Latest news with #WorldUtilitiesCongress
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Hydrogen's Chicken-and-Egg Problem Persists as Buyers Hesitate
The conversation about low-carbon hydrogen continued last week at the annual World Utilities Congress, hosted by the multinational energy and water company TAQA in Abu Dhabi. While the hoped-for future trade between Europe and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) remained in focus, a shift in emphasis appeared. While national goals look increasingly dubious, progress is occurring in specific industry sectors guided by international agreements. Meanwhile, MENA countries confront the imperative to develop domestic markets for their clean hydrogen. Looking for good news Industry observers strained to find good news during a discussion called 'Low carbon and green hydrogen: navigating challenges to open opportunities.' High cost, lack of demand and regulatory uncertainty were named as the main factors holding projects back. Even the world's premier project – NEOM Green Hydrogen in Saudi Arabia – is in danger of delays. TotalEnergies will buy 70,000 tons per year in a long-term contract, about one-third of planned production, but there are no other buyers yet according to a report by Bloomberg News last week. In Europe, with EU mandates and pipelines for hydrogen under development, there is ongoing criticism of the regulatory regime being shaped by the EU, which many participants believe is too onerous. Europe's incentive schemes and contract for difference programs are producing just a small part of the green fuels required to meet EU goals. And the outlook for hydrogen in the US remains precarious, where incentives may be revoked to offset tax cuts. Chicken and egg There's a basic 'chicken and egg' problem afflicting the nascent industry, in which there's no market without demand, and no demand without a market. 'We're trying to create a market out of essentially nothing, we're at very early stages,' said Frederik Beelitz, Head of Advisory for Central Europe, Aurora Energy Research. 'Bridging the gap between the levelized cost of hydrogen and the willingness to pay is currently the big challenge, mainly on the demand side,' he said. 'Potential offtakers for green or low-carbon hydrogen are just not willing to pay the relatively high cost that it now incurs.' Producers want long-term off-take agreements, but off-takers such as industrial companies and utilities want shorter agreements in anticipation of the cost of hydrogen falling as production ramps up and technology improves. "No one can commit to a 10-year price, no one can carry that risk,' said Jan Haizmann, CEO, Zero Emissions Traders Alliance. 'But we've seen how quickly renewables scaled and hydrogen might follow the same path if the conditions are right." In Europe, the chicken and egg problem is being met with push and pull policies. On the supply side, pull factors taking the levelized cost of hydrogen down include support mechanisms for capital cost and financing. On the demand side, push factors act to raise the capacity or willingness or buyers to pay. Auction devices such as Germany's H2Global, now going into its second auction round, provide critical price information while subsidizing the difference between suppliers' long-term prices and buyers' preference for short-term contracts. However, it's unclear whether these programs will build meaningful specific At last week's conference and other recent events, there's been less use of the term 'hydrogen industry' and more emphasis on industry sectors. Hydrogen and its derivatives are now seen as high value fuels for very specific applications. In Europe, the Renewable Energy Directive (RED III) sets clear targets for the maritime and aviation sectors, in the form of the percentage of 'renewable fuels of non-biological origin' (RFNBO) that fuels must contain. This should create demand for derivatives and synthetic or e-fuels produced with hydrogen. Such fuels include ammonia and e-methanol in the maritime sector and e-kerosene in the aviation sector. In aviation, the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) has entered Phase 1. Airlines can purchase carbon credits in the voluntary market, which must meet the high CORSIA standards, or they can purchase sustainable aviation fuel. The amount of emissions covered will expand greatly when Phase 2 starts in 2027 with the inclusion of Brazil, India, Russia and China in the scheme. In global shipping, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has issued draft rules mandating greenhouse gas emissions reductions for ships (5,000 gross tonnage or greater) and imposing penalties for non-compliance. These rules will effectively impose the first ever global carbon price for international shipping and create demand for green and low-carbon hydrogen derivatives and biofuels. They should compel shipowners and the fuel producers and bunkering companies supplying them to substitute renewable and low-carbon fuels, including