COP28 goes into overtime with a revised Global Stocktake on the table, but no fossil fuel phase out

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WHAT WE’RE TRACKING TODAY

TODAY: A revised draft has landed with a call to transition away from fossil fuels

Good morning, nice people. After 30+ hours of fraught negotiations, we have a revised draft of the Global Stocktake and ministers will be heading into a plenary session shortly to hammer out the details. Let’s catch up on what’s happened in the past 24 hours.

OVER IN COPLAND- We have a new draft text: COP28 has officially gone into overtime with ministers assessing an updated draft (pdf) of the Global Stocktake this morning before meeting later in the AM to discuss. The COP presidency reportedly had several discussions scheduled with negotiators until 3am Dubai time, Bloomberg reports. The new draft includes stronger language on moving away from the dirtiest sources of energy, in line with a target to reach climate neutrality by 2050. We have the full rundown in the news well below.

THE BIG QUESTION LOOMS- Will Saudi Arabia and friends take an immovable stance against a transition away from fossil fuels? The revised draft will need to be agreed upon by almost 200 countries represented at COP.

IN ALL CASES, IT’S A HISTORIC MOVE- If this revised text centered on the transition away from fossil fuels is approved, it would mark the first time in COP history nations agree on a united move away from oil, gas and coal – products that account for about 80% of global energy generation.

HERE’S WHAT HAPPENED IN THE LEAD UP- The means of implementation was also a contentious point in the negotiations as developed nations continue to fall short on their climate funding commitments stipulated under the Paris Agreement, the Guardian reports. The developing countries “have received less than 10% of the support of what we need between now and 2030 for the implementation plan,” South Africa’s environment minister, Barbara Creecy said, according to the news outlet. “Developing countries simply cannot accept a fossil fuel phase-out — or any new target — without means of implementation, as they’re already unable to even fund their current mitigation and adaptation plans (all while loss and damage costs are spiraling),” the Guardian writes.

ISLAND NATIONS HELD OUT FOR A PHASEOUT- The Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) reaffirmed its stance, saying that they “cannot sign on to a text that does not have strong commitments on phasing out fossil fuels,” and “any text that compromises 1.5C will be rejected.” The small island countries said that signing the draft as is would be like signing their death certificate.

OTHERS WANTED STRONGER COMMITMENTS- The Umbrella Group nations demanded a stronger text on fossil fuels, saying that they will not sign the agreement otherwise, Australian Climate and Energy Minister Chris Bowen said in a statement on behalf of group members US, the UK, Canada and Japan. The US also reiterated the call for the text’s language on fossil fuels to be “ substantially strengthened.” Other blocs that are pushing for phaseout language include the EU, the 46 Least Developed Countries, and the Independent Alliance of Latin America and the Caribbean, the Guardian reports.

KSA SAID NO WAY- Saudi Arabia reportedly refused — on behalf of the 22 Arab Group countries — the inclusion of a stronger language on fossil fuels in the draft, saying that the draft text is a “good base to work from” and that the science does not necessitate a complete fossil fuel phaseout by 2050, The Guardian reports. Kuwait also explicitly reiterated its rejection of an item calling for phasing out fossil fuels in the draft text, Oil Minister Saad Al Barrak told Kuwait's state news agency (KUNA). Qatar was also amongst those clearly opposing tougher language on fossil fuels stating that the need lies in reducing emissions rather than eliminating the sources of emissions.

AND BROUGHT THEIR FRIENDS ON BOARD- Speaking on behalf of the Like Minded Developing Countries — which include Egypt, Algeria, Jordan, Iran, and Iraq, amongst others — Bolivia said that the text cannot prescribe the actions of countries and should be voluntary, similar to the Paris Agreement. Some African countries also share the same sentiment, saying that for them a fossil fuel phaseout is a “non-starter,” Politico reports, citing two anonymous African diplomats.

WATCH THIS SPACE #1- Morocco is scouting for white hydrogen: Morocco’s National Bureau for Hydrocarbons and Minerals signed an agreement with an unnamed Swiss company to conduct 3D seismic surveys in the Southern and Eastern parts of the country in a bid to quantify Morocco’s geologic hydrogen reserves, Hespress reports.

