The Middle East, historically synonymous with oil wealth, is undergoing a profound energy transition as regional governments and private sector actors invest heavily in renewable energy, particularly solar power, to prepare for a post-oil future.

This transition is marked by ambitious national projects, rapidly expanding solar capacity, robust government incentives, and a strategic focus on economic diversification and climate objectives .

**Key National Projects and Solar Capacity** The United Arab Emirates (UAE) stands at the forefront of the region’s renewable energy drive, committing approximately Dh600 billion ($163.5 billion) over the next three decades to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 .

The UAE’s flagship projects include the world’s largest solar plant in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra region, with a capacity of 2 GW, and the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai, which is planned to reach 5 GW, making it one of the largest single-site solar parks globally .

The UAE also leads in green hydrogen initiatives, with the National Hydrogen Strategy planning up to AED 200 billion ($54.5 billion) in renewable energy investments and collaborations such as the Abu Dhabi National Energy Company and Abu Dhabi Ports producing renewable hydrogen for export .

Saudi Arabia, the region’s largest economy, is advancing its energy transition through Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative, targeting carbon neutrality by 2060 .

The country has announced multiple renewable energy projects, including plans to install 40 GW of solar PV capacity by 2030, and is developing the world’s largest clean hydrogen plant in NEOM .

The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Oman will lead the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region in tripling renewable capacity from 2023 to 2028, with solar PV expected to account for over 85% of this increase .

Oman is rapidly scaling up its renewable energy sector, aiming to secure 16% of its electricity from renewables by 2025 and 30% by 2030 .

The Ibri II project, the largest TOPCon solar plant worldwide, has a total capacity of 607 MW, including 490 MW of bifacial solar panels .

Oman is also targeting around 1 million tonnes per annum of green hydrogen production by 2030, positioning itself as a major exporter .

Egypt is a regional leader in solar and wind energy, with the Benban Solar Park expected to become one of the largest solar photovoltaic generation parks globally .

Egypt’s Feed-In Tariff (FIT) program, supported by a $635 million investment from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), is mobilizing private investment to build up to 11 solar power plants with a combined capacity of 500 MW .

The GREGY interconnector, a subsea electricity cable linking Egypt’s solar and wind facilities to the European energy market via Greece, aims to transmit 3,000 MW of renewable energy, supporting Europe’s green transition and reducing fossil fuel dependency .

Morocco is commissioning three large solar power plants by 2027, aiming to increase renewables to over 52% of its energy mix by 2030.

Currently, renewables account for nearly 40% of Morocco’s electricity production .

The country is also focusing on green hydrogen production, leveraging its strategic location to become a significant producer .

Other notable projects include Dubai-based Alcazar Energy Partners’ portfolio of five solar and two wind projects in Egypt and Jordan totaling 411 MW, and Larsen & Toubro’s construction of two gigawatt-scale solar PV plants in the region with a combined capacity of 3.5 GW .

**Government Incentives and Policy Frameworks** Governments across the Middle East are implementing a range of incentives and policies to accelerate the energy transition.

The UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 strategy includes over $160 billion in investments, underpinned by sustainable urban development and renewable energy projects nationwide .

The National Hydrogen Strategy and other government policies demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability and economic diversification, with significant investments in renewable energy and green hydrogen .

Financial institutions in the UAE are adapting to support sustainable initiatives, with banks pledging to mobilize $272 billion for sustainable finance by 2030 .

Oman’s Vision 2040 and related agreements, such as the partnership between Oman Electricity Transmission Company and United Solar, reflect a national commitment to renewable energy and zero emissions by 2050 .

Egypt’s FIT program is a landmark policy to attract private sector investment in solar energy, supported by international financial institutions .

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative emphasize reducing carbon emissions, promoting renewable energy including clean hydrogen production, afforestation, and developing a circular carbon economy .

Regional cooperation is also evident, with projects like the tripartite energy-water accord between Israel, the UAE, and Jordan, where a UAE government-owned firm will build a massive solar energy facility in southern Jordan to supply energy to Israel, which will provide Jordan with desalinated water in return .

The establishment of the Zero Emissions Traders Alliance (ZETA) in Dubai aims to create a clean energy market in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), modeled after the European Emissions Trading System (ETS), to unify fragmented carbon trading efforts and promote leadership in green hydrogen and ammonia markets .

**Impact on Local Economy and Climate Goals** The energy transition is expected to create new industries and job opportunities, contributing to economic diversification and innovation.

UAE Minister Dr.

Sultan Al Jaber emphasized that the transition is not only about reducing emissions but also about fostering economic growth and creating new skills and jobs .

Renewable energy projects like those developed by Alcazar Energy have powered 275,000 households and saved over 15.6 million tons of CO2, demonstrating tangible environmental and economic benefits .

The Benban Solar Park in Egypt is anticipated to significantly boost the local economy, while the Sharjah Sustainable City project in the UAE provides practical energy management and conservation solutions, contributing to local economic development .

The transition is also framed within the context of environmental and social justice, with an emphasis on equitable access to energy and ensuring that marginalized and vulnerable communities benefit from renewable energy projects .

Projects like Sharjah Sustainable City exemplify efforts to engage communities in sustainable practices, fostering awareness and resilience .

The urgency of shifting to sustainable energy is underscored by climate leaders such as Queen Rania of Jordan, who highlight the region’s vulnerability to rising temperatures and shrinking water supplies .

**Technological Innovations and Research** The Middle East is investing in advanced solar technologies to enhance efficiency and adapt to regional climate conditions.

The first Middle East and North Africa Solar Conference (MENA-SC) in Dubai explored innovations like perovskite solar cells, which could improve photovoltaic efficiency under harsh desert climates .

The adoption of bifacial photovoltaic systems, which improve solar energy production in desert environments, is being promoted through workshops and conferences .

The Ibri II Solar Project in Oman, the largest TOPCon solar plant globally, utilizes bifacial panels, showcasing the region’s commitment to cutting-edge solar technologies .

Research into perovskite materials at Qatar University aims to develop low-cost, high-efficiency solar semiconductors, although stability challenges remain .

The Solar Decathlon Middle East (SDME) fosters innovation in sustainable building designs, with university teams implementing projects across the UAE .

Innovative projects like THE LOOP in Dubai promote sustainable mobility powered by renewable energy, reflecting the region’s broader approach to urban sustainability .

**International Partnerships and Regional Cooperation** International partnerships are integral to the Middle East’s renewable energy expansion.

Norway-based Scatec has partnered with Egyptian companies to develop renewable ammonia and hydrogen projects, supported by financing from the European Investment Bank .

The Oman Investment Authority is exploring joint renewable investments with Saudi Arabia and Egypt .

Dubai-based Alcazar Energy Partners II has raised $490 million to develop over 1.6 GW of clean energy projects in emerging markets, aiming to reduce over 3 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually and create long-term employment .

The GREGY inter

The Middle East, historically synonymous with oil wealth, is undergoing a profound energy transition as regional governments and private sector actors invest heavily in renewable energy, particularly solar power, to prepare for a post-oil future.

This transition is marked by ambitious national projects, rapidly expanding solar capacity, robust government incentives, and a strategic focus on economic diversification and climate objectives .

Title:

Content: Abraham Accords are helping Israel transform the Middle East

DIPLOMATIC AFFAIRS: How the deal with the Gulf states is helping Israel improve relations with its ‘first generation’ of Arab partners.

ENERGY MINISTER Karin Elharrar signs a climate cooperation deal with Jordan in Dubai this week.
(photo credit: Courtesy)
John Kerry, the former US secretary of state currently serving as President Joe Biden’s special climate envoy, finally got to help hammer out and watch the signing of a Middle East agreement on Monday.
It wasn’t, however, an Israeli-Palestinian accord, one that former defense minister Moshe Ya’alon said Kerry was “obsessive and messianic” about brokering.
Rather, it was the signing in Dubai of a tripartite energy-water accord between Israel, the United Arabs and Jordan.
Under this accord, a government-owned UAE firm will build a massive solar energy facility in southern Jordan, which will then sell the energy to Israel. Israel, in turn, will either build a new desalination plant or provide Jordan – via its current desalination facilities – with some 200 million cubic meters of water per year, quadrupling the amount of desalinated water it currently sells the Hashemite Kingdom.
Kerry, standing alongside UAE Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed, looked on as Energy and Water Resources Minister Karin Elharrar, UAE Climate Change Minister Mariam Almheiri, and Jordan Water and Irrigation Minister Mohammed Al-Najjar signed the agreement.
The irony was striking since it was Kerry – in a terrible prediction that will always accompany a discussion of his Mideast diplomatic legacy – who famously said, at a conference in 2016, that Israel would never reach a separate peace with any Arab nation without first signing an agreement with the Palestinians.
(L-R) Environmental Protection Minister Tamar Zandberg, Energy Minister Karin Elharrar and John Kerry. (credit: Courtesy)
Not only would this not happen, he stressed, but he was completely sure it would not happen.
“I’ve heard several prominent politicians in Israel sometimes saying, well, the Arab world is in a different place now, we just have to reach out to them and we can work some things with the Arab world and we’ll deal with the Palestinians. No, no, no and no,” Kerry said at the Saban Conference in 2016.
“There will be no advance and separate peace with the Arab world without the Palestinian process and Palestinian peace,” he continued with complete certainty. “Everybody needs to understand that. That is a hard reality.”
Those comments came less than a month before the Obama administration, in which Kerry served, enabled during its final month in office a sharply worded anti-settlement UN Security Council resolution, and just before Kerry delivered a rambling swan-song speech at the State Department on the Mideast where he pinned the onus of the blame for the diplomatic stalemate with the Palestinians on Israel.
Yet, there he was on Monday, standing next to the UAE crown prince, watching the fruits ripen from just precisely the type of separate peace agreement that he was so certain would never materialize, and did nothing to advance.
The importance of what was signed on Monday goes beyond the supply of renewable energy to Israel and desalinated water to Jordan. This deal moves the benefits to be accrued from the Abraham Accords to other countries in the region, and not just to each of the Arab countries with which Israel reached an agreement: the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan.
As Ghaith al-Omari and Simon Henderson wrote in an article for the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, this deal “demonstrates additional ways to build on the Abraham Accords.
“So far, most of the diplomatic activity surrounding the accords has focused on adding new countries or deepening bilateral relations between Israel and its new partners,” they wrote. “These efforts should be continued, but the solar/water deal shows how the accords can simultaneously deepen Israel’s relations with the first generation of Arab peacemakers.”
And deepening Israel’s relations with “the first generation of Arab peacemakers,” namely Jordan and Egypt, is critically important, given that Israel’s relations with both those countries have been defined as a cold peace, especially – of late – with Jordan.
This deal could significantly warm up ties with Jordan, which the Bennett government has tried to put on a healthier footing than was the case under prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Prime Minister Naftali Bennett did this immediately after taking office by secretly traveling to Amman to meet King Abdullah II, and by announcing that Israel would increase the amount of desalinated water sold in the kingdom.
The deal also takes the relationship between the two countries beyond the security field, where – with the exception of Israel’s sale of natural gas to Jordan – it has rested almost exclusively until now, and widens it to the civilian realm.
Not everyone was cheering, however. Reflective of this was an article in the anti-Israel UK-based Middle East Monitor, which quoted “Palestinian expert” Saleh al-Naami as saying the deal “proves that the Jordanian regime is increasingly serving Israeli interests.”
Naami said the plan will benefit the “settlements” and allow Israel to dump its industrial waste on Jordan.
“Jordan has the desert in the south, and this will be used for a massive solar plant to generate electricity to be exported to the Israeli settlements in the Negev and the West Bank,” he said. “Part of the Israeli industrial infrastructure, which has polluting emissions that harm the densely populated areas in Israel, will be relocated to the Jordanian desert under the pretext of hiring Jordanian workers.”
Notwithstanding these sentiments – which will surely be echoed by those in Jordan fiercely opposed to any cooperation with Israel – the deal could serve as an example for further cooperation with Jordan, as well as with Egypt, and demonstrates just how the Abraham Accords are transforming the region.
ANOTHER EXAMPLE came two days later, when Defense Minister Benny Gantz flew to Morocco for a two-day visit, the first visit by an Israeli defense minister to one of the countries with which Israel has begun to cooperate as a result of the Abraham Accords.
The Defense Ministry released a statement saying that Gantz and his Moroccan colleague Abdellatif Loudiyi signed a groundbreaking defense memorandum of understanding.
Let that sink in for a moment. Israel’s defense minister went to an Arab state that for years refused to acknowledge any ties with Israel, and signed a defense memorandum that “formalizes defense relations” between the two countries and “establishes a foundation that will support any future cooperation.”
This memorandum will enable the defense establishments of both countries to enjoy “increased cooperation in the fields of intelligence, industrial collaboration, military and training,” the statement read.
Three years ago, such a development would have seemed a pipe dream. This week the Moroccan press ran stories of how the agreement will enable the manufacture in Morocco of killer drones equipped with Israeli technology, and last week how the North African country bought Israel’s SKYLOCK dome system – an anti-drone weapon that detects and destroys enemy drones.
According to The North African Post, “The Israeli military equipment and technologies give Morocco a strategic advantage and superiority in the region, making Algerian generals, de facto rulers, extremely nervous.”
Indeed, Algeria – Morocco’s neighbor and arch-foe – was infuriated by the Moroccan-Israel rapprochement and the fact that the US recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara as a result of Rabat joining the Abraham Accords. Algeria has long backed the Polisario Front in Western Sahara against Morocco.
Shortly following the visit of Foreign Minister Yair Lapid to Morocco in August, Algeria severed ties with Morocco, using remarks Lapid made in Rabat voicing concerns about Algeria’s role in the region and its relationship with Iran as one of many pretenses for the move.
If Algeria was infuriated by the visit of Israel’s foreign minister, one can only imagine how it must be steaming now that the Jewish state’s defense minister was hosted in Rabat on a formal visit and talked about security cooperation and arms deals.
One Algerian reaction to the Israeli-Moroccan rapprochement has been closer ties with Iran, a friendship that will only drive Morocco and Israel further into each other’s embrace – further proof of how the Abraham Accords have thoroughly realigned the region.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Title:

