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Summit extends global reach

CLIX returns for third edition

The World Future Energy Summit, which opens today in Abu Dhabi, is expected to attract more than 33,000 visitors from 170 countries and 800 specialist exhibitors, cementing its status as the leading global industry event and exhibition for future energy, clean-tech and sustainability. World Future Energy Summit will bring together many of the world’s top government, business and industry leaders to discuss the latest developments in energy, water, solar, waste management and smart cities. “We continue to see a significant increase in international interest both for the event itself and for the region’s efforts in advancing sustainability,” said Grant Tuchten, Group Event Director, World Future Energy Summit.

The Climate Innovations Exchange (CLIX), hosted by the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, returns for its third edition at World Future Energy Summit, showcasing 41 innovations from 1,402 global submissions on energy, food, agriculture mobility and sustainability in space. His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said, “MOCCAE is proud to host CLIX, as it recognises the power of harnessing the creativity of young minds to identify unconventional solutions to environmental challenges. The platform aspires to provide a viable opportunity for young entrepreneurs to secure funding and develop winning environmental concepts for the benefit of our planet.”

Tadweer to host EcoWASTETadweer is set to host the 7th edition of the EcoWASTE Exhibition & Forum at WFES 2020. Supporting regional and global waste reduction targets and initiatives, EcoWASTE aims to accelerate sustainable waste management and drive the transition to a circular economy. A highlight is the participation of the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA), which will host a discussion with Tadweer about how the world can move towards a wasteless future.

Smart Cities Expo & ForumWorld Future Energy Summit will feature the launch of a dedicated Smart Cities Expo & Forum, which will explore smart city innovations across innovative transport solutions transportation; cybersecurity and public safety in cities; green buildings; energy efficiency; and urban planning. The Middle East and North Africa’s smart cities market is set to more than double by 2022, according to KPMG, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi leading the Arab World. The Smart Cities Expo & Forum will explore how technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and the Internet of Things can accelerate smart city development, with transportation and mobility being key themes. The event will highlight the UAE’s smart mobility innovations, such as aerial vehicles, autonomous pods, and hyperloop.

Innovations Waste management Smart cities

“We continue to see a significant increase in international interest”

DAILY NEWSDAY 1, 13 JANUARY 2020

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DAY 1 | 13 JANUARY 2020

www.worldfutureenergysummit.com

DAILY NEWS

“The 250MW projects are the first of a kind in the Ethiopian utilities landscape and will be a support for the diversification of the energy mix within the country.” Paddy Padmanathan, President and Chief Executive Officer, ACWA Power

12CALENDAR: Important dates for the next four days of the Summit

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Middle East and Africa power industry tenders up 32 per cent in third quarter of 2019Middle East and Africa power industry tenders activity in the third quarter of 2019 saw 505 tenders announced, marking a rise of 32 per cent over the last four-quarter average of 382, according to GlobalData’s power database. South Africa led activity in the quarter with 226 tenders and a share of 44.8 per cent, up 12.4 per cent over the previous quarter and up 92 per cent compared to the last four-quarter average. This was followed by Oman with 87 tenders and a share of 17.2 per cent and Namibia with 31 tenders and a share of 6.1 per cent that quarter. Looking at the last four-quarter average, South Africa held the top spot with 118 tenders, followed by Oman with 38 and Saudi Arabia with 23 tenders. Thermal is top technology for tenders in Q3 2019 Thermal accounted for the largest proportion with 44 tenders and a 55 per cent share, followed by solar with 27 tenders and a 33.8 per cent share and hydro with seven tenders and an 8.8 per cent share. T&D Equipment was the most popular segment in Middle East and Africa for power tenders during the third quarter of last year, with 255 tenders, followed by T&D Project (165) and Generation Equipment (42).

The proportion of tenders by category tracked by GlobalData in the quarter was as follows: Supply & Installation: 289 tenders and a 57.2 per cent share. Repair, maintenance, upgrade and others: 108 tenders and a 21.4 per cent share. Project Implementation: 97 tenders and a 19.2 per cent share. Consulting & Similar Services: ten tenders and a 2 per cent share.

Electricity Supply: one tender and a 0.2 per cent share. Top companies by capacity The top issuers of tenders for the third quarter in terms of power capacity in the Middle East and Africa were: Emirates Water and Electricity with 2,000MW from one tender and Ministry of Energy and Water, Lebanon with 1,500MW from another and Oman Power and Water Procurement, with 1,000MW capacity from one tender.

