CLIMATE FINANCE-

UAE to back climate efforts in Brazil: The UAE pledged USD 40 mn to support environmental programs in Brazil, through the Erth Zayed Philanthropies, state news agency Wam reports. The funding will target projects aimed at boosting sustainable livelihoods for indigenous communities in the Amazon and addressing plastic pollution. Contributions come from key UAE entities, including the Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable Foundation, Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, and Clean Rivers.

Background: President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan launched the Erth Zayed Philanthropies in October to support humanitarian and philanthropic efforts that support livelihoods, sustainable development, and social and environmental improvements.

INFRASTRUCTURE-

L&T secures Gulf contracts for power infrastructure expansion: The India-based multinational Larsen & Toubro’s Power Transmission & Distribution (PT&D) unit has landed substation orders in Saudi, Kuwait, and UAE, according to a press release on Tuesday. The company will deliver a 380 kV substation to support solar power absorption into the grid in Saudi Arabia, a 400 kV substation for city development in Kuwait, and multiple extra-high voltage substations in UAE, including a 400/132 kV facility in Dubai. The contract values are estimated between (c.USD 291.1 mn) and (c.USD 582.2 mn).

STARTUP WATCH-

Adia invests in Massachusetts-based seed gene-editing startup: The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority has participated in a USD 144 mn funding round for Massachusetts-based seed gene-editing startup Inari, joining as a new investor, according to a statement on Tuesday. The funding round also saw participation from existing investors, including Hanwha Impact, NGS Super, the State of Michigan Retirement System, and company founder Flagship Pioneering.

About Inari: Inari focuses on seed technology for large-acre crops like soybeans, wheat, and corn to improve yields. The startup uses its patented PRIDE technology to dictate the expression of specific genes to increase or reduce its effects. To that end, it combines the use of predictive AI and Multiplex gene editing to guide scientists on which gene edits to make in order to increase yield and use resources more efficiently.

SOLAR-

#1- Ewec issues RfPs for Zarraf solar plant: The Emirates Water and Electricity Company (Ewec) has issued a request for proposals for companies interested in developing the 1.5 GW Zarraf solar plant in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra region, Wam reports. The developer will enter into a long-term PPA with Ewec and own up to 40% of the project.

#2- Arctech to provide tracking system for Al Ajban plant: China’s solar tracking and racking company Arctech has secured a 1.5 GW order from PowerChina to provide its 1P single-axis solar tracking system SkyLine II for the 1.5 GW Al Ajban Solar PV project in UAE, according to a statement released last week.

Plans are moving fast: Masdar, Korea Western Power (Kowepo), and EDF broke ground on the project in November, with the plant slated to begin operations in 3Q 2026. PowerChina Huadong Engineering Corporation secured an engineering, procurement, and construction contract for the solar power plant in July.

#3- EWA receives 10 bids for UOB solar project: Bahrain’s Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) has received 10 bids for constructing a 44 MW solar PV project on the University of Bahrain (UOB) campus, according to the tender details. Bids from seven regional and international companies were accepted, including the US-based Alpha Energy Generations, Modern Mechanical Electrical and Transport, and Quantum for Energy Solutions Saudi Arabia. Two other companies — Advanced Utility Systems, and Dome Advanced Electromechanical Work — got conditional acceptance, while Yusuf Bin Ahmed Kanoo Company’s bid was suspended.

REMEMBER- Ewa issued the solar tender for the engineering, design, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of the solar PV plant in November. The plant will generate around 75 GWh of electricity per year using car park solar PV systems. The chosen contractor will have two years to complete the project.

M&A WATCH-

Taqat extends Bayan Transport’s acquisition MoU: Saudi Scrap metal recycling firm Taqat Mineral Trading has extended a non-binding MoU to fully acquire Bayan Transport Trading Company (Bayan Al Naql), which was set to expire on 31 December 2024, until 31 March 2025, according to a disclosure to Tadawul last week. No further details were disclosed.

Not a first: Taqa extended a non-binding MoU it had signed in May to fully acquire Bayan Al Naql, which was set back in early September 2024.

DECARBONIZATION-

UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority has launched a digital platform to support emissions reductions in the aviation sector, Wam reported last week. The platform will help airlines implement the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation — a global framework adopted in 2016 by the International Civil Aviation Organization — by simplifying the calculation of offset and reduction values for carbon units used by national carriers. It also serves as a digital archive for emissions data, providing a foundation for future carbon offsetting and reduction plans in the sector.

ELECTRIC VEHICLES-

Aramex adds electric trucks to its fleet: Aramex deployed the first commercial electric trucks in the UAE in partnership with Admiral Mobility, adding a fleet of eight-ton Farizon electric trucks, according to a press release. Aramex previously added e-bikes and electric vans to its last-mile delivery fleet in the UAE in a bid to make 98% of its fleet EVs by 2030.

OTHER STORIES WORTH KNOWING ABOUT THIS WEEK-

  • Iraq moves forward with the South Basra Project: Iraq is developing a solar plant for its Integrated South Basra Project. The project also includes a refinery, a fertilizer plant, and a petrochemical plant. (Statement)
  • Sohar Freezone launches project to boost sustainability: Oman’s Sohar Freezone has broken ground on the Blue Harvest pilot project to cultivate Elephant Grass as a renewable raw material to be used in 3D-printable concrete and bioplastics for indoor construction, with the grass capturing 44 tons of CO2 per hectare annually. (Times of Oman)
  • Jordan + Egypt renew grid interconnection partnership: Jordan’s National Electric Power Company and Egypt’s Electricity Transmission Company have extended their electricity exchange contract to the end of 2025. The contract will also assess the feasibility of increasing the capacity of the interconnection line between the countries. (Petra)
  • Egypt is working on a methane emissions reduction plan: Egypt’s Cabinet approved a Presidential decree to prepare a roadmap to reduce methane emissions in the country with the help of the Egyptian Petroleum Corporation and the US Trade and Development Agency. The decree would see the government conduct a roadmap study to determine how much methane is emitted by the petroleum sector, set reduction targets, identify two priority methane reduction projects, and prepare policy and legislation proposals to support the initiative. (Statement)
  • Jordan tackles energy efficiency in health sector: Jordan’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has begun installing solar thermal heating systems across 33 hospitals to improve energy efficiency through a EUR 3.9 mn initiative funded by the Italian Ministry of Environment and Energy Security and the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Fund. The project will also include maintenance and training on operating the systems and is expected to reduce energy costs by over JOD 266k per year through 2027. (Petra)
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