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Negotiators are hashing out a full draft of new funding targets

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WHAT WE’RE TRACKING TODAY

TODAY: There’s a waiting game happening in Baku + Lots of action in KSA

Good morning, nice people. It’s a brisk read this morning as news trickles in from COP29, with no solid developments moving forward on negotiations. G20 has concluded without any tangible weight thrown behind finance commitments…

THE BIG CLIMATE STORY OUTSIDE THE REGION- COP and G20 continue to dominate the headlines this week. The highly-anticipated G20 statement(pdf) contained weak language on climate, crushing COP29 leaders and negotiators’ hope for a boost to stimulate the stalled process. The statement declared the group “commit to successful negotiations in Baku,” but failed to make any finance commitments on thorny issues stalling COP negotiations. An explicit mention of the need to transition away from fossils was also removed from the statement, despite initial versions including the commitment.

Some think the G20’s statement call for “tns” in climate funding — instead of bns — is good news. UN climate chief Simon Stiell described the statement as sending a strong message for COP29 negotiators about the urgency of the new finance goal.

WATCH THIS SPACE-

#1- A new EV charging manufacturer is launching in Saudi: Saleh Suleiman Alrajhi & Sons and Hong Kong-listed Foxconn InterconnectTechnology(FIT) will launch a USD 100 mn joint venture to locally manufacture electric vehicle chargers in the kingdom, according to a press release. Once established, the JV — Smart Mobility SJSC — will see each partner hold a 50% stake in the venture. Sullivan & Cromwell are advising FIT on the transaction.

#2- Egypt ramps up efforts to localize solar cell components manufacturing: Egypt is preparing to ink an agreement with a solar Emirati firm and a Chinese partner to set up a solar factory, Egyptian Deputy Prime Minister and Industry and Transport Minister Kamel El Wazir said during a Cabinet meeting. The Ministry of Military Production also presented a study on localizing solar cell and component manufacturing and the needed legal and technical frameworks to attract foreign investors. The study aims to lay the ground for the production of synthetic polymer silicon, polysilicon, and solar panels.

REMEMBER- Egypt has been pursuing localization for some time: In June, the Egyptian government said it would launch a tender to select an international consultant tasked with developing a strategy to localize the manufacturing of chips and solar PV cells, but no timeline was disclosed for the consultant selection process. Egypt was also reportedly in talks with several Chinese companies — including Hony Capital, China National Building Material (CNBM), and LONGi — for solar and semiconductor production opportunities in 2023.

#3- The UAE is leveraging AI to enhance its cloud seeding efforts, aiming to boost rainfall and address water security challenges, the National Centre of Meteorology's Director General Abdulla Al Mandous told Arabian Business. The country is planning to disperse funding for pioneering research projects on the tech, earmarking USD 1.5 mn for each winning project. The UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP) is planning to launch the research funding program in January 2025 during the upcoming International Rain Enhancement Forum (IREF).

UAE is no stranger to the tech: Earlier in January, the UAE said it was planning for around 300 cloud seeding missions in 2024 to address water scarcity and boost rainfall. The country was testing several methods for the seeding process, including using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for atmospheric charge dispersal and cloud measurement, coupled with AI trained on data from weather models.

#4- African countries' debt trades at a high discount making the continent an attractive location for debt-for-nature swaps, Bloomberg reports. African bonds yield about 120 basis points higher than those of other emerging markets, Bloomberg says, citing JP Morgan Chase data. This makes the continent’s nature swaps extra attractive, where the debts are bought in secondary markets at discounted rates, clearing some savings to go for nature conservation efforts. Standard Chartered Chief Sustainability Officer Marisa Drew told Bloomberg that the continent’s potential is high and lots of investors are lining up.

And a Southern Africa coast nature swap in the pipeline: US-based conservation nonprofit The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is exploring debt-for-nature swaps and blue bond sales to protect over 4.2k miles of southern Africa's coastline, Bloomberg reports. The financial instruments offer longer-term funding compared to traditional finance, supporting marine conservation efforts in South Africa, Namibia, and Angola. TNC has previously implemented similar swaps in Belize and Gabon, securing over USD 1 bn in total for the efforts. The current project, the Blue Benguela Partnership, aims to create an additional 148k sqkm of marine conservation areas, enhancing the protection of the already safeguarded 238k sqkm.