The African Development Bank-managed Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa has approved a US$990,000 grant to support the preparation of a 9-MW solar-hydro hybrid project in Burundi. The project consists of two plants, each featuring a solar and a hydro component as well as a local distribution network and interconnection to the national power grid. The innovative hybrid design is anticipated to regularise the power output during dry and wet season and mitigate power shortfalls caused by climate change. Upon completion, the project will electrify about 20,000

households in surrounding communities through a local distribution network. By enhancing access to electricity, the project will also generate socio-economic benefits especially for women and small and medium-sized enterprises. “In addition to the energy access and socio-economic benefits, with the strong government support, this innovative project will pave the way for increased private sector participation in renewable energy to diversify the energy mix in Burundi,” said Wale Shonibare, the bank's Acting Vice-President for Power, Energy, Climate, and Green Growth.

Emirates Water and Electricity was one of the most frequent issuers of

tenders for the third quarter of 2019.

SEFA grants US$1mn to support solar-hydro project in Burundi


ACWA Power signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) for pursuing opportunities to enhance local content in the economy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The agreement was signed by Thamer Al Sharhan, Managing Director at ACWA Power and Fuad Mosa, VP of Local Content & Business Development at SABIC. The partnership is in alignment with ACWA Power’s commitment to play a leading role in developing and promoting local content and establishing end-to-end Saudi value chain in the Kingdom. “One of the key strategies of ACWA Power is to encourage and develop local content in the markets we operate in. As

such, we are perfectly aligned with the local content strategies of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which is not only the way to go for achieving economic diversification goals, but also ensures competitiveness of the local economy besides creating opportunities for local businesses and young Saudis,” said Thamer Al Sharhan, Managing Director of ACWA Power. “ACWA Power looks towards this next phase of our efforts to enhance localisation with the support of our partner; SABIC. Partnering with the like-minded entity we hope to create synergies in our local content endeavours and are confident this partnership shall prove to be a giant step in the right direction.”

The installation of solar PV systems on homes, commercial buildings and industrial facilities is set to take off over the next five years, transforming the way electricity is generated and consumed, according to the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) latest forecast. These applications – known as distributed PV – are the focus of the IEA’s Renewables 2019 market report. The report states the world’s total renewable-based power capacity will grow by 50 per cent between 2019 and 2024. This increase of 1,200GW – equivalent to the current total power capacity of the United States – is driven by cost reductions and focused government policy efforts. Solar PV accounts for 60 per cent of the rise. The share of renewables in global power generation is set to rise from 26 per cent today to 30 per cent in 2024.

ACWA Power & SABIC to push for local content in the renewable energy sector

One of Malawi’s first solar projects has reached financial close after attracting investment volume totaling US$67mn. Initial site works have begun in Nkhotakota, and construction of the first phase is targeted for completion by March 2020. Once complete, the project will add 46 MW of clean energy to the local power supply. Developed by UAE-based Phanes Group in collaboration with ResponsAbility Renewable Energy Holding (rAREH) and the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), the project was the result of the first Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) signed with Malawi’s national utility (ESCOM) in February 2019. This was Malawi’s first competitive tender in the power sector, and the PPA is projected to last 20 years. Phanes Group and partners were awarded the project in May 2017 following a tendering process which attracted bids from 21 companies globally. Partners include: rAREH (equity financing and of co-developer); OPIC

(debt financing); and Natsons (local development partner). The Nkhotakota project is part of a push by the Malawian government to use solar power to strengthen the country’s electricity infrastructure. Currently only 15 per cent of the population has access to power, and the national capacity is estimated at 362 MW. The new capacity added will make a significant contribution to the government’s target of increasing power access to 30 per cent of the population by 2030.

“Lack of power has been a real obstacle to Malawi’s social and economic development,” added Phanes Group’s CEO, Martin Haupts. “This project demonstrates that solar energy offers a viable path to bringing power to those communities which need it most. We are thankful to our partners responsAbility and OPIC, who have been instrumental in realising our aim to electrify new markets in Africa. We hope the Nkhotakota project will serve as a model for future private investment into the local solar sector.”

Representatives from rAHEH, OPIC and Phanes Group sign off financial deal for solar project in Malawi. (Image credit: Phanes Group)

Global solar PV market to grow over five years


World Future Energy Summit | Daily News

DAILY NEWS

“In order to enable youth engagement in sustainable development, the UAE government has launched dedicated strategies, such as the UAE Youth Global Initiative and the Emirates Youth Climate Strategy.” HE Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment

10FUTURE SUSTAINABILITY SUMMIT: The complete programme of events

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UAE’s Phanes Group develops one of Malawi’s first solar energy projects in collaboration with OPIC




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"The ministry is keen to launch initiatives that nurture the connection between young people and the environment ... the responsibility to protect our precious biodiversity will lie on their shoulders.” Taif Al Amiri, Director, Government Communication, Climate Change & Environment Ministry.

34MEET THE SPONSORS: the Summit’s supporters

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RAKTDA, WMA and PSD progress their tourism and waste management goalsRas Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), Ras Al Khaimah Waste Management (WMA) and Ras Al Khaimah Public Services Department (PSD) have unveiled the latest developments related to the sustainable tourism and waste management vision for the Emirate at the annual Hotel and Hospitality Sustainability event. The event highlighted the latest updates in the recycling waste management initiatives set for the emirate, shared best practices and important learning in this sector and announced the new targets and criteria planned for next year that will serve the overall goals of the Emirate. In 2016, RAKTDA, WMA and PSD collaborated to launch new waste management guidelines for hotels and tourism establishments across the Emirate. Ahmad Mohamed Al Hammadi, director general of Public Services Department of Ras Al Khaimah, said, “This is indeed an important occasion for all of us involved in public environmental issues because it allows us to draw the attention of the hospitality sector yet again to one of the most important concern in modern times.” “The new vision for the Emirate incorporated the world’s best practices in the sustainability arena,

to increase waste recycling within the Emirate’s hotels from four to 75 per cent by 2021. The move was part of Ras Al Khaimah’s efforts to achieve the goals set out in the UAE Vision 2021 National Agenda which included nation-wide criteria on increasing the contribution of clean energy and minimising waste. In 2018, the sustainable criteria were expanded to include water conservation,” Al Hammadi added.

In recognition of hotels that have made significant accomplishments in their waste managements and sustainable practices, Ras Al Khaimah awarded six hotels out of 30, who exceeded their targets and demonstrated excellent waste management practices. In addition, 30 hotels were recognised for their good waste management practices, who met their targets whilst 30 hotels were identified as needing to improve their waste management.

The UAE-Caribbean Renewable Energy Fund (UAE-CREF) has partnered with the Government of Antigua and Barbuda’s Ministry of Public Utilities, Civil Aviation, Transport and Energy, the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF) and the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (NZMFAT). The aim is to restore power to Barbuda following the near-total destruction of the island after Hurricane Irma struck in September 2017. The agreement will see the disbursement of US$5.7mn from the UAE to support Antigua and Barbuda through the largest

renewable energy initiative of its kind in the Caribbean region, wherein the UAE-CREF put forth US$3.5mn during the first round of funding in 2017, in addition to US$700,000 of humanitarian funding the UAE provided to Antigua and Barbuda after Hurricane Irma in 2017. The project will be executed by the UAE-CREF in partnership with the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC), Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), and Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar), responsible for project design and implementation.

The emirate of Ras Al Khaimah is seeking to be a leader in meeting waste management goals. (Image credit: World Travel & Tourism Council)

UAE and partners to build resilient green power system

At English Harbor, Antigua and Barbuda. (Image credit: korkeakoski/Adobe Stock)

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Artificial Intelligence could unlock US$5.2 trillion to the global economyArtificial Intelligence (AI) will be a key enabling technology in achieving renewable energy and sustainability targets, according to a report released ahead of this month’s World Future Energy Summit. The report, “Artificial Intelligence: Transforming the Future of Energy and Sustainability,” is based on a comprehensive literature review of AI’s predicted impact – compiled from almost 70 separate consultants’ reports, journal articles, news articles and analysis, and government documents. It shows AI will be the common factor in sustainability improvements across a wide range of industries, acting as the enabler of other innovations. Current predictions from PwC suggest that by the end of the next decade, using AI for environmental applications could unlock a US$5.2 trillion contribution to the global economy, and at the same time reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 4 per cent.

At the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week’s anchor conference, the Future Sustainability Summit, running from 14-15 January 2020, a major topic will be how advances in AI, Big Data, and the Internet of Things (IoT) can accelerate sustainable development. During the Future Sustainability Summit, attendees can attend engaging presentations on technology and

sustainability, such as ‘Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Meet AI & Smart Grids’ and ‘It’s All in the Algorithm: Artificial Intelligence Leading Us to a Greener Planet’. While the focus of most business investments in AI is mainly to generate new revenue or cut operational costs, sources included in the World Future Energy Summit

report identified sustainability gains as often going hand in hand with financial benefits. Importantly, AI helps to answer the question of how to reduce our environmental impact, while at the same time maintaining economic growth. “AI has the potential to accelerate sustainable development in many different ways,” said Dr Alexander Ritschel, Head of Technology at Masdar. “AI can support applications such as battery storage which are helping to integrate variable power sources such as wind and solar more effectively into our electricity grids. Virtual power plants running on AI algorithms are emerging and can improve energy access and electricity trading. Solutions such as autonomous driving are transforming the mobility sector thanks to the use of AI. AI also promises major advances in energy efficiency by making our cities in particular much more responsive to the way we consume power.”

