Ilya Likhov, founder and CEO of Neo Sun Energy

In the rapidly evolving landscape of renewable energy, Ilya Likhov, founder and CEO of Neosun Energy, is pioneering transformative solutions that are reshaping how remote and developing regions access electricity.

In a conversation with Technical Review Middle East at the Middle East Energy exhibition, Likhov highlighted the company's innovative approach to energy challenges.

"Microgrids are the best solution for territories without existing infrastructure," Likhov said.

The core of Neosun Energy's strategy lies in addressing critical infrastructure challenges in regions lacking traditional power transmission networks.

"Most remote areas don't have access to electricity because it's very costly and expensive to build transmission lines," Likhov said.

The solution? Deploying hybrid energy systems that combine solar power with advanced storage technologies.

Middle East growth

Solar energy is the cornerstone of their approach. "You are lucky," Likhov noted about the Middle East, "You have so much sun here, making it easy to use solar power stations that dramatically reduce operational costs."

This approach is particularly attractive to emerging businesses, with solar investments offering remarkable financial benefits. "The average time of return on investment for solar is around one to three years, meaning your internal rate of return will be 35-30% in most scenarios," he added.

The company's innovation extends beyond stationary power systems. A breakthrough project is their solar carport solution for electric vehicle charging.

"Today, it's impossible to move between cities like Dubai and Riyadh due to lack of charging infrastructure," Likhov said.

Their solution involves solar carports that can charge electric vehicles directly from sunlight, potentially creating the first fully covered charging network in the GCC region.

"We can charge electric vehicles directly from the sun," Likhov explained with excitement. "We believe within the next two or three years, we can build a comprehensive network here" – a bold vision that could revolutionise electric mobility in the Middle East.

Operating across 16 countries, Neosun Energy has proven the universal applicability of their approach. "Our hybrid solution based on solar energy and battery storage can work anywhere in the world – even in Antarctica," Likhov said.

The company's broader mission goes beyond technology.

"We're very proud to be here," Likhov said, "and I see huge potential in the Middle East." This sentiment reflects a commitment to driving sustainable development through innovative energy solutions.

As the world transitions towards cleaner energy, Ilya Likhov and Neosun Energy stand at the forefront of this transformation.

"We're not just providing power," the CEO concluded, "we're empowering communities and changing how the world thinks about energy."

With their groundbreaking approach, Neosun Energy is turning the sun's abundant energy into a powerful tool for sustainable development, one microgrid at a time.

The Middle East Energy exhibition continues to serve as a vital hub. (Image source: Al Masaood)

Abu Dhabi-based Al Masaood Power Division, a key arm of the prominent Al Masaood Group, is debuting groundbreaking decarbonisation technology from its long-term global partner, Volvo Penta, at the 49th Middle East Energy exhibition and conference.

The event, slated for April 7-9 2025, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, promises to be a pivotal gathering for energy industry leaders, offering a platform to engage with top-tier energy providers, discover transformative innovations, and forge lasting business ties.

At booth H7 E10, Al Masaood Power Division will spotlight Volvo Penta’s latest advancements, including a scalable battery energy storage subsystem and a hydrogen dual-fuel engine. The battery subsystem, tailored for industrial use, boasts energy-dense batteries capable of rapid charging and discharging. Designed to balance power and efficiency, it aims to meet the diverse operational and commercial needs of modern businesses.

Focus on renewables

Meanwhile, Volvo Penta’s hydrogen dual-fuel solution, built on its Stage V D8 combustion engine, blends hydrogen with diesel to offer a flexible, forward-thinking option for companies navigating the shift toward sustainable energy. This follows the company’s broader push into renewable fuels, with its combustion engine platform already certified for hydro-treated vegetable oil (HVO). Models like the D17 genset engine are also in line for further renewable fuel enhancements, signaling Volvo Penta’s commitment to greener technology.

The Middle East Energy exhibition continues to serve as a vital hub for showcasing solutions that are reshaping the global energy landscape. For Al Masaood Power Division and Volvo Penta, this year’s event marks a significant opportunity to demonstrate how innovation can drive decarbonisation while meeting the region’s evolving energy demands.

