The Middle East, historically defined by its vast oil reserves, is undergoing a significant energy transition, with a pronounced shift toward solar energy as a central pillar of national strategies.

This transition is driven by the dual imperatives of economic diversification and climate change mitigation, and is characterized by ambitious national projects, robust government incentives, and a growing focus on technological innovation and international collaboration.

**Key National Projects and Solar Capacity** The United Arab Emirates (UAE) stands at the forefront of the region’s energy transition, committing approximately AED 600 billion (about $163.5 billion) over the next three decades to clean and renewable energy projects .

Central to this strategy is the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai, one of the world’s largest single-site solar parks, with a planned capacity of 5 gigawatts (GW) .

This project is integral to Dubai’s Clean Energy Strategy 2050, which aims to generate 75% of the emirate’s power from clean sources by 2050 .

In Abu Dhabi, the Al Dhafra solar plant, expected to reach 2 GW capacity, further consolidates the UAE’s leadership in solar energy .

The UAE’s investments are not limited to solar; the country’s National Hydrogen Strategy plans for AED 150–200 billion ($40.8–54.4 billion) in investments by 2030, including the establishment of hydrogen clusters and research centers .

Oman is another regional leader, advancing its renewable energy capacity through projects like the Ibri II solar plant, the world’s largest TOPCon solar plant, with a total capacity of 607 megawatts (MW), including 490 MW of bifacial solar panels .

Oman’s Vision 2040 and National Energy Master Plan target 16% of electricity from renewables by 2025 and 30% by 2030 .

The country is also developing the region’s first polysilicon factory to support local solar panel production .

The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that solar photovoltaic (PV) will account for over 85% of the increase in renewable capacity in the region by 2028, with Oman playing a significant role .

Egypt has made substantial progress through its Feed-In Tariff (FIT) program, which has attracted $635 million in investment to build and operate 11 solar power plants with a combined capacity of 500 MW .

The Benban Solar Park, near Aswan, is among the world’s largest solar photovoltaic generation parks .

Egypt is also developing the GREGY interconnector, a subsea cable linking its solar and wind facilities to the European energy market, enabling the transmission of 3,000 MW of renewable energy and supporting Europe’s transition away from fossil fuels .

Saudi Arabia, under its Vision 2030 initiative, aims to install 40 GW of solar PV capacity by 2030 .

Strategic partnerships, such as those between Positive Zero and Tamimi Energy, are being formed to accelerate solar project development across the Kingdom .

Saudi Arabia’s energy transition is further supported by the Saudi Green Initiative, which focuses on reducing carbon emissions, supporting renewable energy sources, and developing clean hydrogen production .

Morocco, while not a Gulf state, is a regional leader in solar energy, planning to commission three large solar power plants by 2027 and increase renewables’ share to 52% of electricity production by 2030, up from nearly 40% currently .

**Government Incentives and Policy Frameworks** Government incentives are central to the Middle East’s energy transition.

The UAE’s supportive policies include substantial public investment, incentives for private sector participation, and a clear commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050 .

Egypt’s FIT program exemplifies how targeted government initiatives can mobilize private investment and accelerate renewable energy deployment .

Oman’s government has signed agreements with companies like United Solar to boost clean energy projects and attract foreign investment .

Saudi Arabia’s Saudi Green Initiative promotes a circular carbon economy and afforestation alongside renewable energy development .

The region is also fostering international partnerships to support renewable energy growth.

For example, Norway-based Scatec, in partnership with Egyptian companies, is developing a renewable ammonia project in Damietta, Egypt, which includes constructing up to 480 MW of renewable energy capacity and a 240 MW electrolyser facility for renewable hydrogen production .

Dubai-based Alcazar Energy Partners, acquired by China Three Gorges South Asia Investment Ltd., has developed 411 MW of renewable energy projects in Egypt and Jordan, reflecting growing international investment .

**Technological Innovation and Capacity Building** Technological innovation is a hallmark of the region’s solar energy transition.

The adoption of advanced solar technologies, such as bifacial photovoltaic systems and perovskite solar cells, is being promoted through regional conferences and research initiatives .

The Ibri II Solar Project in Oman utilizes bifacial solar panels, which capture sunlight from both sides, significantly increasing energy output .

The first Middle East and North Africa Solar Conference (MENA-SC) in Dubai highlighted the potential of perovskite solar cells to enhance photovoltaic systems under the region’s harsh climate conditions .

The integration of artificial intelligence and digital solutions is also being explored to optimize energy management and grid integration .

**Economic Impact and Job Creation** The energy transition is expected to generate significant employment opportunities and stimulate economic diversification.

The UAE’s renewable energy projects are projected to create both temporary and long-term jobs, contributing to economic growth and innovation in the renewable sector .

Egypt’s solar FIT program is anticipated to generate substantial employment and attract up to $2 billion in foreign direct investment .

Oman’s renewable energy expansion is aligned with its broader economic diversification goals under Vision 2040 .

The region’s exploration of clean hydrogen production, leveraging solar and wind energy, positions it as a future leader in green hydrogen, which could transform its energy export economy .

**Climate Goals and Environmental Benefits** The Middle East’s energy transition is closely linked to ambitious climate goals.

The UAE’s Net Zero Strategic Initiative aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, positioning climate action as a profitable business opportunity and attracting significant investments .

Saudi Arabia has set a target of carbon neutrality by 2060, emphasizing renewable energy investments and the development of a circular carbon economy .

Morocco targets 52% renewable electricity by 2030 .

These efforts are expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and yield significant health benefits for local populations .

The urgency of the energy transition is underscored by climate change projections.

The Middle East could experience temperature increases of up to 5 degrees Celsius by the end of the century if current trends persist, threatening severe droughts, water and food insecurity, and damage to coastal infrastructure from rising sea levels .

Rapid decarbonization, especially in energy and transportation sectors, is critical to mitigate these risks .

**Regional Cooperation and International Engagement** Regional cooperation is a growing feature of the Middle East’s energy transition.

The establishment of the Zero Emissions Traders Alliance (ZETA) in Dubai aims to create a clean energy market within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, distributing risks more equitably between producers and buyers of sustainable commodities .

A notable tripartite agreement among Israel, Jordan, and the UAE involves a UAE government-owned firm constructing a large solar facility in southern Jordan to supply energy to Israel, which will reciprocate by providing Jordan with desalinated water .

International events such as COP28 in the UAE and the World Future Energy Summit foster collaboration among policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers, providing blueprints for sustainability and encouraging investment in renewables .

**Challenges and Future Directions** Despite the positive momentum, the region faces challenges including regulatory hurdles, public resistance, and the need for substantial infrastructure investment .

The transition poses particular challenges for workers in fossil fuel-dependent sectors, necessitating robust policy frameworks, public-private partnerships, and comprehensive reskilling programs to ensure a just and inclusive transition .

Public perception of renewable energy is mixed, with low levels of climate change awareness in some countries, but government-led investments and educational initiatives are gradually improving public support .

**Conclusion** The Middle East’s energy transition is characterized by ambitious national solar projects

The Middle East, historically defined by its vast oil reserves, is undergoing a significant energy transition, with a pronounced shift toward solar energy as a central pillar of national strategies.

The Middle East, historically defined by its vast oil reserves, is undergoing a significant energy transition, with a pronounced shift toward solar energy as a central pillar of national strategies.

The Middle East, historically defined by its vast oil reserves, is undergoing a significant energy transition, with a pronounced shift toward solar energy as a central pillar of national strategies.

This transition is driven by the dual imperatives of economic diversification and climate change mitigation, and is characterized by ambitious national projects, robust government incentives, and a growing focus on technological innovation and international collaboration.

**Key National Projects and Solar Capacity** The United Arab Emirates (UAE) stands at the forefront of the region’s energy transition, committing approximately AED 600 billion (about $163.5 billion) over the next three decades to clean and renewable energy projects .

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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.

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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.

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Central to this strategy is the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai, one of the world’s largest single-site solar parks, with a planned capacity of 5 gigawatts (GW) .

This project is integral to Dubai’s Clean Energy Strategy 2050, which aims to generate 75% of the emirate’s power from clean sources by 2050 .

In Abu Dhabi, the Al Dhafra solar plant, expected to reach 2 GW capacity, further consolidates the UAE’s leadership in solar energy .

The UAE’s investments are not limited to solar; the country’s National Hydrogen Strategy plans for AED 150–200 billion ($40.8–54.4 billion) in investments by 2030, including the establishment of hydrogen clusters and research centers .

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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.

Oman is another regional leader, advancing its renewable energy capacity through projects like the Ibri II solar plant, the world’s largest TOPCon solar plant, with a total capacity of 607 megawatts (MW), including 490 MW of bifacial solar panels .

