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Sustainable technologies are attracting unprecedented attention across sectors, particularly as the global shift toward net zero intensifies.

From the increasing use of low-carbon hydrogen in industries like green steel to the development of alternative fuels and renewable energy solutions, companies are actively seeking viable pathways to decarbonise.

IDTechEx’s Energy & Decarbonisation and Sustainability Research Reports provide in-depth coverage of these trends, exploring cutting-edge technologies and their impact on various markets.

The steel industry’s role in emissions

Steel remains one of the most carbon-intensive industries, and demand continues to rise due to global population growth, accelerating industrialisation, the AI-driven expansion of data centres, and the rollout of renewable energy infrastructure. As a result, efforts to decarbonise steelmaking have become critical.

The traditional blast furnace route, still the dominant method for crude steel production, emits roughly 2.3 tonnes of CO₂ per tonne of steel produced. This poses significant sustainability challenges and is pushing regulators to tighten emissions controls and promote low-carbon alternatives.

Electric arc furnaces (EAFs), often used in steel recycling, offer a cleaner alternative. When powered by renewable electricity, EAFs can enable near-zero-emission steel production. This method is already in use and forms the backbone of green steel projects. When paired with direct reduced iron (DRI) technology, hydrogen can be used as a reducing agent instead of fossil fuels. IDTechEx’s report Green Steel 2025–2035 explores these technologies in detail, outlining their benefits, challenges and commercial potential.

Hydrogen as a low-emissions alternative

Green hydrogen, produced via water electrolysis using renewable energy, is emerging as a viable low-carbon energy carrier. It is particularly suited to sectors where electrification is difficult or inefficient. Companies already using hydrogen in industrial processes, such as chemical manufacturers, fertiliser producers and refineries, are expected to lead the early adoption of green hydrogen, given the relatively minor adjustments required to existing infrastructure.

Heavy industries such as steel and long-haul transportation are likely to be major consumers of green hydrogen up to 2040. Hydrogen fuel cells are gaining traction due to their faster refuelling times and longer range compared to batteries. In these cases, green hydrogen provides a sustainable energy source that aligns with decarbonisation goals.

Beyond 2040, green hydrogen is expected to play a growing role in power generation, aviation, and long-duration energy storage, though cost remains a key barrier. Progress in water electrolyser technologies will be crucial to scaling green hydrogen. Advances in component innovation and reduced dependence on critical raw materials will help drive adoption. IDTechEx’s report Materials for Green Hydrogen Production 2026–2036 covers the key technologies and suppliers supporting this evolution.

Green energy technologies rely heavily on advanced materials. Composite materials like carbon fibre offer the strength and lightweight properties needed for efficiency and durability. However, their own production processes can be energy-intensive and difficult to decarbonise.

Also read: Hydrogen mobility reaches new heights in NEOM's Trojena trial

In an interview with Bentley Systems, the company's sales director Slavco Velickov explained the role of AI in water management. Read on: 

What role does AI play in water management solutions?

Slavco Velickov: In arid regions like the Middle East, where water is a critical resource, AI empowers stakeholders to make faster, data-driven decisions that ensure reliability, reduce waste, and support long-term sustainability goals. Bentley Systems has focused on software for infrastructure engineering and operations for more than four decades.

Our approach to AI has been one of continuously embedding advanced intelligence within our water infrastructure solutions. We've been using algorithms to power complex simulations, analyses, and design optimisations for many years. AI represents the next wave of these capabilities, making our tools more intuitive and powerful. It's important to clarify that we see AI as an enabler for our digital twin solutions.

This is crucial because, globally, we're facing a significant challenge: demand for resilient infrastructure is surging, but there aren't enough engineers to manage the overwhelming amount of data generated. AI helps offset those tedious tasks, allowing engineers to focus on higher added-value activities and get better control of their data. We are investing in its potential across various areas, from asset operations to even using generative AI in the design phase, like in our OpenSite+ application.

Why should utility/power companies use AI-based solutions?

Slavco Velickov: Firstly, and perhaps most critically in many regions, is the reduction of non-revenue water, or water losses.

This remains a hot topic globally. Instead of having to build new infrastructure or production facilities, reducing losses in the existing network is a far more sustainable approach and a key driver for adopting technologies like AI for precise leak detection, including geolocation and optimal pressure management. Secondly, there's the significant challenge of productivity and due to the wave of retiring workforce in the sector.

