Category: Green Products

DUBAI, U.A.E: DEWA’s R&D Centre Files New Patent for Innovative Method to Improve Battery Performance

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA)’s Research and Development (R&D) Centre has filed a new patent for an innovative method for improving the performance of electrodes in lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, sodium–sulfur batteries, and electrolyte distribution batteries.

This is achieved by treating the electrodes chemically using a polymer to increase the number of active groups on the surface of the electrodes, which leads to improving their performance. The low-cost, environmentally friendly method requires low temperatures and ensures stable battery performance. This is part of the centre’s efforts to promote the technologies of energy production and storage.

The patent supports the pilot project for energy storage that DEWA has inaugurated at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park using Tesla’s lithium-ion battery solution. The project has a power capacity of 1.21 MW and an energy capacity of 8.61 MWh with a life span of up to 10 years. This pilot project is the second battery energy storage pilot project by DEWA at the solar park. The first project was implemented in collaboration with AMPLEX–NGK to install and test a sodium sulphur (NaS) energy solution with a power capacity of 1.2 MW and an energy capacity of 7.5 MWh. This was the first utility-scale energy storage pilot project in the region.

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, said, “Our strategies and plans are inspired by the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to ensure energy security and sustainability, as well as improve energy efficiency. DEWA relies on research and innovation to support the development of energy storage technologies and increase the share of clean and renewable energy. This supports the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050 to provide 100 percent of Dubai’s total power production capacity from clean energy sources by 2050. DEWA is working on other energy storage projects, including using Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) at the 4th phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the 250MW hydroelectric power plant in Hatta with a storage capacity of 1,500 megawatt-hours, and the Green Hydrogen project to produce and store hydrogen using solar power.”

“DEWA’s R&D Centre is a global platform that provides innovative solutions and technologies for the operations and services of the utility sector worldwide. This maintains DEWA’s worldwide leadership and enhances Dubai’s position as a global hub for research and development in solar power, smart grids, water, energy efficiency, and capacity building in these sectors. The R&D Centre improves the services provided by DEWA to customers by developing the latest technologies and sustainable solutions for energy and water and conducting applied research,” Al Tayer continued.

“The R&D Centre at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park enriches the scientific community in the UAE and the world. This is through disseminating knowledge and nurturing the talent of Emirati researchers,” Waleed bin Salman, Executive Vice President of Business Development and Excellence at DEWA, added.

source/content: wam.ae (headline edited)

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Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA

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DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E)

SAUDI ARABIA: Saudi Standards,Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) Ties up with over 60 Entities Worldwide to Promote Halal Products

Saudi Arabia has stepped up measures to increase the scope of halal foods following the partnership of Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization, also known as SASO, with several entities, the agency said. 

“More than 60 accredited entities from around the world work with us in the halal sector,” Nawaf Al-Shahri, head of the conformity assessment body acceptance department at SASO, told Arab News. 

This information was revealed on the sidelines of the Thai Trade Exhibition Riyadh 2023, a four-day event that began on Aug. 27 at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center.

Al-Shahri further elaborated that SASO’s primary role in this sector involves accrediting entities responsible for issuing certificates for halal products beyond the Kingdom’s borders.

This responsibility complements the Food and Drug Authority’s task of certifying imported products in Saudi Arabia.

The authority is currently assessing the competence of these entities and will subsequently grant them a certificate of acceptance based on their qualifications. The Halal Center will then oversee their operations, both within their offices and in practical settings.

Winai Dahlan, founding director of the Halal Science Center, Chulalongkorn University, highlighted that there has been a noticeable increase in interest in halal meat among Thais in recent decades. 

In 2003, the establishment of the cabinet marked a significant milestone in the evolution of halal products in Thailand. 

He indicated that the growing interest in halal meat among Thais is fundamentally rooted in religious considerations. 

In 1995, he founded the Halal Science Center at Chulalongkorn University to create a hub for the advancement of halal science in Thailand. 

