Latest news with #solarEnergy
Zawya
a day ago
- Business
- Zawya
AEO chief calls for harnessing all energy resources
KUWAIT -- Secretary General of the Arab Energy Organization (AEO) Jamal Al-Loughani said on Sunday that all energy resources must be put at the disposal of meeting the growing demand however, he has re-affirmed that the new sources will not substitute the conventional resources. Electric power consumption will significantly grow by 2050, thus new investments must be launched in all energy resources, Al-Loughani said in a statement to KUNA, marking issuance of AEO's first edition release of the quarterly follow-up report on the new and renewable energy, climatic and energy changes for Q1, 2025. There was noticeable global interest in the renewable energy in the Q1, 2025, however the size of investments varied from region to another, he said. China continued to expand the renewable energy sector as part of plans to enhance the energy security and diversify production sources, while solar energy output in Egypt made record growth, Al-Louihani continued in the interview with Kuwait News Agency. In the United States of America, planned huge investments in the renewable energy were shelved due to uncertainties regarding taxation in the sector. As to the Arab Energy Organization's member states, they pursued efforts to expand the sector with new policies, amid technological progress and international cooperation to harness the abundant resources of solar and wind energies. Total renewable energy capacity worldwide reached some 4,448 megawatts in the end of 2024, he said, expressing his opinion that these capacities should grow by 16.6 percent per year to reach the triple ceiling by 2030, as it had been agreed upon at the climatic conference COP 28, he added. Elaborating, Al-Loughani said transportation is basic for a clean hydrogen system, noting that it can be useful for the densely populated regions. Vehicles with cell batteries will not be competitive unless lower costs for the clean hydrogen has been attained, Al-Loughani pointed out. Presenting further scenarios, Al-Loughani said the artificial intelligence AI would be helpful to attain a qualitative leap in improving efficiency, cutting the energy consumption and emissions from the conventional energy resources. Additionally, he cautioned that the energy future hinges not only on sustainability, but also on the energy security and reasonable costs and prices. The concept of energy varies from one country to another with respect of the priorities and economic conditions, he said, advising that transfer to clean energy must be sought while considering the economic conditions and social justice in each concerned country. Addressing the issue from another perspective, Al-Loughani pointed out that concentration of rare raw materials in certain nations worldwide increases fears of disruption in the supply chains, geopolitical hazards, noting that China controls 80 percent of the rare minerals supply chains and 90 percent of the treatment potentials. Asserting the cautious bullish outlook with respect of electric cars' sales and the impact on the global oil demand, Al-Loughani said the demand would remain stable and might increase in developing countries that have been witnessing noticeable and rapid economic growth, along with population growth. Regarding the nuclear energy, he has stated that it is a strategic option that envisages major chances and complex challenges namely safety and security, such as sound and harmless waste treatment. Currently, there are 440 operating nuclear reactors in 32 states with an output capacity of 400 gigawatts and secure nine percent of the global power output. He called on the Arab states to study the foreign experience that affirms necessity of clear policies, effective investments and structures that match the technological development in nuclear energy. He has also noted in this regard that many states throughout the globe have been reviving or expanding their nuclear programs, motivated by the need for reliable and sustainable energy. Al-Loughani has called for decisive and collective measures to cope with the climatic challenges, considering that the earth heating is forecast to increase to record levels in the coming few years. All KUNA right are reserved © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
First Solar, Inc. (FSLR): A Bear Case Theory
We came across a bearish thesis on First Solar, Inc. (FSLR) on Stock Whisperer's Substack. In this article, we will summarize the bears' thesis on FSLR. First Solar, Inc. (FSLR)'s share was trading at $158.38 as of 23rd May. FSLR's trailing and forward P/E were 13.46 and 10.17 respectively according to Yahoo Finance. Solar panels in an agricultural field, highlighting the company's commitment to renewable energy. First Solar (FSLR) appears to be under meaningful pressure, with a confluence of technical, fundamental, and sentiment indicators suggesting short-term downside risk. Technically, the stock is firmly in a downtrend, forming lower highs and lows, with the MACD signaling persistent negative momentum. Heightened trading volumes on down days point to institutional selling, while a critical support level at $120 could invite further selling if breached. A break above $160 resistance seems unlikely in the current environment. Fundamentally, while a low trailing P/E of 11.09 may imply value, sector-wide volatility, rising interest rates, and tariffs have clouded growth prospects. Even with a 36% forecasted EPS growth, rising costs and weaker guidance have weighed on earnings credibility. The stock now trades near its 