his new solution enables organisations to respond efficiently to requests for proposals

Travanleo, a prominent ESG and sustainability technology company with offices in the UAE and India, has announced the launch of Carbon Xpress, a specialised solution within its flagship platform, Ecodrisil ESG Xpress.

Carbon Xpress is designed to help enterprises swiftly capture, calculate, and report greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, simplifying and accelerating the emission disclosure process.

This new solution enables organisations to respond efficiently to requests for proposals (RFPs), supplier qualification programmes, investor inquiries, and climate-linked financing needs.

Carbon Xpress allows teams to produce audit-ready carbon reports aligned with globally recognised standards, eliminating much of the complexity, manual effort, and delays that typically hinder ESG reporting.

At the heart of Carbon Xpress is ESGAI, Ecodrisil’s integrated AI co-pilot that streamlines the entire carbon emission reporting lifecycle.

From data collection and validation to automated report drafting, ESGAI ensures faster turnaround times and greater confidence in disclosures, even when faced with tight deadlines.

Carbon Xpress offers guided workflows that enable rapid onboarding of emission data from both internal systems and value chain partners.

It automates emission calculations across Scope 1, Scope 2, and select Scope 3 categories by utilising built-in emission factors and calculators.

The platform generates reports that comply with frameworks such as the GHG Protocol and CDP, among other investor-preferred standards.

It also produces submission-ready documents tailored for RFPs, due diligence processes, or regulatory filings.

The solution is already gaining momentum in the industry, with early adopters spanning multiple sectors.

For example, a global technology company based in Europe is using Carbon Xpress to prepare Scope 1 and 2 emission disclosures for a significant RFP submission.

Meanwhile, a leading chemical manufacturer in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region is integrating the platform to meet increasing supplier evaluation and ESG scoring requirements from international buyers.

Both companies chose Carbon Xpress for its ability to deliver rapid, standards-compliant reporting within stringent timelines, and implementations are currently in progress.

Carbon capture is widely recognised as a cornerstone in achieving net-zero goals

Dr. Steve Griffiths, professor and vice chancellor for research at American University of Sharjah (AUS), is at the forefront of research into cutting-edge carbon capture technologies that could help transform the Middle East’s carbon-intensive industries. Speaking to Technical Review Middle East, he discussed the findings of a recent study, co-authored by AUS and Heriot-Watt University, which explores innovations ranging from advanced amine blends to electroswing systems, metal-organic frameworks, and their integration into the region’s sustainability agenda.

Carbon capture is widely recognised as a cornerstone in achieving net-zero goals, particularly in sectors such as oil and gas or cement, where emissions are difficult to eliminate. According to Dr. Griffiths, chemical absorption using blended amine solutions represents the most immediately viable option for the region’s carbon-intensive (or “hard-to-decarbonise”) sectors.

^{Dr. Steve Griffiths, professor and vice chancellor for research at American University of Sharjah}

“According to our paper, these are the most established CC technology, with MEA/MDEA blends achieving over 30% reduction in regeneration energy compared to single solvents,” he said. These systems have already seen proven industrial deployment, with facilities like Boundary Dam serving as examples. The oil and gas industry’s existing experience with gas processing technologies, he explained, makes adoption more feasible.

For cement production, the potential is equally promising. “Amino acid salts have been successfully tested at the Siemens Meri-Pori CCS project in Finland and so further options are in the pipeline,” he added.

Reducing energy consumption

Electroswing technologies, while promising, particularly due to their ability to operate at ambient temperatures of 25-40°C, remain unproven at commercial scale.

One of the most compelling aspects of these innovations is their ability to reduce the energy demands of carbon capture, which has historically been a major barrier to adoption. “Our paper confirms that advanced solvent blending reduces energy consumption by over 30%,” Dr. Griffiths said.

Traditional monoethanolamine (MEA) systems, he explained, require 0.9-1.2 MWh per ton of CO₂ for regeneration, accounting for 70-80% of operating expenses.

^{Annual CO₂ capture capacity vs CO₂ storage capacity, current and planned, 2022-2030. (Image source: IEA)}

By blending MDEA with MEA and using phase-split solvents, these requirements are significantly reduced. “Electrochemical regeneration enables operation at 40-80°C compared to typical MEA regeneration at 125°C, reducing both energy requirements and amine degradation,” he noted.

From a cost perspective, the study’s findings suggest encouraging possibilities.

“Our paper’s Figure 1 shows capture costs ranging from US$50-175 per ton CO₂ depending on the source and technology, with natural gas processing at the lower end and cement/power sectors at the higher end,” Dr. Griffiths said.

Another area drawing increasing attention is the use of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), which offer high efficiency in selectively capturing CO₂. While still under development, progress is accelerating. “Metal-organic frameworks are advancing toward industrial deployment with pilot tests currently underway,” he said. MOF-74 variants are being tested at General Electric Gas Power and Drax Power Station through companies like Svante and Promethean Particles.

