Staff at France’s EDF question involvement in futuristic Saudi city
RFI reports that Staff at France’s EDF question involvement in a futuristic Saudi city.
Some French energy giant EDF employees want the company to reconsider its involvement in a hydroelectric plant in the Saudi desert that would power Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s futuristic megacity Neom.
Above is an artist’s impression of Saudi Arabia’s luxury Neom project. © NEOM
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Staff at France’s EDF question involvement in futuristic Saudi city
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Some employees of French energy giant EDF want the company to reconsider its involvement in a hydro-electric plant in the Saudi desert that would power Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s futuristic megacity Neom, following concerns over the project’s sustainability and alleged human rights abuses.
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Neom is being built in the Tabuk region in northeast Saudi Arabia on some 26,000km2 of land, an area the size of Belgium.
It is part of MBS’s Vision 2030, which is aimed at diversifying Saudi Arabia‘s economy and reducing its dependence on oil revenues.
Its most dazzling part of the €500 billion project is The Line, a 170km-long vertical megacity that will house up to nine million people.
Neom will also have a ski resort to host the 2029 Asian Winter Games, a luxury island on the Red Sea and an industrial complex with a floating port.
The Saudis promise the car-free, street-free city will be run entirely on renewable energies resulting in zero carbon emissions.
Some 2,100 megawatts of its electricity will be produced by Nestor, a pumped hydro energy storage project (PHES) that enables the mass storage of excess energy from renewable sources.
EDF, a leader in hydro-electric technology, won the tender in January to carry out preliminary studies on Nestor’s conception and construction. If the collaboration continues it could give the renationalised EDF – saddled with a €47bn debt – a welcome boost.
Gigatonnes of emissions
But not everyone at EDF is comfortable with the deal. A recent investigation by Radio France revealed that some staff considered it was out of synch with the company’s ethical charter and commitments to promote low-carbon energy.
They said that while Nestor would provide carbon-free electricity, building Neom will be energy-guzzling.
“The construction will generate an estimated 1.8 gigatonnes of CO2,” Philip Oldfield of New South Wales University in Australia told Radio France. “That’s the equivalent of four times the UK’s annual emissions.”
In December last year, EDF reaffirmed its commitment to the climate and to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, which is needed to stay below 1.5C of warming as per the Paris Agreement. It also has its own charter on socially responsible practices.
“We understand Saudi Arabia needs to decarbonise and it’s not up to us to give them lessons, but this pharaonic project seems contrary to EDF’s values and our tradition of public service,” engineer Jean-Yves Ségura, an FO union rep with EDF’s hydro-electric energy department, told RFI.
“We’ve been involved in other PHEC operations such as Hatta in Dubai but this is different. And who will benefit? Mainly rich people? We’re not sure it will benefit the local population.”
His union began alerting management in 2022, just a few months after Neom Company chose EDF to identify sites for the plant.
At the end of 2022 FO carried out a survey among staff in the hydro-electric engineering department. “73 percent (of respondents) were against Neom, saying the project was contrary to EDF’s commitment to be socially responsible,” Ségura said.
The union put forward recommendations but “we haven’t had much response; there’s been little consultation”.
Human rights concerns
The Taduk region of Saudi Arabia, where Neom is being built is home to the Howeitat tribe. An investigation by Saudi rights group ALQST found that Saudi authorities had “violently cracked down on members of the tribe who peacefully opposed or resisted eviction”.
ALQST confirmed that at least three members of the tribe had been sentenced to death and 14 handed prison terms of between 15 to 50 years.
Questioned over the ethical issues relating to Nestor, EDF told Radio France that respect for fundamental human rights and environmental and social standards was “a precondition for each project EDF took part in” and that their ethical and ecological charter had been sent along with their bid.
As for employees’ opposition to Neom, it said: “EDF respects the opinion of all its staff and offers many other opportunities within the company to allow them to flourish through other projects”.
