Egypt’s Korra Energi eyes 2025 debut on EGX

WHAT WE’RE TRACKING TODAY

TODAY: Egypt’s Korra Energi eyes 2025 debut on EGX

Good morning, friends. The news cycle has slowed to a crawl as business begins to wind down for the year. We have some developments on Korra Energi’s IPO plans and some bits and pieces to delve into from Saudi and Egypt this morning. Shall we?

THE BIG CLIMATE STORY OUTSIDE THE REGION- There’s no single story dominating the industry headlines this morning, but the global economy is losing up to USD 25 tn annually due to the failure of sectors like agriculture, energy, and fishing to account for their impact on nature, climate, and human health, according to a report by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). The report focuses on how treating biodiversity loss, climate change, water scarcity, food insecurity, and health risks as isolated issues drive up economic damages. The unaccounted-for costs from current business practices range between USD 10 tn and USD 25 tn annually, equivalent to a quarter of global GDP. IPBES scientists argue that meaningful discussions about trade-offs in business decisions are essential to bring down financial losses, highlighting the role of misaligned financial incentives like governments spending USD 1.7 tn annually on subsidies that encourage environmentally harmful practices. The story grabbed ink in The Financial Times.

HAPPENING THIS WEEK-

The Saudi Arabia Smart Grid Conference kicked off yesterday and will run through to Wednesday in Riyadh. The event will gather government officials, scientists, and business leaders covering renewable energy integration, AI, blockchain, cybersecurity, and resilience.

WATCH THIS SPACE-

#1- Saudi Arabia may get a new minerals-production holding company: Al Yamama Cement Company, Obeikan Investment Group, and Sultan Holding Company are planning to sign a non-binding MoU to establish a holding company for investments in Saudi Arabia’s metals industry, according to a Saudi Exchange disclosure by Yamama Cement. The new company will target the production of lithium, graphite, silica, and other metals. The MoU, which is expected to be signed soon, will run until June 30 2025, with details on its financial impact to follow.

#2- Acwa Power is set to reach financial close on its 1.1 GW Gulf of Suez wind project by the end of this month, Acwa Power Egypt CEO Hassan Amin told Al Arabiya Business (watch, runtime: 4:01) . The project — set to begin operations by the end of 2026 — will offset 2.2 mn tons of carbon dioxide annually and produce enough power for nearly 1.1 mn households.

We knew this was coming: In September, a source told EnterpriseAM Climate that co-developers Acwa and Hassan Allam were set to secure close to USD 900 mn in financing by the end of the year. The pair were reportedly in talks with the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development over a proposed USD 200 mn loan to finance the wind farm.

And more: Amin said that Acwa is interested in desalination projects in the country in light of Egypt’s plan to produce 3 mn cubic meters of desalinated water over the next three years. Feasibility studies for the company’s USD 4 bn green hydrogen project also wrapped, and the company secured land use agreements with the country, he added. The project is set to begin production in 2029.

IN OTHER EGYPT NEWS- Egypt is planning a grid expansion push to connect solar and wind projects as they come online in the next few years, Al Ahram reports, citing comments made by Egypt’s electricity transmission company Chairman Mona Rizk during the Al Ahram Energy Conference. The plan aims to extend around 1.6k km of transmission lines through 2028, including 55 km of lines dedicated to solar and wind projects as they come online. The country is also in talks with consultants for a battery storage project with a 1.9 GW capacity.

#3- AfDB pours USD 30 mn equity into AFC’s green shares: The African Development Bank (AfDB) has greenlit a USD 30 mn equity investment in Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) to support the rollout of its innovative “green shares” program aimed at funding climate-focused projects across the continent, according to a press release. Some of these funds will be then channeled into renewable energy ventures, including wind and solar power projects in Djibouti and Egypt.

About AFC’s new program: The green shares program will allow AFC to use green equity to mobilize debt funding from capital markets, which will then be on-lent to sub-projects across African economies. AfDB equity investments mark the first contribution to the green shares program, and AFC —whose umbrella equity program mobilized USD 1.1 bn in 2023 — plans to use the funds for green transition projects and long-term infrastructure developments.

#4- European carmakers resort to price adjustments ahead of emissions rules: Several automakers in Europe are adjusting the prices of their vehicles to reduce petrol-powered car sales while spurring those of EVs, Reuters reports. Producers like VW, Stellantis, and Renault have reportedly raised prices on petrol models by several hundred euros in recent months, and some rolled out discounts at EV models.