SOUNDSMART- What is white hydrogen? Geologic hydrogen — also known as white hydrogen — is believed to be produced deep underground through reactions between ultramafic and mafic rocks with anoxic water. The naturally-occurring hydrogen can be found in abundance in layers of continental and oceanic crusts, geysers, and hydrothermal systems.

Already proven viable: The Malian town of Bourakébougou is the first locale globally to be powered by white hydrogen. Wildcatters — oil and gas explorers — have also found deposits of the gas in Oman, New Caledonia, Canada, Russia, Australia, Japan, Germany, and New Zealand. Oman’s Energy and Minerals Ministry signed two MoUs back in September with Eden GeoPower and Earth Sciences Consultancy Centre to conduct preliminary studies on exploring geological white hydrogen and identifying new sites for research.

WATCH THIS SPACE #2- Biden administration to release SAF subsidy guidance this week: The US Treasury is expected to release guidance by the end of the week regarding whether to ease eligibility for subsidies for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) derived from corn-based ethanol, Reuters reports, citing multiple sources close to the Biden administration.

Internal division: The administration has been divided over this decision for months due to lobbying pressure from stakeholders in the US Farm Belt, an influential constituency ahead of elections. SAF is crucial for corn-based ethanol producers to grow their industry amid the rise of EVs, and they argued for its use in reducing carbon emissions. However, environmental groups oppose clearing land to grow fuel crops, claiming that it is counterproductive to mitigating global warming. The guidance was originally expected in September but was then delayed until December, Reuters reported.

We have a revised text but still no fossil fuel phase out or phase down

We have an updated text of the Global Stocktake: After garnering outrageous response to an initial “fully unacceptable” and “not consistent” draft of the Global Stocktake, a revised draft still does not include a commitment to phase out or phase down fossil fuels. The updated document instead calls for “transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems, in a just, orderly and equitable manner ... so as to achieve net zero by 2050 in keeping with the science" with a “need for deep, rapid and sustained reductions in greenhouse gas emissions in line with 1.5C pathways.”

Here’s the revised wording: The optional “could”s are out. Instead the revised text “calls on” parties to “contribute to the following global efforts, in a nationally determined manner, taking into account the Paris Agreement and their different national circumstances, pathways and approaches”:

Tripling renewable energy capacity globally and doubling the global average annual rate of energy efficiency improvements by 2030.
Accelerating efforts towards the phase-down of unabated coal power
Accelerating efforts globally towards net zero emission energy systems, utilizing zero- and low-carbon fuels well before or by around mid-century
Transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems, in a just, orderly and equitable manner, accelerating action in this critical decade, so as to achieve net zero by 2050 in keeping with the science
Accelerating zero- and low-emission technologies, including renewables, nuclear, abatement and removal technologies such as carbon capture and utilization and storage, particularly in hard-to-abate sectors, and low-carbon hydrogen production
Accelerating and substantially reducing non-carbon-dioxide emissions globally, including in particular methane emissions by 2030
Accelerating the reduction of emissions from road transport on a range of pathways, including through development of infrastructure and rapid deployment of zero and low-emission vehicles
Phasing out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies that do not address energy poverty or just transitions, as soon as possible;

Different pathways for different countries: Developing countries garnered some support in the new draft with an emphasis that climate financing and knowledge transfer in climate tech are “critical enablers of climate action,” yielding to a push from developing economies struggling to grow their economies and manage an energy transition.

Transition fuels are in: The draft text also added a line saying that transitional fuels — including natural gas — can play a role in the energy transition. “References to transition fuels being essential could have been written by a major gas producer. The science is clear: gas is a methane heavy fossil fuel, not a transition fuel,” climate diplomacy expert Ed King told the Guardian.

And coal gets a pass: The revised document has also omitted a line from the first draft that limits new coal-power generation.

A first time appearance for methane: If approved, countries would agree to broaden emissions reduction efforts to include other greenhouse gasses for the first time. The revised draft calls for an accelerated response to slash emissions globally, “including in particular methane emissions by 2030.” Earlier proposals lobbied by negotiators laid out specific targets including a 30% reduction in methane by the end of the decade and a 40% reduction by 2035.

