Latest news with #NationalEnergyStrategy
Biz Bahrain
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- Biz Bahrain
Alzayani Investments Group's Euro Motors Signs Solar Partnership with Positive Zero
Euro Motors, the luxury automotive arm of the Alzayani Investments Group, has signed a renewable energy agreement with Positive Zero, the Middle East's largest provider of decarbonization services and on-site solar power solutions. The project in Sitra will entail the construction and development of a solar rooftop and carport, which upon completion is expected to have a capacity of 2.7MWp. This will generate 4.7 GWh of electricity per year, which is an equivalent amount of energy as the annual electricity used by 654 households. The 25-year agreement will result in major environmental benefits, including the annual reduction of more than 3,100 tons of greenhouse gases. For comparison, almost 52,000 trees would need to be planted and grown for 10 years to have a similar level of impact. Euro Motors Bahrain is the luxury car dealer for major car brands such as BMW, Rolls Royce, Ferrari, Maserati, Land Rover, Jaguar and MINI. Alzayani Investments Group has a wide portfolio of brands across different industries, underlining its position as one of the leading conglomerates in Bahrain. Positive Zero will handle end-to-end build, financing, operations and maintenance of the solar rooftop and carport, ensuring Euro Motors can fully benefit from the environmental and economic cost savings. Representatives present at the signing ceremony included Mohammed Abdulghaffar Hussain (Chairman, Positive Zero), David Auriau (CEO, Positive Zero), Laurent Longuet (CEO at Positive Zero's Distributed Generation business, SirajPower), Rashid Zayed Alzayani (Managing Director, Euro Motors), Richard Gough (GM, Euro Motors), Rashed Hamed Alzayani (Managing Director, Midal Solar), and Khalid (Chief Executive Officer, Midal Solar). Discussing the new agreement, Rashid Z. Alzayani, Euro Motors Managing Director said, 'We're proud to launch this major new sustainability project with Positive Zero, which sets a new benchmark for Bahrain's automotive sector. As the industry itself changes, we too must find novel and intelligent ways to give back to the environment. We fully support the government's National Energy Strategy, as we reduce emissions and head towards net-zero by 2060.' David Auriau, CEO Positive Zero said, 'We are excited to collaborate with Euro Motors in decarbonizing their facilities. Our onsite solar infrastructure solutions will reduce Euro Motor's operational costs and carbon footprint, setting a new benchmark for sustainability in the automotive Industry. With the support of Alzayani Investments, we look forward to further exploring our decarbonization-as-a-service offering across its businesses to accelerate the Group's and the Kingdom's clean energy transition.' Speaking on behalf of Midal Solar (a subsidiary of Midal Cables), the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractor for the project, Managing Director Rashed Hamed Alzayani commented, 'This initiative stands as a testament to the growing commitment of the Kingdom's companies to integrate sustainable practices into their core operations. We are honored to serve as the EPC partner for this landmark project, and we look forward to leveraging our technical expertise to deliver a cutting-edge Tier-1 solar energy solution that advances both environmental responsibility and long-term economic value. With a proven track record of delivering over 7.2 MWp of solar projects across the Kingdom, Midal Solar continues to play a leading role in the transition to clean energy, helping to reduce thousands of tons of CO₂ emissions each year. Our involvement in this project reflects our dedication to driving innovation, delivering impact, and supporting the Kingdom's sustainability goals.'
Observer
13-04-2025
- Business
- Observer
Sur desalination plant emerges as a model for eco innovation
MUSCAT: In the sun-soaked South Al Sharqiyah Governorate of Oman, the Sur desalination plant stands as a beacon of innovation and sustainability in the water sector. Managed by Veolia, a global leader in ecological transformation, the plant is the first of its kind in the region — a cutting-edge seawater desalination facility powered entirely by renewable energy during daylight hours. With a daily capacity of 131,837 cubic metres, the Sur plant supplies potable water to around 500,000 residents, addressing the growing demand driven by rapid population and economic expansion. Since its commissioning in 2007, it has delivered over 400 million cubic metres of clean drinking water. But beyond sheer numbers, what sets Sur apart is its ambitious approach to sustainability and efficiency. At the heart of the facility is a suite of advanced technologies designed to minimise environmental impact and optimise performance. The plant uses the world's largest beach well water supply system, which naturally filters seawater through sand, reducing the need for intensive chemical pre-treatment. This innovative intake method not only eases operational costs but also protects marine ecosystems. Further supporting environmental goals are the plant's Energy Recovery Devices (ERDs), which