11 December 2023 10:41 pm

First MENA Solar Conference starts tomorrow

Nov 14, 2023

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The First MENA Solar Conference starts tomorrow with researchers from 120 universities and 38 countries informs the Government of Dubai.

14 Nov, 2023

 

With the participation of prominent researchers and experts from 120 universities and research centres from 38 countries, the first Middle East and North Africa Solar Conference (MENA SC) 2023, organised by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) launches tomorrow, (Wednesday 15 November 2023). The conference lasts until 18 November at the Dubai World Trade Centre. MENA SC coincides with the 25th Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition (WETEX) and Dubai Solar Show (DSS) organised by DEWA from 15 to 17 November.

MENA SC focuses on six research areas in solar power. These include unconventional and new concepts for future technologies; silicon photovoltaic materials and devices; Perovskite and organic materials; PV module and system reliability in the MENA region; solar resources for PV and forecasting; and power electronics and grid integration.

The conference aims to highlight various fields of solar energy to accelerate the transition towards clean and renewable energy in the region with specialised discussion panels and seminars. It provides an important opportunity for experts, researchers, and specialists worldwide to exchange ideas, discuss projects and growth opportunities in the sector, share knowledge and experiences, and explore the latest technologies and scientific innovations in solar energy.

Participants at the conference include Lawrence L. Kazmerski, Professor and National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Emeritus Fellow, University of Colorado Boulder, USA; Mohammad K. Nazeeruddin, Professor and Molecular Engineering Laboratory Director, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL), Switzerland; Shanhui Fan, Professor and Senior Fellow, Stanford University, USA; Mowafak Al Jassim, Principal Scientist and PV Group Manager, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), USA; Steven Ringel, Professor and Associate Vice President, Ohio State University, USA; Xiaojing Hao, Professor and ARC Future Fellow, University of New South Wales, Australia; and many experts from around the world.

‘Renewables to supply half of global power by 2030’

Oct 24, 2023

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‘Renewables to supply half of global power by 2030’

IEA’s latest World Energy Outlook says ‘much stronger’ policies needed to achieve the 1.5°C target
 24 October 2023 in ReNews Other News [Image: IEA]

The IEA’s latest World Energy Outlook forecasts renewables will supply almost half of the global power mix by 2030, but urges much stronger policies are needed to achieve the 1.5°C target.

 

The latest edition of the World Energy Outlook (WEO) describes an energy system in 2030 in which clean technologies play a significantly greater role than today.

 

This includes almost 10 times as many electric cars on the road worldwide, solar PV generating more electricity than the entire US power system does today, renewables’ share of the global electricity mix nearing 50%, up from around 30% today, heat pumps and other electric heating systems outselling fossil fuel boilers globally and three times as much investment going into new offshore wind projects than into new coal- and gas-fired power plants.

All of those increases are based only on the current policy settings of governments around the world.

 

If countries deliver on their national energy and climate pledges on time and in full, clean energy progress would move even faster.

 

However, even stronger measures would still be needed to keep alive the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 °C.

 

“The transition to clean energy is happening worldwide and it’s unstoppable. It’s not a question of ‘if’, it’s just a matter of ‘how soon’ – and the sooner the better for all of us,” said IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol.

 

“Governments, companies and investors need to get behind clean energy transitions rather than hindering them.

 

The WEO-2023 proposes a global strategy for getting the world on track by 2030 that consists of five key pillars, which can also provide the basis for a successful COP28 climate change conference.

 

These comprise tripling global renewable capacity, doubling the rate of energy efficiency improvements, slashing methane emissions from fossil fuel operations by 75%, innovative, large-scale financing mechanisms to triple clean energy investments in emerging and developing economies; and measures to ensure an orderly decline in the use of fossil fuels, including an end to new approvals of unabated coal-fired power plants.

 

Birol added: “Every country needs to find its own pathway, but international cooperation is crucial for accelerating clean energy transitions.

 

“In particular, the speed at which emissions decline will hinge in large part on our ability to finance sustainable solutions to meet rising energy demand from the world’s fast-growing economies.

 

“This all points to the vital importance of redoubling collaboration and cooperation, not retreating from them.”

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The growing role of renewables in Africa

Oct 12, 2023

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The growing role of renewables in Africa: A catalyst for sustainable development

12th October 2023

The above-featured image is for illustration.

Posted by EngineeringNews and Edited by Creamer Media Reporter

Africa is experiencing a remarkable shift towards renewable energy sources, signifying a significant leap towards sustainable development. With the potential to address energy access challenges, reduce carbon emissions, and drive economic growth, renewables have become a driving force on the African continent.

Renewable Energy in Africa: A Transformative Trend

 

Africa‘s journey towards a sustainable energy future has gained substantial momentum in recent years. The following key points exemplify the growing role of renewables:

 

Solar Power: The abundant sunlight across the continent makes solar energy an ideal source of power. Projects, such as the Noor Ouarzazate Solar Complex in Morocco and the Benban Solar Park in Egypt, have showcased the immense potential of solar power in Africa.

