MENA Clean Energy in Review - December 2015 
CEBC News

Update from the Board
December has been an exciting month for the cleantech sector both regionally and globally. Cop21 held in Paris earlier in the month saw an accord reached by government leaders that will establish a clear, long-term goal to achieve an early peak of greenhouse gas emissions and zero overall global emissions in the second half of this century .

Closer to home regional governments heralded ambitious clean energy programs with the UAE taking the lead with its announcement of the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 which aims to provide 7% of Dubai's energy from clean energy sources by 2020, increasing this target to 25% by 2030 and 75% by 2050. Plans also include the establishment of a Dh100 billion Dubai Green Fund.

Abu Dhabi reduced its electricity subsidies earlier in the year and further reductions would make solar rooftop applications more viable in the emirate.   The Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA) also announced a tender for a 350MW Solar PV project to be built 120 kilometres east of the capital. T he facility, which would produce enough electricity to power more than 50,000 homes, would be structured as an independent power project with a power purchase agreement.

Morocco also plans to derive more than half of its energy from renewable sources by 2030 with the North African country raising its renewable energy target from 42% by 2020 to 52% by 2030. That 42 per cent will consist of 2 gigawatts each of solar, wind and hydropower.

CEBC is very optimistic about the future of clean energy in the MENA region and through our many events and activities planned for 2016 we look forward to working with our members and partners and to continuing to support regional governments to achieve their renewable and clean energy goals.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year during the festive season.
 
Jeremy Crane
Director

Gulf Region to Go Full Tilt at Renewables 
Author: Dr. Nasser Saidi, Chairman, Clean Energy Business Concil | Gulf News
This has been a year of agony and ecstasy for the energy industry. In many ways it has been a tipping point for the future of renewables in the Middle East and North Africa, and a catalyst for accelerated clean energy development. The oil market adjustments have been jarring, and may well be prolonged. [Read more]
UAE Could Become the First Global Hub for Renewable Energy Finance
Author: Dr. Nasser Saidi, Chairman, Clean Energy Business Council
As world leaders look at their climate policies in Paris, GCC nations should do the same, writes Nasser Saidi.  Green financing, including green bonds and Sukuk, is attracting new investors as part of sustainable finance. The UAE, which is hosting the International Renewable Energy Agency, has an open and developed international financial sector proficient at financing hydrocarbons. It can become the first global hub for renewable energy finance, tapping the Gulf region's enormous financial resources. [Read more]

CEBC 4th Annual MENA Clean Energy Forum
Download the Presentations
The CEBC Annual MENA Clean Energy Forum hosted more than 170 delegates from across the region and we thank all guests and speakers, and a special thank you to keynote speaker Mr Faisal Ali Hassan Rashid, Director Dubai Supreme Council of Energy for the significant contributions and highly informative discussions. CEBC also thanks Associate Sponsor ENGIE (formerly GDF SUEZ) for their generous support and contribution to the conference and Women in Clean Energy launch, and participation in chairing the Forum's proceedings.  Download the Presentations

Policy Makers and Business Leaders to Address Renewable Energy Policy and Financing at MENA Clean Energy Forum
Successful Introduction of Feed-in-Tariff in Egypt Should Encourage Region wide Policy Adoption, says Director of Egyptian FiT Programmei - Influential policy figures and business leaders from across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) will gather to address and accelerate the region's renewable energy deployment in Dubai next week. [Read more]



Photo Gallery
You can view the pictures from the MENA Clean Energy Forum here.

   



Launch of Women in Clean Energy MENA (WICE)
Clean Energy Business Council, with support from ENGIE (formerly GDF SUEZ), launched Women in Clean  Energy MENA (WICE) on 8 December 2015 followed by a networking lunch attended by more than 50 women in cleantech.  The WICE Program wants to provide female professionals and students in MENA's renewable and clean energy fields with a platform to network with peers and to leverage off the experience and knowledge of senior executives and practitioners, encourage women into jobs in the clean energy sector and help advance their careers. Meet the WICE Board. To get involved and to join WICE click here. What gender equality actions has ENGIE implemented? [Watch the video]







CEBC School's Program: Sustainability Roadshow
During November and December CEBC hosted a roadshow across schools in the UAE to discuss 'What is Sustainability and what does it mean to your lives? What are the sustainability goals set by the UN and the UAE and how can kids make a positive difference?' A huge thank you to Peter Hohmann, Managing Director of Forty Two Environmental Consultancy for his generosity, time and presentations to more more than 5000 students. View the photos  here and to get involved contact Sarah De Clercq declercq@cleanenergybusinesscouncil.com.

