Energy

Oman launches Net Zero centre

The Oman Net Zero centre will progress the country's net-zero objectives. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Oman has established the Oman Net Zero Centre, which will support the Sultanate in achieving its net-zero by 2050 goals

The centre will develop and refine net-zero strategies, collaborating with relevant authorities to ensure alignment with national objectives; progress and monitor the implementation of zero neutrality projects, including energy efficiency projects; and provide technical support to government and private agencies.

The Centre will adopt programmes and plans to achieve the goals across various sectors, in addition to following up on the implementation of supporting projects and initiatives, addressing the challenges they may face, and submitting the necessary periodic reports. It will also be responsible for developing and updating the national plan for enhancing energy consumption efficiency, monitoring its implementation across various sectors, evaluating energy consumption levels in approved projects, and proposing necessary improvements in coordination with relevant authorities.

Technical support

As part of its responsibilities, the Centre will work to provide technical support and advice to various entities to reduce carbon emissions and raise energy use efficiency. It will also promote the adoption of the latest international practices and technologies, while supporting scientific research, innovation, and developing national capabilities.

It will also manage requests for carbon, hydrogen, and low-carbon product certifications, ultimately issuing certificates in coordination with the Ministry of Finance and the Environment Authority. The Center will also oversee the registration and approval of requests for carbon certificate trading at the domestic level, ensuring alignment with international carbon credit frameworks.

Maintaining and updating a comprehensive inventory of carbon emissions from various sources will be another area of its activities, along with efforts to promote public awareness and community engagement.

The move follows the acceleration of Oman’s carbon reduction efforts with the launch in November of the Net 3 initiatives of the National Net Zero Program, a new package of projects and initiatives in sectors including energy, industry, cities, transport and buildings.

Oman has made considerable strides towards achieving its net-zero objectives. In the energy sector for example, Oman has made substantial progress in developing its renewable energy and hydrogen sectors, capitalising on its renewable resources and vast tracts of available land. According to the IEA, Oman is set to be a competitive low-emissions hydrogen supplier by the end of the decade, with the aim of producing 1mn tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030, and a number of major projects are being progressed. It could be the Middle East’s largest hydrogen exporter by then, according to the energy agency.

Masdar joins Hydrogen Council as board member

The Hydrogen Council Board is driven by global CEOs. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Masdar, Siemens Energy and Yara Clean Ammonia has joined the Hydrogen Council as board members, effective as of 1 January 2025

The Hydrogen Council Board is driven by global CEOs working to advance visionary ideas to leverage hydrogen as the means for the energy transition. The first board member from the Middle East, Masdar will bring valuable insights on the ambition and investment progress in the region, while Siemens Energy and Yara Clean Ammonia bring expertise in electrolysers and ammonia production respectively.

Welcoming the new members, Jaehoon Chang, CEO of Hyundai and Sanjiv Lamba, CEO of Linde, co-chairs of the Hydrogen Council, said, ‘We are pleased to welcome Masdar, Siemens Energy and Yara Clean Ammonia to the Board and work together as we guide the sector through a pivotal time for the energy transition. Hydrogen has made encouraging progress, with record levels of committed capital and projects past Final Investment Decision reported globally in 2024. However, over the next two years, regulatory stability, clear demand signals and global standardisation will be key to maintaining a robust scale-up trajectory and unlocking hydrogen’s full economic and societal benefits. We look forward to collaborating with the entire Board to tackle these challenges and driving the hydrogen industry forward together."

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, said, "The Hydrogen Council is central to advancing hydrogen as a key component in the transformation of the energy system and uniting our sector’s expertise has never been more critical. I am honoured to join the Council’s Board and work with global leaders to drive innovation, shape policies, and accelerate large-scale hydrogen deployment worldwide."

Emarat partners with Lootah Biofuels to grow renewable goals

Two men sitting at a table, signing a few papers

The agreement supports the UAE Net Zero 2050 strategy. (Image source: Lootah Biofuels)

Emarat Petroleum Company (Emarat) and Lootah Biofuels have signed an MoU to bolster renewable energy efforts and align with the UAE's sustainability goals.

The agreement supports the UAE Net Zero 2050 strategy and the National Biofuels Policy, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote clean energy.