 

Wind Energy: Wind power is rapidly gaining traction in countries like South Africa, Kenya, and Ethiopia. These nations have invested in wind farms that are not only bolstering their energy supply but also reducing their dependence on fossil fuels.

Hydropower: Africa is home to numerous rivers and water bodies, making hydropower a viable energy source. Projects like the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and the Inga Dam in the Democratic Republic of Congo are poised to be transformative for the continent’s power generation.

Off-Grid Solutions: Mini-grids and off-grid solutions are bringing electricity to remote and underserved regions. Innovative approaches, such as pay-as-you-go solar systems and microgrids, are improving energy access and catalysing economic growth.

Investment and Partnerships: International organisations, governments, and private investors are collaborating to fund renewable energy projects across Africa. These partnerships are vital in driving the expansion of renewable energy infrastructure.

Benefits of Renewable Energy Adoption

The growing role of renewables in Africa brings numerous advantages, including:

Energy Access: Renewable energy is extending energy access to underserved communities, fostering economic development, and improving living standards.

Job Creation: The renewable energy sector is creating employment opportunities across the value chain, from manufacturing to installation and maintenance.

Sustainability: Reducing the carbon footprint and mitigating the effects of climate change are central benefits of transitioning to renewable energy sources.

Energy Security: Diversifying the energy mix by incorporating renewables enhances energy security and reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels.

Economic Growth: Investments in renewable energy are spurring economic growth by attracting foreign investment, promoting local manufacturing, and boosting export opportunities.

Energy Independence: African nations are taking steps towards energy independence by harnessing their abundant renewable resources, reducing reliance on energy imports, and enhancing energy sovereignty.

A Call for Continued Investment and Innovation

While Africa has made impressive strides in the adoption of renewable energy, there is still much work to be done. To fully realize the potential of renewables, continued investment, innovation, and supportive policies are crucial. Governments, private sector stakeholders, and international organisations must collaborate to overcome challenges and seize the opportunities presented by renewable energy.

The future of Africa‘s energy landscape is green, and it holds the promise of a brighter, more sustainable future for all its inhabitants.   A significant focus of the upcoming Africa Energy Indaba, taking place from the 5 – 7 March 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa will be to facilitate further investment into renewable energy growth in Africa.  “We invite all interest parties to take up the opportunity to find out about the latest renewable energy development opportunities, meet the key stakeholders and project developers and gain an understanding of the business opportunity.  All this will be available at the Africa Energy Indaba,”  commented, Liz Hart, Managing Director of the Africa Energy Indaba. 

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Oman Leads MENA Region In Prospective Solar Farm Capacity

Aug 30, 2023

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The above-featured image is for illustration and is credit to MEPMiddleEast

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Oman Leads MENA Region In Prospective Solar Farm Capacity

By Pooja Chandak in SolarQuarter
Representational image. Credit: Canva

Oman has solidified its position as the frontrunner in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region concerning potential solar farm capacity, as per the latest data from the Global Solar Power Tracker.

This report, focusing on solar farm projects of 20 MW capacity and above, indicates that Oman ranks first in the MENA region and eleventh worldwide, boasting an impressive anticipated capacity of 18,349 megawatts (MW), equating to 1.55% of the global total capacity.

Oman’s robust dedication to renewable energy and its aspiration to diversify its energy mix is evident in the data provided by the Global Solar Power Tracker.

Capitalizing on its extensive desert landscapes and abundant sunlight, Oman has harnessed its solar potential, positioning itself at the forefront of the MENA region’s solar revolution.

The potential capacity encompasses the cumulative sum of solar farm projects in various phases, including those under construction, in the pre-construction stage, and those already announced. This indicates a substantial growth trajectory for Oman’s solar industry in the forthcoming years.

Beyond highlighting Oman’s commitment to renewable energy, the report also underscores the country’s remarkable progress in executing solar farm projects. Presently, Oman has four operational solar farms, three in the construction phase, twelve in the pre-construction stage, and two announced projects. These advancements signify a burgeoning and swiftly evolving solar sector within the nation.

Oman’s flagship renewable energy endeavor is the 500 MW Ibri Solar Power Complex, one of the largest solar installations in the region. Located in Al Dhahirah Governorate, the project supplies energy to around 33,000 homes and effectively offsets millions of tons of carbon emissions annually.

Additionally, the ongoing implementation of two Independent Power Projects (IPPs) at Manah is set to contribute 1,000 MW of new solar capacity when operational in 2025.

In recent developments, Nama Power & Water Procurement Company (Nama PWP), responsible for power and water procurement in Oman, has outlined plans to secure a new large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) Independent Power Project (IPP) by 2029. Tentatively named ‘Solar PV IPPs 2029,’ the project is slated to have a combined capacity of 1000 MW, consisting of two IPPs each with 500 MW.

