Latest news with #Greenlogue
Arabian Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Arabian Post
Saudi's ACWA Power Paves Highway for Green Energy Exports
Greenlogue/AP ACWA Power has forged multi-party preliminary agreements with European energy giants to assess exporting renewable energy and green hydrogen from Saudi Arabia to Europe via the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor. The accords aim to explore large-scale project feasibility and develop cross-border transmission corridors. The MoUs were signed in Riyadh on 20 July during a Renewable Energy and Green Hydrogen Export Workshop presided over by the Ministry of Energy. The consortium includes Italy's Edison SpA and Zhero Europe BV, France's TotalEnergies Renewables SAS, and Germany's EnBW Energie Baden‑Württemberg AG. ADVERTISEMENT ACWA Power has also inked separate agreements with infrastructure specialists: Italy's CESI, cable maker Prysmian, GE Vernova, Siemens Energy of Germany, and France's Hitachi Energy. These deals focus on high-voltage direct current systems, aiming to streamline efficiency and bolster reliability in transmissions to Europe. A standout in the deal portfolio is the joint development agreement with EnBW for Phase 1 of the Yanbu Green Hydrogen Hub, targeted for commercial operation by 2030. The hub will integrate renewable power, desalination for hydrogen electrolysis, ammonia conversion, and an export terminal. These agreements aim to channel Saudi Arabia's competitive renewable energy capacity into Europe's clean energy transition, leveraging the IMEC framework. IMEC's northern corridor, connecting the Gulf to Europe, involves maritime and rail links designed to reduce shipping costs and enhance trade connectivity. Analysts note that by 2030, combined exports from IMEC-linked regions could comprise 44 per cent of global trade. ACWA Power, majority-owned by the Public Investment Fund and operating across 14 countries, manages a substantial USD 107.5 billion portfolio comprising 101 power and water desalination projects. This includes its flagship Neom Green Hydrogen project—the world's largest—set to launch in 2026, and the Yanbu initiative represents an expansion of its strategic footprint. Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 agenda underpins these efforts, reflecting a national shift toward sustainable energy exports as a diversification of its economy. The kingdom recently approved agreements totalling over SAR 31 billion for renewable projects by ACWA‑led consortiums. Earlier this year, ACWA also entered a green‑hydrogen agreement with Germany's Securing Energy for Europe aimed at shipping 200,000 tonnes annually by 2030. ADVERTISEMENT Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Minister of Energy, highlighted during the workshop that the agreements establish a collaborative framework to assess market demand and feasibility for large-scale renewable exports and corridor development. Industry observers suggest these partnerships could redefine global green‑energy supply chains, reinforcing the kingdom as an exporter of clean energy solutions. Navlist next. [1]: 'Saudi's ACWA Power signs agreements with European companies to export renewable energy' [2]: 'Acwa Power signs pacts to export renewable energy and green hydrogen to Europe' Saudi's ACWA Power Paves Highway for Green Energy Exports ACWA Power has forged multi-party preliminary agreements with European energy giants to assess exporting renewable energy and green hydrogen from Saudi Arabia to Europe via the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor. The accords aim to explore large-scale project feasibility and develop cross-border transmission corridors. The MoUs were signed in Riyadh on 20 July during a Renewable Energy and Green Hydrogen Export Workshop presided over by the Ministry of Energy. The consortium includes Italy's Edison SpA and Zhero Europe BV, France's TotalEnergies Renewables SAS, and Germany's EnBW Energie Baden‑Württemberg AG. ACWA Power has also inked separate agreements with infrastructure specialists: Italy's CESI, cable maker Prysmian, GE Vernova, Siemens Energy of Germany, and France's Hitachi Energy. These deals focus on high-voltage direct current systems, aiming to streamline efficiency and bolster reliability in transmissions to Europe. A standout in the deal portfolio is the joint development agreement with EnBW for Phase 1 of the Yanbu Green Hydrogen Hub, targeted for commercial operation by 2030. The hub will integrate renewable power, desalination for hydrogen electrolysis, ammonia conversion, and an export terminal. These agreements aim to channel Saudi Arabia's competitive renewable energy capacity into Europe's clean energy transition, leveraging the IMEC framework. IMEC's northern corridor, connecting the Gulf to Europe, involves maritime and rail links designed to reduce shipping costs and enhance trade connectivity. Analysts note that by 2030, combined exports from IMEC-linked regions could comprise 44 per cent of global trade. ACACWA Power, majority-owned by the Public Investment Fund and operating across 14 countries, manages a substantial USD 107.5 billion portfolio comprising 101 power and water desalination projects. This includes its flagship Neom Green Hydrogen project—the world's largest—set to launch in 2026, and the Yanbu initiative represents an expansion of its strategic footprint. SaSaudi Arabia's Vision 2030 agenda underpins these efforts, reflecting a national shift toward sustainable energy exports as a diversification of its economy. The kingdom recently approved agreements totalling over SAR 31 billion for renewable projects by ACWA‑led consortiums. Earlier this year, ACWA also entered a green‑hydrogen agreement with Germany's Securing Energy for Europe aimed at shipping 200,000 tonnes annually by 2030. Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Minister of Energy, highlighted during the workshop that the agreements establish a collaborative framework to assess market demand and feasibility for large‑scale renewable exports and corridor development. Industry observers argue these partnerships could redefine global green‑energy supply chains, reinforcing the kingdom as a leading exporter of clean energy solutions.