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CIRCLE YOUR CALENDAR-

Qatar will host the World Energy Storage Conference from Tuesday, 3 December to Thursday, 5 December in Doha. The event will gather scientists, researchers, engineers, policymakers, and industry experts to discuss advancements and challenges in energy storage technology. The detailed agenda is yet to be announced.

Saudi Arabia will host the Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United NationsConvention to Combat Desertification from Monday, 2 December to Friday, 13 December in Riyadh. The summit will convene leaders and officials from 196 member-states and territories to advance actions and hold ministerial dialogues on resilience and finance, focusing on policies, tech and innovative funding mechanisms.

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.

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COP Watch

Negotiators are hashing out a full draft of new funding targets

Finance and policy updates continue to trickle in from COP29 as negotiations move forward slowly toward Friday’s finish line. The first iteration of a full draft text outlining new funding targets to support developing nations is reportedly being released tonight, Lead Negotiator Yalchin Rafiyev of Azerbaijan said in comments picked up by Japanese news outlet NHK World.

(** Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links to our background and outside sources.)

COP FINANCE-

#1- US to announce USD 325 mn contribution to CIF: The US will contribute USD 325 mn to the Climate Investment Fund (CIF), The Guardian reported citing comments made by senior White House officials. This new funding — dedicated to low-carbon energy projects — brings the total US contributions to USD 1.8 bn.

#2- Australia will commit AUD 50 mn to the Loss and Damage Fund to help vulnerable nations fight the damage from climate change, The Guardian reports. The commitment was welcomed by climate groups as the fund has had lower commitments in COP29 than last year's COP28.

ALSO- Australia will invest AUD 125 mn to improve energy security and transition to renewable energy in the Pacific region, according to a statement. The funding includes AUD 75 mn for the new REnew Pacific program, which will deliver off-grid and community-based renewable energy projects. It also includes AUD 50 mn for the Australia-Pacific Partnership for Energy Transition (APPET) program, supporting energy transition modeling, grid studies, university research, and workforce training.

ON THE POLICY SIDE-

#1- 30 countries pledge to cut methane emissions from organic waste: 30 countries have signed the Reducing Methane from Organic Waste Declaration at COP29, pledging to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions from organic waste and incorporate reduction efforts into their NDCs, according to a statement. The signatories account for 47% of these emissions and include 7 of the top 10 emitters globally. The declaration builds on the 2021 Global Methane Pledge, which aims to reduce methane emissions to at least 30% below 2020 levels by 2030. From our region, only UAE, Turkey, Morocco, Palestine, and Jordan have signed.

#2- UK + New Zealand + Colombia move to phase out fossil subsidies: The UK, New Zealand, and Colombia have joined the international Coalition on Phasing Out Fossil Fuel Incentives Including Subsidies (COFFIS), The Guardian reports. COFFIS brings together governments — a Netherland-led coalition including mostly 16 European countries — to support the phaseout of fossil fuel subsidies. Member countries plan to present national plans for phasing out “inefficient fossil fuel subsidies” at COP30.

#3- WGEO and UNDP forge partnership to accelerate climate action at COP29: UAE-based World Green Economy Organisation (WGEO) and the UNDP signed a partnership during COP29 to advance countries’ push towards the goals of the Paris Agreement, Wam reports. The collaboration will focus on key areas such as carbon markets, land and water management, adaptation, and mitigation. The partnership also seeks to attract private and public capital for green initiatives, starting with identifying nations with high potential for transformation.

AND A SLIVER OF OPTIMISM FROM ANALYSTS-

Economists say USD 1 tn climate finance goal is achievable. A mix of new taxes, private capital, and funds from development banks and wealthier nations is well-poised to raise the USD 1 tn annually needed by 2030 to combat the climate crisis is achievable without straining global economies, The Guardian writes. Economists Amar Bhattacharya of the Brookings Institution and Nicholas Stern of the UN’s independent high-level expert group (IHLEG) highlighted that the investment is crucial to prevent economic damage and inflation caused by climate-related disruptions. The IHLEG suggests that half of the required funds come from private investments in green infrastructure, while multilateral development banks and direct aid from rich countries should cover the rest.