What happens now? Ministers will convene in an informal plenary session scheduled this morning to hammer out the details on language and make last ditch attempts for revisions. The revised draft will need to be agreed upon by almost 200 countries represented at COP to pass. We’ll have all the details on revisions, reactions, and any final decisions in tomorrow’s issue.

IN OTHER COP POLICY NEWS-

25 global + regional utility giants join forces to boost clean energy: In partnership with the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena), 25 utilities and power companies inked the COP28 Declaration of Action (pdf), setting in motion the Utilities for Net Zero Alliance (UNEZA) as its vehicle for implementation, according to a statement released last week. Under the pact, the companies have pledged to accelerate electrification, integration of renewables into power grids and clean energy deployment in line with the 2030 goals and the 2050 net zero target. The Alliance requested Irena to lead the secretariat.

Notable signatories: Amongst the companies that have signed the declaration are: UAE’s Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa), Etihad Water and Electricity, Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (Taqa) and Masdar, France’s EDF and Engie, Germany’s Schneider Electric and Siemens, Spain’s Iberdrola, China’s Jinko Power, and the UK’s Xlinks and Octopus Energy, amongst others.

The partners: The Alliance is led by the UAE’s grid operator Taqa, and (other than Irena) will have a number of partners including the UN High-Level Climate Champions, the World Economic Forum, the International Electrotechnical Commission, the Global Renewables Alliance, and Chile’s Coordinador Eléctrico Nacional.

Egypt will list the country’s Red Sea coral habitats as protected and conserved areas (PCAs), according to a statement. The government is aiming to form a committee tasked with setting coral reef protection standards and regulations within the next six months, the statement notes. Covering some 400 sq km off the country’s eastern coastline, Egypt’s Red Sea coral reefs are home to more than 200 hard coral species, generating the world’s highest reef tourism revenues and adding USD 7 bn to state coffers in 2019.

REMEMBER- Our corals are shrinking: Coastal pollution, unregulated tourism, exploitation of marine resources, and overfishing have led to a 13.6% decline in Egypt’s coral populations on average between 2005 and 2019. Climate-induced coral bleaching can lead to reefs’ permanent demise, while ocean acidification makes conditions unfavorable for growth. Under the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s most upbeat scenario coral reefs are still projected with “very high confidence” to decline by a further 70–90% by the end of this century, with losses increasing to 99% at 2°C of warming.

OTHER STORIES WORTH KNOWING ABOUT THIS MORNING-

Big regional businesses ink decarbonization commitment: 14 MENA-based businesses, including the UAE’s FAB and Emirates NBD, have signed an open letter pledging to slash 200 tons of their CO2 emissions by 2030. The signatory companies represent more than 7% of regional carbon emissions. (Zawya)

Masdar and ENEC continue to dominate COP28 + Tadweer inks agreements for green construction and SAF

More Masdar, more Tadweer: Masdar rule over COP28 continued with more agreements in the bag, while Tadweer and ENEC also bagged a few more signatures.

MASDAR ROLLS ON-

Masdar and AD Ports partner on UAE green hydrogen hub: UAE-based ports operator AD Ports Group has signed an agreement with Emirati renewables developer Masdar to study the feasibility of establishing a green hydrogen production hub in Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi, according to a statement. The planned green hydrogen valley could include a low-carbon fuels export terminal to facilitate shipments to international markets. The agreement is in line with the UAE’s target of generating 1.4 mn tons of hydrogen annually by 2031 and Masdar’s commitment to separately produce 1 mn tons a year by the end of the decade.

Masdar + Dubai Municipality double down on waste-to-energy: Dubai Municipality and Masdar have signed an MoU to establish a carbon capture plant at Dubai Municipality’s Al Warsan waste-to-energy Plant, according to a statement. The carbon captured from the plant will be combined with green hydrogen to produce renewable fuels like e-methanol. They will also collaborate on diverting solid waste from landfills to process it into synthetic fuels like sustainable aviation fuel.

