Energy

According to a newly released report by Boston Consulting Group (BCG), these next-generation urban developments possess the capacity to generate up to 35% of their own electricity demand directly on-site.

The ambitious mega-projects currently rising across Saudi Arabia are uniquely positioned to transform the nation's energy landscape.

According to a newly released report by Boston Consulting Group (BCG), these next-generation urban developments possess the capacity to generate up to 35% of their own electricity demand directly on-site. This revelation places the Kingdom at the vanguard of sustainable urban development, showcasing how decentralised renewable energy can bridge the divide between skyrocketing energy consumption and stringent climate targets.

The report, titled Mega-Projects Powered by Renewables: A Practical Playbook for Saudi Arabia, outlines a robust strategy for integrating solar photovoltaics across roofs, carports, and shading structures. This infrastructure can fulfil this 35% electricity demand without requiring a single square metre of additional land or sacrificing architectural aesthetics. Looking at individual assets, a standard single-family villa could satisfy roughly 50% of its annual electricity requirement, generating approximately 35 MWh/year from rooftop solar alone. For denser mid-rise buildings, on-site solar can cover about 15% of annual needs, yielding a substantial 190 MWh/year. These figures represent significant leaps towards the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives to source 50% of electricity from renewables and achieve net-zero emissions by 2060.

"Saudi Arabia's new cities represent a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build sustainable urban environments from the ground up," said Edoardo Geraci, Managing Director & Partner, BCG. "The economics are clear: developers can meet almost a third of their electricity demand, while simultaneously advancing the Kingdom’s low-carbon urban development. Developers can choose between asset-light models such as Power Purchase Agreements, which can eliminate upfront capital investment, and own-and-operate models, which may deliver stronger lifetime returns for those with the right investment horizon."

From a financial perspective, developers face strategic choices. The own-and-operate model boasts the potential for 35% to 50% higher long-term financial returns, albeit requiring initial capital and ongoing operational oversight. Conversely, on-site generation acts as a powerful buffer against fluctuating energy prices and positions these developments advantageously against future carbon regulations. Crucially, weaving this infrastructure in during early stages completely bypasses the exorbitant costs associated with retrofitting later on.

Momentum is already gathering pace across the nation. Decentralised renewable projects are surfacing in various sectors, with solar developers installing multi-megawatt systems in retail centres, industrial factories, and residential blocks. King Abdullah Economic City currently boasts an estimated 12.5 megawatt-peak in renewable capacity. This progress has been bolstered by the Saudi Electricity Regulatory Authority's (SERA) self-consumption framework, introduced in 2022, which dissolved previous regulatory anxieties by establishing transparent guidelines for behind-the-meter generation.

While hesitancy has occasionally slowed developer adoption, the report systematically dismantles common misconceptions. Concerns regarding space limitations and visual disruption are mitigated by modern, seamlessly integrated solar designs. Fears of massive initial costs are neutralised by third-party funding avenues, whilst SERA's framework simplifies once-complex permitting procedures.

"Beyond the compelling economics, renewable energy infrastructure offers something equally valuable: the opportunity to shape a distinctive identity for Saudi Arabia's new cities," said Peter Jameson, Managing Director & Partner, BCG. "Solar canopies, building-integrated photovoltaics, and interactive energy features transform sustainability from a compliance requirement into a signature urban asset. These elements enhance appeal for residents, visitors, and investors who increasingly prioritize environmental responsibility in their decisions."

For those ready to capitalise on this transition, BCG provides a definitive roadmap. Developers must execute preliminary energy assessments to gauge savings, actively collaborate with authorities during the master planning phase, and permanently embed renewable infrastructure from inception. Driven by the country's abundant solar irradiance and the plummeting costs of technology, embracing on-site renewables is no longer just an environmental obligation, but a highly lucrative strategy powering the cities of tomorrow.

Türkiye has positioned itself at the forefront of environmental innovation by aggressively boosting its support for clean technology start-ups.