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Content: 4.52 PM Thursday, 12 October 2023
  • City Fajr Shuruq Duhr Asr Magrib Isha
  • Dubai 04:58 06:12 12:08 15:27 17:58 19:12
12 October 2023

Fujairah CP highlights Fujairah’s strategic role in supporting global energy market

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By WAM

H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, highlighted Fujairah’s strategic role in supporting global energy markets, as well as its significance as a vital economic hub for international companies.

Fujairah has established itself as a prestigious destination for the international oil industry's service sector, he added.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad made this statement during the closing ceremony of the 11th Energy Markets Forum(EMFWEEK23), held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council member and Ruler of Fujairah. The two-day forum was organised by the Port of Fujairah at the Novotel Hotel.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad acknowledged the support of H.H. Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council member and Ruler of Fujairah, for the oil and gas sector, major companies, and international oil and gas facilities in the emirate, commending their efforts to adapt to various international changes, contributing to the UAE’s economic growth and enhancing its leading global stature in the sector.

He also pointed out that the inclusive approach, which considers the interests of different sectors and economies, remains the optimal solution for a logical and fair transition to a united world in the face of climate-related challenges, noting the consistency of the forum’s outcomes with the objectives and aspirations that the country aims to achieve through hosting the 28th session of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28).

He then affirmed the importance of the Energy Markets Forum, noting the impact of the topics discussed during its dialogue sessions on serving the global decision-making industry and finding appropriate solutions to the international challenges facing energy markets.

Sheikh Mohammed pointed out the importance of promoting cooperation and partnerships between vital sectors to reach compatible solutions to achieve tangible and effective progress in global climate action.

Eng. Sharif Al Olama, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, expressed the UAE’s aspirations regarding green hydrogen production: “We trust in our ability to produce hydrogen on a large scale to meet local demand. We also can export hydrogen to countries in need.”

Al Olama added that the UAE's National Hydrogen Strategy aims to establish two hydrogen clusters by 2031 and increase this number to five by 2050. To develop these technologies, the country will establish a hydrogen research and development centre, which will be a distinguished innovation centre for global hydrogen research, he added.

Within its broader energy plans, the UAE government intends to invest between AED150 billion (US$40.8 billion) and AED200 billion ($54.4 billion) in all energy sectors until 2030.

Musa Murad, General Manager of the Port of Fujairah, highlighted the global energy sector's strategic importance and the need to attract investments in this vital sector, which is crucial to maintaining its capacity to meet rising international energy demand.

“We believe that the energy sector's future will maintain the partnership principle between various forms of energy. Global demand for primary energy is expected to increase from around 291 million barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2022 to nearly 359 million barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2045, a rise of some 68.3 million barrels of oil equivalent per day, according to the World Oil Outlook 2023 released this week by OPEC,” he said.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad honoured the International Energy Journalism Award winners in recognition of their role in covering energy markets at Arab and international levels through research, news services, and specialist analyses of the sector.

The annual gathering in Fujairah convened 300 senior executives, regulators and policymakers tasked with leading the Middle East's trading, storage, marketing and shipping of oil and gas across the East of Suez markets, to exchange knowledge and insights on relevant and timely trends impacting their industry.

Oman’s Vision 2040 and National Energy Master Plan target 16% of electricity from renewables by 2025 and 30% by 2030 .

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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 country is also developing the region’s first polysilicon factory to support local solar panel production .

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News&Reporting

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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The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that solar photovoltaic (PV) will account for over 85% of the increase in renewable capacity in the region by 2028, with Oman playing a significant role .

Egypt has made substantial progress through its Feed-In Tariff (FIT) program, which has attracted $635 million in investment to build and operate 11 solar power plants with a combined capacity of 500 MW .

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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 Benban Solar Park, near Aswan, is among the world’s largest solar photovoltaic generation parks .

Egypt is also developing the GREGY interconnector, a subsea cable linking its solar and wind facilities to the European energy market, enabling the transmission of 3,000 MW of renewable energy and supporting Europe’s transition away from fossil fuels .

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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.

Saudi Arabia, under its Vision 2030 initiative, aims to install 40 GW of solar PV capacity by 2030 .

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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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Strategic partnerships, such as those between Positive Zero and Tamimi Energy, are being formed to accelerate solar project development across the Kingdom .

Saudi Arabia’s energy transition is further supported by the Saudi Green Initiative, which focuses on reducing carbon emissions, supporting renewable energy sources, and developing clean hydrogen production .

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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).

Morocco, while not a Gulf state, is a regional leader in solar energy, planning to commission three large solar power plants by 2027 and increase renewables’ share to 52% of electricity production by 2030, up from nearly 40% currently .

