RENEWABLES-

Iraq + Jordan sign new interconnection agreement: Jordan and Iraq have signed an agreement to link their electricity grids which will enable Iraq to receive 150 MW of power when the project is fully operational, Al Mamlakah reports. The project will involve two phases with Iraq receiving 40 MW of power in the first phase and eventually the full 150 MW when both phases are launched. It will include the construction of a 400 kV, 336 km aerial transmission line connecting Al-Risha substation in Jordan to the Al-Qaim substation in Iraq.

Iraq has big interconnection plans: The GCC-Iraq transmission grid will be used to export electricity to Iraq, including electricity generated by renewable energy, and help reduce reliance on fossil fuels and facilitate clean power exports to other countries in the region.

GREEN INDUSTRY-

The UAE has approved new regulations to improve energy efficiency and sustainability in the industrial sector, Al Bayan reported on Thursday. The strategy aims to reduce energy demand in the industrial sector by 33% by 2050, improve air quality by 32%, and achieve financial savings of AED 14 bn by 2050. The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology will work with the industrial sector to implement the regulations to achieve the goal of reducing carbon emissions by up to 93% by 2050.

ELECTRIC VEHICLES-

KSA’s Tasaru Mobility Investmentshas inked agreements to invest in US AI firm Recogniand green mobility firm Holon, Arab News reported last week. Tasaru, launched by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund last October, is financing Recogni’s development of next-generation chips for autonomous vehicles which should reduce the need for scarce rare earth elements and semiconductors. The company is also acquiring a minority stake of up to 38% in Holon to support the development of an autonomous electric shuttle, the company said in a statement.

GREEN CITIES-

EAD, Modon Properties establish region’s first air-purification tower in Abu Dhabi: The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) and Abu Dhabi’s Modon Properties opened the first air-purification tower in the region on Al Hudayriyat Island, according to a statement released on Thursday. The seven-meter tall tower uses positive ionization technology to purify 30k cubic meters of air per hour.

More projects on the way? The smog-free tower is part of an MoU signed between EAD and Modon Properties in 2022 to improve the emirate’s environment by tackling air pollution as well as protecting wildlife and natural resources.

UK and Egypt partner on sustainable cities and infrastructure: The UK and Egypt signed an MoU to boost their partnership in the development of sustainable cities and infrastructure in Egypt, according to a statement released last week. The two will establish a joint working group that will meet bi-annually to exchange technical knowledge, training, expertise and best practice in the prioritization, financing, and management of infrastructure projects. The agreement aims to boost bilateral trade, increase foreign investment, and advance the UN’s sustainable development goals.

OTHER STORIES WORTH KNOWING ABOUT THIS MORNING-

  • Morocco’s electric trains are now renewables powered: Morocco’s National Railway Office is currently powering 90% of its electric train fleet on renewables — up from 25% in 2022. The office is targeting full carbon-neutrality by 2035. (MAP)
  • KSA’s Naqel Express will operate RSG’s transport services:Naqel Express — a subsidiary of Saudi Post Logistics — signed an agreement with property developer Red Sea Global (RSG) to operate all long-haul and local transportation services for the Red Sea Project. Naqel Express will use biofuel and EVs and will provide the logistics equipment and supply chain technologies for the project’s operations. (SPA)
  • KSA’s Imam Abdulaziz Reserve plants 1 mn trees and shrubs: Some 1 mn trees and shrubs have been planted at the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve to help reduce emissions, alleviate sandstorm intensity, and contribute to the conservation of local endangered species. (SPA)
  • UAE’s Tadweer rebrands to Tadweer Group: The Abu Dhabi Waste Management Company (Tadweer) unveiled Tadweer Group as its new name and brand identity on Thursday. (Statement)
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