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Geothermal energy development in Saudi Arabia is set to advance with the signing of an MoU by EDF Saudi Arabia and TAQA Geothermal Energy Company to collaborate on geothermal energy technologies

These will include power generation and HVAC applications as well as compressed air energy storage in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia aims to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2060, and has set the goal of sourcing at least 50% of its power from renewable energy by 2030.

Geothermal energy, which harnesses the heat produced from the Earth's crust and converts it to cooling, heating, desalination, or direct electricity generation, is a renewable and sustainable form of energy.

Growing Saudi energy

It has the advantage of being a constant and reliable energy source compared to other renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, given it is not affected by seasonal or weather variations.

Saudi Arabia has vast geothermal energy resources, in particular along the Red Sea coast, home to volcanic fields and hot springs.

TAQA Geothermal, a joint venture between Taqa Energy and Reykjavik Geothermal (RG) is playing a leading role in pursuing opportunities to explore, assess, and develop geothermal resources in the kingdom and the region with the ultimate target of adding 1GW of sustainable geothermally produced energy to the energy mix.

EDF Saudi Arabia operates in the areas of thermal, renewables, district cooling, and energy efficiency, with a focus on aligning its R&D efforts with the strategic objectives of the Saudi Arabian government and Vision 2030.

Omar Aldaweesh, CEO of EDF Saudi Arabia, said, “Over the past decade, we have been actively contributing to the Kingdom’s energy landscape through our expertise in sustainable solutions, and this MoU further strengthens our role in advancing innovative technologies. By collaborating with TAQA Geothermal, we are leveraging our extensive experience to explore new frontiers in geothermal energies and compressed air energy storage. This initiative is fully aligned with both Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and EDF’s Ambitions 2035, reinforcing our shared commitment to sustainability and to the country’s transition to a cleaner energy future.”

Meshary Alayed, CEO of TAQA Geothermal, added, “Geothermal energy utilisation whether via direct heat use or electricity generation is a critical and untapped resource to drive the global transition to clean energy, as it is a reliable, renewable base load resource. The partnership between EDF and TAQA Geothermal in the field of geothermal solutions redefining space cooling, will have tremendous positive impacts on efficiency and carbon footprint reduction. The combined strengths will demonstrate cutting-edge geothermal cooling systems for the Kingdom’s growing energy needs while supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 in economic diversification and the Ministry of Energy’s renewable energy mandates.”

It is hoped this collaboration will catalyse pioneering geothermal energy solutions in Saudi Arabia, paving the way for cleaner and more efficient power and cooling technologies.

ENGIE, a global leader in low-carbon energy solutions, has signed a Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) to divest its shareholding in key power and water desalination assets in Kuwait and Bahrain to ACWA Power.

This strategic move marks ENGIE’s exit from both countries and aligns with the company’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2045.

In Kuwait, ENGIE will sell its 17.5% stake in Az Zour North, a combined gas power and water desalination plant with a capacity of 1.5 gigawatts (GW) and the ability to produce 107 million imperial gallons of water per day.

Additionally, the company will divest its 50% share in Az Zour North’s operations and maintenance (O&M) company.

In Bahrain, ENGIE will transfer its interests in multiple facilities, including a 45% stake in Al Dur, a plant with a 1.2 GW gas power production capacity and the ability to desalinate 48 million imperial gallons of water daily.

The divestment also includes a 45% share in Al Ezzel, a 0.9 GW gas power plant, and full ownership of Al Ezzel’s O&M company, which manages both Al Dur and Al Ezzel.

Furthermore, ENGIE will sell its 30% share in Al Hidd, a 0.9 GW gas power and 90 MIGD water desalination plant, along with its integrated O&M company.

Diversifying portfolio

This decision is part of ENGIE’s long-term strategy to focus on expanding its renewable energy portfolio, flexible power generation, and low-carbon solutions designed for industrial partners.

By leveraging innovation and strengthening long-term partnerships, ENGIE remains dedicated to supporting the Middle East’s sustainable energy transition.

The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. ENGIE and ACWA Power are collaborating closely to ensure a seamless transfer of ownership while maintaining uninterrupted, high-quality operations.

Having been an integral part of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) energy sector for more than three decades, ENGIE has provided gas-fired power solutions, desalinated water production, district cooling, hydrogen, and battery storage.