Arabian Post
16-07-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
du Sets Benchmark with Global Sustainability Certification
Greenlogue/AP Telecom operator du has secured ISO 20400 certification, becoming the first telecom provider in the UAE and the second in the Gulf Cooperation Council region to attain the globally recognised standard for sustainable procurement. The certification underscores the company's systematic approach to integrating sustainability into procurement decisions, ensuring that its supply chain aligns with international best practices for environmental, social, and economic responsibility. By adopting the ISO 20400 framework, du aims to embed responsible sourcing as a core element of its corporate strategy, reflecting a deeper alignment with the UAE's Net Zero by 2050 initiative. ADVERTISEMENT The achievement marks a strategic pivot for the company, which has steadily expanded its sustainability credentials over the past three years, including initiatives on renewable energy use, waste management, and supplier diversity. The ISO 20400 standard, which provides guidance rather than requirements, focuses on long-term value creation by encouraging organisations to consider social and environmental factors when engaging with suppliers and managing contracts. Adel AlRais, who leads Corporate Communication and Protocol at du, highlighted the milestone as a culmination of sustained internal reforms and strategic partnerships. He described the certification as 'a milestone in our journey for excellence in sustainability,' adding that it reflected a conscious effort to extend responsible practices 'through our entire value chain.' The development comes as the telecommunications sector across the GCC intensifies its focus on sustainability in response to national climate targets and investor pressure for better ESG performance. While energy companies have traditionally taken the lead in such initiatives, telecom firms are now following suit by restructuring procurement operations, increasing transparency with vendors, and reducing their carbon footprints through digitalisation. du's adoption of ISO 20400 required aligning its procurement framework with key sustainability principles, such as life cycle costing, fair labour practices, ethical governance, and emissions tracking. The certification process involved rigorous internal evaluations and third-party assessments, examining how the company evaluates suppliers, sets contractual expectations, and monitors compliance. The move also signals growing institutional maturity among UAE corporations in tackling supply chain emissions — often the most opaque and difficult to regulate part of corporate carbon accounting. By adopting a sustainability-oriented procurement system, du aims to establish mechanisms that prevent reputational and regulatory risks while promoting innovation among its vendor network. The company's internal transformation began with the establishment of a sustainable procurement task force in late 2022. This body, composed of procurement, compliance, legal, and sustainability officers, was mandated to revise vendor onboarding criteria, introduce ESG scorecards, and initiate long-term vendor development programmes. The company also collaborated with third-party auditors to identify gaps in its risk exposure and traceability mechanisms across different tiers of the supply chain. While du has not disclosed the full list of reforms enacted to obtain the ISO 20400 standard, the certification is known to require demonstrable commitment to transparency, stakeholder engagement, and process documentation. ISO 20400 is not a certifiable standard in the traditional sense but is often awarded based on independent evaluations that verify conformance to its guidelines. The telecom provider's progress comes amid intensifying competition in the UAE's ICT space, where sustainability credentials are becoming a differentiator in both government tenders and B2B contracts. Enterprises are increasingly selecting partners based not only on pricing or service capability but also on alignment with broader ESG frameworks, particularly in sectors such as fintech, logistics, and healthcare. du's strategy appears designed to capitalise on this market shift, using sustainability as both a compliance shield and a growth lever. This reflects broader regional trends, with government-linked entities and private sector firms alike accelerating their adoption of ISO-based management systems covering quality, energy, cybersecurity, and now procurement sustainability. The UAE's Net Zero by 2050 strategy, announced in 2021, has acted as a major catalyst for private sector action, with key entities pledging intermediate carbon reduction targets and issuing annual ESG reports. Telecommunications providers, with their vast supplier networks and operational footprints, have been under mounting pressure to contribute meaningfully to these goals.
