Energy

EtihadWE looks to enhance renewable energy in the UAE

The solar power generated will be absorbed back into the grid, contributing to the renewable energy supply in the Northern Emirates. (Image soure: EtihadWE)

EtihadWE has partnered with the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) on a collaborative initiative aimed at promoting the utilisation of renewable energy in the Northern Emirates.

The Distributed Solar System (DSS) project allows EtihadWE customers to generate solar power through rooftop PV systems installed on their properties, with the generated power being fed back into the grid, boosting the overall supply of renewable energy.

The project aligns with the wise directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, for the sustainable and clean energy development of the UAE’s energy sector.

Launched in July 2023, the project began with a feasibility study to assess the financial and technical impacts of connecting DSS to the grid. EtihadWE has also developed regulations and technical guidelines for the systems in cooperation with MoEI.

As the certified installer, EtihadWE will provide certified contractors to install the solar panels, ensuring compliance with the latest safety standards.

Through this initiative, EtihadWE customers—including residential, industrial, and agricultural sectors—will have access to rooftop PV systems, allowing them to generate solar energy.

Renewables in the UAE

The solar power generated will be absorbed back into the grid, contributing to the renewable energy supply in the Northern Emirates.

While consumers will not directly utilise the energy produced by their solar panels, they will benefit from reduced energy bills by contributing to the renewable energy grid.

Participants in the initiative will have two meters: one to measure energy exported to the grid and another to measure energy imported. Each month, the exported vs imported energy will be tracked. If exports exceed imports, the excess energy will be credited to the customer’s account for use within the same year.

This initiative is part of a long-term strategy to increase accessibility to renewable energy in the Northern Emirates.

The project aims to create a more sustainable energy supply that reduces the carbon footprint and promotes cleaner energy sources.

His Excellency Eng Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at MoEI, stated, “The DSS project is a major contribution to the UAE’s shift to clean energy sources. It reflects our steadfast commitment to fast-tracking renewable energy deployment and the country’s sustainable development. We are pleased to partner with EtihadWE on this project that will pave the way for wider community engagement in building a more sustainable, energy-secure future.”

He added, “The project supports the long-term objectives of the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, including increasing the contribution of clean energy generation to 32%, ensuring the country is on track to meet its commitment to tripling the share of renewable energy by 2030 in line with the UAE Consensus. Such projects significantly contribute to enhancing the UAE’s global competitiveness rankings.”

EtihadWE CEO, Yousif Ahmed Al Ali remarked, “This major solar initiative marks a significant step in EtihadWE’s progress towards enhancing renewable energy in the Northern Emirates. We are embracing new technology to improve our operations, offer, products and customer service, whilst making our commitment to sustainability clear.”

“Through this project, we demonstrate our dedication to aligning our strategic approach with the UAE government’s directives to transition towards a future fuelled by sustainable energy.”

For businesses, the new project will lower operational costs and contribute to the development of more sustainable business models. The roll-out will commence with industrial customers in the initial phase.

EtihadWE also plans to host a series of workshops to educate customers on the initiative and its benefits, encouraging the broader adoption of solar energy solutions.

Abu Dhabi begins its hydrogen-powered bus service

The service began on 12 September. (Image source: Abu Dhabi Mobility)

The Integrated Transport Centre of Abu Dhabi has officially launched its green bus service, starting on 12 September.

This new fleet is powered by clean hydrogen and electric energy, marking a significant advancement in the Green Bus Programme, spearheaded by Abu Dhabi Mobility.

The programme aims to transform Abu Dhabi Island into a public transport green zone by 2030. As part of this initiative, a pioneering study was conducted—the first of its kind in Abu Dhabi and the wider region—to evaluate the feasibility and performance of hydrogen and electric buses under local climate and urban conditions.

Given the scarcity of research in the region, the study involved in-depth technical assessments of various bus models in collaboration with international manufacturers, government entities, and global agencies.

The new green bus service will operate on Route 65, connecting Marina Mall with Shams Boutik on Al Reem Island.

Green Bus Programme: a comprehensive action plan

Abu Dhabi's Green Bus Programme is a wide-ranging strategy focused on assessing and managing the emirate's public transport bus fleet. Its aim is to evaluate the most appropriate hydrogen and electric-powered technologies and offer these sustainable transport options to residents, visitors, and commuters. This will be achieved through partnerships with international government bodies and bus manufacturers, ensuring solutions are well-suited to the local environment. The programme also includes enhancing Emirati skills through specialised training programmes and practical learning experiences in South Korea and China.

Launched in November 2023, the assessment phase of the Green Bus Programme will conclude in June 2025. During this period, bus operators and drivers will undergo both theoretical and practical training, facilitated by Abu Dhabi Mobility’s partners. Certified technicians will also receive ongoing training to ensure they are prepared to handle daily maintenance and inspections of the green buses.

As the public bus system transitions from diesel to renewable energy, it is expected to cut annual carbon dioxide emissions in Abu Dhabi by over 100,000 metric tonnes.