Despite this divestment, the company remains committed to investing in renewable energy projects and pioneering low-carbon technologies across the region.

Kanoo Machinery, a leading provider of industrial machinery and solutions in the region, successfully hosted its Open Day on 11 February 2025 at its Jeddah facility.

The event brought together industry leaders, business partners, and customers for an exclusive showcase of cutting-edge equipment from its global partners.

Attendees experienced live demonstrations of newly launched machines, including the Grove TMC Crane, while handover ceremonies were held for recently acquired equipment. The event provided a platform for clients to explore Kanoo Machinery’s latest solutions aimed at enhancing operational efficiency across industries.

Strengthening portfolio

A major highlight was the signing of a strategic agreement between Kanoo Machinery and Wacker Neuson, a globally recognised manufacturer of construction and compact equipment. Through this partnership, Kanoo Machinery will distribute Wacker Neuson's light construction equipment across Saudi Arabia, strengthening its portfolio and market presence.

With Saudi Arabia’s Western region experiencing significant infrastructure growth—driven by mega-projects such as NEOM and developments in Makkah, Madinah, and Jizan—Kanoo Machinery remains committed to supporting these initiatives. Its extensive after-market services, spare parts showrooms, and dedicated customer service centers across the Kingdom ensure seamless support for evolving industry demands.

Ahmed Fawzi Kanoo, Board Member Yusuf Bin Ahmed Kanoo, commented, “The Open Day event opened doors to enhanced collaborations and new partnerships with stakeholders across the value chain, while showcasing our future-ready offerings in the machinery space. We remain committed to staying at the forefront in offering high-quality, reliable, and customer-centric services to meet the evolving needs of the construction industrial sectors in KSA and the GCC region”

Manoj Tripathy, CEO of Kanoo Industrial & Energy added, “It was a pleasure hosting the Kanoo Machinery Open Day at our Jeddah facility, which provided us with valued interactions with our esteemed clients, suppliers, and industry professionals. The event highlights our emphasis on providing excellent service and building long-term relationships with our diverse client base”

Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Karim Badawi, spoke at the ministerial session of African Mining Indaba, held in Cape Town from 3–6 February 2025

The session, themed “Forging a United African Mining Front: Collaboration for Sustainable Development,” brought together key leaders, including South Africa’s Minister of Mineral Resources and Petroleum, Gwede Mantashe; the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Minister of Mines, Kizito Pakabomba Kapinga Mulume; and Zambia’s Minister of Mines and Mineral Development, Paul Kabuswe. The discussion was moderated by Marit Kitao, Director of the African Mineral Development Centre.

Badawi outlined Egypt’s progress in modernising its mining sector, emphasising that reforms are beginning to yield tangible results. He highlighted the country’s vast mineral potential and the government’s commitment to attracting investment through its new programme, which aligns with Egypt Vision 2030. The goal is to position Egypt as a key player in the global mining industry.

Modernisation

He also underscored Egypt’s dedication to fostering sustainable partnerships in the mining sector. He pointed to the recent finalisation of an updated Mineral Exploitation Agreement Model as evidence of efforts to enhance the investment climate. This new framework, he noted, is designed to create mutual benefits for stakeholders while supporting comprehensive modernisation strategies.

Further, Badawi detailed ongoing efforts to develop strategies for value-added mining industries and for managing the environmental and social impacts of mining activities. He also outlined the country’s strategy for maximising critical minerals to support the energy transition.

He announced plans for the Egyptian Digital Mining Platform, modeled after the Egyptian Upstream Gateway (EUG), which will offer detailed geological data and facilitate transparent investor engagement with the Egyptian Mineral Resources Authority.

AquaChemie, a prominent player in the regional chemicals industry, has unveiled its new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, AquaChemie Global Chemicals (ACGC), at the Khalifa Economic Zone Abu Dhabi (KEZAD).

The facility is built on a 25,804 sqm site with an initial investment of US$25mn.

At the opening ceremony of the factory, V Anandkumar, the founder and managing director of AquaChemie, said, "We've been moving towards being local and how to bring in multinational product lines, specialty chemicals, and bring it to this country and produce it here, adding value to localisation...we started our journey in building this facility in 2022, and we already have close to around US$50mn to US$60mn worth of chemicals to be supplied to ADNOC and other companies here. We found global partners who are willing to come and partner with us and produce those products here."