Ségura acknowledged that the media attention had “certainly helped to relieve pressure on staff”.
The union is now pushing for the establishment of a right to withdraw from a project for “environmental and ethical reasons”, which would apply not just to EDF employees but also to those at other big energy providers.
If it succeeds, employees could be relieved of certain projects they deem “contrary to their company’s public undertakings and the need to bring about an exemplary energy transition”, the union wrote in a statement.
What’s planned for NEOM’s futuristic Trojena Ski Village?
What’s planned for NEOM’s futuristic Trojena Ski Village?
Trojena Ski Village is slated for completion in 2026 — here’s what’s in store
With design and architecture by Aedas — which has projects like the Dubai Metro and the 3,000-key hotel casino The Venetian Macao in its portfolio — the resort is set to host the 10th Asian Winter Games in 2029 on its 36 kilometres of ski slopes. LAVA, UKStudio, bureau proberts, UNStudio, and Zaha Hadid Architects are also part of the design consortium designing Trojena projects, with Bechtel as a main contractor.
Trojena Ski Village is slated for completion in 2026, with a gross floor area of 270,000 square metres located in the northernmost portion of the NEOM project area, near Jabal al-Lawz, or Lawz Mountain.
The location’s altitude, shade from the surrounding mountain peaks, and flow of wind are factors that facilitate a milder, cooler climate in the mountain range compared to the rest of Saudi Arabia.
The resort will include year-round skiing (three months on snow and synthetic ‘dry’ skiing all year), retail stores, restaurants, luxury mansions, apartments and luxury hotels including serviced apartments operated by prestigious operators.
By 2030, the tourist attraction expects to host 700,000 annual visitors and be home to as many as 7,000 residents.
A vertical ski village
Responding to a simple yet complex brief to ‘create something never seen before,’ Aedas came up with a new way to interpret what a ski village can be.
“For millennia, ski villages have had the same formula with multiple plots and buildings connected by roads. We challenged this convention by asking what if the village could be a building. This led us to dream up a superstructure that has the scale of a village but with all the connections and mobility happening vertically across several levels,” said Aedas’ Global Design Principal Ignacio Gomez.
Visitors will be able to smoothly transit between indoor and outdoor experiences through a variety of vertical mobility devices, both passive and active.
Views and light
The ski village is divided into five major zones connected through the roof and ground floor. The open ground floor is a viewing platform for the surrounding landscape.
Morgans Original, located on the topmost level, offers views of the Gulf of Aqaba. 25hours hotel also enjoys similar prime views into internal courtyards.
The residential apartments offer views of the lake and ski slopes, while the sloping roof provides opportunity for sports and houses rooftop cafés and pocket gardens.
Blending surroundings
Like other NEOM luxury tourism destinations, the resort’s architecture is intended to blend in with and extend the natural surrounding landscapes rather than impose structure upon it, using modular construction for its steel-frame structure.
“Our foremost consideration was to create a structure that would blend with the terrain. It has a monumental scale that reads as topography and feels as if it is born from the ground. With the passage of time, the building will age and acquire a patina. We imagine a future when it will become part of the mountain, completely camouflaged by snow,” said Ignacio.
The roof structure of the village, designed to align with the natural undulations of the mountain, provides 2km of the planned 36km of ski slopes.
The design harnesses the surroundings to create an even milder microclimate to reduce solar gain and the need for artificial cooling by incorporating landscaping, water features, overhanging canopies, and self-shading devices.
Snow in the desert
While winter will allow skiing down Trojena’s slopes, during the rest of the year, visitors will be able to ski on the synthetic surface slopes, go mountain biking and take the zip line, Alpine coaster, and do other mountain sports.
During three months of the winter season, low temperatures in the 2,400-metre-high Ski Village allow for snow making, which which will also be offset by natural snowfall. The snow making system will comprise an integrated dual system using both traditional (fangun) and all-weather snow making systems, methods which are used to extend the skiing season at other resorts elsewhere in the world.
