GREEN TECH-

Dubai-based Capton Energy and solar firm Enerwhere have formed a JV to boost the commercial and industrial solar power market in MENA and Africa, according to a statement. The JV will work on establishing a larger number of projects to support private market commercial and industrial offtakers starting with an initial deployment of 25 MWp, including 9MW in off-grid solar projects. While the project will include the installation of a battery storage facility, it is unclear whether the rest of the capacity aside from the 9 MW will be renewable.

MINING-

LSE-listed Gold & Minerals (GMCO) discovers third copper deposit in KSA: London Stock Exchange-listed mining firm Gold & Minerals (GMCO) — a JV between Cyrpus’ Kefi Gold and Copper and KSA’s Artar — has discovered copper-gold-zinc-silver deposits at Saudi Arabia’s Abu Salal, according to a disclosure. The volcanogenic massive sulfide marks the miner’s third find since 2019, and ranks as one of the top three of base metals projects in Saudi Arabia.

Expansion plans: Subsequent exploration this year — funded by Artar — will prioritize drill testing beyond the initial 80 meters in depth in efforts to further assess grade and geological continuity, the company notes. GMCO will also look to expand mining investments beyond its USD 20 mn annual exploration programs over the past few years, Kefi Executive Chairman Harry Anagnostaras-Adams said, noting Hawiah district is among the top four exploration regions in the kingdom.

WASTE MANAGEMENT-

Shell and Qatari universities conclude biosolid-to-fertilizer research project: Qatar Shell Research and Technology Centre (QSTRC), Texas A&M University at Qatar (Tamuq), Qatar University, and the country’s Municipality Ministry have concluded a research project on repurposing biosludge from industrial wastewater treatment as a soil enhancer, The Peninsula Qatar reports. The project aims to use waste generated from Shell’s Pearl gas-to-liquids plant (Pearl GTL) in Ras Laffan for farming non-edible crops in Qatar, the news outlet notes.

QSRTC has other green projects in the pipeline: The center has another partnership to research injecting CO2 into carbonate reservoirs. Qatar Petroleum and Shell have been working on the USD 70 mn research project with the UK’s Imperial College and Qatar Science and Technology Park since 2008.

OTHER STORIES WORTH KNOWING ABOUT THIS MORNING-

  • GEM recognized as first EDGE Advanced Green Museum in the region: The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is the first museum in Africa and the Middle East to receive certification from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) as an EDGE Advanced Green Building. The certification acknowledges the museum’s resource-efficient design, which saves 60% of energy costs and reduces water use by 34%. (Statement)
  • Siemens Energy launches innovation center in UAE: Siemens Energy has partnered with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office to launch an innovation center at Khalifa University of Science and Technology in Abu Dhabi to develop and commercialize new technologies for the energy transition. The center will focus on research and development projects, knowledge transfer, and capacity building in decarbonization and sustainability. (Statement)
  • Oman to launch first hydrogen power station: Oman is launching its first hydrogen power station later this year. (Muscat Daily)
  • Bena Steel + Alderley extends partnership to boost KSA's energy transition: Saudi's Bena Steel Industries and the UK's Alderley have extended an MoU signed last July to support Saudi Arabia’s efforts to achieve energy security, develop cleaner technologies and build in-country supply chains. Bena Steel announced last year its plans to acquire a 40% stake in Alderley. (Statement)
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