"We are also looking for some more acquisition in the near future within UAE," he added.

By localising production, the facility will reduce the region’s dependence on imported specialty chemicals, which have historically been costly and time-consuming to procure. The company said it will support the UAE's ‘Make it in the Emirates’ initiative.

Circular economy

AquaChemie’s new plant is strategically positioned to meet the growing demand for oil and gas upstream chemicals, particularly for ADNOC and other major regional players. It will also cater to industries such as paints, coatings, and construction, providing high-quality, locally produced chemicals that reduce costs and lead times.

Speaking to Technical Review Middle East about incorporating renewables, Anandkumar said, "We're already planning to put solar panels on the top of this facility. We are also taking a step towards a green chemistry. Today, [the industry] is using very unconventional chemistries so we are also working towards how to substitute them without compromising on the performance. With the daily operations also, we are trying to reduce the carbon footprint as much as possible."

The facility will also aid in the construction industry. "A lot of cement additives go into buildings. There are a lot of chemicals added into those readymixes. Readymix has a lot of products, so we provide those products to the companies which are making those readymixes."

There are at least 12 emergency safety showers installed at the factory, according to Anandkumar. Shobitha Anand, executive director of AquaChemie Global Chemicals, said, "we want to be as compliant as possible
with the whole facility."

AquaChemie’s new manufacturing facility leverages significant advantages, including reduced utility costs, tax exemptions, duty benefits, and a seamless export network across the GCC. These cost savings are directly passed on to customers, enhancing operational efficiency and affordability.

The plant is equipped with advanced features, such as reactors for processing both liquid and solid chemicals, precision blending and mixing technologies, dedicated R&D infrastructure for product innovation and quality control, and a storage capacity of 7,200 metric tons, supported by four liquid storage tanks.

Also read: EGA can now produce ASI-certified metal

The UAE has initiated the process of mapping air corridors and developing a legal framework for cargo drones and piloted and autonomous air taxis, according to a statement from the country's General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). 

The agreement was announced during World Governments Summit 2025.

The GCAA and the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) organisations, ASPIRE and the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), are collaborating to accomplish this.

These aerial corridors and regulations set to be defined within the next 20 months, with the routes connecting key international airports and iconic places in the UAE.

The statement added that these new air corridors will offer innovative solutions for passenger and cargo transport, relieving pressure on traditional road networks and improving connectivity.

The employment of autonomous aircraft in urban and suburban environments to provide creative transportation options for people and commodities is known as advanced air mobility, or AAM.

Future-focused

This partnership intends to create a comprehensive regulatory framework that guarantees safety and operational efficiency, with TII spearheading the development of AAM's technical aspects and ASPIRE concentrating on building a network of stakeholders, including regulators, industry leaders, and researchers.

His Excellency Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, director general of the GCAA, said, “Air corridor mapping for piloted and autonomous air taxis and drones is a crucial milestone that will enable the seamless implementation of Advanced Air Mobility into the UAE’s infrastructure. This initiative ensures the safe and efficient adoption of air mobility, delivering transformative solutions to urban transport and paving the way for a smarter, more connected future.”

Dr. Najwa Aaraj, CEO of TII, said, "This transformative collaboration with GCAA is reshaping the future of urban transportation. By advancing airspace management and integrating piloted and autonomous air taxis and cargo drones, we are not only enhancing urban connectivity but also driving sustainable and accessible mobility solutions that will benefit future generations."

Stephane Timpano from ASPIRE, said, "Addressing real-time urban mobility challenges through innovative solutions like air taxis and drones is a major step forward. This initiative directly supports sustainable economic growth by creating a flexible and diverse transport system that eases pressure on urban infrastructure and fosters smarter, more resilient cities."

Prof. Enrico Natalizio, Chief Researcher of the Autonomous Robotics Research Center at TII, said, "At TII, we’re developing advanced AI-powered control, vision and communication algorithms for autonomous systems that enable real-time decision-making for air taxis and drones. Having mastered this technology, we are able to propose methodologies for AAM corridors design to optimise routes, ensure collision avoidance, and integrate seamlessly with urban airspace, marking a key step toward efficient and safe autonomous air mobility in complex urban environments."

Also read: Hellmann introduces automated storage robots