Why blended finance is wise business: Private sector financing is criticized for deprioritizing adaptation projects and for the potential of deepening debt burdens for poorer nations. Economists argue that the mix of funding sources would allow better allocation of money, leaving public funds to focus on adaptation projects and private capital to invest in the more attractive mitigation and transition projects. This approach would enhance the stability of vulnerable countries and ensure a fair distribution of climate finance, they argued.

A prime example: Small-scale farmers, who produce over a third of the world’s food and up to 80% in regions like Asia and Africa, receive only 14% of the USD 9.1 bn global climate funding earmarked for agriculture, Bloomberg reported citing figures by Climate Focus. The disparity is even starker when considering that less than 3% of total public climate finance is allocated to food systems, despite these systems contributing about a third of global emissions.

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RENEWABLES

Alfanar to develop SAR 20 bn worth of BESS and grid infrastructure projects

KSA’s Alfanar Projects inked strategic contracts worth over SAR 20 bn with the Saudi Electricity Company for battery storage projects and grid improvements, according to a statement. No timeline or specific investment tickets were disclosed for the projects.

(** Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links to our background and outside sources.)

The details: The projects include the development of a mega High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) Converter Station in collaboration with China Electric Power Equipment and Technology company. The station will enable high-capacity power transmission across the Central, Western, and Southern regions, with a total capacity of 7 GW. Additional projects include Battery Energy Storage Systems, Smart Distribution Centers, and the integration of renewable energy into the national grid.

Alfanar has been busy: The company allocated SAR 10 bn (USD 2.67 bn) to build and operate five temporary housing complexes in Neom last year. The project will include solar power, wastewater treatment, and computerized waste management facilities to ensure the complex’s sustainability. It also planned to invest up to USD 1.5 bn in Egypt this year, and has signed a USD 3.5 bn agreement earlier in 2022 to build green hydrogen and ammonia facility in the country. It was also among the bidders qualified by Oman’s Nama Power and Water Procurement Company for each of its five wind IPPs in September this year.

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The Macro Picture

Energy efficiency progress jumps only 1% globally in 2024

Global progress in energy efficiency, as measured by energy intensity rate of change, is projected to see a weak improvement of 1% in 2024, according to a recent International Energy Agency’s (IEA) report (pdf). This rate is roughly half the average rate between 2010 and 2019. Despite accelerated efforts in certain countries in response to the energy crisis, overall improvements in energy intensity have decelerated.

(** Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links to our background and outside sources.)

Essential for the green transition: An accelerated improvement in energy efficiency can contribute to a reduction of over 70% in projected oil demand and 50% in projected gas demand by 2030, according to the IEA's net-zero emissions scenario by 2050. Tech advancements improving vehicle fuel efficiency and wider EV adoption would contribute the most to oil demand reduction, whereas improvements in building insulation and the electrification of heating would drive the drop in natural gas demand. Furthermore, a third of the emissions reductions in the net-zero scenario could come from these improvements.

Where we stand: Countries representing more than 70% of global energy demand have updated their energy efficiency policies in 2024. For example, the EU revised its regulations to aim for a zero-emission building stock by 2050, whereas China is targeting appliance standards, and the US tightened standards for heavy-duty vehicles.

Over USD 1 tn has been spent on efficiency initiatives in the last five years. In the past year, USD 60 bn was funneled into building efficiency measures, and around USD 45 bn went to low-emission vehicle initiatives.

Still no joy…: Despite the advancements, policy implementation is lagging behind. Nearly half of the floor area in new buildings is not yet subject to efficiency standards, and only three out of five industrial electric motors currently in use are required to meet minimum standards for performance.

… Despite massive investments: Combined public and private investment in end-use sector efficiency — including buildings, transport, and manufacturing — is expected to net a 4% increase by the end of 2024, reaching USD 660 bn. While the figure surpasses projected investments in oil and gas by 10%, reaching the net zero goal by 2030 would require tripling those investments to USD 1.9 tn. Overall, investments in energy efficiency rose by around 50% since 2019. In some cases, structural conditions like increased industrial output partially or wholly offset these improvements.