Aedas’ planned designs for the snow making system include using 100% renewable energy, incorporating heat recovery systems for nearby development, maximising water recovery and reuse, and using water drawn from renewable energy powered desalination with zero brine discharge to the sea, as the brine will be refined to provide value added products for industrial and agricultural purposes.
Snow making tech has been tested onsite over the last three winter seasons to assess the quantum, quality, and longevity of the snow produced, as well as the energy and water consumption, and reliability of equipment.
Aedas predicts the resort may achieve a LEED Gold rating once complete.
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Technologies and decarbonising mobility: where do we stand?
In the current context of the climate crisis, it’s crucial to reduce carbon emissions in transportation. Technologies and decarbonising mobility: where do we stand? Let us see what Egis goes about it.
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Technologies and decarbonising mobility: where do we stand?
Artificial Intelligence at the Heart of Change
The world of AI holds great potential for transforming all aspects of transportation. AI algorithms optimize traffic management, increase energy efficiency, and enhance the safety of transport systems. From predictive maintenance to intelligent route optimization, Egis explores how AI can bolster electric vehicles, making them more efficient and less polluting, while also considering the ethical issues and potential challenges associated with the widespread adoption of AI in the mobility sector.
Big Data: A Lever for Optimization
Big Data is revolutionizing transport planning and management. By collecting and analyzing massive volumes of data, such as travel habits and real-time traffic conditions, we can develop more efficient transport solutions. Transport means are sized to handle peak commuter traffic. Mobility can still be optimized through careful collection, analysis, and use of transport data. Big Data analysis optimizes traffic, transport planning, and the spreading of traffic peaks by better understanding usage patterns, thereby paving new paths to intelligent mobility solutions. Thanks to successful real-world applications, the transformative potential of Big Data in reducing emissions and improving transport efficiency is already integrated into many cities. In this context, data privacy, security, and ethical considerations are crucial, with data anonymization being a first step. Individual incentives to change mobility behaviors are a largely underexploited theme.
Connectivity and Efficiency of the Internet of Things
The IoT plays a key role in improving transportation. IoT sensors placed on roads and in vehicles enable real-time communication, leading to quicker and safer decisions. For example, intelligent traffic light systems, which adapt to traffic flow, can reduce waiting times and improve traffic fluidity, thereby reducing fuel consumption. This approach of prioritizing tram traffic in Paris ensures journey times and makes public transport more attractive.
The combination of AI, Big Data, and IoT leads to significant advances in sustainability. Benefits of these technologies include improved energy efficiency, reduced emissions, increased safety, and lower operational costs. It’s essential to address issues of privacy, data security, and regulation. Collaboration among different stakeholders, appropriate policies, and international cooperation are crucial to overcome these challenges.
Egis is actively engaged in transforming mobility towards a more sustainable model, aiming to create a future where transport systems are not only efficient but also environmentally friendly, contributing to a healthier world for future generations
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Azerbaijan highly predicts mutual benefits of foreign investment in construction of solar power plant
Azerbaijan highly predicts mutual benefits of foreign investment in construction of solar power plant together with possibilities for collaboration in the utilisation of wind energy, in addition to the primary focus like other countries in the MENA region on solar power infrastructure.
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Azerbaijan highly predicts mutual benefits of foreign investment in construction of solar power plant
W. Hass Future GmbH & Co, a German firm, has expressed its readiness to invest more than 300 million euros in the establishment of solar power stations in Kyrgyzstan, Azernews reports.
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Kyrgyzstan revealed that this commitment was articulated during a meeting between Temir Sariyev, the Head of the Chamber of Commerce, and Waldemar Hass, the Managing Director of the German company.
In the course of the meeting, the involved parties delved into the possibilities for collaboration in the utilisation of wind energy, in addition to the primary focus on solar power infrastructure. Furthermore, the German representatives put forth a proposition to provide training for specialists from Kyrgyzstan in innovative approaches and technologies, potentially leading to subsequent employment opportunities in planned joint ventures.
