DESALINATION-

Oman to launch its first solar thermal water plant: Omani upstream energy firm ARAPetroleum is set to launch one of the world's first solar thermal powered desalination plants at its Qarat Al Milh site in Dhofar, Oman Observer reports. The project, developed in collaboration with Austrian solar tech startup Heliovis, whose low-cost solar thermal technology it will utilize, is expected to produce up to 140 cubic meters of drinking water daily from “produced water” — a byproduct of hydrocarbon production typically full of hydrocarbons and high levels of dissolved mineral salts.

What they’ll do: Heliovis established a forward osmosis desalination plant with a direct-osmosis zero liquid discharge unit to extract potable water from produced water, Oman Observer adds. Heliovis' cost-effective technology will employ inflatable tubes and mirror films to concentrate sunlight, generating clean industrial process heat in the mid-temperature range of 90°C to 400°C.

GREEN MOBILITY-

Contigo to deploy hydrogen motorcycles in UAE: E-mobility company ContigoMobility has signed an MoU with Emirates Transport to roll out hydrogen-powered motorcycles in the UAE, according to a statement. Contigo will deploy its New Energy Vehicle (NEV) two-wheeler fleet supply and hydrogen fuel cell technology to develop the motorcycles, which Emirates Transport will help integrate into pilot fleets across the country.

The hydrogen infrastructure is on the rise: The UAE’s Adnoc inaugurated the region’s first high-speed green hydrogen pilot refueling station — dubbed H2GO — to test a fleet of zero-emission hydrogen-powered vehicles last November. Saudi Arabia Railways also signed an MoU with Air Products Qudra last week to build, own, and operate hydrogen fueling stations for trains in the kingdom.

SOLAR-

UNPD launches solar PV awareness campaign: The United Nations Development Program has launched the Thinking About Solar campaign, which aims to promote solar power as an alternative to traditional energy sources for businesses, according to a statement. The campaign highlights the benefits of solar energy — lower energy bills, less pollutants, long-term savings — and aims to help businesses navigate the switch. Businesses can access the full guide (pdf) on selecting a solar system or seek assistance from the campaign through Facebook.

DECARBONIZATION-

KSA boosts afforestation efforts: Ten MoUs and investment contracts focused on developing plant cover and related infrastructure across the Kingdom were signed during the inaugural National Greening Forum, Al Riyadh reported. The signatories of agreements include the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (Zatca), National Housing Company, PIF-owned Red Sea Global, Riyad Bank, Estidamah and others. No further details were provided.

OTHER STORIES WORTH KNOWING THIS MORNING-

  • Dubai + South Korea ink transport agreement: The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority and the Seoul Metropolitan Government have signed an MoU to collaborate on urban air mobility and autonomous vehicles, eco-friendly transport solutions, electric and hydrogen bus fleets, and charging station infrastructure. (Khaleej Times)
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