Content: Building a sustainable tomorrow with cities of the future

The UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 strategy is a key enabler of its ambitious vision for a sustainable future

By Yousif Ahmed Al-Mutawa

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A view of Sharjah Sustainable City. — Supplied photo

Published: Thu 29 Feb 2024, 5:36 PM

While cities play a pivotal role in the global economy by virtue of being home to more than half of the world’s population, adopting and applying the principles of circular economy to urban development is certain to create sustainable cities that can thrive in the long term, bringing prosperity to their inhabitants.

Climate action and urban systems

This simple but powerful approach assumes all the more importance, considering that the window to curb climate change is narrowing, and more aggressive actions are needed to fundamentally change urban systems. An approach that contributes to the global energy transition and fully exploits the links connecting multiple infrastructures, enhances integrated governance and finance and deepens engagement among diverse stakeholders, can therefore maximize the benefits of climate actions. Those powerful thoughts were in the spotlight at the recently concluded World Governments Summit 2024, where a panel session titled “Building a Sustainable Future Above Cities” shed light on the critical priorities of the sector in the decades ahead.

The World Economic Forum (WEF) has estimated that annual global economic output could reduce by as much as $23 trillion globally as a direct consequence of increased emissions. Therefore, addressing climate change is an urgent collective responsibility shared across the public and private sectors.

Sustainable urban development

But here in the UAE, there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic about a sustainable future for cities.

Dubai, for instance, has approved regulations such as the Green Building and Sustainable Building Standards to ensure that developers adhere to sustainable development practices. Abu Dhabi launched the Estidama Pearl Rating System in 2010, which is used to evaluate sustainable building development practices and minimise water, energy consumption, and waste generation. That’s the reason sustainable projects such as the Masdar City in Abu Dhabi, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai, and communities such as Sharjah Sustainable City have already made their mark on the national net-zero landscape.

Yousif Ahmed Al-Mutawa, Chief Executive Officer of Sharjah Sustainable City

Indeed, as the first Middle East and North Africa (Mena) country to set a target to achieve net-zero emissions, the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 strategy is a key enabler of its ambitious vision for a sustainable future. With a projected investment of more than $160 billion announced by the UAE to achieve net-zero by 2050, it significantly boosts the scope for more sustainable developments across the country to further burnish the UAE’s global standing as a future-ready destination for investments.

As the discussions at the World Governments Summit panel demonstrated, the UAE’s efforts to leverage the energy transition and drive collaborations with all industries and government stakeholders to create an ecosystem of sustainability across projects and communities is commendable.

Sustainable cities

Sharjah Sustainable City – a joint venture between the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) and Diamond Developers – stands out for the incredible opportunities it offers in this regard.

Representing an environmental leap for sustainable habitats in the UAE, the city aspires to achieve net-zero and provides practical solutions related to food security, water and energy management, and conservation of natural resources. It is cultivating an exceptional and sustainable society that embraces the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and inspires a low-carbon future. All villas are designed as smart homes and equipped with energy-efficient kitchen appliances, thermal insulating construction materials, smart home automation, energy-saving electrical fittings, and rooftop solar PV installations, helping residents save up to 50% on utility bills.

Indeed, sustainable cities like Sharjah Sustainable City not only offer a successful pathway to building a sustainable future for cities but also demonstrate a deep understanding of the UAE real estate market, creating future-proof properties with excellent amenities.

Ultimately, while there is a long way to go for a global ecosystem of sustainable cities to flourish and for net-zero to become a commercially viable reality, projects such as the Sharjah Sustainable City clearly show the way in building a sustainable environment for our future generations.

The writer is Chief Executive Officer of Sharjah Sustainable City

More news from Business

**Key National Projects and Solar Capacity** The United Arab Emirates (UAE) stands at the forefront of the region’s renewable energy drive, committing approximately Dh600 billion ($163.5 billion) over the next three decades to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 .

The UAE’s flagship projects include the world’s largest solar plant in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra region, with a capacity of 2 GW, and the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai, which is planned to reach 5 GW, making it one of the largest single-site solar parks globally .

Title:

Content: Oman - In order to attract foreign investments, enhance environmental initiatives, and develop renewable and clean energy projects to achieve environmental targets and aspirations at the national level and contribute to the realization of Oman Vision 2040 and the goal of zero emissions by 2050, as well as to achieve global goals in this regard and meet the growing demand for renewable energy projects to keep pace with consumption growth; the Oman Electricity Transmission Company (OETC) signed an electricity connection agreement with United Solar on March 11, 2024. The signing ceremony took place at the Sohar Port and Free Zone in the Wilayat of Sohar, North Al Batinah Governorate, under the auspices of Sultan bin Salim al Habsi, Minister of Finance, and in the presence of several dignitaries, representatives of various government and private entities.

The ceremony included the signing of several agreements with relevant and specialized entities such as the Oman Electricity Transmission Company, Nama Supply, Sohar Port, and the Free Zone, in an investment totaling over RO 520 million. The cornerstone was laid for the polysilicon factory project in North Al Batinah Governorate, the first of its kind in the Middle East with an annual production capacity of 100,000 tonnes. The project is expected to be inaugurated in the first quarter of 2025.

Eng Saleh al Rumhi, OETC’s CEO, emphasised the company's keen interest in such projects and its ongoing efforts to invest and contribute to the success of renewable energy related projects. He also highlighted OETC’s commitment to developing infrastructure for large projects, improving the business environment to attract more investments, and continuing to work together with other entities to achieve the national visions, targets, and aspirations.

Al Rumhi added, "We always prioritize national visions, with Oman Vision 2040 at the forefront of our priorities, through all the projects, initiatives, and activities undertaken by OETC. Therefore, the company is diligently working on signing collaboration agreements and supporting various large-scale projects that align with its nature of work. We also focus on green energy projects and renewable energy, as Oman is blessed with inexhaustible resources in clean energy such as wind and solar power. These energies will contribute to achieving the goal of zero carbon emissions in Oman by 2050. Additionally, we believe in the added local value of such projects in terms of job opportunities, purchasing local materials, and developing local community and serving them as it should."

OETC, a member of Nama Group, is the only company responsible for the transmission and control of electricity across the Sultanate of Oman’s network. The electricity is transmitted from production stations to distributed load centers in the governorates. The transmission network operates at a voltage of 132kV and above to cover most of the governorates in the Sultanate of Oman, whether in the north or the south. Furthermore, OETC manages the interconnection lines between Oman and the GCC interconnection network, which operates at a voltage of 220kV.

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

The UAE also leads in green hydrogen initiatives, with the National Hydrogen Strategy planning up to AED 200 billion ($54.5 billion) in renewable energy investments and collaborations such as the Abu Dhabi National Energy Company and Abu Dhabi Ports producing renewable hydrogen for export .

Title:

Content: Energy transition provides opportunity to transform, diversify economy: Sultan Al Jaber

Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Special Envoy for Climate Change.

Globally, at least $3 trillion will be invested in renewable energy over the next ten years.

By WAM

Published: Tue 18 Jan 2022, 11:12 PM

Last updated: Tue 18 Jan 2022, 11:15 PM

The UAE sees the energy transition as an opportunity to transform and diversify the economic growth model of the country, according to Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Special Envoy for Climate Change.

Speaking during a virtual panel session titled ‘Projecting COP Ambitions across COP27 and COP28 and Economic Diversification Priorities Post-pandemic’ at the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), Dr. Al Jaber explained how the UAE and the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region can take advantage of the drive to climate action.

Al Jaber was speaking alongside the Alok Sharma MP, President of COP26, and Sameh Shoukry, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt and President-Designate of COP27, during the session moderated by Fred Kempe, President and CEO of the Atlantic Council.