slash energy consumption by 60%. This is crucial in a country where desalination accounts for a significant portion of water supply and where energy use has historically been a concern in such operations. In fact, the facility is 100% solar-powered during daylight hours — a milestone in green infrastructure that aligns with Oman's National Energy Strategy to derive 30% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Veolia's proprietary digital tool, Hubgrade, plays a pivotal role in the plant's daily operations. By integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning, the system enables predictive membrane analytics, real-time process optimisation, and AI-driven maintenance planning. This smart resource management boosts asset efficiency and ensures uninterrupted water supply, even under challenging conditions. Estelle Brachlianoff, CEO of Veolia. Estelle Brachlianoff, CEO of Veolia, emphasised the plant's significance in the region's water security strategy. 'The Sur desalination plant is provided by green energy and solar panels — a sustainable source of energy for a very long time. We also highlight a Gen-AI tool to operate the desalination plant better. Through to what we call the 'barrel', which is a very unique patented solution... it's very modular, so you can have the construction being done in a much more rapid way and use less footprint on the ground. That's another innovation, which is quite disruptive,' she said during an interview with the Observer. The 'barrel' technology — modular Reverse Osmosis units developed by Veolia — enables quick deployment and compact installation. These units support low-footprint pre-treatment systems, including modular media and cartridge filters, as well as a compact Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) system. The result is a facility that is not only energy-efficient but also scalable and adaptable to different water demand scenarios. The Sur desalination plant also pioneers environmental stewardship. Smart brine management ensures compliance with local regulations while minimising ecological harm, and the facility uses minimal chemicals during operations. By reducing stress on groundwater resources and protecting marine biodiversity, the plant sets a benchmark for desalination sustainability. Aligned with Veolia's GreenUp strategic programme and Oman Vision 2040, the Sur desalination plant is more than just infrastructure — it is a model for the future of water supply in arid regions. As demand for clean water continues to rise across the Middle East, this facility exemplifies how technological innovation and environmental responsibility can work hand in hand to deliver secure, affordable, and sustainable water solutions.
Trade Arabia
19-03-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Bapco Energies completes $1bn Reg S sukuk issuance
Bapco Energies, the integrated company leading the energy transition in the Kingdom of Bahrain, has successfully completed a landmark $1 billion Reg S Sukuk issuance with a concurrent capped tender offer for up to 25% of its outstanding $1 billion 7.5% Notes due 2027, thus reinforcing its commitment to financial prudence and market leadership. The Bahraini energy giant returned to the international capital markets on January 16, 2025, with this 10-year sukuk offering. The issuance was met with overwhelming demand, attracting an order book exceeding $4 billion, representing a four-fold oversubscription. This strong interest highlights investor confidence in Bapco Energies' robust market position and financial strength. The tender offer, launched on 13 January 2025, saw robust participation, with more than $200 million of Notes tendered and accepted by Bapco Energies. The sukuk issuance under Bapco Energies $3 billion Trust Certificate Programme, priced at a competitive 6.250% profit rate, marked the tightest ever spread to US Treasuries for a Bapco Energies issuance, thus reflecting the company's strategic approach to capital market engagement. The transaction drew a diversified global investor base, with 80% allocated to GCC investors, 12% to the UK, and 4% each to US offshore and other markets. The parallel execution of the tender offer and sukuk issuance aligns with Bapco Energies' proactive capital structure optimisation and liability management, allowing for effective debt maturity management and enhanced financial flexibility. The repurchase of the notes supports Bapco Energies' long-term financial strategy, strengthening its balance sheet while maintaining liquidity for future strategic investments, it stated. Bapco Energies' Group CEO Mark Thomas said: "These transactions underscore our commitment to disciplined financial management and proactive investor engagement. The strong participation in the tender offer and the success of our sukuk issuance highlight Bapco Energies' resilience and the market's confidence in our strategy." "We continue to position ourselves as a key player in Bahrain's energy transition and a trusted issuer in global capital markets," he stated. According to Thomas, the sukuk proceeds will support Bapco Energies' ongoing investment in the kingdom's energy infrastructure and strategic initiatives aligned with the National Energy Strategy.
