Middle East & Africa – The Leading Solar Magazine In India https://www.eqmagpro.com Sat, 17 Feb 2024 11:14:32 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 https://www.eqmagpro.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/cropped-eq-logo-32x32.png Middle East & Africa – The Leading Solar Magazine In India https://www.eqmagpro.com 32 32 Construction of 5 solar parks underway across Iran -EQ https://www.eqmagpro.com/construction-of-5-solar-parks-underway-across-iran-eq/ Sat, 17 Feb 2024 11:14:32 +0000 https://www.eqmagpro.com/?p=325996 Construction of 5 solar parks underway across Iran -EQ

In Short- Iran is currently constructing five solar parks as part of its renewable energy initiatives.

In Details – The government has approved the plan for the establishment of 17 solar parks in six provinces, five of which are being constructed,” Ruhollah Ebrahimi said.

According to the official, the mentioned parks are being established in Qazvin and Kerman provinces.

The Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Organization (SATBA), on behalf of the Energy Ministry, is in charge of the construction of the mentioned solar parks, and so far this organization has had good cooperation with ISIPO for the implementation of the said plan, Ebrahimi explained.

According to the official, the government has also allowed the export of the excess electricity generated by the mentioned solar parks.

“Iran’s electricity network is connected through transmission lines and substations, and if electricity production exceeds electricity consumption in the country, and if approval is obtained from neighboring countries, it is possible to export the excess electricity,” the official said.

Back in July 2023, the head of SATBA said that solar parks would be established in every province in the country during the current Iranian calendar year (ends on March 20, 2024).

Mahmoud Kamani said that these parks will be set up with the aim of renewable energy development in the country.

The official put the current capacity of Iran’s renewable power plants at 1,070 megawatts (MW).

He has also previously announced the construction of 110,000 solar power plants with a capacity of five kilowatts (KW) for low-income groups in the current Iranian calendar year.

 

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RESEARCHERS UNVEIL SOLAR TECHNOLOGY USING A ‘MIRACLE MATERIAL’ THAT COULD REVOLUTIONIZE THE ENERGY SECTOR: ‘IT’S VERY EXCITING’-EQ https://www.eqmagpro.com/edf-total-samsung-eye-3700mw-saudi-solar-projects-eq/ Mon, 12 Feb 2024 07:26:34 +0000 https://www.eqmagpro.com/?p=325662 In short : Scientists reveal groundbreaking solar technology employing a ‘miracle material,’ promising to revolutionize the energy sector. The innovation is described as highly promising and could bring transformative changes to the renewable energy landscape.

In Detail : Scientists across the globe are competing to engineer solar cells that most efficiently capture light to turn into clean, renewable energy. In Saudi Arabia, a team of researchers at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology has announced plans to bring a new type of solar cell to market, and it could be among the most efficient yet.

The cell combines a mineral called perovskite with silicon to maximize both performance and longevity. It has been aptly named “perovskite/silicon tandem.”

Perovskite has been dubbed a “miracle material” by clean energy experts because of its impressive capacity for absorbing light, combined with the fact that it can be manufactured at room temperature, making it much more sustainable and also cheaper.

One scientist described it as “sort of like Michael Jordan on the basketball court. Great on its own, but it also makes all the other players better.”

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Emirates NBD-Egypt Launches Personal Loan for Solar Panel Purchases – EQ https://www.eqmagpro.com/emirates-nbd-egypt-launches-personal-loan-for-solar-panel-purchases-eq/ Sat, 10 Feb 2024 09:29:24 +0000 https://www.eqmagpro.com/?p=325603 In Short : Emirates NBD-Egypt has launched a personal loan specifically for the purchase of solar panels. This initiative encourages individuals to invest in solar energy, contributing to the adoption of sustainable practices and the reduction of carbon footprints.

In Detail : Emirates NBD-Egypt has introduced a personal loan program for purchasing solar panels. Offering 100% financial coverage, the loan aligns with the bank’s sustainability goals and Egypt’s 2030 Vision.

Emirates NBD-Egypt, in a strategic initiative supporting the adoption of clean energy, has launched a personal loan program specifically designed to fund the purchase of solar panels for its clients. The program is part of the bank’s broader sustainability goals and aligns with Egypt’s national agenda and global development objectives.

100% Financial Coverage for Solar Panel Purchases

The personal loan program offers a complete financial coverage for solar panel purchases. It caters to a wide range of financial capacities with loan amounts that start from EGP 100,000 and can go up to a maximum of EGP 1 million. To ensure accessibility, the bank has set up a flexible repayment scheme that can extend up to seven years and promises competitive interest rates.

Aligning with Egypt’s Sustainability Strategy and 2030 Vision

This initiative by Emirates NBD-Egypt is a step towards promoting sustainable solutions and diversifying energy sources in the country. It is in line with Egypt’s Sustainability Strategy and 2030 Vision. By facilitating the use of solar panels for clean and renewable energy, the bank is contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions and preservation of the environment.

Driving the Bank’s Sustainability Commitments Forward

Amgad Doma, the Chief Strategy and Sustainability Officer at Emirates NBD-Egypt, has emphasised the importance of the Solar Panel Loan. According to him, this loan is a key driver in achieving the bank’s sustainability goals. The implementation of the loan program presents an exceptional opportunity for customers while advancing the bank’s commitment to sustainability.

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Larsen & Toubro lands significant orders, including 75 MW solar project in Jharkhand – EQ https://www.eqmagpro.com/larsen-toubro-lands-significant-orders-including-75-mw-solar-project-in-jharkhand-eq/ Sat, 10 Feb 2024 09:22:30 +0000 https://www.eqmagpro.com/?p=325601 In Short : Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has secured significant orders, including a 75 MW solar project in Jharkhand, India. This highlights L&T’s continued involvement and success in the renewable energy sector, contributing to the expansion of solar capacity in the country.

In Detail : The orders, falling within the classification of large orders ranging between Rs 2,500 crore and Rs 5,000 crore, were acquired by L&T’s power transmission and distribution business.

Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has secured substantial orders in both the domestic and Middle East markets, as announced by the company in a filing to BSE.

The orders, falling within the classification of large orders ranging between Rs 2,500 crore and Rs 5,000 crore, were acquired by L&T’s power transmission and distribution business.

Among the notable projects, the business has been awarded an order to establish a 75 MW floating solar photovoltaic plant on a dam.

This plant is a crucial component of the ultra mega renewable energy power park, strategically developed on Damodar Valley Corporation reservoirs spanning Jharkhand and West Bengal.

]]> The Saudis Are Finding Carbon-Friendly Ways To Power Industry – EQ https://www.eqmagpro.com/the-saudis-are-finding-carbon-friendly-ways-to-power-industry-eq/ Thu, 02 Nov 2023 09:06:09 +0000 https://www.eqmagpro.com/?p=321492 In Short : Saudi Arabia is taking proactive steps toward sustainable industrialization by adopting carbon-friendly methods to power its industries. The kingdom is investing in renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, to reduce carbon emissions. By transitioning to cleaner energy alternatives, Saudi Arabia aims to mitigate its environmental impact, contribute to global climate efforts, and ensure a sustainable future for its industries and economy.

In Detail : Oil-rich Saudi Arabia is pursuing a green initiative to generate half its electricity with renewables by 2030 and plant 10 billion trees. The aim is to cut 278 million tons of CO2 by the decade’s end and hit net zero by 2060. The Kingdom wants to be a regional energy powerhouse — a hub for manufacturing, high-tech, and climate-friendly exports.

With that, the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia is building a solar manufacturing and technology facility in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. At total capacity, the factory will produce enough renewable energy annually to generate 5,000 tons of solar steam, offsetting 4 million MMBtus of natural gas and reducing CO2 by 200,000 tons each year.

