Latest news with #Masdar
Zawya
a day ago
- Business
- Zawya
Iraq in advanced talks with Saudi's ACWA Power and UAE's Masdar for solar plants
Iraq's Ministry of Electricity announced on Thursday that it is close to finalising agreements with Saudi Arabia's ACWA Power and the UAE's Masdar to build solar power stations across the country. Speaking to the Iraqi News Agency (INA), ministry spokesperson Ahmed Musa said discussions are advancing with ACWA Power for a 1,000-megawatt (MW) solar power plant in Najafm and with Masdar to develop four solar power plants with a combined capacity of 1,000 MW. In March, Iraq started construction of its largest solar power project - the 1,000 MW Basra Sun. Musa said the talks are part of Iraq's broader strategy to diversify its energy sources and reduce dependency on imported gas, adding that the the OPEC member's power sector is currently facing a 4,000 MW deficit due to reduced gas imports from Iran, which resulted in the shutdown of several power generation units. Musa disclosed that 93 percent of the electricity interconnection project with GCCIA has been completed, and connections with Jordan and Turkey are already contributing to Iraq's grid. At the start of May, Iraq's Wasit province issued a tender for 3,000 MW of renewable energy projects. Prior to that, in April, the Iraqi government signed an agreement with US-based UGT Renewables for the development of a 3,000 MW solar power project coupled with a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) providing 500 megawatt-hours (MWh). (Writing by Majda Muhsen; Editing by Anoop Menon)
Iraqi News
2 days ago
- Business
- Iraqi News
UAE's Masdar, Saudi Arabia's ACWA Power to build 5 solar power plants in Iraq
Baghdad ( – The spokesperson for the Iraqi Minister of Electricity, Ahmed Musa, revealed on Thursday that the Iraqi government will sign agreements soon with UAE-based Masdar and Saudi Arabia's ACWA Power to build five solar power plants. In a statement to the state-run news agency (INA), Musa explained that the Iraqi Electricity Ministry seeks to reach deals with major companies to build solar power plants in a step aiming to diversify Iraq's energy sources and adopt renewable energy, particularly solar energy. Solar power plants are currently under construction in the Iraqi provinces of Basra, Muthanna, Karbala, Babylon, and Dhi Qar, according to Musa. The Iraqi official added that ACWA Power will build a 1,000-megawatt solar power plant in the central Iraqi province of Najaf, and Masdar will build four plants with a total capacity of 1,000 megawatts. Given the country's expanding power demand, the Iraqi government is implementing initiatives to diversify its energy sources and achieve its energy sector sustainability. In 2023, the Iraqi Ministry of Electricity intended to negotiate contracts with major corporations such as France-based TotalEnergies to build a 1,000-megawatt power plant in Basra and China-based PetroChina to establish another 750-megawatt power plant in Muthanna. The Iraqi government has approved a proposal to award contracts to specialist businesses to create 7,500 megawatts of solar energy by 2030. These projects are part of a larger national plan that intends to generate 12,000 megawatts of solar energy.
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
UAE, France explore cooperation in hydrogen, nuclear energy
PARIS - A UAE delegation wrapped up a three-day visit to France, where they discussed opportunities for cooperation and exchanged best practices with key French stakeholders to leverage innovative ways to approach upcoming challenges of the energy transition. The visit was part of the UAE's efforts to build synergies with other countries in driving sustainable development and enhancing energy security. Focus areas included advancements in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) regulations and infrastructure, hydrogen, nuclear innovation, and decarbonisation strategies. Eng. Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, headed the delegation, which comprised Mohammed Al Hawi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Investment, as well as representatives of AMMROC, Emirates, General Civil Aviation Authority, Bee'ah, Masdar, Emirates Nuclear Energy Company, Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation, and Lootah BioFuel. Eng Al Olama said, 'The UAE and France share a firm commitment to continuous progress, a passion for innovation, and an eagerness to embrace future trends. The tour aimed to support the UAE's clean energy transition by identifying best practices, fostering bilateral cooperation, and equipping delegates with actionable knowledge to advance national sustainability goals. As a global technology leader, France is at the forefront of coming up with innovative solutions to the most pressing challenges the world faces today and is a valued partner in the UAE's efforts to shape a better future.' He added, 'I would like to thank all the French officials and private sector representatives whom I met for the warm welcome and hospitality we have received during our trip. I look forward to translating the outcomes of our productive conversations into tangible projects that will help us build sustainable energy systems and accelerate the transition to clean energy, with the ultimate goal of leaving behind a better world for the next generations.' On day one of the visit to Paris, the delegation participated in a closed meeting at MEDEF International, the leading network of companies in France, with French companies' representatives, led by Ludovic Pouille, Director of Economic Diplomacy at the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. The participants explored on-going cooperation projects and ways to expand them. Furthermore, representatives from both sides provided an overview of the national hydrogen strategy of their respective countries. This was followed by presentations of hydrogen development projects and solutions by leading French energy providers: HY24, EDF Renouvelables, Axens, Engie, Technip Energies, Fives Group, and Dassault Systèmes. Nuclear energy technologies were also the focus of the meeting, as the delegation received a briefing on the French nuclear value chain, nuclear fuel management and challenges, and latest developments of small modular reactors by leading French nuclear industry and SMR experts from CSFN, ORANO, CEA, Nuward, Newcleo, and Naarea. At the meeting, Al Olama emphasised that cooperation is essential, reaffirming the UAE's commitment to activating strategic partnerships across the energy sector with France in key areas to strengthen economic partnership and work together towards achieving their decarbonisation targets. Day two, also spent in Paris, featured a packed agenda of site visits and meetings. The delegation toured the Innovation Hub of Schneider Electric, a leader in digital transformation of energy management and automation. They learned about the company's cutting-edge AI-driven solutions for energy optimisation. They also visited the R&D labs of Air Liquide, a world leader in gases, technologies, and services for industry and healthcare, where they had a firsthand insight into the company's state-of-the-art technologies. Furthermore, a representative of the French Civil Aviation Authority outlined the country's regulations and policies regarding the use and promotion of SAF, whereas a member of the UAE delegation presented the national approach to increasing reliance on SAF as a means to decarbonise the aviation sector. Al Olama enjoyed a lively discussion on the UAE's and France's shared commitment to sustainability with representatives of Airbus, Total Energies, Safran, Bureau Veritas, and Haffner Energy. On the third and final day of the tour, the delegation moved to the city of Toulouse, where they visited the Airbus mock-up centre and the A350 Final Assembly Line, one of the most modern production sites in the aviation industry. Moreover, they met with UAE graduates having their internship in Airbus. The UAE and France enjoy long-standing strong ties that were taken to new heights in the past few years.
