In The Spotlight
The event will feature a high-level conference and exhibition. (Image source: RX Events)
Saudi Arabia to host first Hydrogen Arabia Summit
Saudi Arabia will host the first Hydrogen Arabia Summit & Exhibition on 8–9 December 2025 at the Crowne Plaza Riyadh RDC, positioning the Kingdom as a global hub for hydrogen and clean energy collaboration.
Organised by RX, the company behind the World Hydrogen Summit, the event will feature a high-level conference and exhibition uniting senior government officials, global energy leaders, investors, and innovators in hydrogen and carbon capture technologies.
Over two days of strategic dialogue and technology showcases, discussions will focus on how hydrogen and carbon capture can accelerate Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and Net Zero 2060 ambitions. The event will also emphasise the Kingdom’s Circular Carbon Economy framework, introduced during its G20 Presidency, which promotes comprehensive emissions management and energy stability.
Financial push
Saudi Arabia has pledged over SAR 1 trillion (US$270bn) to the power sector, including SAR880bn Saudi Riyals (US$235bn) dedicated to renewables. Major projects such as the NEOM green hydrogen initiative and a US$10bn investment from the Public Investment Fund highlight the Kingdom’s determination to become a global hydrogen leader.
Vasyl Zhygalo, managing director, Middle East and Emerging Markets, RX, Hydrogen Arabia, said, “Hydrogen Arabia marks a significant milestone for us as we expand our global energy portfolio into Saudi Arabia, which is one of the most dynamic markets for clean energy transformation. This event will serve as a crucial platform for regional and international leaders to collaborate on advancing hydrogen and carbon capture solutions. It will also create new opportunities for investment, innovation, and long-term energy security. In doing so, the event will reinforce Saudi Arabia's position as a hub for sustainable energy and a key player in international hydrogen trade.”
Speakers from IRENA, ENOWA-NEOM, SEFE, Air Liquide, Hy24, and Aramco Ventures will discuss investment, global demand, certification, and decarbonisation. “The agenda for the Hydrogen Arabia Summit will gather regional and international leaders to explore how investment and policy can speed up the adoption of technology. By concentrating on practical pathways for hydrogen and CCUS, the discussions in Riyadh aim to produce outcomes that promote both industry growth and global trade,” added Zhygalo.
Global renewable capacity additions reached 582 GW last year
World falling behind on renewable goals, says IRENA
The world is falling behind on renewable energy and efficiency goals, despite record capacity growth in 2024, according to a new report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the COP30 Brazilian Presidency, and the Global Renewables Alliance (GRA).
Global renewable capacity additions reached 582 GW last year, yet the COP28 UAE Consensus target of tripling renewables to 11.2 TW by 2030 now requires 1,122 GW annually, with 16.6% growth needed each year. Energy efficiency also lags, with global energy intensity improving by just 1% in 2024—far below the 4% annual gains needed to meet UAE Consensus goals.
The report calls for urgent action: integrating renewable targets into national climate plans, doubling collective NDC ambition, and scaling investment in renewables to at least USD 1.4 trillion annually through 2030.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said, “The clean energy revolution is unstoppable. Renewables are deployed faster and cheaper than fossil fuels – driving growth, jobs, and affordable power. But the window to keep the 1.5°C limit within reach is rapidly closing. We must step up, scale up and speed up the just energy transition – for everyone, everywhere.”
IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera added, “The world has broken renewable capacity records, but records alone will not keep 1.5°C alive. Renewables are not just the most cost-effective climate solution; they are the biggest economic opportunity of our time. This report shows the path: accelerate deployment, modernise grids, scale clean-tech and strengthen supply chains.”
Ben Backwell, Chair of the GRA, said, “The private sector is driving the energy transition, providing three-quarters of global clean energy investment… What we need now are long-term government plans that match national ambitions; we need pipelines that deliver projects.”
The report highlights that G20 nations must lead, contributing over 80% of global renewable capacity by 2030, while advanced economies should ramp up climate finance and investment in grids, storage, and clean-tech supply chains to secure a stable energy transition.
Trinasolar continues to deepen its investment in Saudi Arabia. (Image source: Trinsolar)
Trinasolar showcases new solar solutions in Saudi Arabia
Trinasolar, a global leader in smart PV and energy storage solutions, showcased its latest innovations at Solar & Storage Live KSA 2025, held from 12 to 14 October at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center.
