UAE Commits $4.5 Billion To Catalyze Africa’s Clean Energy Potential At COP28 African Climate Summit
The COP28 President-Designate, HE Dr Sultan Al Jaber, announced a UAE finance initiative that will provide US$4.5 billion to help unlock Africa’s clean energy potential. The announcement was made during a keynote address at the inaugural African Climate Summit in Nairobi, Kenya. The landmark initiative brings together vital public, private, and development capital from UAE institutions, notably from Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), Etihad Credit Insurance (ECI), Masdar, and AMEA Power. Africa50, which is an investment platform established by African governments and the Africa Development Bank (AfDB), has also joined the UAE finance initiative. Africa50 was founded to help solve the continent’s critical infrastructure challenges and will help identify initial projects and connect to local implementing entities.
UAE’s DEWA And Masdar To Build 1,800MW Phase Six Of Solar Park In Dubai
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, witnessed the signing of an agreement between the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority PJSC (DEWA) and Masdar, Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC, to build and operate the 1,800 megawatt (MW) sixth phase of the landmark Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, featuring a cost of up to AED5.51 billion. The agreement was signed in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and Minister of the Presidential Court; His Highness Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior; His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs; and His Excellency Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs.
DEWA Commissioned 7 New 132 kV Transmission Substations In The First Half Of 2023
In line with its ongoing efforts to enhance the reliability and availability of the energy transmission system in the Emirate, the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) commissioned seven new 132 transmission substations in the first half of 2023. The projects included 36 kilometres of 132kV ground cables, to enhance the efficiency of the energy transmission network. Completing the substations in Al Jaddaf, Al Hebiah Fourth, Al Rigga, Jebel Ali Port, Marsa Dubai, Al Yufrah, and Jebel Ali 2, required more than 6.8 million safe working hours. HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, explained that the total cost of the new 1342 kV substations with a conversion capacity of 1050 megavolt-amperes (MVA), exceeded AED 962 million using the latest global technologies.
Jordan Wraps Up First Phase Of Solar Installation Project For Municipal Buildings
The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has successfully completed the initial phase of a JD500,000 initiative aimed at installing and operating 570-kilowatt solar cell systems in municipal buildings across 30 municipalities throughout the country. According to Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Saleh Kharabsheh, the Renewable Energy Fund of the ministry is overseeing this program’s implementation in all 100 municipalities within the Kingdom, with a total budget of JD2.6 million. The primary objective is to empower these municipalities to enhance their services and reduce electricity expenses for their main structures, ultimately advancing sustainability through clean energy utilization.
SPPC Shortlists Contenders For 1100 MW Al Henakiyah And 400 MW Tabrajal Solar Projects In The Fourth Round
The Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC) has unveiled the shortlisted contenders for the fourth round of solar initiatives as part of the National Renewable Energy Program (NREP). This program, under the guidance of the Ministry of Energy, seeks to reshape Saudi Arabia’s energy mix, with the goal of achieving 50% renewable energy by 2030. In December 2022, SPPC initiated the Request for Proposals (RFP) for Round 4 (R4) Solar PV projects, encompassing the 1100 MW Al Henakiyah Solar PV and the 400 MW Tabrajal Solar PV. By June 2023, three proposals were received for each project, all of which underwent meticulous evaluation to ensure alignment with the RFP’s technical and commercial prerequisites.
Al-Jouf Agricultural Development Company Inks 25-Year Solar Power Deal With Engie
Al-Jouf Agricultural Development Company has embraced Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture’s strategy to preserve natural resources and prioritize sustainability and clean energy initiatives. They are thrilled to announce the signing and award of a 25-year solar power purchase agreement with the French energy company, Engie, on August 30, 2023. The project will be located at the company’s site in the Busaita area, within the industrial complex that houses olive oil and pickles factories, as well as a French fries factory, with a combined capacity of 8 MW. The contract involves the purchase of solar energy from Engie, aligned with the actual energy consumption of the facilities and at a lower cost compared to the current production expenses.
ACWA Power Inks Strategic Collaborative Pacts with Six Italian Entities in Green Hydrogen, Water Desalination, and Research & Development
ACWA Power, a prominent Saudi-listed company renowned as the world’s foremost private water desalination enterprise and a pioneering force in energy transition with a strong foothold in green hydrogen, has formalized strategic accords with six esteemed Italian counterparts. This momentous collaboration was forged during the Saudi-Italian Investment Forum in Milan on September 4th, enhancing mutual cooperation across the domains of green hydrogen, water desalination, and cutting-edge research and development initiatives. The group of six Italian entities encompasses a diverse range of partners, including the Federation of Small, Medium, and Large Enterprises, known as Confindustria, the prominent energy giant Eni, the versatile utility and waste management company A2A, the industrial solutions expert Industrie De Nora, the specialist additives manufacturer Italmatch Chemicals, and the classification and engineering solutions provider RINA.
King Saud University And ACWA Power Forge Strategic Partnership For Renewable Energy And Research Advancements
King Saud University and ACWA Power have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish a strategic partnership. The MoU was signed in the presence of Dr Yazid bin Abdulmalik Al-Sheikh, Vice President of King Saud University for Postgraduate Studies and Scientific Research, and Mr Thomas Altmann, Executive Vice President of ACWA Power for Innovation and New Technology. This collaboration aims to support scientific research and development in the areas of renewable energy, water desalination, energy storage, and green hydrogen within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The partnership between King Saud University and ACWA Power seeks to advance research efforts related to renewable energy, water desalination, energy storage, and green hydrogen in alignment with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
EBRD Funds Turk Traktor’s 4.3 MW Rooftop Solar Plant In Turkey
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has announced a strategic partnership with Turk Traktor ve Ziraat Makineleri A.S. to advance renewable energy initiatives in Turkey. As part of this collaboration, the EBRD will provide a EUR 70 million long-term loan to fund the development of a rooftop solar power plant. The focal point of this partnership is the installation of a greenfield rooftop solar power plant with a planned capacity of 4.3 megawatts at Turk Traktor’s Sakarya facility. This solar installation is expected to contribute significantly to renewable energy generation in the region. The rooftop solar plant aligns with the EBRD’s commitment to supporting green economy transitions. It emphasizes the adoption of clean energy solutions to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainability. By investing in renewable energy, Turk Traktor and the EBRD are taking a significant step towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.
