DEWA and ACWA Power Ink Deals for Phase 1 of World’s Largest Renewable Energy-Driven Desalination Plant
The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has recently entered into a significant 30-year water purchase agreement with ACWA Power, a prominent company from Saudi Arabia, for the inaugural phase of the Hassyan seawater desalination project, utilizing solar energy. This crucial step forms part of DEWA’s ambitious plan to augment its water desalination capacity from the existing 490 MIGD to 730 MIGD by 2030. The project is strategically aligned with Dubai’s unprecedented economic expansion and the thriving construction sector, seamlessly integrating with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. This initiative not only caters to the surging population growth but also fulfills the escalating demand for water across domestic, commercial, and various consumer sectors.
Iraq Approves $68 Million Solar Power Project For Government Buildings
Iraq has given the green light to a solar power initiative valued at approximately 90 billion Iraqi dinars ($68 million) that will involve the installation of solar power systems in 500 government offices and ministries. This initiative, supported by the United Nations, aims to transition gradually to renewable energy sources and decrease emissions by replacing conventional power networks in these 500 buildings. Shaima Sadiq, the secretary of the National Energy Initiative, confirmed that the Planning Ministry, responsible for overseeing the project, has secured the necessary funding, with plans to launch it before 2024.
Nesma Infrastructure & Technology Secures $213 Million Power Connection Projects In Saudi Arabia
Nesma Infrastructure & Technology (NIT), a Saudi-based company, has secured contracts valued at 800 million Saudi riyals ($213.28 million) from the Saudi Electricity Company for new power connection projects. These projects involve the planning, construction, and activation of two transmission substations, along with the associated overhead transmission lines, to connect Trojena, a mountainous destination within Saudi Arabia’s northwest region, to the power grid. Trojena is positioned as an all-year-round adventure sports destination, offering activities such as skiing, water sports, hiking, and mountain biking. It is also set to host the 2029 Asian Winter Games.
Greece And Saudi Arabia Partner To Explore Power Grid Interconnection For Green Energy Supply
Greece and Saudi Arabia have agreed to establish a jointly-owned company, named Saudi Greek Interconnection, to explore the feasibility of linking their power grids. This partnership aims to supply Europe with more affordable green energy. The company will be co-owned by Greece’s IPTO and Saudi Arabia’s National Grid, with each holding a 50% stake. Greece is already a significant producer of renewable energy, with approximately 40% of its power generated from renewables. Additionally, Greece is working on projects such as undersea cables to connect its grid to neighboring countries to expand its role in supplying renewable energy to the region.
ACWA Power Reaches Significant Milestone In Sudair Solar Project With 750 MW Operational
ACWA Power has achieved a significant milestone in its Sudair solar photovoltaic (PV) project in Saudi Arabia. The company announced that it has received the initial commercial operation certificate for Group 1 of the Sudair project from the Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC), the principal procurer and off-taker of the project. Group 1 represents half of the total 1,500-megawatt (MW) capacity of the Sudair solar PV project. This achievement marks a major step forward for the development of this large-scale renewable energy initiative. The Sudair solar PV project was initiated in June 2021, when the Public Investment Fund launched the project in Sudair Industrial City. In August of the same year, ACWA Power announced the financial close of the project, demonstrating its commitment to the endeavor.
Oman Electricity Transmission Company Achieves Milestones In Grid Station Construction Projects
Oman Electricity Transmission Company (OETC), a part of the Nama Group, has achieved significant milestones in its grid station construction projects, emphasizing its commitment to infrastructure development and safety standards. The completion and activation of the Mahout and Duqm grid stations, along with the ongoing progress of the Jifneen Grid Station, showcase OETC’s dedication to improving Oman’s electricity transmission network. The Mahout grid station, a 400/33kV facility, has been successfully built and energized with an investment exceeding RO 14 million. This achievement marks a major milestone for OETC, with a remarkable safety record of over 1.7 million safe man-hours.
Jordan Explores Green Hydrogen Strategy And Expands Renewable Energy Goals
Jordan is considering raising its renewable energy targets by the end of the year or early 2024, according to Energy Minister Saleh Kharabsheh. The country is approaching its 2030 goal of having renewable energy account for 30% of its energy mix, currently standing at around 27%. Kharabsheh announced plans to unveil Jordan’s green hydrogen strategy, including targets for 2030 and beyond. He anticipates the production of 500,000 to 600,000 tons of green hydrogen before 2030, with preliminary agreements expected to be signed in the coming months with companies from various countries.
Dubai’s DEWA Commissions 200MW Clean Energy In Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, Advances Clean Energy Goals
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has reached a significant milestone by commissioning the 200MW second unit of the parabolic basin complex in the fourth phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. This phase, which employs the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model with investments totalling AED 15.78 billion, is expected to provide clean energy for around 320,000 residences and reduce carbon emissions by 1.6 million tonnes annually. Notably, the 950MW 4th phase represents the world’s largest single-site project combining Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) and photovoltaic technologies.
UAE’s Ambitious Clean Energy Goal: 19.8 GW By 2030, Says Al Mazrouei
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is on track to generate a total clean energy capacity of 19.8 gigawatts by 2030, according to Suhail bin Mohamed Al Mazrouei, the Minister of Energy and Infrastructure. He made this announcement during the opening of ADIPEC 2023, a global energy event with the theme ‘Decarbonising. Faster. Together.’ Speaking on a ministerial panel about ‘Fast Tracking the Energy Transition,’ Al Mazrouei emphasized the UAE’s rapid growth in the clean energy sector. He also outlined the country’s ambitious goals, stating, “The UAE seeks to become a leading producer and supplier of low-carbon hydrogen, working towards producing 1.4 million metric tonnes of low-carbon hydrogen annually by 2031 and 15 million metric tonnes per annum by 2050.”
