Simone Liedtke
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Articles by Simone Liedtke
OECD nuclear investment could approach $200bn a year in 2030s
OECD countries could need to invest almost $200 billion a year in new nuclear capacity during the 2030s if global ambitions to triple capacity by 2050 are to be realised, according to a Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) analysis. The figure applies to the agency’s most ambitious scenario, rather than its forecast of likely spending. According to GlobalData, Nuclear Energy Outlook: Global Installed Capacity to 2050 and Beyond sets out four possible paths.
Bahrain’s $38.4m Al Hunainiyah water station targets December 2027 opening
Bahrain’s BD14.5 million ($38.4 million) Al Hunainiyah Water Distribution Station in Riffa is scheduled for completion and entry into service in December 2027. The project will include a ground-level reservoir holding 10 million imperial gallons and an elevated reservoir holding 1.25 million imperial gallons to serve East Riffa. Space has also been reserved for a second ground-level reservoir of the same capacity. The station will feature remote monitoring and control systems.
CESI: Rethinking Grid Planning for the Middle East
The Middle East’s power systems are entering a new phase. Rising electricity demand, rapid renewable deployment, data centers, AI and distributed energy resources are reshaping both consumption and network requirements. For grid planners, the challenge is no longer simply to forecast demand, but to understand how the entire system will evolve.
ADFD details $1.5bn IFC framework in new climate finance roadmap
Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) has published a paper setting out how development finance institutions can attract private investment into renewable energy projects in developing economies, drawing on its partnerships with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and International Finance Corporation (IFC). Investing in a Sustainable Future: ADFD’s Climate Initiatives examines the use of concessional funding, blended finance and partnerships to reduce project risk.
Record renewables additions must nearly double to meet 2030 goal
The world added a record 693 gigawatts (GW) of renewable power in 2025, taking installed capacity to 5.15 terawatts (TW). But annual additions must rise to an average of about 1,200GW from 2026 to 2030 to meet the globally agreed goal of 11.2TW, according to a new report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). The target, agreed under the UAE Consensus at COP28, would more than double today’s installed renewable capacity.
SEWA completes AED341m grid works as 13 more projects advance
Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA) has completed two electricity transmission projects costing more than AED341 million, as work continues on 13 further projects across the emirate. The largest completed project involved laying 71.7km of 132kV underground cables to connect seven main substations in the airport area. It cost AED235 million. SEWA also completed an upgrade of 220kV overhead transmission lines at a cost of AED106.493 million.
Acwa starts 2.55GW of initial operations at two Saudi gas plants
Acwa has begun initial commercial operations at its Taiba 1 and Qassim 1 gas-fired power plants in Saudi Arabia, bringing 2,555MW of generating capacity into service across the two projects. The first units at Taiba 1, in the Medina region, have been certified to operate at 1,272MW of the plant’s planned 1,934MW capacity. At Qassim 1, the initial units have a certified capacity of 1,283MW, against a planned total of 1,896MW.
FAB sets AED100bn target for water and blue economy financing
First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) has set a target of AED100 billion ($27.2 billion) in water and blue economy financing between 2026 and 2035, becoming the first bank in the Middle East and North Africa to sign the UN Sustainable Blue Economy Finance Principles. The target will support sustainable water infrastructure and blue economy projects. It forms part of FAB’s existing AED500 billion sustainable finance commitment to 2030, rather than adding AED100 billion to that commitment.
UAE urges private investment amid $141bn annual water funding gap
The UAE has brought business leaders, investors and philanthropists together in New York to examine how more water projects can secure financing, ahead of the UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi this December. More than 50 participants attended the private roundtable at the UAE’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations. Their focus was how to move viable projects from proven concepts to financial close, particularly in fast-growing and climate-stressed markets.
