The University of Europe for Applied Sciences in Dubai (UE Dubai) and BSH Home Appliances Middle East organized the Green Genius Challenge, Eco-Appliance Edition this week, marking UAE’s National Environment Day. The event aimed to promote sustainability by encouraging high school students in Dubai to design eco-friendly home appliances that reduce non-renewable energy use and environmental impact. The competition focused on inspiring creative solutions in sustainable technology. Students presented projects that incorporated energy-efficient designs, renewable energy integration, and water conservation methods. Projects were evaluated based on innovation, feasibility, environmental impact, and design, with an emphasis on how these ideas could…
Author: Lakshita Kapoor
Saudi Arabia has taken the next step in expanding its renewable energy infrastructure by issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for large-scale battery energy storage projects. The Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC) has invited qualified bidders to participate in developing four Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) with a combined capacity of 2,000 megawatts (MW) and a total storage capability of 8,000 megawatt-hours (MWh). These projects are part of the country’s broader plan to support the integration of renewable energy into the national grid. The projects will be spread across different provinces in Saudi Arabia. The Al-Muwaih BESS, with a capacity…
Ministry of Electricity, Iraq has prequalified eight companies to carry out solar power projects that will supply electricity to homes in Baghdad and other regions. This announcement was made by Electricity Minister Ziad Fadil, who stated that the move is part of Phase 1 of an initiative launched by Iraq’s Central Bank to expand the use of solar energy among Iraqi families. As part of this initiative, the government will provide loans to citizens to help them install solar power systems in their homes. In recent months, Iraq has signed agreements for several large-scale solar projects with foreign companies, with…
The Sultanate of Oman, through the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, is working on clean energy solutions to support its Artificial Intelligence (AI) plans. Minister Eng. Said bin Hamoud al Maawali spoke about the initiative. The Minister noted that by 2050, about 30% of the world’s electricity is expected to be used for AI servers. He stated that “this demand does not currently exist, making AI a driver of new energy needs.” He added that “Oman must prepare for this shift and use AI for national development.” Al Maawali referenced global trends where technology companies are turning to…
The Iraqi Ministry of Electricity has signed agreements with Linxon to upgrade three 400 kV Bulk Supply Point (BSP) stations in Baghdad and Diyala, Iraq. These projects will be financed through SEK and EKN loans. The Ministry confirmed the contracts on February 3, 2025. Riyad Uraibi Muklf, representing Iraq’s General Company for Electrical Energy Transmission in the Middle Region, signed the agreements. Linxon was represented by Hassan Merhi, the company’s Managing Director for the Middle East and Asia Pacific. The work will focus on the North Baghdad, South Baghdad, and Diyala 400 kV BSP stations. Planned upgrades include replacing electrical…
ACWA Power has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SEFE Securing Energy for Europe to produce and supply green hydrogen to Europe. The MoU was signed by ACWA Power CEO Marco Arcelli and SEFE CEO Egbert Laege. Under the agreement, ACWA Power and SEFE will establish a hydrogen supply network between Saudi Arabia and Germany, with a target of delivering 200,000 tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030. ACWA Power will serve as the lead developer, investor, and operator of hydrogen and ammonia production assets. SEFE will act as a co-investor and the primary offtaker, using its position in…
ACWA Power has signed two agreements with SACE, an Italian insurance and financial group fully owned by the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance, to explore renewable energy projects. The agreements focus on business opportunities in Africa and Central Asia. One agreement establishes a credit facility to support ACWA Power’s projects in Central Asia and promote exports from Italian companies. SACE will also provide a $100 million line of credit to ACWA Power. In return, ACWA Power will facilitate business matching opportunities for Italian companies. The agreements were signed by ACWA Power CEO Marco Arcelli and SACE CEO Alessandra Ricci…
Oman’s Ministry of Energy and Minerals has introduced a new policy framework to support renewable energy growth. The policy includes electricity generation, transmission, and energy storage. Investments in energy storage have been limited due to high costs and efficiency concerns. The new framework aims to address these challenges and integrate storage technologies into Oman’s energy system. The policy, called the “Electricity Self-Generation, Direct Sales, and Wheeling Policy,” outlines the role of electricity storage in the country’s energy transition. The policy defines electricity storage as converting electrical energy into another form for temporary storage and later reconversion into electricity. This energy…
TA’ZIZ has awarded an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract worth $1.7 billion (AED6.2 billion) to SAMSUNG E&A for the construction of a methanol plant in Al Ruwais Industrial City, Al Dhafra region, Abu Dhabi. The plant will have a production capacity of 1.8 million tons per year and will be the first methanol production facility in the UAE. It is expected to be completed by 2028 and will be powered by clean energy from the grid. The project is part of TA’ZIZ’s chemical production plans in the region. TA’ZIZ plans to produce 4.7 million tons per year of chemicals…
Morocco is preparing to invest 27 billion Moroccan dirhams ($2.7 billion) in electricity infrastructure over the next five years. The investment will focus on expanding the electricity network and increasing the share of renewable energy sources, according to Tarik Hammane, Director General of the National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water. By the end of 2024, renewable energy contributed 44.3 percent of Morocco’s total electricity production. The country has developed several renewable energy projects, with a total installed capacity of around 5,400 megawatts (MW). This includes approximately 2,400 MW from wind power, 2,100 MW from hydropower, and 900 MW from…