expensive-to-produce e-methanol, in place of fossil-derived fuels. Demand for low-carbon hydrogen should also arise in the power sector, with more electrification of transport and industry and increasing demand for electricity produced from renewable energy systems. As the price of renewable power continues to decline, it will make hydrogen more competitive because much of its cost is based on electricity prices. Where seasonal power demand variations occur, it can play a critical role in seasonal storage. In fact, hydrogen production and storage could help utilities to hedge against low power prices in Europe, where renewable energy has exposed them to very low and even negative prices. Carrots and sticks for domestic markets For MENA countries, the prospects for large-scale green hydrogen exports look increasingly unlikely in the near future. Yet countries such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE have already invested a lot and risk stranded assets. The question is critical for Saudi Arabia, where the biggest electrolyser production in the world will launch at NEOM next year, and this hydrogen will need to find 100% offtake for 600 tonnes per day produced. 'To have it all go out on ships is very ambitious,' said Jan Haizmann. 'They will have to think about what to do with the remainder, as export opportunities may not be realized.' The countries are already large consumers of hydrogen in their refining and chemicals industries. They have green hydrogen targets in place and plan to develop domestic demand for green and blue (with carbon capture) hydrogen. "Countries in the region need to build their own internal markets with clear rules and binding targets that drive demand," said Haizmann. And he emphasized that they will likely need incentives to create demand. They will need 'carrots and sticks', including binding targets that compel companies to procure certain volumes of low carbon fuels for their operations or face penalties, because a purely voluntary system that mostly relies on export scenarios is unlikely to work. As an example, he pointed to the incentives that, over time, supported the rise of renewable energy systems in many regions. 'With every new technology, there is a need to incentivize it to get to high volumes, and when high volumes are achieved, then prices come down,' he said. 'The production opportunities for hydrogen in MENA are fantastic, almost unrivalled, because of the sunshine here,' he said. 'But it doesn't remove the need to do something to realize the opportunities.' By Alan Mammoser for More Top Reads From this article on Sign in to access your portfolio
Gulf Today
30-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Make-A-Wish, Taqa bring hope to critically ill kids
Make-A-Wish UAE has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with TAQA to strengthen corporate social responsibility and bring hope to children battling critical illnesses through collaborative initiatives. The signing ceremony took place at the TAQA Stand (Arena) during the World Utilities Congress held at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, in the presence of Hani Al Zubaidi, CEO of Make-A-Wish UAE, and Hamad Al Hajri, Chief Corporate Support Officer of TAQA, alongside senior executives and representatives from both organisations. This strategic partnership aims to expand institutional humanitarian efforts by collaborating on impactful initiatives that provide emotional and psychological support to children and their families. The MoU also reflects TAQA's deep-rooted commitment to social responsibility and opens the door to a range of future initiatives in partnership with Make-A-Wish UAE, including volunteering opportunities for TAQA employees to actively contribute to wish-granting activities and events. Commenting on the occasion, Hani Al Zubaidi stated, "This MoU embodies our shared vision with TAQA to inspire hope and joy in the hearts of children facing critical illnesses, and to enhance the role of government-related entities in championing humanitarian causes. "We are grateful for TAQA's generous commitment and belief in our mission, and we are confident that this partnership will lead to meaningful, lasting impact in the lives of our wish children and their families.' Hamad Al Hajri stated, 'Sustainability extends beyond environmental protection; it is also about how we care for our communities. Make-A-Wish UAE supports children and families during some of their most difficult moments, and through this partnership, we can channel our resources towards that purpose. Every child deserves moments of joy, and we are honoured to contribute to a cause that brings hope where it is needed most.' The MoU serves as a model for corporate-community collaboration, paving the way for a series of programmes and events tailored for children with critical illnesses. It reinforces Make-A-Wish UAE's position as a leading humanitarian organisation and underscores TAQA's ongoing support of impactful community-driven initiatives.