EBRD backs Hassan Allam’s Egypt water expansion with $32.1m investment
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has approved an equity investment of up to $32.1 million in RWD Investments BV, Hassan Allam Utilities’ water infrastructure platform, to support its expansion in Egypt. The funding will help RWD pursue its medium-term pipeline and cover development costs for future large-scale water projects structured as public-private partnerships (PPPs). The EBRD estimates the total project cost at $92.9 million.
US DFC approves up to $1.8bn for Jordan water project
The US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) has approved up to $1.8 billion in support for Jordan’s National Water Carrier project, comprising a loan of up to $1 billion and up to $800 million in political risk insurance. DFC’s board approved the loan to National Carrier Project Company and insurance for equity investors Meridiam and Suez on 16 September. The insurance is cover for investors against political risks, rather than an additional cash loan to the project.
UAE ranks joint fourth for nuclear facility security in 2026
The UAE has ranked joint fourth among 48 countries and areas assessed for protecting nuclear facilities against sabotage in the 2026 Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) Nuclear Security Index. It scored 87 out of 100 in the category, seven points above its recalculated 2023 score. In a separate assessment of support for global efforts to prevent the theft of nuclear materials, the UAE ranked joint 15th among 154 countries and areas, scoring 85 out of 100, up two points.
Masdar clean power generation rises 38% to 40.2TWh in 2025
Masdar’s operating projects generated 40.2TWh of clean electricity in 2025, up 38% from 29.2TWh a year earlier, according to the company’s 13th Annual Sustainability Report. The Abu Dhabi clean energy company said that generation helped avoid an estimated 19.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions. Its capacity from projects in operation or under construction rose from 32GW to 45.8GW.
UAE donates three desalination plants to strengthen Seychelles water supply
President Dr Patrick Herminie witnessed the handover of the units, valued at approximately $2.5 million, on 14 September. The donation follows discussions on water security during his first overseas visit to the UAE shortly after taking office. Seychelles’ Public Utilities Corporation will operate the plants. Two are earmarked for Anse Royale on Mahé, where they will reinforce supply to the island’s southern and eastern districts.
UAE ranks 22nd globally and leads GCC in EV readiness
The country scored 53 in the study of 31 markets. Arthur D. Little assesses readiness across five areas: broader market conditions, EV competition, customer readiness, public charging infrastructure, and total cost of ownership and regulation. A score of 100 indicates broad market readiness parity between EVs and vehicles with internal combustion engines. Around 9% of new vehicles sold in the UAE in 2025 were electric or plug-in hybrid, the study found.
UAE outlines €40bn investment package for Germany, including data centres
The UAE has announced a €40 billion investment package for Germany covering industry, advanced technology, digital infrastructure and energy, including plans for around 1GW of new data centre capacity. The announcement came during the first state visit to Germany by a UAE president. In a joint declaration, the two governments also welcomed 29 agreements and memoranda of understanding signed between Emirati and German companies, valued at more than €9.35 billion.
WETEX 2026 to host 45 Italian companies in Dubai
Forty-five Italian companies and start-ups will exhibit at WETEX 2026, bringing water, energy and environmental technologies to the Dubai event’s 28th edition. Organised by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), the Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition will run from 20 to 22 October at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
IEA says grid technologies could connect 330GW without network expansion
Digital grid technologies could allow up to 330GW of additional generation, storage and demand to connect to existing electricity networks without reinforcement, according to a new International Energy Agency (IEA) report. The estimate covers three approaches already used on transmission networks: adjusting equipment ratings to reflect actual conditions, changing how power is routed through the grid, and directing flows onto underused lines.
IEA sees cost-effective electrification reaching 33% of energy by 2035
Electricity could meet 33% of the world’s final energy consumption by 2035 using technologies that are already cost-effective, bringing a proposed global electrification target of 35% within reach, according to a new International Energy Agency (IEA) report. Electricity accounts for about 23% of final energy consumption today. The IEA’s 33% estimate assumes that the full potential of technologies competitive at 2025 costs, energy prices and financing conditions is realised.