Al Jaber said, “This region has specific advantages that can accelerate the energy transition from our position as energy leaders. Firstly, as long as the world continues to rely on oil and gas we can ensure reliable supplies of the least carbon intensive oil and gas available. We are leveraging this position to further drive down the carbon intensity through expansion of the first in the region carbon capture facility.

“We are also building on our unique capabilities in hydrogen to lay the foundation for a zero carbon hydrogen market. And, as you know, the UAE has been investing in the solar and broader renewable space for the last 15 years, and we are doubling down on this investment.”

Al Jaber pointed out that globally, at least $3 trillion will be invested in renewable energy over the next ten years. He said this represents a multi-trillion dollar opportunity that the UAE, the region and its international partners can capitalise on. “In fact, this is the thinking behind our Net Zero Strategic Initiative. Net zero, for us, is about new industries, new skills and new jobs. For us, the business of tackling climate change is simply good business.”

Dr Al Jaber cited the recent strategic partnership between Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC (Taqa), Mubadala Investment Company (Mubadala) and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) which transformed Masdar into a global clean energy powerhouse.

He said the new Masdar has almost doubled its renewable energy capacity and the ambition is to build on this solid foundation to reach 100 gigawatts (GW). Al Jaber called for partners, in the public and private sectors, to join the UAE and Masdar in delivering these ambitious goals that will lead to new industries, new skills, new jobs and new opportunities.

Responding to a question on the outcome of COP26 (the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference), Dr. Al Jaber noted it was a success as Glasgow united 90 per cent of the world’s economy on the path to net zero. “COP 26 also succeeded in launching many coalitions between governments and businesses to accelerate innovation. AIM for Climate, which the UAE launched with the US and 34 other countries is a good example. This is a growing coalition that directs investment to agri-tech to reduce agricultural emissions, which account for as much a third of global emissions. And critically COP26 finally reached a deal on Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which lays the foundation for effective carbon markets. All of this creates great momentum and a great platform which Egypt and the UAE can, and will, build on.”

On COP28 which is set to take place in Abu Dhabi in 2023, Al Jaber highlighted that it will mark the first ever global stocktake that will show us how we are tracking towards the Paris goals and, critically, it will set the roadmap towards 2030 and beyond. He added that the UAE is already working closely with the UK and Egypt to continue the momentum of COP26 and went on to detail the UAE’s approach to COP28.

“We want Abu Dhabi to be where the world turn pledges into concrete results and help take commercially viable climate solutions to scale around the world. This is why we want COP 28 to be as inclusive as possible, reflecting the views of developed alongside developing countries, the public and private sectors and scientists and civil society.”

“Inclusive also means including the expertise that exists across the energy spectrum, and specifically the hydrocarbon industry, because if we want to successfully transition to the energy system of tomorrow, we cannot simply unplug from the energy system of today. We need to make the current system work more efficiently with less carbon. We should leverage expertise from across the energy sector to find the climate solutions we need,” said Al Jaber as he stressed the need to always remember that the goal is to hold back emissions, not progress. — Wam

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Title:

Content:
Qatar University Shows Potential Of Perovskite Materials For Sustainable Future

(MENAFN- The Peninsula) The Peninsula

Doha, Qatar: A significant step forward in unveiling the potential of recently discovered perovskite materials as versatile semiconductors for solar energy applications has been taken by nanotechnology chemist Dr. Yasser Hassan, Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Qatar University's (QU) College of Arts and Sciences.

Perovskites offer incredible promise for an array of emergent technologies like efficient optoelectronics and sensors, to name just a few.“Perovskites could revolutionise how sunlight is harvested, how the world is lit, how radiation is sensed, and how nuclear waste is cleaned,” said Dr. Hassan, who has been researching the field for nearly a decade.

Harnessing energy from the sun to generate electricity is costly due to the advanced technologies required, limiting its accessibility to everyone. In reality, the current solar cells technology do not deliver the expected performance, as they fail to convert a significant amount of the energy absorbed. Moreover, the high cost of these cells, which primarily rely on silicon, poses a major barrier, making the cost of solar energy surpass that of other sources such as wind and hydropower.

While there is a lot of progress in the field, innovative ways to accelerate sustainable materials development processes are still in dire need. Over the years, incredible fundamental understandings and obligations have been accumulated by scientists regarding structural and multifunctional hybrid materials such as organic-inorganic composites and finding creative means for synthesising them.

Perovskites are an inexpensive material with pure colour quality that promises efficient energy performance and can be fabricated using low-cost processing techniques. The energy efficiency of this class of semiconductors is due to their extraordinary optoelectronic properties such as having a panchromatic absorption profile, exhibiting intense and narrow-band luminescence (strong absorption coefficient of ~105 cm−1), and possessing excellent ambipolar charge carrier mobility as well as relatively long carrier diffusion length (>1 μm), bringing them to the forefront of emerging optoelectronic materials.

Despite these promising features, the commercialisation of metal halide perovskites faces significant challenges: Their bandgap instabilities and non-radiative recombination processes affect their performance metrics and eventually initiate degradation trails, putting the device's long-term stability on the line. The main persistent challenge has been their chemical instability, hindering their widespread application. This issue was taken head-on by the research team.

The Nature Journal study focused on the critical issue of perovskite instability caused by unbounded lead atoms on the material's surface. These atoms are responsible for a phenomenon known as halide segregation, which leads to the degradation of the perovskite structure over time.“Learning from mother nature, particularly how biological systems like the human liver detoxify lead, it was discovered that lead-complexing multidentate ligands, such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and L-glutathione reduced, can 'clean' the perovskite nanocrystal surface,” explained Dr. Hassan.

The team's innovative approach neutralises the surface defects and inhibits halide segregation, thereby increasing the material's photo and chemical stability. The results are excellent, with red electroluminescence peaking at an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of over 20%. Dr. Hassan's work showcased a route to control surface defect formation and migration, a vital step for achieving band gap stability needed in light-emission applications.

“Studies like this are essential in understanding how perovskites work as a material and how they could be used in everyday life,” said Dr. Hassan.

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Saudi Arabia, the region’s largest economy, is advancing its energy transition through Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative, targeting carbon neutrality by 2060 .

Title:

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

September 17, 2022 0 By Frankie Wallace

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The country has announced multiple renewable energy projects, including plans to install 40 GW of solar PV capacity by 2030, and is developing the world’s largest clean hydrogen plant in NEOM .

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Content: L&T Secures Mega Renewable Energy Project in Middle East

Larsen & Toubro's renewable energy division has landed a significant project in the Middle East, entailing the construction of two Gigawatt Scale Solar PV plants. With these new orders, the company’s renewables portfolio is projected to reach a cumulative capacity of 22 GWp.

Devdiscourse News Desk | Updated: 08-07-2024 12:17 IST | Created: 08-07-2024 12:17 IST
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The Renewable energy arm of Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has clinched a major energy project in the Middle East, the company announced in an exchange filing on Monday. The project involves building two Gigawatt Scale Solar PV plants with a key developer in the region.

These solar plants will have a combined capacity of 3.5 GW (Gigawatt). The orders also encompass grid interconnections, including pooling substations and overhead transmission lines. Engineering and initial construction work for the project is slated to commence shortly.

Last month, the company announced securing a solar-cum-storage plant project in India. With the addition of these new mega orders from the Middle East, L&T's renewables portfolio is expected to reach 22 GWp (Gigawatt Peak) in cumulative capacity, comprising both solar and wind projects. 'The successive order wins stand as a testament to our engineering and project management capabilities,' noted T Madhava Das, Whole-time Director & Sr Executive VP (Utilities) - L&T.

Larsen & Toubro is a USD 27 billion Indian multinational enterprise engaged in EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) Projects, Hi-Tech Manufacturing, and Services. 'The Middle East is leading in sustainable energy infrastructure. These orders are valuable additions to our green portfolio as we envision the future with next-generation technologies,' said S N Subrahmanyan, Chairman & Managing Director - L&T.

Shares of the company stood at Rs 3602.45 on Monday at the time of the report filing. (ANI)

(Disclaimer: With inputs from agencies.)

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The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Oman will lead the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region in tripling renewable capacity from 2023 to 2028, with solar PV expected to account for over 85% of this increase .

Oman is rapidly scaling up its renewable energy sector, aiming to secure 16% of its electricity from renewables by 2025 and 30% by 2030 .

The Ibri II project, the largest TOPCon solar plant worldwide, has a total capacity of 607 MW, including 490 MW of bifacial solar panels .

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

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

Fossil Fuels: A Double-Edged Sword

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

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

The Countdown to Depletion

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

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

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

Toward a Sustainable Energy Paradigm

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

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

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

The Promise of Sustainable Energy

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

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

The MENA Region: The abundance of wisdom

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oman is also targeting around 1 million tonnes per annum of green hydrogen production by 2030, positioning itself as a major exporter .

Egypt is a regional leader in solar and wind energy, with the Benban Solar Park expected to become one of the largest solar photovoltaic generation parks globally .

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Wiser than Solomon: Can Evangelicals Lead the Middle East Toward Creation Care?

As Egypt hosts COP27, a few pioneering believers struggle to transform the region most at risk of climate change yet demonstrating the least concern.
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Image: Sean Gallup / Getty Images
Visitors walk in the Green Zone of the COP27 climate conference on November 10, 2022 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.

“Wisdom,” said Jesus, “is proved right by all her children” (Luke 7:35). But sometimes it takes generations to judge, as demonstrated by a new research study that threatens to tarnish the reputation of a legendary biblical paragon.

According to archaeologists at Tel Aviv University, King Solomon disregarded the environment.

Today, his spiritual descendants largely follow in his footsteps.

“We have so many working in evangelism, church planting, and leadership development,” said Michael El Daba, the Lausanne Movement’s regional director for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). “Almost no one is working in creation care.”

Evangelicals are not alone. According to a 2021 report by the Institute for Economics and Peace, the MENA region demonstrated the least concern for climate change, including 10 of the 20 lowest-scoring nations. Only 18 percent of those surveyed in Egypt, for example, recognized it as a “very serious threat”—even as it exacerbates food insecurity.

Arab Barometer, a regional pollster, found that 68 percent of Egyptians reported running out of food before being able to get more. In half of the other MENA countries surveyed, majorities stated the same. And in 9 out of 10, majorities worried it might happen to them.

Temperatures in the region are rising twice as fast as the rest of the world, according to a study published last June in the Reviews of Geophysics. At current rates, Egypt will be nine degrees hotter by the end of the century. Iraq has already increased three degrees in the last 30 years.

Some of the damage is self-induced. The study identifies MENA as a “dominant emitter” of greenhouse gases, overtaking Europe and India. Resource extraction—as necessary as the hydrocarbons are for national economies and modern society—comes with a cost.

Just as it did with King Solomon’s mines.

Although his mines are not specifically mentioned in the Bible, copper is known to have been extracted from the Timna Valley, north of the Gulf of Aqaba in ancient Edom, a region conquered by his father David. Solomon used the minerals in the construction of the temple.

Over 4,000 acacia trees and 185,000 white broom bushes were cut down to smelt the copper, according to charcoal evidence located by the Tel Aviv researchers and published in the Scientific Reports journal. Their removal “irreversibly affected” the soil’s ability to retain moisture, sparking the desertification that continues today.