“Saudi Arabia is diversifying its economy away from oil and gas and shifting to renewables,” Rod MacGregor, chief executive and founder of GlassPoint told me in a Zoom Interview. “Solar lasts longer than oil and gas. But this is also about manufacturing and jobs. Moreover, we are helping decarbonize the industrial sector and reduce the climate impact on hard-to-abate industries regionally.”

GlassPoint is making solar components for the Kingdom. Its new regional manufacturing facility will supply both the Saudis and nearby countries with solar parts. For example, it makes mirrors to concentrate or focus sunlight. It is directed onto a pipe with water, which boils and creates the steam that companies use to fuel their operations.

According to the International Energy Agency, 29% of the electricity sector is decarbonizing — a number that is trending up. But only 10% of industrial process heat is doing so.

Electricity is 20% of energy worldwide. Industrial use comprises 26%, while transportation and building use comprise 30% and 23%, respectively. We can electrify nearly everything — from homes to cars. But the industrial sector is different: Unless we decarbonize industrial process heat, we won’t make our 2050 carbon-neutrality goals.

Traditionally, industry burns gas to boil water to make steam. Or it burns coal to heat a boiler, both of which use a lot of fuel and create too many emissions. Solar-generated steam is cheaper and results in no pollution. Focusing the sunlight is 100 times brighter and produces incredibly high temperatures, making low-cost steam.

Building A Track To Decarbonization

Unlike solar panels, the goal is to reflect sunlight — not absorb it to generate an electric current.

“Boilers are 93% efficient, turning heat into steam,” says MacGregor. “We turn 66% of sunlight into steam. However, this is not a meaningful comparison because the sunshine is free and the fuel is not.”

But why not use green electricity to make heat for industrial use? It costs a lot more to produce electricity than it does to make solar-generated heat. It can work for cars, but it is hard for heavy industry, says MacGregor.

The most significant obstacle the solar-generated heat industry faces is finding the space to operate. Transmission lines allow electricity to move hundreds of miles, but steam can only go about six miles. Industrial users must, therefore, be next to the technology facilities. Beyond space, lots of sunshine is a necessity.

“When we started 10 years ago, no one wanted to decarbonize,” MacGregor says. “Now, everyone is on the track to decarbonization. In California, we are cheaper than natural gas, and in Australia, we are cheaper than coal.”

To this end, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Investment is partnering with GlassPoint to expand its climate advocacy across the Middle East. Critics call it “greenwashing.” But it is leveraging its oil and gas wealth to create 21st Century job opportunities and to reduce emissions — similar to what the United Arab Emirates is doing.

Furthermore, the partnership supports the ministry’s Global Supply Chain Resilience Initiative, while it represents progress towards achieving the Saudi Vision 30 – a 10-year plan to diversify the country’s economy, society, and culture. Its Saudi Green Initiative aims to create a greener future.

“Saudi Arabia is committed to leading the region in economic development as well as sustainability,” said Khalid Al-Falih, the Saudi Minister of Investment, noting that the collaboration with GlassPoint helps strengthen its economy, supply chains, and high-tech mastery.

Oil and gas have limited lives, forcing the Saudis to rethink their energy strategies. If the Kingdom can find innovative ways to power its domestic industries and improve quality of life, so can other countries — an essential undertaking for the global community to meet its climate goals.

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The Solar Show KSA 2023: Sungrow Announces its Avant-Garde Renewable Energy Solutions to Support for Saudi’s Vision 2030 – EQ https://www.eqmagpro.com/the-solar-show-ksa-2023-sungrow-announces-its-avant-garde-renewable-energy-solutions-to-support-for-saudis-vision-2030-eq/ Thu, 02 Nov 2023 09:01:18 +0000 https://www.eqmagpro.com/?p=321489 In Short : At The Solar Show KSA 2023, Sungrow, a leading renewable energy solutions provider, unveiled its cutting-edge technologies designed to support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. With a focus on advancing solar energy adoption, Sungrow showcased innovative solutions tailored to the kingdom’s sustainable energy goals. This initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s vision for a greener and more sustainable future, leveraging state-of-the-art renewable energy technologies to drive progress toward a low-carbon economy.

In Detail : RIYADH, Saudi Arabia : Sungrow, the global leading inverter and energy storage system supplier, introduced its state-of-the-art solar-plus-storage energy solutions covering utility-scale, C&I and residential scenarios during the Solar Show KSA 2023. The solutions incorporate cutting-edge technologies in the industry, aiming to accelerate Saudi Arabia’s transition from traditional energy to clean power and increase renewable energy proportion.

Clean power is a crucial link for Saudi Arabia to move toward carbon neutrality, enhancing its strategic independence and international competitiveness. Saudi Arabia aims to have a 50% share of its electricity generated from renewable resources by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. The display of Sungrow’s latest full-scenario renewable energy solutions will firmly inject strong impetus into Saudi Arabia’s energy structure optimization and 2030 vision.

PowerTitan2.0 embarks on a new era in utility-scale energy storage

In addition to the SG320HX string inverter and the innovative “1+X” modular inverter shown during the expo towards utility-scale power plants, Sungrow introduced its new generation of PowerTitan energy storage system, PowerTitan2.0. It revolutionizes energy storage and utilization methods, making clean energy storage smarter, more efficient and safer.

PowerTitan2.0 is a superior energy storage system integrates power electronics, electrochemistry and power grid support technologies. In a 20-ft container, the batteries house 5MWh and 2.5MW PCS, which makes energy storage more efficient and safer. Impressively, the PowerTitan ESS global orders has exceeded 13GWh so far.

Premium C&I and residential clean energy solutions for small-scale solar development

Saudi Arabia is vigorously promoting local industrialization, and green industry development in the future will attract attention. Sunrow introduced its top-of-the-line solar-plus-storage solutions, including string inverters SG25-50CX-P2, SG125CX-P2, and energy storage system PowerStack, allowing industrial and commercial owners to effectively use roof space, produce green and environmentally friendly products and benefit from solar electricity.

For the rising residential solar sector, Sungrow offers a solar solution of SG10RT and an integrated solar-plus-storage solution of SH10T with SBH batteries, which are suitable for different families.

Furthermore, to improve small-scale clean energy efficiency and make operation and maintenance easier, Sungrow showcased the SP600S power optimizer and smart energy management platform iSolarCloud. It is worth noting that the SP600S is designed to increase generating capacity, boost rooftop installation capacity, and improve PV system safety, while enhancing installation and O&M efficiency.

Thompson Meng, Vice President of Sungrow PV & Storage BG, shared his opinion about clean energy development in KSA, “KSA has huge potential to develop clean energy. Sungrow has penetrated deeply into the Middle East market and won over 60% market share in MENA. We have worked with partners to deliver multiple benchmark projects for the KSA, such as supplying 2.2 GW PV inverters and 600 MWh ESS Solutions for the Neom New City Green Hydrogen Project, SAAD SOLAR 300MW project, and a number of C&I solar power plants. We also actively establish partnerships with local distributors to seek win-win development and fuel the energy transition.”

About Sungrow

Sungrow Power Supply Co., Ltd. (“Sungrow”) is the world’s most bankable inverter brand with over 405 GW installed worldwide as of June 2023. Founded in 1997 by University Professor Cao Renxian, Sungrow is a leader in the research and development of solar inverters with the largest dedicated R&D team in the industry and a broad product portfolio offering PV inverter solutions and energy storage systems for utility-scale, commercial & industrial, and residential applications, as well as internationally recognized floating PV plant solutions, NEV driving solutions, EV charging solutions and renewable hydrogen production systems. With a strong 26-year track record in the PV space, Sungrow products power over 150 countries worldwide.

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Israel launches renewable energy plan in region bordering Gaza – EQ Mag https://www.eqmagpro.com/israel-launches-renewable-energy-plan-in-region-bordering-gaza-eq-mag/ Mon, 01 May 2023 05:40:10 +0000 https://www.eqmagpro.com/?p=311126 Jerusalem : Israel has launched a sustainable energy transition plan in the Gaza envelope area seven km from the Gazan border in southwestern Israel, the country’s Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure said.