As the global community prepares for the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), Türkiye has positioned itself at the forefront of environmental innovation by aggressively boosting its support for clean technology start-ups.

Scheduled to be held in the picturesque Mediterranean resort city of Antalya from the 9th to the 20th of November, the COP31 summit will bring together governments, industry leaders, and environmental advocates to advance international cooperation on climate action, emissions reduction, the transition to clean energy, and climate finance. In anticipation of this monumental event, Türkiye’s Scientific and Technological Research Council (TUBITAK) has formally launched a series of new funding and accelerator initiatives designed to help pioneering start-ups commercialise their products and secure vital green investment.

Empowering innovators

TUBITAK’s strategic drive expands upon existing support structures for clean energy, green technologies, and sustainable transformation. According to official details, the core of these fresh initiatives focuses heavily on the second phase of the Global Cleantech Innovation Programme (GCIP). This ambitious project is implemented by TUBITAK in close cooperation with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) and several government ministries. The primary objective of the GCIP’s second phase is to seamlessly transform nascent clean technology solutions into market-ready businesses through intensive acceleration schemes, rigorous technology validation, and comprehensive investment readiness activities.

Applications for the highly anticipated GCIP Türkiye Accelerator 2026, alongside the Inclusive Green Transition Accelerator 2026, have been opened to the public and will remain active until the 3rd of August. The scope of eligible ventures is intentionally broad to capture maximum innovation. Start-ups actively developing solutions in sectors such as energy efficiency, renewable energy generation, waste valorisation, water efficiency, green buildings, sustainable transportation, and advanced materials and chemicals are strongly encouraged to apply. By participating in these meticulously structured programmes, burgeoning entrepreneurs will receive invaluable assistance to strengthen their core technologies and refine their overarching business models. Furthermore, the initiatives are designed to validate new products rigorously, preparing participants for impending investment rounds and facilitating seamless entry into both domestic and international markets.

Financial incentives

To further incentivise participation and reward ground-breaking innovation, TUBITAK has committed to providing substantial cash awards to the highest-performing teams within each accelerator track. The financial backing is structured to provide significant runway for developing businesses. First-place teams in the programme will be awarded 700,000 Turkish liras (approximately $17,300). Those securing second place will receive 500,000 Turkish liras, while third-place finishers will take home 400,000 Turkish liras. This direct injection of capital is expected to alleviate immediate financial pressures that typically hinder early-stage ventures, allowing them to focus entirely on scaling operational capacities before debuting their innovations globally.

Championing women in clean technology

In addition to the main prize tiers, TUBITAK has instituted dedicated support for women-led clean technology start-ups. Recognising the vital importance of gender diversity in the technology sectors, the council has announced that winning women-led ventures across four distinct categories will be awarded 300,000 Turkish liras each. This financial prize will be coupled with bespoke investment readiness assistance, ensuring these female founders are perfectly positioned to attract subsequent venture capital funding and navigate corporate growth.

The inclusive green transition

Separately, but running in parallel with the GCIP efforts, TUBITAK and UNIDO are launching the Inclusive Green Transition Accelerator 2026. This specific programme has been tailored to support technology-based solutions that actively promote an inclusive green economy, echoing broader discussions seen at recent domestic environmental summits held under the pivotal theme of “Climate, Water, Food and Security”. Teams selected for this specialised accelerator will be invited to attend the prestigious GCIP Türkiye 2026 National Academy in September. Throughout the academy, and extending into December, participants will receive tailored training, expert mentoring, and supplementary online support to help them develop, refine, and eventually commercialise their visionary clean technology solutions.

These concerted efforts reflect Türkiye's strategic intent to not merely host COP31, but to actively demonstrate practical, actionable leadership in the fight against climate change. By aggressively funding and mentoring the next generation of eco-innovators, the nation is laying the solid groundwork for a robust, sustainable economic future that closely aligns with the most urgent environmental priorities of our time.