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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).

**Government Incentives and Policy Frameworks** Government incentives are central to the Middle East’s energy transition.

**Government Incentives and Policy Frameworks** Government incentives are central to the Middle East’s energy transition.

**Government Incentives and Policy Frameworks** Government incentives are central to the Middle East’s energy transition.

The UAE’s supportive policies include substantial public investment, incentives for private sector participation, and a clear commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050 .

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

Egypt’s FIT program exemplifies how targeted government initiatives can mobilize private investment and accelerate renewable energy deployment .

Oman’s government has signed agreements with companies like United Solar to boost clean energy projects and attract foreign investment .

Saudi Arabia’s Saudi Green Initiative promotes a circular carbon economy and afforestation alongside renewable energy development .

The region is also fostering international partnerships to support renewable energy growth.

The region is also fostering international partnerships to support renewable energy growth.

The region is also fostering international partnerships to support renewable energy growth.

For example, Norway-based Scatec, in partnership with Egyptian companies, is developing a renewable ammonia project in Damietta, Egypt, which includes constructing up to 480 MW of renewable energy capacity and a 240 MW electrolyser facility for renewable hydrogen production .

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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

Dubai-based Alcazar Energy Partners, acquired by China Three Gorges South Asia Investment Ltd., has developed 411 MW of renewable energy projects in Egypt and Jordan, reflecting growing international investment .

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Content: Study shows failure to meet Paris upper climate goal risks nightmare heat deaths scenario

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Meeting the upper end of the Paris climate goals to limit global warming could avert hundreds of thousands of heat-related deaths in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), scientists said on 4 April.

A modelling study, which the Lancet Planetary Health journal published, found slashing greenhouse gas emissions to limit the rise in Earth’s average temperature to 2C would reduce heat-related deaths in the region significantly. It said this limit would reduce deaths by 80% compared to a high-emissions scenario.

The regional focus on the heat risk came as Dubai prepares to host the United Nations COP28 climate summit in November.

‘Walking when we should be sprinting’

The 2015 Paris Agreement set a core goal of trying to limit warming to 1.5C. It also seeks to cap it at “well under” 2C. This has prompted efforts to switch to low-carbon energy sources. As reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) have made clear, however, these efforts are woefully insufficient to meet the Paris goals. At a press conference for the launch of the panel’s most recent report, IPCC chair Hoesung Lee warned that:

We are walking when we should be sprinting

The Lancet study effectively spotlights what impact continued inadequate climate action could have on people in the MENA region, specifically in relation to heat-related mortality. Specialists at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine led the study.

In the highest-emissions scenario, around 123 people per 100,000 in the region could die per year from heat-related causes by the end of this century. That would be 60-times greater than the current heat-death rate, and far higher than in other regions of the world.

Of the 19 countries analysed, Iran was expected to have the highest annual death rate in a high-emissions scenario. It could face 423 deaths per 100,000 of population. Lead author Shakoor Hajat told Agence France-Presse that temperatures were projected to be very high in parts of Iran.

Warming over Paris climate goal of 1.5C would be catastrophic

Hajat said that MENA countries need to develop their public health measures “to protect their citizens from the dangers of extreme heat”. This could involve strengthening their health systems, along with introducing protection plans and warning systems.

Hajat warned that health impacts would be “catastrophic” if the 2C target were not reached. The study stressed that:

Stronger climate change mitigation and adaptation policies are needed to avoid these heat-related mortality impacts.

The IPCC studies have shown that 2C of global warming will be catastrophic itself. The rise will dramatically increase the risk of extreme weather and poverty. Moreover, it threatens to devastate ecosystems, including through habitat loss for species. 99% of coral reefs, for example, are unlikely to survive 2C of warming. These reefs support around 25% of ocean life.

Additional reporting by Agence France-Presse

Featured image via Bertramz / Wikimedia, cropped to 770×403, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

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**Technological Innovation and Capacity Building** Technological innovation is a hallmark of the region’s solar energy transition.

**Technological Innovation and Capacity Building** Technological innovation is a hallmark of the region’s solar energy transition.

**Technological Innovation and Capacity Building** Technological innovation is a hallmark of the region’s solar energy transition.

The adoption of advanced solar technologies, such as bifacial photovoltaic systems and perovskite solar cells, is being promoted through regional conferences and research initiatives .

Title:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Positive Zero

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

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

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

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

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

More news from Business

The Ibri II Solar Project in Oman utilizes bifacial solar panels, which capture sunlight from both sides, significantly increasing energy output .

