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UAE supports India’s ambition of 450 GW of renewable energy by 2030: Official – EQ Mag

Anand Gupta — Wed, 25 Jan 2023 05:39:33 +0000

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

Opinion: Model no more? Turkey’s energy transition reversed in 2022: Maguire – EQ Mag

Anand Gupta — Sat, 21 Jan 2023 05:29:56 +0000

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

Zimbabwe looks to public to provide solar power amid energy crisis – EQ Mag

Anand Gupta — Fri, 13 Jan 2023 05:49:48 +0000

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

Saudi ACWA Power signs MoU for 10 GW wind project in Egypt

Anand Gupta — Sat, 05 Nov 2022 07:22:24 +0000

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

Saudi Arabia to start making EVs to help break away from oil’s economic dominance

Anand Gupta — Fri, 04 Nov 2022 06:44:06 +0000

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

ACWA Power reports increase in net profit for third quarter and first nine months of 2022

Anand Gupta — Fri, 04 Nov 2022 05:06:26 +0000

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.

“

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.

“

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.”

“

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

S.Africa will need $500 bn to reach net zero: World Bank

Anand Gupta — Thu, 03 Nov 2022 05:50:55 +0000

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

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

Anand Gupta — Tue, 01 Nov 2022 06:17:03 +0000

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.”

Masdar Calls upon World Leaders to Pledge Support for Women Tackling Climate Change – EQ Mag Pro

Anand Gupta — Tue, 01 Nov 2022 06:12:01 +0000

• 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.

DUBAI ADDS 600MW OF CLEAN ENERGY PRODUCTION CAPACITY FROM SOLAR PARK – EQ Mag Pro

Anand Gupta — Tue, 01 Nov 2022 04:54:56 +0000

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

Masdar Opens New Office in Saudi Arabia to Strengthen Presence in Renewable Energy Market and Support Climate Goals – EQ Mag Pro

Anand Gupta — Sat, 29 Oct 2022 06:22:00 +0000

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

Jordan Aims To Supply Iraq With Power In 2023 – EQ Mag Pro

Anand Gupta — Sat, 29 Oct 2022 05:44:06 +0000

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

Middle East and North Africa in pole position to be global leaders in Green Steel – EQ Mag Pro

Anand Gupta — Fri, 28 Oct 2022 05:43:21 +0000

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

Heineken South Africa bets on solar to cut carbon emissions – EQ Mag Pro

Anand Gupta — Fri, 28 Oct 2022 05:23:55 +0000

A new solar power plant at the South African arm of Heineken NV will supply 30% of a brewery’s electricity demand, the brewer said on Wednesday, the latest company to seek an alternative supply as the state utility’s rolling power cuts hammer productivity.

“This project supports Heineken’s ‘Brewing a Better World’ goal to reach net zero (carbon emissions) status in all its production sites by 2030,” Richard Kriel, Heineken’s Engineering, Strategic Projects & Sustainability Manager said. “It is the latest move made by the company on its journey towards more sustainable brewing.”

Kriel was speaking at a launch event for the solar power plant at the company’s Sedibeng, Midvaal brewery. The plant, which began producing power in May, is the largest freestanding solar plant powering a brewery in South Africa, and the largest within the Heineken group, boasting 14,000 panels with an energy capacity of over 6.5 megawatts. It will provide 30% of the brewery’s electricity demand, the company said.

The 19 hectare (47-acre) project will generate 17 megawatt hours of electricity a year, Heineken added. State utility Eskom regularly implements rolling power cuts, termed “load shedding,” as it struggles to meet demand.

The solar plant, which has an estimated lifespan of 25 years, has been undertaken in partnership with The SOLA Group, a vertically-integrated provider of renewable energy solutions in South Africa.

Source: PTI

Egyptian City Sharm El-Sheikh Gets Its Largest Solar PV Plant, Commissioned By Taqa Arabia Ahead Of COP27 – EQ Mag Pro

Anand Gupta — Wed, 19 Oct 2022 10:26:54 +0000

Egypt’s resort town Sharm El-Sheikh has secured its largest solar PV project to date
The 20 MW facility was developed and commissioned by local energy distributer Taqa Arabia
It will generate 42 GWh annually, enough to supply clean electricity to over 6,000 hotel rooms

Private energy distribution company Taqa Arabia of Egypt has commissioned a 20 MW solar power plant in Sharm El-Sheikh as the largest PV facility to date for the Egyptian resort city that’s set to host 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) from November 6, 2022.

