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The fossil-fuel sector offers the largest and most cost-effective opportunity for rapid methane abatement, according to the newly released Global Methane Status Report, launched on the sidelines of COP30 in Belém

Produced by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), the Global Methane Status Report assesses progress and remaining gaps in efforts to cut methane - a potent greenhouse gas responsible for nearly a third of current warming.

The report shows that although methane emissions are still rising, projected 2030 emissions under current legislation are already lower than earlier forecasts due to a mix of national policies, sectoral regulations, and market shifts. However, the report warns that only full-scale implementation of proven and available control measures will close the gap to the Global Methane Pledge’s target of a 30% cut from 2020 levels by 2030.

Urging decisive methane action to deliver the Global Methane Pledge, ministers attending the Global Methane Pledge Ministerial stressed that the policies, technologies, and partnerships needed to meet the target are available, but require rapid scale-up across the energy, agriculture, and waste sectors. Ministers also called for increased transparency from countries on ambition and action to track progress.

Julie Dabrusin, Canada’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Co-Convener of the Global Methane Pledge, said, “This report is a crucial assessment of our progress and a key indicator of the work that’s required to meet the Global Methane Pledge goal. In just four years, we have made improvements, but we must continue to drive faster, deeper methane cuts. Every tonne reduced brings us closer to cleaner air, more resilient communities, and a thriving global economy. It is important for all countries that have agreed to the Global Methane Pledge to continue to work closely together to drive momentum on methane mitigation, turning ambition into tangible benefits for the planet.”

The fossil-fuel sector is the second largest source of anthropogenic methane emissions, responsible for approximately one third of the global total. Under current legislation, emissions from the sector are expected to rise by 8% in 2050 compared to 2020. This sector presents the single greatest potential for rapid, cost-effective methane abatement, according to the report. These reductions could be achieved through readily available technologies and practices, often at low cost.

Since the launch of the GMP, methane abatement policies in the oil and gas sector have become more innovative and widespread, while voluntary initiatives such as the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership (OGMP) 2.0 now cover up to 45% of global oil and gas production.

The rate of policy development and country participation, however, still fall short of what is needed to achieve the 2030 targets. Implementation and enforcement must also be strengthened.

The recent adoption of novel approaches, such as the European Union import standard, offers the potential to use the market to mitigate methane in oil and gas sector more rapidly at the global scale.

Bridging the methane policy gap in the fossil fuel sector calls for strong implementation of existing policies, continuous capacity building, increased ambition from additional producing countries, ramped up technical support and innovative financial mechanisms to facilitate mitigation in developing countries.

Key measures recommended include:

• enhancing monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) systems across all fossil fuel operations
• expanding the use of direct measurement protocols and corroborated satellite data which could improve the accuracy and transparency of inventories
• expanding leak detection and repair (LDAR) programmes in oil and gas, which not only help reduce leaks but also enhance data quality for inventories and enhance workplace safety and asset integrity;
• ensuring proper sealing techniques during well closure, given methane emissions from abandoned wells can continue for decades after activities cease;
• strengthening enforcement mechanisms with the establishment of clear accountability structures, penalties for non-compliance and independent oversight;
• facilitating access to finance and capacity building;
• harnessing import standards as market leverage, creating a clear incentive for producing countries to adopt stronger mitigation practices; and
• leveraging international and bilateral frameworks for capacity and alignment.

With more than two billion people lacking safe drinking water and demand projected to exceed supply by 40% by 2030, Saudi Arabia will host one of the world’s leading events dedicated to water innovation and sustainability.

The Innovation Driven Water Sustainability Conference (IDWS 2025) will be held from 8-10 December 2025 at The Ritz-Carlton, Jeddah, under the patronage of HRH Prince Khalid Al-Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and organised by the Saudi Water Authority (SWA).

The conference will bring together international leaders, policymakers, and innovators to address urgent water challenges and accelerate progress toward a secure water future.

A key feature of the event is the Global Prize for Innovation in Water (GPIW), the region’s largest water innovation award, which supports breakthrough technologies by connecting innovators with investors and enabling pilot projects in the Kingdom and globally.

IDWS 2025 will also host the second edition of Miyahthon, a hackathon aimed at young innovators and startups developing solutions across the water cycle. The programme includes mentorship, bootcamps, and pathways for incubation and commercialisation.

To strengthen sector capabilities, the Water Academy will introduce advanced professional development programmes in partnership with London Business School and international training institutions.

