Energy

This ambitious pilot farm will feature a concentrated cluster of six highly advanced wind turbine generators.

Omani state-backed integrated clean energy platform, O-Green, is advancing a pilot wind farm in the Duqm Special Economic Zone (SEZ). Formally named the Duqm North and South Wind Project (DNSWP), the development will feature a cluster of six wind turbine generators with a total installed capacity of 58 MW

Founded recently in 2025 as a strategic partnership between OQ Alternative Energy—a subsidiary of the OQ Group—and the state-owned enterprise Naqaa Sustainable Energy, O-Green is rapidly establishing itself as a regional powerhouse. The company is currently advancing a landmark initiative situated within the Duqm Special Economic Zone (SEZ), formally titled the Duqm North and South Wind Project (DNSWP).

This ambitious pilot farm will feature a concentrated cluster of six highly advanced wind turbine generators, ultimately delivering a total installed capacity of 58 megawatts (MW). What makes this development particularly noteworthy is the sheer scale of the hardware; each individual turbine will boast a capacity of 9.6 MW, officially making them the largest individual turbines of their specific kind currently deployed anywhere in the Middle East. Strategically planned for deployment across two distinct sites within the SEZ, the DNSWP is projected to generate an impressive 190 gigawatt-hours of electricity on an annual basis.

Crucially, the power generated by these massive turbines has a dedicated and innovative purpose. The 190 gigawatt-hours of clean electricity will directly contribute to the decarbonisation of a brand-new wind turbine manufacturing plant, which O-Green is also currently developing within the Duqm area. This manufacturing facility represents a first-of-its-kind endeavour in the Sultanate. Currently in the early stages of its development, Phase 1 of this facility will specifically focus on producing multi-megawatt-class turbines. To achieve this, O-Green is utilising cutting-edge technology licensed from Shanghai Electric Group, widely recognised as a major player in China's burgeoning clean energy equipment manufacturing sector.

Beyond the Duqm pilot, O-Green is aggressively expanding its domestic portfolio. A standout initiative currently under implementation is a monumental 2.7 GW round-the-clock renewable energy mega-project, which seamlessly integrates solar, wind, and battery energy storage systems across Duqm and Mahout. Securing the commercial viability of this massive undertaking, O-Green recently signed a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the Nama Power and Water Procurement Company (PWP), the sole buyer of power and water in Oman. Furthermore, O-Green has partnered strategically with the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (Madayn) to implement a 93 MW solar power plant in Suhar Industrial City. Slated to commence commercial operations this September, it will supply vital clean energy to more than 200 industrial facilities.

O-Green's vision is not confined to the Arabian Peninsula. On the African continent, a bilateral partnership with the Botswana Power Corporation is driving the development of a 500 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) plant in Maun. This project serves as a foundational step in a broader cooperative initiative targeting up to 3,000 MW of combined capacity in the future. Concurrently, O-Green is targeting the future of digital infrastructure, focusing on the creation of AI-enabled, cloud, and hyperscale data centres in both Oman and Europe, all powered by dependable and competitively priced renewable energy.

These diverse projects are all integral components of O-Green’s expansive global portfolio, which aims to exceed 11 GW of solar and wind generation capacity, alongside 4.5 gigawatt-hours of battery energy storage. With more than 3.3 GW of generation and 2.4 gigawatt-hours of storage already successfully secured, the company is demonstrating a formidable commitment to the global energy transition.

Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation PJSC (Empower) has inaugurated an advanced Command Control Centre (CCC) at its new headquarters in Dubai.

Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation PJSC (Empower) has inaugurated an advanced Command Control Centre (CCC) at its new headquarters in Dubai, revealing that the district cooling provider is leading regional efforts to implement digital transformation initiatives and advanced industrial technologies

The launch represents a key component of the company's technological ecosystem, designed to support round-the-clock operations and ensure an impressive 99.99% network reliability. Findings from the inauguration indicate that Empower is moving beyond traditional management, with a growing focus on deploying digital technologies at scale to improve operational performance across the emirate.