Hi Dubai
2 days ago
- Business
- Hi Dubai
UAE, France Explore Cooperation in Hydrogen, Nuclear Energy
A UAE delegation concluded a strategic three-day visit to France aimed at advancing bilateral cooperation on clean energy, sustainable aviation, and innovative decarbonisation strategies. Led by Eng. Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs, the delegation engaged with top French officials and industry leaders to explore joint initiatives in hydrogen development, nuclear innovation, and energy transition technologies. The visit was part of the UAE's broader push to build international partnerships that support its sustainability and energy security goals. The delegation included representatives from key UAE entities such as the Ministry of Investment, Masdar, Emirates Nuclear Energy Company, and Bee'ah. Meetings kicked off in Paris with a closed-door session at MEDEF International, where both sides discussed expanding ongoing projects and shared insights into their national hydrogen strategies. French companies including Engie, EDF Renouvelables, and Dassault Systèmes presented cutting-edge solutions in hydrogen and nuclear energy. UAE officials also received briefings on small modular reactors and the French nuclear value chain from industry leaders such as ORANO, Nuward, and CEA. Day two featured site visits to Schneider Electric's Innovation Hub and Air Liquide's R&D facilities, highlighting France's advanced energy management and AI-powered optimisation technologies. Discussions also touched on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), with both countries presenting regulatory frameworks and strategies to decarbonise air travel. The final day in Toulouse focused on aerospace collaboration, with the delegation touring Airbus facilities and meeting UAE interns training on site. 'The UAE and France share a commitment to innovation and sustainability,' said Al Olama. 'This visit reinforces our shared vision and sets the stage for future collaboration on clean energy.' The UAE and France have deepened ties in recent years, with energy and sustainability emerging as key pillars of their partnership. News Source: Emirates News Agency
The National
3 days ago
- Business
- The National
Abu Dhabi's Taqa keeping tabs on tariffs as it considers international expansion
Abu Dhabi National Energy Company, better known as Taqa, is closely monitoring the global tariff situation as it keeps the option of buying international assets on the table, its chief executive said on Wednesday. Nearly half of the company's capacity is deployed in Abu Dhabi, and it is 'not seeing any direct impact from the tariffs so far', Jasim Thabet told The National in an interview on the sidelines of the World Utilities Congress in Abu Dhabi. 'But we are keeping a close eye on the flow of trades … if there are any tariffs happening [and] if there are opportunities for us to look at new markets to acquire new companies or to invest in other projects,' he said. Mr Thabet said Taqa is focusing on boosting its renewables portfolio and is expected to increase investment to keep pace with the power needs of the booming data centre industry. The company, which in April announced an artificial intelligence-focused initiative expected to drive Dh36 billion ($9.8 billion) of investments, will 'continue to monitor the market for trends', he said. That programme – 'a very big component' of which focuses on renewables – is being implemented in co-operation with Emirates Water and Electricity Company and clean energy firm Masdar, in which Taqa is the biggest shareholder. 'There's a combination of a lot of things – populations are growing, there's a need for additional and efficient power,' Mr Thabet said. 'We're very well placed when it comes to investments.' Taqa aims to deploy more renewable forms of energy, and is addressing one of its biggest challenges – ensuring an efficient transmission network for their distribution. The company owns and operates transmission lines from its power and water plants to roads and homes, and requires operational efficiency to guarantee uninterrupted supply to users. 'There's a big deployment of renewables, so there are lots of opportunities for investment in renewables and also in networks,' he said. 'One of the biggest bottlenecks is rolling out all the transmission networks that will require [those investments].' Data centres consume a significant amount of energy to handle massive amounts of data. Some are using sustainable sources such as solar and water to cut consumption and costs. Power demand from data centres worldwide is predicted to more than double to about 945TWh by 2030. This is slightly more than Japan's entire electricity consumption, data from the International Energy Agency shows. In general, the bigger the data centres, the bigger their energy need. On a monthly basis, small, medium and large-size data centres are estimated to consume as much as 36,000kWh, 2,000MW and 10MW, respectively, according to industry tracker Data Centre World. The global data centre market is expected to surpass $1 trillion by 2034, surging more than 160 per cent from a projected $386.7 billion in 2025, according to Precedence Research. 'Renewables play a very important component of having a balanced supply of energy in the grid,' Mr Thabet said.