The plan is part of the government’s efforts to strengthen civil resilience in the region, which has for many years suffered from rocket and missile attacks, Xinhua news agency reported.

With an investment of five million shekels ($1.38 million), the plan will promote projects of energy efficiency, energy management, storage, and transportation, and accelerate the transition to sustainable energy in household and business sectors in the region.

Facilities will also be planned for optimising solar power generation in agricultural areas in the border towns.

In addition, the electricity network in the region will be upgraded with the establishment of new electricity facilities.

Source: PTI
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Masdar’s 900 MW Solar Projects in Uzbekistan Reach Financial Closure – EQ Mag https://www.eqmagpro.com/masdars-900-mw-solar-projects-in-uzbekistan-reach-financial-closure-eq-mag/ Sat, 08 Apr 2023 06:06:43 +0000 https://www.eqmagpro.com/?p=309431 Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) has announced that it has achieved financial close on three solar photovoltaic (PV) projects it is developing in Uzbekistan, which on completion, will have a combined capacity of around 900MW.

Dubbing it as the largest solar development programme in the region, Masdar said work on the solar projects at Sherabad, Samarkand and Jizzakh will begin imminently.

Funding for the projects is being provided by Asian Development Bank (ADB), Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Investment Bank (EIB).

The Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank, FMO, and ILX are acting as B loan participants.

Chief Financial Officer Niall Hannigan said: “Reaching this milestone for all three projects is a proud moment for Masdar and a key stage for Uzbekistan’s clean energy journey. We are already playing a significant role in supporting the Uzbek government’s ambitious renewable energy objectives, and we look forward to continuing to grow our portfolio of projects in this key strategic market.”

Masdar had signed an agreement during last year’s COP27 climate conference to join Irena’s Energy Transition Accelerator Financing (ETAF) platform, with the intention of potentially deploying up to $200 million equity investment on renewable energy projects.

Hannigan said Masdar and AIIB have jointly committed capital to the Uzbekistan projects under the ETAF initiative. ETAF is a multi-stakeholder climate finance platform, targeting the deployment of 5 gigawatts of new renewable power in developing countries by 2030.

Masdar, he stated, had last year announced a new shareholding structure and additional focus on green hydrogen, making it one of the largest clean energy companies of its kind.

With a goal of achieving 100 GW renewable energy capacity and green hydrogen production of 1 million tonnes per annum annually by 2030, the new Masdar is a clean energy powerhouse that will spearhead the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative and drive the global energy transition, he added.

Source: tradearabia
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Wind project near S.African elephant park riles activists – EQ Mag https://www.eqmagpro.com/wind-project-near-s-african-elephant-park-riles-activists-eq-mag/ Sat, 01 Apr 2023 05:53:08 +0000 https://www.eqmagpro.com/?p=308942 Plans to build wind farms next to a South African national park have riled wildlife activists who worry the turbines will ruin the landscape and impact elephants.

More than 200 turbines are slated to be erected in the vicinity of the Addo Elephant National Park, in the country’s south, after the Environment Ministry dismissed a legal bid to block the project last year.

The decision has upset tour operators and environmental campaigners, including William Fowlds, a wildlife vet who runs a lodge in the area and complains the farms risk degrading “the wild experience of going on a safari”.

“It’s catastrophic,” he told AFP.

“No one is saying we are against wind farms, but if you place them in an area of high environmental value and high eco-tourism value, you are actually damaging the local environment and the people that live there.”

With solar, wind is seen as key to efforts by Africa’s most industrialised economy to wean itself off coal — which is currently burnt to generate about 80 percent of the country’s electricity.

The environment ministry said authorisation to build the wind farms was given upon the completion of an environmental impact assessment.

But critics of the plan are not convinced.

Some have raised concerns that noise from the turbines might disturb the about 600 elephants living in the park, who communicate via low frequency infrasounds.

“Wind turbines produce a lot of noise,” said Anglea Stoeger-Horwath, an animal behaviour specialist at the University of Vienna told AFP.

“There’s a real risk that it might impact their way of communication,…(and) might stress them”.

Nature guide and wildlife photographer, Jeni Smithies, said in turn the animals might get “frustrated” and “aggressive”, adding tourists coming to the area will also have their view spoiled.

In rejecting the appeal last year, the ministry wrote that the visual impact of the project would be limited, given there already are other turbines nearby.

Campaigners opposing the project said this week they were considering further legal action.

French firm EDF, which is among the companies involved in the project, already runs a 60 megawatt wind farm some 11 kilometres from Addo park, which lies just one hour drive from Gqeberha, formerly Port Elizabeth.

“(The farm) has been operational since 2015 and no complaints, issues or grievances have been communicated by members of the public,” EDF told AFP, adding it continued to monitor biodiversity on the site.

The company dismissed additional concerns that turbulence created by the turbines may interfere with small anti-poaching patrol aircrafts, saying the national parks department “has not given any indication” that this might be an issue.

Other developers did not respond to AFP requests for comment.

Source: AFP
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UAE’s Ambitions For Global Sustainability – EQ Mag https://www.eqmagpro.com/uaes-ambitions-for-global-sustainability-eq-mag/ Sat, 01 Apr 2023 05:28:59 +0000 https://www.eqmagpro.com/?p=308927 As the UAE prepares to host the largest United Nations climate change conference, COP28, later this year, UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan recently announced 2023 as the “Year of Sustainability” to emphasize the importance of sustainability in shaping a more prosperous future.

This announcement signifies the UAE’s commitment to sustainable development and its recognition of the global climate emergency that can only be addressed through collective action. The Year of Sustainability will include a range of initiatives to reduce the UAE’s carbon footprint, increase environmental awareness, and promote sustainability in the public and private sectors.

The UAE has emerged as a global leader in sustainability in recent years as a result of its ambitious vision, strategic investments, and robust pro-climate policies. With a rapidly growing population, the UAE has recognized the need to transition to a more sustainable future and has taken bold steps to achieve this goal.

One of the key pillars of its sustainability agenda is renewable energy, as the UAE has set a target of generating 50% of its electricity from clean sources by 2050. In 2020, the UAE commissioned the world’s largest single-site solar energy project at Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park with a capacity of 1.2 gigawatts (GW).

Significant reforms are also underway in the transport sector, with sizeable investments in the country’s mass transit systems, such as the Dubai Metro. Dubai’s road and transport agency wants to see 100% electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles across the emirate’s public transport network by 2050, and around USD 160 billion is also being invested in a range of ambitious schemes aimed at achieving carbon neutrality through the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative.

In addition to its domestic efforts, the UAE has also emerged as a leader in global sustainability initiatives. The country is a signatory to the Paris Agreement on climate change and has pledged to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 23.5% by 2030. The UAE also hosts the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and has convened several important international conferences on sustainability, including the World Future Energy Summit and Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.

The UAE’s sustainability efforts have received widespread global recognition. In 2021, the UAE was ranked first in the Middle East and North Africa region in the Global Green Economy Index.

The UAE’s commitment to sustainability is a model for other countries to follow, and the Year of Sustainability will be a turning point for the country and for the world as the UAE demonstrates that sustainability is not only achievable, but essential for our future.

As we look ahead to COP28 and beyond, the UAE and Islamic Republic of Pakistan can advance regional and global cooperation through collective efforts to create a more sustainable, equitable and prosperous future for all, especially for the most vulnerable countries on the Climate Risk Index.

In conclusion, the UAE’s role in sustainability is an inspiring example of what can be achieved when a nation prioritizes sustainable development through its investments in renewable energy, water conservation, and global initiatives. As the world confronts the urgent challenges of climate change and environmental degradation, the UAE’s leadership in sustainability is more important than ever.