The conference will also feature technical workshops, peer-reviewed research presentations, and a major exhibition showcasing cutting-edge desalination, treatment, and resource management technologies from companies such as Siemens, ABB, SSEM, ACWA Power, KSB, the Local Content & Government Procurement Authority, and Toray.

IDWS 2025 will gather leading global experts, reflecting its ambition to unite decision-makers across government, finance, academia, and industry.

Mehaideb Saleh Al Mehaideb, chairman of the supervisory committee of the IDWS, said, “Through the Innovation Driven Water Sustainability Conference, the Kingdom reaffirms its global leadership in advancing sustainable water management. IDWS embodies our shared vision to harness innovation, technology, and collaboration to ensure long term water security. By convening the world’s brightest minds and honoring breakthrough solutions through the Global Prize for Innovation in Water, we are creating a legacy of impact that extends well beyond our borders”

To encourage public engagement, the Saudi Water Authority will also launch the “Water Content Creators Award”, a national initiative designed to inspire creative Arabic-language content on water sustainability. The award includes multiple thematic tracks and is open to both individuals and organisations.

Dingbo Power has recently secured an order from a Haitian client for a 600kW heavy-duty silent diesel generator set. Production began on 25 October, with a delivery period of 20 days

Manufacturing is progressing as scheduled, and the generator will be completed and shipped in full alignment with the client’s requirements.

The generator set, manufactured by Guangxi Dingbo Generator Set Manufacturing Co., Ltd., is the DB-600GF model, designed as a silent-type unit. It delivers a prime output of 600kW/750kVA and a standby output of 660kW/825kVA, operating at 440V with a rated current of 984A. Running at 1800 rpm and 60Hz, it features a 0.8 lag power factor and a three-phase, four-wire configuration. The system is powered by a Cummins KT38-G diesel engine and paired with a Shanghai Stamford GR355G1 alternator. Control and monitoring are managed through the SmartGen HGM6110N-4G-G controller, which includes integrated 4G cloud remote monitoring capabilities.

The client emphasised the need for a heavy-duty silent generator, a requirement Dingbo Power is addressing with a reinforced 6mm-thick steel base frame to increase durability and stability. The generator will be housed inside a specially designed silent canopy made from 2mm-thick galvanised steel sheets. This enclosure provides strong corrosion resistance and keeps operational noise at just 80 dB(A) at a 7-metre distance, making it suitable for noise-sensitive environments.

At the heart of the system is the Cummins KT38-G diesel engine, known for its reliability and efficiency under demanding conditions. It is a 12-cylinder, V-type, 4-stroke water-cooled engine with turbocharging and a 38-litre displacement. It delivers 679kW of prime power and 747kW of standby power at 60Hz and 1800 rpm. The engine features an electronic governor, a 15.5:1 compression ratio, and a 159mm × 159mm bore and stroke. Fuel consumption ranges from 43 kg/h at 25% load to 131 kg/h at 100% prime load, and 147 kg/h at 100% standby load. Additional technical specifications include a 24V electric start system, Cummins PT fuel injection, a coolant capacity of 112L, and an oil system capacity of up to 135.1L.

Dingbo Power expressed gratitude to the Haitian client for their trust and highlighted that this customised heavy-duty silent generator reflects the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality, durable power solutions. The production team is fully dedicated to the project and confident that the final unit will provide reliable performance and long-term operational value.

At The Mining Show 2025 held in Dubai from November 17-18, global leaders and industry innovators converged to chart the future of mining at a time of unprecedented energy transition and technological upheaval.

In a keynote that set the tone for the event, H.E. Saif Ghubash Almarri, representing the UAE, painted a compelling picture of a world in flux and positioned the nation at the forefront of strategic change.

Almarri articulated the sweeping transformations at play, noting, “Today, the world is undergoing a profound transformation. This has become the backbone of both energy transition and digital transit—without electricity, there is no mobility, no AI, and no resilient digital economy.” Drawing on International Energy Agency data, he projected that demand for key minerals will “increase up to 500% by 2050,” signifying not mere “small adjustments” but seismic shifts in supply chains and geopolitical relations.

To meet these challenges, Almarri highlighted the UAE’s robust, multi-pronged approach. Major initiatives such as the National 3D Geological Model and the Energy and Infrastructure National Digital Platform have been launched to strengthen supply chain resilience, expedite exploration, and boost efficiency.

He emphasised that the UAE is not just adapting, but actively shaping the industry’s evolution, citing expanded investments in aluminum, copper, nickel, and lithium, and a firm commitment to low-carbon extraction and digital traceability. “The future will belong to those who prepare with clarity, ambition and action. The UAE’s message is clear: we are prepared. We are confident,” Almarri asserted.