Arabian Post
13-07-2025
- Health
- Arabian Post
UAE Air Pollution Reduction Could Unleash $596 Million in Annual Savings
Greenlogue/AP UAE health and finance leaders have been urged to expedite air quality improvements, with a new report estimating annual savings of $596 million if pollution levels align with World Health Organization guidelines. The projected gains stem from fewer hospital admissions, drops in respiratory illnesses such as asthma, and reduced premature mortality. The study, led by Economist Impact, highlighted over 94 per cent of the global population lives in areas exceeding WHO pollution limits—a trend reflected acutely in the Emirates. Within the UAE, approximately 4,000 lives could be saved annually by curbing pollution, underscoring both the human and economic toll of unclean air. ADVERTISEMENT Gerard Dunleavy, senior consultant at Economist Impact and co-author of the report, described air pollution as 'one of the most urgent health challenges'. He noted that the $596 million in benefits is not solely from reduced hospital usage, but also from broader gains in productivity and societal well-being. Dunleavy stressed that strategies must go beyond vehicle emissions, touching on public health education and access to primary care—particularly in vulnerable communities. The report forms part of the wider Health Inclusivity Index evaluation, emphasizing that social determinants—such as health literacy and access to healthcare—play a critical role in environmental and health outcomes. For instance, a modest 25 per cent improvement in health literacy could yield US $2.3 billion in national savings. The UAE already exceeds WHO limits for PM2.5 and PM10, largely due to vehicular emissions, industrial activity, and construction dust. While improvements have been registered for NO2 and SO2, particulate matter often struggles to meet guidelines due to both anthropogenic and natural sources such as desert dust. Government institutions have moved ahead with initiatives like the National Air Quality Agenda 2031, aiming to tighten standards on pollutants and enhance monitoring networks. Experts recommend scaling up interventions like roadside air filtration, green zones, stricter emission controls for transport and industry, and educational campaigns through clinics, particularly in lower-income areas. The healthcare cost of asthma remains a concern. A 2014 study in Abu Dhabi reported direct treatment expenses of US $29 million for over 139,000 asthma patients—costs that could be slashed with cleaner air and stronger disease control. That study further revealed that outpatient visits and emergency care accounted for approximately 80 per cent of asthma-related expenses. Environmental scholars also endorse a multisectoral policy response. Comparison studies of Dubai's air quality from 2013 to 2021 revealed NO2 and SO2 concentrations dropped by 54 per cent and 93 per cent respectively, despite rapid urban expansion. The research attributes this to stringent emissions standards, but notes PM10 remains problematic due to regional dust sources. Looking ahead, public health experts advise aligning national air standards more closely with WHO's 2021 guidance, which significantly lowered safe concentration thresholds. They also champion investments in community-level health interventions—mobile clinics, educational outreach, and free screening—to magnify the benefits of cleaner air among marginalised populations.