Utilities hold decades of operational knowledge within their experienced personnel. AI-powered digital twins can capture this invaluable tacit knowledge: from understanding complex operational rules to predicting network behaviour, essentially augmenting the capabilities of the remaining and incoming workforce to manage increasing data volumes and systems complexity.

Implementing AI solutions can lead to substantial cost reductions over time. By minimising water losses and optimising operational processes, utilities can lower their operational expenses. 

^{Slavco Velickov, sales director, Bentley Systems}

What are the best ways to use AI in water sector?

Slavco Velickov: The most impactful AI use cases in the water sector today are focused on improving operational efficiency and system resilience.

Key areas include demand forecasting, which is crucial for optimising supply (treatment) and demand; predictive maintenance for critical assets, allowing utilities to anticipate failures before they happen; event detection and leakage detection and localisation, enabling rapid response to reduce water loss and service disruptions; and pumping optimisation and energy efficiency where AI can analyse complex system dynamics to minimise energy consumption representing significant operational costs.

What's powerful is that AI can provide valuable predictive insights in these areas even in situations where a full, calibrated simulation model such as Bentley OpenFlows might not be available, working directly with sensor and historical data to identify trends and predict potential issues.

Share with us an example of successful city water management.

Slavco Velickov: Bentley software is also used to manage water networks in the Middle East, including in Sharjah, to prevent water losses which exacerbate the effects of drought in dry arid climates.

Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (SEWA) used Bentley’s OpenFlows Water software to help actively manage its water network, model water supply patterns, plan maintenance, ultimately reducing water leakage in the 3,400 km urban water distribution network.

This initiative was part of an AED 1.25 million programme led by SEWA, which aimed to identify leaks and high pressure in ageing areas of the network.

Additionally, Bentley software has been used by The Federal Electricity & Water Authority (FEWA) in Ras Al Khaimah on their AED 24.75 million project which sought to build a new water transmission and distribution network, providing potable water service to more than 20,000 people living in the six villages of Wadi Shaam.

The network had to cross difficult terrain. Using Bentley advanced technology allowed FEWA to analyse the data and optimise the models, given the physical constraints. FEWA completed the design one month in advance, reduced pipe lengths by 20%, and saved AED 500,000.

^{Leveraging iTwin and OpenFlows with AI and machine learning, PUB developed their high-fidelity digital twin for leak detection. (Image source: PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency)}

How important is it to have transparent data and AI solutions that can benefit software engineering applications in the long run?

Slavco Velickov: We operate under three key principles for Generative AI: Control—users retain full control over their data and decide if, when, and how it's used, exclusively for their benefit. Contribute—users can choose to contribute anonymised data for collective AI model training if they wish, but it's their choice. Trust—we are transparent about how we create our AI models and how we source the data used to train them.

Our iTwin platform is designed to be open and interoperable, enabling users to bring together data from various sources without being locked in.

That ensures connecting people and data. Our open data ecosystem approach is crucial for transparency and ensuring the user has full visibility and control. We also invest heavily in cybersecurity to safeguard that data, recognising that the integrity of the digital infrastructure is as important as the physical.

For example, in our AI-powered digital twin applications, anomaly detection models are paired with visualisation and contextual data so that users can understand why an alert was triggered and how it was derived from the data. 

Dubai Municipality has announced a significant uptick in construction activity, with more than 30,000 building permit applications processed during the first half of 2025, representing a 20% increase compared to the same period last year.

The total licensed built-up area surpassed 5.5 million sqm, all approved for immediate implementation, with July alone accounting for one million sqm of newly licensed space.

This growth reflects continued investor confidence in Dubai’s economy and real estate sector.

Multi-storey commercial and investment buildings represented the largest share of total licensed space at 45%, followed by residential villas at 40%, exceeding two million sqm. Industrial and public buildings made up the remaining 15%.

Digital innovation supporting construction growth

Dubai’s unified “Build in Dubai” platform continues to play a key role in accelerating the permitting process and enhancing operational efficiency.

The integration of Building Information Modelling (BIM) into the platform’s automated auditing processes has significantly improved the quality of submissions from consultants and contractors.

This has helped reduce duplication and design errors, ensuring a more seamless and accurate experience for users.

Training and qualification to boost construction quality

Dubai Municipality also continues to enforce the Dubai Building Code, as well as regulations for green building and universal design, which aim to ensure accessibility for People of Determination.