CEBC Events

Emerging Renewables Markets: Focus on Iran
High Level Thought Leadership Breakfast Briefing
Date:
Time:
Venue:
Details To Be Announced Shortly
8:30am to 12:00pm
Dubai, UAE

Project Financing Clean Energy in MENA
Breakfast Briefing
Date:
Time:
Venue:
February 2015
8:30am to 12:00pm
Dubai, UAE

Renewable energy project financing is complex.  Clean Energy Business Council in collaboration with the  Gulf Bond and Sukuk Association welcome you to join us for an interactive seminar to discuss sustainable  clean   energy project financing in MENA, and new ways of thinking about finance and capital.  Our leading global industry experts will shed light on project financing structures, latest financial innovations share case studies   and   discuss  the role of multilateral banks in supporting developers compared to local financiers.  This event provides a fantastic opportunity for developers, finance institutions and industry stakeholders to share ideas and to meet potential partners through this networking series.

Reports and Publications

Rethinking Energy: Renewable Energy & Climate Change November 2015 | IRENA
The second edition of  REthinking Energy - the flagship report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) - looks at how the transition to renewables could help limit global warming. As the report points out, renewable energy is at the core of any strategy for countries to meet climate goals while supporting economic growth, employment and domestic value creation. Doubling the share of renewables by 2030 could deliver around half of the emissions reductions needed and, in combination with energy efficiency, keep the rise in average global temperatures within 2 degrees Celsius, the widely recognised target to prevent catastrophic climate change.  [Read more]

Distributed Solar and Storage - ICEF Roadmap| Bloomberg New Energy Finance
Distributed solar and storage could play a key role in reducing emissions, strengthening grid resilience and improving energy access. The future of these technologies is explored in this roadmap, commissioned by the Innovation for Cool Earth Forum (ICEF)The focus lies on solar and storage technologies for individual buildings and community microgrids (as opposed to large-scale utility owned systems). The study identifies drivers, risks, barriers and opportunities that will determine whether solar and storage can fulfill their potential.    [Download Report]

Smart Grids & Renewables: Cost Benefit Analysis for Developing Countries | IRENA
Smart Grids and Renewables: A Cost-Benefit Analysis Guide for Developing Countries offers insights and decision-making guidance to ensure successful smart grid implementation. Following up on IRENA's 2013 assessment of the role of smart grids in renewable energy integration, the guide presents a customised methodology for developing countries to assess the costs and benefits of smart grids for each particular scenario.  While social benefits outweigh the costs, some of the benefits need to be internalised to enable utilities to invest in the transition  [Download Report]

CEBC Members & Partners News

Enviromena Power Systems, an Abu Dhabi-based international solar photovoltaic integrator, and the TSK Group, a Spanish engineering, procurement and construction contractor, have been awarded a contract to build a 103-megawatt solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant in Jordan's southern region of Al Quweira. [Read more]

Liebreich: We'll always have Paris | Bloomberg New Energy Finance
By Michael Liebreich, Chairman of the Advisory Board, Bloomberg New Energy Finance
OK, what the heck just happened in Paris?  For 21 years the climate caravan has been rolling on, conference after conference, with very little to show for itself. Since the first ever COP produced the Berlin Mandate back in 1995, we've had the Geneva Ministerial Declaration, the Kyoto Protocol, the Buenos Aires Plan of Action, the Bonn Agreements, the Marrakech Accords, the Delhi Ministerial Declaration, the Bali Road Map, the Copenhagen Accord, the Cancun Agreements, the Durban Platform, and the Doha Climate Gateway. Impact? Plus or minus nada [Read more]

The event was a joint workshop between the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) on unlocking the potential of residential and distributed solar PV in the United Arab Emirates and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The workshop took place on 8 November and featured training on the IRENA Project Navigator. Participants also discussed the perspectives for residential and distributed solar PV, potentials for cost reduction, global best practices in residential solar, and how to implement the existing knowledge stock in initiatives and new projects in the U.A.E and GCC . [Read more] 

Masdar drives global clean desalination alliance
With water security becoming one of the most imposing long-term challenges for many countries, the Global Clean Water Alliance - H20 minus CO2 launches in Paris as a collaborative global climate initiative and one of the key components to the Lima Paris Action Plan.  The Alliance has an initial group of more than 80 signatories from government as well as the public and private sectors .   [Read more]

Schneider Electric woos market with smart panel
Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management and automation, has unveiled its latest smart panel initiative to local contractors, building owners, consultants and facility managers. The smart panel which was unveiled at a special launch in Abu Dhabi is equipped with advanced display screens and controls functionality through the latest automation features. [Read more]

