Latest news with #carbon emissions
Al Bawaba
13 hours ago
- Business
- Al Bawaba
Union Coop and Positive Zero Launch one of the Middle East's Largest Retail Solar Energy Projects
Union Coop (UNIONCOOP:DFM), the largest consumer cooperative in the UAE, in partnership with Positive Zero, a leading provider of decentralized clean energy solutions, has launched one of the Middle East's largest solar energy projects in the retail sector. The long-term agreement will see the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on roofs and parking areas across Union Coop locations, aimed at significantly reducing carbon emissions and supporting the UAE's net-zero agreement was signed at Union Coop's headquarters in Al Warqa City Mall, Dubai in the presence of Mr. Mohamed Al Hashemi, CEO of Union Coop; Mr. Mohammed Abdulghaffar Hussain, Chairman of Positive Zero; Mr. Ahmed Al Zarooni, Chief Real Estate Officer of Union Coop; Mr. David Auriau, CEO of Positive Zero; and Mr. Laurent Longuet, CEO of Positive Zero's Generation business, along with other distinguished attendees. Scheduled for completion by mid-2026, the project will cover up to 30 Union Coop sites across Dubai and the Umm Al Quwain Coop headquarters (managed by Union Coop). With an installed capacity of 17.3 megawatts, the system is expected to produce approximately 29.23 gigawatt-hours of clean electricity annually—enough to power over 4,000 initiative will reduce carbon emissions by up to 21,650 tons each year, the equivalent environmental benefit of planting approximately 325,000 trees. It aligns with the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative and the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, which aims to raise clean energy's share to 30% of the national energy mix by on the milestone, Mohamed Al Hashemi, CEO of Union Coop, said: "Today marks a landmark moment in Union Coop's journey to become a leader in sustainability. By integrating clean energy solutions into our daily operations, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting the UAE's vision for a net-zero future by 2050. Union Coop aims to serve as a role model in the retail sector by adopting innovative practices that reduce carbon emissions and create lasting environmental impact.""Our responsibility as a cooperative goes beyond serving the people, as we are equally committed to protecting the environment and embedding sustainable practices that ensure a brighter future for generations to come."For his part, Mohammed Abdulghaffar Hussain, Chairman of Positive Zero, added: 'Union Coop has an important heritage, serving the UAE community for decades. This project represents one of the largest retail chain solar agreements ever signed in the Middle East and Positive Zero's most extensive generation undertaking for the retail sector in the UAE to date. We look forward to a long, successful partnership with Union Coop and delivering major environmental benefits from this renewable energy mission.'Echoing similar sentiments, David Auriau, CEO of Positive Zero, stated: 'Union Coop is making a major step forward in its sustainability journey with this distributed solar project. Our teams are already working together on the first phase, and by this time next year, we expect clean, renewable energy to be powering all agreed sites. Collaboratively, we will drive greater operational, economic and environmental sustainability and identify the potential for further clean energy innovations.' Union Coop continues to champion sustainability through impactful initiatives, including banning single-use plastic bags, adopting eco-friendly packaging, and collaborating with public and private sectors to reduce supply chain emissions.
