Energy

A consortium led by EDF power solutions, Al Khadra Partners, and OQ Alternative Energy (OQAE) officially announced the successful achievement of financial close for the 120-megawatt (MW) Jaalan Bani Bu Ali (JBB) Wind Independent Power Project.

As nations accelerate their shift away from carbon-intensive power generation, the challenge lies not merely in the technological deployment of renewable infrastructure, but in the intricate financial and operational orchestration required to bring these projects to fruition.

In the Sultanate of Oman, where the commitment to sustainability is firmly rooted in the ambitious framework of Vision 2040, the transition to a greener grid is moving from conceptual planning to concrete, large-scale implementation.

For industrialised and emerging economies alike, the primary hurdle in scaling renewable energy has historically been the gap between policy goals and actionable, bankable infrastructure. Developing utility-scale wind farms requires more than just geography; it demands the alignment of government procurement, private sector investment, and technical expertise. The financial close of a major project is often the most significant milestone in this journey, signalling that a project has secured the necessary capital, risk mitigation, and contractual stability to move from the boardroom to the construction site.

Oman has been systematically laying the groundwork for this transition, aiming to increase the share of renewable energy in its national electricity mix to at least 30 per cent by 2030. This strategy serves a dual purpose: supporting the Sultanate’s Net Zero 2050 ambitions while ensuring long-term energy security through diversification. Within this market context, the ability to attract international consortiums to develop infrastructure has become a key indicator of the country’s growing appeal as a hub for sustainable investment.

This week, the Sultanate marked a significant step forward in this journey. A consortium led by EDF power solutions, Al Khadra Partners, and OQ Alternative Energy (OQAE) officially announced the successful achievement of financial close for the 120-megawatt (MW) Jaalan Bani Bu Ali (JBB) Wind Independent Power Project.

The project follows the execution of a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Nama Power and Water Procurement Company (Nama PWP). Located in the South Al Sharqiyah Governorate, approximately 440 km from the Port of Duqm, the wind farm is set to become one of the country’s most prominent onshore wind energy initiatives. The facility will comprise 16 wind turbines, each boasting a generation capacity of 7.7 MW, and is expected to commence commercial operations in the third quarter of 2027.

The environmental and economic implications of the JBB Wind Project are substantial. Once operational, the farm is projected to supply renewable electricity to more than 13,500 Omani households annually while avoiding over 270,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year. Beyond the environmental gains, the project is designed to bolster local economic development, creating opportunities for skills transfer, job creation, and enhanced participation for Omani businesses during both the construction and operational phases.

Reflecting on the achievement, Luc Koechlin, CEO Middle East of EDF power solutions, said: "Achieving financial close on the JBB Wind Project is a major milestone for all partners involved and demonstrates the confidence of lenders in both the project and Oman's renewable energy market."

This milestone reaffirms the viability of Oman’s renewable sector and underscores the collaborative approach required to drive the Sultanate toward its long-term decarbonisation objectives.

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) and the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) have formally entered a pivotal new phase of collaboration.

Tackling environmental waste is no longer just about deploying teams with bin bags; it is evolving into a highly sophisticated, data-driven science.

In a significant move that highlights a modern approach to conservation, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) and the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) have formally entered a pivotal new phase of collaboration. This partnership, operating under the robust framework of the Abu Dhabi Waste Management Strategy, focuses on delivering an intensive programme of environmental clean-up activities. However, this is not a traditional sweep of public spaces. Instead, it represents a multifaceted initiative that seamlessly combines structured field operations with systematic, rigorous data analysis, perfectly reflecting a shared, overarching commitment to supporting Abu Dhabi’s broader environmental protection and sustainability agenda.

This inter-agency collaboration forms a crucial part of a much larger, cohesive vision designed to unify government efforts across the emirate. The primary objective is to fundamentally transform standard clean-up operations from reactive chores into powerful, proactive strategic tools for long-term environmental monitoring. By pooling resources, expertise, and operational capacities, the EAD and the DMT are setting a new standard for how municipal and environmental bodies can work in tandem. To date, this joint initiative has already seen substantial physical progress on the ground. Four targeted clean-up campaigns have been successfully carried out at carefully selected sites across the region. Building on the momentum of these initial successes, comprehensive plans are currently underway to significantly expand the scope of the project. This expansion includes the delivery of two highly specialised marine operations, which will be executed in addition to a continuous, year-round series of terrestrial and coastal cleaning efforts.