Zawya
19-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Bahrain's Bapco Energies completes $1bln sukuk issuance
Bahrain - Bapco Energies has successfully completed a $1 billion 10-year Reg S Sukuk issuance, alongside a capped tender offer for up to 25 per cent of its existing $1bn 7.5 per cent notes due 2027. The tender offer, launched on January 13, 2025, saw significant participation, with over $200m of notes tendered and accepted, culminating in a successful settlement on February 13, 2025. Bapco Energies returned to the international capital markets on January 16, 2025, with its $1bn 10-year sukuk offering. The issuance was met with overwhelming demand, attracting an order book exceeding $4bn, representing a four-fold oversubscription. This strong interest highlights investor confidence in Bapco Energies' robust market position and financial strength. The sukuk, issued under Bapco Energies' $3bn Trust Certificate Programme, was priced at a competitive 6.250pc profit rate, achieving the tightest spread to US Treasuries ever for a Bapco Energies issuance. The transaction drew a diversified global investor base, with 80pc allocated to GCC investors, 12pc to the UK, and 4pc each to US offshore and other markets. The parallel execution of the tender offer and sukuk issuance aligns with Bapco Energies' proactive capital structure optimisation and liability management, allowing for effective debt maturity management and enhanced financial flexibility. The repurchase of the notes supports Bapco Energies' long-term financial strategy, strengthening its balance sheet while maintaining liquidity for future strategic investments. Bapco Energies group chief executive Mark Thomas said: 'These transactions underscore our commitment to disciplined financial management and proactive investor engagement. The strong participation in the tender offer and the success of our sukuk issuance highlight Bapco Energies' resilience and the market's confidence in our strategy. We continue to position ourselves as a key player in Bahrain's energy transition and a trusted issuer in global capital markets.' The sukuk proceeds will support Bapco Energies' ongoing investment in Bahrain's energy infrastructure and strategic initiatives aligned with the kingdom's National Energy Strategy. Bapco Energies remains committed to opportunistically tapping global capital markets to optimise liquidity and funding costs, ensuring sustainable growth and financial stability. Copyright 2022 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
03-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Enterprise and sustainability prospects
Where Oman differs from many other nations is the work it is doing towards integrating sustainable practices within the enterprise ecosystem. As part of Vision 2040, Oman is working to enhance sustainable practices in businesses such as ensuring that profits made are not detrimental to the environmental and social aspects of the economy. Oman aims for its enterprises to be able to grow in profitability while also ensuring long term sustainability and resilience. Sustainability Developments 1. Policies and Programmes of the Government There are policies formulated by the Government of Oman that attempt to promote sustainability. The Oman Vision 2040, National Energy Strategy, and the incorporation of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) frameworks into corporate governance provide comprehensive guidelines that encourage enterprises to shift towards more responsible business practices. 2. Expansion in the Use of Renewable Energy Reliance on fossil fuels is reduced with the help of projects, such as Ibri Solar Plant, along with other investments made by Oman into renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. Integrated Sustainability Supply Chains Businesses in Oman are working to implement sustainability within their supply chains. Numerous companies are moving towards greener approaches that include eco-friendly sourcing, waste reduction, and circular economy approaches for lowering their ecological footprint. Sustainable Business Practices Prioritize CSR and ESG Businesses in Oman are focusing more on embedding corporate social responsibility (CSR). A good number of companies have started implementing ESG principles to operationalize sustainable business practices and enhance corporate image. There are, however, sustainability integration gaps that continue to persist even in the face of significant positive changes in the Omani enterprise sector: Initial Investment Barriers: Outlays on green technology and green infrastructure are often prohibitively high and result in a disparate impact of the immediate effect on the business. Skill Gaps: A large company needs to have adequate knowledge resources regarding sustainability and sustainable development which most do not. Policy Gaps: While policies are changing, many existing policies would benefit from additional revisions in order to better enable sustainable business practices. Demand Levels: Demand for sustainability products and services remains at a low growth level and requires business to cut profits or subsidize short-term loss while switching to ecologically responsible practices. Improving Sustainability: Suggestions and Recommendations 1. Promoting Public Private Partnerships: The collaborative efforts of the government with private businesses can catalyze sustainability practices. Initiatives like joint businesses in renewable energy, waste management, and green buildings increase the chances of developing joint ventures. 2. Green Financing Programmes: The government should provide and offer tax breaks, grants, and subsidies to companies that practice sustainable initiatives. These policies would help tackle the limitation in available green investment opportunities to businesses. 3. Education and Awareness Campaigns: Technology can be used to provide everything ranging from workshops, and training sessions to even knowledge engagement platforms. Business schools and universities can also have sustainability as a core part of their course structure. 4. Enhancing and Developing Standards: Stricter rules and regulations integration is needed to make sure that companies engage in green practices and initiatives. A set standard with which the business's sustainability goals can become achievable rather than elusive. 5. New Product Development and Brand Sustaining Strategies: Smart and sustainable technologies USB powered AI energy management system, supply chain blockchain, and IOT devices for resource management are some of the many novel ways enterprises must invest in. 6. Strengthen Consumer and User Engagement in Marketing Activities: Sustainable brands and business should build awareness and promote their products and services through marketing, that will create a strong brand boost in sustainability and set business competitive advantage. Conclusion The increasingly complex challenges of sustainability in Oman are being addressed by the Omani enterprise landscape too with the help of government policies, renewable energy investments, and the new focus on corporate responsibility initiatives. Even though there are hurdles, strategic steps promoting public private partnerships, increasing funding, and incorporating digital solutions will make it easier to move Omani businesses towards sustainability. Sustaining these efforts by businesses will guarantee long-term revenue, environmental preservation, and improved living standards making Oman a dominant force in the region's sustainable growth initiatives. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