The World Bank’s Global Environmental Facility (GEF) Trust Fund financed a project centered on piloting Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) in the Nile Delta. The Enhanced Water Resources Management Project resulted in improved surface and groundwater management. From the project start in 2011 to the project closure in 2016, 4,436 people were trained on pilot schemes. In addition, due to the reduction of water used by applying the system of rice intensification, water savings reached 8,500 cubic metres/feddan/year (a feddan is defined as an Egyptian unit of area equivalent to 1.038 acres or 0.42 ha). Water scarcity has long been a central problem in Egypt. The combination of increasing socioeconomic demands, physical water scarcity, and competing transboundary needs spells further trouble for the country’s water supply and sanitation sector. Meeting the needs of multiple water users further strains relatively fixed water resources in Egypt. The ongoing

impacts of a changing climate also include reduced precipitation, increased temperatures, and even changes in the direction of the Nile flow. The country relies on the Nile River, which provides 98% of the annual renewable water resources.The river runs through eleven countries, and the Nile’s journey ultimately ends when it spreads out and drains into the Mediterranean Sea. This means that it is not only critical to protect and clean the Nile waters for the sake of Egyptian water security, but also to protect the ecosystem health of the Mediterranean Sea. In addition, agriculture uses about 85% of the available freshwater resources in Egypt and irrigation water quality is a critical concern. Most agricultural land is heavily irrigated and polluted by industrial effluent and untreated sewage, which are typically dumped into open drains.

“The agreement with IEA will open new doors and increase the energy sector’s attractiveness among international investors in Abu Dhabi.” Mohamed Bin Jarsh Al Falasi, Undersecretary at Abu Dhabi Department of Energy 04NEWS: Updates from Africa

and the Middle East.

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A new report for the World Future Energy Summit predicts ‘AI’ will accelerate breakthroughs across energy, water, waste and smart cities.

Improving surface and groundwater management in Egypt


DAY 1 | 13 JANUARY 2020 DAILY NEWS

UAE’s Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, met with officials from three leading Chinese AI solution providers to explore opportunities for co-operation in utilising AI-enabled technologies to drive environmental sustainability. The first stop in China was to SenseTime, the world’s highest-valued AI startup. In July 2019, the company announced that it will establish a research and development

Centre of Excellence in Abu Dhabi, marking its first foray into the Europe, Middle East, and Africa, EMEA, region, Emirates News Agency reported. Dr. Al Zeyoudi also toured 4Paradigm, a Beijing-based AI start-up that is pioneering machine learning software in China, and ByteDance, a technology giant operating a range of content platforms around the world. He learned about the companies’ latest applications with the aim of

examining ways to leverage AI as a powerful tool that adds significant momentum to implementing the UAE’s sustainability agenda. During the visits, the Minister highlighted the UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence that was launched in 2017 to achieve the objectives of UAE Centennial 2071, and referred to some of the country’s initiatives in this area. These included the first Arab satellite, 813, set to launch in 2022 to monitor desertification, drought, and greenhouse gas emissions. Dr Al Zeyoudi attended meetings to discuss best practices and technologies in the environmental sector.

The Khalifa University of Science and Technology achieved many goals during 2019 that contributed to consolidating its position as a prestigious academic institution locally, regionally and globally, according to Emirates News Agency. The launch of the Emirates Nuclear Technology Centre in collaboration with stakeholders including Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation and the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation, marked a key milestone moment for the university’s contribution to enhancing the UAE’s nuclear technology research capability. An agreement with Korea Basic Science Institute, to launch the Korea-UAE Joint R&D Technical Centre to promote scientific exchange between the two countries, was another step that solidified the existing collaboration with Korean institutions.

Exploring AI potential for environmental sustainability

Two thousand representatives of the African cities, local and regional governments, and non-state actors gathered in Accra at the 2nd African Climate Chance Summit, featuring the Conference of the Covenant of Mayors in sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) which was organised between 16 and 18 October, 2019. The CoM SSA initiative uses a bottom up approach pioneered by funders the European Union that mobilises local actors for sustainable energy access, to elaborate and implement climate action plans. Furthermore, the objectives of the conference were to inspire and enable policy makers, donors, local governments and key actors involved in the implementation of CoM SSA to accelerate the pace and scale of transformational change and the mobilisation of cities. It is for this reason that working with national associations and CSOs is critical for the acceleration of action on the ground. His Excellency Nana Addu Akufo-Addo, President of Ghana, officially