The first Middle East and North Africa Solar Conference (MENA-SC) in Dubai highlighted the potential of perovskite solar cells to enhance photovoltaic systems under the region’s harsh climate conditions .

The integration of artificial intelligence and digital solutions is also being explored to optimize energy management and grid integration .

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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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**Economic Impact and Job Creation** The energy transition is expected to generate significant employment opportunities and stimulate economic diversification.

**Economic Impact and Job Creation** The energy transition is expected to generate significant employment opportunities and stimulate economic diversification.

**Economic Impact and Job Creation** The energy transition is expected to generate significant employment opportunities and stimulate economic diversification.

The UAE’s renewable energy projects are projected to create both temporary and long-term jobs, contributing to economic growth and innovation in the renewable sector .

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Content: Climate change could devastate Mideast, scientists warn

Climate change could devastate Middle East, East Mediterranean, scientists warn

The region could see an overall warming of up to 5 degrees Celsius or more by the end of the century

Climate change could have a devastating effect on the lives of millions in the East Mediterranean and Middle East, where temperatures are rising nearly twice as fast as the global average, an international team of scientists warned.

The region could see an overall warming of up to 5 degrees Celsius or more by the end of the century on a business-as-usual scenario, a report prepared by the Cyprus Institute said.

That temperature spike was almost twice that anticipated in other areas of the planet, and faster than any other inhabited parts of the world, it said.

The report, prepared under the auspices of the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry and the Climate and Atmosphere Research Center of The Cyprus Institute, will be submitted at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) taking place in Egypt in November.

Read | How climate change is transforming the Pacific Crest trail

A combination of reduced rainfall and weather warming will contribute to severe droughts, compromising water and food security, with many countries unprepared for rising sea levels, one expert said.

"This (scenario) would imply severe challenges for coastal infrastructure and agriculture, and can lead to the salinisation of costal aquifers, including the densely populated and cultivated Nile Delta," said Dr. George Zittis of the Cyprus Institute, an author of the report.

Meeting the main targets of the Paris Agreement, a global pact of countries to cut emissions, could stabilise the annual temperature increase to about 2 degrees Celsius.

Scientists recommend rapid implementation of decarbonisation actions with a particular emphasis on the energy and transportation sectors.

"Since many of the regional outcomes of climate change are transboundary, stronger collaboration among the countries is indispensable to cope with the expected adverse impacts," said Jos Lelieveld, director of the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, institute professor at the Cyprus Institute, and coordinator of the assessment.

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Egypt’s solar FIT program is anticipated to generate substantial employment and attract up to $2 billion in foreign direct investment .

Oman’s renewable energy expansion is aligned with its broader economic diversification goals under Vision 2040 .

The region’s exploration of clean hydrogen production, leveraging solar and wind energy, positions it as a future leader in green hydrogen, which could transform its energy export economy .

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Content: A significant 61% of Middle East CEOs are optimistic about economic growth in the next three to five years, a noticeable jump from just 13% last year, the 2024 CEO Insights Study by Arthur D. Little reveals.

With the world’s economy showing ups and downs, 37% of these leaders still see a steady future, reflecting their trust in the region's economic strength. Only a small 2% expect a decline, which suggests a shared belief that the Middle East is on the rise after overcoming recent obstacles.

The commitment to integrating AI across business operations is seen as crucial to growth and echoes globally, with 54% of Middle East CEOs expressing a strategic vision towards a holistic, company-wide AI deployment while 96% of global CEOS have already deployed AI in some form. While regionally 31% confirm the implementation of AI strategies across several departments, an ambitious 13% have already realised a compelling, enterprise-wide AI strategy.

Reskilling workforce

Importantly, CEOs understand that to get the best from AI, they need to focus on their people. Fifty-nine percent say they have either a strong or very strong need to reskill their workforces to meet changing requirements, up from 13% in 2023. This trend is particularly pressing in sectors such as manufacturing, with a 63% increase in the need to reskill, and financial services (+55%).

Thomas Kuruvilla, Managing Partner at Arthur D. Little Middle East, said: “In the current times of business and geopolitical shifts, it is inspiring to witness the optimism among the Middle East's CEOs for what lies ahead. The ADL 2024 CEO Insights Study reveals that despite acknowledging the continuing unpredictability, these leaders are confident that with resilient business models, strategic clarity, the embrace of AI, and a focus on upskilling their teams, their companies and markets are poised for enduring growth and will actively contribute to the region's prosperous future. AI is more than a buzzword in the Middle East; it's a strategic imperative that's receiving boardroom attention. Our CEOs are not just adopting AI but are strategically deploying it to unlock a new frontier of possibilities.”