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed's China visit an opportunity to lead GCC's energy future
Sheikh Mohammed led a delegation to China on Sunday to sign bilateral trade agreements.  The main opportunity for China is to establish a base in the UAE so that the Asian economic powerhouse can develop a more inclusive regional approach, said Mohammed Atif, area manager of energy for the Norwegian adviser DNV GL.  [Read more]  

SBN Greening Business in Sharjah | 25 January 2016 | 9am to 1pm | American University of Sharjah
GreenEmirates is also launching an SBN Green Career Open Day to match Green Employers with Green Specialists, Professionals and Interns.  Their first event will take place during  1st Quarter 2016 in Dubai.  For more information on speaking, sponsorship and attending this event, please contact Ms. Ruxandra Vladica events@greenemirates.org, or Ulysses Papadopoulos  ulysses@greenemirates.org

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Featured Jobs

Company
Position
Start Date
Dubai Carbon Centre of Excellence (DCCE)
Programme Manager, Knowledge Products
Negotiation
In 2014   Dubai Carbon Centre of Excellence started working with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and government entities on periodic publication in the energy, sustainable development and green economy sector. The knowledge-product arm of their business grew into three independent publications with annual editions plus various corporate reports for clients that take a fresh approach to environmental and sustainability reporting. Now they need someone to take the existing products to the next level, editorially, commercially and geographically.  They are looking for someone with experience in similar products that will develop and expand their publications further, create new products, enhance the economic value and grow the reports' relevance [Read more]To apply please contact LilyanaS@dcce.ae.

Company
Position
Start Date
EWS - WWF
Coordinator - Climate and Energy
Negotiation
The Coordinator will support the overall implementation of the Climate & Energy (C&E) Programme, as well as a number of key climate & energy projects, with the ultimate goal of helping to catalyze greater action on climate change and reducing its carbon footprint. Displaying excellent time management and team working skills, an open minded attitude to learning new topics, the coordinator will play an integral role in supporting the C&E team by using his/her skills in research, stakeholder engagement, project administration and coordination [Read more]

Company
Position
Start Date
GreenEmirates Consultants
Sales Engineer - Energy Efficiency
Negotiation
The Company is one of the well-established ESCO consultancies in the UAE with a strong and growing presence across the GCC. For their Jordan operations, they are looking for a Sales Engineer - Energy Efficiency to be based in Amman, Jordan.
 
Responsibilities
In conjunction with the local team in the UAE will be proactive in doing business development and bring in new projects for the technical team in Jordan.  Evaluating and synthesizing of all necessary information to introduce cost effective solutions to industrial and commercial sectors.  Support on adequate processing of paperwork and duly preparing of tender documents, cost estimation, etc.  Generating system specifications and support in preparing bid documents.  Assist with technical pre sales enquiries, carry out business presentations and win new business with assistance from HO in Dubai.  Follow up competitors' activities and gather market knowledge
Directly work with the project and technical team members on presentations and technical matters. Interested candidates, please e-mail updated profile to  career@greenemirates.org

MENA Clean Energy News

Dubai to invest billions of dollars in clean energy as part of the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050
Dubai will invest billions of dollars in clean energy as part of a strategy that could see solar panels on the roofs of all buildings in the city by 2030.  Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, launched the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, which aims to make the emirate a global centre of green energy and economy. [Read more]

UN environmental sustainable policy centre to open for the Middle East in Dubai
A new environmental sustainable policy centre for the Middle East is set to open its headquarters in Dubai by the end of 2016, a senior UN official said on Thursday.  In partnership with the Dubai Land Department and the United Nation's Environment Programme (UNEP), the new Centre of Resource Efficient and Sustainable Cities for the Arab Region will serve as a catalyst to inspire 14 Arab countries to adopt innovative, low-carbon and green building initiatives for a brighter ecological future for the region, said Arab Hoballah, UNEP Director of Sustainable Consumption and Production . [Read more]

Abu Dhabi utility ADWEA seeks solar project partner
Abu Dhabi's main utility group is seeking bids for the company's first major solar project.  The Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (Adwea) has announced a tender for a 350-megawatt solar photovoltaic (PV) project to be built in Sweihan, about 120 kilometres east of the capital [Read more]    

Solar spotlight on Abu Dhabi in race to become renewables powerhouse
Abu Dhabi will set the pace over the next two years in the race to become the region's renewables powerhouse as a reduction in electricity subsidies makes solar rooftop applications more viable in the emirate, say industry insiders.  Companies that provide finance and install solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on building rooftops will increasingly focus efforts in Abu Dhabi in the next two years.   [Read more]