The principal duties of the center encompass the research and development of halal science and technology aimed at supporting the expansion of the industry while ensuring the quality and safety of the specialized products. 

The halal products sector stands as one of the world’s fastest-growing industries, with a projected 6.1 percent increase in spending on food and beverages, anticipated to reach $1.9 trillion by 2023.

Islamic spending on halal pharmaceuticals was $87 billion in 2017 and is expected to reach $131 billion by 2023. Meanwhile, spending on cosmetics was $61 billion in 2017 and is projected to reach $90 billion by 2023. 

Dr. Yousuf Al-Harbi, director of the Halal Center, affirmed that halal meat is a societal norm in Saudi Arabia.

He pointed out that the center aims to meet halal food requirements, adding that they are continually confident that “any local product we guarantee is 100 percent halal.” 

“We have several initiatives, especially regarding the reliability of Halal food, from farm to consumer table, confirming that their experience in this area is thriving,” said Al-Harbi. 

He said they are committed to ensuring that meats and poultry are slaughtered and stored according to Islamic law.  

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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This discussion was held at the Thai Trade Exhibition Riyadh 2023, a four-day event that began on Aug. 27 at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center. (Huda Bashatah

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SAUDI ARABIA

ARAB Network for NGOs (AGFUND) launch Climate-change Awareness Platform

Platform aims to convey climate-change issues to Arabs in engaging ways using visual media.

The Arab Network for NGOs, in partnership with the Arab Gulf Program for Development, has launched the “Green in Arabic” media platform to raise awareness about climate change, Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday. 

The platform was launched under the patronage of AGFUND President Prince Abdulaziz bin Talal. 

Hoda Al-Bakr, executive director of the Arab Network for NGOs, said that the initiative was in line with the recommendations of the first Arab Climate Forum in October 2022 and reflected the network’s efforts on climate adaptation and mitigation.

The platform aims to convey climate-change issues to Arabs in engaging ways, using video, graphics, infographics and other visual media.

AGFUND Executive Director Nasser Al-Qahtani said that AGFUND was an active member of Arab aid institutions. During the COP27 Climate Summit in Sharm El-Sheikh in November last year, it committed to providing cumulative joint financing to address climate challenges, he said. 

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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An Iraqi man walks past a canoe siting on dry, cracked earth in the Chibayish marshes near the southern Iraqi city of Nasiriyah on June 25, 2015. Marsh areas in southern Iraq have been affected since the Islamic State group started closing the gates of a dam on the Euphrates River in the central city of Ramadi, which is under the jihadist group’s control. AFP PHOTO / HAIDAR HAMDANI (Photo by HAIDAR HAMDANI / AFP) ./The “Green in Arabic” media platform aims to raise awareness about climate change. (File/AFP)

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SAUDI ARABIA Releases More than 1,500 Endangered Animals in AlUla

This winter five-phase release includes about 650 Arabian gazelles, 550 sand gazelles, 280 Arabian oryx and 100 Nubian ibex.

More than 1,500 endangered animals will be released in AlUla as part of the Royal Commission for AlUla’s mission to reintroduce native species into their natural habitats.

The animals will be released across three of AlUla’s nature reserves: Sharaan, Wadi Nakhlah and Al-Gharameel.

This winter five-phase release includes about 650 Arabian gazelles, 550 sand gazelles, 280 Arabian oryx and 100 Nubian ibex. The first phase, on Jan. 10, saw the release of about 80 animals. The species were sourced from respected conservation facilities in the Kingdom and UAE.

Stephen Browne, wildlife and natural heritage executive director of the Royal Commission for AlUla, said: “We are a growing player in conservation through biodiversity initiatives including species reintroduction, habitat restoration, protected area management and Arabian leopard conservation. RCU’s conservation and restoration initiatives are successfully moving forward in the revitalization of AlUla’s natural habitat — and one day we will reintroduce the Arabian leopard back to the wilds of AlUla.”