Source: PTI
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South Africa’s Attacq looks to solar to reduce reliance on diesel- EQ Mag https://www.eqmagpro.com/south-africas-attacq-looks-to-solar-to-reduce-reliance-on-diesel-eq-mag/ Thu, 16 Mar 2023 05:55:47 +0000 https://www.eqmagpro.com/?p=307509 JOHANNESBURG : Attacq plans to reduce its reliance on diesel generators used to keep the lights on at its shopping malls, opting for solar and battery power to cope with the rising costs from the energy crisis in South Africa.

State electricity utility Eskom is implementing the worst rolling blackouts on record, leaving households in the dark for up to 10 hours a day.

This has harmed retailers such as Shoprite, Woolworths, Pick n Pay and Mr Price, whose recent results showed a dent in sales and rise in operating costs as they crank up diesel generators to power stores.

On Monday fashion retailer TFG said its African business would lose about 1 billion rand ($55 million) in retail turnover because of the power outages.

The retailers have said they are collaborating with shopping mall landlords on alternative backup power solutions other than diesel generators which cost a lot more to run.

Attacq, a commercial property group, consumed 204,951 litres of diesel in the six months to Dec.31, up significantly from 11,788 litres used in the comparable prior year, Michael Clampett, an Asset and Property Management Executive at the company told investors.

That equated to 27 million rand.

“Our view is that in the longer term it’s not sustainable to run all our assets as we do today on diesel generators and we’ve got a strategy to wean ourselves off that over time,” Clampett said.

The property group will achieve this through battery rollouts for buildings and precincts and add about 2.3 megawatts (MW) of rooftop solar energy to the existing 8.5 MW mainly at its retail hubs, he added.

This mix of alternative energy will be fitted by the landlord and tenants will pay a fee to Attacq for every kilowatt used.

Earlier, Attacq reported a 27.3% rise in half-year distributable income per share, while rental income increased by 4% to 1.2 billion rand.

($1 = 18.2425 rand)

Source: Reuters
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New platform to boost environmental impact financing in Africa https://www.eqmagpro.com/new-platform-to-boost-environmental-impact-financing-in-africa/ Tue, 28 Feb 2023 06:00:15 +0000 https://www.eqmagpro.com/?p=306241 Today, the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF) announced their collaboration in the Green and Resilience Debt Platform, a vehicle that aims to boost climate finance in Africa. The platform contributes to the European Union’s Global Green Bond Initiative, which relies on a governance structure defined by the European Commission and European development finance institutions. It will be implemented in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme and United Nations Capital Development Fund. The announcement came in the margins of the First EIB Group Forum in Luxembourg, which gathers policymakers, financial institutions and business leaders to discuss pressing issues of the time.

The new platform will focus on climate resilience and blue bonds in Africa. It will provide technical assistance to partner countries, promote a climate sensitive investment environment, create a pipeline of bankable green investments, and strengthen domestic and regional green debt ecosystems and financial institutions. It will also provide access to anchor investments in green bond issuances.

GCF will provide financing through its Project Preparation Facility window to support the design and establishment of the Green and Resilience Debt Platform. This support will initially focus on Cote d’Ivoire and Kenya with the potential for additional countries to be added. GCF will examine the platform’s feasibility and impact in these countries, in playing a unique role to align large financial flows with each country’s Nationally Determined Contribution and National Adaptation Plan.

A green, inclusive and resilient economic development worldwide requires an unprecedented scale of investment, particularly in high-quality infrastructure. Green bonds are widely recognized as part of the solution. Global experience has shown they are key in mobilising capital from private investors for investments with environmental impact. However, emerging and developing economies face specific barriers when it comes to green bonds. Their respective markets remain largely underdeveloped and continue to grow at a much slower pace than those of developed countries. The situation is particularly grim in least developed countries on the African continent. Africa accounted for only 0.077% of the total bond issuances 2021. In 2019/2020, only 3% of the total climate finance provided worldwide went to sub-Saharan Africa.

Source : eib
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UAE supports India’s ambition of 450 GW of renewable energy by 2030: Official – EQ Mag https://www.eqmagpro.com/uae-supports-indias-ambition-of-450-gw-of-renewable-energy-by-2030-official-eq-mag/ Wed, 25 Jan 2023 05:39:33 +0000 https://www.eqmagpro.com/?p=303706

Dubai : The UAE’s expanded cooperation with India in the area of climate and clean energy aims to support New Delhi’s ambition to achieve 450 gigawatts of renewable energy installed capacity by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2070, a senior official said on Tuesday.

President and CEO of Dubai Chambers of Commerce, Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, said both the countries were “old energy partners”, with India being the third leading importer and consumer of UAE crude oil.

Speaking to PTI on the sidelines of the India-UAE Partnership Summit here on Tuesday, Lootah said the ambition aligns with the UAE’s goals to expand its clean energy capabilities to meet the targets of the UAE Energy Strategy by 2050 and the ambitions set in the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative.

Highlighting the benefits of the signing of the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) last year, Lootah said the agreement would boost the UAE-India bilateral trade to USD 100 billion within five years.

“It would encompass multi-faceted cooperation and developments in trade, investment, tourism, food security, clean energy, science, health and technology, defense, and space – pretty much in all sectors,” he said.

Lootah also said that CEPA provided both India and the UAE with new options to cooperate and leverage the multiple growth opportunities offered by the energy transition.

“Both countries work together for a more sustainable future, and therefore, we expect enhanced cooperation in renewable energy especially solar power and hydrogen,” he said.

“CEPA entered into force in May 2022, so it may be too early to determine which sector has benefited most. However, we know that under this landmark agreement both countries expect to boost bilateral trade from USD 60 billion to USD 100 billion within the next five years,” said Lootah.

Stressing on the significance of healthcare and agritech in the expansion of bilateral ties, he said these areas have been given a great deal of attention from the two countries that are moving closer than ever in securing strong cooperation in healthcare and agritech.

“There were newer areas of cooperation in healthcare and food security during and post the COVID-19 pandemic. With food security being a top strategic priority for the UAE and India’s enormous agritech ecosystem, we have seen a significant growth in UAE agricultural investment in India,” Lootah said.

He recalled the tormenting days of 2020 when, in response to the pandemic, the UAE-India Food Corridor was a huge success in attracting UAE investment in Indian food parks, farms, and fruit and vegetable hubs.

“It also helped boost job creation and support to Indian farmers. This trend will continue and even be stronger under CEPA, making India a reliable food security partner for the UAE,” he added.

India and the UAE have showcased bilateral cooperation in healthcare and medical best practices during the pandemic and are set to establish new health partnerships driven by the latest research and development, medical technologies, and innovation.

“I believe the two countries will continue to foster cooperation in this vital sector to ensure advanced health systems and the wellbeing of people on both sides,” Lootah further said.

He also pointed at pharmaceuticals as a significant part of health cooperation. “The CEPA agreement incorporates a separate Annex on pharmaceuticals to facilitate access of Indian pharmaceuticals products, especially automatic registration, and marketing authorisation in 90 days for products approved by developed country regulators like the US, the UK, the EU and Japan,” he explained.

Source: PTI
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Opinion: Model no more? Turkey’s energy transition reversed in 2022: Maguire – EQ Mag https://www.eqmagpro.com/opinion-model-no-more-turkeys-energy-transition-reversed-in-2022-maguire-eq-mag/ Sat, 21 Jan 2023 05:29:56 +0000 https://www.eqmagpro.com/?p=303449

LITTLETON : As Europe’s fastest-growing energy consumer since 2010, and a ratifier of the Paris agreement to cap emissions, Turkey is viewed as a critical energy transition test case seeking to retool its power system while sustaining economic growth.

With a population of 85 million and a major manufacturing base on the doorstep to Europe, Asia and the Middle East, Turkey has been a prominent advocate of reducing fossil fuel emissions while developing renewable energy supplies in recent years.