The company reaffirmed its long-term commitment to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 through advanced innovation, localisation, and sustainable industrial growth.
At the exhibition, Trinasolar presented a complete portfolio tailored to the Kingdom’s clean-energy ambitions, featuring the Vertex N module (NEG21C.20) with power output up to 740 watts and the Elementa 3 energy storage platform alongside TrinaTracker systems and Trinabot BUILDEX, an AI-driven robotic cleaning solution. Together, these technologies offer an integrated solar and storage solution designed to boost efficiency, reliability, and long-term performance across utility-scale and commercial-industrial projects.
Trinasolar continues to deepen its investment in Saudi Arabia through local manufacturing and technology transfer. The company has achieved the 35% localisation rate required by the Saudi government, with higher rates in select projects, supported by its TrinaTracker factory in Jeddah. Established under a land-lease agreement with MODON in the Third Industrial City, the facility has an annual production capacity of 3GW, enabling faster delivery and stronger local integration.
“Reaching the government’s required localisation rate at our projects is a significant milestone that demonstrates Trinasolar’s deep commitment to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030,” said Todd Li, head of Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa (APMEA) at Trinasolar. “With more than 57 gigawatts of solar and energy storage projects tendered under the National Renewable Energy Programme, the Kingdom is entering a transformative phase, and we are well positioned to contribute to this growth through our full range of advanced technologies and integrated smart-energy solutions that support the Kingdom’s evolving energy needs.”
Key features
Built on Trinasolar’s 210mm n-type i-TOPCon technology, the Vertex N 740W module achieves up to 23.8% efficiency, reduced LCOE, and strong reliability in high-temperature environments. The Elementa 3 platform enhances energy density, safety, and operational performance with high-capacity 587Ah cells and intelligent temperature control for stability even at 55°C. The Trinabot BUILDEX robotic cleaning solution further improves O&M performance and long-term energy yield, helping developers maximise uptime and investment value.
During the exhibition, Trinasolar announced strategic collaborations to strengthen its regional presence. The company welcomed Sky Energy as its new distributor in Saudi Arabia, expanding access to its advanced solar solutions to support the Kingdom’s clean-energy goals. Additionally, Trinabot and MAN signed a cooperation agreement focused on photovoltaic installation robotics, combining expertise to accelerate intelligent installation practices across the Middle East and Africa.
With over 28 years of continuous innovation, more than 200GW of cumulative 210mm module shipments, and 12GWh of global energy storage shipments, Trinasolar remains a trusted partner in advancing the energy transition across the Middle East and Africa, empowering the region to harness solar power for a sustainable future.
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The GCC construction market is valued at SAR666bn in 2025. (Image source: Eurovent Middle East)
Eurovent Middle East to host HVACR congress in Riyadh
Eurovent Middle East, in collaboration with the Air Movement and Control Association (AMCA), will host the second edition of the Middle East Industry Congress – HVACR Next Generation: Sustainability in Extreme Conditions – on 28 October 2025 at the InterContinental Durrat Al Riyadh Resort & Spa, Saudi Arabia.
Supported by leading HVACR manufacturers, the event will bring together government officials, industry leaders, and stakeholders to discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the HVACR sector in one of the world’s most demanding climates.
According to ‘Research and Markets’, the GCC construction market is valued at SAR666bn in 2025 and projected to reach SAR850bn by 2030, growing at a CAGR of more than 5% during the forecast period.
This rapid growth is expected to drive robust demand for HVACR equipment, reinforcing the sector’s vital role in a region where cooling represents up to 80% of building energy consumption and more than 50% of total national energy use.
Adopting to climatic changes
“With sustainability, energy efficiency, the refrigerant transition, and Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) at the forefront of regional priorities, this congress will highlight the essential role of HVACR in reducing greenhouse gas emissions while delivering reliable and affordable cooling, ventilation, and refrigeration solutions,” said Markus Lattner, managing director of Eurovent Middle East. “As rising temperatures and extreme conditions intensify across the region, our sector is central to balancing climate action with economic growth.”
Hassan Abou Jawhar, director Europe and Middle East of AMCA, added, “Eurovent Middle East and AMCA remain committed to advancing technical regulations and minimum energy performance standards across a wide range of HVACR products and technologies. By fostering dialogue between policymakers and industry, this congress will accelerate the adoption of innovative solutions and chart a more sustainable pathway for the future of cooling and ventilation.”