Under the MoU, Emarat and Lootah Biofuels will expand the collection network for used cooking oils through Emarat’s retail stations.

This initiative will facilitate biofuel production, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fossil fuels. The partnership also explores introducing biodiesel (B5) at Emarat’s retail stations, in compliance with Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) guidelines.

In addition, the collaboration includes feasibility studies to establish a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production facility, catering to the aviation sector’s growing need for eco-friendly solutions. The parties also plan to supply biodiesel to vessels in specific ports, supporting sustainable maritime transport and reinforcing the UAE’s role as a global logistics hub.

Masdar strengthens Iberian presence with Endesa partnership

Masdar and Endesa have finalised a partnership to advance renewable energy projects in Europe. (Image source: Masdar)

Masdar has acquired Saeta Yield from Brookfield Renewable Partners for an enterprise value of approximately US$1.3bn and an equity value of around US$751mn.

In addition, Masdar and Endesa have finalised a partnership to advance renewable energy projects in Europe. As part of this agreement, Masdar has purchased a 49.99% stake in EGPE Solar for an enterprise value of about US$885mn and an equity value of approximately US$303mn.

EGPE Solar, a subsidiary of Enel Group’s Endesa, manages a 2-gigawatt portfolio of operational photovoltaic (PV) assets in Spain.

Saeta’s portfolio comprises 745 megawatts (MW) of primarily wind energy assets, including 538MW in Spain, 144MW in Portugal, and 63MW of solar PV assets in Spain, alongside a 1.6-gigawatt development pipeline.

The transaction excludes a regulated 350MW concentrated solar power portfolio, which Brookfield will retain and continue to manage.

The agreement grants Masdar a significant stake in EGPE Solar, while Enel remains responsible for the company’s operations and assets. This collaboration involves long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs), enabling Endesa, through a subsidiary, to procure 100% of the energy generated by the photovoltaic projects. The partnership also includes plans to integrate 0.5GW of battery energy storage systems (BESS) into the portfolio, aligning with strategic goals for renewable energy expansion.

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, said, “These landmark acquisitions build on Masdar’s strong growth story and reinforces its credentials as a trusted global partner for governments, investors and communities, demonstrating our commitment to the EU’s wider Net Zero by 2050 strategy. The acquisition of Saeta, as well as our partnership with Endesa, is a strong vote of confidence in Spain and Portugal where we will work to unlock new capacity as Masdar targets a global capacity of 100GW by 2030.”

Trinasolar delivers its solar platforms for Egypt project

Trinasolar is partnering with AMEA Power to deliver 300MWh of its advanced Elementa 2 platform (5MWh) for the Abydos Battery Energy Storage Project in Aswan, Egypt.

This initiative marks a significant milestone as the largest solar PV project in Africa and the first in Egypt to incorporate a utility-scale battery energy storage solution (BESS).

The Abydos Solar PV Project, developed by AMEA Power, expands the operational 500MW Abydos Solar PV power plant in Kom Ombo, Aswan Governorate. By integrating a 300MWh BESS, the project reinforces Egypt's dedication to advancing sustainable energy and enhancing grid resilience.

The inauguration of the 500MW Abydos Solar Power Plant, hosted by AMEA Power, was graced by prominent officials, including Egypt’s Prime Minister, His Excellency Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, and the Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy, His Excellency Dr. Mahmoud Esmat, alongside executives from Trinasolar.

Energy China ZTPC, established in 1958, is a subsidiary of Energy China Construction Group Co., Ltd. Over the years, ZTPC has grown into a diversified enterprise with expertise in thermal and nuclear power plants, clean energy projects, power grid construction, and power plant maintenance and repair.

The Elementa 2 platform (5MWh), equipped with Trinasolar’s in-house vertically integrated LFP cells, is a state-of-the-art grid-scale battery storage solution prioritising efficiency, safety, and reliability. Its standout features include a cutting-edge module design that boosts energy density and supports multiple PCS systems, smart liquid cooling for precise thermal management, and advanced safety measures, including fire mitigation and suppression systems. Designed for adaptability and cost-effective maintenance, the platform maximises performance while lowering overall project expenses.