Thermal storage needs to be scaled in the region. (Image source: AED Energy)

Aed Energy has secured investment from Catalyst, the Masdar City and bp-backed accelerator dedicated to advancing climate technologies across the Middle East and beyond.

This funding will support Aed Energy’s expansion in the region and accelerate the deployment of its long-duration thermal energy storage systems.

As part of the partnership, Aed Energy will establish a branch office in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, reinforcing its commitment to developing decentralised energy, water, and cooling infrastructure across the GCC and wider MENA region.

The new office situates the company within a global centre for clean energy innovation and commercialisation.

Optimised operations

Catalyst, backed by Masdar City and bp, provides a strong platform for scaling practical, impact-driven technologies.

With access to strategic partners and deep regional expertise, Catalyst’s investment will help Aed Energy rapidly deploy its storage systems in markets where stable, dispatchable clean energy is crucial to meeting growing demand.

Aed Energy’s modular thermal batteries store surplus renewable electricity as high-temperature heat and deliver zero-carbon baseload energy on demand.

Suitable for applications in heat, power, and cooling, these MWh-scale systems are designed for reliable, low-maintenance operation.

Their flexibility makes them particularly effective in settings where conventional batteries underperform, including remote grids, heavy industry, and integrated energy–water–cooling systems.

Also read: Johnson Controls Arabia to supply cooling system for Saudi EV facility

DEWA and Microsoft has joined hands together to transform utility sector. (Image source: DEWA)

Following the global digital transformation trend, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and Microsoft have joined hands together to transform utility sector

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO, DEWA had an official meeting with Naim Yazbeck, general manager of Microsoft UAE, to delve into new opportunities for collaboration in digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), and cloud computing in the utilities sector.

The main agenda of meeting was how Microsoft’s innovative technologies can advocate DEWA’s innovation-led projects and help achieve its sustainability goals. Both parties discussed improving operational efficiency and building next-generation infrastructure alongwith the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative.

Gen AI tools

HE Al Tayer said, “Our collaboration with Microsoft is instrumental in transforming DEWA to become the world’s first AI-native utility, leveraging artificial intelligence across all core operations. By integrating AI and cloud-based solutions, we aim to enhance our renewable energy capabilities, drive operational excellence and provide world-class services in line with Dubai’s vision for sustainability and innovation.”

Yazbeck acknowledging the Microsoft’s support for the UAE’s digital future stated, “Our work with energy leaders like DEWA enables us to co-develop transformative solutions that redefine energy management, advance sustainability goals and build intelligent, resilient infrastructure across Dubai.”

DEWA is already employing Microsoft’s generative AI tools, like the Microsoft Power Platform and the Microsoft 365 Copilot. These have helped DEWA improve internal productivity, service quality, and satisfaction for both customers as well as employees.

DEWA has been an initial investor in AI since 2017 and wasfirst among the utilities globally to adopt Microsoft’s Copilot platform.

This new partnership reflects Dubai’s focus on innovation, sustainability, and technology-driven growth in the energy sector.

Also read: Middle East Energy 2025 closes with record turnout

Johnson Controls Arabia will deliver a state-of-the-art cooling solution powered by YORK. (Image source: JCA)

Johnson Controls Arabia has entered into a strategic partnership with Modern Building Leaders (MBL) to provide and operate a fully integrated YORK cooling system for the new CEER manufacturing facility in King Abdullah Economic City.

Johnson Controls Arabia is a global leader in HVAC systems, smart building controls, and energy efficiency.

The company said that its collaboration with CEER represents a significant advancement in Saudi Arabia’s industrial technology landscape and supports the Kingdom’s “trailblazing end-to-end electric vehicle brand.”

Under the agreement, Johnson Controls Arabia will deliver a state-of-the-art cooling solution powered by YORK technologies, featuring 12 chillers and various cooling units with a combined capacity of 33,000 TR.

HVAC innovations

The CEER facility, a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s electric vehicle industry, is designed to produce world-class electric cars, prioritising sustainability, efficiency, and cutting-edge technology.