GE Vernova signs Egypt deal to extend five gas turbines
GE Vernova has signed an agreement to extend the operating life of five gas turbines at Egypt’s Kureimat, Nubaria and Cairo North power plants by an expected 13 to 15 years. The five 9F turbines represent approximately 1,250MW of generating capacity. Work under the rotor life extension agreement is expected to take place between 2028 and 2035, allowing the plants to continue using equipment already in service.
UAEREP explores AI-designed cloud seeding materials and modified landforms
The UAE Research Programme for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP) has brought together two of its sixth-cycle awardees to discuss different approaches to increasing rainfall: improving cloud seeding materials and studying how changes to the landscape affect the atmosphere.
Emirates Biotech, UAEU launch pilot to turn waste into biogas
Emirates Biotech and United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) have launched a research project to turn food waste and compostable packaging into renewable biogas and nutrient-rich compost. The partners plan to build an integrated pilot plant near UAEU’s Al Ain campus capable of processing up to 40kg of organic waste a day. The facility will combine anaerobic digestion, which produces biogas, with composting of the material left after digestion.
Tosyali-SULB targets early 2028 production at $2.5bn complex in Libya
Tosyali-SULB expects to begin commercial production at its direct reduced iron (DRI) complex in Benghazi, Libya, in early 2028, with the project expected to attract about $2.5 billion in investment. The venture between Turkish steelmaker Tosyali Holding and Libya United Steel Company for Iron and Steel Industry (SULB) plans to develop the complex in phases.
Egypt moves to strengthen grid for new solar, wind and storage
Egypt is advancing plans to upgrade its national unified power grid to accommodate new solar and wind capacity while expanding battery energy storage to strengthen supply reliability. Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mahmoud Esmat reviewed the plans during a meeting with the ministry’s strategic committee, which also assessed grid performance following unusually high electricity demand during the recent summer months.
Abu Dhabi tightens greenhouse gas reporting with new verification framework
The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi has issued a new resolution establishing a formal framework for measuring, reporting and verifying greenhouse gas emissions across the emirate. Resolution No. 03 of 2026 introduces an integrated system covering emissions reporting, verification requirements and the registration and accreditation of independent verifiers.
EGA pilots E40 technology to boost Al Taweelah output
Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) has launched a technology upgrade pilot at its Al Taweelah smelter aimed at improving productivity, energy efficiency and emissions performance. The pilot will upgrade 13 DX technology reduction cells with EGA’s new E40 smelting technology. The company plans to use the trial to prove E40’s performance before potentially rolling it out across all 808 DX technology reduction cells at potlines 1 and 2 at Al Taweelah.
Empower approves AED437.5m interim dividend after strong H1 growth
Empower has approved an interim cash dividend of AED437.5 million for the first half of 2026. The distribution is equivalent to 4.375 fils per share and 43.75% of the company’s paid-up capital. Empower said the dividend is in line with its established policy of distributing AED875 million annually for 2025 and 2026. The company has maintained semi-annual dividend payments since listing on the Dubai Financial Market in November 2022.
OPEC Fund backs $645m in water, power and infrastructure projects
The OPEC Fund for International Development has approved $645 million in new financing across 14 partner countries, including major investments in water security, hydropower, electricity networks and infrastructure. The approvals were announced following the OPEC Fund Governing Board’s 197th session. Of the total, $435 million will support public sector development projects, while $210 million will be directed towards private sector operations.
Metito Utilities wins Dubai South wastewater O&M contract
Metito Utilities has been awarded the operation and maintenance contract for the Dubai South Sewage Treatment Plant by Dubai World Central Corporation. The facility, located near Al Maktoum International Airport, has a treatment capacity of 10,000m³ per day and uses membrane bioreactor technology with ceramic membranes. Under the contract, Metito Utilities will take responsibility for the plant’s day-to-day operation and maintenance.