In support of these efforts, the Municipality runs weekly training programmes through the Dubai Municipality Academy, equipping engineers with the technical knowledge and digital skills required to meet the emirate’s ambitious urban development goals.

Eng. Mariam Al Muhairi, CEO of the Building Regulation and Permits Agency at Dubai Municipality, said, “These figures reinforce Dubai’s status as one of the world’s foremost construction destinations. The sector’s steady growth reflects the Emirate’s sustainable economic trajectory and underlines Dubai Municipality’s commitment to advancing the sector with smart, sustainable solutions. By streamlining processes and embracing innovation and digital transformation, we continue to drive the Emirate forward in its mission to become the best city in the world to live and work in.”

Earlier this year, Dubai Municipality and the Dubai Land Department backed the eighth Construction Technology ConFex and Property Technology ConFex. The event spotlighted digital transformation in the built environment. Held in Dubai, the event gathered over 1,000 participants to explore the future of construction and property technology. Dubai Municipality’s support helped drive high-level discussions on sustainable building practices, decarbonisation, and smarter infrastructure. With more than 160 expert speakers, 40 exhibitors and 550 B2B meetings, the event encouraged cross-sector collaboration. The Construction Technology Awards 2025, a key highlight, celebrated leadership in innovation, sustainability and digital excellence across the regional built environment.

Also read: Dubai Municipality receives urban planning award

Mining and investment ties between the UAE and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) gained significant momentum in 2025 with the signing of a series of strategic agreements.

As the world’s leading producer of cobalt, accounting for over 70% of global output, as well as a major tin supplier and Africa’s top copper producer, the DRC is drawing growing interest from UAE investors looking to secure critical minerals for energy transition and high-tech industries.

With an estimated US$24 trillion in untapped mineral reserves, the DRC is seeking to attract long-term UAE investments to unlock greater value across its mining value chain. African Mining Week (AMW) 2025, one of the continent’s flagship mining events, is expected to provide a key platform for strengthening bilateral cooperation. It will be held in October. 

A dedicated Middle East-Africa Roundtable will convene high-level stakeholders, including UAE investors, DRC policymakers, and regional mining operators, to explore investment-ready projects and policy alignment.

Increased global demand for minerals central to electric vehicles and renewable energy systems has encouraged the UAE to expand its footprint in the DRC’s extractive industries. Recent investments signal a deeper commitment to supporting local beneficiation while securing reliable supply chains.

In July 2025, Congolese mining firm Buenassa entered a partnership with UAE-based NG9 Holding to establish the country’s first integrated copper-cobalt refinery.

Key Africa investments

The facility will produce 30,000 tonnes of copper cathodes and 5,000 tonnes of cobalt sulphate per year, supporting the DRC’s efforts to move up the value chain and capture more revenue from its mineral wealth.

A month earlier, Abu Dhabi’s International Resources Holding (IRH) finalised a US$366mn deal to acquire a majority stake in Alphamin Resources, gaining access to the Bisie Tin Complex, one of the world’s largest and highest-grade tin deposits.

Tin from Bisie currently accounts for about 6% of global supply, and demand is projected to rise 20% by 2035. At AMW, IRH’s investment will feature in a panel discussion titled Cobalt Opportunity: DRC’s Strategic Position in the EV Revolution, aimed at connecting Gulf capital with African resources.

Beyond mining, UAE players are also investing in the DRC’s power infrastructure. NG9 Holding signed an agreement with local utility Kipay Energy to co-develop a 46 MW hydropower plant in Haut-Katanga, contributing to a planned 166 MW capacity.

These developments underscore how UAE-DRC cooperation is expanding across both mining and energy, with AMW 2025 expected to catalyse further deals and partnerships.

The UAE continues to strengthen its footprint in Africa’s mining industry, with a series of strategic investments aimed at boosting production, infrastructure, and energy security across key markets.

Just this February, investment fund Ambrosia Investment Holding acquired a 50% stake in Canadian company Allied Gold’s mining projects in Ethiopia and Mali.

The deal includes a US$375mn capital injection to accelerate project development, increasing gold output in Ethiopia by 290,000 ounces per year by mid-2026 and in Mali by 400,000 ounces per year by 2028.

Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) has delivered the UAE’s first batch of low-carbon aluminium powered by electricity from the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra region.

Marketed under the brand name MinimAL, the low-carbon metal will be supplied to CANEX Aluminum, a leading downstream aluminium producer in Egypt, for use in infrastructure, solar energy, transportation, and architectural applications.