The partnership aligns with the launch of the region’s first YORK air-cooled chiller production line, boasting a 600-ton capacity, at the YORK manufacturing complex in King Abdullah Economic City.

This milestone was accompanied by the opening of Saudi Arabia’s first AHRI-certified performance testing laboratory for air-cooled chillers of this capacity, cementing the Kingdom’s position as a regional hub for innovation in the HVAC and cooling sector.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by senior executives, including Tareq Telmesani, CEO of MBL, and Mohamed Fathy El-Bordany, Plant Facility and Maintenance Director at CEER.

This agreement underscores Johnson Controls Arabia’s commitment to supporting major manufacturing initiatives in Saudi Arabia, enhancing its role as a trusted partner in delivering high-efficiency, sustainable cooling solutions that meet global standards and bolstering the Kingdom’s industrial infrastructure.

Commenting on the milestone, Dr. Mohanad AlShaikh, CEO of Johnson Controls Arabia, stated, “We are proud to play a role in this ambitious national project that reflects our commitment to delivering smart, sustainable solutions aligned with Saudi Vision 2030. Our success in this initiative demonstrates the trust our partners place in YORK’s technical strength and reliability, and our ability to provide integrated solutions that rival the world’s leading providers, driven by expert engineering teams, fast execution, and excellent after-sales support.”

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Delivering up to 630W output and 23.3% efficiency, the module incorporates a low-voltage, high-string design, making it compatible with widely used inverters

With more than 1 GW of solar technology delivered in South Africa over the past year, Trinasolar has reaffirmed its role as a key contributor to Africa’s clean energy movement by returning to the Africa Energy Forum (AEF)

At this year’s gathering in Cape Town, the company is showcasing its latest solar and battery storage solutions built to endure Africa’s environmental extremes and meet evolving grid challenges.

“As the energy crisis and climate volatility continue to impact South Africa and the broader African region, Trinasolar is focused on delivering real solutions that enable long-term energy security,” said Vincent Wu, global sales vice-president and MEA MU head at Trinasolar. “Our high-efficiency PV modules and advanced energy storage systems are engineered to meet the challenging realities on the ground. Through our presence at AEF, we’re reinforcing our commitment to supporting Africa’s transition to a greener, more stable energy future; one built on innovation, resilience, and strategic collaboration.”

The centrepiece of Trinasolar’s exhibition is the debut of the Vertex N 630W (NED19RC.20), an ultra-reliable solar module designed for Africa’s demanding conditions. Built with enhanced structural integrity, corrosion-resistant features, and dust protection, the module boasts an industry-leading 55 mm hail resistance rating, more than twice the standard. It is also certified for fire safety and engineered for performance in environments with high levels of salt, ammonia, and sand.

New offerings

Delivering up to 630W output and 23.3% efficiency, the module incorporates a low-voltage, high-string design, making it compatible with widely used inverters. This configuration reduces system costs and simplifies installation, particularly valuable for commercial and utility-scale projects.

“We’re seeing strong momentum across the region, especially in the commercial, industrial, and utility-scale sectors where innovation and ease of installation matter,” said Zaheer Khan, regional director for South Africa, Trinasolar MEA. “Installers and partners are drawn to solutions like the Vertex N 630W, not just for its performance, but because it addresses real operational challenges in tough environments.

“In just the past year, Trinasolar has delivered over a gigawatt of technology solar equipment in South Africa alone,” Khan added. “It’s a milestone that reflects our growing footprint, trusted relationships, and long-term commitment to the region. And we’re just getting started.”

Trinasolar’s offering includes solar modules, energy storage, floating PV solutions, and smart tracking systems, developed to meet diverse energy requirements with an emphasis on quality, adaptability, and system integration.

Over the last ten years, Trinasolar has helped shape the solar sector by supporting large-scale utilities, driving C&I adoption, and contributing to decentralisation and renewable energy growth. As the continent’s transition gathers pace, the company remains committed to scaling integrated systems, building local capacity, and partnering with governments, utilities, and private stakeholders to ensure lasting energy resilience.

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