EM efficiency investment increases are highest, but the share remains tiny: Africa would see their efficiency investments rise by 60%, whereas MENA and Central/South America are slated for a 40% and 20% rise. However, these regions collectively account for only about 5% of global investment. Europe, North America, and the Asia-Pacific region have the lion’s share of global energy efficiency investments.

Electrification is a main catalyst: The level of electrification — defined as electricity’s share in total final energy demand — is set to grow at a rate of nearly 2% in 2024, almost double the average annual rate of change observed between 2010 and 2019. However, this rate needs to be doubled so that electrification reaches 30% by 2030. Amongst other energy efficiency measures, electrification offers the fastest gains, but costs remain a challenge.

Where do growth rates stand? China’s electrification growth rate rose by 4% annually between 2010 and 2019, and around 3% annually from 2021 to 2024. Electricity accounts for approximately 24% of final energy demand in the Asia Pacific region and 22% in North America and Europe, but only 16% in the Middle East, 11% in Africa, and 13% in Eurasia.

Cooperation would be key to meeting goals: International cooperation can further help achieve the COP28 goal to double the global average annual rate of energy efficiency improvements by 2030. Countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) can also ensure that ambitious energy efficiency measures remain a pillar of long-term national plans. Harmonizing efficiency standards globally will also be key to preventing trade in appliances whose efficiency falls below a certain country’s national standards.

IEA is helping with a new platform: The IEA is launching the Energy Efficiency ProgressTracker, a new platform that would shed light on the most recent updates on energy efficiency. The platform would provide regular detailed insights on energy efficiency progress, providing regional and thematic updates like energy intensity, electrification levels, and efficiency investments.

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ALSO ON OUR RADAR

SPPC inks PPA for 2 GW Al Sadawi solar project

SOLAR-

#1-SPPC inks PPA for 2 GW solar project: State-owned Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC) has signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for the 2 GW Al Sadawi Solar Photovoltaic Project — part of KSA’s National Renewable Energy Program (NREP) (pdf) — with a consortium-led by UAE's Masdar, Korea Electric Power Corp, and GD Power Development, according to a statement. The PPA — covering a 25-year period — is set to deliver clean energy at a Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) of USD 1.29 per KWh. The plant is set to begin commercial operations by 2Q 2027.

(** Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links to our background and outside sources.)

REFRESHER- SPPC shortlisted multiple consortiums last month to develop four solar projects with a total capacity of 3.7 GW, including Al Sadawi plant. The projects are expected to reel in SAR 8 bn (USD 2.1 bn) of investments.

#2- Al Jouf taps Engie for on-site solar plant: Al Jouf Cement Company has signed a 25-year agreement with France's Engie to construct and operate a 22 MW solar power plant at its site in Turaif, according to a Tadawul filing. The value of the investment was not announced.

About the plant: The solar power plant is expected to meet approximately 25% of the energy-intensive cement producer’s electricity needs, significantly lowering its hefty electricity bill. The company estimates a monthly saving of SAR 3.6 mn compared to the current industrial electricity tariff. The project will offset some 1.5 mn tons of emissions.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY-

Siemens to boost buildings’ energy efficiency in UAE: Siemens Smart Infrastructure has partnered with the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure to retrofit 60 government buildings with advanced technology aimed at achieving up to 27% energy and water savings, according to a statement. The program — which targets healthcare and education facilities — is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 15.4k metric tons annually.

More on the plan: Siemens will upgrade HVAC systems, integrate movement and lighting sensors, and install centralized building management systems to enhance energy efficiency and user comfort.

Not the first collaboration with Siemens: The collaboration follows a successful pilot in which Siemens retrofitted seven ministry buildings, resulting in 20% energy and water savings. Last September, the UAE’s Energy and Infrastructure Ministry signed an MoU with Siemens Energy to boost sustainable development, grid infrastructure, and climate action.