TADWEER TACKLES CONSTRUCTION + SAF-

UAE's green construction gets a boost: The Abu Dhabi Waste Management Company (Tadweer), Masdar City, the UAE Energy and Infrastructure Ministry, and GIGA Graphene Technologies are partnering to develop Graphene Innovations Manchester’s (GIM) concrete in the UAE, Wam reports. The concrete is made with recycled plastic, does not require fresh water, and is enhanced with graphene. The low-carbon concrete will be used for bricks, pavers, and tiles in the UAE’s construction industry.

REMEMBER-The UAE’s Quazar Investment Company and GIM signed an agreement back in May to establish a UAE-based JV to develop and produce a wide range of graphene-based products. The JV aims to invest USD 1 bn in the development and manufacturing of their products, which include graphene-based concrete and hydrogen storage vessels.

ALSO- Tadweer + LanzaTech explore waste to SAF: Tadweer and Lanzatech inked an agreement to conduct a feasibility study for a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) project using municipal and commercial solid waste, according to a statement. The project is expected to process 350k tons of hard-to-recycle municipal and commercial solid waste into 200k tons of ethanol annually, which can produce 120k tons of SAF yearly.

We knew this was coming: Tadweer and LanzaTech signed an agreement in February to explore the possibility of establishing a waste-to-sustainable aviation fuel conversion plant which could see carbon waste used to produce fabric materials and other applications.

MORE NUCLEAR FOR ENEC-

UAE’s ENEC continues its nuclear expansion: The Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) inked an agreement with small modular reactor (SMR) developers Moltex Flex and Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation to scale the usage of SMR nuclear technologies both in the UAE and abroad, Wam reports. ENEC is the co-developer of the UAE’s 5.6 GW Barakah Nuclear Plant.

The details: The company’s MoUs fall under Enec’s Advance Program, which aims to assess SMR’s applications in nuclear, hydrogen, and green molecule production, Wam notes. The affordability of SMR technologies, coupled with the ease of its deployment, will enable the company to strengthen green premiums for power off-takers.

TAQA HEADS TO INDONESIA-

PLN and Taqa to collaborate on grid tech: Indonesia's PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) has signed an MoU with the Abu Dhabi national energy company (Taqa) to develop transmission grid interconnections and a smart grid in Indonesia, Indonesian news outlet Tempo reported. Indonesia wants to add 31.6 GW from renewables by 2033. Bridging the gap between renewable energy sources and energy demand is essential to reach a harmonious supply and demand, PLN Director Darmawan Prasodjo said.

PLN kept busy this month: PLN signed an agreement with Acwa Power to build the largest green hydrogen facility in Indonesia last week. The company has also partnered with Masdar to proceed with plans to add up to 500 MW capacity to the Cirata 145 MW floating solar plant.

IN CLIMATE FINANCE NEWS-

The UN calls for USD 46 bn in aid for crisis-stricken countries in 2024: The UN issued an appeal to donors earlier this week urging them to extend USD 46.4 bn in emergency humanitarian funding for 2024, according to a statement. The funds would be allocated to alleviate the impact of humanitarian, economic, and climate-driven emergencies, which are predicted to impact an estimated 181 mn people across 72 countries. While the funds target around 181 mn people, over 300 mn people are expected to require humanitarian assistance in 2024 — a portion of which are triggered by climate change, the UN said.

The call for emergency funds is lower than this year’s (unreached) goal: Global funding allocated to addressing economic downturns, food insecurity, mass displacement, and disease containment efforts reached USD 20 bn this year, only a third of the USD 57 bn committed to tackle the same challenges in 2023, UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths noted.

AfDB approves UK’s USD 1 bn guarantee for South Africa’s JET: The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has greenlit a USD 1 bn guarantee in collaboration with the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office to fund South Africa’s Just Energy Transition (JET) investment plan and accelerate the country’s shift to clean energy, according to a statement. The financing will be channeled toward transmission and grid-balancing storage, renewable power generation, energy efficiency, rehabilitation of municipal electricity delivery, green hydrogen, and new EVs, the bank notes.