The congress will also feature the regional launch of Desert Certification, the first high-ambient performance certification tailored specifically for the Middle East, ensuring HVACR products are tested and proven under the region’s extreme climatic conditions.
The programme will include keynote addresses from international experts and panel discussions featuring representatives from government, regulatory authorities, and industry. Afternoon sessions will highlight practical solutions and next-generation technologies, showcasing case studies that demonstrate the business case for sustainability, from the refrigerant transition in high-ambient countries to energy-efficient projects designed to improve indoor air quality.
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The inauguration was attended by Siemens Mobility leadership and Saudi government representatives. (Image source: Siemens Mobility)
Siemens Mobility opens Riyadh office
Siemens Mobility has opened a new office in Riyadh, strengthening its long-term commitment to advancing smart and sustainable mobility in Saudi Arabia and the wider region.
The expansion supports the Kingdom’s goals of developing a resilient and climate-friendly transportation network in line with Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI).
The inauguration was attended by Siemens Mobility leadership, senior Saudi government officials, and key executives from customers and partners. Notable guests included a delegation from the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Riyadh, ambassador H.E. Michael Kindsgrab, Ms. Julia Nordmann, Head of Economic Affairs, and Ali Dulaim, CEO of E.A. Juffali & Brothers Co.
The new office is part of Siemens Mobility’s broader strategic expansion in the region, following the 2024 appointment of Frank Hagemeier as CEO of Siemens Mobility for Saudi Arabia. Strengthening its local presence is expected to generate in-country value, create jobs, and develop homegrown expertise.
“At Siemens Mobility, we are building on years of transformative contributions globally and since our first contract in Saudi Arabia in 2005 till today in Saudi Arabia’s transportation infrastructure to make mobility in Saudi Arabia faster, safer, and more efficient,” said Frank Hagemeier.
GCC projects
He added, “The opening of our new office in Riyadh will bring us closer to our customers and strategic partners in Saudi Arabia while making us ideally positioned to expand our operations in Saudi Arabia and support key mega projects. It will also enable us to fast-track our growth and reaffirm our position as a crucial player on the region’s mobility landscape.”
Siemens Mobility has developed a significant footprint in the Kingdom. The company implemented the first European Train Control System (ETCS) in the GCC on the East-West Rail Line, connecting Riyadh and Dammam for passenger and freight transport. Its work on the Haramain High-Speed Railway, linking Mecca and Medina, highlights its expertise in high-speed rail solutions, while the Al Mashaaer Al Mugaddassah Metro Line project demonstrates its contribution to electrification and transportation for pilgrims.
The company also recently delivered the Riyadh Metro, the region’s largest greenfield metro project and the longest driverless metro system in the world. As part of the BACS consortium, Siemens Mobility provided 67 Inspiro trains, integrated the latest Communications-based Train Control System (CBTC), and delivered the Red and Blue Lines as a turnkey solution. Since December 2024, the metro has transported 100 million passengers, and Siemens Mobility continues to maintain its systems and track infrastructure under a service contract.
Siemens Mobility has further supported knowledge transfer and localisation in the Kingdom through partnerships with institutions such as the Saudi Railway Polytechnic (SRP). This dual education programme combines classroom learning with practical training in rail signalling, electrification, and communication systems, equipping students to maintain advanced digital rail infrastructure.
The partnership extends to knowledge exchange and more
Nemetschek partners with WakeCap in GCC
The Nemetschek Group, a leading global software provider for the Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Operations (AEC/O) sector, has entered a strategic partnership with WakeCap Technologies, the Middle East’s foremost construction technology company specialising in sensor-powered, real-time project control systems. The collaboration aims to accelerate digital transformation across the Gulf Cooperation Council’s (GCC) construction ecosystem.
The partnership combines Nemetschek Group’s extensive portfolio of industry-leading software solutions with WakeCap’s advanced sensor-powered platform, which provides real-time workforce visibility and comprehensive site intelligence. WakeCap currently operates across projects exceeding US$100bn, tracking over 150 million worker hours, and has delivered significant outcomes including more than a 90% reduction in safety violation observations, productivity gains exceeding 25%, and incident response times cut by over 70%. Its safety solutions are now mandatory across major regional projects, including Aramco, Neom, and Qiddiya.