What truly sets this ambitious programme apart is its refusal to stop at the mere physical removal of rubbish from targeted sites. Instead, the initiative adopts a highly systematic, scientific methodology to process the collected materials. Every item of refuse is subjected to a rigorous protocol that includes precise waste classification, accurate weighing, and meticulous documentation. This wealth of information is securely logged within a highly structured field database operating under the umbrella of the Sahim – Citizen Science programme. Once the data is entered, it is subjected to in-depth analysis to identify the most prevalent types of waste polluting both terrestrial and marine environments. This analytical approach provides government authorities with a remarkably clear, evidence-based picture of complex waste patterns and their spatial distribution across different ecosystems.

Furthermore, the collaborative initiative strongly underscores the reality that institutional efforts alone are insufficient; active community participation remains an absolutely essential element in achieving long-term, genuine environmental sustainability. The project actively encourages individuals within the community to adopt highly responsible waste management behaviours in their daily lives. By involving the public, whether directly or through the transparency of the Sahim programme, it actively fosters a vital culture dedicated to maintaining the pristine cleanliness of both natural habitats and shared public spaces. It aims to instil a sense of civic duty and environmental stewardship that resonates well beyond the designated clean-up days.

Ultimately, these combined efforts serve as a sterling model of integration, demonstrating how rigorous physical fieldwork can be perfectly married with high-level institutional support and advanced data analytics. By turning everyday refuse collection into actionable intelligence, the project not only cleans the immediate landscape but also informs future policy and preventative strategies. This holistic, scientifically backed approach reinforces Abu Dhabi's hard-earned position as a true pioneer in knowledge-based, partnership-driven environmental management. As the programme continues to roll out its planned marine and coastal operations throughout the remainder of the year, it stands as a testament to the power of strategic collaboration in the ongoing fight to preserve our natural world for future generations.

Trinasolarhas officially joined forces with the Al-Raebi for Trading and Solar Energy Systems Company.

The Republic of Yemen is standing at a critical juncture in its energy evolution, driven by surging electricity demand and an urgent need for more resilient, sustainable infrastructure.

In a landmark move to address these pressing domestic requirements whilst accelerating the broader regional transition towards renewables, Trinasolarhas officially joined forces with the Al-Raebi for Trading and Solar Energy Systems Company.

Announced in Sana'a on 20 July 2026, the entities have signed a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement establishes a formal framework to explore collaboration on a massive 1.5 gigawatt (GW) solar project pipeline across Yemen, spanning a strategic window between 2026 and 2029. The initiative signals a robust commitment to diversifying the nation's power supply through advanced solar deployment.

Fusing Global Expertise with Local Market Insight

The foundational strength of this MoU lies in the complementary capabilities of both organisations. Navigating the Yemeni energy sector requires deep, nuanced local market knowledge, a vital asset that Al-Raebi has cultivated over years of domestic operation. Conversely, executing utility-scale infrastructure demands world-class technological prowess and global project management experience—areas where Trinasolar excels on the international stage.

The current framework ensures that both companies will thoroughly evaluate emerging opportunities to support large-scale solar projects not only within Yemen but also across the wider Middle East. Together, they will carefully assess specific technical requirements, viable project opportunities, and future commercial cooperation models.

Todd Li, President of the Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa Region at Trinasolar, articulated the vision behind the partnership. Maintaining his exact phrasing, he noted:

"This MoU marks an important step in strengthening Trinasolar's presence in Yemen and supporting the country's renewable energy development. By combining Trinasolar's PV module technology and global project experience with Al-Raebi's strong local market knowledge, we look forward to exploring opportunities that can contribute to Yemen and the wider Middle East's long-term energy security and sustainable development."

The Technological Engine: TOPCon 3.0 Modules

Central to this prospective 1.5 GW pipeline is the integration of cutting-edge hardware. The collaboration highlights the potential supply of Trinasolar's latest TOPCon 3.0 modules. These components are meticulously engineered to support high-efficiency solar power generation, making them well-suited for utility-scale developments and large commercial projects.

In regions like the Middle East, where high temperatures and intense solar irradiance demand robust solutions, the TOPCon 3.0 architecture provides enhanced durability and superior energy yield. By prioritising the deployment of such premium modules, the partnership aims to maximise generation capacity, ensuring that arrays operate at peak efficiency.

Addressing the Demand for Clean, Affordable Energy

Yemen's domestic energy landscape has long required revitalisation. As demand for clean, reliable, and affordable energy solutions continues to grow at an unprecedented rate, large-scale solar deployment is widely expected to play an increasingly dominant role. Transitioning towards photovoltaic infrastructure allows the nation to reduce its reliance on traditional fuel sources, thereby enhancing energy security and fostering long-term economic stability.

Abdullah M. Raebi, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Al-Raebi for Trading and Solar Energy Systems Company, emphasised the transformative potential of this alliance. In his own words, he stated:

"We are pleased to establish this framework for cooperation with Trinasolar, one of the world's leading solar technology companies. This collaboration reflects our commitment to delivering high-quality and reliable solar solutions to the Yemeni market and supporting the country's increasing demand for clean and affordable energy."