According to the announcement, the new facility reinforces Empower’s pioneering position in adopting smart systems. This commitment is reflected in its operational priorities, heavily utilising advanced predictive capabilities that identify potential malfunctions before they occur, thereby minimising unplanned downtime and enhancing service reliability for customers.

“The new Command Control Centre represents a significant step forward in Empower’s journey towards establishing a smarter, more efficient and flexible operating model that keeps pace with the rapidly increasing demand for district cooling services in Dubai. The centre reflects the company’s commitment to employing the latest digital solutions and smart systems in managing its operations, enhancing real-time monitoring capabilities, improving response efficiency, and supporting service continuity in line with the highest standards of reliability and dependability. This step is an extension of Empower’s approach to strategic investment in digital infrastructure, ensuring network readiness and operational efficiency, while further strengthening its network reliability, which has reached 99.99%.” said H.E. Ahmad Bin Shafar.

AI drives operational transformation

Artificial intelligence continues to play a central role in the company's operational evolution. The centre operates through an integrated platform leveraging advanced artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies.

Rather than being limited to isolated applications, these technologies are seamlessly integrated into Empower’s various operational technology environments, including energy management systems, SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems, and security and safety networks. Operators are using these systems to provide a comprehensive, real-time view of all processes, monitoring and managing plants across Dubai 24x7 through interactive screens that deliver accurate data and enable faster responses to operational changes.

“The centre provides an integrated operational system that supports proactive, data-driven decision-making, enables the prediction of operational challenges before they occur, reduces unplanned outages, and improves energy efficiency, positively impacting both organisational performance and environmental sustainability. At Empower, we continue to embrace innovation as a fundamental pillar in advancing our operations and enhancing our ability to meet the needs of our customers and major urban development projects in the emirate, thereby increasing customer satisfaction and supporting Dubai’s journey towards greater sustainability and global leadership in district cooling,” added Bin Shafar.

Sustainability and innovation remain priorities

As digital adoption accelerates, Empower is prioritising technologies capable of delivering measurable environmental and business outcomes. Advanced analytical dashboards are actively supporting strategic decision-making, allowing management to monitor key performance indicators and analyse operational trends. Furthermore, the proactive nature of the centre contributes directly to improved energy efficiency and reduced carbon emissions, keeping the organisation firmly aligned with the UAE’s sustainability goals.

The Command Control Centre represents a significant addition to the broader portfolio of advanced technologies embedded across Empower's operations. As the sector becomes increasingly advanced, Empower is expanding its use of automated digital systems, smart metering, operational databases, and thermal energy storage (TES) solutions across its 90 plants, highlighting a clear strategic intent to future-proof its industrial infrastructure.

Around US$2.2 trillion is expected to go to grids, storage, low-emissions fuels, nuclear, renewables, efficiency and electrification in 2026. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Global energy investment is projected to reach US$3.4tn in 2026 as countries continue to strengthen electricity systems, expand clean energy deployment and invest in more resilient energy infrastructure, according to the International Energy Agency's (IEA) World Energy Investment 2026 report

The report forecasts that around US$2.2tn will be directed towards grids, energy storage, low-emissions fuels, nuclear power, renewables, efficiency measures and electrification this year. Investment in oil, natural gas and coal is expected to total approximately US$1.2tn.

Electricity-related spending remains the dominant theme in global energy markets. Investment in electricity supply and infrastructure is set to reach nearly US$1.6tn in 2026, rising to almost US$2tn when end-use electrification is included. Spending on electricity grids is expected to approach US$550bn, while battery storage investment is projected to exceed US$100bn.

Renewable energy continues to attract significant capital, with investment in renewable power projects expected to reach US$665bn, including US$365bn for solar energy alone. Nuclear energy is also gaining momentum, with annual investment exceeding US$80bn and close to 80GW of new nuclear capacity currently under construction across 15 countries.

However, the report notes that energy security has become an increasingly important factor in investment decisions following the latest disruption to global energy markets.

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz have triggered fresh concerns over the reliability of energy supplies and international trade routes. According to the IEA, the resulting supply shock is prompting governments and companies to reassess risk and accelerate diversification strategies.

