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CARBON STORAGE-
Adnoc carbon capture project receives DNV certification: The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) has received a ‘Site Feasibility Certificate’ from Norway-based environmental assessor DNV for the West Aquifer carbon capture and storage (CCS) site in the UAE, according to a press release. Adnoc hopes to decarbonize its Ruwais industrial site through the project. The project is the first carbon storage location in the Middle East to receive the certification, which approves the initial feasibility for long-term CO2 storage.
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Adnoc is well versed in carbon capture: In August, the company signed an agreement with Petronas and Storegga to assess the feasibility of CO2 storage in saline aquifers and developing CCS facilities. Last year, Adnoc partnered with the Fujairah Natural Resources Corporation, renewables developer Masdar, and Omani carbon removal and mineralization outfit 44.01 to pilot technology to permanently mineralize CO2 in rock formations located in Fujairah. The firm also announced last year a final investment decision to set up one of the MENA region’s largest carbon capture projects, with the aim to capture and store 1.5 mn tons annually of CO2 within geological formations underground — and signed an agreement with Occidental Petroleum to explore potential investment opportunities and tech exchange on CCS in the UAE and US.
DISTRICT COOLING-
Empower to expand cooling services in UAE: The UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has signed an MoU with Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower) to enhance collaboration in delivering district cooling services across the northern emirates, according to a DFM disclosure (pdf). The two parties will conduct technical and economic studies to explore low-carbon district cooling projects in the northern area.
Empower has been busy: Empower recently bagged the Guinness World Record for the highest capacity district cooling plant in recognition of its Business Bay District Cooling project in Dubai, which holds a connected capacity of nearly 241.3k refrigeration tons (RT) and an ultimate capacity of 451.5k RT last month. In October, it also inked an agreement with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Thermal Systems (MHI Thermal Systems) to purchase 18 units of its energy-efficient advanced chillers with a total capacity of 56.25k RT.
WASTE MANAGEMENT-
Jordan launches industrial waste exchange platform: The Amman Chamber of Industry has signed an agreement with Echo Technology – Jordan to develop the country’s first electronic platform for industrial waste exchange, according to a statement. The German-funded initiative aims to facilitate the reuse and recycling of industrial waste and is supported by the German International Cooperation (GIZ) under the “Enhancing Green Activities in Industrial Facilities” project. The platform will connect industries with surplus waste to those that can use it as raw materials and industrial input.
Waste platforms are on the rise: UAE’s Rebound, a subsidiary of Sirius International Holding, launched a new subscription-based platform for recyclable materials in September. The platform connects buyers, sellers, and partners globally via a subscription model and no commission on trades. It offers several materials, including plastics, rubber, e-waste, metal, paper, and cardboard.
AGRITECH-
The UAE’s Crysp Farms is partnering with agritech veteran Alesca Technologies to deploy 500 AI-powered vertical farms across Mena over the next five years, according to a press release. The farms will provide over 130 varieties of fresh, pesticide-free produce year-round within an hour of harvest, while using 90% less water and 99% less land compared to traditional agriculture.
The agreement targets major hospitality providers, including Marriott International, Hilton Worldwide, and Jumeirah Group, with plans to expand to other sectors in the region.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY-
Hasa Energy to make Omani Ministry building projects energy-efficient: Oman’s Hasa Energy has signed the country’s first Energy Services Performance Contract (ESCO) with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning to reduce energy consumption by 39% across the Ministry’s buildings over a six-year payback period, Times of Oman reports. The project will include the installation of solar PVs and more efficient cooling systems, and optimizing water consumption, co-founder Eng Muatasam Al-Aulaqi told the outlet.
Uh, Enterprise … what’s an ESCO? ESCOs increase the energy efficiency of their clients’ facilities by developing, designing, building, and arranging financing for energy-saving projects that translate into cost savings on the energy, operations, and maintenance fronts. Advocates think ESCOs will become more important as more and more companies adopt ESG targets and emissions standards.