EFG Holding secures ISO 14001 environmental management certification
EFG Holding has obtained ISO 14001 certification for Environmental Management for 2026, marking a further step in the group’s environmental and operational management strategy. The certification follows EFG Holding’s ISO 45001 certification for occupational health and safety in 2025. ISO 14001 provides organisations with a framework for identifying and managing environmental impacts, maintaining compliance with applicable requirements and improving environmental performance over time.
SEWA partners with Sharjah schools to promote water and energy conservation
The Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Sharjah Private Education Authority to strengthen awareness of energy and water conservation among private school students. The partnership will focus on promoting sustainable practices, responsible resource use and safe electricity and water consumption across schools in the emirate.
Empower cools 24% of Dubai hotels as tourism demand grows
Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower) has highlighted the growing role of district cooling in Dubai’s tourism and hospitality sector as the emirate continues to expand its hotel infrastructure. By the end of 2025, hotels and hotel apartments served by Empower accounted for 24% of Dubai’s 827 hotel and hotel apartment facilities. The company said the figure reflects increasing reliance on high-efficiency district cooling across major hospitality developments.
Saudi Arabia launches RFQ for national waste management platform
Saudi Arabia has launched the Request for Qualification (RFQ) phase for a national digital waste management platform to be developed under a public-private partnership model. The procurement is being led by the National Centre for Waste Management, Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, National Centre for Privatisation & PPP and Environment Fund. Interested parties have until 4 October 2026 to submit qualification applications.
Masdar expands Azerbaijan renewables pipeline with solar, storage and RTC plans
Masdar has signed a collaboration agreement with Azerbaijan Green Energy Company to explore new renewable energy projects in Azerbaijan, including a major expansion of its Garadagh solar development and a new round-the-clock renewable energy project. The agreement was signed during a visit to Azerbaijan by HH Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and National Security Adviser, in the presence of HE Ilham Aliyev, President of Azerbaijan.
Moro launches UAE e-invoicing platform ahead of 2027 mandate
Data Hub Integrated Solutions, known as Moro Hub, has launched an e-invoicing solution to help government and private sector organisations prepare for the UAE’s phased electronic invoicing requirements. Moro Hub, a subsidiary of Digital DEWA, said the platform enables organisations to create, manage, validate and exchange structured electronic invoices through a secure and scalable digital environment.
Riyadh Cement signs 25-year solar PPA to cut power costs
The company said average annual payments under the agreement are expected to be around SAR6 million ($1.6 million), excluding VAT, over the contract period. While Riyadh Cement’s stock exchange disclosure did not specify the project’s capacity, its 2025 sustainability report said the company had executed a PPA for a 30MW solar PV development.
Empower explores Kuwait cooperation on district cooling and efficiency
Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation, known as Empower, has discussed opportunities for cooperation with relevant entities in Kuwait across district cooling, energy efficiency and sustainability. The discussions took place during a visit by HE Khaled Abdulrahim Al-Zaabi, Consul General of Kuwait in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, to Empower’s headquarters in Dubai.
AMEA Power starts commercial operations at 24MWp Uganda solar project
AMEA Power has started commercial operations at its 24MWp Ituka Solar PV Project in Uganda, marking the company’s first operational asset in the country. The project is located in Uleppi, Madi Okollo District, in Uganda’s West Nile region. AMEA Power said Ituka is the first solar independent power producer project in the region and the largest installed-capacity IPP in West Nile. Commercial operations follow the successful energisation of the project’s 25MVA 132/33kV substation in July 2026.
Masdar opens 154MW Čibuk 2 wind farm in Serbia
Čibuk 2 is located in the South Banat region, around 40km from Belgrade, alongside the existing 158MW Čibuk 1 wind farm. Together, the two projects have a combined installed capacity of 312MW and can supply enough clean electricity to power around 178,800 homes. The wider Čibuk complex represents more than €500 million of foreign direct investment in Serbia’s energy infrastructure.