Some researchers question the association with Solomon, but contemporary abuses ensure the region grows only drier. To the north, the Jordan River’s historic discharge of 1.3 billion cubic meters of water into the Dead Sea has been reduced to as low as 20 million, according to a 2013 UN study.

A joint Israeli-Jordanian project to lessen pumping in favor of desalination aims to increase flow by up to 40 million cubic meters, but the region suffers everywhere. According to the World Resources Institute, MENA is home to 12 of the 17 most water-stressed nations in the world—and again, some of the harm is self-inflicted.

According to the World Bank, only 18 percent of wastewater in the region is reused.

“Preserving water is fundamental,” said Georges El Copti, pastor of St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Amman, Jordan. “We are part of creation, and we have to care for it.”

Copti was interviewed last month as part of the Middle East Council of Churches’ effort to promote the international “Season of Creation,” sponsored in part by the Lausanne/World Evangelical Alliance Creation Care Network (LWCCN). He spoke not only of the importance of raising awareness but also about the rainwater harvesting project at his church.

Collecting even the minimal yearly rainfall in the desert kingdom can supply 30 percent of a household’s annual water need, stated the Jordanian Ministry for Water and Irrigation. Copti’s efforts are contributing to his congregation becoming an “Eco church,” a recognition awarded by A Rocha International, an evangelical environmental organization active in 20 countries.

Since its beginning in the United Kingdom, A Rocha has led thousands of churches to commit to embedding creation care into their preaching, worship, and facility management. Spinoffs are developing in France, Ghana, New Zealand, and Switzerland—though not yet in the Middle East.

“Matter reveals God,” said Dave Bookless, director of theology at A Rocha International. “If we destroy nature, we are ruining opportunities for evangelism.”

Bookless, also a creation care catalyst for LWCCN, spoke last month in Jordan, concluding a 12-region tour to promote the Lausanne Congress conviction, ratified in 2010, that “creation care is a gospel issue within the Lordship of Christ.”

The message has been slow to circulate.

“I know all the pastors,” said a Christian leader from Algeria. “This will be a revolution.”

Requesting anonymity due to social and governmental discrimination against Kabyle converts, the 26-year pastor said he is a rare environmentalist in his country. Partly it comes from experience: His church meets outdoors in nature, denied a permit to open a building.

When authorization comes, he plans to install solar panels—and expects grumbling from the congregation. Why bother, he anticipates their objection being, when the government offers such a steep subsidy on fossil fuels? As of 2021, OPEC member Algeria is the world’s 19th-largest oil exporter and a European target for increase given the disruptions caused by the Russia–Ukraine war.

Already aligned with the conference aims, the pastor still praised Bookless.

“I knew about recycling,” he said, “just not the Bible verses.”

Others in the region have gone further than reduce and reuse.

A Rocha Lebanon won acclaim for restoring the Aammiq Wetland in the Bekaa Valley. In the 1970s, authorities drained the area to combat malaria, unintentionally destroying an important transit point for north-south bird migration. The evangelical ecologists began restoration work in the early 2000s, and today the area is home to 53 species of butterflies, among other returning wildlife. And to the consternation—but not infection—of locals, even the mosquitoes are thriving again.

A current project, slowed by Lebanon’s financial crisis, is transforming a civil-war-era Syrian army landfill into a garden, complete with roses, fig trees, and a prayer labyrinth.

And outside Bethlehem, the Tent of Nations has turned the century-old Nassar family farm into an international peace and environmental center. Victim to attacks by both Jewish settlers and fellow Palestinians, the Lutheran family’s property is also claimed by the Israeli government, which uprooted many trees.

The Nassar slogan proclaims to all, “We refuse to be enemies.”

“Many evangelical churches preach, ‘Our home is in heaven,’” said Salim Munayer, founder of the Musalaha reconciliation ministry, in Jerusalem. “But as Arabs, our identity is very much connected to a geographical location, with the land itself as a fifth gospel.”

The identity is reflected even in many people’s name, he said. Many Arabic surnames end in i to connect to a traditional city or village, just as Iraqi or Yemeni denotes the national adjective.

But for those in the Holy Land, the attachments are often even stronger. And the environment is frequently one more avenue for politics within the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Bedouins in Galilee fear a wildlife corridor planned by the government is a disguised land grab that will limit the grazing of their livestock. And Jack Sara, general secretary of the MENA Evangelical Alliance, said that when early Zionists cleared Palestinian villages, they planted olive trees above them to hide their aggression.

He also addressed the common evangelical suspicion in spiritual terms.

“When we hear phrases like ‘creation care,’ it brings to mind someone hugging a tree,” Sara told LWCCN conference attendees. “But whenever I walk in a forest, I feel like I want to pray, don’t you?”

But none of the belonging, conflict, or meditation has been enough to rally evangelical concern for the environment, which is often seen as a “luxury topic” amid scarce resources and donor interest. Daba said that while Middle Eastern believers have largely joined social action to their verbal witness, the third pillar of the gospel—creation care—is still lacking.

He has a strategy.

“If we show them how ecology will also help the poor, they will pursue it,” he said. “We must incentivize social work to become environmental.”

A former business executive, Daba said his world once revolved around effectiveness, efficiency, and profitability. But when he became director for funding and investment for the Coptic Evangelical Organization for Social Services (CEOSS), he saw a reality once wholly alien to his church experience—shifting his concern to equality, poverty, and human rights.

It is an uphill battle to change mentalities, he said. But as his native Egypt is hosting the 27th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP27) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, there has never been a better time to rally local concern—or to make it practical.

Increased salinity from the rising Mediterranean will impact the Nile River, from which Egypt draws 95 percent of its water. At current levels, crop yields will decrease 10 percent by 2050.

One Egyptian project can serve as Daba’s model.

Since its opening in 2012, the Health and Hope Oasis (HHO) in Wadi el-Natroun has provided free residential cancer care to over 10,000 children. The facility is located halfway between Cairo and Alexandria, a region which is home to some of Egypt’s most famous once-remote monasteries.

Today, the green pastures are gone—a victim of urbanization and its overreliance on precious groundwater.

“I’ve seen the effects of the loss of agricultural land in Egypt,” said 72-year-old cofounder Magda Iskander, a trained radiologist. “I am connected to the land and a peasant at heart.”

Her vision is more than ecological. To sustain the hospital’s charitable services, its 40 acres of farmland produce food for the housed families—including mangoes, dates, bread, beans, and vegetables. Water buffalo provide milk and meat, while cafés in Cairo donate used coffee grounds for fertilizer.

And whenever there are excess funds, the charity adds to its many trees.

Running a secular organization primarily serving Egypt’s Muslim majority, the lifelong Presbyterian cofounder encourages Christians to overcome their ghetto mentality. How else will society know you are different?, she asked, noting that HHO has drawn more than 1,200 cross-faith volunteers.

“Sometimes we forget what Jesus did,” said Iskander. “Create a team, and get them to share your vision.”

This charitable model may soon be increasingly in demand. According to the World Bank, by 2050, water scarcity in the Middle East will reduce regional GDP levels by up to 14 percent.

Despite his alleged environmental failing, the wisdom of Solomon remains necessary today. But as the Gospels state, now one “greater than Solomon is here.” Jesus, as head of the Middle East church, is present in all its challenges.

“Evangelicals have always been a forward-looking beacon of change in our region,” said Daba, referring to the schools and hospitals they’ve established and sustained—and even the taboo on smoking. “Now we need to lead in care for creation.”

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Egypt’s Feed-In Tariff (FIT) program, supported by a $635 million investment from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), is mobilizing private investment to build up to 11 solar power plants with a combined capacity of 500 MW .

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Content: Norway-based renewable energy company Scatec and its partners, Egyptian Petrochemicals Holding Company (ECHEM) and Misr Fertilisers Production Company (MOPCO) have signed Heads of Terms for renewable ammonia offtake from Egypt with Yara Clean Ammonia, the world’s largest trader and distributor of ammonia, according to a press statement from Scatec.

Last year, Scatec, ECHEM and MOPCO had entered into a joint development agreement (JDA) and a shareholder agreement for the production of renewable ammonia.

The press statement that Scatec and its partners will develop and build up to 480 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy and an up to 240 MW electrolyser facility for production of renewable hydrogen, which will be used as feedstock for production of renewable ammonia at MOPCO’s existing ammonia production facility at Damietta in Egypt.

The targeted production capacity is up to 150,000 tonnes of renewable ammonia per annum, the statement noted.

The three partners have established joint venture Damietta Green Ammonia Company (DGA) to develop the project,

Scatec also signed a letter of Intent with the European Investment Bank (EIB) for long-term financing for the green ammonia project.

(Editing by Anoop Menon) (anoop.menon@lseg.com)

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Morocco is commissioning three large solar power plants by 2027, aiming to increase renewables to over 52% of its energy mix by 2030.

Morocco is commissioning three large solar power plants by 2027, aiming to increase renewables to over 52% of its energy mix by 2030.

Morocco is commissioning three large solar power plants by 2027, aiming to increase renewables to over 52% of its energy mix by 2030.

Currently, renewables account for nearly 40% of Morocco’s electricity production .

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Content: Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Alcazar Energy Partners II SLP (SCSp) (“AEP-II”), a Luxembourg domiciled sustainable infrastructure fund focused on utility-scale renewable energy projects in emerging markets, has reached a final closing of US$490 million, attracting capital from investors in North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Since first closing in November 2022, the fund has attracted eight additional top-tier investors such as the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC). These partners join a strong group of private and public investors, 80% of whom have AA or AAA ratings. Together they support AEP-II’s strategy to develop over 1.6GW of clean energy projects across select emerging markets that once operational will mitigate over 3 million tonnes of GHG emissions per year while generating long term employment opportunities in the countries in which they operate.

Having successfully acquired the project rights for its first two windfarms in the Western Balkans, totalling 456 MW, AEP-II has made significant progress in its aim of becoming a leading investor in the region’s renewable energy sector. Alcazar Energy’s projects will contribute significantly to an improved energy mix and the achievement of energy transition targets whilst generating local employment opportunities.

Alcazar Energy’s strong track record in investing in and developing renewable energy projects, its emerging markets expertise and commitment to ESG best practices have all contributed to a successful fundraising process for AEP-II. This follows the acquisition of AEP-I's portfolios by China Three Gorges South Asia Investment Ltd, whose shareholders included the International Finance Corporation and the Silk Road Fund, during the second half of 2021.

Daniel Calderon, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, said: “We are excited to announce the final close of AEP-II, welcoming blue-chip public and private infrastructure investors. Such a fundraising effort, in otherwise challenging market conditions, is a huge endorsement of the strength of our offering and a vote of confidence in our ability to lead the development of clean energy projects in emerging markets. With this fund, we are well positioned to continue investing in essential renewable energy projects that advance the energy transition in places that are historically underserved by the traditional investment community.”