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has channelled more than AED 10 billion—equivalent to US$2.72bn—into comprehensive electricity transmission network projects.

Dubai’s skyline is synonymous with boundless ambition and rapid urban evolution.

Behind the gleaming architecture and the sprawling metropolitan landscape lies a complex, unseen heartbeat: an electrical grid that must continuously adapt to power one of the world’s most dynamic cities. As Dubai steadily marches toward a more sustainable future while maintaining its rapid pace of economic expansion, the absolute necessity for a resilient and robust power infrastructure has never been more paramount.

Rising to this formidable challenge, the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has channelled more than AED 10 billion—equivalent to US$2.72bn—into comprehensive electricity transmission network projects. This capital injection reinforces the emirate's energy grid, ensuring it remains capable of accommodating surging power consumption driven by industrial growth, residential communities, and the clean energy transition.

The scale of this investment underscores a proactive approach to urban management. The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of DEWA, Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, recently shed light on the authority’s extensive infrastructural accomplishments achieved during the initial six months of 2026. The utility successfully commissioned eight new 132-kilovolt (kV) transmission substations within this timeframe. Together, these state-of-the-art facilities provide a substantial combined conversion capacity of 1,200 megavolt-amperes (MVA). This meticulous undertaking also encompassed the successful laying of 20 kilometres of crucial transmission cables, carrying an estimated cost of AED 970 million.

The strategic vision propelling these massive engineering feats is firmly rooted in the broader economic and social frameworks established by Dubai’s visionary leadership. Articulating this foundational philosophy, Al Tayer stated: "In line with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the Dubai Social Agenda 33, we are committed to meeting current and future requirements, keeping pace with growing electricity demand and expanding our infrastructure,"

Beyond the standard municipal substations, DEWA has also made significant strides in its renewable energy integration. The utility commissioned a 400/132kV transmission substation at Saih Al Dahal, located within the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. This particular project represents an investment of AED 630 million and boasts a staggering total conversion capacity of 2,000 MVA. To seamlessly connect this solar powerhouse to the main grid, engineers constructed 117 kilometres of 400kV overhead transmission lines. Such endeavours are not achieved lightly; these collective infrastructural projects demanded more than nine million intensive working hours, executed under the highest international standards of reliability and safety.

Looking ahead, DEWA’s developmental blueprint for the immediate future reveals an unyielding momentum. Currently, the authority is actively overseeing the construction of an additional 65 fresh 132kV substations, alongside one major 400kV substation. Over the coming three years, this pipeline of development is poised to expand even further. The utility intends to formally solicit bids for more than 30 supplementary 132kV substations. Furthermore, engineers will lay down an astonishing 340 kilometres of underground transmission cables and erect two further 400kV substations, creating a dense web of power resilience across the entire emirate.

Hussain Lootah, DEWA’s Executive Vice President of Transmission Power, highlighted the immediate community benefits of these recently activated substations. The newly integrated facilities are strategically positioned to serve multiple rapidly developing zones throughout Dubai. Key districts benefiting from this enhanced power stability include Madinat Hind 4, Al Khairan First, Al Layan First, Nad Al Sheba First, the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Gardens, Al Barsha South Fourth, Me’aisem Second, and Al Manara.

This deliberate placement ensures that residential and commercial consumers alike experience absolute grid stability without sudden disruption. By the close of the first half of 2026, DEWA officially operated a staggering 402 transmission substations across the grid. This impressive portfolio now comprises 28 major facilities operating at the high-capacity 400kV level, and 374 substations functioning at the 132kV tier.

The volume of ongoing developmental work is further evidenced by the contracts granted in the first six months of the year alone. DEWA officially awarded 21 distinct contracts for new 132kV substations distributed across vital districts, including Al Jaddaf, Jebel Ali, Airport City, and Umm Suqeim. Additionally, contracts were finalised to install 64 kilometres of transmission cables to link these new substations. These newly awarded contracts carry an aggregate value of roughly AED 3 billion.

Globalpharma has successfully reduced its carbon footprint by approximately 11,400 tonnes of CO₂.

Globalpharma has successfully reduced its overall carbon footprint by approximately 11,400 tonnes of CO₂.

This substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions was achieved through the strategic installation of a 612 kWp (kilowatt-peak) rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) system. Located at the company’s primary manufacturing facility within the Dubai Investments Park (DIP), the extensive solar array represents a definitive step towards fostering a highly sustainable industrial landscape in the region.

The newly integrated system is expected to generate approximately 25.3 GWh (Gigawatt-hour) of clean, renewable energy. This substantial electrical output actively supports improved energy efficiency across the entire manufacturing plant while drastically reducing the company's historical reliance on grid-supplied electricity. The advanced rooftop installation was meticulously developed in close collaboration with 386 Sky Solar Energy Systems LLC. This partnership effectively brings together Globalpharma's dedicated focus on operational optimisation with the specialised expertise required for industrial-scale renewable energy deployment.

Strategic export through the Shams Dubai Programme

The expansive solar installation has been officially implemented under the regulatory framework of Dubai's Shams Dubai programme. This progressive governmental initiative enables both direct on-site energy consumption and the continuous export of surplus power to the municipal grid through a highly efficient bi-directional metering system. Ultimately, the project represents a significant step in integrating clean energy within Globalpharma's daily manufacturing operations while simultaneously enhancing operational performance.

The leadership at Globalpharma views this milestone as a core component of their long-term corporate strategy. Commenting on the initiative, Dr. Basem Albarahmeh, Chief Executive Officer of Globalpharma, said: “This initiative builds on a broader set of measures we have been implementing to strengthen efficiency and sustainability across our manufacturing operations. The integration of solar energy is a natural extension of our efforts to optimise resource utilisation, enhance energy efficiency and progressively reduce the environmental footprint of pharmaceutical production. As we continue to scale our capabilities, our focus remains on embedding sustainable practices within core operations, supporting a more resilient and future-ready manufacturing platform that aligns with evolving industry and regulatory expectations.”

Aligning with the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Vision

The collaborative nature of the project also highlights the vital role of dedicated partnerships in achieving climate objectives. Commenting on the partnership, Ahmad Al Khayyat, Chairman of Three Eight Six, said: "Partnership is a statement of intent. Global Pharma has chosen to embed clean energy" into their manufacturing operations, and that is exactly the kind of leadership that moves an entire industry forward. UAE's Net Zero ambition will be built on decisions like this one."

This healthcare initiative aligns seamlessly with broader national priorities, including the UAE's ongoing clean energy transition and the comprehensive Net Zero 2050 strategy. It provides crucial support for the progressive decarbonisation of industrial operations within the healthcare manufacturing sector.

A legacy of growth and infrastructure

The successful implementation of this solar project reflects the enduring growth of Globalpharma. Established in 1998, the company is currently a market leader in key generic pharma segments with a strong regional footprint. The organisation officially started its operations in the UAE in 2003 and subsequently expanded its growth in 2008 with vital product line extensions and new product launches across fourteen countries in the GCC and select African markets.

Globalpharma actively operates two distinct manufacturing plants. The first is a state-of-the-art Beta-Lactam Penicillin manufacturing plant providing the Amoxicillin and AmoxiClav brands in the larger MENA region. Additionally, catering specifically to the lifestyle disease segments, the company runs a separate General Medicine manufacturing plant equipped with a variety of Liquid and Oral Solid Dose capabilities.

Facilitating this transition, 386 Sky Solar Energy Systems LLC is a prominent UAE-based Commercial and Industrial solar energy company. The firm delivers customised rooftop, ground-mount, and carport solar solutions across the GCC, directly helping businesses transition to clean energy in strict line with the UAE's Net Zero 2050 vision.