Tapping nuclear and hydrogen to cut coal dependency: South Africa’s Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa said yesterday that his country will launch a bidding process for an extra 2.5 GW of nuclear power by March, Reuters reports. The Netherlands and Denmark are also currently working together to set up a USD 1 bn fund to invest in green hydrogen projects in South Africa.

OTHER STORIES WORTH KNOWING ABOUT THIS MORNING-

Schneider to boost Egypt's real estate players’ sustainability: Egyptian real estate companies Tatweer Misr, LMD, Redcon, and Paragon have signed an agreement with Schneider to implement a variety of advanced and sustainable solutions for smart city management for their operations in the country. (Al Masry Al Youm)
Dewa + Dubai Airports partner on solar project: Dewa's Etihad Energy Services is collaborating with Dubai Airports for an extensive solar integration project and a retrofit initiative. (Statement)
Switzerland will source carbon credits from Tunisia and Chile: The Swiss government has signed bilateral emission reduction agreements with Tunisia and Chile through which it will purchase a portion of the carbon offset credits both countries domestically generate. (Statement)
Majid Al Futtaim + Engazat partner on solar energy: Majid Al Futtaim and Engazat have signed an agreement to power four of the former's shopping centers in Egypt and Lebanon with 20 MW of solar energy. The project is expected to attract up to USD 20 mn in direct foreign investments and will generate 737 mn KWh, offsetting 3 mn tons of CO2 over 25 years. (AlMal)
WiSER + EBRD partner on climate action: The UAE's Women in Sustainability, Environment and Renewable Energy (WiSER) platform has partnered with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to help women entrepreneurs and women-led small and medium-sized businesses gain access to a range of EBRD financing options for projects in the sustainability sector. (Wam)
UAE’s Enoc launches mangrove afforestation program: Starting Friday, 15 December until January 2025, the Emirates National Oil Company will channel a portion of sales from its convenience store chain Zoom toward funding UAE mangrove afforestation programs. The program aims to plant some 1.5k mangrove saplings in a bid to offset 18.4 tons of CO2 annually. (Statement)

Hydrom inks several agreements boosting Oman’s green hydrogen sector

Hydrom inks three new agreements on green hydrogen projects in Oman: Oman’s state-owned Hydrom signed three new agreements with the SalalaH2 consortium — two development agreements and one usufruct agreement — to boost Oman’s hydrogen sector on the first day of the Green Hydrogen Summit Oman, Oman News Agency reports.

SalalaH2 gets a green hydrogen block:The Marubeni-led consortium was awarded a green hydrogen block for its SalalaH2 green ammonia project which is set to be commercially operational by 1Q 2028. The plant will have a generational capacity of 1k tons per day and will be powered by nearly 4 GW worth of electricity produced by pre-existing or new wind and solar power plants

There’s also an electrolyzer manufacturing facility in the works: Hydrom inked an agreement with Siemens Energy and the Oman Investment Authority (OIA) to explore the feasibility of establishing an electrolyzer manufacturing facility to localize its hydrogen value chain.

And work on shoring up green hydrogen infrastructure: Hydrom signed an MoU with Asyad Group to build a strategic partnership to strengthen Oman’s logistics sector in order to support the green hydrogen projects coming down the pipeline. There are no further details on specific projects or initiatives.

! Sweden’s S2H2+Bm eyes Morocco’s green hydrogen sector

Sweden’s S2H2+Bm taps into Morocco’s green hydrogen market: Swedish green hydrogen developer S2H2+Bm plans to develop solar energy and biomass generation projects in Morocco in a bid to establish a large-scale green hydrogen plant in the African country by 2030, the company noted in a White Paper (pdf). The expected investment ticket for the project was not disclosed.

The details: The Swedish developer aims to launch operations on a 3.1 MW pilot phase of the project in 2025 by installing a 15 MW solar energy farm to power the first stage of the project. The company plans to gradually expand renewables capacity between 2025 and 2030 to reach its full 500k ton annual targeted production capacity by the end of the decade, the paper notes. The location of the plant was not disclosed, but the firm notes it will likely be established in the southern half of Morocco, a region which S2H2+Bm describes as having “world-class” solar irradiation.