Rasso Bartenschlager, general manager, Al Masaood Power Division, said, “Al Masaood Power Division remains committed to contributing to a net-zero future through low-emissions, high-performance solutions. The products we are showcasing from Volvo Penta are aimed at doing just that – they are designed to be reliable and high performance while supporting evolving energy needs . We are pleased to be here at Middle East Energy as it is a key platform in our goal to help achieve a greener future for both Abu Dhabi and the UAE.”

Hannes Norrgren, president industrial, Volvo Penta, said, “We place a strong customer-first focus in our decarbonisation strategy, from ensuring that our combustion engines are emissions compliant and ready for renewable fuel adoption in the near future, to co-engineering reliable and high performing battery energy storage subsystems that are fit for purpose. Presenting our solutions with Al Masaood Power Division at Middle East Energy is an excellent opportunity to highlight the progression of our sustainable power generation solutions among industry peers and energy providers from around the world.”

DEWA CEO HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer delivered the opening address

The 49th edition of Middle East Energy opened its doors today at the Dubai World Trade Centre, inviting industry stakeholders to engage in fruitful discussions on the future of energy. The event is taking place from 7-9 April this year.

At the opening ceremony, DEWA CEO HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer delivered an address highlighting the UAE's transformative commitment to sustainable energy and climate action.

At the core of his speech was the nation's ambitious vision to revolutionise its energy landscape by transitioning to cleaner, more sustainable power sources.

The speech emphasised the UAE's strategic approach to energy transformation, driven by the leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Currently, the UAE has already established 6 GW of renewable energy and 5.6 GW of nuclear power, with a bold target to reach 20 GW of green energy by 2030.

Key highlights include the UAE's Energy Strategy 2050, which sets aggressive targets for renewable capacity, energy efficiency, and clean energy integration. The strategy aims to increase clean energy's share in the total energy mix to 30% by 2030 and reduce carbon emissions significantly.

A groundbreaking initiative is the National Hydrogen Strategy, positioning the UAE as a global leader in low-carbon hydrogen production. The country plans to produce 1.4 million metric tons of mixed blue, green, and pink hydrogen by 2031, scaling up to 15 million metric tons by 2050.

"We believe in innovation and partnerships as a key force to achieve our shared vision for tomorrow," he concluded.

World leaders address the gathering

Later at the ceremony, HE Nani Juwara, Minister of Petroleum and Energy of The Gambia, highlighted his country's ambitious energy transformation journey.

The Gambia has completed its first 225 kV transmission line, inaugurated a national Control Center, and launched a 23 MW utility-scale solar project with an 8 MW battery system.

Their vision is to provide universal electricity access by 2026, currently reaching 645 out of 1900 communities. The country is actively pursuing renewable energy development, including a 150 MW solar park and plans to expand to 250 MW.

They are also solarising 1000 schools and public health facilities, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable infrastructure and technological innovation.

Ziad-Alexandre Hayek, president of the World Association of PPP Units and Professionals and vice chair of the Working Party on PPP at the United Nations, emphasised the critical role of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in technological innovation.

He argued that technology alone is insufficient to meet global challenges, and only through synergistic collaboration between public vision and private ingenuity can technological innovations achieve their full potential.

Hayek stressed the importance of flexible partnership frameworks that balance stability with adaptability, incorporate performance metrics that reward innovation, and maintain a focus on public benefit.

Mohamed Ouhmed, secretary-general, Department of Energy Transition, at Morocco’s Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, highlighted the UAE-Moroccan strategic partnerships.

He also spoke of the Moroccan climate efforts as they have adopted several programmes to accelerate energy transition, and want to triple renewable energy investment and quadruple the adaptability of electric goods. He emphasises the need for PPPs for this purpose.

Lastly, Francesco La Camera, director-general of IRENA (International Renewable Energy Agency), highlighted the organisation's commitment to innovation, showcasing their Innovation Week 2025 and the New Generation Renewable Energy Accelerator Programme.

He emphasised the need to accelerate renewable energy deployment to meet global climate targets, supporting young innovators and entrepreneurs in sustainable energy solutions.