Established in 2017, W. Hass Future GmbH & Co specializes in the installation of photovoltaic systems throughout Europe. The company boasts a diverse workforce, drawing talents from various countries globally. Notably, more than 40 individuals from Kyrgyzstan are currently undergoing training in cutting-edge technologies within the company, showcasing a commitment to international collaboration and skill development.
While the focus of this investment is on Kyrgyzstan, the implications and potential benefits extend beyond its borders. Azerbaijan, a neighbouring country with a growing interest in renewable energy, could potentially find inspiration and collaboration opportunities with W. Hass Future. The expertise and technologies shared through this venture could serve as a model for sustainable energy development in the broader region.
Azerbaijan, rich in both wind and solar resources, finds it relatively easy to undertake such investments. For Azerbaijan, which is abundant in both wind and sun, investing in such capital is not a challenging issue. If German and other foreign companies invest capital in Azerbaijan for solar power stations and wind energy utilisation, what could be the benefits for both parties?
Azerbaijan, a nation blessed with abundant wind and solar resources, stands at the forefront of renewable energy opportunities. The country’s commitment to harnessing its natural wealth has opened doors for collaboration with foreign investors, particularly from Germany and other nations, aiming to tap into Azerbaijan’s renewable energy potential. This symbiotic relationship promises a multitude of benefits for both Azerbaijan and its international partners.
Benefits for Azerbaijan
Economic Growth: Foreign investment in solar power stations and wind energy projects can contribute significantly to Azerbaijan’s economic growth. The establishment of renewable energy infrastructure will create jobs, stimulate local industries, and foster economic development.
Diversification of Energy Sources: Collaborating with German and other foreign companies can allow Azerbaijan to diversify its energy mix. By reducing dependence on traditional fossil fuels, the nation will enhance energy security and resilience to global market fluctuations.
Technological Transfer and Innovation: International partnerships can bring advanced technologies and expertise to Azerbaijan. Collaborating with experienced foreign companies will facilitate the transfer of knowledge, encouraging innovation in the renewable energy sector.
Environmental Sustainability: Investment in wind and solar energy aligns with Azerbaijan’s commitment to environmental sustainability. Shifting towards cleaner energy sources can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, mitigate the impact of climate change, and preserve the country’s natural beauty.
Benefits for Foreign Investors
Access to Abundant Resources: Azerbaijan’s rich wind and solar resources provide foreign investors with a lucrative opportunity to harness clean energy. The availability of these resources ensures a stable and consistent energy supply, making investments more attractive.
Market Expansion: Partnering with Azerbaijan opens doors for foreign companies to expand their market presence. The growing demand for renewable energy creates a favourable environment for investors to establish a foothold in the Azerbaijani market and the broader region.
Government Support and Incentives: Azerbaijan’s government offers various incentives and support mechanisms to attract foreign investment in renewable energy. This includes favourable regulatory frameworks, tax breaks, and other financial incentives, enhancing the overall attractiveness of the investment.
Collaborative Research Opportunities: Partnerships between Azerbaijani and foreign companies pave the way for collaborative research and development initiatives. This exchange of knowledge and expertise fosters innovation, benefiting both parties and contributing to advancements in the renewable energy sector.
The collaboration between Azerbaijan and foreign investors, especially from Germany, in the development of solar power stations and wind energy projects is a mutually beneficial venture. Azerbaijan gains access to capital, technology, and expertise, propelling its renewable energy sector forward. Simultaneously, foreign investors find a promising market with abundant natural resources, government support, and opportunities for growth. This partnership not only strengthens economic ties but also advances the global transition towards sustainable and clean energy solutions. As Azerbaijan continues to harness its wind and solar potential, the nation stands poised to become a beacon of renewable energy success, fostering collaboration and innovation on a global scale.
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