{"id":76909,"date":"2023-04-10T02:00:43","date_gmt":"2023-04-10T02:00:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/climate\/2023\/04\/10\/dewa-set-to-launch-a-nanosatellite-to-optimize-power-networks-uae-ramps-up-cloud-seeding-lg-sources-lithium-from-morocco-uae-and-ksa-expand-on-evs\/"},"modified":"2023-04-10T02:00:43","modified_gmt":"2023-04-10T02:00:43","slug":"dewa-set-to-launch-a-nanosatellite-to-optimize-power-networks-uae-ramps-up-cloud-seeding-lg-sources-lithium-from-morocco-uae-and-ksa-expand-on-evs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/climate\/2023\/04\/10\/dewa-set-to-launch-a-nanosatellite-to-optimize-power-networks-uae-ramps-up-cloud-seeding-lg-sources-lithium-from-morocco-uae-and-ksa-expand-on-evs\/","title":{"rendered":"Dewa set to launch a nanosatellite to optimize power networks, UAE ramps up cloud seeding, LG sources lithium from Morocco + UAE and KSA expand on EVs"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/a> DEWA to launch a nanosatellite this month<\/strong>:<\/strong> The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has completed preparations to launch a nanosatellite intended to support the digitalization of the country\u2019s power networks<\/a> and facilitate the roll-out of smart grids and EV charging stations, Wam<\/a> reports. The nanosatellite \u2014 developed with Lithuania\u2019s spacecraft engineering company NanoAvionics<\/a> \u2014 is equipped with infrared to measure greenhouse gasses and improve the operational performance of power generation and water desalination plants. It can also provide accurate estimates of seawater temperature and salinity, detect harmful algal bloom, monitor fog, and assist in forecasting, according to the news outlet.<\/p>\n

<\/a> The UAE goes big on cloud seeding: <\/strong>The UAE\u2019s National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has signed an agreement with Abu Dhabi-based Calidus Aerospace for the purchase of an undisclosed number of its Wx-80 turboprop cloud seeding<\/a> aircraft, the National<\/a> reported last week. Although the price tag of the agreement and the number of planes secured by the NCM have not been disclosed, the NCM did note<\/a> that the transaction marks a milestone for \u201cachieving water security for the UAE.\u201d The UAE is developing artificial intelligence<\/a> for use in its cloud seeding program, ushering in a new level of tech precision to address water scarcity woes. By using an algorithm to cross reference historical weather data with current satellite reports and generate predictions about precipitation, scientists hope to effectively assess whether there\u2019s enough humidity for cloud seeding operations to be successful.<\/p>\n

LG Energy will source US and EU lithium demands from Morocco:<\/strong> South Korean battery manufacturer LG Energy Solution has signed an agreement with Chinese lithium compounds producer Yahua to purchase lithium hydroxide from Morocco, Morocco World News<\/a> reported last week. The agreement is part of its plan to export the critical mineral west, where LG expects demand to skyrocket on the back of recently spelled out guidance on EV tax breaks and incentives \u2014 especially in the EU<\/a> and the US<\/a>. Lithium is one of several rare earths essential for EV battery production.<\/p>\n

REFRESHER- The US and EU are looking beyond China for EV battery minerals: <\/strong>The US and EU have agreed<\/a> to begin talks on the supply of minerals that are essential for EV production, and are looking to reach a preliminary limited trade agreement that would see minerals extracted in the EU count toward the USD 7.5k EV tax credits of the Inflation Reduction Act. Japan beat the EU to the punch, striking a similar limited trade agreement<\/a> with the US in March. Under the limited trade treaty, the allies will lift export duties on rare earths, and will jointly work to minimize reliance on China\u2019s mineral supply chain. Over in Europe, the EU Commission also proposed a target<\/a> to shore up at least 10% of its annual rare earths demands domestically, with the remainder being procured from trade partners as part of its Critical Minerals Act, which aims to wean the bloc off Chinese dependency in the energy transition.<\/p>\n

What does this mean for us?<\/strong> The guidance announced by the US Treasury Department in March, along with the EU\u2019s Critical Minerals Act, could pave the way for mineral exports from the region, as in the case of Morocco. The US\u2019 subsidy criteria for the tax credits give room for battery minerals sourced from US freetrade partners including Bahrain, Jordan, Morocco, and Oman, according to the US Treasury statement. The EU also has fully ratified trade treaties with Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Jordan, and Lebanon.<\/p>\n

OTHER STORIES WORTH KNOWING ABOUT THIS MORNING-<\/strong><\/p>\n