Zawya
18 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Union Coop, Positive Zero launch big Mideast retail solar project
Union Coop, a key consumer cooperative in the UAE, has joined hands with Positive Zero, a leading provider of decentralised clean energy solutions, for the launch of one of the Middle East's largest solar energy projects in the retail sector. The long-term agreement will see the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on roofs and parking areas across Union Coop locations, aimed at significantly reducing carbon emissions and supporting the UAE's net-zero targets. Scheduled for completion by mid-2026, the project will cover up to 30 Union Coop sites across Dubai and the Umm Al Quwain Coop headquarters (managed by Union Coop). With an installed capacity of 17.3MW, the system is expected to produce approximately 29.23 gigawatt-hours of clean electricity annually - enough to power over 4,000 homes. The initiative will reduce carbon emissions by up to 21,650 tons each year, the equivalent environmental benefit of planting approximately 325,000 trees, said the statement from Union Coop. It aligns with the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative and the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, which aims to raise clean energy's share to 30% of the national energy mix by 2030, it added. The agreement was signed at Union Coop's headquarters in Al Warqa City Mall, Dubai in the presence of senior officials including its CEO Mohamed Al Hashemi; Chief Real Estate Officer Ahmed Al Zarooni as well as top Positive Zero executives including Chairman Mohammed Abdulghaffar Hussain; CEO David Auriau and Generation Business CEO Laurent Longuet. Commenting on the milestone, Al Hashemi said: "Today marks a landmark moment in Union Coop's journey to become a leader in sustainability. By integrating clean energy solutions into our daily operations, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting the UAE's vision for a net-zero future by 2050." "Union Coop aims to serve as a role model in the retail sector by adopting innovative practices that reduce carbon emissions and create lasting environmental impact," he stated. "Our responsibility as a cooperative goes beyond serving the people, as we are equally committed to protecting the environment and embedding sustainable practices that ensure a brighter future for generations to come," he added. Hussain said this project represents one of the largest retail chain solar agreements ever signed in the Middle East and for us at Positive Zero the most extensive generation undertaking for the retail sector in the UAE to date. "We look forward to a long, successful partnership with Union Coop and delivering major environmental benefits from this renewable energy mission," he stated. Echoing similar sentiments, Auriau said: "Union Coop is making a major step forward in its sustainability journey with this distributed solar project. Our teams are already working together on the first phase, and by this time next year, we expect clean, renewable energy to be powering all agreed sites. Collaboratively, we will drive greater operational, economic and environmental sustainability and identify the potential for further clean energy innovations." Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
South China Morning Post
18 hours ago
- Business
- South China Morning Post
You are adding to carbon emissions with each question you ask AI
Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@ or filling in this Google form . Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification Since the launch of ChatGPT in 2022, the global adoption of generative AI has surged, with daily active users reaching an estimated 115 million to 180 million this year. AI tools are now integral to day-to-day tasks like research and content creation. To support this demand, tech giants like Apple and Google have invested heavily in data centres, with Meta and Microsoft even exploring nuclear power options to meet AI's massive energy needs. This raises concerns about the environmental impact of artificial intelligence , particularly its contribution to carbon emissions. In the United States, around 3,000 data centres consumed about 200 terawatt-hours of electricity in 2024 – comparable to Thailand's annual usage. At least a quarter of that is estimated to have been used by AI-specific servers in those centres. By 2028, AI-specific electricity consumption is projected to rise to between 165 and 326 terawatt-hours yearly. Ironically, even asking AI how you can reduce your carbon footprint will add to emissions. While Hong Kong's Climate Action Plan 2050 acknowledges the issue and the government has proposed expanding the Buildings Energy Efficiency Ordinance to include high-consumption buildings like data centres, progress has been slow.
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Union Coop and Positive Zero launch one of the Middle East's largest retail solar energy projects
Dubai, UAE – Union Coop (UNIONCOOP:DFM), the largest consumer cooperative in the UAE, in partnership with Positive Zero, a leading provider of decentralized clean energy solutions, has launched one of the Middle East's largest solar energy projects in the retail sector. The long-term agreement will see the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on roofs and parking areas across Union Coop locations, aimed at significantly reducing carbon emissions and supporting the UAE's net-zero targets. The agreement was signed at Union Coop's headquarters in Al Warqa City Mall, Dubai in the presence of Mr. Mohamed Al Hashemi, CEO of Union Coop; Mr. Mohammed Abdulghaffar Hussain, Chairman of Positive Zero; Mr. Ahmed Al Zarooni, Chief Real Estate Officer of Union Coop; Mr. David Auriau, CEO of Positive Zero; and Mr. Laurent Longuet, CEO of Positive Zero's Generation business, along with other distinguished attendees. Scheduled for completion by mid-2026, the project will cover