled its capacity from 700 MW last year to more than 2.2 GW, with more than 8 GW of renewable energy under construction and 13 GW in various stages of development, and plans to bid by 20 GW in 2024 and become a major source of green hydrogen globally. The path of transformation in the energy sector.
The Kingdom seeks to become one of the world ’ s leading exporters of hydrogen and electricity from low-emission sources, leveraging its capacity to produce hydrogen and generate electricity from low-emission sources at a competitive cost.
The Kingdom has the resources from renewable energy, natural gas and carbon sinks to export hydrogen and is strategically located close to the world ’ s largest demand centers.
Initiatives and investments
The Kingdom is implementing more than 80 initiatives in the public and private sectors with investments worth more than 705 billion riyals ($188 billion), to build a more sustainable future for all.
The Kingdom is on track to achieve its goal of reducing carbon emissions by 278 million tons per year by 2030.
The Kingdom aims to achieve an optimal energy mix for electricity production of approximately 50% for natural gas and 50% for renewable energy by 2030, which will replace up to 1 million barrels of liquid fuel equivalent currently in use.
Since 2022, the Kingdom has connected 2,100 megawatts of renewable energy projects to the national electricity grid, bringing the total capacity of renewable energy sources used to 2,800 megawatts (2.8 gigawatts), enough to power more than 520,000 homes.
This achievement represents a 300 per cent increase in total capacity and highlights the Kingdom ’ s continued progress in accelerating the energy transition.
By the end of the year 2023, the production capacity of renewable energy projects under construction will be more than 8 gigawatts.
In addition, a number of additional projects with a capacity of approximately 13 GW are at various stages of development.
As part of the ongoing efforts to transform the national energy mix, the Kingdom has launched a number of projects aimed at reducing dependence on liquid fuel and replacing it with gas for electricity generation. By December 2023, four high-efficiency gas-fired power plants with a total capacity of approximately 5,600 megawatts had been put into operation.
The Kingdom is also currently building high-efficiency CCS plants with a total capacity of approximately 8.4 GW.
As part of its ongoing investment in the development of future fuels, the Kingdom continues to make significant progress on the construction of the world ’ s largest green hydrogen plant in NEOM with a total investment of $8.4 billion.
The Kingdom also signed a number of bilateral agreements with a number of international companies in 2023 to cooperate in the production and export of clean and green hydrogen in the Kingdom.

Saudi Arabia is also extending its influence globally, investing $200 billion in renewable energy projects across 21 other countries.

### Regional Developments

According to a Global Energy Monitor report, Arab countries collectively are planning for more than 73 GW of solar and wind energy projects, repr