Arabian Post
12-07-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
Morocco Advances Digital Sovereignty with 500 MW Green Data Hub
Greenlogue/AP Morocco is embarking on an ambitious project to construct a 500 megawatt data centre powered entirely by renewable energy in Dakhla, Western Sahara, according to digital transition minister Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni. The facility aims to bolster the protection and localisation of sensitive data infrastructure, reinforcing the kingdom's drive to establish itself as a key digital hub for Africa. The announcement positions the Dakhla centre as a state-owned flagship in Morocco's broader digital modernisation strategy, which allocates 11 billion dirhams toward digital transformation through to 2026. While specifics on project costs and timeline remain undisclosed, its scale highlights the government's commitment to both digital sovereignty and green energy adoption. ADVERTISEMENT This initiative builds on recent developments. Earlier this year, Morocco launched its inaugural sovereign data centre at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University. Operational since January, the centre provides cloud hosting for public and private entities, signalling the start of a national network designed to keep critical data within Moroccan jurisdiction. El Fallah Seghrouchni emphasised that through this network of data centres, 'the kingdom not only asserts its digital sovereignty, but also its ambition to become a regional digital hub serving Africa.' That ambition is being underpinned by Morocco's renewable energy investments and expertise in wind and solar technologies, which have already positioned it as a continental leader in clean power production. Analysts note that Morocco's energy transition efforts, driven by the Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy, have delivered substantial capacity. As of 2022, wind generated 13.5 percent of the country's electricity, and solar parks built under the Noor project have substantially expanded solar output. Dakhla itself benefits from favourable wind patterns, averaging 7–8.5 m/s, making it ideal for renewables-powered infrastructure. Morocco is among a growing number of countries prioritising sovereign or hybrid cloud strategies to store and process data domestically. This trend stems from concerns over data privacy, legal control, and cybersecurity. Similar efforts include Rwanda's AI‑assisted cloud triage in healthcare and Singapore's G‑Cloud, both cited by the World Bank as successful models. Under its 'Digital Morocco 2030' roadmap, the kingdom intends not only to develop sovereign cloud infrastructure but also to enhance artificial intelligence capabilities and expand fibre optic networks across the country. The Dakhla centre is expected to contribute significantly to this vision by offering a large-scale, sustainable backbone for digital services. ADVERTISEMENT Despite the scale of the project, several key questions remain unanswered. Neither timeline nor financial details related to construction have been provided. Similarly, there is no official announcement yet regarding the participation of international or private partners in its design or operation. The absence of clarity on whether the facility will be powered by solar, wind, or a hybrid mix also leaves procedural and technical details unconfirmed. However, the government's prior success in rolling out renewable energy schemes and building the existing data centre suggests that it possesses the institutional capacity and expertise to deliver on these green infrastructure plans. Experts say that such a green-powered data centre, given its unprecedented capacity in the region, could set a benchmark for sustainable digital infrastructure across Africa. It aligns with global technological, regulatory, and environmental trends, ranging from carbon footprint reduction to strategic digital sovereignty. The project also carries geopolitical significance. Situated in Western Sahara, Dakhla's development may influence strategic narratives concerning the region and Morocco's broader international positioning, though El Fallah Seghrouchni's remarks focused exclusively on digital ambitions. Domestic actors in cloud services, telecommunications, and green-tech sectors are expected to watch developments closely. The Dakhla centre could foster private‑sector engagement and public‑private partnerships. It might also accelerate demand for skilled professionals in areas such as data centre management, cloud architecture, renewable energy engineering, and AI systems administration. As implementation unfolds, industry analysts will look for details on construction firms, technology vendors, projected employment figures, and grid integration strategies. The modular design of the Mohammed VI Polytechnic facility could serve as a template. Its operational data in energy efficiency, utilisation rates, and uptime might offer valuable insights for scaling up. Dakhla's data centre could prove pivotal in enhancing regional digital resilience. Morocco's strategic location connecting Europe and sub‑Saharan Africa makes it both an ideal point for cross‑continental data transit and a node in broader geopolitical efforts to diversify digital infrastructure. The kingdom's continued investment in renewable energy and digital infrastructure positions it at the forefront of sustainable technological advancement on the continent. The forthcoming data centre in Dakhla is poised to be a landmark project in Morocco's efforts to promote green digital sovereignty.