The rationale: Producers hope that the price adjustments would help cut their car sales emissions footprint and avoid hefty fines before the EU emissions rules become law on 1 January. If the 2024 sales breakdown remains unchanged into 2025, the sector could pay up to EUR 15 bn in fines.

Pooling emissions is another option for carmakers: Some companies may instead opt for pooling emissions — buying credits from rivals with higher EV market share — as a cheaper alternative to meet targets, a Barclays analyst told Reuters. Japan’s Suzuki reached a deal to pool its emissions with Geely’s Volvo last October, which would effectively remove fines risks for Suzuki given Volvo’s large EV volume, data manager at battery consultancy Rho Motion Charles Lester told Reuters.

More on the rules: The rules will reduce the cap on a car’s emission from 95 g of CO2/km to 93.6 g for 2025 to 2029, with the goal of gradual reduction to zero CO2 emissions starting in 2035. It will also alleviate a manufacturer’s emission target if the share of low-emission cars— those releasing between zero and 50 g of CO2/km — equals or exceeds 25% of the total sales. Small manufacturers — those producing less than 1000 vehicles per year — are exempt from the rules unless they voluntarily apply.

ICYMI- The European Commission said it is sticking with its plans to limit CO2 emissions from cars despite major pushback from the bloc’s industry groups and some member countries, as well as its biggest political group, the European People’s Party (EPP).

IN OTHER EU NEWS- The European Parliament formally approves deforestation law’s one-year delay: The bloc’s Parliament voted yesterday to delay the implementation of its landmark deforestation law to December 2025, Reuters reported. The postponement is expected to become official once the European Council also votes on it sometime this week. Both the EU’s Council and Parliament reached an understanding on the postponment earlier this month.

REMEMBER- The regulation — which would ban imports linked to deforestation and bar EU farmers from exporting deforestation-linked goods — was widely criticized by global industries, trading partners, and 20 member states. The critics cited different reasons for their concerns, including the law’s potentially harmful effect on small-scale farmers inside and outside the EU, supply chain disruption, increased prices, and the need for more time to adapt.

ALSO- The EU’s latest carbon auction closes at lowest prices since 2020: The EU’s final carbon allowances auction this year closed at EUR 63.64 per metric ton, its lowest price since 2020, Bloomberg reports. The low price bucks the trend for end-of-year offerings that usually go up as emitters look to stock up on carbon credits before the holiday market hiatus. Slumps in natural gas prices have partially contributed to the drop, Bloomberg reported.

#5- Debt-for-nature swaps market gets a new player: Former UBS Group and Credit Suisse banker Ramzi Issa has launched Enosis Capital, a company dedicated to debt-for-nature swap deals, Bloomberg reported. Issa — credited for playing a major role in reshaping the financial instrument’s structure to make them more suitable to the private financial market — told Bloomberg that his startup will focus on debt conversions, pursuing agreements to arrange and advise on the financial instrument globally.

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CIRCLE YOUR CALENDAR-

The UAE will host the World Energy Summit from Tuesday, 14 January to Thursday, 16 January in Abu Dhabi. The summit will host over 350 speakers including energy industry leaders and policymakers with discussions ranging from eco-waste to sustainable cities. An exhibition will also be held for showcasing green products.

Saudi Arabia will host the Future Minerals Forum from Tuesday, 14 January to Thursday, 16 January in Riyadh. The forum will gather stakeholders from over 170 countries to discuss mineral technology and exploration. Speakers will include senior government officials and CEOs from renowned mining companies Vale, Rio Tinto, and Manara.

Bahrain will host the Sustainability Forum Middle East from Tuesday, 28 January to Wednesday, 29 January in Manama. Climate experts and decision-makers will convene to discuss a number of issues ranging from decarbonization to supporting SMEs on their path to net zero. Speakers will include GCC government officials and industry leaders from the banking and industrial sectors.

Check out our full calendar on the web for a comprehensive listing of upcoming news events, national holidays and news triggers.

Korra Energi eyes 2025 debut on EGX

Korra to IPO 20% on EGX: Contracting and energy efficiency company Korra Energi is preparing an IPO, with plans to list up to 20% of its shares on the Egyptian Stock Exchange (EGX) in 1H 2025, Chairman Ayman Korra telling Asharq Business. There’s still no word on how much they’re hoping to raise in the offering.

(** Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links to our background and outside sources.)

Background: Korra Energi last week temporarily listed 2.3 bn shares at EGP 0.20 each after the bourse’s listing committee approved the move. Korra has six months to launch an IPO under the listing requirements, which also let the company extend the period with prior approval from the authority.

The company is also currently in the process of selecting an advisor for the planned offering, Korra told the outlet.

About Korra: The 25-year old company has been active in waste-to-energy efforts in Egypt since it launched its first waste-to-energy plant in 2009. Last year, it inaugurated Egypt’s first waste-to-energy facility to repurpose waste from power plant and flare gas projects. The company claims its projects in Egypt contributes to cutting around 600k tons of CO2 emissions per year.

How do US tariffs on China affect the global green transition?

As Trump’s 20 January inauguration draws near, more details on the President-Elect’s approach to climate policy and trade tariffs trickle in. While campaigning, Trump floated a 10% to 20% flat tariff rate on all imports. There are also plans to impose 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, but China would possibly take the biggest hit with a 60% or higher rate. Here’s a round-up of how the upcoming policies may impact sectors essential to the global green transition.

(** Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links to our background and outside sources.)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES-

EV support on the chopping block? The Trump transition team is recommending a sweeping reversal of Biden’s EV policy, calling for scrapping funding and subsidies for charging infrastructure and EV production, as well as the USD 7.5k tax credits designed to spur consumer demand for EVs, Reuters reports, citing a transition document it has seen.

The breakdown: There has already been a 100% tariff on Chinese EVs since September, and Trump intends to slam car imports from Japan, Korea, and Europe with a 10% tariff, and imports from Canada and Mexico with a 25% tariff, SP Global said.

The Trump transition team’s plan may also reverse emissions and fuel-economy standards, allowing automakers to produce more gas-powered vehicles. The plan suggests reverting to 2019 standards, which would permit about 25% more emissions per mile and reduce average fuel efficiency by 15%. The proposal also recommends blocking California from setting stricter vehicle emissions standards.

The impact of deregulation could be long-lasting: The new relaxed environmental requirements will put less pressure on US automakers to electrify their fleets, leading to slower EVs adoption rate. Such delay could leave the US automakers at permanent disadvantage in the EV global market and would slow the US EV adoption from 40% to 30% of the market by 2030, SP Global said. Such delays and disruptions in EV adoption could have “ripple effects” across the world, SP Global warned.

The US auto industry isn’t happy: While the move threatens legacy automakers like Ford and General Motors, Elon Musk’s Tesla stands to benefit. Musk, who supports the move, believes it will boost Tesla’s competitive edge as the only US automaker currently profiting from EV sales due to its lower cost of production, Reuters reported last month. Legacy automakers — already struggling to compete — have relied on the credit to spur sales and offset EV production costs. Without it, they may scale back EV manufacturing, potentially limiting consumer choices and allowing Tesla to dominate further.

Other countries like the UK may benefit: With tariffs set to make cheaper imported EVs expensive for the US consumers, car makers could repurpose their supply to other markets. Experts from the UK are hoping that the British market could see a flood of affordable EV options, especially from China, boosting uptake, Motor Finance reported.

CRITICAL MINERALS-

The Trump administration plans to continue supporting the batteries and critical minerals sector, citing its importance for security and defense rather than the climate transition. To that end, the administration will sustain tariffs under national security provisions on batteries and critical minerals while also waiving the federally required environmental assessments for battery recycling and mining and processing projects. Export controls on US tech in these sectors were also floated.

Mostly good news for the US’ extractive sector: The tariffs would make importing these minerals more expensive. Coupled with sustained funding, the country is set to expand nickel and lithium mining and processing, reinforcing the US’ bid to shield its supply chain from China, according to MIT Review. However, slowing the EVs sector could limit the profit margins for critical minerals and mining projects, according to an analysis by law firm Herbert Smith Freehill.

THE GLOBAL IMPACT-

Protectionist policies threaten global growth and slow the green transition: China has led the development of new energy technologies, now dominating manufacturing in key sectors like solar power and EVs, according to a report (pdf) by DNV. China’s low-cost exports, particularly in solar and battery technologies, support global energy transitions, DNV found. Protectionist policies in North America and Europe, aimed at creating local supply chains, could slow progress and raise costs.