EtihadWE secures Siemens turbines for 2.6GW Al Zawra power project
Etihad Water and Electricity (EtihadWE) has signed a reservation agreement with Siemens Energy for the supply of gas and steam turbines for its planned 2.6GW Al Zawra Combined Cycle Gas Turbine power project in Ajman. Under the agreement, Siemens Energy will supply the turbines required for the power generation facility, marking a key step in the development of the project. The agreement was signed during a visit by Eng. Yousif Ahmed Al Ali, CEO of EtihadWE, to Siemens Energy’s facility in Berlin.
What does it take to keep a city cool? The Emirati women working behind the scenes
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the UAE sits at the heart of the global district cooling industry. Centralised plants and untold thousands of kilometres of subterranean, insulated pipes provide dependable, efficient cooling to iconic destinations and infrastructure including airports, hospitals, hotels, malls, and residential communities.
SEWA completes 90% of AED13m Rawdat Al Qarat water network
The Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA) has completed approximately 90% of a new water distribution network in Rawdat Al Qarat. The project spans more than 34km and carries an investment of nearly AED13 million. Construction began in March 2026 and is scheduled for completion in November.
Shell reshapes US power portfolio with $715m asset sale
Shell Energy North America has announced two transactions as part of the ongoing management of its US power portfolio, combining a new gas-fired generation acquisition with a $715 million asset sale. The company has agreed to acquire 100% of Hunlock Creek Generating, which owns 169MW of natural gas-fired generation capacity in Pennsylvania. Shell said the acquisition will strengthen its position in the PJM power market by securing additional supply and capacity in the Mid-Atlantic region.
DEWA employees recycle nearly 119,000 items in H1 2026
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) employees recycled 118,967 plastic bottles and aluminium cans during the first half of 2026 as the utility continues efforts to strengthen sustainability practices across its workforce. The items were collected through smart recycling machines installed at a number of DEWA buildings.
Mohammed bin Rashid Global Water Award enters final application phase
The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award is entering the final phase of its fifth cycle as it continues to attract applications from innovators, researchers and institutions worldwide. Overseen by the UAE Water Aid Foundation, Suqia UAE, under the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, the award carries a total prize value of $1 million.
Fertiglobe, Covestro and MB Energy explore Hamburg ammonia supply chain
Fertiglobe, Covestro and MB Energy have signed an MoU to explore collaboration across the ammonia value chain in Germany and Europe, including potential imports through a proposed terminal in Hamburg. The agreement was signed during the visit of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Germany. Under the MoU, Fertiglobe will assess the potential supply of ammonia through an import terminal proposed to be built and operated by MB Energy at Blumensand in Hamburg.
OPINION | AVEVA on why ROI in the age of electricity relies on 3 Rs
Intensifying all that is climate change. It cuts across operations, intensifying demand, making outages more likely and raising repair costs. Reinvestment across the power sector to fix reliability In response, the International Energy Agency flags the need for investment into modernizing the grid, alongside improving flexibility and security. Some utilities are spending $1.4 trillion to do so.
EGA completes 80% Eco Green acquisition to expand recycling business
Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) has completed its acquisition of an 80% stake in Italian aluminium recycling company Eco Green, expanding its growing global recycling business in Europe. EGA first announced plans to acquire the majority stake in April. The transaction has now received all required regulatory approvals and met the necessary closing conditions.
Tabreed appoints Yousif Al Hammadi as CEO for next growth phase
National Central Cooling Company, more commonly referred to as Tabreed, has appointed Dr Yousif Al Hammadi as CEO as the company enters its next phase of growth. Dr Yousif Al Hammadi Al Hammadi has been with Tabreed since 2014 and has held senior positions across Projects and Business Development. He joined the company’s Executive Management Team in 2022 as Chief Asset Management Officer before being appointed Interim CEO in January 2026.
Qatar tightens rules to protect electricity and water networks
The rules were issued by HE Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, Minister of State for Energy Affairs, under Decision No. 10 of 2026 and were published in the September 2026 Official Gazette. The decision was issued pursuant to Law No. 13 of 2024 concerning the protection of public electricity and water facilities and the legal framework governing the Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation, KAHRAMAA.
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