The project has come up on 250,000 sqm area in Nabq Bay area of South Sinai Governorate and was built for an investment of EGP 250 million. It is expected to generate over 42 GWh annually, enough to supply clean electricity to over 6,000 hotel rooms, and will serve Nabq tourist region catering to 30% of its power load.

Taqa financed the project for which land availability was facilitated by the Tourism Development Authority of South Sinai.

“The project will reduce carbon emissions by about 500,000 tons throughout its lifetime, which extends up to 25 years,” said Taqa Power’s Managing Director, Sami AbdelKader. “Over 100 workers, including engineers and technicians specialized in solar energy took part in the construction of the station that is set to serve Nabq tourist region, where Global Energy is licensed for electricity distribution in Nabq area and implements ‘self-consumption system’.” Global Energy is a Taqa group company.

Egypt targets renewable energy to cover 42% of the national energy mix by 2030. At the end of 2021, it had a total installed renewables capacity of 6.226 GW out of which solar PV contributed 1.65 GW, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

Source: taiyangnews

His Highness The Amir Inaugurates Al-Kharsaah Solar Power Plant – with a Total capacity of 800 MW – EQ Mag Pro

Anand Gupta — Wed, 19 Oct 2022 10:23:38 +0000

DOHA, Qatar : His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, inaugurated Al-Kharsaah Solar PV Power Plant (KSPP), the first in Qatar and one of the largest in terms of size and capacity in the region, with a total capacity of 800 megawatts (MW).

The plant was inaugurated in a special ceremony held today at the site in Al-Kharsaah that was attended by His Excellency Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, and His Excellency Mr. Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, the Minister of State for Energy Affairs and the President and CEO of QatarEnergy.

KSPP was constructed on a 10 square kilometer land area. It includes more than 1,800,000 solar panels that utilize sun tracking technology to follow the movement of the sun to ensure the most efficient use of land and to maximize daily production. It utilizes robotic arms and treated water to clean the solar panels at night in order to enhance the plant’s production efficiency.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, His Excellency Mr. Al-Kaabi highlighted some of Qatar’s efforts towards achieving its sustainability targets, stressing that “the Al-Kharsaah plant is one of the country’s strategic initiatives to build projects that contribute to reducing gas and thermal emissions, thus achieving about a million-ton reduction in annual carbon dioxide emissions.”

H.E. Minister Al-Kaabi highlighted some of the environmental efforts and sustainability requirements that were taken into account in building this landmark plant, saying: “The site of Al-Kharsaah was chosen following extensive scientific studies to determine the sites with the best possible operational efficiency and maximum economic value, placing great consideration to the geological, environmental, and social impacts of establishing this station.”

The Al-Kharsaah Solar PV Power Plant is owned by a joint venture between affiliates of QatarEnergy Renewable Solutions (60%), Marubeni (20.4%) and TotalEnergies (19.6%). His Excellency Minister Al-Kaabi thanked QatarEnergy’s partners in the project, namely, Japan’s Marubeni, France’s TotalEnergies, as well as the project’s contractors for their efforts to deliver this project. His Excellency also expressed his thanks and appreciation to QatarEnergy, Qatar Electricity and Water Company, and the President, management, and employees of KAHRAMAA for their continuous efforts to meet the country’s electricity and water needs with the highest standards.

His Excellency concluded by saying: “I am honored to present ample thanks and gratitude to His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, for his unlimited support and wise guidance, without which we would not have accomplished such a project.” KSPP started supplying electrical power to Qatar’s electricity grid last June, marking the startup of the 400 MW first phase of the 800 MW plant. Full capacity was reached by the end of the second phase. The KSPP can provide the national grid with about 10% of peak electricity demand.

