NUCLEAR-

Morocco and IAEA ink nuclear partnership agreements: Morocco's National Center for Nuclear Energy, Science, and Technology (CNESTEN) has signed two major nuclear energy partnership agreements with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to renew the center’s knowledge sharing and development work on nuclear energy, MAP reports. The first agreement renewed CNESTEN's status as an International Collaborating Center for 2025-2029, focusing on nuclear techniques in water management, environmental protection, and industrial applications. The second agreement aims to enhance Morocco’s expertise in radiological safety, transport safety, radioactive waste management, and nuclear security.

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REMEMBER- Morocco is looking to source energy from nuclear power to meet climate action targets, Director General of the IAEA Rafael Mariano Gross said in November 2023. IAEA officials also recognized Morocco's efforts in establishing a new legal and regulatory structure back in December.

And Morocco is eyeing further cooperation with Senegal: Morocco’s Energy Transition and Sustainable Development Minister Leila Benali discussed enhancing cooperation on nuclear research bilateral talks with Senegal's Minister of Higher Education El Hadji Abdourahmane Diouf, according to a statement. The two nations agreed to encourage applied research and share best practices in the nuclear field.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY-

Abu Dhabi-based EEIC to distribute MediSun’s tech: Engineering contractor Emirates Electrical & Instrumentation Company (EEIC) signed an MoU with renewable energy company MediSun Energy to distribute its WEGen technology in the UAE, according to a statement.

About the tech: MediSun's WEGen technology uses Reverse Electrodialysis (RED) to convert saltwater into electricity which enhances energy efficiency and reduces energy consumption by 30%. The technology also incorporates carbon capture, utilization, and storage and zero brine production, contributing to net-zero carbon emissions.

SOLAR-

UAE launches residential solar panel project to boost renewable energy: Etihad Water and Electricity (EtihadWE) has partnered with the Energy and Infrastructure Ministry to promote renewable energy usage by urging EtihadWe customers to generate solar power via rooftop solar systems, according to a press release (pdf). The rooftop solar systems will generate solar power for UAE’s national grid, lowering customer energy bills based on the amount of solar power they contributed. If the solar power exported exceeds the energy consumed, customers will receive credits for future use.

REMEMBER- EtihadWE is working with Masdar to expand renewables: Renewables giant Masdar also inked an agreement with Etihad Water & Electricity (EtihadWE) to collaborate on potential projects aimed at boosting the adoption of renewable energy in the northern emirates back in April.

GREEN HYDROGEN-

Sonatrach + John Cockerill explore green hydrogen cooperation: Algerian state-owned company Sonatrach and Belgian mechanical engineering group John Cockerill are exploring cooperating on renewables projects including green hydrogen, according to a statement.

Other regional players are interested: John Cockerill previously explored cooperation agreements with Algeria’s Sonelgaz on green hydrogen back in December. The Belgian group signed an agreement with UAE's Adnoc last year to manufacture hydrogen electrolyzers for local use in the UAE and export.

SUSTAINABILITY-

UAE’s MoEI partners with Siemens Energy to boost clean energy: The UAE’s Energy and Infrastructure Ministry and Germany’s Siemens Energy have signed an MoU to boost sustainable development, grid infrastructure and climate action, Wam reports. The agreement covers developing grid expansion and reliability as well as evaluating the integration of renewable energy sources into the existing grid infrastructure. The pair will also examine the hydrogen value chain and explore green tech solutions.

The UAE and Siemens have history: Siemens Energy partnered with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office in February 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. The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development also signed an agreement with Siemens Energy aimed at reducing the carbon emissions of Abu Dhabi’s industrial sector in December 2023.

ELECTRIC VEHICLES-

There’s a new EV player in the UAE: Dubai-based startup PlusX Electric has launched in the UAE offering EV charging products including the world’s first Portable Charging Pod. according to a press release. The startup has a R&D and assembly facility in Dubai, and aims to offer supplementary service to the UAE’s public charging infrastructure by serving customers with convenient EV charging.

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What’s on offer: The Portable Charging Pod is a mobile unit that can be delivered directly to customers for on-demand charging. PlusX Electric plans to expand its fleet of pods from 31 to over 150 by the end of the year, focusing initially on Dubai’s International Financial Centre (DIFC). The company also provides a valet charging service and installs EV chargers at homes and workplaces, complemented by an app that tracks carbon offsets.

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