Al Etihad
30-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Make-A-Wish UAE, TAQA cooperate to foster community engagement
30 May 2025 11:57 ABU DHABI (WAM)Make-A-Wish UAE has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with TAQA to strengthen corporate social responsibility and bring hope to children battling critical illnesses through collaborative signing ceremony took place at the TAQA Stand (Arena) during the World Utilities Congress held at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, in the presence of Hani Al Zubaidi, CEO of Make-A-Wish UAE, and Hamad Al Hajri, Chief Corporate Support Officer of TAQA, alongside senior executives and representatives from both strategic partnership aims to expand institutional humanitarian efforts by collaborating on impactful initiatives that provide emotional and psychological support to children and their MoU also reflects TAQA's deep-rooted commitment to social responsibility and opens the door to a range of future initiatives in partnership with Make-A-Wish UAE, including volunteering opportunities for TAQA employees to actively contribute to wish-granting activities and on the occasion, Hani Al Zubaidi stated, "This MoU embodies our shared vision with TAQA to inspire hope and joy in the hearts of children facing critical illnesses, and to enhance the role of government-related entities in championing humanitarian are grateful for TAQA's generous commitment and belief in our mission, and we are confident that this partnership will lead to meaningful, lasting impact in the lives of our wish children and their families.'Hamad Al Hajri stated, 'Sustainability extends beyond environmental protection; it is also about how we care for our communities. Make-A-Wish UAE supports children and families during some of their most difficult moments, and through this partnership, we can channel our resources towards that purpose. Every child deserves moments of joy, and we are honoured to contribute to a cause that brings hope where it is needed most.' The MoU serves as a model for corporate-community collaboration, paving the way for a series of programs and events tailored for children with critical illnesses. It reinforces Make-A-Wish UAE's position as a leading humanitarian organisation and underscores TAQA's ongoing support of impactful community-driven initiatives. Year of Community Continue full coverage
Al Etihad
29-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
AI-powered energy control platform AD.WE to transform Abu Dhabi's utilities sector
30 May 2025 00:53 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE) has entered into a strategic partnership with Presight and AIQ, marking a significant step toward integrated, AI-enabled energy management aimed at enhancing efficiency and during the World Utilities Congress in the UAE capital earlier this week, the agreement will see the development of an advanced AI-driven control centre platform. will deliver real-time analytics to support and optimise the energy and utilities sector across Abu Dhabi's Presight, an international big data analytics company powered by GenAI, has developed the smart platform that would manage the integrated to Aletihad, Dr. Adel Al Sharji, Chief Operating Officer of Presight, said, 'The platform will contribute to optimising energy use and production lines.' Using AI to manage facilities and infrastructure can streamline various operations, contributing to the emirate's sustainability goals, Al Sharji said. He cited its impact on the agriculture sector — managing energy and water resources in farms — as an example. 'With AI and sensors, we can track weather conditions, like dust or humidity, and apply algorithms to protect crops and conserve energy,' he said. "These IoT sensors gather data, feed it into our AI platform, which interacts with the information and applies specific procedures based on different scenarios."In this case, the outcomes are clear: savings in energy, water, and increased agricultural productivity, Al Sharji said. 'Farms can see improved yields and better resource allocation regardless of their distance."One of the project's main goals, he added, is to ensure "effective management that allows global energy companies to safely present ideas and experiments on the platform.''If these ideas succeed, they will be implemented by the Department of Energy,' Al Sharji said. The collaboration further involves the introduction of an AI Lab-as-a-Service, enabling energy companies in Abu Dhabi to test, confirm, and roll out artificial intelligence solutions within their processes for various application the agreement covers the establishment of a primary data hub which will consolidate all data under the purview of the DoE and sector companies, serving as a single and trusted source of an interview with Aletihad, Dr. Adel Bin Subaih, Chief Operations Officer at AIQ, said the company will work hand in hand with DoE and Presight to build the state-of-the-art platform that consolidates necessary data and insights.'This will improve the Department of Energy's operational efficiency and productivity, giving them a full picture on how to reduce operating costs,' Bin Subaih a joint venture between G42, Presight, and ADNOC, is pioneering and developing complex AI solutions for the energy currently has three primary offerings in its portfolio. 'We have one called SMARTi, which focuses on protecting people and enhancing safety. Another product is EMISSIONX—this helps monitor and advise on decarbonisation efforts, directly contributing to the UAE's and Abu Dhabi's 2050 sustainability goals,' Dr. Bin Subaih said. The third key product, the Corrosion Suite, 'is designed to protect assets rather than people.''It monitors pipeline infrastructure and provides recommendations on preventive maintenance, helping safeguard utilities and facilities,' Dr. Bin Subaih said. These three solutions—Smart Eye, Emission X, and CORROSCAN—are now being integrated into the newly signed agreement alongside the real-time digital platform.