-Ends-

About Alcazar Energy

Alcazar Energy is a leading independent sustainable infrastructure fund domiciled in Luxembourg, with an advisory team based in Dubai focusing on utility scale renewable energy projects in emerging markets. Following the success of its first investment vehicle, Alcazar Energy Partners I (AEP-I), Alcazar Energy launched its second vehicle, Alcazar Energy Partners II SLP (SCSp) (AEP-II), bringing together blue-chip public and private investors from North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. AEP-II will develop over 1.6GW of clean energy and mobilise c.a. US$2bn of foreign direct investment, including project finance, in emerging markets.

More information at: https://alcazarenergy.com/

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H/Advisors Maitland - AlcazarEnergy@h-advisors.global

The country is also focusing on green hydrogen production, leveraging its strategic location to become a significant producer .

Other notable projects include Dubai-based Alcazar Energy Partners’ portfolio of five solar and two wind projects in Egypt and Jordan totaling 411 MW, and Larsen & Toubro’s construction of two gigawatt-scale solar PV plants in the region with a combined capacity of 3.5 GW .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Content: DUBAI - Several regions across the UAE are witnessing the implementation of the designs of some of the teams that participated in the first and second Solar Decathlon Middle East (SDME) to construct sustainable research centres and laboratories.

The SDME was held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, and organised by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), as part of a partnership between the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and DEWA with the US Department of Energy.

The first (2018) and second (2021) SDMEs were held for the first time in the Middle East and Africa at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the largest single-site solar park in the world.

"We are pleased to see the positive impact of the competition in Dubai and its support for the Dubai 2040 Urban Masterplan launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, which outlines an integrated roadmap for urban development based on sustainable development to make Dubai the world’s best place to live. At DEWA, we are working on launching and incubating initiatives, programmes and competitions that consolidate the UAE and Dubai’s position as a hub for creativity and innovation as well as an incubator for innovators, to develop innovative solutions that fight climate change and engage youth in sustainable development," said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, and MD & CEO of DEWA.

Among the teams who are implementing their homes in different Emirates in the UAE are the BaityKool team from the University of Bordeaux, France, Amity University in the UAE; An-Najah National University in Palestine; Team Aqua Green from Ajman University; Team Desert Rose from Wollongong (UOW) Australia; Sharjah Team from the University of Sharjah; and Esteem from Heriot-Watt University in the UK and Heriot-Watt in Dubai.

Professor Tim McCarthy, Director, Sustainable Buildings Research Centre, University of Wollongong, Australia; Dr. Naglaa Mahmoud, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Engineering (Architecture) at Ajman University; and Dr. Philippe Lagiere, Assistant Professor Université de Bordeaux, highlighted the importance of the opportunity offered by the SDME to test the projects of the participants in reality and using special programmes for the first time. This has enabled them to improve their designs and better understand their strengths and weaknesses, as well as strengthen the experiences of all team members and their communication skills.

The competition was the largest and most competitive and challenging competition among international universities, with total prizes exceeding AED 20 million.

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**Government Incentives and Policy Frameworks** Governments across the Middle East are implementing a range of incentives and policies to accelerate the energy transition.

The UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 strategy includes over $160 billion in investments, underpinned by sustainable urban development and renewable energy projects nationwide .

The National Hydrogen Strategy and other government policies demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability and economic diversification, with significant investments in renewable energy and green hydrogen .

Financial institutions in the UAE are adapting to support sustainable initiatives, with banks pledging to mobilize $272 billion for sustainable finance by 2030 .

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Content: $635mn investment approved to build and operate 11 solar plants in Egypt

By James Henderson
The Board of Executive Directors of IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, has approved an investment of $635mn that will help construct, ope...

The Board of Executive Directors of IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, has approved an investment of $635mn that will help construct, operate and maintain up to 11 solar power plants in Egypt.

The combined capacity of the plants amount to 500 megawatts, and will be one of the largest private foreign direct investments in the country’s power sector in recent years.

Part of Egypt's landmark solar Feed-In Tariff (FIT) program, the $730mn project in Benban, near Aswan, aims to mobilise private investment to build the world's largest solar photovoltaic generation park, harnessing the country’s vast solar resources.

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As well as helping to spur economic growth, the project will help drive the local economy, including the creation of temporary and long-term jobs and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions

“This landmark investment demonstrates that when you have the right reform policies, and a government willing to allow greater involvement by the private sector, you can attract investors in every sector, including infrastructure,” said Mouayed Makhlouf, IFC Director for the Middle East and North Africa.

“Investments like these are the nucleus for economic growth, which is needed in Egypt.”

Egypt’s solar FIT program, which includes projects financed by other institutions like the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and Proparco, is expected to be one of the largest foreign direct investments in years, attracting investments of up to $2bn.

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Oman’s Vision 2040 and related agreements, such as the partnership between Oman Electricity Transmission Company and United Solar, reflect a national commitment to renewable energy and zero emissions by 2050 .

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Oman’s Vision 2040 and related agreements, such as the partnership between Oman Electricity Transmission Company and United Solar, reflect a national commitment to renewable energy and zero emissions by 2050 .

Egypt’s FIT program is a landmark policy to attract private sector investment in solar energy, supported by international financial institutions .

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative emphasize reducing carbon emissions, promoting renewable energy including clean hydrogen production, afforestation, and developing a circular carbon economy .

Regional cooperation is also evident, with projects like the tripartite energy-water accord between Israel, the UAE, and Jordan, where a UAE government-owned firm will build a massive solar energy facility in southern Jordan to supply energy to Israel, which will provide Jordan with desalinated water in return .

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Content: Dubai could be home to the renewable energy smart highway

The Loop is the new design concept encouraging running, cycling, and 100% renewable energy in unique, purpose-built smart highway designed by URB

The Middle East is home to some of the most incredible sustainability projects and ludicrous designs that could determine how life looks in a more advanced, eco-friendly world.

In 2022, the smart city plan known as NEOM made its debut in the public eye and launched a major partnership with McLaren Automotive to leverage its technological expertise and environmental commitment. The project is set to come to fruition in the Tabuk Province in northwestern Saudi Arabia and marks a new era of living in the desert environment.

Now, a new middle eastern project comes to our attention, which looks to enable smarter, more sustainable mobility in Dubai.

Known as THE LOOP, the concept is a running and cycling track that will be powered by 100% renewable energy to act as a suitable route for sustainable travel along a 93 km stretch.

The project was designed by URB, which is responsible for further instance yet exciting designs for projects to implement in Dubai, Kuwait, Riyadh, South Africa, and Cairo.

100% renewable energy encouraging a healthier population

The aim of THE LOOP is effectively to bring back pedal power and encourage more people to use their feet in order to limit the number of vehicles roaming the roads in the city. This goes hand-in-hand with Dubai’s position in urban mobility innovation.

“Dubai is the best place for entrepreneurship in urban mobility. THE LOOP project is an embodiment of that entrepreneurial spirit, which aims to make Dubai the most connected city on earth by foot or bike,” says URB.

“In Europe, most people ride bicycles or walk to get to work. In Dubai, our aim is to get more than 80% of people to use a bike on a daily basis.”

Exterior conceptual image of THE LOOP, Dubai

From the conceptual images of THE LOOP it becomes clear that the structure is more than just your average underpass or a bridge to and from travellers’ destinations. The design is intricate and presents ample spaces for parking shared e-scooters and bikes, as well as enabling walkers and runners to use the structure filled with greenery and other facilities—making THE LOOP an experience as well as a means of transportation.

The health benefits of walking and cycling are also factors in the success of the construction. It also looks like the facility will be home to vertical growing infrastructure to boost the sustainable credentials of THE LOOP and potentially serve as a place to research plant growing in an urban environment.

From a mobility perspective, URB’s design acts as a cog in Dubai’s wider plans to become a ‘20-minute city’ through enhanced mobility, and do it sustainably by using 100% renewable energy.

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The establishment of the Zero Emissions Traders Alliance (ZETA) in Dubai aims to create a clean energy market in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), modeled after the European Emissions Trading System (ETS), to unify fragmented carbon trading efforts and promote leadership in green hydrogen and ammonia markets .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Positive Zero

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

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

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

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

**Impact on Local Economy and Climate Goals** The energy transition is expected to create new industries and job opportunities, contributing to economic diversification and innovation.

**Impact on Local Economy and Climate Goals** The energy transition is expected to create new industries and job opportunities, contributing to economic diversification and innovation.

**Impact on Local Economy and Climate Goals** The energy transition is expected to create new industries and job opportunities, contributing to economic diversification and innovation.

UAE Minister Dr.

UAE Minister Dr.

Sultan Al Jaber emphasized that the transition is not only about reducing emissions but also about fostering economic growth and creating new skills and jobs .

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Content: Dubai: Dubai-based Alcazar Energy Partners, which specializes in renewable energy, has been acquired by China Three Gorges South Asia Investment ltd. through a consortium of investors.

AEP’s investor base includes Abu Dhabi wealth fund Mubadala Infrastructure Partners, BluStone Management and DASH Ventures, IFC (which is part of World Bank Group), and IFC’s Catalyst Funds. Senior management at Alcazar are also shareholders.

In about six years, AEP has a portfolio of five solar and two wind projects in Egypt and Jordan, with a total operational capacity of 411 MW. It has played a leading role in the development of the renewable energy industry in Jordan and Egypt. (Since 2014, Alcazar has raised $700 million in debt and equity to "create sustainable socio-economic value for the local communities in its host countries".

A snapshot on China Three Gorges South Asia
This is an investment holding company formed by China Three Gorges Corp. and China Three Gorges International Corporation in 2011 to acquire, develop, build, own and operate renewable power generation projects, principally in Asia.

Other shareholders include International Finance Corporation, which is part of Washington-based World Bank Group, and the Silk Road Fund.

China Three Gorges is China’s largest clean energy group and the largest hydropower enterprise in the world.

“Our plants have helped develop the renewable energy industry in Jordan and Egypt powering 275,000 households and saving over 15.6 million tons of CO2 whilst also making a strong contribution to economic growth and employment, particularly within the local communities,” said Daniel Calderon, Co-Founder and CEO of Alcazar Energy Partners.

The MENA region’s renewable energy sector is expected to build into a 157 GW of renewable energy capacity with an additional $175 billion expected to be invested in the next 10 years.

Renewable energy projects like those developed by Alcazar Energy have powered 275,000 households and saved over 15.6 million tons of CO2, demonstrating tangible environmental and economic benefits .

The Benban Solar Park in Egypt is anticipated to significantly boost the local economy, while the Sharjah Sustainable City project in the UAE provides practical energy management and conservation solutions, contributing to local economic development .

The transition is also framed within the context of environmental and social justice, with an emphasis on equitable access to energy and ensuring that marginalized and vulnerable communities benefit from renewable energy projects .

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

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

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

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

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

The power of regional markets

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Reporting by Anoop Menon; Editing by SA Kader)

(anoop.menon@lseg.com)

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Content: ‘World’s biggest TOPCon solar plant’ begins generating

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Chinese manufacturer Jolywood has announced the start of operations at a utility scale PV project in Oman it has described as the “largest TOPCon solar plant in the world.”