OTHER STORIES WORTH KNOWING ABOUT THIS MORNING-

  • Egypt explores mining and infrastructure collaboration with IFC: Egypt’s Planning and International Cooperation Minister Rania Al Mashat met with officials from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to discuss collaboration in the mining and infrastructure sectors. Both parties explored areas of collaboration, including possible financing and technical support for mining projects, alongside Egypt’s renewable energy ambitions. (Statement)
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AROUND THE WORLD

Santos sets target for 14 mn tons of carbon storage

Australia’s Santos aims to store 14 mn tons of carbon by 2040: Australian oil and gas company Santos set a target to establish a commercial carbon storage business, aiming to store 14 mn tons of third-party CO2 annually by 2040, according to a statement. This goal represents 50% of Santos’ 2023 Scope 3 emissions — those generated by consumption of products. The new business will cater to third parties, including major Asian polluters, to meet the growing demand for CCS technology.

(** Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links to our background and outside sources.)

REMEMBER- Santos has partnered with regional players: The UAE’s Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) inked an agreement with Santos to establish a joint carbon management program in the Asia-Pacific region last year.


Spain’s Endesa to shift focus to grids: Spanish power utility Endesa will invest EUR 9.6 bn over the next three years, an 8% increase from its previous plan, Reuters reported. The investment is the highest since 2014 and will allocate EUR 4 bn for grid projects, a 45% increase from the previous plan. While reducing its investment in solar generation, Endesa will continue to focus on hydro and wind power, including a recent EUR 1 bn acquisition of Acciona's hydro assets.

The company may have regional investors soon: UAE renewable giant Masdar is on its way to acquire a c. 50% stake in Spanish power firm Endesa’s solar power installations subsidiary EPGE Solar for AED 3.3 bn (c. EUR 818 mn), according to announcements made in July. The two also signed an MoU to explore an alliance that would develop renewable energy projects in Spain.

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ON YOUR WAY OUT

Silicon anodes may hold the secret to faster EV battery charging

Silicon anodes are emerging as a solution to maximizing energy density in Li-ion EV batteries, CNBC reports citing a report by IDTechEx. They also show improvements in charging speed, potentially outpacing the solid-state batteries.

(** Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links to our background and outside sources.)

In context - The energy density limits of current materials used in EV batteries have been largely reached as demand-driven advancements led to more efficient and durable batteries. Silicon, with its theoretical capacity of nearly 3.6k mAh/g, offers a potential breakthrough, surpassing the 360 mAh/g capacity of graphite — the most used anode material in Li-ion batteries. This could lead to cell-level energy densities exceeding 400 Wh/kg and 1000 Wh/l, potentially doubling the energy density of commercial cells by 2024.

Safer, faster charging, more capacity: Companies developing silicon anode materials report improved power and fast charging capabilities, which are crucial for EVs and other applications like power tools and consumer devices. For example, silicon anode batteries have the potential to double the range of EVs. Recent advancements also suggest that silicon-anode batteries now boast a calendar life of three to four years, an improvement from just one year five years ago. Silicon’s more positive voltage compared to graphite also reduces the risk of lithium plating, enhancing battery safety.

Compared to solid batteries- Silicon anodes currently show more promise than solid-statebatteries, which have yet to be commercialized on a wide scale. Solid batteries promise higher energy density than typical lithium ones, faster charging, and improved safety compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. The stability of using solid materials like ceramics for electrolytes has been hailed as key for addressing the shortcomings of liquid Li-ion batteries. However, challenges such as battery swelling and degradation during charging remain. Analysts suggest that semi-solid-state batteries, which combine solid and liquid electrolytes, might serve as a transitional technology.

Challenges remain: The new tech faces challenges such as cycle life, shelf life, durability, and cost. While silicon anodes offer ten times the energy density of graphite, they suffer from rapid degradation when used extensively, said Benchmark Mineral Intelligence's senior research analyst Rory McNulty. Silicon oxides are also currently used at low weight percentages (<10%), but numerous companies are racing to develop advanced materials that can enable higher silicon percentages in batteries. Efforts to overcome these hurdles have shown promising results, with cycle lives of up to 1k cycles being reported. However, shelf life and cost remain concerns. In the short to medium term, silicon anode materials are likely to come at a price premium over graphite, limiting their possible deployment to high-end applications where price sensitivity is lower.