Building this plant comes as part of implementing QatarEnergy’s updated Sustainability Strategy, which reemphasizes its commitment, as a major energy producer, to the responsible production of clean and affordable energy to facilitate the energy transition. In addition to increasing solar capacity to over 5 GW, the strategy targets reducing Greenhouse Gas emissions, and deploying carbon capture and storage technology to capture over 11 million tons per annum of CO2 in Qatar by 2035. It also aims to further reduce the carbon intensity of LNG facilities bolstering Qatar’s commitment to responsibly supply cleaner LNG at scale in support of the energy transition.

Source: qatarenergy

Solar Outshines Onshore Wind In South Africa’s REIPPPP Bid Window 6 That Received 9.6 GW Bids – EQ Mag Pro

Anand Gupta — Fri, 07 Oct 2022 06:50:48 +0000

The bid window 6 of South Africa’s REIPPPP has been oversubscribed with a total of 56 projects bringing in 9.6 GW offers
Of the total, 33 projects represent 5.5 GW solar PV capacity within the range of 50 MW to 240 MW
Onshore wind energy facilities make up the remaining 23 projects offered with 4.1 GW capacity
A total of 56 projects representing around 9.6 GW renewable energy capacity, including 5.5 GW of solar PV have bid for bid window round 6 of the South African Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP).

The 33 solar PV projects in the list range between 50 MW to 240 MW and are spread across Northern, Eastern and Western Cape, along with in Free State, North West and Limpopo regions.

The remaining 4.1 GW has been offered by onshore wind energy facilities – 23 projects ranging within 80 MW to 240 MW capacity. These are located across Eastern, Western and Northern Cape regions. The list is available on the government’s IPPPP

Dealing with an ailing energy infrastructure and constant power outages, South Africa had increased the quantity of the bid window 6 from 2.6 GW to 4.2 GW without changing the share of solar PV that remained constant at 1 GW, while for onshore wind it increased from 1.6 GW to 3.2 GW

However, the bids received for the oversubscribed window shows more interest among investors in solar PV technology as compared to onshore wind.

Source: taiyangnews

Dubai Supreme Council of Energy Announces Emirate’s Success in Reducing 21% of Carbon Emissions in 2021 – EQ Mag Pro

Anand Gupta — Tue, 20 Sep 2022 07:19:15 +0000

HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, chaired the 72nd meeting held virtually. HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, also participated.

The meeting was attended by HE Ahmed Buti Al Muhairbi, Secretary-General of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, and board members HE Dawood Al Hajri, Director General of Dubai Municipality; HE Abdulla bin Kalban, Managing Director of Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA); HE Saif Humaid Al Falasi, CEO of Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC); Juan-Pablo Freile, General Manager of Dubai Petroleum; and Hussain Al Banna, Acting CEO of the Strategy & Corporate Governance Sector at the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA).

The meeting discussed several topics, including the results achieved by the Dubai Carbon Abatement Strategy 2030, which aims to reduce 30% of carbon emissions by the end of 2030, in support of the UAE’s efforts to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Dubai reduced carbon emissions by 21% in 2021, which reflects the effectiveness of the Emirate’s programmes and projects. These include increasing the share of solar energy and enhancing the operational efficiency in factories and facilities, in addition to waste recycling in power and water production, industry, ground transport and waste treatment. The Supreme Council also discussed a plan submitted by Emirates Gas Company (an ENOC subsidiary) for the coming period to enhance current gas cylinders to advanced ones in terms of safety and reduced weight.

“In line with the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to increase the share of clean and renewable energy, the meeting reviewed our roadmap and plans that include national initiatives and strategies to achieve net-zero carbon emissions and consolidate a low-carbon economy. These include the Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050 to provide 100% of the total power production capacity from clean energy sources by 2050, and the Dubai Carbon Abatement Strategy 2030, as well as adopting the latest technologies in this area”, said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy.

“The development and implementation of the existing programmes and projects had a positive and tangible impact, reflected in the carbon emission reduction rates over the past 10 years. This highlighted the efforts made by the relevant authorities that support a sustainable green economy and the UAE’s vision to achieve net-zero carbon emissions”, added Al Tayer.

“The current plan to shift to using the advanced cylinders ensures better efficiency and more safety for consumers. Emirates Gas has introduced 9,000 advanced cylinders that consumers in Dubai have been satisfied with over the past years”, said HE Ahmed Buti Al Muhairbi, Secretary-General of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy.

Source: dewa

Yossi Gvura To Lead Israeli IPP Kenlov To Help Develop Over 3 GW RE In Pipeline – EQ Mag Pro

Anand Gupta — Tue, 13 Sep 2022 06:32:36 +0000

Yossi Gvura is the new CEO of Israel headquartered renewables IPP, Kenlov Renewable Energy
He will replace Founder and CEO Olivier Konig who is now the company’s executive chairman
While Gvura will be expected to lead the company’s efforts into realizing over 3 GW wind and solar capacity, Konig will oversee the business’s growth as a global IPP

Israel headquartered independent power producer (IPP) Kenlov Renewable Energy has announced the appointment of Yossi Gvura as the company’s new chief executive officer (CEO) as the company’s Founder and CEO Olivier Konig moves to the role of executive chairman.

Gvura is expected by the management to lead the company’s next phase of growth to finance, develop and operate its global pipeline of wind and solar projects of over 3 GW capacity.

The new CEO has moved to Kenlov from Delek Drilling where he was the Deputy CEO and before that was the CFO of Delek Energy. Kenlov stated that Gvura brings to the company extensive management and leadership experience in large scale energy projects, and is credited with helping lay the foundation for domestic natural gas industry.

“There is huge global appetite for investment in renewable energy projects, but it essential to build relationships with the right investment partners and that will help us bring our development plans to fruition,” said Gvura.

As the company’s Executive Chairman, Olivier Konig will continue to oversee Kenlov’s business development efforts and growth into a global IPP, the management added.

Beyond Israel, Kenlov is also active in the United Kingdom, Spain, Greece, Italy, Serbia, Poland, Romania and the US. Earlier this year, it expanded the US development pipeline of wind and solar assets to around 1.5 GW with the acquisition of a 300 MW PV project under its joint venture with Ashtrom Group (see North America PV News Snippets).

Source: taiyangnews

JUWI to Operate 85 MW Solar Park in South Africa – EQ Mag Pro

Anand Gupta — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 05:59:41 +0000

Juwi Renewable Energies (Pty) Ltd, or Juwi South Africa, will take responsibility for the operational management of an 85-MW solar park in South Africa.

The company said on Wednesday it will be providing operation and maintenance (O&M) services to the De Aar 1 solar farm, which is located some 500 km north of the coastal city of Port Elizabeth and has been operating since 2014.

The addition of De Aar 1 to Juwi’s portfolio expands it to more than 500 MW of assets under operational management in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region. The particular plant took part in Bid Window One of South Africa’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers Procurement Programme (REI4P).

Juwi South Africa is part of Germany-based Juwi Group, which, in turn, is owned by Mannheim-based energy supplier MVV Energie AG.

Source: renewablesnow

GlobalData Sees Saudi Arabia Falling Short Of 25.8 GW Renewable Energy Capacity To 2023 Target – EQ Mag Pro

Anand Gupta — Thu, 08 Sep 2022 06:28:02 +0000

GlobalData report on Saudi Arabia renewable energy market sees the country not able to meet its 2023 and 2030 goals
Current pace of installations and regulatory challenges may end up Saudi Arabia falling short of its 27.3 GW renewable capacity goal for 2023 by 25.8 GW
Government should be fast tracking renewable energy projects while offering continuity of strong policies and incentives for the industry to flourish

At the current pace of development, Saudi Arabia is ‘not even close’ to reaching its 2023 renewable energy target of 27.3 GW under the country’s Saudi Arabia Vision 2030 according to analysts with GlobalData who believe the country is likely to experience a shortfall of 25.8 GW to the 2023 target.

Data and analytics firm GlobalData sees the county adding an average of 100 MW annually between 2010 and 2021. Going by this, the analysts see the 2030 target of 58.7 GW renewable energy capacity by 2030 ‘out of reach’ and a shortfall of 40.1 GW.

According to the Renewable Energy Statistics July 2022 of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Saudi Arabia’s cumulative installed renewable energy capacity at the end of 2021 was 443 MW to which solar PV contributed and estimated 389 MW.

Citing challenges in this regard, GlobalData points at the lack of continuity regarding policy and administrative direction, for instance the King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy (KA-CARE) is not the nodal agency anymore for renewable energy sector in the country after the government changed.

“The power sector in Saudi Arabia is facing numerous challenges when it comes to renewable power. Its issues range from low transparency to a lack of skilled human resources, an overarching bureaucracy, a high dependence on desalinated water, and low energy efficiency. Enforcement of contracts is also a concern,” explained GlobalData Power Analyst Attaurrahman Ojindaram Saibasan. “Further, the country is known to be a difficult location in which to start a business, it has low levels of international trade, and there isn’t a robust insolvency resolution system in place.”

Among measures GlobalData suggests the country deals with is to ensure continuity of strong policies and their implementation, while also providing incentives for the growth of small scale renewable power. Simultaneously, processes and permits for the plants should be eased.

Projects need to be fast tracked ‘if they are to have a chance at meeting the 2030 target’.

The analysts also recommend the country to extend international partnerships for technology transfer to ensure efficient and reliable renewable energy network.

In June 2022, Fitch Solutions Country Risk & Industry Research called Saudi Arabia the solar PV market to watch between 2022 and 2031. It expects the country to reach 5.65 GW solar PV capacity by 2031 while it targets 40 GW solar by 2030

Source: taiyangnews

The world’s largest solar park will produce 5 GW of energy by 2030 – EQ Mag Pro

Anand Gupta — Mon, 29 Aug 2022 05:55:21 +0000

It was designed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by over 6.5 million tons each year.

The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is aiming for five gigawatts (GW) by 2030 in the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park – the largest single-site solar park in the world.

Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park project constitutes one of the key pillars of the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy to provide 100 percent of Dubai’s total power capacity from clean energy sources by 2050.

However, an update published this week, following a site visit by DEWA CEO Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, indicated that 2030 remains the project deadline for an eventual five gigawatts site.

CEO Al Tayer was briefed by three officials from Shuaa Energy about the fifth phase of the solar park recently. This week, DEWA also states that the second project of the fifth phase was 93.3 percent complete and the third project was 26.3 percent complete.

In 2019, DEWA achieved a world record by receiving the lowest bid of 1.6953 cents per kilowatt-hour (Levelised Cost of Energy) for this phase.

How did it start?

The world’s largest solar park, located in Seih Al Dahal, Dubai, was designed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by over 6.5 million tons each year by 2030. The solar park uses a range of photovoltaic (PV) and concentrated solar power (CSP) technologies.

The facility also includes an innovation center. It is also home to one of the largest research and development centers in the region.

In 2013, the operation of the park began with the launch of the first phase of the project. The second phase of the park was completed in April 2017.

The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is a public service infrastructure company.

It was founded in 1992 by Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktum.

Source: interestingengineering

QatarEnergy Awards Contract For Two New Solar Plants – EQ Mag Pro

Anand Gupta — Sat, 27 Aug 2022 06:00:23 +0000

Weeks after starting up its first commercial scale solar plant, Qatar has awarded contracts for two new large-scale facilities and targets 1.675GW solar capacity by 2024 in a bid to reduce domestic pressure on its gas fields.

Qatar is a relative latecomer compared to neighboring Saudi Arabia and the UAE when it comes to renewable energy, but the emirate is now progressing at pace. State firm QatarEnergy has awarded contracts to build two new solar power plants, adding 875MW to the state’s current renewables capacity of 400MW. Notably, the two new plants are to be developed at the industrial cities of Mesaieed and Ras Laffan, home to Qatar’s key oil and gas facilities, in a bid to decarbonize operations there.

QatarEnergy selected Samsung C&T Corp for the engineering, procurement and construction contract on 23 August. Work is expected to start as soon as next month, with both solar plants set to be fully completed by November 2024. QatarEnergy puts the cost of the two facilities at QR2.3bn ($630mn).

Source: mees

Qatar Energy Awards Contract to Build Two Mega-Solar Power Plants to Generate 875 MW of Renewable Electricity – EQ Mag Pro

Anand Gupta — Thu, 25 Aug 2022 06:16:05 +0000

DOHA, Qatar : QatarEnergy announced awarding the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract for its industrial cities solar power project (IC Solar). This project includes 2 large scale photovoltaic (or PV) solar power plants to be built in Mesaieed Industrial City (MIC) and Ras Laffan Industrial City (RLIC) and is expected to start electricity production by the end of 2024.

