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RECYCLING-
KSA launches region’s first biochar initiative using palm waste: Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Palms and Dates and the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture introduced its first biochar initiative, SPA reported on Saturday. The initiative aims to recycle palm waste to create a carbon-rich material for enhancing soil structure, retaining water, and increasing agricultural sustainability. Farmers using biochar can expect a 30% reduction in water usage, quicker plant growth, and higher yields.
SOUND SMART- What is biochar? Biochar — charcoal produced from burning agri and forestry waste — can improve soil health, while storing carbon and pushing down carbon emissions, rendering it viable for carbon offset sales. Biochar can ensure permanent carbon sequestration for more than 100 years.
Oman’s also interested in biochar: Oman Environmental Services Holding Company (Be’ah) signed an agreement with Omani waste management firm NTZ Solutions aiming to minimize consumption of natural resources and support establishment of the country’s first biochar production plant in November 2023.
ELECTRIC VEHICLES-
Volt Charge to boost Saudi Arabia’s EV infrastructure with mobile chargers: Volt Charge, a Saudi-based EV charger manufacturer, is finalizing a prototype for next-generation mobile EV chargers, Arab News reported Thursday. The mobile chargers, developed in collaboration with QSS AI & Robotics, will allow users to order chargers via an app, merging AI and robotics. The prototype was showcased at the EV Auto Show in Riyadh.
SUSTAINABILITY-
NTSC, Saudi Bulk Transport and Electromin collaborate to advance sustainable transportation: Saudi Arabia’s National Transportation Solutions Company (NTSC), Saudi Bulk Transport (SBT-SENDDEX), and Electromin have signed a Decarbonization Roadmap agreement focusing on sustainable transportation, according to a press release on Thursday. This collaboration aims to reduce the country’s transportation emissions growth rate from 7% to 3% by 2030. The three companies are working on developing advanced transportation solutions, including the procurement of Electric Light Duty Trucks (LDTs).. NTSC will showcase its efforts at the upcoming EV Show, presenting its DarbConnect Fleet Management Software and engaging in discussions about the future of green transportation.
NTSC has partnered on fleet decarbonization with Sadafco: Sadafco, a food manufacturer, seller, and distributor in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, partnered with NTSC in October 2023 to reduce carbon emissions and establish a future driven by Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs). The five-stage partnership will see NTSC help SADAFCO quantify its carbon emissions, assess ZEV availability in KSA, chart the transition plan, and use digital platforms like PowerBI to analyze its results.
DECARBONIZATION-
Ducab partners with Schneider Electric on decarbonization: Cable manufacturer Ducab Group is strengthening its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and decarbonization strategy by tapping Schneider Electric’s Sustainability Business as a strategic advisor, Wam reported last week. Schneider Electric will assist Ducab Group with developing a comprehensive ESG and Climate Strategy, targeting reductions in carbon emissions across Scopes 1, 2, and 3, in line with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Schneider Electric will also conduct an ESG Double Materiality Assessment and support ESG reporting, while its EcoStruxure Resource Advisor will help track sustainability progress.
SOLAR-
Masen to launch tenders for two new solar plants: The Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (MASEN) is set to launch tenders for the construction of two new solar power plants near Khouribga within the next few months, according to a statement from earlier this month. These plants will be built on communal lands spanning 127 and 114 hectares, located in the Oulad Kouaouch commune.
REMEMBER- MASEN has other solar projects in the works: Masen prequalified eight consortiums for the development of the 400 MW third phase of its 1.6 GW Noor Midelt solar complex in the Atlas Mountains last December.
OTHER STORIES WORTH KNOWING ABOUT THIS MORNING-
- UAE + Beta in talks for eVTOL partnership: The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority and US eVTOL firm Beta Technologies have been discussing a collaboration on electric aircraft technology. Director General of the GCAA Said Al Suwaidi visited Beta’s HQ in Vermont for these talks. (Al Bayan)
- RSG awarded seven LEED certifications: Red Sea Global has been awarded seven new LEED certifications. These include six Building Design, and Construction certifications for its Red Sea destinations which operate entirely on solar energy, and one Cities and Communities precertification for Amaala which is also expected to run fully on solar. (Press Release)
- KSA to lead International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) in 2025: Saudi Arabia has been selected to preside over the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) for a three-year term starting in 2025. The Kingdom plans to enhance international cooperation and accelerate efforts to preserve vital ecosystems during its term. (Saudi Gazette)
- Iraq to award rooftop solar contracts for over 500 public buildings: Iraq will soon award a contract for installing rooftop solar power systems to 535 public buildings as part of its renewable energy transition. The USD 68 mn project has been approved in the 2024 budget, and details of the contract will be announced shortly. (Zawya)