Investment in the tech is ramping up: Investments in silicon anode start-ups have reached USD 4 bn since 2010, with IDTechEx predicting the market for silicon anode batteries to reach USD 24 bn in 2034.

Who is in? Several industry players are investing in silicon anode technology. Taiwanese company ProLogium — also a major solid-state battery player — recently showcased the world’s first fully silicon anode battery, claiming it surpasses traditional lithium-ion batteries in performance and charging efficiency. ProLogium’s battery can charge from 5% to 60% in just five minutes, a groundbreaking achievement in the EV market. Companies like the US-based Amprius Technologies, Enevate, Sila Nano, and Group14 have their own efforts in various applications, including drones and e-motorcycles. Automotive giants such as Daimler, Porsche, and GM are also investing in and partnering with silicon anode companies.

What’s next? Advances in silicon anodes are seen as a way for Western companies to catch up with China, which dominates 98% of the graphite-based anode market, Fastmarkets’ battery raw materials analyst Georgi Georgiev said. Yet, commercialization and scaling up are still at question, given the current projected production costs.


NOVEMBER 2024

11-22 November (Monday-Friday): United Nations Climate Change Conference or Conference of the Parties (COP29), Baku, Azerbaijan.

19-22 November (Tuesday-Friday) Aquaculture Africa, Hammamet, Tunisia.

26- 27 November: (Tuesday - Wednesday): World Food Security Summit, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

26-28 November (Tuesday-Thursday): Egypt Energy Show, Cairo, Egypt.

27-28 November (Wednesday-Thursday): RAK Energy Summit, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE.

DECEMBER 2024

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

3-4 December (Tuesday-Wednesday): MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2024 conference, Dakar, Senegal.

3-5 December (Tuesday-Thursday): World Energy Storage Conference, Doha, Qatar.

4-6 December (Wednesday-Friday): International Conference on Smart Power & Internet Energy Systems, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

10-12 December (Tuesday to Thursday): International Mangrove Conservation and Restoration Conference, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

16-18 December (Monday-Wednesday): Saudi Arabia Smart Grid Conference, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

22-24 December (Sunday-Tuesday): Renewable & Sustainable Energies And Green Processes Conference, Sousse, Tunisia.

JANUARY 2025

12-15 January (Sunday-Wednesday): World Renewable Energy Congress, Manama, Bahrain.

14-16 January (Tuesday-Thursday): World Energy Summit, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

14-16 January (Wednesday-Thursday): Future Minerals Forum, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

18-19 January (Saturday-Sunday): Libya Energy & Economic Summit, Tripoli, Libya.

28-29 January (Tuesday-Wednesday): Sustainability Forum Middle East, Manama, Bahrain.

FEBRUARY

17-19 February (Monday-Wednesday): Egypt Energy Show, Cairo, Egypt.

23-25 February (Sunday- Tuesday): Global Water Energy and Climate Change Congress, Manama, Bahrain.

24-26 February (Monday-Wednesday): Connecting Hydrogen MENA, Dubai, UAE.

24-27 February (Monday-Thursday): Oman Climate Week, Muscat, Oman.

APRIL

7-9 April (Monday-Wednesday): Middle East Energy, Dubai, UAE.

14-15 April (Monday-Tuesday): Istanbul Carbon Summit, Istanbul, Turkey.

21-23 April (Monday-Wednesday): Electric Vehicle Innovation Summit(EVIS), Abu Dhabi, UAE.

MAY

7-9 May (Wednesday-Friday): International Renewable Energy Conference (IRENEC), Istanbul, Turkey.

JUNE

17-20 June (Tuesday-Friday): Mediterranean Water, Irrigation and Photovoltaic Exhibition, Tunisia.

EVENTS WITH NO SET DATE

2024

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.

November: Arab Forum for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, Amman, Jordan.

2025

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

UAE to have over 1k EV charging stations installed.

Middle East Electric Vehicle Show, Sharjah, UAE.

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.

World Water Forum, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

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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