DEWA to launch a nanosatellite this month: The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has completed preparations to launch a nanosatellite intended to support the digitalization of the country’s power networks and facilitate the roll-out of smart grids and EV charging stations, Wam reports. The nanosatellite — developed with Lithuania’s spacecraft engineering company NanoAvionics — is equipped with infrared to measure greenhouse gasses and improve the operational performance of power generation and water desalination plants. It can also provide accurate estimates of seawater temperature and salinity, detect harmful algal bloom, monitor fog, and assist in forecasting, according to the news outlet.

The UAE goes big on cloud seeding: The UAE’s National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has signed an agreement with Abu Dhabi-based Calidus Aerospace for the purchase of an undisclosed number of its Wx-80 turboprop cloud seeding aircraft, the National reported last week. Although the price tag of the agreement and the number of planes secured by the NCM have not been disclosed, the NCM did note that the transaction marks a milestone for “achieving water security for the UAE.” The UAE is developing artificial intelligence for use in its cloud seeding program, ushering in a new level of tech precision to address water scarcity woes. By using an algorithm to cross reference historical weather data with current satellite reports and generate predictions about precipitation, scientists hope to effectively assess whether there’s enough humidity for cloud seeding operations to be successful.

LG Energy will source US and EU lithium demands from Morocco: South Korean battery manufacturer LG Energy Solution has signed an agreement with Chinese lithium compounds producer Yahua to purchase lithium hydroxide from Morocco, Morocco World News reported last week. The agreement is part of its plan to export the critical mineral west, where LG expects demand to skyrocket on the back of recently spelled out guidance on EV tax breaks and incentives — especially in the EU and the US. Lithium is one of several rare earths essential for EV battery production.

REFRESHER- The US and EU are looking beyond China for EV battery minerals: The US and EU have agreed to begin talks on the supply of minerals that are essential for EV production, and are looking to reach a preliminary limited trade agreement that would see minerals extracted in the EU count toward the USD 7.5k EV tax credits of the Inflation Reduction Act. Japan beat the EU to the punch, striking a similar limited trade agreement with the US in March. Under the limited trade treaty, the allies will lift export duties on rare earths, and will jointly work to minimize reliance on China’s mineral supply chain. Over in Europe, the EU Commission also proposed a target to shore up at least 10% of its annual rare earths demands domestically, with the remainder being procured from trade partners as part of its Critical Minerals Act, which aims to wean the bloc off Chinese dependency in the energy transition.

What does this mean for us? The guidance announced by the US Treasury Department in March, along with the EU’s Critical Minerals Act, could pave the way for mineral exports from the region, as in the case of Morocco. The US’ subsidy criteria for the tax credits give room for battery minerals sourced from US freetrade partners including Bahrain, Jordan, Morocco, and Oman, according to the US Treasury statement. The EU also has fully ratified trade treaties with Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Jordan, and Lebanon.

OTHER STORIES WORTH KNOWING ABOUT THIS MORNING-

  • 200 projects are up for privatization in KSA: Saudi Arabia’s National Centre for Privatization has approved a list of 200 projects to be offered for privatization and co-development under public-private partnerships. The projects span 17 sectors and aim to attract more local and foreign investments. One of the projects up for privatization is a solar plant under construction in Al Rub’ Al Khali land port. The plant is currently owned by Saudi Arabia’s tax authority. (Zawya)
  • Dubai-based fuel delivery startup Cafu is expanding to Canada with an EV charging service targeting users who lack access to home charging. (Gulf Business)
  • Saudi car supply companies Naghi Motors, Almajdouie Motors, and Almajdouie have signed agreements to provide EVs to Al-Moftah, Budget, and Yelo car rental companies respectively. Naghi Motors agreed to provide 100 electric cars to Al-Moftah within one year, but the two other companies did not specify the number of cars or the time frame. (Zawya)
  • Increased solar and wind energy deployments could push down the cost of green hydrogen per kg in Morocco to USD 2.54. (Science Direct)
Tags: