Energy

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has recently reaffirmed its commitment to aligning its extensive portfolio of clean energy projects with comprehensive environmental stewardship.

Modern infrastructure development is undergoing a profound transformation.

It is no longer sufficient merely to transition away from fossil fuels; the new mandate requires that renewable energy projects themselves harmonise seamlessly with the natural world. In the United Arab Emirates, this holistic philosophy is rapidly becoming the cornerstone of urban planning and utility generation. By intertwining large-scale power production with stringent ecological preservation, the region is pioneering a blueprint for sustainable mega-cities that respect their surrounding ecosystems.

At the forefront of this green revolution is the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), which has recently reaffirmed its commitment to aligning its extensive portfolio of clean energy projects with comprehensive environmental stewardship. This strategy ensures that resource conservation, emissions reduction, and biodiversity enhancement remain central to the Emirate’s infrastructure masterplan. In doing so, it firmly supports Dubai's standing as a global model for smart, sustainable urban environments.

The driving force behind this dual-focus strategy is deeply rooted in national policy and leadership. Speaking on the authority's strategic direction, a spokesperson stated: “At DEWA, we draw our inspiration for environmental protection and sustainability enhancement from the directives of our wise leadership, whose vision has established the UAE as a global model in climate action, sustainable development and the preservation of natural resources for future generations.”

To execute this vision, the organisation is aggressively pursuing rigorous long-term targets, refusing to compromise on environmental integrity. As noted in their recent public statement: “We are advancing the objectives of the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050 by delivering transformative energy projects that support Dubai's goal of providing 100% of its total power production capacity from clean sources by 2050.”

Scaling Solar and Hydroelectric Infrastructure

Embedding sustainability across all project phases—from initial design and careful planning to active construction and daily operation—is a foundational requirement for these mega-projects. To maintain these standards, the authority relies heavily on environmental monitoring programmes that regularly assess air, water, and soil quality, alongside ambient noise levels. This continuous feedback loop ensures rapid corrective actions and drives continuous improvement.

A prime example of this methodology is the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the largest single-site solar park globally, operating under an independent power producer model. Key figures regarding this landmark project include:

• Current Capacity: The facility currently operates with a massive energy capacity of 3,860 megawatts (MW).
• Future Expansion: The park is expected to exceed 8,000 MW by 2030, significantly surpassing its initial target of 5,000 MW.
• Energy Mix Impact: This expansive growth is projected to increase the share of clean energy within Dubai’s overall energy mix to 36%, up from the original goal of 25%.

Beyond solar technology, the organisation is breaking new ground in energy storage and grid resilience. The pumped-storage hydroelectric power plant situated in Hatta highlights how clean energy generation can be carefully balanced with the preservation of a region's natural topography. Key specifications of the Hatta project encompass:

• Regional First: It stands proudly as the GCC’s first pumped-storage hydroelectric initiative.
• Production and Storage: The facility features a production capacity of 250 MW alongside an impressive storage capacity of 1,500 megawatt-hours.
• Longevity: The plant is engineered with a projected operational lifespan of up to 80 years.

Summarising the ethos behind these physical assets, the official release affirmed: “Our projects reaffirm that developing future infrastructure is driven by a comprehensive vision that accounts for environmental protection, resource preservation and biodiversity enhancement, aligning with the UAE's sustainability legacy and Dubai's ambition to build a greener, more resilient and prosperous future,”

Fostering Biodiversity and Community Action

Crucially, this environmental commitment extends far beyond the construction of concrete and steel infrastructure. The organisation places a heavy emphasis on community-driven initiatives designed to protect terrestrial and marine habitats. Guided by strict circular economy principles, they prioritise rationalising resource use, promoting material recovery, and minimising waste generation.