Leveraging solar and biomass to bring down hydrogen costs: The company’s patented solar panel technology, which involves installation of PV arrays at elevated heights, provides 50% shade compared to conventional setups, enabling potential biomass production on desert lands where plants typically get fried due to lack of soil moisture. The company says its renewables and biomass production technique will allow it to produce green hydrogen at a levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of less than USD 2 per hydrogen kg. “We are different in that we are not leaning on some new and fancy electrolyzer technology, but rather the cost factors of producing extremely low-cost renewable energy, in our case solar. By inventing a completely new concept for panel mounting we have achieved an LCOE below anything on record,” the company’s CEO Magnus Pousette said in the paper.

Export plans in the works: The company plans to use its Moroccan green hydrogen hub to facilitate fuel exports to the EU, initially using high pressure tubes to facilitate shipments, with plans to later use purpose-built tankers, the paper reads.

Next steps: The company — which says it has another planned Morocco green hydrogen plant “under ramp up” — is currently going through the land allocation process with the Moroccan government, and is in talks with the cabinet on the process of securing formal operating approvals and permits. To expand development of its patented technology and expand its marketing operations, the company plans to raise more capital beyond the USD 670k it has so far secured during its upcoming funding round in 1Q 2024, the paper notes.

Oman’s OQ and Vulcan Green Steel partner on 3 TW clean energy project

Oman’s OQ + Vulcan Green Steel partner on 3 TW clean energy project: Oman’s Vulcan Green Steel — a subsidiary of Jindal Shaeed — signed an agreement with OQ's renewables unit OQ Alternative Energy to establish a 3 TW integrated renewable energy generation project, Oman Daily Observer reports. The expected investment ticket and timeline on the 3 TW project was not disclosed.

The details: The two companies established a JV — called Integrated Energy Valley — to develop solar and wind energy farms backed by battery storage, the news outlet notes. The mega plant — which will be located in the Special Economic Zone Authority at Duqm (SEZAD) — will provide green energy to hard-to-abate sectors such as steel, around the clock.

REMEMBER- Vulcan has been making moves to decarbonize steel: Vulcan broke ground on its USD 3 bn, 5 mn ton, green steel plant in Duqm last month. Once operational in 2027, the plant is expected to cut emissions by 85% compared to conventional steel factories. Vulcan is also exploring the establishment of a 5-7 mn sqm green steel complex in Egypt’s Suez Canal Canal Economic Zone, with the same annual production capacity of 5 mn ton annually. If the project moves forward, the Omani firm plans to export the low-carbon steel to African and European markets.

AD Ports + UK’s Liberty Steel ink MoU to decarbonize steel and iron production

GREEN STEEL-

British steel maker eyes Khalifa port for steel exports to Europe: AD Ports Group and Liberty Steel, the steelmaking arm of UK-based investor GFG Alliance, have inked an MoU to explore plans to set up a green iron production facility in AD Ports subsidiary Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (Kezad), along with accompanying port infrastructure and a conveyer belt in Khalifa Port, according to a statement. The plans help push exports to Europe, as well as boost the UAE’s magnetite ore imports from Australia, it adds.

The details: The facility will intake magnetite ore from Australia, leveraging Liberty’s access to some 4 bn tons of Australia’s high quality magnetite ore, and convert it into green iron using gas, before transitioning to green hydrogen when it’s available at scale by 2031, the statement said. The iron will be reexported to external markets, including Liberty’s facilities in Romania, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and the UK.

RENEWABLES-

More solar and wind projects for Egypt? Egypt’s New and Renewable Energy Authority (NREA) will study a total of 26.6k square kilometers in three areas across the country for potential solar and wind energy projects in the future, Al Arabiya reports, citing government sources it says have knowledge of the matter. The studies will kick off in January and be funded by the World Bank and GIZ.

CLIMATE FINANCE-

A new MENA accelerator in town: KSA’s leading petrochemical company Sabic, UAE’s AstroLabs, PepsiCo and other strategic partners will launch the Mega Green Accelerator to support climate-focused regional startups, according to a statement. The accelerator will provide seed funding, mentorship, and address regional sustainability challenges with investment partners the Dubai Future District Fund, Venture Souq, and Shurooq Partners.

