WASTE-TO-ENERGY-

Saudi sludge goes green: PIF-owned Saudi Investment Recycling Company (SIRC) has inked an MoU with Germany’s Concord Blue to launch the first phase of a sewage sludge conversion plant that will produce clean hydrogen from processed waste, according to a statement released on Wednesday. The partnership aims to develop sludge treatment projects from wastewater and other organic waste to produce renewable hydrogen, biochar, and industrial activated charcoal.

What we know: Under the MoU, SIRC will supply sewage and agricultural waste as feedstock, while Concord Blue will oversee the conversion process using its patented Reformer tech, provide technical expertise, and train local talent in waste-to-hydrogen operations.

RENEWABLES-

Acwa Power signed five cooperation agreements on renewable power and green hydrogen at its Innovation Days event in Riyadh, according to a statement published on Thursday. Here is what we know about the partnerships signed with local and international players:

  • Solar partnership with Aramco to implement the Advanced Photovoltaic (PV) Energy Forecasting project using big data analytics and machine learning;
  • Green hydrogen pilot program with the Oman-backed Aussie Hysata to test its high-efficiency tech in green hydrogen production;
  • Energy storage agreement with Aramco to test the suitability of utility-scale vanadium flow batteries in local climates to address long-duration energy storage challenges;
  • R&D framework agreement with German research institutes Fraunhofer IMWS, Fraunhofer ISC, and Fraunhofer IWES for research and development on green hydrogen and clean energy;
  • And a Master Research Agreement (MRA) with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) to further research into cost-effective methods for desalination and solar energy generation.

NUCLEAR-

#1- UAE’s ENEC granted licence to search for nuclear waste disposal site: The UAE’s FederalAuthority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) granted Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) a license to explore potential sites for disposing of low-level nuclear waste, Khaleej Times reported on Tuesday. Once a suitable location is identified, ENEC will be the only entity permitted to develop and operate a waste disposal facility, FANR Director General Christer Viktorsson said.

What’s low-level waste? This includes materials like protective gear and equipment used in nuclear plant operations, which does not pose a significant danger but still requires secure containment for up to a century, Viktorsson explained.

In context: The country is ramping up radiation safety efforts, with FANR planning to strengthen its regulatory framework to improve radiation safety and implement several projects, while expanding international cooperation by sharing the UAE’s nuclear expertise with emerging nuclear countries, state news agency Wam reported on Tuesday, citing Viktorsson.

What’s coming: FANR is moving forward with plans for an interim storage facility to manage high-level waste, such as spent nuclear fuel, which is currently kept in deep water pools near the reactors for cooling and radiation shielding, Viktorsson said. The authority will also launch an artificial intelligence strategy in 2025, appointing a chief AI officer to facilitate partnerships in this area. implement several projects.

DIPLOMACY-

US + UAE to boost energy collaboration: The Energy and Infrastructure Ministry signed an MoU with the US Energy Department to enhance energy sector collaboration and economic ties, it said in a statement published on Monday. The two sides aim to enhance cooperation in carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), reducing methane emissions, nuclear energy, energy efficiency, smart grids, planning for energy end-use, and advanced energy modeling.

GREEN FINANCE-

Mauritania + OPEC Fund ink USD 120 mn sustainability partnership: The Mauritanian government and the Opec Fund for International Development have signed a framework agreement for USD 120 financing targeting sustainability projects between 2025-27, according to a press release published last week. The funds will go toward clean energy, food security, and clean cooking efforts. An additional USD 500k is set aside in grants form for project preparation, technical assistance, and capacity building to boost public-private partnerships and reel in private investments.

SOLAR-

#1- Egypt’s ASORC breaks ground on EU-funded solar project: State-owned Assiut Oil Refining Company (ASORC) has broken ground on its EGP 550 mn, 10 MW solar power project, according to a statement released on Saturday. The plant is expected to cover 10% of the company’s annual electricity consumption.

Refresher: The project is one of two EU-funded solar power plants worth over EGP 1 bn that the government announced last year. State-owned petroleum-focused contractors Enppi and Petrojet have been tapped to carry out the project.

Wastewater recycling project in the pipeline: The company plans to roll out an industrial wastewater recycling project that will save 2 mn cubic meters of water annually and reduce operating costs by USD 1.5 mn, according to the statement.

#2- Jordan launches solar plant tenders: Jordan’s Water Authority has issued a tender for the development of solar plants based in “several” of its water facilities, the authority said in its invitation for prequalification (pdf). The tender is bankrolled by Germany’s KfW Development Bank with an undisclosed investment ticket. The exact capacity and investment tickets for the projects were not disclosed. Applications will be accepted via email until 20 February.

OTHER STORIES WORTH KNOWING ABOUT THIS MORNING-

  • Morocco + Spain plan electric ferry route: Spanish ferry operator Baleària will construct two 11.5 MWh electric battery-powered catamarans to connect Morocco’s Tangier and Spain’s Tarifa. Construction will span the next two and a half years and will include adding batteries at each port to recharge the ferry boats during their layovers. (Press release)
  • Saudi+ India partner on EVs: The National Industrial Development Center and Ashok Leyland signed an MoU to localize electric bus, truck, and vehicle manufacturing in the Kingdom. (Statement)
  • Petronas Lubricants + Dumarey Group partner on alternative fuels: Malaysia’s Petronas Lubricants and propulsion systems developer Dumarey Group have inked a partnership to develop engine oil for alternative fuels and efficient fluids for new energy vehicles. The collaboration will use connectivity and data analytics to create systems that predict fluid replacement needs. The companies are also exploring the development of injectors for low-carbon fuels. (Press release)
Tags: