daily news 2020...day 3 | 15 january 2020 daily news “environmental sustainability and digital...

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Responsibility

UAE Minister urges 50-year sustainability strategy

Drive towards a global carbon-neutral future

UAE's Cabinet Minister of Tolerance, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan endorsed the Future Sustainability Summit (FSS) with its intent to build relations today in light of disturbing events around the globe and "promote the bond that unites us". During his opening speech, he said that sustainability must be more than a "fashionable word" and that we should promote a culture of responsibility and sustainable use of resources. The minister said the UAE had designated 2020 as a year of planning for the next 50 years with a national strategy in place based on a knowledge-based economy and human-resource development alongside economical and environmental sustainability.

The Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy HE Eng. Awaidha Murshed Al Marar emphasised the role of renewables in driving the world towards a carbon-neutral future at the FSS. “Traditional energy sources, as we all know, are finite. This limited nature of traditional energy sources, coupled with the urgency of climate change, have made it imperative that key players in the energy sector come together to outline a plan of action for the years ahead,” he said. He added that platforms such as the Future Sustainability Summit provide opportunities to discuss, debate and collaborate on pressing topics that impact the future of energy and our planet.

Rwanda President shares cultural tips for excellenceRwanda President HE Paul Kagame shared insights of his country’s transformation to an international leader of IT and centre of excellence at the Future Sustainability Summit. The president spoke candidly about how the government, for the last 25 years, has built a societal culture of responsibility across the nation, especially in regard to looking after the environment. For example, Rwanda has restored more than 10 per cent of its forests. “It all comes down to mobilisation. People have to mobilise around the idea about how a country and a society should exist and how to look to the future,” he said.

Building on the foundations for renewables in the UAEHE Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Managing Director and Group CEO of Mubadala Investment Company, addressed delegates at the Future Sustainability Summit about the need for action against climate change, which “will not only define the legacy for future generations but also the very future of our planet”. The investor spoke positively about the country’s founder, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who encouraged the country to be forward-thinking. Additionally, he noted that in 2006, it seemed strange to establish Masdar at a time when the nation was a hydrocarbons-based economy. Today, however, Masdar has projects in 25 countries across the globe.

Collaboration Case study Masdar

DAILY NEWSDAY 3, 15 JANUARY 2020

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DAY 3 | 15 JANUARY 2020

www.worldfutureenergysummit.com

DAILY NEWS

“Environmental sustainability and digital technologies are mutually inclusive pillars in driving an economy of the future and are deeply ingrained in everything we do at Bee’ah.” HE Khaled Al Huraimel, CEO, Bee’ah Group

24FEATURE: Ambitious plans for low-carbon mobility

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African sustainability innovations at the forefront Akon, Co-Founder and Chairman, Akon Lighting Africa gave a passionate presentation at the Future Sustainability Summit yesterday. His address was on ‘What Tomorrow’s Generation Demands of Today’s Leaders’. “I am proud to attend and speak at the ADSW this year," said Akon. "The success of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week over the years reflects the passionate involvement of Masdar and its leadership, Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, to make the world a better place by harnessing the true potential of renewable energy and bringing together the newest technologies available. With our mission to bring electricity to homes and communities across the world, the ADSW, reaffirms our faith in the potential of people coming together to make a positive difference." Gunter Pauli, Entrepreneur and Author, South Africa joined the panel discussion on ‘The Transition to the Circular Economy: Will Plastics or Energy Lead the Way?’, and Evans Wandongo,

Executive Director and Chairman, Sustainable Development for All-Africa, Kenya, presented on ‘Small Scale Clean Tech in the Global South: Creating Sustainable Livelihoods’.

Other opening day speakers included HE Armen Sarkissian, President of the Republic of Armenia, HE Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta, President of Mali, and HE Julius Maada Bio, President of Sierra Leone.

The MENA region’s growing solar projects pipeline has opened up opportunities for companies such as WFES exhibitor Al-Babtain Metalogalva Solar, a joint venture established in 2017 between Saudi Arabia’s Al-Babtain Power & Telecom and

Portugal’s Metalogalva Irmãos Silvas. A specialist in the design and manufacture of PV steel structural components, it is a key player in the regional solar PV industry, delivering PV solar ground mount steel structures and steel

components for single axis trackers. Afsar Ahmed A Sattar, sales and project manager, Al Babtain Metalogalva Solar says the Dammam factory’s manufacturing capacity is complemented by a 48,000 MT capacity galvanising facility. “We started with Saudi projects, but have now supplied to projects in Australia, Jordan and the USA. Our intention is global expansion.” Today, Al Babtain is a key player in the renewable energy sector, particularly CSP and PV solar support steel structure components. Following the launch of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative which laid out requirements for local content (ICV), Sattar’s business outlook is bright. “In any PV solar project, the local content can be achieved through the manufacture of steel components. We are now equipped to meet the demand for local suppliers from all projects that come through Saudi Arabia.”

Akon has become a leader in the African sustainable energy sector.

Afsar Ahmed A Sattar, sales and project manager, Al Babtain Metalogalva Solar

Saudi-based Al-Babtain Metalogalva Solar has global ambitions


Bee’ah is exhibiting its smart city initiatives at the World Future Energy Summit as well as its waste management strategies at the Summit's EcoWASTE Exhibition & Forum 2020. The UAE-based company was founded on the twin pillars of digitalisation and sustainability and it is highlighting its role as a pioneer in the innovation of waste management practices, clean energy, digitalisation and green mobility. At EcoWASTE, Bee’ah is demonstrating its capabilities in integrated waste management by showcasing WastePro+, a technological solution for waste management that spans collection points through to waste sorting facilities. The resulting real-time data collected optimises collection times, reduces vehicle and fuel usage, emissions and man hours, which improves efficiency. Bee’ah will

also introduce B&A Industrial, a joint venture with Italian company Ambienthesis, which covers the entire value chain in the integrated management of industrial waste. In addition, Bee’ahs Public Cleansing and Waste Collection Division Managing Director, Rafael Sanjurjo Lopez, participated in the EcoWASTE 2020 Rethinking Waste Management for Landfill Diversion panel discussion. He shared insights on Bee’ah’s expertise and achievement of one of the highest waste diversion rates in the Middle East. Waste management is a critical issue for a region where the gross urban waste generation quantity has exceeded 150 million tonnes per annum, and Bee’ah is at the forefront of addressing the landfill challenges faced by governments in the Middle East.

At the Bee’ah stands (Stand 5230 and Hall 2), visitors can see details of two joint ventures in the sustainability sector – Emirates Waste to Energy and ION. Emirates Waste to Energy is presenting updates on the UAE’s first waste-to-energy plant that is scheduled for completion in 2021 and developed in partnership with Masdar. The 30 MW Sharjah facility will process more than 37.5 tonnes of municipal solid waste per hour to generate electricity sustainably and divert more than 300,000 tonnes of municipal waste away from landfill every year. For ION, Bee’ah and Crescent Enterprises will reveal plans for the region’s first commercial sustainable transport company. Bee’ah’s new headquarters, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, will be on display as a model of green buildings designed for the region.

Integrated approach for GCC water security

Digital focus for Bee'ah at EcoWASTE

The Water Forum at the World Future Energy Summit 2020, hosted the keynote panel discussion, 'GCC water security priorities', discussing all aspects of the regional water, demand, supply and storage programmes. Robin Morelissen, Expert Advisor and Regional Co-ordinator, Middle East, Deltares, emphasised the need for collaborative effort to overcome the water security challenge. "Predictions of future scenarios such as droughts, the impact of population growth and others are as important as sharing of knowledge," he said. Engr. Aisha Saeed Alshehhi, Director, Water Production-Supply Directorate highlighted two major concerns of water security in the UAE as the significantly high quantity of consumption, and the need to ensure the quality of domestic water supply, in accordance with the World Health Organisation guidelines. Addressing the water security issue of the GCC region as a whole, Mohammad El Ramahi, Director

Asset Management and Technical Services, Masdar, pointed out the challenges of cost-effectiveness and environmental challenges involved in the process of desalination. "Desalination involves a significant carbon footprint. The use of membrane technology is the right way forward in desalination and it is also important that the supply for the process is from an integrated renewable source," he added. The discussion shed light on the need for improved technologies for water companies to increase the storage of water. Dr Buckhard Goecke, Principal, Dornier Consulting International, drew attention towards the storage

reservoirs created in the Arabian Peninsula, enabling a significant buffer in times of need. Emphasising the need for storage, El Ramihi said, "The storage of water is strategic due to environmental reasons as well." Raising the need for greater emphasis on water recycling for the region, he further remarked, “Recycled water for uses including irrigation and landscaping as well as managing and conservation of the resources are important aspects to progress along the path of sustainability." Providing valuable insights into UAE’s continuing efforts in

sustainability, Alshehhi elaborated on the work of the Federal Electricity and Water Authority (FEWA) in conjunction with entities including the Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (SEWA) and Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) for conservation of water. "Connecting with other regions of the GCC is also important to secure for the future," she said. Dr. Goecke shed light on pioneering strategies adopted by the country, reminiscing that 15 years ago the UAE had pilot studies in water security and it was then seen as an isolated technology. "We have come a long way over the years," he remarked. Discussing the need for further progress on water security, Morelissen commented, "We need to look at shared information to optimise the water mix." The need to create greater awareness and a holistic approach by all stakeholders were identified as the significant steps in achieving greater water security.

Water Forum attendees enjoyed a wide-ranging session on security.

World Future Energy Summit | Daily News

DAILY NEWS

“In building the world’s first hyperloop system, Virgin Hyperloop One, is creating a disruption in the traditional approach to transportation.” Jay Walder, CEO, Virgin Hyperloop One 26FEATURE: Find out more

about the energy revolution

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While the north-west African country of Mali only contributes 0.06 per cent of the world's greenhouse gas emissions, it has been impacted by climate change. As such, it is seeking to diversify its energy mix sustainably and it is doing so with the assistance of IRENA. Mali, an IRENA member since 2010, is largely dependant on hydropower, mainly from the Niger River but with declining levels of rainfall, the country is looking to alternatives such as solar and wind power. The need is great with more than half of Mali's 19 million people lacking modern energy access. There is huge

potential for these alternative energy sources in Mali with the south-western part of the country having

53 GW of solar potential, enough to meet expected power demands for the whole country.

In September last year, IRENA helped Mali complete a Renewables Readiness Assessment. The country-led consultation process highlighted the need to encourage private investment in renewables, on and off the national grid. Along with boosting Mali's climate change resistance, diversifying the energy mix would help further reduce emissions and create considerable socio-economic value. To find out more about this project and other IRENA initiatives, visit the agency's World Future Energy Summit stand at A500 and A510 in the ADNEC Atrium.

DEWA showcases energy and building projects

IRENA supports Mali in renewables project

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is participating in this year's World Future Energy Summit as an efficiency partner. The authority, which is at Stand 5130 in Hall 5, is keen to highlight its major achievements at this year's event and the part it is playing in helping the UAE transition to renewable energy. It will show some of its projects in the “Innovation and the Future” sector, including the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park and the Green Hydrogen project, the first solar-driven hydrogen electrolysis facility in the Middle East and North Africa. The stand will show a prototype of Al Shera'a, DEWA’s new head office, a smart building which will be the tallest, largest Zero Energy Building in the world. DEWA will also show the Shams Dubai initiative to encourage household and building owners to install PV panels to generate electricity, and connect them to DEWA's grid. So far, 1,388 solar systems have been connected to DEWA's grid with a total of 138 MW. DEWA’s stand will include the EV Green Charger Initiative to encourage eco-friendly vehicle use. DEWA has installed 200 charging stations across Dubai. The stand will provide more details on the 22nd Water, Energy, Technology, Environment Exhibition (WETEX) at EXPO 2020 Dubai, in addition to the 2nd Solar Decathlon Middle East 2020, in which international universities compete. The decathlon gives young people the opportunity to develop solutions that support global efforts to address the impact of climate change. “The World Future Energy Summit is growing and becoming more prosperous. This enhances the UAE’s leadership in renewable energy investments," said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director & CEO of DEWA. "DEWA has close ties with Masdar, which leads the consortium working on the 800MW third phase of the Solar Park by 2020. We are keen on strengthening this collaboration to achieve the UAE Centennial 2071 to make the UAE the best country in the world and promote the UAE’s reputation and soft power.”

“Our annual participation and sponsorship of the World Future Energy Summit enhance our efforts to exchange experiences and best practices with business leaders and senior officials to unify efforts to combat challenges facing the energy sector. It also supports our efforts to enhance the clean energy and renewable energy market, to make Dubai a global capital of green economy and sustainable development. This is in accordance with the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to transform Dubai into a global hub for clean energy and green economy and provide 75 per cent of Dubai’s total power output from clean energy by 2050. This is achieved through major renewable energy projects including the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, which is the largest single-site solar park in the world. It will have a capacity of 5,000MW by 2030 with investments totalling AED 50 billion,” said Mr Al Tayer.

A model of the Al Shera'a building, which will be the new DEWA head office.


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“I’m a true believer in the ability of combined forces and partnering with advanced technologies to help us combat climate change and make positive impacts in people’s lives.” Akon, Co-founder and Chairman, Akon Lighting Africa

30FEATURE: African energy trends to look out for

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Mali is preparing for transformative renewables projects to boost access to energy. (Image credit: Frank van der Vleuten/Flickr)



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“We need to have a more literate, more informed, and a more innovative conversation on climate finance and energy finance with the right actors.” Dr Arunabha Ghosh, CEO, Council On Energy, Environment And Water, India 18

WASTE WATER EXIBITORS: Industry leaders you can meet at the Summit

How AI is leveraging renewable energyArtificial Intelligence (AI) is expected to boost efficiencies across the renewable energy sector by automating operations in the solar and wind industries. On Day 2 of WFES, a packed energy forum heard how AI is being used to design renewable energy systems, control operations, improve energy efficiency and manage energy storage. Moderated by Juan Carlos, CEO – Green Power Monitor, the panel speakers included Steve Griffiths, Senior Vice President, Research and Development – Khalifa University, Jitendra Morankar, VP of Global Design Applications – NEXTracker, Dr. Maher Chebbo, Chief Innovation Officer – GE Power Digital, Nasrin Sadeghianpour, Senior Smartgrid/AI Scientist – BlueWave-ai, and Jun Li, Vice President of Huawei FusionSolar - Smart PV. Griffiths underlined how AI in the energy space translates to cost-effectiveness by accurately predicting resources and demand . Morankar commented: “We have data scientists and software engineers in our company now. We are collecting data daily from solar plants and apply algorithms to improve performance.” Chebbo added, “AI is about anticipation. We can't

anticipate what we can't predict. The market is huge: expected to be $20bn by 2020 to $30bn by 2025 and $75bn by 2030 and AI will help the growth of GDP by 26 per cent in the UAE.” Sadeghianpour opined: “While utilities are now

more open for innovation, the transition from fossil fuels to renewables brings many challenges. We see AI as a broad spectrum of tools to help us adapt to new technologies and tackle the complex challenges they bring to the system .”

As the rising cost of energy takes centre stage globally, energy group Engie emphasises the role of digitalisation for businesses in creating a sustainable future. "We have to be resilient in the choice of equipment, production and other processes, in order to be sustainable," said Ian Harfield, Executive Vice President, Customer Solutions, Middle East, South and Central Asia and Turkey, when asked about reducing unnecessary production of carbon. He advocates the need to look at the bigger picture and going back to root-cause analysis of business processes to reduce carbon emissions.

Engie focuses on the need for companies to achieve the target energy consumption level through continuous monitoring of production and other processes, assessment of the

performance of equipment etc reduce costs. "A change in the philosophy of business organisation and the willingness to take a long-term approach towards investment and cost reduction will define success in bringing about sustainable change," he added. He pointed out that the way forward is predictive monitoring of the energy requirements of the business.

Artificial intelligence has the potential to transform the energy sector on a global scale. (Image credit: Mike McKenzie)

Linking to the long-term for sustainable change

More efficient energy systems can save money as well as the planet. (Image credit: Pictures of Money)


DAY 3 | 15 JANUARY 2020 DAILY NEWS

ACCIONA, through its Water Division, has been participating in the Water Expo & Forum event as part of the World Future Energy Summit. The company has an exhibition area in the Water Expo & Forum, located at stand 4105 in Halls 3 and 4. It will offer visitors the opportunity to learn about the projects the company has been working on over the last year in its different lines of business, particularly in the field of desalination. The company has a portfolio in the Middle East that generates more than 1,100,000m3/day of desalinated seawater, which is enough for more than 500,000 households. Senior managers from ACCIONA have been offering their perspectives alongside other

industry leaders on expert panels, analysing the main challenges facing the sector and exploring ways to ensure sustainable water supplies in a context of population growth and climate change. Jesús Sancho, Managing Director of ACCIONA’s Infrastructure Business Division in the Middle East, participated in a panel on Monday titled “Mitigating natural and unnatural threats to water security”. Yesterday, Julio de la Rosa, ACCIONA’s Business Development Director in the Middle East, presented a case study on highlight how digitisation can bring about major improvements in terms of efficiency, during the panel titled “Water in the Digital Age” .

Youth leading the way to UAE's sustainable future

Active ACCIONA involved in water sessions

This year's Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) shines the spotlight on youth empowerment as the driving force for growth in the UAE. Addressing the Youth for Sustainability (Y4S) Forum, HE Engr. Awaidha Murshed Al Marar, Chairman, Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE) emphasised that the 'leaders of tomorrow' are instrumental for change. "Young people will lead the energy sector towards greater sustainability and efficiency by embracing eco-conscious mindset and new-age technology," he emphasised. The youth, constituting 42 per cent of the UAE's population are willing to embrace technological advancements and increasingly aware about sustainability and climate change challenges, making them ideal catalysts for change.” "The youth are poised to lead the energy sector, and the society as a whole, towards greater sustainability and efficiency. With our sights set on the sustainability objectives outlined in our vision and in the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, the DoE strives to come up with programmes to engage the youth and harness their energy to achieve the emirate's sustainability goals," Al Marar added. The target is to increase the contribution of clean energy in the total energy mix from 25 per cent to 50 per cent by 2050, reduce the carbon footprint of power

generation by 70 per cent and increase consumption efficiency by 40 per cent. The UAE invests in the development of the young population through a number of initiatives including the establishment of Youth Councils in government departments. Al Marar further emphasised that the UAE's young population are set to lead the way towards the future. "We believe you are the energy of the future, and we will spare no effort in strengthening our partnership with you to ensure our future leadership with you," he added.

Young people always play an important role at ADSW.

“Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week now goes beyond engaging government and businesses and extends to technology pioneers, young people and all members of the community.” Dr Lamya Nawaf Fawwaz, Executive Director of Brand and Strategic Initiatives, Masdar

38MEET THE SPONSORS: the Summit’s supporters




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“Making drinking water accessible and safe for everyone is vital to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.” Anna Luísa Beserra, CEO, SDW and AIA CTO 28FEATURE: How a Ramadan

experience transformed an entrepreneur

UAE makes history by sending drone to MarsHE Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of State, Chairman of Masdar, pledged at Abu Dubai Sustainability Week to make history again in 2020 by sending a drone to Mars. Last year, the UAE put a man in space. Dr Sultan Al Jaber told delegates at the World Future Energy Summit, “We recognise by leveraging the technologies of tomorrow we can unlock solutions for sustainable development. “Just a few months ago we launched the World’s first research driven AI University − the Mohamed Al Zayed Unversity of Artificial Intelligence, which will attract the best regional and global talent. It will position the UAE as a centre for the international AI community,” he continued. He said earlier that UAE’s progressive leadership had dedicated 2020 as the year that they will prepare and plan for the next 50 years. “Crucially, we are investing in youth, building a knowledge-based economy and fostering a true and vibrant culture of innovation. This is what drives us to go beyond our borders and explore the unknown.”

He told the audience that while breakthrough technology was delivering unprecedented progress for humanity there is now a high demand for energy and resources. “In the first few decades of the 21st century we saw life expectancy reach new heights, global child mortality rates cut in half and the middle-class more than double. While human progress is accelerating another key challenge is emerging; how to produce the energy and the resources the world needs while

protecting the world we all share together. Here in the UAE, we have taken this challenge head-on. We are the first mover in promoting and investing in advanced energy.” Within the UAE, he said the country had grown its renewable portfolio by more than 400 per cent in the last 10 years and had installed renewable projects totalling 12GW in the UAE and across 25 countries across the world.

Pierre Groleau, Global Alliance Director, Metron, says the company is showcasing its solution which aims to help companies to reduce energy consumption. The Energy Virtual Assistant is aimed at large companies with annual energy bills of at least US$1 million. Mr Groleau explained that it is an Artificial Intelligence (AI) solution based on collecting ontologies (industrial knowledge database) and the more data that is gathered, the better the solution is able to find ways to save energy. A digital twin of the plant is created, data is visualised and monitored in real-time and potential optimisations can be detected – and the savings can go beyond energy. He cited the example of a paper plant client where the AI system

was able to recommend optimisations which saved energy and chemicals. By

detecting the timing and sequence of the bleach used, this process was optimised, allowing the company to use less bleach and save energy without any reduction in quality. He said that clients can expect payback on the solution in around 12 months. The company is global with offices in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and South America. For the Middle East, the Dubai office has been open for 12 months. Mr Groleau said the company is always looking for partnerships, particularly with the reselling market. For example, Dalkia, which is part of the EDF group, is Metron's exclusive partner in France via reselling deal. Other clients include Danonem DS Smith and ArcelorMittal. Visitors can learn more at Stand 8300 in Hall 8.

Dr Al Jaber shares plans for a mission to Mars, following on from the UAE sending a man to space.

Using digital twins to cut big energy bills

Pierre Groleau, Global Alliance Director, Metron




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MOVING TO LOWER CARBON mobility through hydrogen

The Centre for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Württemberg (ZSW) and its partners recently tested an option on a research platform that could help cut costs. In early 2019, this consortium deployed a research electrolyser for a trial at a commercial power-to-gas plant in the southern German town of Grenzach-Wyhlen. It performed well. With the benefit of new electrode coatings, scientists managed to increase power density, outperforming the plant’s industrial equipment by 20 per cent. What is more, the research electrolyser consists of just a few parts and is better suited for mass manufacturing. This advance could drive down the cost of electrolysers. Researchers are now investigating the improved electrode coating’s durability. Gradually replacing fossil fuels with renewables in electrical power stations is a start, but the same will have to happen in transportation and buildings. Hydrogen is the perfect enabler for this transition. This gaseous energy carrier can buffer surplus green electricity for other sectors to use. Electrolysis plants use electricity to break water down into hydrogen and oxygen. The process is too expensive for green hydrogen gas to be

competitively priced. Seeking to drive down costs, ZSW researchers and their partners in science and industry recently set up a research platform at an industrial one-megawatt plant on the Upper Rhine River. The larger goal is climate-friendly mobility. “We have been testing an optimised alkaline pressure electrolysis plant with up to 300kW output under real-world conditions. It features newly developed, cheaper electrodes and a simpler design,” says Dr Michael Specht, Head of the ZSW Renewable Energy Sources and Processes department. This project’s stakeholders are also seeking to analyse compressors, rectifiers

and pressure reservoirs with an eye to their cost and efficiency potential. They hope to turn promising ideas into products.” Initial trials with this research electrolyser went well. The project partners ZSW and the German Aerospace Center achieved a 20 per cent increase in power density using new electrode coatings. This means the plant is able to generate a fifth more hydrogen than an industrial plant of the same size and with the same energy consumption. This project, coordinated by ZSW, calls for scientists to monitor both plants. Simon Loeffler from ZSW Renewable Energy Sources and Processes department, says, “In the Middle East the opportunities for electrolysers are better [in terms of] location conditions with regard to renewable energy yield, i.e., the annual operating time of the plants (more solar radiation, possibly better wind conditions) and; incidental electricity costs (no EEG levies, electricity tax, etc.), and thus potentially lower H2 production costs. However, the risks are non-existent or poor technical infrastructures, partly uncertain political framework conditions and thus increased risk in the financing of facilities that have to be operated for 20 years or more to refinance the investment.”

(There are still challenges for green mobility. (Image credit: National Renewable Energy Laboratory)

In the Middle East, the opportunities for electrolysers are better in terms of location conditions with regard to renewable energy yield and, potentially, lower production costs.

Simon Leoffler ZSW Renewable Energy Sources and Processes

Hydrogen from ‘green’ electricity can increase renewables in the transport sector and reduce emissions. There is a catch, though – green gas production is still too expensive.



DAILY NEWS

“Artifcial Intelligence can support applications such as battery storage which help integrate variable power sources such as wind and solar more effectively into our electricity grids.” Dr Alexander Ritschel, Head of Technology at Masdar

14FLOORPLAN: How to find all the exhibitors at this year’s event

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SHAPING THE FUTURE with new energy technologies

Which off-grid solutions have Standard Bank Group funded in the last year? In which countries have they proved popular? We have embarked on a decentralised off-grid power strategy and have made great progress in identifying major clients and major markets where we see off-grid solutions becoming more active. M-KOPA is the most prominent project that I can reference at this point, which we recently financed. It is a solar system company that provides pay-as-you-go energy solutions to offgrid homes in Kenya and Uganda. We also have approved financing for two other players in South Africa and Ghana. We are going through the final processes of projects through the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and have progressed quite well with opportunities. However, the biggest challenge to us in South Africa remains legislation. At the moment, it doesn't allow you to go above 1MW unless you have a NERSA (National Energy Regulator of South Africa) licence. We understand that there are currently a few GW of applications with NERSA for off-grid solutions. Hopefully, an enabling

environment for private sector development will open up the current regulatory constraints. Is there still an increased appetite to fund smaller renewable projects? Yes, there is still appetite to fund small- to medium-sized renewable projects. It is not only commercial banks and development finance institution (DFIs), but also through the institutional market. Pension funds are quite keen to get involved in the sector early on − not only after commissioning but during construction. How important are hybrid solutions as an area of development in supplying power remotely as well as to national and regional grids? Hybrid solutions are very attractive for corporate energy electricity providers, especially for a farmer or smallholdings for example, looking at a combined PV-biomass solution, a PV battery solution, or even a PV-diesel hybrid system. However, as mentioned before, we are constrained in South Africa with the limit of 1MW, so we haven't made real progress. They are more suited to

smaller household clients where they are looking at PV battery storage solutions. I am working closely with the business banking team with these clients, and we are seeing an uptick in our asset finance offerings around these type of solutions. What are the trends to watch for in the energy sector in Africa looking toward the years ahead? I’m a strong believer in flexible power solutions. In order to be more sustainable in the long run for any country, you have to look at options where you are not entirely dependent on big hydro schemes or large coal projects where there may be challenges related to fuel supply. More countries are becoming open to flexible solutions where they can support renewable projects at a smaller scale, which are more modular in size. Governments are looking at opportunities where there is regional integration. It is something that we see going forward as some countries have enough capacity while others are developing excess capacity. Increased investment in transmission development and implementation will remain an important driver for growth.

Rentia van Tonder from Standard Bank Group.

Hybrid solutions are very attractive for corporate energy electricity providers. However, we are constrained in South Africa with the limit of 1MW so they are more suited to smaller household clients.

Rentia van Tonder Head of Power, Standard Bank Group

Rentia van Tonder, head of power for Standard Bank Group, talks about the shift towards sustainable energy and the challenges in implementing green technology in South Africa.



DAILY NEWS

The UAE is ensuring that its Peaceful Nuclear Energy Programme is developed in line with the highest standards.” Hamad Al Kaabi, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the UAE to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

03NEWS: Top stories from the forums and the show floor at the event

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THE SOLAR MAJLIS PROJECT offers a reflection on sustainability

The Holy Month of Ramadan is a time for reflection, according to Beacon Energy Founder and Managing Director, Sandyha Prakash.

“When we look at the people and the planet, we look at the UN Sustainable Development Goal No. 7, which says that ensuring access to affordable, reliable and modern energy for all is key,” she said.

The UAE is on the right track with recent progress in electrification, particularly in lesser developed countries and improvements in industrial energy efficiency. However, national priorities and policy ambitions still need to be strengthened to put the world on track to meet the energy targets for 2030 as per a UN report 2018.

Urging everyone to reflect on the environmental impact of their choices during the Holy Month, Sandhya Prakash shared her concern about lack of push from architects and consultants to integrate green energy solutions into every construction project in the region.

Sharing her experience about an Iftar gathering, she continued, “When a prominent Emirati gentleman invited me for my first Iftar – I was delighted to join his family at their Majlis. Simply translated, a Majlis is a ‘place of sitting’, wherein a family sits together and talks. The lady of the house told me that her house is open for guests every day. I thought, if it is the cultural hub for the house, how about making it the environmental hub too? Solar in a Majlis?

The solar industry as of today is rapidly expanding and there are hundreds of different panel models and designs to choose from. Common apprehensions from owners or architects include the lack of aesthetics in solar panels. ‘It looks industrial,’ they say, or ‘the aluminium frames, the blue and black colour and so on’.”

Beacon Energy has enabled to integrate the frameless solar glass panels in the family Majlis to function as a skylight replacing glass. Glass solar panels are considered an innovation because not only are they considered more attractive, but these panels tend to be more durable than a typical silicon cell.

The design is less prone to erosion and is significantly more resistant to fire hazards. The frameless solar glass panels selected in the design are not 100 per cent transparent, thus reducing the heat from the sun but still is translucent enough for the client to utilise the natural light coming in during the daytime. This means that the indoor lights can now be only used in the evening or as needed.

The Holy Month of Ramadan offered time for a company founder to think about sustainability.

The UAE is on track with recent progress in electrification, particularly in lesser developed countries. However, national priorities need to be strengthened to meet energy targets for 2030.

Sandyha Prakash Founder and managing director, Beacon Energy

An energy company founder talks about how being invited to an Iftar offered an opportunity to reflect on how everyone can be involved in meeting clean energy targets and becoming more sustainable.



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“The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy plays a crucial role in spearheading energy sector transition, ensuring the security of supply, boosting economic and social development, and achieving sustainability.” Awaidha Murshed Al Marar, Chairman, Abu Dhabi Department of Energy

16EXHIBITOR LIST: Find out who you can network with at the event

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TRENDS IN AFRICAN ENERGY The continent is moving to renewables

Damon Thompson: What changes are happening in the energy sector in Africa? Dimitri Papefstratiou: In the last few years, there has been enormous change in the energy landscape. It used to be that every year, two or three major thermal projects reached financial close, at least on the power side. You had a continuous base load of activity in oil and gas. Renewables were, of course, being developed as transactions reached financial close, but there were fewer and further between. That trend has really reversed. Now we’re seeing a relative contraction of bigger deals in the power space, the thermal deals in particular. For other thermal technologies, there continues to be a real trend pushing them forward. In fact, we closed a first phase financing for the Bridge Power LPG Project in Ghana, which is a 200MW deal, multi-fuel sourced. That was quite a success. DT: What’s driven that change? DP: A number of factors. Firstly, challenges and contractions across a number of the major economies in Africa: South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, and in some of the other major developed economies, particularly in northern Africa, for example, Egypt. We now tend to see one, maybe two big deals at maximum. DT: Big deals being 350, 400MW plus? DP: Absolutely, closing every year. Oil and gas has been affected, of course, because of the turbulent prices, but, it has also been impacted by questions being asked about climate change and institutional funding. Recently, the Norwegian sovereign wealth fund has been recalibrating its own criteria for investing in oil and gas companies and projects. I think that's the change that we see

across the industry. Probably, the biggest change has been the volume of renewable energy transactions being generated and closed in relatively rapid timelines. DT: Don’t you think that South Africa has been the catalyst? DP: Yes, but technological change has also been a major factor. Seven or eight years ago, the majority view was that it was only possible to finance renewable energy projects with some form of state subsidy. Now we’ve reached a moment in the technological landscape where, in fact, older, existing coal fire generation may be more expensive to fire than new solar installations. The fundamental change in that economic pattern has driven the development. DT: Do you think that this global resistance to fossil fuels has had a knock-on impact in South Africa? I know Standard Bank has pulled out of funding a couple of major coal projects there. There are also a lot more renewables projects in the pipeline? DP: Largely, that is correct. Most projects financed in Africa involve large components of ring-fence DFI financing, one way or another. Of course, the DFI (Development Finance Institution) community is extremely sensitive, rightly so, to environmental concerns. That has been one of the main factors driving the reduction in the number of new coal fire generation coming online. They are typically publicly or multilaterally funded institutions. They’re very active in the African energy space, as you would expect institutions like the IFD umbrella in France and, in particular, Proparco which is very active. In Germany, you have the KfW group and its member, DEG, which is very active. Of course, we should not forget CDC and others. DT: Moving on to DLA Piper now, what role does a law firm play in developing those power projects? Why has DLA experienced success over those years? DP: What lawyers tend to do is not just focus on contractual details. I think there is a misconception in the industry where legal participants and legal

advisors in the transaction are thought of as being part of the execution and implementation phase of a project. Of course, we do that. But really the role that we tend to play as experienced practitioners in a global landscape, is to come in probably quite early on and assist with strategic and market insights to help our clients pick out those issues that might impact visibility or timeline. DT: Why do you enjoying working in the African energy sector? DP: The major element which drives all of us in the industry is the impact we have on the daily lives of people who live in the countries we work in. It’s hard for us perhaps to envisage in this surrounding, but the reality for most people working and living in sub-Saharan Africa, is a life where power supply is constrained, or expensive, and in many cases not available at all. These are highly intelligent, capable, skilled people. Not having access to modern tools is a real drawback in developing the local economy, and in terms of reaching their individual potential. Making that change, that concrete change in one person’s life is worth it.

Dimitri Papefstratiou, partner, DLA Piper

Dimitri Papefstratiou, partner, DLA Piper, discusses the major trends in the African energy sector, including economic progress in markets across the continent. He spoke to Damon Thomson of EnergyNet.



DAILY NEWS

“Individuals and organisations must play their role if we want to evoke positive change in the world water balance. We believe that knowledge sharing is the most critical aspect of it all.” Mutaz Ghandour, Chairman and CEO, Metito

02NEWS: All the day two news from the forums and the exhibition space

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GALLERY

World Future Energy Summit welcomed visitors from across the globe.

The Water Forum featured panel discussions from industry leaders.

Etihad Airways takes positive steps towards becoming a more environmentally friendly airline.

Total’s Deepglider marine robot gathers underwater data from up to 6,000m.

Dignitaries at the opening of the Future Sustainability Summit.

The Expo 2020 stand has been constructed using sustainable materials.

UAE Space Agency showcased sustainability in space.

Electric sweeper with zero emissions launched by Tadweer, Abu Dhabi Waste Management Center.

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DAY 3 | 15 JANUARY 2020 DAILY NEWS

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daily news 2020...day 3 | 15 january 2020 daily news “environmental sustainability and digital...

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