Some 490 MW of the total 607 MW generation capacity of the Ibri II project consists of TOPCon (tunnel oxide passivated contact) bifacial solar panels supplied by Jolywood, the company said today.

Solar and sustainability

Via the UP Initiative, pv magazine is diving deep into the topic of what it means to be truly sustainable in the solar industry; looking at what is already being done, and discussing areas for improvement. Quarterly themes have thus far covered the use of lead in solar, raw material sourcing for batteries, green finance, circular manufacturing, PV module recycling, agriPV, and workers’ rights. Contact up@pv-magazine.com to learn more.

Oman's largest solar project, near Ibri, the capital of Dhahirah governorate, covers around 1,154 acres, cost $400 million and began generating last month, according to Jolywood. It was developed by a consortium of Saudi Arabian, 50% state-owned developer ACWA Power, which will own half of the project; the Gulf Investment Corp owned by the governments of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi and the UAE, which will hold 40%; and clean energy developer Alternative Energy Projects Co (AEPC), in which the ruling family of Kuwait is the majority shareholder. The AEPC has a 10% stake. ACWA Power, on its website, describes the Ibri II project as costing $395 million and having a generation capacity of 500 MWac and Jolywood, in May last year, described the facility as having a total capacity of 575 MW. In January, the company told pv magazine the project would have a total capacity of 500 MW.

Offtaker

The 1.3 TWh the facility is expected to generate annually will be bought by state entity the Oman Power and Water Procurement Company and should be able to power up to 33,000 homes in the sultanate.

Jolywood said it had been chosen to supply panels to the project because of its products' ability to operate in harsh conditions including windy sand which can cause wind erosion, and huge temperature differences in desert areas.

The manufacturer said its J-TOPCon 2.0 Niwa solar module offers bifaciality of more than 80% and added, a third party which tested its equipment had certified the modules offered a 16% power output gain versus rival products operating in desert environments.

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With a low temperature coefficient of -0.32%/W, Jolywood said its Niwa bifacial panels reduce degradation and risk caused by high operating temperatures so the module can operate normally at 70 degrees Celsius.

The Chinese business said it had worked with German brand Munich Re to offer a 12-year warranty for materials and workmanship and a 30-year linear performance guarantee.

Jolywood VP Liu Zhifeng said: “Although the construction schedule of the project was seriously affected by Covid-19, [the] Jolywood team [overcame] many difficulties and completed the delivery of customer products as [per] the agreement, and [provided] professional technical services and support for the project, so that the project was successfully put into operation [on] schedule.”

The solar manufacturer claims to have delivered more than 5 GW of TOPCon cells and modules, with 1 GW of them shipped to the Middle East.

This content is protected by copyright and may not be reused. If you want to cooperate with us and would like to reuse some of our content, please contact: editors@pv-magazine.com.

Projects like Sharjah Sustainable City exemplify efforts to engage communities in sustainable practices, fostering awareness and resilience .

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Content: Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues have become increasingly prominent on the global stage as organisations recognise the need to integrate sustainability into their operations.

As the Middle East moves towards a low carbon future, sustainability has become a top priority for organisations and governments across the region.

Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai announced while launching the National Hydrogen Strategy that the UAE is to invest up to AED 200 billion ($54.5 billion) in renewable energy.

The launch of a AED 4 billion renewable energy plant in Dubai,  and the world’s largest waste-to-energy plant are proof of sustainability climbing the agenda.

With COP 28 being held in the UAE this year, there is a renewed sense of urgency on climate change action, and the net-zero carbon target is being prioritised through policies and actions.

After all, sustainability will boost the UAE’s economic competitiveness, drive innovative policy and improve investment opportunities.

The region has seen notable sustainability innovations, including Saudi Arabia’s rapid transition to a circular carbon economy, Bahrain’s state oil company refinancing a $2.2 billion sustainability-linked corporate finance facility, and Oman’s exploration of green hydrogen as a clean energy source.

However, the Middle East faces its own unique challenges in implementing ESG practices, especially around accurate sustainability reporting and implementing early regulations to fill in previous gaps.

Other challenges that hinder the progress of the region’s ESG agenda include the talent gap, how corporates in the region address the need to implement ESG practices, as well as data availability.

Regulatory frameworks

While standardised frameworks and reporting guidelines begin to form, the lack of clear regulations can hinder consistent measurement and disclosure of ESG performance.

Global frameworks have now become more widely adopted in the region such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), and the newly published International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB).

The gap in standardisation previously posed challenges for investors and stakeholders who relied on transparent and comparable ESG data for decision-making, however, we are starting to see drastic changes in this area.

Data availability

Many companies in the Middle East still face challenges in collecting, managing, and reporting ESG data, which can hinder their ability to effectively assess and manage their sustainability performance.

Data is the first step to measure any status, but also measure progress. Improving data collection mechanisms and investing in robust reporting systems will be instrumental in addressing this challenge.

ESG talent gap

Organisations need individuals with specialised knowledge and expertise in ESG practices to drive sustainable strategies effectively. Alongside this specialised knowledge, the industry also needs innovators, risk takers, agitators for change, mentors, and communicators in the field. There is however, a shortage of skilled professionals in the region with a deep understanding of ESG principles to drive innovative solutions.

Bridging this gap requires investment in education and training programmes to build a skilled workforce capable of integrating ESG considerations into business practices. Universities and training institutions are therefore increasingly offering courses and programmes on sustainability and ESG and businesses are partnering with academic institutions to develop tailored training initiatives and internships, nurturing a pipeline of talent equipped with the required knowledge and skills.

These efforts will cultivate a sustainable workforce capable of implementing and driving ESG practices in the Middle East.

Implementation by region’s corporates

Despite the challenges, corporations in the Middle East are embracing ESG practices, recognising the importance of sustainability and responsible business conduct. We see this through accelerated electrification and the increase of decarbonizing energy supply.

The GCC’s oil-producing nations have made efforts to diversify energy sources, transitioning towards net-zero carbon fuels for transportation. Investments in renewable energy, such as solar and wind, aim to mitigate environmental impacts and promote a low-carbon economic future transforming the economic system and supply chain.

Additionally, social considerations are gaining prominence. Companies are addressing social issues through initiatives that promote diversity, inclusion, and employee welfare.

Governance practices are also being strengthened to ensure transparency, accountability, regulatory reforms and ethical conduct.

While obstacles in integrating ESG practices persist in the Middle East, corporates in the region are proactively embracing sustainability and responsible business practices.

That the Middle East is emerging as a leader in ESG adoption is apparent through their fullfillment of the UN SDG goals which has driven positive environmental, social, and governance outcomes for businesses and society as a whole.

The urgency of shifting to sustainable energy is underscored by climate leaders such as Queen Rania of Jordan, who highlight the region’s vulnerability to rising temperatures and shrinking water supplies .

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Content: The World Economic Forum (WEF) convened a Special Meeting on Global Collaboration, Growth and Energy for Development in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on 28-29 April 2024. The two-day meeting hosted high-ranking figures, prime ministers and officials from across the Middle East as well as 1,000 global leaders from 92 countries to support global dialogue and find actionable, collaborative and sustainable solutions to shared global challenges.

Catalysing the energy transition was a central theme of the event and leading energy experts as well as dozens of energy ministers and commissioners from around the world were gathered to identify financial, technological and policy solutions aimed at scaling up the use of clean energy solutions while ensuring equitable growth.

H.E. Dr Amani Abou-Zeid, African Union Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy and Digitalisation, spoke about the energy access gap in Africa and its impact on socio-economic and human development in a public session on the rise of green molecules. The panel also saw the presence of H.R.H. Prince Abdulaziz Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Minister of Energy of Saudi Arabia, H.E. Suhail Mohamed Faraj Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure of the United Arab Emirates, Mr Erasmo Carlos Battistella, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Be8, Mr Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of TotalEnergies and Mr Shrikant Madhav Vaidya, Chairman of Indian Oil.

Commissioner Abou-Zeid first spoke about the need for universal energy access in Africa and the importance of using all available resources to reach this end. “With 50% our people still lacking access to energy, we cannot afford to disregard any solution. All solutions out there must be harnessed by the Continent”, she said. Africa is not only rich with fossil fuels but also has the biggest premium solar potential in the world as well enormous geothermal and wind potential. She added that “Africa has already taken important steps to exploit this potential – Africa hosts the two biggest solar plants in the world in Egypt and Morocco” – but recognised that the need is still very big and that “more has to be done to achieve Africa’s ambitious goals”.

Commissioner Abou-Zeid then discussed how green molecules such as green hydrogen, green ammonia, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and biofuels can provide opportunities to leapfrog towards an equitable and sustainable energy transition. Indeed, she noted that “the availability of natural resources, especially solar and wind, positions Africa as a future leader in green hydrogen production with 6 African countries already producing green hydrogen and 18 more in the process of developing their national green hydrogen strategies”. In addition to this, 4 countries have already started the production of SAF.

The production of green molecules undoubtedly provides a great opportunity for increased export revenues -which are much needed. However, Commissioner Abou-Zeid also noted that was is equally important is “to use these new fuels as a catalyst for socio-economic development, enhance capacity building and skills development to create jobs, local value chains and strong domestic markets”.

Commissioner Abou-Zeid also called for the need “to intensify the work in developing technologies to make them more affordable and more adapted to local needs”.  She added: “customising technologies to provide localised solutions, especially in rural areas will help accelerate the uptake of green molecules at the local level where access to electricity and other energy forms are most needed”

Finally, Commissioner Abou-Zeid made a compelling case for investing in Africa. Investments of almost US$600 billion in green hydrogen are planned across the globe till 2030 but Africa receives almost nothing from this figure. She noted that “Africa is the continent where technologies and investments for green molecules are the most needed with the added benefit that renewable energy is produced locally so there is a higher chance to reduce cost more than anywhere else in the world”. She added: “High demand due to a growing population, abundance of renewable energy on the continent and our proven ability to adopt technology in a rapid manner, makes Africa a frontier market offering huge investment opportunities for the global community”.

Commissioner Abou-Zeid also took part in the session: “Powering Up Together: Strengthening Cross-Regional Collaboration for the Energy Transition” alongside H.E. Alexandre Silveira, Minister of Mines and Energy of Brazil, Samaila Zubairu, President and CEO of Africa Finance Corporation, Ayla Majid, Founder and CEO of Planetive, Joseph McMonigle, Secretary-General of the International Energy Forum (IEF), Mark Lundstrom, CEO of Radia, Devansh Jain, Executive Director of INOXGFL and Li Zhenguo, President, of Longi Green Energy Technology Co.

Commissioner Abou-Zeid reflected on Africa’s ambitions for a cross-border and transcontinental single electricity market and the importance of regional partnerships to achieve it. Africa’s sustainable future will inevitably be an interdependent and integrated one, with profound regional collaboration and key to achieve stable and universal access. These partnerships at the African level were translated into the creation of the Africa Single Electricity Market (AfSEM), the world’s largest single electricity market in the world, covering 55 countries and a population of over 1.3 billion. An integrated African grid will allow to lower electricity costs considerably and speed up much needed universal access.