Who else is involved? Ecosystem partners include the London Business School Entrepreneurship Club, Berytech, the American University of Cairo Venture Lab, the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park, and the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection. France’s Schneider Electric will serve as a prize partner, participating in the final selection of participants.

OTHER STORIES WORTH KNOWING ABOUT THIS MORNING-

FAB + Hong Kong’s Archireef to restore UAE’s coral reefs: First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) has partnered with nature-tech company Archireef on the restoration of degraded marine ecosystems off the coast of Abu Dhabi. FAB will fund the deployment of 100 sq meters of Archireef’s 3D printed Reef Tiles — which have a 95% coral survivorship rate — to provide a new habitat for 2.4k corals in the Arabian Gulf. (Wam)

CALENDAR

NOVEMBER 2023

30 November - 12 December (Thursday-Tuesday): Conference of the Parties (COP 28), Dubai, UAE.

DECEMBER 2023

1-10 December (Friday-Saturday): Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week COP28 Special Edition, Dubai, UAE.

7-8 December (Thursday-Friday): Future Investment Initiative (FII) Priority, Hong Kong.

8 December (Friday): Youth for Sustainability Forum (Y4S), Dubai, UAE.

12-14 December (Tuesday-Thursday): Green Hydrogen Summit Oman, Muscat, Oman.

18-20 December (Monday-Wednesday):Saudi Arabia Smart Grid Conference, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

JANUARY 2024

9-11 January (Tuesday-Thursday): Future Minerals Forum, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

FEBRUARY 2024

26-28 February (Monday-Wednesday): Management and Sustainability of Water Resources, Dubai, UAE.

MARCH 2024

4-6 March (Monday-Wednesday): International Conference on Sand and Dust Storms in the Arabian Peninsula, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

APRIL 2024

16-18 April (Tuesday-Thursday): World Future Energy Summit, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

23-25 April (Tuesday-Thursday): Connecting Green Hydrogen MENA, Dubai, UAE.

MAY 2024

19-21 May (Sunday-Tuesday): Saudi Energy Convention, Riyadh, KSA.

JUNE 2024

5 June (Wednesday): World Environment Day, Saudi Arabia.

OCTOBER 2024

10-12 October (Tuesday-Thursday): Autonomous E-Mobility Forum, Doha, Qatar.

DECEMBER 2024

2-13 December (Monday-Friday): Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nation Convention to Combat Desertification, Riyadh, KSA.

EVENTS WITH NO SET DATE

2024

Early 2024: The 2023 US Algeria Energy Forum, Washington DC, USA.

12-14 February (Monday-Wednesday): Sustainable Aviation Futures MENA Congress, Dubai, UAE.

End-2024: Emirati Masdar’s 500 MW wind farm in Uzbekistan to begin commercial operations.

QatarEnergy’s industrial cities solar power project will start electricity production.

2025

International Union for Conservation of Nature World Conservation Congress, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

UAE to have over 1k EV charging stations installed.

2026

26-29 October (Monday-Thursday): World Energy Congress, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

UITP Global Public Transport Summit, Dubai, UAE.

Annual Meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, Bangkok, Thailand.

1Q 2026: QatarEnergy’s USD 1 bn blue ammonia plant to be completed.

End-2026: HSBC Bahrain to eliminate single-use PVC plastic cards.

2027

MENA’s district cooling market is expected to reach USD 15 bn.

2030

UAE’s Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) wants to provide AED 35 bn in green financing.

UAE targets 14 GW in clean energy capacity.

Tunisia targets 30% of renewables in its energy mix.

Qatar wants to generate USD 17 bn from its circular economy, creating 9k-19k jobs.

Morocco’s Xlinks solar and wind energy project to generate 10.5 GW of energy.

2035

Qatar to capture up to 11 mn tons of CO2 annually.

2045

Qatar’s Public Works Authority’s (Ashghal) USD 1.5 bn sewage treatment facility to reach 600k cm/d capacity.

2050

Tunisia’s carbon neutrality target.

2060

Nigeria aims to achieve its net-zero emissions target.

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