Good morning, friends. We’re ending the week with a bumper issue as the news cycle gives us no rest. M&A updates are coming in fast from UAE-backed companies in India, along with details of a mega PLA facility pegged for the UAE. There’s also news of a batch of renewables projects set for development in Oman. Let’s dive right in.

WATCH THIS SPACE-

#1- Morocco is launching a program to finance 15 projects to sort and recover waste for some MAD 500 mn, according to a statement (watch, runtime 1:21). The kingdom also signed six partnership agreements to recycle batteries and e-waste, and a development agreement to launch a program for the energy recovery of household waste by 2030, producing between 660k and 680k tons of alternative fuel for the cement industry.

There’s more: Morocco has plans to amend a law on plastics to tackle plastic waste by reducing waste production, selective sorting, and the plastic producers' responsibility, according to a separate statement (watch, runtime 1:49).

REMEMBER- The World Bank approved a USD 250 mn program to boost Morocco's municipal solid waste management last month. The package will go into projects upgrading existing landfills, expanding waste recycling, composting and recovery through sustainable business models, and addressing the environmental and health risks posed by abandoned landfills.

#2- Tunisia approves two proposals for 1.7 GW of energy: Tunisia’s High Committee for the Private Production of Electricity has approved two tenders for the production of 1.7 GW of renewable energy under the country’s concession system, according to a government statement. The nature of the renewable energy projects is unknown at this time.

About the projects: The projects are expected to become operational in 2027 to produce 1 TWh per year, equal to 5% of Tunisia’s electricity production. Their production will curb the use of 250k tons of natural gas, saving TND 200 mn in electricity production costs.

#3- Egypt needs to introduce new financial instruments derived from the carbon market to stimulate trading activity, according to a report (pdf) by British legal consultancy Clifford Chance. The report stressed the importance of not over-regulating carbon trading markets to avoid undermining market flexibility and commended Egypt’s regulation amendments for facilitating carbon trading activities and recognizing carbon credits as tradable financial instruments.

What needs to be done? The report outlined four key practices that regulatory bodies should adopt to improve the efficiency of carbon markets. First, they should strengthen regulatory frameworks by promoting consistency between local and international organizations. Second, they must focus on establishing the primary market. Third, efforts should be made to enhance the functioning of the secondary market. Lastly, regulatory bodies should support the proper use and disclosure of carbon credits.

ICYMI- Egypt’s voluntary carbon market was officially launched in July after the EGX developed a comprehensive framework for carbon certificate trading, settlement, and transparency.

#4- US to hit China with more tariffs: The Biden administration is set to introduce new tariffs on Chinese critical materials imports to protect US manufacturing from China's dominant cleantech industry, the Financial Times reports, citing people familiar with the matter. The US trade representative's office will reportedly announce a doubling of tariffs on Chinese solar wafers and polysilicon to 50% and impose a 25% levy on tungsten products. The tariffs will come into effect on January 1, just weeks before Donald Trump replaces Joe Biden in the White House.

REMEMBER- China is being bombarded by tariffs: In October, the EU decided to move forward with Chinese EV tariffs of up to 45%. These duties — set to last for five years starting this coming January — could cost Chinese carmakers bns who wish to stay in the EU market and are designed to counter what the EU considers unfair subsidies provided to Chinese manufacturers. The US and Canada also imposed 100% tariffs on Chinese EVs.

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CIRCLE YOUR CALENDAR-

The UAE will host the World Energy Summit from Tuesday, 14 January to Thursday, 16 January in Abu Dhabi. The summit will host over 350 speakers including energy industry leaders and policymakers with discussions ranging from eco-waste to sustainable cities. An exhibition will also be held for showcasing green products.

Saudi Arabia will host the Future Minerals Forum from Tuesday, 14 January to Thursday, 16 January in Riyadh. The forum will gather stakeholders from over 170 countries to discuss mineral technology and exploration. Speakers will include senior government officials and CEOs from renowned mining companies Vale, Rio Tinto, and Manara.

Bahrain will host the Sustainability Forum Middle East from Tuesday, 28 January to Wednesday, 29 January in Manama. Climate experts and decision-makers will convene to discuss a number of issues ranging from decarbonization to supporting SMEs on their path to net zero. Speakers will include GCC government officials and industry leaders from the banking and industrial sectors.

Check out our full calendar on the web for a comprehensive listing of upcoming news events, national holidays and news triggers.