Partnerships with other regions will also be crucial to share past experiences and achieve the Continent’s ambitious goals. Africa has been cooperating closely with Europe- the first continent to adopt a single electricity market approach- and through this cooperation and partnership, Africa can leverage the lessons learned in Europe and apply them to reach its objectives faster and more efficiently.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).

**Technological Innovations and Research** The Middle East is investing in advanced solar technologies to enhance efficiency and adapt to regional climate conditions.

**Technological Innovations and Research** The Middle East is investing in advanced solar technologies to enhance efficiency and adapt to regional climate conditions.

**Technological Innovations and Research** The Middle East is investing in advanced solar technologies to enhance efficiency and adapt to regional climate conditions.

The first Middle East and North Africa Solar Conference (MENA-SC) in Dubai explored innovations like perovskite solar cells, which could improve photovoltaic efficiency under harsh desert climates .

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Content: Queen Rania: We're in a race against time for our planet's survival

Jordanian royal says the pandemic has shown what is possible when countries act together and flights and traffic are reduced

Queen Rania has urged nations and communities to rise up to tackle climate change before it is too late.

The Jordanian royal said the nations of the Middle East can already feel the looming threat, with hotter temperatures and increasingly erratic weather.

Queen Rania spoke online at a ceremony at Expo 2020 Dubai for the Earthshot award, which sets out to identify and fund start-ups that can bring solutions to tackle climate change.

The fuel we need to save our planet rests in our own heads, hearts and hands
Queen Rania

Queen Rania, a member of the Earthshot Prize Council, told an audience including Prince William that the pandemic had already shown what was possible when countries acted together, and when flights and traffic were reduced.

"For just a moment, our planet healed," she said.

"The streets were quieter, the air was cleaner, the water clearer. But that didn't last.

"Today, our shared environment is under strain. Here in the Middle East, temperatures are rising, while water supplies are shrinking. And we're not alone."

She said: "When it comes to the environment, every region is under threat. The question now is what will be our future.

"And I'm hopeful. Because the future is these finalists and so many like them around the world.

"They remind us that human ingenuity is the ultimate human resource.

"The fuel we need to save our planet rests in our own heads, hearts and hands. And when we tap it, as these young leaders have, we see such possibility."

From harnessing the power of the Sun to generating low cost or free energy, Queen Rania said we must ensure that "no waste goes to waste".

"But as exciting as these bold initiatives are, we're all in a race against time. To realise the hopeful future before us, we need to work as one," she said.

"If community-based projects such as the ones we saw today had more capital behind them, together we'd realise that problems that seemed overwhelming are actually manageable. Together, we'd see that we can heal our planet. Earth is our home and this is our shot."

Updated: February 10th 2022, 4:44 PM

The adoption of bifacial photovoltaic systems, which improve solar energy production in desert environments, is being promoted through workshops and conferences .

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Content: Egypt’s Ambitious Subsea Cable to Fuel Europe’s Green Energy Transition

In a groundbreaking move set to reshape the energy landscape, Egypt is poised to bolster its own energy infrastructure while propelling Europe towards a cleaner, greener future. The ambitious endeavor, known as the GREGY interconnector, seeks to create a pioneering subsea electricity cable linking Egyptian solar facilities to the European energy market via Greece. This project, gaining significant traction during discussions between Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and his Greek counterpart at the recent UN General Assembly, marks a critical stride in reducing Europe’s dependency on fossil fuels.

The visionary GREGY interconnector initiative is spearheaded by the Copelouzos Group, a prominent Greek conglomerate, in collaboration with Infinity Power, a joint venture between UAE-based renewable energy firm Masdar and Egyptian company Infinity. The proposed subsea power cable, stretching approximately 1,400 kilometers, is poised to transmit a formidable 3,000 MW of solar and wind energy generated by Infinity Power to Greece and, subsequently, the broader European market.

Carlos Torres, the Head of Gas and Power Markets Research at consulting firm Rystad Energy, underscores the immense potential the GREGY interconnector presents for Europe. He highlights Egypt’s strategic geographical advantage and superior solar energy potential, offering an ideal backdrop for the development of solar systems, unlike many European nations. A 2020 World Bank study corroborated this assertion, singling out Egypt, alongside other Middle Eastern and North African countries, as possessing the world’s greatest solar energy potential.

Europe’s fervent quest to curtail its reliance on fossil fuels, further exacerbated by geopolitical tensions and energy security concerns stemming from the Russian invasion of Ukraine, has been well-documented. Meanwhile, Egypt grapples with its own energy challenges, as demonstrated by a series of debilitating blackouts during the summer—an unfortunate consequence of years of insufficient investment in energy infrastructure to accommodate its burgeoning population.

Notwithstanding these hurdles, Egypt remains resolute in its pursuit of various energy projects, including the construction of its inaugural nuclear power station. Torres posits that these endeavors are anticipated to fortify Egypt’s position, ensuring it can satisfy domestic energy demands while simultaneously exporting surplus power.

The GREGY interconnector initiative forms a part of a broader strategy to interlink North Africa with Europe. Two subsea cables transmitting electricity between Morocco and Spain are already operational, with several other projects in the planning stages, including propositions to deliver power from Tunisia to Italy.

Noteworthy is the fact that, should the GREGY interconnector come to fruition, it would outstrip all existing subsea transmission lines in terms of length, nearly doubling the size of the present record holder—an undersea link recently completed between Denmark and Britain. While longer than most existing interconnectors, the GREGY project adopts a more pragmatic approach, transporting electrons generated in Egypt to the closest point on the European mainland, thus ensuring a more efficient power supply to other European nations.

In contrast, the alternative project, conceived by UK-based start-up Xlinks, envisions an undersea cable spanning a staggering 3,800 kilometers along the western edge of Europe. Such extensive distances can lead to significant energy losses during transmission, even with recent technological advancements aimed at mitigating these losses.

Conversely, the GREGY interconnector adopts a more streamlined approach by transporting electrons generated in Egypt to the nearest point on the European mainland, guaranteeing a more efficient and reliable power supply to other European countries.

As developers explore diverse strategies to tap into North Africa’s abundant solar resources, it becomes evident that these resources will remain a central focus for energy-hungry European governments in their quest for green alternatives to Russian gas. Carlos Torres predicts an upsurge in high-voltage, long-distance connections in the near future, further solidifying the ties between Europe and regions boasting substantial renewable energy potential.

The GREGY interconnector, championed by Egypt and Greece, marks a momentous stride towards sustainable energy collaboration and European energy diversification, paving the way for a greener and more resilient energy future for both Egypt and Europe.

The Ibri II Solar Project in Oman, the largest TOPCon solar plant globally, utilizes bifacial panels, showcasing the region’s commitment to cutting-edge solar technologies .

Research into perovskite materials at Qatar University aims to develop low-cost, high-efficiency solar semiconductors, although stability challenges remain .

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Content: Doha: Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI) partnered with Germany’s ISC Konstanz, NREL, and six other international laboratories to host the 10th Bifacial Photovoltaic (bifiPV) Workshop in Doha.

Taking place December 3 to 6 at HBKU’s Minaretein auditorium in Education City, the 2023 Doha bifiPV Workshop attracted stakeholders from academia, industry and business to discuss the current status and the latest advancements and developments in bifacial photovoltaic technology. The four-day program included presentations covering a range of topics, including resource assessment and modeling, solar cell technology, system applications, and power plant operations and strategies. Particular attention was given to the development of PV sectors in desert environments, as well as the evolution of the bifacial PV era. The event was co-Chaired by QEERI’s Dr. Veronica Bermudez, Senior Research Director, Dr. Juan Lopez Garcia, Principal Investigator and Dr. Benjamin Figgis, Research Program Manager.

Bifacial Photovoltaic (PV) technology made a significant impact on the photovoltaic industry a few years ago and found use in most of the solar energy industry’s commercial products. This technology already accounts for a market share of more than 30% of the global PV industry, and its prevalence will continue growing as most international roadmaps anticipate that its share will grow to more than 70% by 2033.

Panels possessing this technology convert light into clean electricity by collecting light on their front and rear sides, utilizing both direct sunlight and scattered light reflected from the ground and surroundings.

The 2023 Doha bifiPV Workshop commenced with an opening plenary session entitled ‘The Sunny Present of Bifacial PV,’ delivered by Dr. Veronica Bermudez. Further QEERI contributions were provided by Dr. Ben Figgis, and Dr. Maulid Mohamed Kivambe, Scientist, who both led sessions regarding distinct aspects of bifacial PV technology. Workshop participants also toured QEERI’s Outdoor Test Facility, the largest HSAT facility in the Middle East and North Africa region for research, development and testing purposes as well as the 800MW Al-Kharsaah PV power plant, the first utility-scale plant in Qatar that features bifacial modules and trackers.

Highlighting the importance of the event, Dr. Tareq A. Al-Ansari, Acting Executive Director, QEERI and Associate Professor at the College of Science and Engineering (CSE), said "At QEERI, we place great value on our local and international collaborations, particularly in our efforts to co-organize and host such workshops. These endeavors are thoughtfully aligned with the strategic objectives of our Centers, reflecting our commitment to advancing research and innovation in the fields of environment and energy. By bringing together industry leaders and experts in these collaborative forums, we create a dynamic space for the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and expertise, positioning HBKU at the forefront of innovation in addressing challenges of our time."

Speaking after the conclusion of the 2023 Doha bifiPV Workshop, Dr. Bermudez said: “Qatar was an obvious location for this workshop due to its environment possessing an ideal set of characteristics for solar energy production. Thanks to its world-class research and test facilities, QEERI was a natural host for an event that attracted leading figures in the field of photovoltaic technology.”

The 2023 Doha bifiPV Workshop was organized in collaboration with ISC Konstanz, NREL, SNL, PVEL, ECN-TNO, CEA-INES, SERIS, ZHAW and Odtü-Günam. TotalEnergies, Kalyon PV, RENA,  and EternalSun supported the event as sponsors.

Dr. Radovan Kopecek, Co-Founder and Director of ISC Konstanz and Co-Founder of the bifiPV workshop said: "The 10th Bifacial Workshop in Doha 2023 stands out as the most exceptional event to date, both in terms of the quality of presentations and the meticulous organization of the event. Engaging in discussions about the future of bifacial PV in such a conducive atmosphere was highly appreciated by all participants. The pinnacle of the experience was the visit to the impressive 800MW Al-Kharsaah PV power plant.. Such a site is unprecedented in my experience."

Qatar Environment & Energy Research Institute (QEERI), part of Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), is a national research institute tasked with supporting Qatar in addressing its grand challenges related to energy, water, and environment.

About Hamad Bin Khalifa University

Innovating Today, Shaping Tomorrow.