Al Etihad
29-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
World Utilities Congress 2025: Exhibitors and speakers show how innovation is powering the future of utilities
30 May 2025 00:16 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)Exhibitors and speakers at the World Utilities Congress 2025 offered Aletihad insights into breakthrough technologies and bold strategies redefining the future of Technology Innovation Institute (TII) has introduced Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) drone-mounted technology that has been used in detection of underground water leaks at depths up to 40 metres without the need to dig Lead Researcher Luciano Oliveira said: 'The origin of TII SAR began with a clear and urgent challenge: how can we see what's happening beneath the surface accurately, efficiently and at scale?'TII's drone-based SAR differs from conventional satellites with its low altitude - a flexible way of operating and deeper ground penetration.'We integrated SAR into UAV platforms, allowing for high-resolution subsurface imaging,' he how it works, Oliveira added: 'TII SAR sees underground using radar waves. When water leaks, it changes the soil's properties, much like how a cloth darkens when wet. With AI, we can distinguish actual leaks from natural moisture and detect issues long before they reach the surface.'He highlighted the system's precision: 'We combined long-wavelength radar with drone flexibility. It is capable of identifying buried features, including moisture anomalies and underground structures.'After field testing, Oliveira said the tool 'performed well in detecting subsurface changes across different environmental conditions.'This technology reduces non-revenue water loss and boosts infrastructure efficiency.'Presenting the breakthrough at the World Utilities Congress, Oliveira said: 'We are not just unveiling a new tool; we are presenting a strategic solution to global challenges around infrastructure resilience and water security.'François Xavier Boul, Managing Director for ENGIE's Renewables and Batteries division in the MENA region, highlighted the company's focus on developing large-scale solar PV, battery storage systems and low-carbon desalination to help decarbonise critical infrastructure and support national transition the Congress, ENGIE highlighted its full project lifecycle capabilities: 'We are developing, financing, constructing, owning and operating power and water projects. We bring the most advanced technologies and secure projects from the early stages,' he said ENGIE's current projects include photovoltaic (PV), wind and battery storage projects, as well as advanced reverse osmosis (RO) desalination technologies.'Batteries are evolving fast - similar to how PV progressed a decade ago,' he is also exploring high-efficiency gas turbines with lower carbon footprints to support decarbonisation goals.'We are offering decarbonised solutions throughout the energy chain,' Boul said. 'That is the future.'He also highlighted the shifting trends in the energy sector in Abu Dhabi.'Abu Dhabi has been a pioneer. There has always been a strong focus on energy efficiency, and the grid here is among the most efficient in the world. With more renewables and nuclear coming online, Abu Dhabi continues to lead the energy transition.'He pointed to rising investments in grid stability and battery storage, including ENGIE's recent 800 MWh bid: 'We're seeing more battery deployment as part of building the energy systems of the future.'Boul added: 'The future is decarbonised. ENGIE's 2045 net zero target is one of the world's most ambitious - and we are on track, pushing boundaries to deliver innovative, low-carbon solutions.'Charles-Edouard Mellagui, CEO of the Cable Business Unit at Ducab, explained the company's vital role in clean energy: 'Without our cables, this transition cannot happen. You can build capacities, but you cannot use them unless power is transmitted.'Ducab aligns with the UAE's 2030 energy vision.'We are part of the UAE's mission to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030 - from 4,000 to 12,000 gigawatts,' he said, but warned, 'Copper is limited. That is why circular economy and innovation are crucial.'He highlighted rising energy demand driven by AI: 'A Chat GPT query consumes 3MWh compared to 0.3 for a Google search. That's 10 times more power. This is a megatrend.'On grid reliability, he said: 'Solar and wind are intermittent. We need storage and intelligence to avoid waste… That is the power of interconnectivity.'Mellagui continued: 'Our focus is on sustainable solutions, not just products… What if there's no copper left? That's why recycling is our future.'Factories emit CO2, but that CO2 can become a resource… It is not waste; it is opportunity,' he added.'Sustainability, interconnectivity, smart energy, storage and carbon capture - these are the pillars shaping the future of energy.'Speaking at the World Utilities Congress 2025, Oxana Dankova, Partner and Global Lead of Energy Networks at BCG, outlined how technology and consumer behaviour are reshaping energy systems.'The concept of flexibility today is about solving two key challenges,' she said.'First, matching supply and demand in time. Second, maintaining the grid's stability as we scale volatile renewables.'She stressed the importance of digital solutions: 'AI is essential. We need to simulate and react in real time... and no human can do that manually.'On storage, she said: 'Storage helps shift generation to meet demand, and it can inject power instantly to stabilise the grid.'Noting the infrastructure hurdles, Dankova said: 'We need to build five to six times more grid… That creates huge pressure on supply chains and skilled labour.'She added: 'Hydrogen could be a long-term storage solution… But the cost of electrolysers must drop.' Turning to the future, she noted: 'Abu Dhabi has the land, sun and ambition… Consumer flexibility - like when we charge EVs - will help us avoid overburdening the grid.'