opened the Summit on 17 October, in the presence of His Excellency John Kuffour, former President of the Republic of Ghana. President Nana Akudo-Addo highlighted that “we, in Africa, suffer the most because our weak economies are most susceptible to the effects of climate change, and our capacity to withstand its damage is low.” He further stated that “Africa is the region of the world with the lowest access to energy and the least equipped to face extreme climate events brought about by climate change” and he singled out the work

of CoM SSA over the last four years as testimony to the benefits the initiative has had on cities and municipalities. Minister for Local Government hon Hajia Alima Mahama called for establishing a dedicated financing window for local authorities to implement their climate change priority action plans. “The imbalance between mitigation actions represents an effort of more than 600 billion dollars put by the international community compared to 200 billion for adaptation that must be addressed.”

Hon Hajia Alima Mahama, Minister for Local Government calls for financing to local authorities to implement climate change action plans.

Khalifa Uni-versity achieves new milestones in 2019

“APICORP is committed to supporting Sonatrach in its first overseas acquisition. This is part of our mission to play an active role in the development of our member countries’ broader energy sector.” Dr Ahmed Ali Attiga, CEO, APICORP

10FUTURE SUSTAINABILITY SUMMIT: Programme for these vital sessions

Africa’s cities and local governments climate ambitions declared in Accra

World Future Energy Summit | Daily News8


DAY 1 | 13 JANUARY 2020 DAILY NEWS

The UAE has been at the forefront in leading the global clean energy conversation for several years now, said Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, at the 18th Meeting of the International Renewable Energy Agency Council in Abu Dhabi. “From adopting the UAE Energy Strategy 2050 that aims to increase the share of clean energy in the total energy mix to 50 percent by 2050 and reducing our carbon footprint from power generation by 70 percent during the same period to hosting landmark initiatives, such as the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, the World Government Summit, and the Zayed Sustainability Prize, the UAE has proven that it is possible for ambitious climate action to go hand in hand with economic prosperity and development,” Al Zeyoudi added. Dr Nawal Al-Hosany, permanent representative of the UAE to IRENA, participated in the IRENA Council meeting and important committee meetings, highlighting the country’s achievements in promoting the deployment of renewable energy worldwide and studying opportunities for further collaboration. “Our participation in this landmark meeting aligns with the UAE’s priority to support IRENA’s endeavors to accelerate the energy transition and step up collaboration to achieve the Agency’s objectives. Through its engagement in such leading platforms, the country continues to stress the importance of

ensuring inclusive and equitable renewable energy access to fast-track sustainable development and socio-economic transformation across the globe,” Al-Hosany said. As a founding member of IRENA, the UAE has led by example in implementing innovative renewable energy projects using the latest concentrated solar power, photovoltaic, pumped-storage hydroelectricity, and floating PV technologies.

“In line with our Global Strategy for Sustainable Energy, we aim to ensure that refugees can meet their basic energy needs in exile while also minimising environmental degradation.” Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees.

30FEATURE: Find out more about Middle East waste management initiatives.

US-based Alumina Energy and UAE-based Seramic Materials have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore the introduction of recycled ceramic materials into packed bed thermal energy storage (PBTES) technology solutions. The companies aim to develop projects that demonstrate the cost efficiencies and greenhouse gas savings in the use of recycled ceramic material and pave the way for its use in larger PBTES projects in applications such as solar power concentration (CSP), waste heat recovery (WHR) and electrical thermal energy storage. Seramic Materials has developed a patented solution to recycle industrial solid waste into sustainable ceramic products. The company has worked with Catalyst, a Masdar-BP initiative,

to build a laboratory at the Tech Park in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, to showcase the technology. This is the first laboratory in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region that is dedicated to the transformation and valorisation of industrial solid waste into value-added products, helping to drive the industry towards a near-zero waste approach. Meanwhile, Alumina Energy has developed a solution for storing energy on a large scale. Alumina Energy’s PBTES solution uses solid ceramic storage materials, and a patented storage and recovery method to store heat or electricity. Alumina Energy provides an energy storage solution that can charge and discharge heat or electricity on demand with zero emissions.

UAE leads in renewable energy

US firm signs MoU with UAE’s Seramic Materials

The UAE has allocated US$350mn to renewable energy projects through the ADFD-

Irena Project Facility. (Image credit: IRENA)


For booking, please contact zayid.ahmed @reedexpo.ae or call +971 50 4528165


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“We hope that in the coming years, the contribution of non-oil activities will double again, which is what has happened during the last 20 years.” HE Dr Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidi, Oman’s commerce minister, speaking to the Times of Oman on the country’s plans for energy diversification.