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science, and Community Development (QF), was founded in 2010 as a research-intensive university that acts as a catalyst for transformative change in Qatar and the region while having global impact. Located in Education City, HBKU is committed to building and cultivating human capacity through an enriching academic experience, innovative ecosystem, and unique partnerships. HBKU delivers multidisciplinary undergraduate and graduate programs through its colleges and provides opportunities for research and scholarship through its institutes and centers. For more information about HBKU, visit www.hbku.edu.qa.

The Solar Decathlon Middle East (SDME) fosters innovation in sustainable building designs, with university teams implementing projects across the UAE .

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

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

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

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

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

(Writing by Nadim Kawach; Editing by Anoop Menon)

(anoop.menon@lseg.com)

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Innovative projects like THE LOOP in Dubai promote sustainable mobility powered by renewable energy, reflecting the region’s broader approach to urban sustainability .

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Content: World Future Energy Summit to focus on providing ‘sustainability blueprint’

The three-day event will be held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from January 16 to January 18

Beta V.1.0 - Powered by automated translation

The 2023 World Future Energy Summit aims to provide a “crucial sustainability blueprint” amid a global focus on the energy transition and measures to boost investment in the renewables sector.

Energy industry leaders and policymakers from around the world will participate in the three-day event at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from January 16 to January 18, organisers said on Wednesday.

The summit is the centrepiece of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, a global initiative championed by the UAE and Abu Dhabi's clean energy company Masdar to hasten sustainable development and advance economic, social, and environmental progress.

“This event has evolved just as the energy sector and our economies are transitioning,” said Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure.

“It has now morphed into the Middle East’s most important industry gathering, of which clean energy and infrastructure are key components.”

Countries in the Middle East such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Oman and Egypt are boosting investment in the clean energy sector.

The UAE is investing Dh600 billion ($163.5bn) in clean and renewable energy projects over the next three decades as it aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

It is building the world’s largest solar plant with a capacity of two gigawatts in Abu Dhabi's Al Dhafra region that is expected to be ready next year, as well as the Mohammed bin Rashid Solar Park in Dubai with a capacity of five gigawatts.

Saudi Arabia, the Arab world’s largest economy, also announced a number of new renewable energy projects as it seeks to become carbon neutral by 2060.

Egypt, the most populous country in the Arab world, aims to derive 42 per cent of its electricity mix from renewable sources by 2035. The North African country is hosting Cop27 next month.

“This newly transitioned event profile is in the right place at the right time, underlining a much-needed shift towards reaching our clean energy goals, as well as achieving sustainable governance and adopting consumption and [the] production of natural energy methods that ensure the quality of life for current and future generations,” Mr Al Mazrouei said.

Renewable energy investment continued to rise amid green transition efforts globally. Capital investments in renewables are set to surpass oil and gas spending for the first time in 2022 as high power prices prompt countries to further diversify their energy mix, according to a report by Rystad Energy.

Investment in renewable energy is set to hit $494bn in 2022, outstripping upstream oil and gas spending at $446bn for the year, the Oslo-based energy consultancy said this month.

In addition to the focus on energy, water, eco-waste, solar, smart cities, climate and the environment, next year's event will also preside over the launch of a dedicated hydrogen innovation centre as demand for the clean fuel picks up globally amid green transition efforts, organisers said.

The event takes place at a time when the UAE is preparing to host Cop28 next year.

Updated: October 19, 2022, 10:41 AM
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Norway-based Scatec has partnered with Egyptian companies to develop renewable ammonia and hydrogen projects, supported by financing from the European Investment Bank .

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Content: Dubai: A first-of-its-kind conference in the region taking place in Dubai is exploring the benefits of perovskite solar cells to to enhance photovoltaic systems in the MENA region’s climate conditions.

A line-up of international researchers, scientists and specialists at the first Middle East and North Africa Solar Conference (MENA-SC) 2023, are presenting the latest scientific and technical progress of organic and organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite cells.

They are also discussing methods of testing photovoltaic solar panels to ensure their reliability and suitability for the climate and atmosphere of the MENA region, for optimal performance in different climate conditions.

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is organising MENA-SC from November 15 to 18 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The conference is the first scientific and technical conference of its kind in the region, specialising in solar energy systems.

It focuses on all areas of photovoltaics with a rich programme on PV materials and devices, future technologies, PV reliability and forecasting for performance assessment. Areas extend to system operation, concentrated solar power and grid integration, all of which are key in accelerating the green energy transformation.

Clean energy

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer

“We strive to achieve the wise directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to consolidate Dubai’s global position in renewable and clean energy, and sustainability,” said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA.

“The conference creates additional momentum for the renewable and clean energy sector in the MENA region.”

Al Tayer said this is through encouraging innovation, research, and development and by showcasing the latest innovations, research papers, and scientific discoveries in solar energy.

The conference is also attracting scientists, researchers, investors, and international keynote speakers to exchange knowledge, and insights, and discuss breakthrough ideas and the latest innovative technologies and solutions to accelerate the development of the solar photovoltaic systems industry, and deliver the expected Return on Investment for all stakeholders along the value chain, Al Tayer pointed out.

Read More

Perovskite and organic materials

The research papers at MENA SC focus on the most prominent scientific and technical progress of perovskite, organic, and hybrid solar cells, which are rising stars for solar cell and optoelectronic applications for their outstanding features.

The conference explores the horizons of these emerging PV technologies, which are low-cost, lightweight, flexible, and eco-friendly. They also combine efficiency and stability.

The conference is also holding discussions on organic and dye-sensitised solar cells, high-performance hybrid tandem or multijunction solar cells, PV module and system reliability in the MENA region, effects and mitigation of soiling on PV Systems and module and system reliability in the circular economy. The MENA-SC 2023 conference is held in conjunction with the 25th Water, Energy, Technology, and Environment Exhibition (WETEX) and Dubai Solar Show 2023.

DEWA at WETEX and DSS

Meanwhile, DEWA is showcasing its key projects, initiatives, and digital services at its stands at WETEX and DSS 2023.

Some of the most prominent projects being featured by DEWA include the following: The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, Green Hydrogen Project, Hassyan SWRO IWP Project, DEWA’s Space-D programme, Pumped-storage hydroelectric power plant in Hatta, Dubai Mountain Peak, Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) project, the Green Charger initiative, Smart Grid, Rammas (DEWA’s virtual employee supported by ChatGPT) and the Duroob smart app.

Organised by DEWA under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the events are held under the theme ‘At the Forefront of Sustainability.’

The current edition of WETEX & DSS has attracted around 2,600 companies from 62 countries. The exhibition is spread over 78,000 square metres and includes 24 international pavilions.

The Oman Investment Authority is exploring joint renewable investments with Saudi Arabia and Egypt .

Title:

Content: Why we need sustainable housing solutions for a better tomorrow

Policy rethinking needs to include construction materials and implementing more robust regulations

Sharjah Sustainable City is designed to reduce carbon emissions by using renewable energy sources. - KT file

By Yousif Ahmed Al-Mutawa

Published: Sat 18 Feb 2023, 4:05 PM

Along with food and clothing, shelter is one of the most immediate basic human needs. Amidst planetary challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, the world today also faces a double whammy of population growth – projected to reach 8.6 billion in 2030 and 9.8 billion by 2050 – and surging demand for housing and commercial properties.

By 2030, 3 billion people will need new housing and about 300 million new homes will be required, or roughly 21 million new homes per year. This staggering projection also means increased demand for construction and associated materials, including steel, aluminum, glass, bricks and concrete – the second most used resource on the planet after water.

It also leads to the depletion of already scarce natural resources, particularly soil and freshwater, and more energy demand, thus contributing to Green House Gas (GHG) emissions. Unfortunately, commercial and residential buildings globally are responsible for over one-third of energy use and energy-related GHG emissions. In particular, buildings are responsible for about 39 per cent of global energy-related carbon emissions, which includes 28 per cent from operational emissions, from the energy needed to heat, cool, and power them, and 11 per cent from construction and materials such as steel, cement, and glass.

Effective policymaking and sustainability-driven projects offer solutions

Looking at this alarming trend, the world needs to step up efforts to make real estate sustainable, especially in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena), the world’s most water-scarce region and home to some of the hottest areas on the planet. It includes rethinking construction materials and implementing more robust regulations to ensure the whole life cycle of the industry has a minimal negative impact on our environment – from conception to construction and from inhabiting to demolition and waste disposal.

Yousif Ahmed Al-Mutawa, Chief Executive Officer of Sharjah Sustainable City. - Supplied photo

More importantly, innovative and tangible solutions must be identified, scaled up, and highlighted on different global platforms.

One such platform was the World Government Summit 2023, hosted by Dubai this week. The summit brought together about 10,000 participants, including presidents, ministers, government officials, heads of international organizations and companies, thought leaders, global experts, and prominent business leaders who will share visions and discuss ideas and strategies for the future.

Keeping in view the importance of sustainability in the real estate sector, one of the summit’s key themes focused on global city design and sustainability. It served as a vital platform to discuss how governments can help create better sustainable cities as we face rapid urbanization and how we can efficiently embrace sustainability-driven infrastructures while engaging communities and promoting clean energy and decarbonisation.

UAE paves the way for sustainable living

Thanks to the efforts by the UAE’s leadership, the country has been at the forefront of promoting sustainable living and setting examples through initiatives like National Net Zero by 2050 Pathway and a nationwide plan to introduce new sustainability standards for buildings, roads and homes to preserve resources and reduce the country’s carbon footprint. The plan aims to cut the energy requirements of buildings and homes by 25 per cent and to reduce water consumption by 16 per cent. Also, the amount of energy and materials it takes to build roads would be cut by 45 per cent.

In line with these efforts and as it gears to host COP28, the country also declared 2023 as the Year of Sustainability. It will focus more on environmental sustainability by inspiring collective action through a nationwide commitment toward sustainable practices this year and beyond.

Sustainable cities

Keeping up with these efforts, the UAE also ranks high in the number of buildings accredited by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and is creating an enabling environment for green investments and constructing eco-friendly buildings and sustainable cities in different emirates.

Sharjah Sustainable City is one such initiative, which is designed to reduce carbon emissions by using renewable energy sources, promoting green mobility, repurposing waste and using sustainable construction materials. Besides utilizing renewable energy sources, the city is equipped with a biogas plant to treat organic waste (food waste, green waste, and sludge) that will convert waste problems into a resource (electricity and/or thermal energy).

Moreover, the city also promotes community engagement and builds capacities through a number of programs focused on green living and how we can together reduce our carbon and water footprints. It also promotes health and well-being as well as sustainable agriculture and repurposing waste.

Way forward

No doubt, the concept of sustainable cities is one of the most effective means to promote sustainable living in countries like the UAE as we speed up our efforts toward Net Zero ambitions. However, there is still a long way to go when the concept is adopted more widely in other countries, especially in the Mena region. Due to its importance for economic growth, the construction sector is yet here to grow further so will its impact on our environment. However, with visionary leadership and taping the potential of emerging talent and innovations, realising a sustainable world is already in the offing.

The writer is chief executive officer of Sharjah Sustainable City.

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

By Megha Merani

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Megha Merani

Independent Journalist

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

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

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

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