Mangrove forests have become a central focus of these conservation efforts. Revered for their unique ability to absorb carbon emissions, provide vital wildlife habitats, and protect fragile coastlines, mangroves are indispensable to the local ecosystem. Working in tandem with environmental partners, extensive conservation drives have been launched. Recent biodiversity achievements include:

• Targeted Plantings: Between 2023 and 2026, a remarkable 14,650 mangrove trees were planted at the Jebel Ali Marine Sanctuary.
• Recent Campaigns: In 2026 alone, dedicated planting and beach-cleaning events engaged 254 volunteers who planted 700 mangroves, contributing 508 volunteer hours.
• Waste Removal: Over the same three-year period, robust beach clean-ups removed 3,546 kilograms of waste—predominantly plastics—with the assistance of 2,154 community volunteers.

By formally embedding priorities such as climate change mitigation, circular economy practices, and biodiversity protection into its core corporate governance framework, the authority ensures long-term accountability. This holistic strategy proves that the ambitious expansion of clean energy networks need not come at the expense of the natural world, paving a genuinely sustainable path forward for future generations.

L&T Energy Hydrocarbon Offshore (LTEH Offshore) confirmed it had secured an enormous order from a prestigious client in the Middle East.

The global energy landscape is continually evolving, with the Middle East remaining a pivotal centre for infrastructure investments designed to meet escalating future energy demands. 

The scale of offshore developments is reaching unprecedented levels, as the region strives to secure its long-term growth ambitions. This expansion requires deep engineering expertise, flawless coordination, and integrated execution capabilities to deliver critical infrastructure safely.

At the forefront of this shift is a newly announced ultra-mega project. On 17 August 2026, L&T Energy Hydrocarbon Offshore (LTEH Offshore) confirmed it had secured an enormous order from a prestigious client in the Middle East. In Larsen & Toubro's classification system, an "ultra-mega" order signifies a project value exceeding US$15.68mn. This investment highlights the strategic commitment required to cultivate multiple offshore facilities in today's demanding energy sector.

The Scope of Comprehensive EPCIC Operations

Delivering offshore infrastructure on this massive scale necessitates a meticulous approach. For this ultra-mega development, LTEH Offshore will undertake the full project scope encompassing engineering, procurement, construction, installation and commissioning (EPCIC). The parameters of this Middle Eastern project exemplify the multifaceted nature of modern energy processing.

Key elements of the undertaking include:

• The comprehensive development of multiple offshore facilities.
• The implementation of extensive subsea infrastructure.
• Substantial fabrication requirements to build physical structures.
• Execution of fabrication activities at L&T's integrated manufacturing facilities.

This EPCIC methodology is essential for maintaining control over the project's timeline and quality standards.

Industry Leadership and Project Execution

Successful delivery of complex offshore developments relies heavily on an organisation's proven track record. LTEH Offshore’s latest contract award reinforces its long-standing presence within the Middle Eastern market. It reflects the confidence clients place in the company's capacity to finalise large-scale programmes safely, on schedule, and adhering to highest quality standards.

Parthasarathi Chatterjee, Senior Vice President & Head - L&T Energy Hydrocarbon Offshore, commented: "With multiple offshore facilities, subsea infrastructure and substantial fabrication requirements, this project exemplifies the scale and complexity of offshore developments that LTEH Offshore is uniquely positioned to deliver. Our integrated EPCIC approach, supported by world-class engineering, fabrication and marine capabilities, enables us to execute such projects with certainty, efficiency and a strong focus on safety and quality".

Decades of Specialised Offshore Expertise

Organisations operating in this tier require robust, in-house capabilities. LTEH Offshore is supported by integrated engineering, project management, and a dedicated fleet of marine vessels. Over the past four decades, the business has successfully managed the globe's most challenging marine developments.

Their portfolio of successfully executed global projects includes:

• Construction and installation of traditional fixed platforms.
• Deployment of deep water subsea structures and pipelines.
• Brownfield upgrades and modifications to existing infrastructure.
• Execution of decommissioning programmes across international markets.

T Madhava Das, Whole-time Director, Senior Executive Vice President & Head Energy Hydrocarbon Division, Larsen & Toubro, summarised the deal: "The order represents one of the most significant offshore developments currently underway in the Middle East and underscores the growing investments being made to meet future energy demand. The scale and complexity of the project call for deep engineering expertise, integrated project execution capabilities and flawless coordination across multiple workstreams. We are proud to contribute to the development of critical energy infrastructure that will support the region's long-term growth ambitions".