52-week lows, reflecting macroeconomic headwinds and sector challenges. Sentiment around FSLR is largely negative, further pressured by recent earnings misses, guidance cuts, and analyst downgrades, including one from Jefferies. Broader weakness in the technology and energy sectors, coupled with ongoing tariff uncertainty, further dampens the investment case. Without a material catalyst—such as policy support or operational surprises—the stock is likely to remain under pressure over the next 1–4 weeks. While long-term investors may see an eventual rebound opportunity tied to renewable energy trends, the short-term risk/reward skews bearish. Investors should proceed with caution, recognizing the potential for further downside unless key technical levels hold and sentiment materially shifts. Previously, we have covered First Solar, Inc. (FSLR) in April 2025, wherein we summarized a bearish thesis from Oliver | MMMT Wealth on Substack. The author highlighted First Solar's unique CdTe technology and its advantage from U.S. tariffs on imported silicon panels. It was seen as well-positioned to benefit from rising demand for American-made clean energy amid geopolitical shifts. Since our last coverage, the stock is up 31%. First Solar, Inc. (FSLR) is not on our list of the 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 52 hedge fund portfolios held FSLR at the end of the first quarter which was 65 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the risk and potential of FSLR as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than FSLR but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock. READ NEXT: 8 Best Wide Moat Stocks to Buy Now and 30 Most Important AI Stocks According to BlackRock. Disclosure: None. This article was originally published at Insider Monkey.
Zawya
26-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Eco-friendly practices at OCEC boost visitor experience
MUSCAT: The Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC) is recognised for its sustainable operations and world-class facilities as research findings provide evidence that the centre's sustainable event management practices create a positive link to increased visitor satisfaction. Sustainability is gaining popularity in the tourism, hospitality and event management sectors due to socioeconomic and environmental concerns. Convention and exposition facilities like the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre play a crucial role in generating income and satisfying visitors. By implementing sustainable practices such as waste management, energy efficiency and eco-friendly design, they help address environmental issues; and attract customers and tourists with their eco-friendly operations. Research investigating the impact of sustainability integration at convention and exhibition centres on visitor satisfaction and strategic decision-making has shown that the use of sustainable materials improves sustainability prospects by contributing to the design of green buildings. The Oman Centre has also actively engaged with communities by forming relationships with local organisations, promoting recycling programmes and installing over 8,000 solar panels for energy efficiency, which significantly impacts guest satisfaction. Survey results indicate that 76 per cent of participants are aware of the sustainable practices at the facility, with factors like sustainability influencing event attendance and recommendations from respondents. Strategic landscape techniques and a 4.6-megawatt rooftop solar power system have contributed to water conservation, while energy-saving measures have had the most significant impact on visitor experience. While some tourists suggest a no-plastic zone, the installation of electric vehicle charging stations and other energy-saving measures have made a significant impact. Overall, the Centre's sustainable practices have enhanced guest experiences and made Oman a more appealing destination. The study suggests potential improvements such as installing intelligent power management systems and digital documentation systems to reduce paper usage. The OCEC, along with other events, sets leadership standards that position Oman as an innovation leader in sustainable development and tourism practices. The research emphasises that sustainable choices lead to memorable experiences and lasting impacts, as global environmental responsibility continues to grow. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Asharq Al-Awsat
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Aramco Becomes 1st in the World to Operate Advanced Renewable Energy Storage System for Gas Operations
Saudi Aramco has achieved a world-first milestone by successfully operating a megawatt-scale renewable energy storage system to support gas production operations. This marks the first global use of an iron-vanadium flow battery as a solar energy backup for gas well operations. The 1-megawatt-hour flow battery system in Wa'ad Al Shamal in northwest Saudi Arabia is based on patented technology developed by Aramco and implemented in collaboration with Rongke Power (RKP), a global leader in flow battery technology. The battery can support up to five gas wells throughout its 25-year lifespan and offers a robust alternative to conventional solar energy solutions. It efficiently meets variable energy demands and is designed to withstand the Kingdom's hot climate, delivering optimal performance even in extreme weather, setting it apart from other vanadium flow batteries currently on the market. 