Between 2018 and 2021, the country managed to increase overall electricity generation by 9% while simultaneously cutting coal generation more than 8%, thanks to an aggressive 21% rise in clean power deployment from wind, solar and hydro installations, data from think tank Ember shows.

The country also ramped up use of natural gas by 18% during that period, which utilities preferred over dirtier coal to generate baseload power.

The combination of deep cuts to coal use, rapid renewable deployment, and high potential for additional solar installations has served to make Turkey something of a blueprint for energy transition planners in developing markets.

SETBACK

But within the past 12 months, much of Turkey’s clean and green energy momentum was reversed, as power producers boosted coal use and emissions to their highest levels since at least 2018.

What’s more, the country provided a critical lifeline to Russia throughout 2022 by boosting imports of Russian coal by 119% from the year before to 11.4 million tonnes, data from Kpler shows.

As Turkey’s overall coal imports grew by only 8.8% in 2022, the surge in Russian purchases came at the expense of other suppliers such as Colombia and Australia. This suggests that Turkish utilities felt compelled to risk international backlash to scoop up discounted Russian coal cargoes during 2022 as global coal prices scaled record highs.

To be sure, Turkish power producers also had to grapple with reduced supplies of Russian gas in 2022, especially during the second half when Turkey’s total gas consumption contracted by more than 25%, Refinitiv data shows.

But the speedy and sustained ramp up in Turkey’s coal use during 2022 reveals a preparedness among power firms, businesses and the government to potentially abandon pledges to cut fossil fuel emissions, and raises questions over the country’s status as a model to be followed by other economies.

IN GOOD COMPANY

Turkey was not alone in burning more coal in 2022.

The extreme volatility seen across energy markets – featuring historic price surges as well as supply chain disruptions – placed utilities and trading firms throughout Europe under unprecedented pressure to sustain electricity and power supplies by whatever means necessary.

That meant more coal consumption in several major economies, including Germany and Spain.

But Germany and Spain were also able to deploy large increases in renewable energy supplies in 2022, which in both countries helped push electricity from solar and wind sites to beyond a third of total electricity generation for the year.

Both Germany and Spain – along with several other European nations – also target further steep increases in renewable supplies in the coming years, making it feasible that half or more of their power supplies could come from green sources before the end of the decade.

In contrast, Turkey’s electricity generation from solar and wind averaged 16% in 2022, meaning that an overwhelming majority of power was generated from other sources.

An additional 22% of Turkey’s electricity came from hydro facilities in 2022, which provided valuable dispatchable clean power for utilities.

Yet Turkey’s frequent battles with droughts, along with technical challenges in the development of additional hydro facilities, may constrain hydro power potential in the country going forward.

INTERMITTENT WORRIES

That suggests further solar and wind power supply growth will be vital if Turkey is to expand its overall clean power footprint in the years ahead while its economy – and energy appetite – continues to grow.

Yet solar and wind supplies come with the headache of intermittency, when power generation totals slump at night and during cloudy or windless days.

For a manufacturing-heavy economy, where sustained and reliable power is critical for production lines, intermittent renewables must be backed up by cheap and dependable baseload power.

Until 2022, Turkey had been on a path to use cleaner-burning natural gas as that main source of baseload supply, with plans to phase out high-polluting coal use over time.

Now, after reverting to heavy coal use last year to keep factories running, energy transition trackers will be checking if Turkey corrects course again to retain its status as a model for energy transition candidates, or stays on its high-emitting trajectory and permanently sheds its hard-won green credentials.

Source: PTI
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Zimbabwe looks to public to provide solar power amid energy crisis – EQ Mag https://www.eqmagpro.com/zimbabwe-looks-to-public-to-provide-solar-power-amid-energy-crisis-eq-mag/ Fri, 13 Jan 2023 05:49:48 +0000 https://www.eqmagpro.com/?p=302891

Zimbabwe’s net metering system, launched in 2020, allows those producing private renewable energy to transfer excess generation to the national grid. The southern African country is suffering from chronic power shortages, especially after its main Kariba hydropower plant cut power last month due to low water levels.

According to the latest official figures, Zimbabwe’s net metering system currently has 117 active customers with a total power capacity of 4.9MW. But some analysts and lawmakers have questioned whether the system can be relied upon or expanded sufficiently to truly address the worsening energy crisis.

Source: Reuters
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Saudi ACWA Power signs MoU for 10 GW wind project in Egypt https://www.eqmagpro.com/saudi-acwa-power-signs-mou-for-10-gw-wind-project-in-egypt/ Sat, 05 Nov 2022 07:22:24 +0000 https://www.eqmagpro.com/?p=297670

CAIRO, Nov 1 (Reuters) – Saudi ACWA Power Company (2082.SE) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Egyptian New and Renewable Energy Authority and the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company to build a 10 gigawatt (GW) wind energy project in Egypt, the Saudi Energy Ministry said on Tuesday.

Reporting by Ahmad Elhamy and Mahmoud Reda Mourad Editing by David Goodman.Read More…

Source : reuters
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Saudi Arabia to start making EVs to help break away from oil’s economic dominance https://www.eqmagpro.com/saudi-arabia-to-start-making-evs-to-help-break-away-from-oils-economic-dominance/ Fri, 04 Nov 2022 06:44:06 +0000 https://www.eqmagpro.com/?p=297519

Saudi Arabia is roll out a line of electric vehicles in 2025 in partnership with BMW and Taiwan’s Foxconn, saying it hopes to “ignite a new domestic industry and ecosystem” that attracts local and international investors as it seeks to cut economic dependence on fossil fuels.

It is the second move by Saudi Arabia into EVs after investing US$1 billion in U.S.-based luxury EV maker Lucid Motors in 2018 through the Saudi Arabian Sovereign Wealth Fund (PIF), which is also investing in the new line of domestic EVs, called “Ceer”.

Earlier this year, Lucid announced it was laying the groundwork for a full production factory at some point in Saudi Arabia, where its sees growth potential for high-end EVs sold in the region.

At one time Saudi Arabia also held over 8.2 milllion shares in Tesla, but mostly sold out in late 2019.

In launching the new brand, Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Prime Minister and PIF chairman said Ceer would be the first Saudi electric vehicle brand to “contribute to Saudi Arabia’s automotive manufacturing sector.”

Ceer will target consumers in Saudi Arabia, the greater Middle East and in North Africa with a choice of sedans and sports utility vehicles, starting in 2025.

A part of PIF’s strategy for Ceer is to help diversify Saudi Arabia’s GDP growth by investing in promising growth industries, including electric vehicles manufacturing.

“In addition, the company will contribute to Saudi Arabia’s efforts towards carbon emissions reduction and driving sustainability to address the impact of climate change,” Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz said.

Ceer expects to attract over US$150 million in foreign investment, and directly contribute US$8 billion to Saudi Arabia’s gross domestic product by 2034.

Saudi Arabia derives roughly 90% of its export earnings from the petroleum sector, which also accounts for almost half of the country’s GDP.

Australian mining group EVM is already developing a battery plant in Saudi Arabia to produce high-purity chemicals containing lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese and other metals used in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries for EVs and renewable energy storage.

Ceer plans on licensing component technology from BMW and rely on Foxconn to develop the vehicles.

Source: reneweconomy.com.au
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ACWA Power reports increase in net profit for third quarter and first nine months of 2022 https://www.eqmagpro.com/acwa-power-reports-increase-in-net-profit-for-third-quarter-and-first-nine-months-of-2022/ Fri, 04 Nov 2022 05:06:26 +0000 https://www.eqmagpro.com/?p=297412

  • Consolidated net profit attributable to equity holders of the parent for the first nine months of SAR883 million, a 110% increase year-on-year
  • Adjusted net profit increased by 7% year-on-year

Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia:  ACWA Power Company, a publicly listed company on the Saudi Arabian Tadawul stock exchange (ACWA Power: 2082) and a leading Saudi developer, investor, and operator of power generation, water desalination and green hydrogen plants worldwide, today announced its third quarter and year-to-date financial results for the three months and nine months ending 30 September 2022.