Souring relations: The tariffs could further strain relations between the US and China, two of the world’s largest economies, at a time when international cooperation on climate change is crucial.

China’s importance in numbers: In 2023, China accounted for 58% of global solar installations and 63% of new EV sales. EV sales surged by 50% last year and are projected to reach 25% of global passenger vehicle sales by 2025, with a 50% share by 2031.

The EU’s green businesses are also in the fireline: “These tariffs could redirect trade flows towards the EU, creating overcapacity and putting European companies at a disadvantage due to higher production costs and lack of subsidies compared to their US counterparts,” BusinessEurope deputy director general Luisa Santos told Politico. The EU’s stringent sustainability requirements, such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, already pose challenges for businesses. With the US potentially becoming less cooperative on climate issues, the EU might find itself isolated in its green agenda.

Setting a dangerous precedent: Other countries that become competitive in green technology, including India or Indonesia, could also face trade barriers from the US. This would raise global inflation, slow economic growth, and undermine global climate goals.

Solar updates from the UAE and Oman

SOLAR-

#1- Dubai-based Grandweld Shipyards is on track to meet 100% of its energy needs through solar power next year, General Manager Jamal Abki told Zawya Projects. Hitting the target will make Grandweld the first shipyard providing shipbuilding, ship repair, and engineering solutions in the region to adopt solar energy on a large scale.

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The details: The company’s rooftop solar project is being rolled out in two phases. The first phase — currently operational with a capacity of 569 KW — covers 50% of Grandweld’s energy requirements. The second phase — set for completion in 2025 — will bring the total generation capacity to 1.3 MW, powering the facility entirely with solar energy.

#2- Solar Wadi awards solar EPC contract for AOU project: Omani renewable energy firm Solar Wadi has awarded an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract to Omani EPC contractor Nafath Energy for a 2GWh solar project at the Arab Open University (AOU), Oman Daily Observer reports.

Solar Wadi and AOU first joined forces in April: Solar Wadi first signed the 1.1 MWp solar PV agreement with AOU in April to develop, fund, and run the plant, with AOU acting as the off-taker. The generation capacity was reported to be over 1.8 GWh at the time. The project is expected to reduce 720 tons of CO2 annually.

About Solar Wadi: Solar Wadi is an independent Omani energy companies that invest in “build, own, and operate” renewable energy projects. The company was set up by pension funds and local and international investors, and it is majority-owned by Omani shareholders. Over the past 20 years, Solar Wadi has made over EUR 5 bn worth of renewables investments.

OTHER STORIES WORTH KNOWING ABOUT THIS MORNING-

Acwa launches coral reefs restoration initiative: Acwa Power has inked an agreement with the G20 Coral Research and Development Accelerator Platform to fund research initiatives and projects working on coral reef preservation and restoration globally. The three-year USD 3 mn Acwa Power Coral Spark initiative will fund projects that map pollution and assess risks and support capacity-building programs in partnership with the Energy and Water Academy. (Spa)

Equinor and partners to combine offshore wind projects

Equinor + partners to combine UK offshore wind projects: Norway’s Equinor and its partners have agreed to combine two of their planned offshore wind projects in the UK as a single venture to reduce costs and environmental impact, according to a press release. The two projects are extensions to the already operational Sheringham Shoal and Dudgeon offshore wind farms and would more than double the number of households benefiting from the projects to reach 1.5 mn. The extensions would add a direct gross value of EUR 370 mn to the UK economy.

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Masdar is involved: Masdar and Equinor have 35% stakes each in the Dudgeon Extension Project, whereas China Resources Power has 30%. The Sheringham Shoal Extension project is wholly owned by Equinor, but two funds — Equitix Offshore 3 Limited and another managed by Macquarie Asset Management — are exploring an acquisition of up to 60% of the final investment decision.

The European Commission has approved EUR 1.7 bn to support Denmark’s plan to support alternative fuel production under EU state aid rules, according to a press release. The scheme will fund the production of upgraded biogas and e-methane for power generation, targeting the addition of 7.9 petajoules (c. 2.7k GWh) to the grid. The push is part of the bloc’s EUR 20 bn REPowerEU plan to cut reliance on Russian fossil fuels and accelerate the green transition.

The details: The aid will be distributed through five competitive bidding rounds running through 2030 and will take the form of a price premium per gigajoule of gas, paid on top of natural gas market price, for a 20-year period. Bids winners will be required to be online on the grid within three years of securing their projects, and the produced biofuels and e-methanol will be required to meet the EU’s sustainability and emissions criteria.