The report also provides a broader view of the global solar farm landscape, revealing an astonishing total potential capacity of 1,184,296 MW. This underscores the escalating worldwide focus on renewable energy as countries endeavor to curtail carbon emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

The top five nations on the list include China, the United States, Spain, Australia, and India. In the MENA region, Oman leads the list at the eleventh spot, followed by Egypt (12th with 17,094 WM), Morocco (15th with 13,538 MW), Saudi Arabia (17th with 9,051 MW), Iraq (18th with 8,385 MW), and Kuwait (19th with 7,970 MW).

Oman’s achievement of securing the eleventh global position is a significant milestone not only for the country but also for the broader MENA region. It showcases the region’s extensive potential for solar energy generation and its substantial contribution to global renewable energy targets.

Renewables growth did not dent fossil fuel dominance

Jun 26, 2023

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Renewables growth did not dent fossil fuel dominance in 2022, report says

The image above is of Solar panels seen atop a hops plantation in the Bavarian Holledau region in Au, Germany, June 19, 2023. REUTERS/Louisa Off

LONDON, June 26 () – Global energy demand rose 1% last year and record renewables growth did nothing to shift the dominance of fossil fuels, which still accounted for 82% of supply, the industry’s Statistical Review of World Energy report said on Monday.

Last year was marked by turmoil in the energy markets after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which helped to boost gas and coal prices to record levels in Europe and Asia.

“Despite further strong growth in wind and solar in the power sector, overall global energy-related greenhouse gas emissions increased again,” said the president of the UK-based global industry body Energy Institute, Juliet Davenport.

“We are still heading in the opposite direction to that required by the Paris Agreement.”

The annual report, a benchmark for the industry, was published for the first time by the Energy Institute together with consultancies KPMG and Kearny after they took it over from BP (BP.L), which had authored the report since the 1950s.

Scientists say the world needs to cut greenhouse gas emissions by around 43% by 2030 from 2019 levels to have any hope of meeting the international Paris Agreement goal of keeping warming well below 2C above pre-industrial levels.

Here are some highlights from the report on 2022:

CONSUMPTION

  • Global primary energy demand grew around 1%, slowing from the previous year’s 5.5%, but demand was still around 3% above pre-coronavirus levels in 2019.
  • Energy consumption grew everywhere apart from Europe, including Eastern Europe.
  • Renewables, excluding hydropower, accounted for 7.5% of global energy consumption, around 1% higher than the previous year.
  • The share of fossil fuels in global energy consumption remained at 82%.
  • Electricity generation was up 2.3%, slowing down from the previous year. Wind and solar power grew to a record share of 12% of power generation, again surpassing nuclear, which fell 4.4%, and meeting 84% of net electricity demand growth.
  • Coal’s share in power generation remained dominant at around 35.4%.
  • Oil consumption increased by 2.9 million barrels per day (bpd) to 97.3 million bpd, with growth slowing compared with the previous year.
  • Compared with pre-Covid levels in 2019, oil consumption was 0.7% lower.
  • Most oil demand growth came from revived appetite for jet fuel and diesel-related products.
  • Oil production grew by 3.8 million bpd, with the lion’s share coming from OPEC members and the United States. Nigeria saw the largest decline.
  • Oil refining capacity grew by 534,000 bpd, mainly in non-OECD countries.

NATURAL GAS

  • Amid record prices in Europe and Asia, global gas demand fell 3% but still made up 24% of primary energy consumption, slightly below the previous year.
  • Gas production was stable year-on-year.
  • Liquefied natural gas (LNG) production was up 5% at 542 billion cubic metres (bcm), a similar pace to the previous year, with most growth coming from North America and the Asia-Pacific region.
  • Europe accounted for much of LNG demand growth, increasing its imports by 57%, while countries in the Asia-Pacific region and South and Central America reduced purchases.
  • Japan replaced China as the world’s largest LNG importer.

COAL

  • Coal prices hit record levels, rising 145% in Europe and 45% in Japan.
  • Coal consumption rose 0.6%, its highest level since 2014, driven mainly by Chinese and Indian demand, while consumption in North America and Europe declined.
  • Coal output was 7% higher than the previous year, with China, India and Indonesia accounting for most of the growth.

RENEWABLES

  • Growth in renewable power, excluding hydro-power, slowed down slightly to 14% but solar and wind capacity still showed a record increase of 266 gigawatts, with solar taking the lion’s share.
  • China added the most solar and wind power.

EMISSIONS

  • Global energy-related emissions, including industrial processes and flaring, were up 0.8% reaching a new high of 39.3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent.
  • MINERALS
  • Lithium carbonate prices jumped 335%. Cobalt prices were up 24%.
  • Lithium and cobalt production rose 21%.
Reporting by Shadia Nasralla; editing by Philippa Fletcher

 

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