In the first nine months of the year, the company recorded a consolidated net profit, attributable to equity holders of the parent, of SAR883 million, representing a 110% increase when compared to the same period last year. This was driven by robust growth in ACWA Power’s operating income before impairment and other expenses, as well as increases in other income, while amplified by lower profit on account of one-off or non-routine expenses during the same period in the year prior.

The company’s adjusted net profit, after excluding the impact of one-off and non-routine expenses, for the nine-month period ending 30th September, grew by 7%, versus the same period in 2021. This was achieved despite the additional deferred tax losses incurred by the company’s subsidiaries in Morocco due to the devaluation of the Moroccan Dirham (MAD).

Operating income before impairment loss and other expenses in the nine-month period ending 30th September was SAR1,877 million, an 11% increase by SAR189 million, compared to the same period last year, which was achieved despite plant outages in four facilities. The higher variance was mainly due to new or additional income from projects that achieved their commercial operation dates after September 2021 in addition to those which were partially operational in the first nine months of year prior.

Mohammad Abunayyan, ACWA Power Chairman

ACWA Power’s unique position in Saudi Arabia and strategic penetration in international high-growth markets has resulted in robust portfolio growth across our renewable energy, water desalination, and green hydrogen assets. Our business results demonstrate our ability to stay on course despite disruptive global conditions. We have achieved a number of financial and project milestones over the past 9 months, supported in equal measure by our strong partnerships across geographies, including bringing China’s Silk Road Fund as co-investor in our Sirdarya CCGT project in Uzbekistan most recently. These achievements validate the confidence and trust our partners have in our ability to drive sustainable value and deliver solid returns to our investors

Mohammad Abunayyan, ACWA Power Chairman

In September of this year, ACWA Power entered into a Sale Purchase Agreement (SPA) with Silk Road Fund of China for a 49% stake in its wholly owned subsidiary, ACWA Power Uzbekistan Project Holding Company that holds a 100% stake in ACWA Power Sirdarya (its project company). The sale is expected to reach completion before the end of the year.

Paddy Padmanathan, Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman of ACWA Power

This quarter’s financial results once again illustrate the strength, resilience and efficacy of ACWA Power’s develop-invest-operate-optimise model, not only in weathering market volatility, but in enabling us to maintain attractive capital distribution to our shareholders on the back of our continued financial performance

Paddy Padmanathan, Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman of ACWA Power

In June this year, ACWA Power’s Ordinary General Assembly approved distribution of dividends for the year 2021, amounting to SAR563 million in total, which is SAR0.77 per share, or 7.7% of nominal value per share, which was subsequently fully paid in July. Following its IPO in October 2021, ACWA Power is one of the top performers on the Tadawul so far into 2022 in terms of its stock price.

“We remain cautiously optimistic amid the headwinds around us,” continued Padmanathan “as we work together with diverse, and quality partners globally, bringing our extensive experience, entrepreneurship and innovative solutions in power, water and green hydrogen, while championing the transition to a more sustainable future.”

Abdulhameed Al Muhaidib, Chief Financial Officer of ACWA Power

We delivered another quarter with growing profit and robust overall financial results despite the global geopolitical and macroeconomic challenges. At the same time, we don’t consider ourselves immune to what’s happening around us. We are vigilant in our risk assessment, ongoing due diligence and scenario planning and see these steps as essential in building our capability to continue delivering successful outcomes

Abdulhameed Al Muhaidib, Chief Financial Officer of ACWA Power

In August this year, ACWA Power’s Umm Al Quwain Independent Water Plant (UAQ IWP) achieved full commercial operation at 682 thousand cubic meters per day potable water capacity, following the plant’s partial commercial operation at 33 percent of its full capacity since December 2021. As of September 30, 2022, ACWA Power’s portfolio comprised 67 projects in operation, construction, or advanced development in 13 countries. Details for the Company’s entire portfolio of projects can be found on the Company’s website www.acwapower.com.

A comprehensive Investor Report comprising the CEO’s address to shareholders, the Company’s interim consolidated financial statements and the independent auditor’s review report for the three- and nine-months period ended 30 September 2022 and the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of the financial results is available on ACWA’s Power’s Investor Relations section at http://acwapower.com/en/investor-relations/.

The company will hold an investor conference call on November 03, 2022 at 16.00 KSA time, (1 pm GMT) following the close of trading on the bourse.

Source: acwapower
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S.Africa will need $500 bn to reach net zero: World Bank https://www.eqmagpro.com/s-africa-will-need-500-bn-to-reach-net-zero-world-bank/ Thu, 03 Nov 2022 05:50:55 +0000 https://www.eqmagpro.com/?p=297326

South Africa, one of the world’s largest greenhouse gas emitters, will require at least half-a-trillion dollars to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, the World Bank said Tuesday.

“Financing requirements associated with the transitions could amount to 4.4 percent of GDP per year — or 8.5 trillion rand (about $500 billion)” between this year and 2050, said the bank in a report published Tuesday.

In light of the government’s limited fiscal capacity, the domestic private sector and external financing will be required for the transition, it said.

Last year, South Africa, the continent’s most industrialised economy, secured $8.5 billion in loans and grants from a group of rich nations to finance the transition to cleaner energy sources.

The bank said South Africa accounts for 1.2 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions — with the coal-dominated energy sector responsible for nearly half of its discharges.

“The power sector… will need to transform radically by moving away from coal toward renewables,” it said, projecting that solar and wind will provide about 85 percent of the country’s energy by 2050.

The country “is one of the most carbon- and energy intensive economies in the world”, the bank added, noting that South Africa’s carbon intensity was 3.2 times higher than the global average in 2019.

“This shift should start immediately to address the ailing generation capacity, accompanied by (an) enhanced regional energy market,” said the bank.

A shift away from coal for renewable sources of energy will help the country tackle its ongoing energy crisis “most urgently and cost-competitively”.

But transitioning from coal will come at a heavy cost.

The bank estimates that at least 300,000 jobs in high-emitting sectors will be lost, urging the government to find ways to alleviate the potential negative effects of the transition.

For every job lost, the bank estimated that between two and three jobs could be created in renewables, green manufacturing and non-coal mining sectors.

Source: AFP
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Masdar Chairman Dr. Sultan Al Jaber Calls for ‘Maximum Energy, Minimum Emissions’ to Deliver Global Energy Transition – EQ Mag Pro https://www.eqmagpro.com/masdar-chairman-dr-sultan-al-jaber-calls-for-maximum-energy-minimum-emissions-to-deliver-global-energy-transition-eq-mag-pro/ Tue, 01 Nov 2022 06:17:03 +0000 https://www.eqmagpro.com/?p=297137

Masdar Chairman Dr. Sultan Al Jaber Calls for ‘Maximum Energy, Minimum Emissions’ to Deliver Global Energy Transition

ABU DHABI, UAE : His Excellency Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Special Envoy for Climate Change and Chairman of Masdar, called for the world to utilize all available energy sources, including renewables and hydrogen, to meet the energy needs of a growing global population.

“If this year has taught us anything, it is that energy security is the foundation of all progress – economic social and climate progress,” Dr Al Jaber said in his keynote address at the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC). With the global population set to reach 9.7 billion people by 2050, the world will need to produce 30 per cent more energy than today.

“The world needs all the solutions it can get. It is oil and gas and solar, and wind and nuclear, and hydrogen plus the clean energies yet to be discovered, commercialized and deployed,” Dr Al Jaber said. “The world needs maximum energy… minimum emissions. This is why the UAE leadership decided to be a first mover in renewable energy, over 16 years ago, by launching Masdar.”

Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Chairman of Masdar

Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s flagship renewable energy company, was launched to support the diversification of the UAE’s economy and energy sources through advancing the development, deployment and commercialization of renewable energy and clean technology.

Today, Masdar is one of the fastest-growing renewable energy companies globally, active in over 40 countries, and invested in projects valued over US$20 billion. Last year, Masdar expanded the capacity of its clean energy portfolio 40 percent, to a total capacity of over 15 gigawatts (GW). These projects can displace 19.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually.

Masdar is targeting a portfolio capacity of 100 GW by 2030 and aims to supply 1 million tonnes of green hydrogen by the end of this decade, cementing its place as a first mover in this promising industry and position Abu Dhabi as a global hub for the production and export of green hydrogen.

“With COP27 meeting next week and as the UAE prepares to host COP28, the Emirates Climate Conference, our efforts should focus on a new, bold, realistic and pragmatic pathway that benefits humanity, the climate and the economy,” Dr Al Jaber said. “We need to hold back emissions, not progress.”

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Masdar Calls upon World Leaders to Pledge Support for Women Tackling Climate Change – EQ Mag Pro https://www.eqmagpro.com/masdar-calls-upon-world-leaders-to-pledge-support-for-women-tackling-climate-change-eq-mag-pro/ Tue, 01 Nov 2022 06:12:01 +0000 https://www.eqmagpro.com/?p=297134

• Masdar launches global #IAmWiSER campaign calling on policymakers, industry leaders and the general public to pledge support for women as agents of sustainable change
• Campaign has backing of influential women leading the clean energy transition at highest levels of UAE government, multinational corporations, and the United Nations

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates : Masdar’s Women in Sustainability, Environment and Renewable Energy (WiSER) platform today launched a global campaign, I Am WiSER, to raise support for women at the forefront of efforts to tackle climate change and encourage world leaders to press forward with initiatives to build a more inclusive and sustainable future.

The campaign urges policymakers, heads of industry, and individuals to take the #IAmWiSER pledge to champion women as agents of sustainable change, in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) 5 and 7, which aim to “achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls,” and “ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all,” respectively.

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, one of the world’s leading renewable energy companies, said, “Masdar has long recognized the pivotal role women must play in building a sustainable future. Through #IAmWiSER, we are proud to invite our partners around the world to join us in ensuring women have an equal voice in our collective clean energy transition.”

Dr Lamya Fawwaz, Masdar Executive Director of Brand and Strategic Initiatives, and WiSER Program Director, said: “WiSER recognizes, inspires and empowers women to become leaders and change agents in driving sustainable development for all. The “#IAmWiSER campaign will enable us to reach a broader audience and provide a clear call for action for women and those who support them around the world. We look forward to translating these pledges from policymakers, thought leaders, business experts and engaged individuals around the world into concrete progress.”

Globally, women and girls experience the greatest impacts of climate change, which amplifies existing gender inequalities and poses unique threats to their livelihoods, health, and safety, according to UN Women.

The #IAmWiSER campaign has been endorsed by five notable women who are today advancing the sustainability agenda on the global stage, including H.E. Mariam Almheiri, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment; H.E. Ambassador Lana Nusseibeh, Permanent UAE Representative to the UN; Damilola Ogunbiyi, CEO of Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General for SEforALL, and Co-Chair of UN-Energy; Peggy Choi, Founder and CEO of global knowledge-sharing platform, Lynk; and Alexandra Palt, Executive Vice-President Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer of L’Oréal and Executive Vice-President of the Fondation L’Oréal.

Commenting on the campaign, Palt said: “#IAmWiSER is about celebrating the achievements of women who have worked tirelessly to build a more sustainable future for their communities and our planet. It is also, just as importantly, about inspiring and empowering future generations to follow in their footsteps. Because women are an extremely powerful engine of change and key to social and ecological progress.”

Interested participants are invited to visit Masdar’s website to take the #IAmWiser pledge: “I am committed to championing women as agents of sustainable change.” Signatories will then be prompted to publicize their commitment and encourage others to take the pledge via an auto-generated link for sharing on social media.

At the 27th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC COP 27) in Egypt this November, WiSER will host delegates at its booth in the UAE Pavilion and invite them to take the #IAmWiser pledge.

As host of COP 28 next year, the UAE has set ambitious targets to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, making it the first Middle Eastern country to do so.

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DUBAI ADDS 600MW OF CLEAN ENERGY PRODUCTION CAPACITY FROM SOLAR PARK – EQ Mag Pro https://www.eqmagpro.com/dubai-adds-600mw-of-clean-energy-production-capacity-from-solar-park-eq-mag-pro/ Tue, 01 Nov 2022 04:54:56 +0000 https://www.eqmagpro.com/?p=297080

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD&CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) announced that the entity has added 300 megawatts of photovoltaic solar energy in 2022, from the 5th phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the world’s largest single-site solar park using the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model.

The Solar Park will have a production capacity of 5,000 megawatts (MW) by 2030. The 5th phase is currently underway, with a total capacity of 900MW and investments estimated at AED 2.058 billion. It will be operational in phases until 2023. This year, DEWA has added 300MW to the 300MW that became operational last year from the 5th phase.

“We are guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to provide a state-of-the-art infrastructure that consolidates Dubai’s position as a preferred destination for living, working, investing and visiting. We are also prepared to meet the growing demand for electricity and water services according to the highest standards of availability, reliability, efficiency and quality. We strive to keep pace with demand by implementing pioneering projects to diversify sources of energy production to include various clean and renewable energy sources and technologies in Dubai and expand the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park projects. This will help achieve the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050 to provide 100% of Dubai’s total power production capacity from clean energy sources by 2050,” said Al Tayer.

Al Tayer noted that by adding 300MW from the 900MW fifth phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park using photovoltaic solar panels, the current production capacity of the solar park has reached 1,827MW using photovoltaic solar panels. DEWA is implementing other projects at the Solar Park with a total of 1,033MW using PV and Concentrated Solar Power (CSP). The share of clean energy in Dubai is about 12.8% of the total installed capacity of 14,317 MW. This percentage is expected to reach 14% by the end of 2022.

The 4th phase of the solar park, with a capacity of 950 MW and investments amounting to AED 15.78 billion according to the IPP model, is the largest concentrated single-site solar power plant that combines CSP and solar photovoltaic technologies. This phase will use three hybrid technologies: 600MW from a parabolic basin complex (three units of 200MW each), 100MW from the world’s tallest solar power tower at 262.44 metres (based on Molten Salt technology), and 250MW from photovoltaic solar panels. On its completion, the project will have the largest thermal storage capacity in the world of 15 hours, allowing for energy availability around the clock. The 4th phase will provide clean energy for around 320,000 residences and reduce 1.6 million tonnes of carbon emissions yearly. A total of 217MW of the 4th phase using photovoltaic solar panels is already operational.

DEWA has invited international developers to send their Expressions of Interest (EOI) to implement the 6th phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park based on the IPP model. The 900 MW 6th phase of the Solar Park will be implemented using photovoltaic solar panels. It will become operational in stages starting from Q3 of 2025.

Source: PTI
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Masdar Opens New Office in Saudi Arabia to Strengthen Presence in Renewable Energy Market and Support Climate Goals – EQ Mag Pro https://www.eqmagpro.com/masdar-opens-new-office-in-saudi-arabia-to-strengthen-presence-in-renewable-energy-market-and-support-climate-goals-eq-mag-pro/ Sat, 29 Oct 2022 06:22:00 +0000 https://www.eqmagpro.com/?p=296931
  • Abu Dhabi’s flagship renewable energy company intends to bid in Saudi Power Procurement Co. Round 4 tender for projects with combined capacity of 3.3 gigawatts

  • Company aims to add to existing projects in the Kingdom, including 400-megawatt (MW) wind farm – largest in the Middle East – and 300 MW solar power plant

  • Masdar inaugurates its new dedicated office in Riydah, the Saudi capital

Masdar, one of the world’s fastest-growing renewable energy companies, has pledged to strengthen its support for Saudi Arabia’s clean energy objectives, with the opening of a new dedicated office in the Kingdom. Masdar will also participate with partners in the upcoming Round 4 tender announced by the Saudi Power Procurement Co. (SPPC) for wind and solar projects with a combined capacity of 3.3 gigawatts (GW).