Safety, innovation, and environmental stewardship were then championed by Abdul Rahman Al Mansoori, who underscored the dual challenges of rapid growth and unique regional conditions. He pointed to initiatives seeking to “reduce the amount of glass, one explosive and above the road,” making transport safer and harmonising skills and standards across the sector. Al Mansoori noted, “We see great opportunity in AI and automation. These tools can help prevent accidents and grow safety and increase productivity.”

From Saudi Arabia, Hassan M.H. Almarzouki detailed extraordinary growth in the Kingdom’s mining sector, with exploration spending soaring from $5 million in 2020 to US$280mn in 2024. He credited a strategic overhaul and new mining laws for this acceleration, and called on the global industry: “We are building a world class, sustainable mining industry that is open for business and drives partnership opportunity.”

As international stakeholders look toward a future defined by resilience, digitisation, and sustainability, The Mining Show 2025 illuminated both the scale of change and the spirit of collaboration needed to harness it.

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Hitachi Rail has secured a major contract from the Hassan Allam Construction and Arab Contractors joint venture to modernise and upgrade the historic Alexandria Raml Tram, transforming it into a modern, efficient and digitally connected transport system.

Under the agreement, Hitachi Rail will deliver an advanced suite of systems designed to enhance safety, reliability and operational performance. These include state-of-the-art signalling and communications technologies (both fixed and wireless), an Operational Control Centre, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, security solutions with CCTV and access control, as well as passenger information and on-board equipment.

This comprehensive modernisation aims to bring Alexandria’s tram system in line with Egypt’s Vision 2030 for sustainable development by significantly improving efficiency, reducing emissions and enhancing passenger comfort.

The Alexandria El Raml Tram, the oldest in both the Middle East and Africa, first began operations in 1863 and was last upgraded in the 1960s. Despite its age, it remains one of the few tramways in the world that still operates double-deck trams in regular service.

The current rehabilitation project will include the reconstruction of 24 stations and 13.2 km of tram track. Once completed, the upgraded line is expected to reduce travel time from 60 to 35 minutes, double the operating speed from 11 km/h to 21 km/h, and decrease headway from nine minutes to just three. Passenger capacity will also triple from 4,700 to 13,800 passengers per hour per direction, easing congestion and contributing to a greener, more efficient public transport network across Alexandria.

The Alexandria El Raml Tram Rehabilitation marks a significant milestone for Hitachi Rail, further solidifying its position in the region’s growing metro and railway markets. The project follows a contract signed earlier this year between Hassan Allam Construction, Arab Contractors JV, and the National Authority for Tunnels for the tram’s rehabilitation.

Investing in digital innovation

Hitachi Rail continues to deepen its presence in Egypt through strategic localisation and technological investment. The company has developed local teams across engineering, finance, legal, and other disciplines to deliver projects and support customers effectively. Its Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) systems now include local Integration, Verification, Validation, and Qualification (IVVQ) activities, while its Automated Fare Collection (AFC) initiatives are creating high-tech jobs and promoting workforce diversity. These efforts align with Egypt’s national development strategy and strengthen the country’s role as a regional hub for rail innovation.

Through its digital solutions, Hitachi Rail is focused on improving the passenger journey by integrating public information systems and AFC platforms that facilitate seamless travel across metro, LRT, and monorail networks. In Alexandria, the Abu Qir Metro will feature Hitachi’s TRANSCITY AFC technology, enabling multiple payment options such as QR codes, contactless cards, EMV bank cards, and NFC mobile payments.

Joaquim Santos, Signalling and Rail Solutions (SRS) OPPS – ICS, said, “Hitachi Rail has a long-standing presence in Egypt, built on trust, collaboration and shared ambition. Our commitment goes beyond delivering advanced technologies—we are deeply invested in developing local capabilities, supporting innovation, and contributing to the country’s sustainable mobility goals.”

Carlo Piacenza, Signalling and Rail Solutions (SRS) MEA Regional Director, said, “We are proud to announce that we have been awarded a contract by Hassan Allam joint venture and The Arab Contractors (Osman Ahmed Osman & Co.) to modernise and upgrade the oldest electric tram system in Africa, transforming it into a reliable, efficient, and digitally enhanced transportation system. This contract marks an important milestone, showing the capacity of Hitachi Rail technologies in the rehabilitation and modernisation of tramway systems.”