The impact: The scheme is expected to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 450k tons of CO2 annually starting 2033 and support Denmark’s target to slash emissions by 70% by 2030 compared to a 1990 baseline.

The US has approved a conditional loan of USD 755 mn to fund the Australian battery materials company Novonix’s graphite factory, the Financial Times reports. The factory — set to be North America’s largest synthetic graphite facility — will be able to produce enough graphite to supply 325k EVs annually by 2028. The new loan is part of the Biden administration’s last hurrah to funnel money from the Inflation Reduction Act into ventures that aim to combat China’s dominance on critical minerals.

Why graphite? Graphite is a key raw material used in car battery anodes and is the most difficult of the critical materials to source from anywhere outside of China, which dominates 95% of its global market. The component is preferred over other counterparts because it boasts faster charging and longer durability.

Calendar

DECEMBER 2024

16-18 December (Monday-Wednesday): Saudi Arabia Smart Grid Conference, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

22-24 December (Sunday-Tuesday): Renewable & Sustainable Energies And Green Processes Conference, Sousse, Tunisia.

JANUARY 2025

12-15 January (Sunday-Wednesday): World Renewable Energy Congress, Manama, Bahrain.

14-16 January (Tuesday-Thursday): World Energy Summit, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

14-16 January (Wednesday-Thursday): Future Minerals Forum, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

18-19 January (Saturday-Sunday): Libya Energy & Economic Summit, Tripoli, Libya.

28-29 January (Tuesday-Wednesday): Sustainability Forum Middle East, Manama, Bahrain.

FEBRUARY

17-19 February (Monday-Wednesday): Egypt Energy Show, Cairo, Egypt.

23-25 February (Sunday- Tuesday): Global Water Energy and Climate Change Congress, Manama, Bahrain.

24-26 February (Monday-Wednesday): Connecting Hydrogen MENA, Dubai, UAE.

24-27 February (Monday-Thursday): Oman Climate Week, Muscat, Oman.

APRIL

7-9 April (Monday-Wednesday): Middle East Energy, Dubai, UAE.

14-15 April (Monday-Tuesday): Istanbul Carbon Summit, Istanbul, Turkey.

21-23 April (Monday-Wednesday): Electric Vehicle Innovation Summit (EVIS), Abu Dhabi, UAE.

MAY

7-9 May (Wednesday-Friday): International Renewable Energy Conference (IRENEC), Istanbul, Turkey.

JUNE

17-20 June (Tuesday-Friday): Mediterranean Water, Irrigation and Photovoltaic Exhibition, Tunisia.

EVENTS WITH NO SET DATE

2024

End-2024: Emirati Masdar’s 500 MW wind farm in Uzbekistan to begin commercial operations.

QatarEnergy’s industrial cities solar power project will start electricity production.

November: Arab Forum for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, Amman, Jordan.

2025

International Union for Conservation of Nature World Conservation Congress, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

UAE to have over 1k EV charging stations installed.

Middle East Electric Vehicle Show, Sharjah, UAE.

2026

26-29 October (Monday-Thursday): World Energy Congress, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

UITP Global Public Transport Summit, Dubai, UAE.

Annual Meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, Bangkok, Thailand.

1Q 2026: QatarEnergy’s USD 1 bn blue ammonia plant to be completed.

End-2026: HSBC Bahrain to eliminate single-use PVC plastic cards.

2027

MENA’s district cooling market is expected to reach USD 15 bn.

World Water Forum, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

2030

UAE’s Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) wants to provide AED 35 bn in green financing.

UAE targets 14 GW in clean energy capacity.

Tunisia targets 30% of renewables in its energy mix.

Qatar wants to generate USD 17 bn from its circular economy, creating 9k-19k jobs.

Morocco’s Xlinks solar and wind energy project to generate 10.5 GW of energy.

2035

Qatar to capture up to 11 mn tons of CO2 annually.

2045

Qatar’s Public Works Authority’s (Ashghal) USD 1.5 bn sewage treatment facility to reach 600k cm/d capacity.

2050

Tunisia’s carbon neutrality target.

2060

Nigeria aims to achieve its net-zero emissions target.

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Egypt’s Korra Energi eyes 2025 debut on EGX

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TODAY: Egypt’s Korra Energi eyes 2025 debut on EGX