20FORUMS: The programme for the important sessions at this year’s summit

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USING SOLAR ENERGY for oil production

Using solar energy to produce oil might seem like an unlikely scenario. But it has proved a winning combination for PDO, which has pioneered the use of solar steam for enhanced oil recovery (EOR), resulting in a sustainable, environment-friendly solution for developing its heavy oil as well as boosting the sultanate’s solar industry. Oman possesses oil reserves which are difficult to extract, requiring the use of EOR techniques such as thermal EOR, where steam is injected into the oil reservoir to heat the oil, making it easier to pump to the surface. With partners GlassPoint Solar, PDO is developing the giant Miraah solar plant at the Amal oilfield to produce steam for thermal EOR. The 1,021 GW plant, which is set to be one of the largest solar projects in the world in terms of peak energy production when complete, harnesses the sun’s rays through a huge glasshouse complex to turn oilfield water into steam for the extraction of heavy and viscous oil, as a sustainable alternative to steam generated from natural gas.

When complete it will generate an average of 6,000 tons of solar steam daily, saving 5.6 trillion BTUs of natural gas a year in the face of the sultanate’s rising domestic gas demand, and reducing CO2 emissions by more than 300,000 tons a year. The system will deliver steam to Amal’s existing thermal EOR operations, meeting a sizable portion of the field’s steam demand. The full-scale project will comprise 36 glasshouse modules, built and commissioned in succession in groups of four. The system uses GlassPoint’s trough technology, for oilfield deployment, which uses curved mirrors to focus sunlight on to a pipe filled with water. The concentrated sunlight boils the water to create steam, which is fed directly to the oilfield’s existing steam distribution network. A greenhouse protects the solar array from harsh oilfield conditions such as wind and dust storms. Today, the Miraah facility

is in daily operation, with the capacity to generate 660 tonnes of steam per day. Construction is ongoing, with steam production ramping up over time to meet PDO’s future steam demand. Boosting Oman’s solar industry Miraah has the potential to generate significant value for Oman, diversifying the economy by establishing a new solar industry. Plans to localise the supply chain are under development, including the establishment of a local manufacturing facility in Oman. PDO is looking to open a technology centre in Muscat in partnership with GlassPoint Solar, to develop and test next generation solar technologies in oilfields, helping Oman to become a centre of excellence for using solar energy to power oilfield operations.

The centre will pilot and evaluate solar energy uses for other industrial processes in Oman and worldwide. It will create additional opportunities to expand the local supply chain, host training and educational workshops, and engage Omani engineers in applied research projects to develop local solar energy expertise. Step change in renewable energy In October 2018 PDO was awarded a contract to

build a 100MW solar photovoltaic independent power producer (IPP) project to a joint Japanese-Omani consortium comprising the Marubeni Corporation (Japan), Oman Gas Company, Bahwan Renewable Energy Company and Modern Channels Services. The plant will provide power for PDO’s interior operations and will be the first-of-its-kind in Oman. It will be the world’s first utility-scale solar project to have an oil and gas company as the sole wholesale buyer of electricity. The desert facility will be located at Amin, which lies in southern Oman in PDO’s concession area, and will consist of more than 335,000 solar PV panels, producing enough energy to power 15,000 homes. It will be structured as an IPP under the terms of the power purchase agreement for a period of 23 years from the scheduled commercial operation date, which is planned for May 2020. The consortium will build, own and operate the facility and then transfer it back to PDO. The plant is expected to introduce an equivalent fuel saving of 70.5mn cu/m of gas annually, resulting in a total saving of US$17mn a year through the use of solar power as an alternative to natural gas. It will also reduce overall CO2 emissions by around 137,121 tons annually.

The plant harnesses the sun’s rays through a huge glasshouse complex.

Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), Oman’s leading oil and gas company, has turned a challenge into an opportunity by pioneering the use of solar steam for enhanced oil recovery (EOR).


The UAE-based technology and sustainability-driven facilities management (FM) company Farnek has achieved ISSA Cleaning Industry Management Standard Green Building (CIMS-GB) certification, with honours, which is awarded for a two-year term.

A leading trade association for the cleaning industry, ISSA’s CIMS-GB is a comprehensive programme that raises the level of commitment for the delivery of environmentally friendly services. Farnek had to demonstrate its compliance with the six core principles of the standard: quality systems; service delivery; human resources; health, safety, and environmental stewardship; and management commitment.

Commenting on the award, Markus Oberlin, CEO, Farnek, said, “Having undergone a comprehensive assessment of our operation to deliver green cleaning services, Farnek is now the first company in the UAE to be certified by ISSA, inline with the CIMS-GB standard.

“This award underscores our professionalism and adds credibility to our position as a sustainable leader in the Middle East’s FM sector, while also giving us a distinct competitive advantage in future bidding processes. It is also proof that we are once again raising the bar by implementing a structured and international standardised approach to green cleaning.”