The inauguration event for the office, located in the capital Riyadh, was attended by HE Sheikh Nahyan bin Saif Al Nahyan, UAE Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, along with representatives from Masdar partners, Saudi government officials, and industry leaders. Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar was also present, along with other Masdar executives, who were also participating in the Future Investment Initiative conference in Riyadh.

HE Sheikh Nahyan bin Saif Al Nahyan, UAE Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, said, “This occasion reflects the close ties that unite our two countries, as well as the strength of the strategic relations between the UAE and Saudi Arabia. These ties are based on a solid foundation supported by the leadership of both nations and work to achieve shared developmental goals for a more prosperous future and increased Emirati-Saudi integration in various fields. We are committed as countries and peoples to cooperating in this regard, not only for the benefit of our countries but also for the region and world at large. The UAE and Saudi Arabia remain keen to strengthen strategic cooperation and leverage joint resources and capabilities.”

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, said, “Masdar is actively committed to supporting Saudi Arabia’s efforts to reach net zero, and the Kingdom represents a key strategic market where we have established a proven track record in developing clean energy projects. This new office will support Masdar’s ongoing growth and expansion in the Kingdom, and it will better enable us to help diversify Saudi Arabia’s energy mix and meet the ambitious renewable energy targets outlined in Vision 2030. We look forward to working with our partners to continue to deliver world-class clean energy projects in Saudi.”

Abdulaziz Omar Al Mubarak, General Manager of Masdar in Saudi Arabia, said, “Establishing a physical office further demonstrates our commitment to Saudi Arabia and will help ensure we are aligned with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. The Saudi office will not only look over our existing assets, it will also play a key role in the development of future pipeline projects here. Masdar is committed to providing best-in-class services and solutions – whether that be providing utility-scale projects or solutions for commercial and industrial customers looking to offset or reduce their energy bills.”

The SPPC’s Round 4 tender will be for three wind power plants with a combined capacity of 1.8 GW, and two solar parks totaling 1.5 GW, as part of the country’s National Renewable Energy Program. Saudi Arabia is planning to generate 50 percent of its electricity from clean sources by the end of this decade, targeting 58.7 GW coming from renewable sources. The world’s biggest oil exporter has also pledged to cut its carbon emissions to net zero by 2060, with plans to invest more than US$180 billion to reach that goal.

Masdar is already contributing to Saudi Arabia’s clean energy objectives, with the 400-megawatt (MW) Dumat Al Jandal Wind Farm – the Kingdom’s first and the largest in the Middle East – having begun electricity production last year. Developed by a consortium of Masdar and EDF Renewables with Nesma Company, once fully operational Dumat Al Jandal will generate enough clean energy to power 70,000 Saudi homes while displacing 988,000 tonnes of CO₂ per year.

Masdar is also developing the 300-MW South Jeddah Noor Solar Photovoltaic Plant, through a consortium led by Masdar with EDF Renewables and Nesma Company as partners. The consortium signed a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with SPPC last year to design, finance, build and operate the plant, which will be located in Third Jeddah Industrial City, 50km south-east of Jeddah.

Under its Vision 2030 objectives, Saudi Arabia is also looking to explore developing the potential of the commercial and industrial (C&I) sector for solar power generation. Accordingly, Masdar sees considerable potential to target this segment through Emerge, the joint venture it established with EDF to collaborate on opportunities in distributed solar generation, energy efficiency and street lighting in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Emerge is actively developing multiple off-grid and on-grid projects, which will be streamlined once approved by the Saudi Water and Electricity Regulatory Authority (WERA).

Source: masdar
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Jordan Aims To Supply Iraq With Power In 2023 – EQ Mag Pro https://www.eqmagpro.com/jordan-aims-to-supply-iraq-with-power-in-2023-eq-mag-pro/ Sat, 29 Oct 2022 05:44:06 +0000 https://www.eqmagpro.com/?p=296892

Regional power interconnection projects have struggled to gain traction in the Middle East, with the GCCIA chronically underused. Yet momentum is building for broader connections to North Africa and Europe (MEES, 28 October), while Jordan intends to begin supplying Iraq with electricity by next summer.

Despite the limitations of its domestic transmission network and an indebted state electricity operator (Nepco), Jordan plans to begin exporting 150MW to Iraq for summer 2023. This would mark the next phase in the transformation of Jordan’s power sector, which has seen Amman slash its reliance on oil burn and pivot towards natural gas and renewables over the past decade.

Source: mees
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Middle East and North Africa in pole position to be global leaders in Green Steel – EQ Mag Pro https://www.eqmagpro.com/middle-east-and-north-africa-in-pole-position-to-be-global-leaders-in-green-steel-eq-mag-pro/ Fri, 28 Oct 2022 05:43:21 +0000 https://www.eqmagpro.com/?p=296791

MENA has an established supply of DR-grade iron ore and its iron ore pelletising plants are among the world’s largest. MENA region can lead global steel decarbonization with investment in green hydrogen and renewable energy.

According to the new report by IEEFA, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is in a prime position to start producing carbon-neutral or green steel.

Steel sector is assumed to be hard-to-abate in decarbonization as it uses coal in the world’s dominant steelmaking technology (i.e.BF-BOF).

The global steel industry eyes switching to direct reduced iron (DRI) production and using green hydrogen to reduce emissions.

Primary steelmaking in MENA is dominated by DRI-EAF technology, which releases lower emissions than BF-BOF process. The region produced just 3% of global crude steel in 2021 but it accounted for nearly 46% (55 Mt) of the world’s DRI production.

Initially, it would be possible to replace 30% of natural gas with hydrogen in the incumbent fleet of DR plants without any major equipment modifications. The region could then move towards 100% green hydrogen to produce carbon-free steel.

MENA has an established supply of DR-grade iron ore and its iron ore pelletising plants are among the world’s largest. Unlike other parts of the world, supplying high grade pellet is not a big challenge for MENA’s steel producer.

“The MENA region can lead the world if it shifts promptly to renewables and applies green hydrogen in its steel sector.” Soroush Basirat, energy finance analyst, IEEFA

Compared to other regions, MENA’s transition to green steel is simpler and cheaper. The existing DRI-EAF capacity means no extra investment is needed for replacing the base technology. All new investment could be focused on expanding production of green hydrogen among other renewables.

MENA has excellent solar resources to aid production of green hydrogen from renewable electricity. The World Bank found MENA has the highest photovoltaic power potential capacity globally and could theoretically produce more than 5.8 kilowatt hours (kWh) per square metre daily. According to IEA, with MENA’s available capacity, producing green hydrogen below US$1/kg is achievable by 2050.

“MENA’s access to rich solar energy resources will allow for production of green hydrogen at a competitive price.” Soroush Basirat, energy finance analyst, IEEFA

MENA’s knowledge of this specific steel technology is an invaluable asset. This production knowledge, abetted by further work on iron ore beneficiation, pelletising and DR plants, is among the most important steel decarbonization pillars, and will greatly assist MENA’s transition.

Egypt, Saudi Arabia and UAE are MENA’s pioneers in shifting towards renewables and green hydrogen. Fortescue’s recently announced green hydrogen facility, with an ambitious capacity of 9.2GW, could be one of the largest plants of its kind. Saudi Arabia’s investment to produce green hydrogen from the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park and the joint investment of Emirates Steel and TAQA are among the tens of green project announcements in the MENA region

If it acts fast, MENA has the potential to lead the world in green steel production.

Source: ieefa
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