The reintroduction of the Arabian leopard, an apex predator classed as critically endangered, would serve as a capstone on the regeneration of the reserve. The reintroduction is targeted for 2030.

Monitoring of the newly released animals will be carried out with SMART software analysis tools, camera trapping and satellite tracking collars. It is the first time that the lightweight, solar-powered collars will be used for ungulate species in the region. RCU has conducted extensive genetic and physical screening of the animals to ensure their fitness for release into the wild.

The new release is by far the largest since RCU’s reintroduction program began in 2019. Animal reintroduction enriches RCU’s ambitious plan to activate six nature reserves while regenerating AlUla as a leading global destination for cultural and natural heritage.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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The animals will be released across three of AlUla’s nature reserves: Sharaan, Wadi Nakhlah and Al-Gharameel. (Supplied)

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SAUDI ARABIA

U.A.E / EGYPT: UAE’s Masdar to Build ‘World’s Largest Wind Farm’ in Egypt at $10B

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli attended Tuesday evening the signing of an agreement between the Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy and the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) to allocate a land plot for the establishment of a $10-billion wind farm whose capacity will be 10 gigawatts, making it the world’s largest.

Masdar will operate within a consortium that includes Infinity Power and Hassan Allam Utilities. The project is estimated to save $5 billion in natural gas costs per annum, and reduce carbon emissions by 23.8 million tons, which is nine percent of Egypt’s annual emissions.

The farm will produce 47,790 GWh of clean energy every year contributing in Egyptian efforts aimed at making the share of renewables in the energy mix 42 percent by 2035.  

The initial agreement was signed on the sidelines of COP 27 held in Sharm El Sheikh in November, so as the signing was attended by President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi and Emirati counterpart Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed.  

source/content: egypttoday.com (headline edited)

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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E) / EGYPT

SAUDI ARABIA: Say it with coffee: ‘Heritage Commission’ enters record books

  • Guinness World Records recognizes longest phrase made from coffee beans
  • UNESCO added Saudi Khawlani coffee and the skills and knowledge associated with its cultivation to its Intangible Cultural Heritage list

The Heritage Commission has set a world record for the longest phrase made from coffee beans.

The phrase, “Heritage Commission,” comprised 6,088 Saudi Khawlani beans and was created as part of the commission’s events to mark World Heritage Day.

The creation, whose record length was recognized by Guinness World Records, was displayed at the King Abdulaziz Historical Center in Riyadh, where the commission’s representatives received their official certificate.

Saudi Arabia is one of the world’s largest consumers of coffee and achieving self-sufficiency in its production is a goal of Saudi Vision 2030.

Khawlani is one of the world’s most sought after coffee beans. It has been cultivated in the Jazan region for more than eight centuries and is mentioned many times in old poems and songs from the region.

Last year, UNESCO added Saudi Khawlani coffee and the skills and knowledge associated with its cultivation to its Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

According to statistics from the 2022 Saudi Coffee Festival, the Jazan region is home to more than 2,000 coffee farms, over 384,000 coffee trees and an annual production of over 900 tons.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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The phrase, ‘Heritage Commission,’ comprised of 6,088 Saudi Khawlani beans, was created as part of the commission’s events to mark World Heritage Day. (SPA)

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SAUDI ARABIA

SAUDI ARABIA: GLOBAL RECORD: Red Sea Global (RSG) takes up Most Ambitious Horticultural Endeavor ‘in Human History’ to Raise over 25 million Plants

Saudi Arabia’s biodiversity is set to reap huge benefits thanks to Red Sea Global planning the “single most challenging horticultural endeavor ever attempted in human history,” the company has announced.

RSG’s fully operational nursery aims to raise over 25 million plants in the Red Sea Project and the ultra-luxury destination AMAALA by 2030, reducing the Kingdom’s reliance on importing foreign plant species and promoting the growth of native flora. 

It will also produce over 30 million seedlings, which according to Grant Shaw, senior nursery director at RSG, is “incredibly exciting for horticulturalists.” 

“If you think about 25 million plants in the time frame we’re talking about, it’s never been attempted before. It’s like the single most challenging horticultural endeavor ever attempted in human history in the middle of the desert.”

He added: “With our designers, we’ve looked at what can we use natively and then what can we enhance with some adaptive species.” 

“Some of the species you see in this region will never be seen anywhere else in the world because they can’t grow elsewhere,” Shaw concluded. 

The Red Sea region’s exceptional year-round climate allows for adding a broad range of plants, including cultivated, adapted and native plants, said Fahd Al-Habely, the company’s assistant director of the environmental program department. 

Consequently, the company has implemented two initiatives. One is collecting native seeds across the Kingdom, and the other is transplanting mature trees. 

With a mandate to increase biodiversity in the area by 30 percent, the company has a “laser-like focus on sustainability,” he explained.   

Though the nursery mainly comprises plants native to Saudi Arabia, the giga-project has also been sourcing desert plant species worldwide, including Australia, where the climate is similar to the Kingdom. 

Saudi Arabia has successfully planted over 12 million trees in the past five years through the National Center for Vegetation Development as it moves toward achieving its sustainability goals as part of the Saudi Green Initiative, stated the annual report issued by the National Transformation Program for 2022. 

According to the report, more than 22 percent of the treated water in the Kingdom was reused while recording a 35 percent increase in desalinated water production capacity since 2018. 

Some of the other achievements include the release of up to 921 endangered animals in national parks and reserves, the first birth of the Arabian oryx at the King Salman Royal Reserve, and the first birth of the Idmi gazelle at the Ibex Reserve.  

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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RSG’s fully operational nursery aims to raise over 25 million plants in the Red Sea Project and the ultra-luxury destination AMAALA by 2030, reducing the Kingdom’s reliance on importing foreign plant species and promoting the growth of native flora. (Supplied)

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SAUDI ARABIA

OMAN: Omani Innovator Manar Al Jahwari Wins Saudi Arabian Innovation Hackathon for her Project Royal Filament

Manar al Jahwari won Saudi Arabian Innovation Hackathon award for her project Royal Filament.

 Oman’s own Manar al Jahwari competed against 24 projects (shortlisted out of 700 total projects) in the final round of the Saudi Arabian Innovation Hackathon award, where her project was chosen along with three others as the most promising project.

Her project aimed at restricting the use of plastic filaments in 3D printing, and she fashioned 3D printing filament out of seaweed and other environment-friendly materials. She is currently in talks with government agencies to make her project a viable business, and she hopes to attract numerous local and international investors.

The Saudi Arabian Water Technologies Hackathon is a competition held virtually that lasts for two days, October 21 and 22, and involves three challenges that need to be solved within the given two days.

The second challenge was to control the excessive growth of algae in Jeddah’s desalination facilities, for which Al Jahwari came up with the innovative solution of “Royal Filament.”

source/content: thearabianstories.com (headline edited)

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OMAN

OMAN: A Unique Tribute to Lady Assayida Ahd Abdullah Hamed Al Busaidi and a New Guinness World Record for ‘A Word Written With the Largest Number of Flowers.

Paying tribute to Her Highness the Honourable Lady Assayida Ahd Abdullah Hamed Al Busaidi, Spouse of the Sultan of Oman, the Infrastructure, Technology, Industrial and Consumer Solutions cluster of Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC (MHD-ITICS), sponsored an event to set a new Guinness World Record for ‘A Word Written with the Largest Number of Flowers’.

The event was hosted by Lujaina Mohsin Darwish, Chairperson, MHD-ITICS. The mammoth task of assembling 12,000 roses, which spelt out the First Lady’s name, ‘Ahad’, began with fabrication work on 25 October and was successfully completed on 26 October.