Arabian Post
30-06-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
AURAK Leads UAE Universities in Eco‑Performance
Greenlogue/AP The American University of Ras Al Khaimah has emerged as the top performer among universities in the United Arab Emirates, recording the lowest greenhouse gas emissions under its five‑year Sustainability Action Plan. Spanning 1.3 million‑1.6 million sq ft, the campus integrates a series of targeted initiatives aimed at deep energy and operational efficiency, positioning the university as a rising model of institutional sustainability. Analysis of the latest greenhouse gas emissions report—conducted by consultancy ZeeDimension and commissioned by AURAK—shows that the university's per‑square‑foot emissions are significantly lower than those recorded at its regional peers. While most UAE universities report emissions averaging well above AURAK's baseline, AURAK's data reveal a markedly leaner carbon profile. ADVERTISEMENT The SAP, first introduced two months ago by AURAK, outlines four strategic pillars: energy efficiency, green building practices, waste reduction, and sustainable transport. It incorporates a campus‑wide carbon accounting protocol which captures emissions across Scopes 1 and 2 and guides targeted improvements. Central to this plan is the comprehensive carbon footprint assessment released in the 2023–24 academic year, offering a granular breakdown across departmental operations. The audit covers direct emissions from on‑site natural gas, heating systems and electricity consumption, as well as indirect emissions from purchased energy. To complement its emissions strategy, AURAK has made sustained investments in renewable energy and building optimisation. The university is outfitting key structures with photovoltaic panels and energy‑efficient fixtures, whilst green retrofits in older buildings aim to reduce energy consumption by up to 30 per cent. Campus lighting and HVAC systems are being upgraded with advanced control mechanisms to ensure demand aligns tightly with need. The SAP also sets mobility targets. Through improved cycling infrastructure and shuttle services, AURAK seeks to encourage a shift from private vehicle use—currently one of the heaviest emission categories—to carpooling and shared transport options. Meanwhile, student‑led campaigns promote behavioural shifts, including paper‑less administration and heightened waste‑segregation practices. Operational transparency has been bolstered by annual emissions reporting, which helps track the university's progress. Although no absolute reduction target has been publicised yet, the benchmark established by the 2023‑24 footprint will inform future goal‑setting, with benchmarked scores compared across UAE institutions. AURAK's leadership frames the SAP not simply as institutional compliance but as a beacon for wider UAE ambitions. The nation-wide commitment to environmental sustainability, encapsulated by national net‑zero aspirations by 2050, receives local reinforcement through campuses like AURAK. Student representatives and faculty experts say sustainability is fast becoming a core academic and cultural value. A final‑year engineering student, speaking off‑record, noted that AURAK's eco‑projects are shaping curriculum components, enabling hands‑on learning in areas such as energy modelling and environmental design. External partners, from local municipalities to private sector sponsors, are being invited to collaborate on demonstration projects around renewable micro‑grids and green water systems. Critics observe that while initial data are promising, the university must maintain momentum in addressing Scope 3 emissions—particularly those related to commuting, supply chains, and air travel. So far the SAP has kept its focus on Scopes 1 and 2, where control is feasible and data are robust. Yet full sustainability leadership demands broader engagement. To sustain its momentum, AURAK has committed to delivering annual updates on its SAP outcomes, with transparent metrics across all four pillars. It is also preparing to engage in third‑party verification from accredited environmental auditors in the coming year to ensure credibile GHG reductions. Governance at the university has shifted to integrate sustainability across departments. A cross‑functional sustainability committee now oversees project approval, while resource allocation for ecology efforts is embedded in annual budgeting cycles. The institution has also integrated Glasgow Accord benchmarks and UN Sustainable Development Goals into its programme reviews.
