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ELECTRIC VEHICLES-
The UAE’s Energy and Infrastructure Ministry and Etihad Water and Electricity (Etihad WE) have formed a JV to provide EV charging infrastructure in the country, according to a statement. The UAEV JV will build fast and convenient charging infrastructure to meet growing demand. More info about the project is expected by the end of the year.
Etihad has been working on this: Etihad WE has been expanding the distribution and construction of high-speed electric vehicle charging stations and replacing old chargers throughout the northern Emirates.
ALSO- Archer + Etihad to train air taxi pilots: Electric flying car manufacturer Archer Aviation inked a partnership agreement with Etihad Training to recruit and train a fleet of pilots to operate electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, according to a press release. Under the partnership, California-based Archer will provide an aircraft simulator to Etihad Training at its training center in Abu Dhabi, while Etihad will oversee the training of potential pilots and collaborate with the General Civil Aviation Authority and other local authorities to “establish an appropriate pilot training curriculum,” the press release reads.
REMEMBER- Air taxis are expected to take off in Abu Dhabi and Dubai as soon as next year. Abu Dhabi-headquartered aviation services provider Falcon Aviation inked an agreement with Archer to launch Falcon’s air taxi services between the two emirates by 2025. Meanwhile, Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority inked an agreement in February with electric aircraft developer Joby Aviation to launch air taxi services in the UAE by early 2026, with initial operations as early as 2025.
GREEN TECH-
Aramco + Pasqal debut quantum computing in KSA: Saudi oil giant Aramco has signed an agreement with quantum computing pioneer Pasqal to introduce Saudi Arabia’s first quantum computer for use in the energy sector, according to a statement. Pasqal will install, maintain, and operate the 200-qubit system and expects it to be operational by the second half of 2025. The agreement also aims to establish a quantum research hub involving top academic institutions to advance quantum algorithm development.
This has been in the works: Aramco has signed an MoU with Pasqal to collaborate on accelerating the design and development of quantum-based machine learning models for the energy sector. The French company said it aims to establish operations in the Middle East and grow its business in Saudi Arabia. Aramco-backed Wa’ed Ventures also invested in a USD 108 mn Series B for Pasqal in January.
GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE-
A new grid station for Oman: Omani electrical contractor Trade Links and Services has begun operations at a new 400-kilovolt grid station in Manah, Oman Observer reported. The RO 13 mn station will support the under-construction Manah Solar I IPP and Manah Solar II IPP projects, which will transmit renewable energy to the Oman Electricity Transmission Company’s (OETC) network.
We knew this was coming: OETC concluded the construction of its 400 kV Manah electricity transmission station in preparation to connect the 1 GW Manah solar projects — scheduled for operation in 2025 — to the country’s national grid last month. The transmission station was under construction for 20 months and includes 10 gas breakers with a voltage of 400 kV, 11 kW electrical transformers, and two 750 kV transformers.
OTHER STORIES WORTH KNOWING ABOUT THIS MORNING-
- Dewa + TÜV launch sustainability program: The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority and TÜV Rheinland academy have launched the first cycle of their Sustainability Manager Professional Certification Program, which provides training in ESG and sustainability management skills. (Statement)
- Egypt certifies waste management workers: The Egyptian Ministry of Environment has launched a training program for waste management workers, where each worker will receive an official card upon completion of training. (Statement)