This milestone positions the UAE as a key supplier of sustainable industrial materials globally and enhances EGA’s portfolio of low-carbon products.

Electricity for the aluminium was provided by Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) and certified through the UAE’s Clean Energy Certification programme using I-REC protocols, ensuring international traceability and credibility.

Decarbonising the aluminium industry

Electricity generation accounts for roughly 60% of the aluminium industry’s global emissions.

The Barakah Nuclear Plant, supplying 24/7 carbon-free electricity via Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC), generates 40 terawatt-hours annually, meeting 25% of the UAE’s electricity needs and avoiding 22.4 million tonnes of carbon emissions each year.

EGA, already a pioneer in green aluminium, produced 80,000 tonnes of solar-powered CelestiAL aluminium in 2024 and markets recycled aluminium under the RevivAL brand.

The company is also constructing the UAE’s largest aluminium recycling facility at Al Taweelah, due to begin operations in the first half of 2026.

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, chief executive officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, said, “Global demand for low carbon aluminium is expected to triple by 2040, and EGA aims to play an important role in this growth. MinimAL is our latest low-carbon product, made possible through the UAE’s investment in nuclear power generation. We are glad to be working with ENEC to supply more low carbon aluminium to the world.”

His Excellency Mohamed Al Hammadi, managing director and chief executive officer of ENEC, said, “This milestone shows how nuclear energy is boosting national energy security and enabling the UAE’s industrial decarbonisation in parallel, reliably powering energy-intensive sectors like aluminium production with clean electricity 24/7. Through the abundant electricity generated at Barakah, we have unlocked the significant, proven and long-term benefits of nuclear energy to power the UAE’s low-carbon economy for decades to come.”

Mutassem Daaboul, managing director of CANEX Aluminum, said, “At CANEX, we believe true sustainability is built into every layer of production—from the raw material to the final product. Our upcycling model already transforms waste into value-added products. Now, with MinimAL, we are taking another step forward by reducing embedded emissions at the very beginning of our process. This partnership with EGA reflects our shared commitment to responsible innovation.”

Also read: EGA to boost US aluminium supply with new smelter

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, reviewed the progress of the Etihad Rail project and took a landmark passenger train journey between Dubai and Fujairah, marking a key milestone in the UAE’s national railway network.

Set to begin commercial operations in 2026, the passenger train service is part of a wider vision to connect the country through sustainable, efficient, and modern infrastructure. The journey underlines Sheikh Mohammed’s commitment to overseeing strategic development projects and ensuring alignment with the UAE’s long-term national goals.

Describing the railway as one of the country’s most significant infrastructure undertakings, Sheikh Mohammed said the project will have broad economic, social, and developmental benefits. The Etihad Rail team briefed him on the latest milestones and expressed pride in the historic visit.

Enhancing connectivity

“Etihad Rail is a vital economic artery that supports the UAE’s journey to the future,” he said. “It is a key pillar in our vision to build an integrated transport network that strengthens the UAE’s position as a leading logistics hub, while facilitating the movement of people and goods.”

With stations planned in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah during the first phase of operations, the railway is expected to serve as a major catalyst for social mobility, tourism, and inter-emirate connectivity. Trains will travel at speeds of up to 200 km/hr, carrying up to 400 passengers per journey, with projected annual ridership reaching 36.5 million by 2030.

^{His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum took the passenger train journey between Dubai and Fujairah. (Image source: WAM)}

The national network will eventually connect 11 cities and regions, stretching from Al Sila in the west to Fujairah in the east. Once fully operational, Etihad Rail will set a new standard for sustainable transport in the region, supporting the UAE’s goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, chairman of Etihad Rail, said, “We had the honour of hosting His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum aboard a passenger train journey between the emirates of Dubai and Fujairah. This exemplifies the unwavering commitment of the UAE's visionary leadership to support national projects that propel the progress of our nation. He has been integral to our journey, witnessing the evolution of our network through its various phases: from the announcement of the ‘Projects of the 50’ in 2021 to the inauguration of the complete national railway network and the commencement of freight train operations in 2023. Today, we stand on the cusp of a transformative era in the UAE's transportation landscape and take immense pride in and deeply appreciate the support we have received for this national project. This is a project that drives us towards a brighter future by strengthening connectivity and economic integration across the UAE, thus, serving the nation’s interests and enhancing its competitiveness on the global stage.”

Also read: Etihad Rail launches its ESG strategy