up to 30 Union Coop sites across Dubai and the U mm A l Q uwain Coop headquarters (managed by Union Coop). With an installed capacity of 17.3 megawatts, the system is expected to produce approximately 29.23 gigawatt-hours of clean electricity annually—enough to power over 4,000 homes. The initiative will reduce carbon emissions by up to 21,650 tons each year, the equivalent environmental benefit of planting approximately 325,000 trees. It aligns with the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative and the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, which aims to raise clean energy's share to 30% of the national energy mix by 2030. Commenting on the milestone, Mohamed Al Hashemi, CEO of Union Coop, said: "Today marks a landmark moment in Union Coop's journey to become a leader in sustainability. By integrating clean energy solutions into our daily operations, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting the UAE's vision for a net-zero future by 2050. Union Coop aims to serve as a role model in the retail sector by adopting innovative practices that reduce carbon emissions and create lasting environmental impact." "Our responsibility as a cooperative goes beyond serving the people, as we are equally committed to protecting the environment and embedding sustainable practices that ensure a brighter future for generations to come." For his part, Mohammed Abdulghaffar Hussain, Chairman of Positive Zero, added: 'Union Coop has an important heritage, serving the UAE community for decades. This project represents one of the largest retail chain solar agreements ever signed in the Middle East and Positive Zero's most extensive generation undertaking for the retail sector in the UAE to date. We look forward to a long, successful partnership with Union Coop and delivering major environmental benefits from this renewable energy mission.' Echoing similar sentiments, David Auriau, CEO of Positive Zero, stated: 'Union Coop is making a major step forward in its sustainability journey with this distributed solar project. Our teams are already working together on the first phase, and by this time next year, we expect clean, renewable energy to be powering all agreed sites. Collaboratively, we will drive greater operational, economic and environmental sustainability and identify the potential for further clean energy innovations.' Union Coop continues to champion sustainability through impactful initiatives, including banning single-use plastic bags, adopting eco-friendly packaging, and collaborating with public and private sectors to reduce supply chain emissions. To find out more about Positive Zero's projects, visit Notes: Emissions savings figures and equivalents are based on international EPA standard calculations. About UNION COOP 'Union Coop' was established by Ministerial Resolution No. 31/2 dated May 24, 1982, issued by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs at the time. Union Coop was incorporated with the vision to enhance the socioeconomic condition of members and to serve the local community wherever it operates. For Media-related Enquiries: Mr. Benoi Nair Mr. Mohammad Alrefaiy About Positive Zero Positive Zero is the Middle East's leading energy transition partner for businesses and communities. Founded in the region and with robust backing from our global partner BlackRock, Positive Zero is empowering a new energy economy where the decarbonization process is fast, simple and profitable. We enable this by building, financing and operating on-site infrastructure across three core pillars: distributed power generation, energy efficiency services and clean mobility. To date, Positive Zero has helped hundreds of businesses to generate power, use more efficient and smart equipment, and electrify and charge their fleets. With more than 200MWp in operation, we are the largest decentralized energy infrastructure provider in the region. Take charge of your energy future - visit For media inquiries please contact: Carine Bouery Head of Marketing cbouery@ Jonathan Ivan-Duke Partner, duke+mir jon@
Reuters
2 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
China needs to cut 2025 steel output to meet decarbonisation target, report says
BEIJING, July 22 (Reuters) - China needs to cut steel output from the coal-powered blast furnace process by more than 90 million metric tons from 2024's level to achieve its green steel target this year, researchers said in a report published on Tuesday. The global steel industry is responsible for around 8% of the world's carbon dioxide emissions and China accounts for more than half of global steel output. If China could meet its target of producing 15% of steel from electric arc furnace facilities this year, it could cut CO2 emissions by more than 160 million tons, nearly equivalent to the European Union steel sector's carbon footprint, analysts at the Helsinki-based Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air said. China has lagged far behind its global peers in terms of electric arc-furnace steel share. The average share is around 30% globally, 71.8% in the United States, 58.8% in India and 26.2% in Japan, the centre said. From 2021 to the first half of 2025, China's blast furnace capacity utilisation rose from 85.6% to 88.6%, while electric-arc furnace utilisation fell from 58.9% to 48.6%, it added. "A credible strategy to curb emission-intensive production and rein in excess capacity would not only tackle the sector's structural issues but also ease global tensions," said Belinda Schaepe, an analyst at the Helsinki-based centre. China produced 1.005 billion tons of crude steel in 2024, with around 90% from blast furnace facilities. China's steel sector has been plagued by overcapacity, which has depressed prices and sparked growing protectionist backlash from global trade partners amid its burgeoning steel exports. The cleaner electric arc facilities have faced headwinds of high power costs, unstable scrap supply and growing losses.