The new Perkins 2606 diesel engine offers excellent load acceptance, fuel efficiency and versatility. (image source: Perkins)

Perkins will showcase two new energy-efficient engines delivering dependable prime and standby solutions for the power generation industry at Middle East Energy, taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 7-9 April

The new Perkins 2606 diesel engine offering excellent load acceptance, fuel efficiency and versatility and the Perkins 5012, the latest full-authority electronic 5000 Series engine optimised and purpose built for power generation applications, will take centre stage on the Perkins booth at Middle East Energy in Sheikh Saeed Hall 3, stand S2.A30.

Perkins 2600 Series: a high-performance power solution

Available in the second half of 2025, the new Perkins 2606 diesel engine is optimised and purpose-built for electric power generation applications, offering excellent load acceptance, fuel efficiency and ambient / altitude capability.

Initially available for use in lesser and currently non-regulated territories, this 13-litre, six-cylinder engine delivers a powerful 350–550 kVA for 50 Hz applications and 320–450 kWe for 60 Hz applications and is engineered to meet NFPA110 and ISO G3 standards, with the capabilities of meeting G4.

The 2606 engine provides flexibility by easily switching between 50 and 60 Hz. It is ideally suited to the power demands of critical applications of data centres, hospitals, power plants, commercial, industrial and residential installations among other installations.

Numerous design enhancements result in low fluids consumption and extended oil and fuel filter service intervals as long as 1,000 hours, reducing operating costs and downtime.

The 2606 engine is compatible with renewable liquid fuels such as 100% hydrotreated vegetable oils (HVO), B100 distilled Biodiesel, and up to B100 fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) standard biodiesel by working with your Perkins distributor. Additionally, the engine’s core architecture supports the future development of spark-ignited natural-gas and hydrogen fuel capabilities.

Perkins 5012: optimised for power generation

Delivering 1275–1875 kVA for 50 Hz applications and 1125–1500 kWe for 60 Hz applications the engine features a V12 configuration in a compact package, making it ideal for data centres, hospitals, power plants and other locations where space is limited.

Engineered to meet ISO G3 and NFPA110 standards to handle demanding load acceptance challenges, the 5012 uses a pair of smaller turbochargers on each bank that reduce transient response time when compared with a single large unit. Its exhaust manifolds are engineered to optimise gas flow to the turbochargers, further reducing ramp-up time and enhancing load acceptance.

Built to world-class standards for high efficiency and low fuel consumption, the 5012 60 Hz configuration meets the U.S. EPA Tier 2 Emergency Stationary emission standard. The 50 Hz version is available in noncertified configurations that emits equivalent to Tier 2. The engine uses a unique low-pressure fuel system developed specifically for the 5000 Series that is more tolerant of variations in fuel quality and can run with biodiesel up to B20 based on a 20 percent dilution of biodiesel with standard diesel or on 100% HVO.

Electronically controlled injectors can alter both timing and pressure to accommodate a broad range of ambient temperatures and altitudes without sacrificing performance.

Connectivity and condition monitoring

Perkins is also highlighting its comprehensive connectivity and condition monitoring solutions that provide valuable enhanced insights and support for original equipment manufacturers and end users, enabling them to minimise downtime through faster service response times and an increased first-time fix rate, along with significant cost savings.

Perkins Interlink, a low maintenance cellular telematics device, will be displayed alongside the 5012 engine. The device communicates via cellular networks, relaying a more frequent full suite of health data, which is used to proactively identify issues that may affect operations, enabling a quick response to any events that may occur.

Additionally, to support the wider engine range, Perkins Clarity - an application programming interface (API), is available to share enriched engine data and insights with pre-existing OEM telematics systems.

Full life-cycle support

Perkins will also present its full suite of power generation systems and life cycle support available from the company’s global network of 88 distributors, including Perkins Hypercare, combining customisable agreements for parts and services with comprehensive repair and maintenance plans tailored to equipment buyers’ unique machine lifecycles; and Perkins Platinum Protection, offering extended coverage beyond the standard warranty.