Sign in
GREEN POLICY-
New standards on pollution limits: Businesses operating in Abu Dhabi will berequired to obtain an environmental license from the Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi (EAD) and comply with new caps set for noise and air pollution under a new decree, according to a statement released on Friday. Owners must comply with maximum concentration limits for noise and air pollution set by the EAD but can apply for a temporary exemption permit under specific conditions. The statement did not clarify when the new requirements will go into effect, nor did it specify the exact limits that businesses will be required to comply with.
The EAD’s role: The EAD will be responsible for setting standards, monitoring air pollutants, and ensuring compliance with established concentration limits, according to the statement. The agency will also be responsible for conducting awareness workshops on air protection and implementing research projects with research centers and universities to promote the use of environmentally friendly technologies. The agency is also tasked with leveraging modern tech and AI and coordinating with authorities to manage a database of air quality, noise, and emissions, the statement added.
GREEN FINANCE-
UM6P allocates MAD 500 mn for Moroccan startups: UM6P Ventures, the investment arm of Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, has earmarked MAD 500 mn (USD 50 mn) to invest in 60 modern tech startups in Morocco and Africa, Asharq Business reported on Thursday. The funds will target strategic sectors including agriculture, chemical industries, health, green technology, and digital transformation. The green energy investments will go towards carbon capture and developing renewables, particularly green hydrogen and ammonia.
Morocco’s been spotlighting green startups: Renewables accelerator Cluster ENR announced last week that it is accepting proposals for this year’s Green Business Incubator (GBI) for renewable energy, clean technology, and green technology startups. Twenty companies will be selected to receive 12 months of guidance and support on how to secure financing, reach more clients, and build the firm’s business network.
IFC invests in Turkish green businesses: The IFC is investing up to EUR 100 mn in private bank Türk Ekonomi Bankası A.Ş. (TEB) to fund women-owned SMEs that are geared towards climate mitigation and adaptation as well as agribusinesses, according to a statement released last week. The debt financing comes under a Tier-2 instrument intended to diversify the bank’s capital and growth and must align with Basel III and TEB requirements. SMEs account for 73.5% of jobs in Turkey but receive just 27% of bank loans, according to the statement.
HYDROPOWER-
ONEE signs MoU to boost hydro sustainability in Morocco: The Moroccan National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE) has signed an MoU with the Hydropower Sustainability Alliance (HSA) to enhance the sustainability of hydroelectric facilities in Morocco, according to a statement released last week. The agreement will focus on implementing a program to boost Moroccan expertise in the sustainability of hydroelectric structures, with a focus on Pumped Energy Transfer Stations.
Who’s doing what? The program, set to start in June and run for around 14 months, includes conducting a climate impact assessment of hydropower sites. HSA will contribute to the program’s financing through a fund provided by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs aimed at fostering sustainable hydropower initiatives in Morocco. ONEE will offer local support for the project, including human resources and logistical assistance.
ELECTRIC VEHICLES-
German EV battery manufacturer Ampherr plans to increase the annual battery production capacity at one of its key Turkish facilities to 500 MWh by year end, according to a statement published last week. Ampherr said it is eying an even larger expansion to 2 GWh scheduled to launch in two phases in 2025 and 2026. The battery makeralso announced a new investment in the US, but no details about the project were revealed.
About Ampherr:Ampherr is a German company that designs and manufactures battery packs for buses, trucks, and construction machines in the energy sector and marine industry. Its products use various chemical variants of lithium-ion cells including nickel manganese cobalt (NMC), lithium-titanium-oxide (LTO) and lithium iron phosphate (LFP).
OTHER STORIES WORTH KNOWING ABOUT THIS MORNING-
- Dubai wants to cut emissions 30% by 2030: The Executive Council of Dubai approved the UAE Commercial Transport Strategy 2030 last week, which aims to reduce emissions by 30% and increase operational efficiency by 10% in the commercial transport and logistics sector. (Wam)
- Danone goes electric: Danone Egypt is partnering with Egyptian firm Shift EV to convert 50% of its distribution fleet to electric power using Shift’s electro-fitted technology. This strategic move is set to reduce carbon emissions by over 6k metric tons and will result in a 70% reduction in operating costs. (Statement)
- Morocco launches energy transition consortium: Morocco’s National Energy Transition Consortium met for its first session on Thursday, bringing together researchers, industry professionals, and experts to collaborate and exchange ideas on sustainable energy. (Morocco World News)
- Egypt to decarbonize its oil sector: Egypt’s Petroleum and Mineral Resources Ministry has signed an MoU with the Norwegian company Carbon Limits to measure and reduce methane emissions in the petroleum industry. (Statement)
- Egypt unveils waste management system in Menoufia: Egypt’s Local Development Ministry has launched an EGP 256 mn solid waste management system in Menoufia governorate. (Statement)