The standard is also tailored to provide Farnek’s customers with precisely what they need to secure points under the leadership in energy and environmental design (LEED) for existing buildings; operations and maintenance (LEED EB: O&M) green building rating system.

“LEED aims to encourage and support building owners and operators to become more environmentally responsible and use resources efficiently. As such, CIMS-GB certification demonstrates our capability to assist our clients to help achieve LEED EB: O&M points offer them

partnership assurance or simply support as a CIMS-GB certified cleaning service provider,” added Oberlin.

To comply, Farnek has also met various criteria with the focus on sustainable cleaning practices. This included implementation of a green cleaning policy, resource conservation plans, environmental impact analysis of its operating procedures and enhanced staff training programmes for green cleaning.

Julian Khalil, Director, Soft FM, Farnek, added, “Every aspect of our cleaning practice was assessed. This included ensuring that at least 60 per cent of the purchase value for our materials is spent on eco-friendly products. We redeveloped the entire supply chain across all product types, such as chemicals, equipment, machines, trash bags and janitorial paper products, soap and air fresheners in order to ensure compliance.”

The certification makes it easier for Farnek’s potential customers, to find a contractor that understands the value of sustainability and one that is prepared to deliver professional services. In addition, Farnek will also be able to reduce costs and pass those savings on to its customers, while also ensuring a sustainable business model.

The Farnek team headed by CEO Markus Oberlin (third from right) in Dubai.

This award underscores our professionalism and adds credibility to our position as a sustainable leader. We are raising the bar by implementing an international standard.

Markus Oberlin CEO, Farnek



DAILY NEWS

“Tadweer is at the forefront of the sustainable waste management conversation in the UAE.” Salem Al Kaabi, Director General, Tadweer 01Large numbers expected at

this year’s summit

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FARNEK RECEIVES MIDDLE EAST’S FIRST global green cleaning standard




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REDUCE YOUR FREIGHT footprint with technology

Ever since the industrial revolution, there have been significant changes in the environment due to human activities. Environmental degradation due to pollution and other human activities pose a serious threat to mankind. There is a need for all industries to embrace the goal of sustainable development and commitment towards environmental protection. Government regulations and growing awareness among the people has made it imperative for businesses to come up with business strategies that incorporate sustainability goals in their agenda.

The transportation of goods via different vehicles is a source of carbon emission and adversely affects the environment. There is a growing need for players to integrate ‘green’ methods in their operations. There have been significant developments in logistics to help enterprises reduce damage to the environment. The adoption of digital logistics has been a game-changer. The use of advanced analytics and machine learning algorithms are making logistics operations much greener. Key functionalities helping the cause are: • Capacity utilisation: There is a huge problem

of LTL (less than truck load) in the logistics industry, which increases cost and adds more carbon to the atmosphere. Digital logistics helps in utilising the full capacity of not only trucks but also other vehicles in the fleet. This is achieved by the use of sophisticated algorithms. Higher capacity utilisation leads to less number of trips and subsequently leads to lower emission of greenhouse gases and pollutants.

• Auto-routing: The adoption of software-based auto-routing instead of traditional spreadsheet based approach is unlocking new efficiencies in the value chain. Algorithm-based auto routing

provides best routes for goods transport thereby reducing the distance traversed by the fleet. It also reduces the time spent in traffic jams. This helps in reducing the fuel consumption and the emission of CO2 and other gases by a significant margin.

• Electronic documentation: The traditional documentation process during shipping, receiving and transit requires a lot of paper which has a direct link to deforestation. Digital logistics make the entire documentation process automated and electronic, thereby significantly contributing to reduce deforestation by foregoing the usage of massive amounts of paper.

Trending now The logistics industry is on the cusp of technological revolution. New breakthroughs in technologies and their rapid adoption would help industries reduce their carbon footprint and be more environmentally responsible. Trends include: • Electrified logistics fleet: Logistics service

providers are experimenting with the use of electric vehicles (EVs) in their fleet. Some players are using e-bikes for inner-city deliveries. The application of electric vehicles has been concentrated in the last mile segment as of now. The shift from hydrocarbon vehicles to EVs will significantly lower the environmental impact of logistics operations.

• UAV/Drone: The usage of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in logistics is in nascent state. However, companies like Amazon, DHL, Google are experimenting in this field. Amazon has even started delivery via drones in its ‘Prime Air’ service. Drones are more efficient as they need to cover much lesser distance than on-road fleets and are battery operated. The usage of drones in the future would lower the overall environmental impact of firms in the logistics sector.