Abu Dhabi firms sign energy, property deals in Beijing
Abu Dhabi companies signed a series of deals in property and energy with Chinese companies as Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, seeks to improve trade and political ties with Beijing during his three-day trip to China.  [Read more]

Sharjah in talks with Chinese on solar deal as part of broader trade push
Sharjah is in talks with Chinese solar companies on a major grid project as part of a broader push by the UAE to boost non-oil trade with China.  Renewable energy is one of the four strategic industries identified by the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority, for economic growth in the emirate. [Read more]

Morocco sets target for 50 per cent renewable energy by 2030
Morocco, which will host the next climate change conference in November next year, plans to derive more than half of its energy from renewable sources by 2030, the country's energy minister said.  The North African country raised its renewable energy target from 42 per cent by 2020 to 52 per cent by 2030. That 42 per cent will consist of 2 gigawatts each of solar, wind and hydropower.    [Read more]

Jordan launches largest wind power project in ME
Jordan has launched the first utility-scale wind power project in the Middle East to boost the country's shift to renewable energy sources amid growing demand for power.  Built by the Jordan Wind Project Company (JWPC), the 117MW Tafila wind farm is a joint project of Masdar, InfraMed and EP Global Energy . [Read more]
 
Kuwait's $399mn renewable energy park on track
Construction work began this month on Kuwait's Shagaya renewable-energy park, starting with a photovoltaic plant.  The solar facility, being constructed by Spain's TSK Electronica y Electricidad SA and local construction company Kharafi National, will form part of the park that's being built about 100 kilometers (62 miles) west of the capital, Kuwait City, reported Bloomberg . [Read more]

Iran to Set Up Solar Power Plant in Northeastern City
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - Head of the Iranian Parliament's Energy Commission Ali Marvi said a solar power plant is planned to be constructed in the northeastern city of Neishabour in the near future.   Speaking on the sidelines of a conference on renewable energy held in Neishabour on Wednesday, the Iranian MP said the city has a great capacity regarding renewable energy resources, including wind and solar energy [Read more]

Iraq to manufacture solar water heaters
Iraq will soon start manufacturing its own solar water heaters as part of a wider government push for increased adoption of renewable energy solutions.  The country's ministry of industry and minerals has ordered for the allocation of a plant dedicated to the production of solar heaters to leverage the country's rich solar capacity, estimated at 4500 watts per square meter .    [Read more]

Egypt to export solar powered energy by 2020: REC Senior VP
REC is Europe's leading brand of solar panels, producing millions of high-quality panels for global customers. In September, REC signed a deal with Orascom subsidiary O Capital to provide turn-key solar power solutions in Egypt, Africa and the Middle East.  Daily News Egypt spoke with Luc GrarĂ©, Senior Vice President EMEA, about REC's activities in Egypt. GrarĂ© highlighted the importance of the Egyptian solar sector for Middle East and Africa, saying Egypt is in an ideal position to export electricity to Africa, leading the way for the development of Africa's solar-power industry.  [Read more]

Turkey drives renewable energy growth in MENAT
Turkey is fast emerging as the MENAT region's largest producer of renewable energy as home to three quarters of the 14.6 GW new renewable power generation capacity installed in the Middle East, North Africa and Turkey (MENAT) region between 2010 and 2014.   Excepting recent headwinds, the Turkish economy has rapidly expanded since 2010 - and with it the demand for power. Energy consumption in Turkey has increased at an average of 5.7% per year in stark contrast to Europe's overall decline. [Read more]

Industry Events and Conferences

25-26 January 2016, Amman, Jordan
 
Saudi Water & Electricity Forum
7-9 February 2016, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Solar Power North Africa
8-11 February 2016, Cairo, Egypt

Solar Middle East 2016
1-3 March 2016, Dubai, UAE

6th Middle East & North Africa Renewable Energy Conference
4-6 April 2016, Kuwait

Morocco Projects - Solar, Wind, Hydro
4-5 April 2016, Rabat, Morocco
 

CEBC  members are entitled to discounts on the above events.  For the discount codes please email 
Join the CEBC Membership

Join Clean Energy Business Council
For information on our membership packages please click here.  To see our members directory please click here or contact sarah@cleanenergybusinesscouncil.com to find out how to join. 

Kind regards,

Sarah Fitzgerald
Marketing & Communications Director
m:  +971 56 659 1153

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