Industry players ramp up climate commitments at World Future Energy Summit: Day two of the World Future Energy Summit saw participating companies reaffirmed their commitment to climate goals, showcased their ongoing projects, and revealed new initiatives. The summit is advertised as an accelerator for the global energy transition where leaders, policy makers, investment incubators, corporate partners, and startups come together to set sustainability goals.
MASDAR EXPANDED PARTNERSHIPS-
The renewables giant formed an alliance with Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) to collaborate on aluminum decarbonization and low-carbon aluminum, according to a press release. The agreement involves the joint exploration of renewable energy projects, including battery storage and green hydrogen production, to support EGA’s decarbonization efforts in the UAE.
More details: EGA plans to work with Masdar to decarbonize its existing operations as well as increase CelestiAL solar aluminum production and ensure low-carbon growth. The companies plan to focus on working together both domestically in the UAE and internationally.
Renewables-powered facilities are underway: The partnership will also look to international markets to power new aluminum production facilities with renewable energy sources for EGA. No further details were provided on investments or project details.
New alliances formed with EtihadWE: Masdar also inked an agreement with Etihad Water & Electricity (EtihadWE) to collaborate on potential projects aimed at boosting the adoption of renewable energy in the northern emirates, Trade Arabia reports.
The renewables player is also eyeing green hydrogen projects in Europe, Oman, Egypt, and Morocco, as it looks to capitalize on the renewable asset class, Chief Green Hydrogen Officer Mohammad Abdelqader El Ramahi told Wam. The company is also looking at raising the production capacity of its pilot project to produce green iron ore for Emirates Steel Arkan from 2 MW electrolyzers to 100 MW in its second phase. The project is set to be commissioned in 2Q 2024, CEO of Emirates Steel Arkan, Saeed Al Rumaithi, said at the summit, according to Emarat Al Youm.
TADWEER MADE STRIDES-
Abu Dhabi-based waste management company Tadweer Group will begin buying and installing 25 recycling stations across the emirate starting in May, according to CEO Ali Al Dhaheri, the news outlet added. The machines will recycle plastic and aluminum containers in exchange for rewards that can be redeemed at designated outlets. The plan is to install 2k of these machines by 2028 in partnership with waste management planner Nadeera.
Tadweer also signed an MoU with Adnec Group yesterday to collaborate on waste management and sustainability via awareness campaigns and expansion of waste management systems, according to a statement.
UAEEV INFRASTRUCTURE GROWTH-
#1- EtihadWE to expand installation of high-speed EV charging infrastructure: The company is also expanding the distribution and construction of high-speed electric vehicle charging stations and replacing old chargers throughout the northern emirates, CEO Yousif Al Ali told Wam. The size of the investment has not yet been disclosed, but details about the initiative will be revealed in May.
#2- Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) also plans to increase the number of charging stations in Dubai to 1k stations by the end of 2025, up from 390 currently, Director of Smart Grid Projects Management Majid Hilal Al Hazami told Wam. Some 20% of the stations currently deployed are ultra-fast chargers, with plans to ramp up the number of these stations by 2025.
ALSO FROM THE SUMMIT-
UAE + Japan explore cooperation on renewables and desalination: The Energy and Infrastructure Ministry and the Japan Cooperation Centre for the Middle East hosted a joint session at the summit, Wam reports. The session focused on sharing experiences, best practices, and exploring new ways to enhance cooperation in energy efficiency, renewable energy deployment, and desalination.