It was then displayed at a grand event organised near the Snow Zone area, located on level two of the Mall of Oman. Official adjudicators from Guinness World Records were present to supervise, analyse and follow every step of the process. Adhering to all the stringent criteria, the masterpiece, once finished, stood 8.2 metres wide and 3 metres tall and proved to be a true work of art.

Ideated and conceptualised by Ms Naseem Abdullah Al Fadhli, MD, Integrated Benefits Projects and supported by Ms Haifa Balfaqih, Investment Programme Director – Nazdaher and GM, Strategic Planning and Technology, be’ah, the historic event witnessed the presence of some of the highly-esteemed guests including her excellencies, leading businesswomen and attendees from all over the country.

Receiving an overwhelming response from the audience, the new Guinness World Record further cements Oman’s position on the map as a country filled with unique initiatives and also as a nation raising an empowered generation of women.

Lujaina Mohsin Darwish said, “With the key message behind this initiative being especially close to our hearts, we are indeed delighted to set this new world record. It not only celebrates Omani women but is a tribute to Her Highness the Honourable Lady Assayida Ahad Abdullah Hamed Al Busaidi.

Her unwavering faith in the capabilities of the Omani women of today and continuous appreciation of their achievements have served as a constant motivation for all. It has ignited a zeal in every woman to break the glass ceiling and push the frontiers of women leadership.”

“Drawing inspiration from our leaders, MHD-ITICS will continue to act as a catalyst of change, encouraging women’s contribution to the Omani economy as well as participating and leading in their respective areas of influence and expertise. The strong Omani women have displayed courage, creativity, vision and accomplishment and will continue to play an instrumental role in driving transformation,” she added.

A keynote speech was delivered by Lujaina Mohsin Darwish, which was then followed by the much-awaited showcasing of the largest flower word. Another key highlight of the event was the large LED display wall with snippets and pictures of the First Lady of Oman. All attendees were gifted a branded scarf and were entertained with live music, a food and beverage counter and photo opportunities.

MHD-ITICS, under the guidance of Honourable Lujaina Mohsin Darwish, has achieved commendable growth in recent years. Moreover, the Company has been at the forefront of setting new benchmarks in the industry and supporting its women employees to assume various critical roles in the organisation.

source/content: timesofoman.com (headline edited)

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OMAN

MOROCCO Outperforms US to Become 4th Largest Blueberry Exporter Worldwide

Morocco’s berry production is one of the country’s key contributors to the agricultural sector.

Morocco has outperformed the US becoming the fourth largest blueberry exporter in the world.

Data from East Fruit said that Morocco exported 53,000 tonnes of blueberries in 2022. Peru was the largest exporter of fresh blueberries last year, with 277,000 tonnes, followed by Chile (105,000 tonnes) and Spain (87,000).

Despite Morocco’s leading position in blueberry exports, the Netherlands exported more blueberries than the North African country in  11 months of last year, the same source said.

“It should be noted that the exports from the Netherlands in 11 months of last year were higher than that of Morocco, having amounted to 104 000 tonnes,” East Fruit reported.

Elaborating on the data, the news outlet said: “However, if we take into account the volume of re-exports, the real result of the Netherlands will be much lower since it imported 130 000 tonnes of fresh blueberries during this period.”

East Fruit also recalled that Morocco ranked seventh place among the largest exporters of cultivated blueberries in 2017.

Berry production in Morocco has contributed to the country’s agricultural sector significantly.

Morocco’s revenues from strawberry exports to the international market are estimated between $40 and $70 million annually.

According to previous data from East Fruit strawberry products are one of the top 10 most exported goods from Morocco.

According to estimates,  Morocco exported 22,400 tonnes of fresh strawberries globally in 2022, representing an increase of 17% compared to a year earlier.

Countries like the UAE, Qatar were key buyers of Moroccan goods. In Europe, the US is one of Morocco’s strawberry importers. In 2022, the US imported almost half of Morocco’s strawberry export supply.

source/content: moroccoworldnews.com (headline edited)

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MOROCCO