Tech innovation

Critical to this outlook is the approach towards external growth factors. Globally, technology innovation remains the key growth driver, with raw material prices becoming a surging concern. Yet, in the Middle East, the angst surrounding raw material prices and supply chain stability shows a notable decrease, likely attributed to the region's rich energy reserves, particularly oil and gas.

Francesco Marsella, Managing Partner and Global Leader of the Growth and Transformation Practices at Arthur D. Little comments: “Given today’s business and geopolitical turmoil, it is extremely heartening to see that the CEOs of the world’s biggest companies are positive for the future. The ADL 2024 CEO Insights Study shows that while they accept that conditions will remain volatile and turbulent, they believe a combination of resilient operating structures, clear strategies, AI innovation, and reskilling their people will enable their businesses to thrive in a sustainable future.”

Fintech sector

Furthermore, the CEOs' strategic lens is sharply focused on the rapidly growing fintech sector, signifying a shift towards embracing digital financial services as a cornerstone for future economic expansion in the region.

Kuruvilla adds: “Our region is uniquely positioned with technological growth and abundant energy resources, which our CEOs are leveraging to redefine growth models. The emphasis on fintech is not just about financial transactions but about catalysing a tech-savvy economic ecosystem.

Copyright 2022 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).

**Climate Goals and Environmental Benefits** The Middle East’s energy transition is closely linked to ambitious climate goals.

**Climate Goals and Environmental Benefits** The Middle East’s energy transition is closely linked to ambitious climate goals.

**Climate Goals and Environmental Benefits** The Middle East’s energy transition is closely linked to ambitious climate goals.

The UAE’s Net Zero Strategic Initiative aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, positioning climate action as a profitable business opportunity and attracting significant investments .

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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.

Read more:

Documentary: The Green Promise

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

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Saudi Arabia has set a target of carbon neutrality by 2060, emphasizing renewable energy investments and the development of a circular carbon economy .

Morocco targets 52% renewable electricity by 2030 .

These efforts are expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and yield significant health benefits for local populations .

Title:

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

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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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The urgency of the energy transition is underscored by climate change projections.

The urgency of the energy transition is underscored by climate change projections.

The urgency of the energy transition is underscored by climate change projections.

The Middle East could experience temperature increases of up to 5 degrees Celsius by the end of the century if current trends persist, threatening severe droughts, water and food insecurity, and damage to coastal infrastructure from rising sea levels .

Title:

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.

Rapid decarbonization, especially in energy and transportation sectors, is critical to mitigate these risks .

Title:

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.

**Regional Cooperation and International Engagement** Regional cooperation is a growing feature of the Middle East’s energy transition.

**Regional Cooperation and International Engagement** Regional cooperation is a growing feature of the Middle East’s energy transition.

**Regional Cooperation and International Engagement** Regional cooperation is a growing feature of the Middle East’s energy transition.

The establishment of the Zero Emissions Traders Alliance (ZETA) in Dubai aims to create a clean energy market within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, distributing risks more equitably between producers and buyers of sustainable commodities .

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).

A notable tripartite agreement among Israel, Jordan, and the UAE involves a UAE government-owned firm constructing a large solar facility in southern Jordan to supply energy to Israel, which will reciprocate by providing Jordan with desalinated water .

Title:

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

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

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

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

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

The power of regional markets

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Reporting by Anoop Menon; Editing by SA Kader)

(anoop.menon@lseg.com)

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International events such as COP28 in the UAE and the World Future Energy Summit foster collaboration among policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers, providing blueprints for sustainability and encouraging investment in renewables .

Title:

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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**Challenges and Future Directions** Despite the positive momentum, the region faces challenges including regulatory hurdles, public resistance, and the need for substantial infrastructure investment .

The transition poses particular challenges for workers in fossil fuel-dependent sectors, necessitating robust policy frameworks, public-private partnerships, and comprehensive reskilling programs to ensure a just and inclusive transition .

Public perception of renewable energy is mixed, with low levels of climate change awareness in some countries, but government-led investments and educational initiatives are gradually improving public support .

Title:

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.

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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.

**Conclusion** The Middle East’s energy transition is characterized by ambitious national solar projects

**Conclusion** The Middle East’s energy transition is characterized by ambitious national solar projects

**Conclusion** The Middle East’s energy transition is characterized by ambitious national solar projects