The impact has been particularly pronounced in Asia and the Middle East, where disruptions to shipping flows through the Strait of Hormuz have affected energy markets and reinforced the need for alternative supply routes and domestically available energy resources.

"We are in the midst of the largest energy security crisis the world has ever faced – and I believe this will reshape investment strategies globally, with parallels to the major changes the energy world witnessed after the oil shocks of the 1970s," said IEA executive director Fatih Birol.

"We are already seeing intensified efforts by both producer and consumer countries to diversify trade routes and energy sources – such as advancing new pipelines and other supply infrastructure, on the one hand, and turning more to domestically available resources, on the other. These range from renewables and nuclear to coal, oil and gas, in some cases – as well as broader measures to strengthen electricity systems, expand electrification and accelerate energy efficiency."

While oil prices remain elevated, upstream oil investment is expected to decline for a third consecutive year, falling below US$500bn. The report attributes this to uncertainty over the duration of the price spike, long project lead times, supply chain constraints and tighter offshore rig markets.

Natural gas investment, meanwhile, is forecast to reach US$330bn, the highest level in a decade, supported by new LNG export developments, particularly in the United States and Qatar.

The report also points to rising investment in energy efficiency, with approximately US$350bn being invested globally each year. More than 20 countries have already announced new efficiency policies in response to the current crisis.

At the same time, increased market volatility linked to the Middle East conflict is raising financing costs and slowing investment decisions in some regions. The IEA warns that higher financing costs could disproportionately affect capital-intensive energy projects, particularly in emerging and developing economies.

As governments and industry respond to another major energy shock, the report suggests that diversification, electrification and stronger energy security measures will remain central to investment decisions in the years ahead.

Read the full World Energy Investment 2026 report for a comprehensive analysis of global and regional energy investment trends here

Industrial heat pumps are emerging as a cornerstone of the global energy transition, offering manufacturers and utilities a highly efficient alternative to fossil fuel-based heating systems as pressure mounts to cut carbon emissions and improve energy security.

More than 70% of industrial process heat worldwide is still generated using fossil fuels, making industrial heating one of the largest contributors to global energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. However, the growing adoption of electrified heat technologies is beginning to reshape the sector.

Industrial heat pumps can upgrade ambient and waste heat into usable temperatures of up to 150°C, enabling factories and district heating networks to reduce reliance on conventional gas and coal-fired systems. Because heat pumps generate several times more thermal energy than the electricity they consume, they are considered among the most efficient technologies for industrial decarbonisation.

When powered by renewable electricity, the systems can virtually eliminate CO₂ emissions linked to industrial heating operations.

German drive technology specialist Innomotics is expanding its role in the sector by supplying high- and low-voltage motors alongside medium-voltage drives for industrial heat pump compressors. The company says its systems are engineered for continuous operation of up to five years without scheduled shutdowns, while delivering system availability rates of up to 99.9%

The technology is already being deployed in several landmark European energy projects.

In the Netherlands, a major district heating scheme operated by Eneco uses heat recovered from 65 million litres of treated wastewater daily to provide sustainable heating to approximately 20,000 households in Utrecht and Nieuwegein. The system generates 27 MW of thermal energy, covers around 15% of Utrecht’s heating demand and cuts annual CO₂ emissions by roughly 30,000 tonnes.

Meanwhile, at BASF’s Ludwigshafen site in Germany, Innomotics is supplying key drive technology for what is described as the world’s most powerful industrial heat pump. The installation is expected to generate up to 500,000 tonnes of steam annually, helping reduce industrial emissions while supporting large-scale electrification of manufacturing processes.

Further projects include wastewater-powered district heating in Amiens, France, where nearly 26,800 households are supplied with renewable heat, and an industrial paper mill installation in Finland designed to recover and reuse process heat to improve operational efficiency.

Michael Reichle, chief executive officer of Innomotics, said industrial heat pumps were becoming “a key technology for the energy transition”, enabling industries to lower emissions while maintaining cost-effective and reliable operations.