The announcement was made at a special ceremony held in Doha today to sign the EPC contract between QatarEnergy Renewable Solutions and Samsung C&T, which has been selected as the contractor to execute the project.

QatarEnergy Renewable Solutions is a wholly owned affiliate of QatarEnergy tasked with investing in renewable energy and sustainability projects and products within the State of Qatar and across the globe.

His Excellency Mr. Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, the Minister of State for Energy Affairs, President and CEO of QatarEnergy witnessed the signing of the EPC contract. Attendees in the ceremony included Mr. Sechul Oh, President & CEO of Samsung C&T Corporation and other senior executives from QatarEnergy and Samsung C&T.

Commenting on the occasion, His Excellency Mr. Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi said: “This IC Solar project is a major step in the implementation of our strategy to diversify Qatar’s energy resources and to increase the reliance on high-efficiency renewable energy, which is a cornerstone for a sustainable future. It also reaffirms our commitment towards delivery on QatarEnergy’s Sustainability Strategy and our mid-term target of having 5 GW of solar generated power by 2035. It also gives me great pleasure that this landmark project marks the first investment for our newly formed, wholly owned subsidiary, QatarEnergy Renewable Solutions, which will invest in and hold all our renewables and other sustainable initiatives going forward.”

This is the second utility-scale solar project in Qatar. Along with Al Kharsaa Solar PV Power Plant, which is currently under construction, the IC Solar project will increase Qatar’s renewable energy generation capacity to 1.675 GW by 2024. The project will utilize high-efficiency bifacial modules mounted on single-axis trackers as well as cleaning robots that will operate daily to minimize losses due to soiling by removing dust from the PV modules. This will maximize the additional energy yield produced by the bifacial modules.

The project’s power generation capacity is strategically distributed between the two main industrial cities in Qatar, MIC and RLIC. MIC will have a 417 MW plant and RLIC will have a 458 MW plant. The two plants will occupy a combined area of 10 square kilometers.

The approximately 2.3 billion Qatari Riyals IC Solar project will result in direct emissions reduction of more than 28 million tons of CO2 over its lifetime. The output of both plants will contribute to the reduction of QatarEnergy’s GHG footprints from its facilities in RLIC and MIC, most notable its NFE and NFS LNG expansion projects, in addition to expanding grid capacity in other locations.

Source: qatarenergy

South Africa’s nuclear sector has failed its first test – EQ Mag Pro

Anand Gupta — Tue, 23 Aug 2022 06:03:19 +0000

South Africa’s only nuclear power plant, Koeberg, has frequently been in the news in 2022, all for the wrong reasons.

Its operating licence expires in 2024, and its continued operation thereafter depends on critical refurbishments and upgrades. Work on these finally began in January this year, but immediately ran into difficulties, forcing significant delays.

Koeberg is supplying only half of its power while work is in progress. This has amplified the crippling power shortages South Africa has been experiencing. This state of affairs, where the country effectively has 3% less generating power available than it would otherwise have, is expected to persist for the bulk of the next two years.

Other potential signs of turbulence linked to Koeberg include:

the delayed application to the nuclear regulator to extend the plant’s licence
the controversial dismissal of one of the regulator’s board members – an opponent of nuclear power – by the Minister of Mineral and Energy Resources
resignations of senior Koeberg staff, though there is no evidence that these were due to friction.

All of this has led to speculation that the Koeberg life extension exercise is in difficulty. In turn it casts doubt on the capacity of South Africa’s nuclear sector, and is likely to put to bed the highly ambitious proposals still advocated within the sector to build new nuclear plants.

Koeberg’s history

Koeberg, Africa’s only operational nuclear power station, 27km north of the Cape Town city centre, is reaching the end of its scheduled life cycle.

The plant consists of two units of just over 900 megawatts each, and together these contribute roughly 5% of South Africa’s electricity.