'This pioneering flow battery system, developed by Aramco's researchers, represents a significant breakthrough for the oil and gas sector,' said Aramco's Senior Vice President of Technical Services, Ali Al-Meshari. 'While Aramco already powers many remote gas wells with solar panels and lead-acid batteries, this advanced flow battery solution offers greater flexibility in renewable energy storage, making it a preferred choice for many industrial applications. It demonstrates how Aramco continues to develop and deploy advanced technologies to enhance energy efficiency and reduce emissions across its operations,' he added. Flow batteries store energy in liquid electrolytes kept separate from the battery cells. When pumped through the cells, the chemical energy in the electrolyte is converted into electricity. This system allows for energy independence and enables frequent charging and discharging with minimal loss of capacity. Flow batteries also pose a lower fire risk compared to other types of batteries, and their modular design ensures easier, lower-cost maintenance. The new flow battery aligns with Aramco's broader strategy to invest in renewable energy and energy efficiency as part of its ambition to achieve net-zero Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions from wholly owned and operated assets by 2050. The system uses improved liquid electrolyte solutions and requires less vanadium than comparable systems. It also operates efficiently across a wide temperature range—from -8°C to 60°C—without needing thermal management systems. This positions the battery as a highly effective solution for powering isolated and unmanned oil and gas sites, capable of adapting to fluctuating energy needs without incurring additional costs.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Energy expert raises concerns about bills' impact on solar, wind industry
The Brief Bills in the Texas Legislature (HB 3356/SB 715) could hinder renewable energy by requiring wind and solar farms to have backup power systems. Energy expert Ed Hirsch warns these measures are ill-timed, as Texas currently relies on renewables to avoid blackouts. Concerns exist that the added costs of mandatory backup systems could slow renewable energy adoption and deter businesses from coming to Texas. AUSTIN - Bills moving through the Texas Legislature could pull the plug on existing and future renewable energy projects, according to some advocates. House Bill 3356 and its companion Senate Bill 715 would require solar and wind farms in Texas to have a backup supply system that would run when the wind does not blow and the sun goes down. FOX 7 Austin's Rudy Koski spoke to energy expert Ed Hirsch from the University of Houston about the recurring fight over the best way to supply the state power grid. Ed Hirsch: "It's really too late for the legislature to push anything other than renewables at this point. The time to act was 2021." Rudy Koski: "If the gas turbine industry is going to be in trouble and delayed why hit the brakes on wind and solar now and put these extra restraints on?" Hirsch: "That is the question. We're in a catch-up mode and, unfortunately, we're not going to be able to catch up. We don't have enough natural gas, coal and nuclear power plants to cover the full demand on the Texas grid. In fact, today without wind and solar, we would be having rolling blackouts." Koski: "The bill does give an option and say, if you don't put natural gas generator as a backup, have battery power as a backup. Why is that a bad idea? They're going to be required to do that eventually." Hirsch: "We will get to the point where we have enough battery backup, but here's nothing in the bill that requires natural gas generators to add battery backup. We need the manufacturers to scale up, to deliver them and the business and the industry is growing, but it's not growing as fast as we need it to." Koski: "Some officials from the renewable industry don't like this idea of being mandated to have battery power, standby backup power now. And they're saying that this is going to shut down all renewables in the state or a big chunk. Are they overselling? Are they just being Chicken Little?" Hirsch: "It's going to impose a greater cost that they will have to flow through to the customer. It will slow down the rate of adoption for renewables. I don't think it's as extreme as they say it's going to be. But really we have to step back and look at this from a broader perspective. What is this going to do for the business environment for Texas if we're restricting access to the grid? If we're restricting the growth of power supply, this is going to keep businesses out of Texas." Koski: "The long-running argument against wind farms here in Texas has always been that it's a blight on our beautiful landscape. These giant monsters that are spinning constantly and so there's legislation in play that says anything that's built offshore cannot plug in. Are we cutting our nose off to spite our face if we are in such a crisis right now that we're just dooming ourselves to a blackout?" Hirsch: "Yes, we are. I mean, that's just a vanity argument. It makes no sense at all, but keep in mind we had offshore leases last year, or two years ago, nobody actually bid for them. Retiring the wind turbines is an extreme cost. Nobody knows how to take apart these indestructible turbine blades at the end of their useful lives. Solar farms are pretty easy. You just pick them up off the ground and cart them off. We have the largest renewable energy fleet in the nation, much larger than California and we need to expand this now." The Source Information in this article comes from FOX 7's Rudy Koski's interview with energy expert Ed Hirsch.