Under the agreement, both companies will jointly pursue business opportunities and initiatives within the GCC. WakeCap’s regional expertise and established relationships with leading owners and contractors will support Nemetschek Arabia and its affiliates in market entry and expansion, offering localised insights and access to a network of industry partners. The collaboration also includes developing joint go-to-market strategies targeting construction and real estate stakeholders and exploring integration of WakeCap technologies with Nemetschek platforms such as Bluebeam, dTwin, and GoCanvas.
Partnership aims
The partnership extends to knowledge exchange, co-creating thought leadership content, whitepapers, digital construction initiatives, and joint participation in regional industry events. Both organisations will also explore synergies in the infrastructure and natural resources sectors, where demand for intelligent, data-driven project delivery solutions is growing.
Marc Nezet, Group Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Division Officer of Nemetschek Group, said, “WakeCap is one of the most innovative frontrunners in the global construction tech landscape. Their ability to deliver real-time visibility and actionable insights at scale is reshaping how major infrastructure projects are built and managed. By combining Nemetschek’s world-class software capabilities with WakeCap’s cutting-edge solutions and regional strength, we are excited to unlock transformative outcomes for the GCC’s construction sector.”
Muayad Simbawa, Managing Director of Nemetschek Arabia, added, “This collaboration marks a significant milestone in our mission to accelerate digital innovation in construction across the Gulf region. Together with WakeCap, we aim to deliver more connected, intelligent, and efficient project delivery models that align with the region’s national development agendas and sustainability goals.”
Dr. Hassan Albalawi, CEO and Founder of WakeCap, said, “This partnership validates our vision of transforming construction through real-time intelligence. We’ve proven our technology can fundamentally change how giga-projects are delivered, reducing risk, and driving efficiency. Now, by combining our field-proven platform with Nemetschek’s global reach and software ecosystem, we’re not just expanding our market, we’re defining the future of construction technology. Our joint solutions will become the global benchmark for intelligent project delivery, starting here in the GCC where the world’s most ambitious projects are already relying on WakeCap.”
This agreement underscores Nemetschek Group’s ongoing commitment to driving digital innovation in construction and infrastructure markets worldwide. With the GCC construction market valued at over US$120bn annually and several multi-trillion-dollar national transformation programs underway, the region represents an ideal proving ground for these advanced technologies.
Women remain underrepresented in senior leadership
IRENA report highlights stalled progress for women in renewables
A new report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) reveals that women make up 32% of full-time employees in the renewables sector, a figure that has remained unchanged since the agency’s first gender analysis in 2019.
Although the proportion is higher than in other energy industries, the findings show that meaningful progress towards gender equality in the sector has stalled.
The second edition of Renewable Energy: A Gender Perspective offers IRENA’s most comprehensive assessment yet of women’s participation in the renewable energy workforce and the barriers they continue to face.
The report warns that without stronger action to improve representation, the global energy transition risks being neither fair nor sustainable, potentially leading to labour shortages and limited diversity in leadership and decision-making.
Women remain underrepresented in senior leadership, holding only 19% of such positions. They make up 45% of administrative roles but just 28% of jobs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Representation is lowest at 22% in technical trades such as installation, machinery operation, and electrical work, which require vocational or technical training.
Gender disparity
“Advancing gender equality in the renewable energy sector depends on robust data, targeted policy interventions and active collaboration of all stakeholders. Our analysis is the only of its kind to fill this knowledge gap. Unfortunately, despite performing better than in fossil fuel industries, little progress has been made. The sector still has a lot of work to do. To realise the energy transition’s full potential, women must be recognised as equal partners and leaders in shaping the renewables-based future,” said IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera.
Systemic barriers continue to hinder women’s advancement at every career stage, from gender bias and cultural stereotypes to the challenge of balancing professional and caregiving responsibilities. Discriminatory practices and glass ceilings further limit their access to leadership roles.
In non-governmental organisations focused on off-grid and community-based projects, women represent around 35% of employees, suggesting significant potential for expanding their leadership and influence in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of universal energy access.
The study also identifies disparities between organisational types: women make up only 25% of the workforce in private enterprises compared with 48% in NGOs and 37% in government or non-commercial institutions.
The report calls for coordinated action across all levels. Governments should enforce non-discrimination laws, ensure equal pay, and integrate gender equality into climate and energy policies. Employers are urged to adopt flexible work arrangements, transparent recruitment, mentorship programmes, and safe workplaces. Educational institutions, trade unions, and civil society must also help dismantle stereotypes, expand opportunities, and promote accountability.