Koeberg was built by the French company Framatome between 1978 and 1984. In line with international practice, the plant was granted a 40-year operational licence which will expire in July 2024. Licensing the plant for a further 20 years is possible, as long as it meets specific safety criteria. Typically these involve particular upgrades and the replacement of various components.

So far the plant has operated reasonably safely, with only comparatively minor incidents recorded.

Some civil society groups have called for the closure of Koeberg when its current licence expires in 2024. South Africa’s extreme electricity crisis would make such a closure very difficult to absorb. While the construction of new nuclear plants is prohibitively expensive and very time intensive, extending the life span of an existing plant is in principle achievable in the short term and financially defensible.

The extension of the lifespan of Koeberg was also envisaged in the government endorsed 2019 Integrated Resource Plan for electricity.

Nuclear activities in South Africa are controlled by the National Nuclear Regulator. The regulator is expected to be guided by recommendations drawn up by experts commissioned by the International Atomic Energy Agency who inspected Koeberg in 2019. These recommendations include technical interventions for operating the plant safely for another 20 years. The most significant of these is the replacement of steam generators.

The upgrade is projected to cost R20 billion (US$1.2 billion). Most of this would go towards buying and installing six new steam generators.

The need to replace them was identified over 10 years ago, but protracted litigation over who would do the job held up the project. The operation was eventually scheduled for 2022.

Life extension project

The replacements and upgrades needed to secure a 20 year operating licence extension require each Koeberg unit to be shut down for a projected five months. Unit 2 was therefore switched off on 18 January 2022 and was supposed to reopen in June 2022. Unit 1 was then to go through the same process, starting in October.

Things then went wrong. The critical steam generator replacement was again postponed to 2023. The full reasons have not been officially disclosed. But there has been no denial of reports that the onsite storage facilities for the now radioactively contaminated old steam generators were not ready.

The delay in getting Koeberg Unit 2 up and running on schedule resulted in an additional 900 MW shortfall during South Africa’s most recent midwinter bout of severe power blackouts.

Unit 2 finally started operating again on 7 August, almost two months later than projected. Another outage of comparable duration is still required in 2023.

Significance for the nuclear sector

The mishandling of the Koeberg life extension project raises serious questions about the capacity of South Africa’s nuclear sector. This sector has advocated the building of a large fleet of new nuclear plants, implying that it could be done without major cost and time overruns. But the much smaller and far more straightforward Koeberg upgrade has not gone well.

South Africa should drop any ambitions for new nuclear plants. The nuclear sector should instead focus on its more modest target, namely to complete the Koeberg upgrade, run the plant for another 20 years and then complete the potentially problematic decommissioning.The Conversation

Middle East & Africa – The Leading Solar Magazine In India

UAE supports India’s ambition of 450 GW of renewable energy by 2030: Official – EQ Mag

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.

Source: PTI

Opinion: Model no more? Turkey’s energy transition reversed in 2022: Maguire – EQ Mag

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.

SETBACK

IN GOOD COMPANY

INTERMITTENT WORRIES

Source: PTI

Zimbabwe looks to public to provide solar power amid energy crisis – EQ Mag

Source: Reuters

Saudi ACWA Power signs MoU for 10 GW wind project in Egypt

Source : reuters

Saudi Arabia to start making EVs to help break away from oil’s economic dominance

Source: reneweconomy.com.au

ACWA Power reports increase in net profit for third quarter and first nine months of 2022

Source: acwapower

S.Africa will need $500 bn to reach net zero: World Bank

Source: AFP

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

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

Masdar Calls upon World Leaders to Pledge Support for Women Tackling Climate Change – EQ Mag Pro

DUBAI ADDS 600MW OF CLEAN ENERGY PRODUCTION CAPACITY FROM SOLAR PARK – EQ Mag Pro

Source: PTI

Masdar Opens New Office in Saudi Arabia to Strengthen Presence in Renewable Energy Market and Support Climate Goals – EQ Mag Pro

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

Source: masdar

Jordan Aims To Supply Iraq With Power In 2023 – EQ Mag Pro

Source: mees

Middle East and North Africa in pole position to be global leaders in Green Steel – EQ Mag Pro

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.

