The congress will delve into crucial aviation topics. (Image source: Canva)

The Sustainable Aviation Futures MENA Congress is set to take place from 10 - 12 February 2025 at the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental in Abu Dhabi.

This event will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders to explore advancements in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production and aviation decarbonisation within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

A key highlight of the congress is its collaboration with the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) to launch the Global Sustainable Aviation Markets (GSAM).

This initiative aims to serve as a global platform to promote aviation decarbonisation and the scaling of SAF production worldwide.

Delegates can expect panel discussions, keynote addresses, and fireside chats delivered by over 100 expert speakers, alongside extensive networking opportunities with professionals in aviation, energy, and policymaking.

The congress will delve into crucial topics, such as the potential of Power-to-Liquid (PtL) and eFuels, the role of low-carbon aviation fuels (LCAF), and sustainable aviation fuels in advancing the energy transition.

It will also explore policies and incentives for sustainable fuel production in the MENA region, corporate sustainability strategies, and innovations in aircraft design and operations aimed at reducing emissions.

Eaton will feature its DualGuard System. (Image source: Canva)

Eaton will participate in Intersec Dubai 2025 from 14-16 January, spotlighting its advanced safety solutions tailored for sectors like commercial real estate, oil and gas, utilities, and industrial facilities.

Eaton will present its flagship Building Safety Management System (BSMS), an integrated platform for real-time monitoring and centralised control of emergency lighting and fire detection systems.

Designed to meet global safety standards such as BS 5266 and EN 1838, the BSMS enhances operational efficiency and optimises emergency response.

Additionally, Eaton will feature its DualGuard System, engineered for the region's harsh conditions, and adaptive evacuation systems, which use real-time hazard data to dynamically adjust escape routes during emergencies.

With the Middle East's construction market projected to grow from US$298bn in 2023 to US$401.17bn by 2030, and the regional fire safety equipment market expected to reach US$6.93bn by 2030, Eaton’s solutions aim to meet the escalating demand for safety and reliability in critical applications.

“Eaton has been a trusted partner in the Middle East for many years, providing life safety solutions that are built to perform under the toughest conditions,” said Qasem Noureddin, managing director, Eaton Middle East. “Our participation at Intersec Dubai reflects our ongoing commitment to helping our customers ensure the safety of their people and assets."

“We are proud to support the region’s infrastructure growth by offering solutions that deliver long-term value and protection,” added Qasem Noureddin. “Intersec Dubai is a key platform for us to engage with industry professionals and demonstrate how our products contribute to safer, more resilient buildings.”

Comapire takes over from Seco Power. (Image source: Perkins)

Perkins, a global power systems powerhouse, has appointed Comapire as its new authorised distributor in Morocco

Replacing Seco Power in the country, Compaire was selected due to its extensive industrial engines experience, strong knowledge of the territory and proven customer relationships. Led by managing director Yassine Tabout, the wider Comapire team has worked with the Perkins brand in the country for more than 30 years.

“The Comapire team is very excited to be taking on this appointment,” remarked Tabout. “We are looking forward to delivering our portfolio of service and support solutions to help Perkins-powered customers throughout Morocco. Customers will benefit from our highly trained technicians, our infrastructure set up and our extensive experience with industrial engines.”

This team will now be bolstered by the addition of a newly appointed service manager who will lead the service department overseeing technical support, coordinating field service technicians and service product support representatives.

Jaz Gill, vice president of global sales, marketing, service and parts at Perkins, added, “I’m very pleased our Perkins-powered customers in Morocco will be supported by Comapire going forward. I’m confident that Perkins end users will receive an exceptional level of service and support, as Comapire’s highly experienced team have worked with engines for many years. The investment they have made in their new facility in Casablanca, coupled with their geographical reach and proven customer engagement will serve them well.”

Handling, storing and transporting hydrogen can pose safety challenges. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Miro Cavkov, technical director – downstream & energy advisory, Euro Petroleum Consultants, addresses some of the safety challenges associated with hydrogen development

Hydrogen is widely regarded as the "fuel of the future," playing a critical role in global decarbonisation efforts. As industries transition toward cleaner energy systems, hydrogen is emerging as a versatile and efficient alternative fuel source. However, while hydrogen offers immense potential to transform energy systems, its unique properties require a heightened focus on safety during production, storage, and transportation.

Understanding and addressing these safety challenges are critical to realising the full potential of hydrogen in a sustainable and secure energy ecosystem.

Hydrogen is the most abundant chemical molecule in the universe, and as a fuel, it possesses many desirable traits: it is nontoxic, colourless, odorless, and highly combustible, enabling it to serve as a clean and efficient energy source. However, these same properties pose challenges when it comes to handling, storing, and transporting hydrogen safely. Its flammability, extremely low density, and small molecular size make it prone to leaks, which can lead to safety hazards if not properly managed.

In its natural state, hydrogen is relatively benign and is typically produced at low pressures (20–30 bar) with minimal associated risks. However, the real safety concerns arise post-production when hydrogen must be stored and transported. To ensure efficiency and profitability, hydrogen must often be compressed or liquefied, which introduces significant technical and logistical challenges.

As hydrogen becomes a key energy carrier for industrial and commercial applications, safe and effective storage and transport mechanisms are crucial. These methods vary depending on hydrogen's physical state (gaseous, liquid, or chemically bound) and the specific requirements of end users.

As the demand for hydrogen grows, technological innovations are emerging to address the safety and operational challenges associated with its use. For instance, advancements in materials science are enabling the development of hydrogen-compatible pipelines, storage tanks, and compression systems. Digital tools, such as real-time leak detection sensors and predictive maintenance algorithms, are further enhancing safety in hydrogen infrastructure.

Hydrogen safety is not a one-size-fits-all challenge. Each industry, company, and application must evaluate the most suitable approach based on specific operational requirements and risk profiles. Achieving safe and sustainable hydrogen systems will require a combination of innovative technologies, stringent safety standards, and cross-industry collaboration.

By addressing these challenges proactively, hydrogen can fulfill its potential as a cornerstone of the global energy transition, enabling industries to reduce their carbon footprint while meeting growing energy demands.

You can read the full article in the latest edition of Oil Review Middle East, at https://oilreviewmiddleeast.com/magazines/orme_2024_12_20/spread/?page=18