AMEA Power to develop BESS in Egypt

AMEA Power has signed PPAs with the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company for both projects. (Image source: AMEA Power)

AMEA Power, one of the fastest-growing renewable energy companies, has signed Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) to develop Africa's largest solar PV project and Egypt's first utility-scale battery energy storage system (BESS).

Following the successful completion of the 500MW Abydos Solar PV Project, AMEA Power has secured two major renewable energy projects in Egypt.

The first is a 1,000MW solar PV plant with a 600MWh BESS in the Benban area of Aswan Governorate, which will become the largest solar PV and BESS project on the African continent.

The second is a 300MWh BESS, an expansion of the company’s 500MW Abydos solar PV plant currently under construction in Kom Ombo, Aswan Governorate, marking Egypt's first-ever utility-scale BESS deployment.

AMEA Power has signed PPAs with the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company for both projects. The signing ceremony, held on September 12th, 2024, was attended by H.E. Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Prime Minister of Egypt; H.E. Dr. Mahmoud Esmat, Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy; and H.E. Mariam Al Kaabi, UAE Ambassador to Egypt. Representing AMEA Power were Chairman Hussain Al Nowais, Chief Investment Officer Aqueel Bohra, Senior Director of Project Development Samir Nacef, Head of Legal Tina Blazquez-Lopez, Senior Manager of Business/Project Development Khaled Arfien, and Country Manager Ahmed Hafez.

With a combined investment of US$800mn, these projects underscore AMEA Power’s dedication to supporting Egypt’s transition to clean energy and cement the country as a key market for the company’s future growth.

The projects are expected to create approximately 2,500 jobs during peak construction and will deliver clean, renewable energy to over 769,800 homes, offsetting more than 2.3 million tons of carbon emissions annually.

Hussain Al Nowais, Chairman of AMEA Power, commented, “As the developer of the largest solar PV project in Africa and the first developer to undertake BESS in Egypt, our projects not only set a new benchmark in the renewable energy sector in Egypt and on the Continent but also demonstrates our leadership and innovative spirit in pushing the boundaries of what is possible. We are honoured to play such a pivotal role in shaping the future of clean energy in Egypt and on the Continent and this investment is a testament to AMEA Power’s commitment to deliver large-scale renewable energy solutions. These projects are not just about generating power, they are catalysts for economic growth, job creation, and community empowerment. By investing in Egypt’s energy future, we are reinforcing our dedication to driving positive change and supporting socio-economic development across the regions we serve.”

Astronergy to ship 1GW of solar modules to Algeria

A wide shot of the Benban solar plant in Egypt which uses Astronergy solar modules.

The 165.6MW Benban solar plant in Egypt, which uses Astronergy solar module products. (Image source: Astronergy)

Astrongergy, an intelligent manufacturing enterprise focusing on photovoltaic cells and modules, is preparing to ship 1GW of n-type TOPCon solar modules to Algeria as part of the country’s 1GW solar plant construction plan

The company announced the order after winning the tenders from China International Water & Electric Corp. and the Power Construction Corporation of China. It will be part of the 2GW power plant construction plan proposed by Algeria’s state-owned power utility, Sonelgaz. This will include the delivering of 15 solar plants across the country’s 12 provinces, each with a capacity ranging from 80-220MW, most of which will be built by Chinese companies.

Astronergy won six of these major projects: Abadla (80MW), Batemete (220MW), Gueltet Sidi Saad (200MW), Douar El Maa (200MW), Ouled Djellal (80MW), and Biskra (220MW). Construction on the latter, Biskra, has already begun, making use of Astrongergy’s N5 TOPCon solar modules.

ADNOC and ExxonMobil to partner in low-carbon hydrogen facility

The agreement was witnessed by His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council. (Image source: ADNOC)

ADNOC has signed an agreement to acquire a 35% equity stake in ExxonMobil's proposed low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia production facility in Baytown, Texas

The facility is expected to be the world’s largest of its kind upon startup, capable of producing up to one billion cubic feet (bcf) daily of low-carbon hydrogen and more than one million tons of low-carbon ammonia per year. A final investment decision (FID) is expected in 2025 with anticipated startup in 2029. The facility will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions across hard-to-abate sectors, including industry, energy and transportation, meet rising demand for lower-carbon fuels, and support both companies' net zero ambitions.

The facility will leverage advanced carbon capture and storage technologies to reduce emissions associated with hydrogen production. The project will also support US job creation and community development initiatives, bringing substantial economic benefits to Baytown, the Houston area and Texas.

Strategic investment

His Excellency Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and ADNOC managing director and Group CEO, said, "This strategic investment is a significant step for ADNOC as we grow our portfolio of lower-carbon energy sources and deliver on our international growth strategy. We look forward to partnering with ExxonMobil on this low carbon-intensity and technologically advanced project to meet rising demand and help decarbonise heavy-emitting sectors.”

Darren Woods, ExxonMobil Chairman and CEO, added, “This is a world-scale project in a new global energy value chain. Bringing on the right partners is key to accelerating market development, and we’re pleased to add ADNOC’s proven experience and global market insights to our Baytown facility.”