• IoT: Internet of Things (IoT) is an ecosystem of connected devices that communicate in real time. Cloud-based RFID chips, GPS trackers, advanced vehicle telematics, sensors constitute IoT. The seamless flow of information would help in optimising the entire network and scheduling; reducing distance traversed and idle engine time thereby reducing greenhouse gas emission. Smart sensors placed in vehicles would continuously monitor fuel emissions .

According to Statista, the revenue generated by the logistics sector in the Middle East is US$40.2bn as of 2016. The logistics industry is set to grow in value and volume in the future. The growth in this sector provides challenges in devising strategies to counter the environmental impact of the same. Digital logistics and the application of other emerging technologies like big data analytics, IoT, drones, will help sustainable growth in this sector.

The Middle East region is the strategic hub for international trade and commerce between the east and the west. Kushal Nahata, CEO at FarEye, explains how the logistics industry can help save the environment through IoT and sustainability.

“The future looks bright and sunny for UAE, with the Middle East projected to have as much solar power as current US levels within the coming six years.” Habiba Al Mar’ashi, Chairperson, Emirates Environmental Group

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IN FEBRUARY 2019, the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) issued the Ministerial Resolution No. 21 of 2019 on the use of recycled aggregates from construction and demolition (C&D) waste for road construction and other infrastructure projects carried out by the public and private sectors in the UAE. MOCCAE developed the document in coordination with the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and the municipal authorities. The resolution outlines environmental prerequisites for recycling cement, concrete, steel, bricks, gravel, sand, asphalt, timber, and gypsum waste into new high value materials. The decree mandates concerned local departments to ensure that contractors collect and sort waste generated at C&D sites. Depending on their size, the recycled materials can be used for paving roads, grading dirt roads and parking areas, or earth filling at construction sites. The aggregates must undergo quality testing in laboratories to verify their compliance with UAE standards as well as LEED and BREEAM certification requirements. Under the resolution, government and private contractors can meet up to 40 per cent of their material requirements from recycled aggregates.

Recycling C&D waste supports a smooth transition to the circular economy and increases the efficiency of waste management, while easing the pressure on landfills. Doing so also helps improve human health and conserve natural resources through reduced reliance on virgin aggregates. According to Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi (SCAD) data during the period of 2009 2015, the C&D sector was identified as one of the largest waste generator in the emirate. C&D waste collection and transportation is, to a large extent, performed by construction firms themselves or private sector service providers. As part of its efforts to support Abu Dhabi’s mandate of diverting 75 per cent of waste from landfills, Abu Dhabi Waste Management Center (Tadweer), in 2018, opened a new facility to recycle construction and demolition waste in Ghayathi in Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi. Located near the Ruwais oilfields and the UAE Saudi Arabia border, the new facility will help ease the pressure on Al Dhafra landfill, which is anticipated to receive incoming construction and

demolition waste in the range of 60,000 to 70,000 tonnes per month with an average daily inflow of 1,500 to 2,000 tonnes. With a minimum production capacity of 31,000 tonnes per month and 150 to 200 tonnes per hour, the new facility recycles construction and demolition waste and provides recycled aggregate for the construction of roads and other infrastructure projects. Dr Salem Al Kaabi, acting general manager of Tadweer, said, “Given the construction boom witnessed by Abu Dhabi over the past several years, it is important to continue our efforts to divert waste from landfills and encourage recycling. This becomes even more imperative with C&D waste accounting for a large proportion of solid waste in the emirate. In addition to complying with the latest global practices in waste treatment, the new facility is fitted with state-of-the-art systems and technologies that allow Tadweer to recycle larger volumes of construction and demolition waste in future.” The new facility seeks to support the Abu Dhabi Executive Council’s resolution of utilising a minimum quantity of 40 per cent recycled material, if available, in road and construction projects. Recycling of C&D waste also helps conserve natural resources through reduced reliance on virgin aggregate, which in turn cuts transportation cost and avoids CO2 emissions. Out of total solid wastes generated in the UAE, the C&D wastes account for 70 per cent of the total weight.

Recycling C&D waste supports a smooth transition to the circular economy and increases the efficiency of waste management, while easing the pressure on landfills.

Currently, construction and demolition wastes are mixed with other types of waste and, therefore, made unsuitable for recycling, thus resulting in the waste being taken to landfill sites and losing opportunities to recover valuable resources.



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“The transformation to carbon-neutral infrastructure, buildings, transportation and grid will become paramount to being able to live and operate in the Middle East.” Dr Will Cavendish, Global Leader - Digital Services, Arup

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Recycling C&D waste increases the efficiency of waste management, while easing the pressure

on landfills. (Image credit- Sangudo - Flickr)

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