However, Dr. Griffiths stressed that certain performance benchmarks must still be met. “As we discuss in the paper, MOFs need to achieve 90% CO₂ recovery with 95% purity and energy consumption of 3 GJ per ton (approximately) to be competitive with existing technologies. Note, these are performance targets, not yet demonstrated achievements,” he said.

Improvements in water tolerance and cycle stability have been significant, but the commercialisation timeline remains uncertain.

Aiding UAE industries

When it comes to regional integration, Dr. Griffiths believes these technologies have a natural fit with the UAE’s sustainability ambitions, mainly in areas like clean hydrogen production, industrial decarbonisation, and emerging carbon markets.

“We identify in the paper several applications relevant to the UAE and region,” he said. “Steam methane reforming for hydrogen production, which requires carbon capture to reduce emissions, is highlighted as achieving 96-99% CO₂ concentration in exhaust streams, making capture highly efficient. We note that electroswing technologies benefit from curtailed renewable electricity cost, which aligns with the UAE’s great solar potential.”

Enhanced oil recovery remains an established use for captured CO₂, but the focus, he emphasised, is shifting. “Carbon capture technologies are central to the sustainability and economic plans of the UAE and the broader GCC,” he said. “The focus is shifting from using CO₂ for enhanced oil recovery to enabling large-scale industrial decarbonisation and the production of low-carbon fuels.”

The scale of ambition is significant. “For instance, in the UAE ADNOC targets 10 MtCO₂/yr of capture capacity by 2030, Saudi Arabia is aiming for 44 MtCO₂/yr by 2035 and Qatar targets 11 MtCO₂/yr by 2035,” he noted. These targets are partly driven by the ambition to export low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia to key markets in Europe such as Germany, and Asia.

“By coupling carbon capture with significant natural gas resources, the region can secure its long-term role as a major energy provider while pursuing net-zero goals,” Dr. Griffiths concluded.

Steel remains one of the most carbon-intensive industries

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

Mitsubishi Power oversaw the design, engineering, equipment supply, and installation of the system. (Image source: Mitsubishi Power)

Mitsubishi Power, a brand of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, has completed and handed over a landmark hydrogen fuel conversion project at the Alexandria National Refining and Petrochemicals Company (ANRPC) refinery in Egypt.

This marks the first industrial use of hydrogen as boiler fuel in Egypt and the wider MENA region.

The full turnkey project, awarded in 2022, involved the complete rehabilitation and upgrade of a 100-ton-per-hour boiler, converting it from heavy fuel oil and natural gas to run entirely on hydrogen.

Mitsubishi Power oversaw the design, engineering, equipment supply, and installation of the system, which now utilises 14,000 tons of hydrogen-rich gases annually.

The conversion is expected to cut natural gas consumption by 24,000 tons and reduce carbon emissions by approximately 65,000 tons per year.

Supporting Egypt's energy industries

The project supports Egypt’s decarbonisation efforts and underscores its position as a clean energy innovator. It also highlights the potential of hydrogen to drive industrial decarbonisation across the region.

Mitsubishi Power’s advanced hydrogen technology, combined with ANRPC’s operational capabilities, delivered a successful outcome, providing a replicable model for hydrogen integration in Egypt’s energy sector.

The collaboration aligns with Egypt’s strategy to lead the emerging hydrogen economy in the region.

Mitsubishi Power reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Egypt’s energy transition and promoting hydrogen and renewable technologies across MENA.

Sayed Al-Rawi, chairman and managing director of ANRPC, said, "We are proud to be part of Egypt's journey towards a clean energy future and to contribute to achieving Egypt Vision 2030 with this pioneering milestone to using hydrogen as a fuel. This project represents an unprecedented achievement for ANRPC, Egypt, and the entire region. By integrating hydrogen into refining processes, we are contributing to reduce Egypt's carbon footprint and set a new standard for the country's industrial sector. We are proud of our partnership with Mitsubishi Power on this project, which is a true example of how international partnerships and advanced technology can bring about fundamental change toward a sustainable energy future. We are thrilled about the positive environmental impact of this project in reducing emissions, and we look forward to continuing our role in supporting Egypt's transition to clean energy. Together, we can help meet current energy needs and participate in shaping a sustainable energy future in Egypt and the region."

Javier Cavada, president and CEO, Europe, Middle East and Africa at Mitsubishi Power, said, "The success of this first-of-a-kind hydrogen conversion project marks a milestone in Egypt's transition to clean energy and reflects Mitsubishi Power's global leadership in developing advanced, low-carbon power generation technologies. We are honored to partner with ANRPC and support Egypt's ambitious vision for a clean energy transition, providing our expertise to transition existing infrastructure to low-carbon commercially viable systems. This project will lay down the foundation to a commercial path for decarbonising Egypt's industrial facilities with minimal downtime, in addition to demonstrating the tangible and positive impact of hydrogen in reducing emissions and developing sustainable energy solutions. Mitsubishi Power is committed to supporting Egypt's journey towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future, and we look forward to strengthening our collaboration with ANRPC and other stakeholders to drive the transition to hydrogen across the region."

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