NEOM has officially completed the construction of its flagship $8.5 billion green hydrogen mega-project at Oxagon.

As the international community accelerates its transition towards a net-zero future, the energy sector is undergoing a profound and necessary transformation.

At the centre of this shift is green hydrogen, a sustainable fuel capable of powering industries that have traditionally relied on heavy fossil fuels. Unlike conventional hydrogen, which is extracted using natural gas, green hydrogen is produced entirely through the electrolysis of water, powered exclusively by renewable energy sources. This zero-emission profile makes it a critical asset in the international effort to mitigate climate change and restructure global energy grids.

However, the road to widespread commercial adoption is not without its hurdles.

Scaling Up and Logistical Barriers

The primary challenge facing the green hydrogen industry is the sheer operational scale required to make it commercially viable. For decades, green hydrogen has remained a boutique, experimental solution, heavily hindered by high production costs and the massive infrastructure needed to generate sufficient renewable electricity.

Furthermore, transporting raw hydrogen over long distances presents a formidable logistical barrier. The element suffers from a notoriously low volumetric energy density and requires highly pressurised or cryogenic storage solutions to move securely. To truly decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors such as heavy manufacturing, commercial aviation, and maritime shipping, developers must transition from modest pilot programmes to colossal, utility-scale operations. This necessitates immense capital expenditure, the seamless integration of sprawling solar and wind power assets, and a scientific solution to the overarching transportation dilemma.

Green Ammonia and Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030

The prevailing market solution to the export challenge lies in the synthesis of green ammonia. By combining clean hydrogen with nitrogen extracted from the air, energy producers can create green ammonia, a liquid compound that is significantly easier, safer, and cheaper to store and transport internationally. Once it reaches its destination, it can be utilised directly as a low-carbon fuel or converted back into raw hydrogen.

Against this market backdrop, Saudi Arabia is actively positioning itself as a vanguard of the clean energy revolution. Historically renowned for its vast oil reserves, the Kingdom is rapidly diversifying its economy under the Vision 2030 initiative. A cornerstone of this strategy is NEOM, a futuristic mega-city designed to operate entirely on renewable energy. Within NEOM lies Oxagon, an advanced industrial hub intended to redefine clean manufacturing and establish robust new international supply chains for sustainable fuels.

A Monumental Milestone at Oxagon

Turning this ambitious green vision into reality, a formidable consortium has achieved a landmark breakthrough. The NEOM Green Hydrogen Company (NGHC)—a strategic joint venture comprising the Saudi utility giant ACWA Power, the US-based industrial gas leader Air Products, and NEOM—has officially completed the construction of its flagship $8.5 billion green hydrogen mega-project at Oxagon.

ACWA Power Chief Executive Officer Samir Serhan recently confirmed during an earnings call with analysts and investors that the monumental facility has successfully transitioned into the commissioning stage. When fully operational, the plant will stand as the world’s largest commercial-scale green hydrogen production facility, projected to produce up to 600 tonnes of carbon-free hydrogen per day. This enormous output will then be converted directly into green ammonia for export to global markets.

The physical scale of the supporting infrastructure is unprecedented. The operation requires an immense amount of green electricity, which will be supplied by an integrated network of renewable assets. In March, NGHC reported that the project’s dedicated renewable power generation infrastructure—comprising a massive solar farm, a sprawling wind garden, and a bespoke transmission grid—had already reached approximately 95 per cent completion.

Addressing the timeline and future operational targets, the company confirmed its commitment to the scheduled global rollout. As stated in an official company update: “The project remains on schedule, with up to 4 GW of combined solar and wind power generation targeted for completion by mid-2026, followed by commissioning of the electrolyzers and first green ammonia product availability planned for 2027.”

By effectively marrying massive renewable energy generation with cutting-edge electrolysis and ammonia synthesis, ACWA Power and its partners have successfully demonstrated that utility-scale green hydrogen is no longer merely a theoretical concept.

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.