Shaping the Future of Middle Eastern Renewables

While the immediate focus remains firmly fixed on the Yemeni market between 2026 and 2029, the implications of this 1.5 GW exploratory pipeline resonate across the entire Middle East. By demonstrating the commercial and operational viability of such a large-scale international partnership, Trinasolar and Al-Raebi are laying down a blueprint for subsequent renewable energy frameworks in the region.

As both companies move forward with their technical assessments and project viability studies over the coming months, the global energy sector will be watching closely. This strategic endeavour not only promises to elevate Yemen's domestic power capabilities but also stands as a testament to the power of cross-border collaboration in the pursuit of a sustainable, solar-powered future.

Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI), the emirate is rapidly becoming one of the most strategically advantaged territories in the worldwide hydrogen sector.

The global race for clean energy leadership is intensifying, yet amidst mounting international policy uncertainty, Abu Dhabi is decisively charting its own course.

According to the June 2026 report released by the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI), the emirate is rapidly becoming one of the most strategically advantaged territories in the worldwide hydrogen sector. The comprehensive document, produced by the Chamber’s Business Intelligence Department and titled Abu Dhabi’s Positioning in the Hydrogen Economy, arrives at a critical juncture. While numerous international markets are experiencing a marked recalibration in their hydrogen ambitions and suffering from stalled progress, Abu Dhabi is seamlessly advancing from theoretical policy commitments directly to tangible, operational projects. This transition is robustly supported by strong economic fundamentals and highly targeted investments.

A primary finding of the report is that the United Arab Emirates is uniquely positioned amongst global leaders in low-cost hydrogen production. The nation benefits from a potent combination of structural advantages. These include abundant solar resources, exceptionally efficient electricity infrastructure, sophisticated industrial capabilities, and a notably low cost of capital. Consequently, the UAE is projected to secure one of the world’s lowest Levelised Costs of Hydrogen and ammonia by 2030. This competitive edge will firmly cement the nation’s role as a crucial exporter to early-adopter demand centres such as the European Union, Japan, and South Korea. Operating as the UAE’s strategic spearhead in this domain, Abu Dhabi has boldly established a production target of 1.4 million tonnes per year of low-carbon hydrogen by 2031.

Furthermore, the Chamber’s report highlights a significant global strategic shift. Rather than relying solely on the export of pure hydrogen, the industry is moving towards the production of higher-value derivatives. These encompass green ammonia, methanol, synthetic fuels, and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Abu Dhabi is actively embedding itself along this lucrative value chain through dynamic initiatives. Key strategies include the development of methanol and SAF projects that utilise both green hydrogen and captured carbon dioxide. Additionally, the emirate is exploring e-methane production alongside advanced bunkering infrastructure, whilst expanding capabilities in green ammonia and synthetic fuels. These initiatives are anticipated to unlock billions of dirhams in hitherto unrealised export potential by 2029, driving substantial job creation and facilitating massive reductions in carbon emissions.

Despite this strong global momentum, securing reliable offtakers remains the critical challenge determining ultimate project viability. The ADCCI report notes that, globally, only around 12 per cent of low-carbon hydrogen projects have successfully secured confirmed customers. In stark contrast, Abu Dhabi is proactively demonstrating a highly viable delivery model by implementing “customer-aligned projects” across the region. A prime example is the EMSTEEL–Masdar green steel pilot, proudly recognised as the Middle East and North Africa’s first hydrogen-based steel project, which is already fully operational. Furthermore, landmark offtake agreements have been successfully signed with leading developers Modon and Aldar to supply green steel to various sustainable construction projects. The report rightly underscores that long-term offtake agreements—particularly within sectors that are financially capable of absorbing the associated green premium—are absolutely essential to accelerate investment and properly scale the broader hydrogen economy.

Beyond pure energy production and its valuable derivatives, the report identifies a highly lucrative near-term commercial opportunity in the trade of hydrogen-related technologies and vital equipment. Abu Dhabi’s advanced industrial zones, particularly KEZAD, alongside the world-class logistics infrastructure situated at Khalifa Port, perfectly position the emirate as a premier manufacturing and re-export hub for the global market. By 2029, the estimated export potential is immense, spanning green hydrogen production equipment valued at approximately AED 2.3 billion, port infrastructure components at AED 1.2 billion, and blending projects expected to generate around AED 1.3 billion. With promising export destinations including China, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia, the emirate is building an extensive global network. This international outreach was brilliantly foreshadowed in 2023 when ADNOC, John Cockerill Hydrogen, and Strata Manufacturing signed a landmark agreement to produce electrolysers in the UAE for both domestic use and international export—an unprecedented regional first that perfectly encapsulates Abu Dhabi’s boundless ambition.