Source: ieefa

Heineken South Africa bets on solar to cut carbon emissions – EQ Mag Pro

A new solar power plant at the South African arm of Heineken NV will supply 30% of a brewery’s electricity demand, the brewer said on Wednesday, the latest company to seek an alternative supply as the state utility’s rolling power cuts hammer productivity.

Source: PTI

Egyptian City Sharm El-Sheikh Gets Its Largest Solar PV Plant, Commissioned By Taqa Arabia Ahead Of COP27 – EQ Mag Pro

Egypt’s resort town Sharm El-Sheikh has secured its largest solar PV project to date

The 20 MW facility was developed and commissioned by local energy distributer Taqa Arabia

It will generate 42 GWh annually, enough to supply clean electricity to over 6,000 hotel rooms

Source: taiyangnews

His Highness The Amir Inaugurates Al-Kharsaah Solar Power Plant – with a Total capacity of 800 MW – EQ Mag Pro

DOHA, Qatar : His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, inaugurated Al-Kharsaah Solar PV Power Plant (KSPP), the first in Qatar and one of the largest in terms of size and capacity in the region, with a total capacity of 800 megawatts (MW).

Source: qatarenergy

Solar Outshines Onshore Wind In South Africa’s REIPPPP Bid Window 6 That Received 9.6 GW Bids – EQ Mag Pro

The bid window 6 of South Africa’s REIPPPP has been oversubscribed with a total of 56 projects bringing in 9.6 GW offers

Of the total, 33 projects represent 5.5 GW solar PV capacity within the range of 50 MW to 240 MW

Onshore wind energy facilities make up the remaining 23 projects offered with 4.1 GW capacity

A total of 56 projects representing around 9.6 GW renewable energy capacity, including 5.5 GW of solar PV have bid for bid window round 6 of the South African Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP).

Source: taiyangnews

Dubai Supreme Council of Energy Announces Emirate’s Success in Reducing 21% of Carbon Emissions in 2021 – EQ Mag Pro

HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, chaired the 72nd meeting held virtually. HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, also participated.

Source: dewa

Yossi Gvura To Lead Israeli IPP Kenlov To Help Develop Over 3 GW RE In Pipeline – EQ Mag Pro

Yossi Gvura is the new CEO of Israel headquartered renewables IPP, Kenlov Renewable Energy

He will replace Founder and CEO Olivier Konig who is now the company’s executive chairman

While Gvura will be expected to lead the company’s efforts into realizing over 3 GW wind and solar capacity, Konig will oversee the business’s growth as a global IPP

Source: taiyangnews

JUWI to Operate 85 MW Solar Park in South Africa – EQ Mag Pro

Juwi Renewable Energies (Pty) Ltd, or Juwi South Africa, will take responsibility for the operational management of an 85-MW solar park in South Africa.

Source: renewablesnow

GlobalData Sees Saudi Arabia Falling Short Of 25.8 GW Renewable Energy Capacity To 2023 Target – EQ Mag Pro

GlobalData report on Saudi Arabia renewable energy market sees the country not able to meet its 2023 and 2030 goals

Current pace of installations and regulatory challenges may end up Saudi Arabia falling short of its 27.3 GW renewable capacity goal for 2023 by 25.8 GW

Government should be fast tracking renewable energy projects while offering continuity of strong policies and incentives for the industry to flourish

Source: taiyangnews

The world’s largest solar park will produce 5 GW of energy by 2030 – EQ Mag Pro

It was designed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by over 6.5 million tons each year.

How did it start?

Source: interestingengineering

QatarEnergy Awards Contract For Two New Solar Plants – EQ Mag Pro

Weeks after starting up its first commercial scale solar plant, Qatar has awarded contracts for two new large-scale facilities and targets 1.675GW solar capacity by 2024 in a bid to reduce domestic pressure on its gas fields.

Source: mees

Qatar Energy Awards Contract to Build Two Mega-Solar Power Plants to Generate 875 MW of Renewable Electricity – EQ Mag Pro

Source: qatarenergy

South Africa’s nuclear sector has failed its first test – EQ Mag Pro

South Africa’s only nuclear power plant, Koeberg, has frequently been in the news in 2022, all for the wrong reasons.

Koeberg’s history