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Volar to Launch “Green Aviation” Technology Hub

by Madaline Dunn
written by Madaline Dunn

Volar Air Mobility and the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) have announced a collaboration to develop the country’s first green aviation technology hub.

According to the two parties, the hub is geared toward promoting clean energy solutions, supporting research and development in sustainable aviation technologies, and fostering collaboration among international stakeholders, regulators, and innovators.

“This MoU reflects our commitment to advancing sustainable aviation and supporting the UAE’s national strategy to reduce carbon emissions,” said Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the GCAA.

Aviation is a major contributor to climate change, with the industry one of the fastest-growing sources of greenhouse gas emissions.

It is also one of the most challenging to decarbonise, and the industry as a whole has been slow to move.

Without significant action, some forecasts see commercial aviation emissions tripling by 2050.

Commenting on the collaboration for the green aviation technology hub, Henry Hooi, the Chairman of Volar Air Mobility, said: “We are excited to partner with the GCAA in establishing this innovative hub. Our mission is to accelerate the adoption of green aviation technologies, and this collaboration will create a centre of excellence for sustainable air mobility in the UAE.”

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Latest NewsMobilityTransportation

EV Charging Company Loop Global Establishes regional office in UAE

by Madaline Dunn
written by Madaline Dunn

US-based Loop Global Inc., a turnkey provider of EV charging solutions, launched its regional office in Abu Dhabi this week.

According to Loop CEO Olga Shevorenkova, the overarching aim of the EV charging company is to establish itself as the UAE’s “number one EV charging provider.

Shevorenkova outlined that the company will use Abu Dhabi as a base for its regional expansion.

This launch follows the UAE government’s announcement earlier this year that it plans to install 100 new EV chargers in 2024 and reach 1,000 stations by 2030.

In Abu Dhabi, specifically, around 70,000 charging points for EVs are expected to be required by 2030 in various locations, including across retail spaces, government offices, and petrol stations.

Reem Mall is among the first locations in Abu Dhabi to install Loop charging stations, the company said.

“The company established its regional HQ in Abu Dhabi in response to growing local and regional market demand for EV technologies,” said Zack Martin, President and Co-Founder of the EV charging company.

“The UAE’s leadership has demonstrated its determination to lead the world’s clean-energy transition and has been exceptionally far-sighted in pursuit of its sustainability goals and the push to net-zero emissions,” Martin added.

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EnergyLatest NewsTransportation

Kawar Energy, Huawei Partner on EV Supercharger Installation

by Madaline Dunn
written by Madaline Dunn

Huawei and Kawar Energy have formed a strategic collaboration to install Huawei’s superchargers at Manaseer gas stations across Jordan.

Spanning two years, the MoU also outlines future plans for both companies to explore additional business opportunities beyond gas stations.

Eng. Firas Alkhatib, CEO of Kawar Energy, called the partnership a “significant step forward for the energy sector in Jordan.”

“We are confident that this partnership will play a pivotal role in advancing the country’s EV infrastructure,” added Alkhatib.

Indeed, this comes in response to an uptick in demand, with EV sales on the rise in recent years, and the country coming out on top for the highest share of EV sales in the Middle East in 2023.

Zhang Shizhe, General Manager of Huawei Jordan, said that the superchargers partnership will help accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles across the Kingdom.

“Huawei’s commitment to cutting-edge ICT technology, combined with their innovative solutions in smart renewable energy and digitalization, ensures we are equipped to meet the evolving energy needs of Jordan efficiently and sustainably,” said Alkhatib.

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Latest NewsTransportation

Egis-led JV Awarded Madinah Bus Rapid Transit Project Contract

by Madaline Dunn
written by Madaline Dunn

Egis, a company working in the architecture, consulting, construction engineering, and mobility sectors, has been awarded a contract by the Al Madinah Region Development Authority (MDA) to provide Project Management and Construction Management (PMCM) services for the Madinah Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project in Saudi Arabia.

According to developers, the Madinah BRT project is aimed at implementing high-capacity public transport modes, as part the Pilgrim Experience Program, one of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiatives.

The project will establish up to 500 stations, which it said will achieve 80-90 per cent area coverage by 2030, aimed at enhancing the public transportation system, alleviating traffic congestion, and providing a more sustainable mode of transportation for residents, visitors and pilgrims.

The Egis-led JV with Systra will deliver PMCM services for the Madinah Bus Network, including BRT, priority bus, and feeder services.

Its services will also include engineering supervision and oversight of design, construction, testing and operation, and handling safety and security management for systems, including buses, depots, intelligent transportation systems (ITS), and operational systems, as well as civil works, such as bus lanes, stations and stops, footbridges, and park-and-ride facilities.

“This project aligns perfectly with Egis’ core expertise in transportation infrastructure, and we are committed to delivering a sustainable and efficient BRT system that meets the needs of Al Madinah’s residents and visitors,” commented Omar Benzaria, Transportation Director for Egis in the Middle East and South Asia.

Adding: “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to leveraging specialized global knowledge for sustainable transportation development, supporting Saudi Vision 2030’s goals of economic diversification and enhanced connectivity.”

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FinanceLatest NewsTransportation

Etihad Rail Launches Sustainable Finance Framework

by Madaline Dunn
written by Madaline Dunn

Etihad Rail has launched its Sustainable Finance Framework. According to the developer and operator of the UAE’s national railway network, the framework is designed to link future financing to its ESG Strategy in relation to Clean Transportation, Green Buildings, and Pollution Prevention and Control.

Ali Tabbal, Chief Financial Officer at Etihad Rail called the framework a “pivotal element” of its broader ESG strategy, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

“It provides a clear roadmap for integrating ESG considerations into investment decisions, empowering companies to generate long-term sustainable value. By doing so, we are not only fostering a transition to a low-carbon, resilient economy but also supporting the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy and contributing to the nation’s vision for a sustainable future,” said Tabbal.

Etihad Rail shared that the sustainable finance framework establishes a structured approach to evaluate parameters in the financing of sustainable projects across four main components:

  • Green Loan and Bond Principles for alignment with international sustainability standards,
  • Use of Proceeds to define clear criteria for the allocation of funds towards sustainable projects,
  • Project Evaluation and Selection to identify “impactful projects,” and
  • Management of Proceeds and Reporting for transparency and accountability in fund utilisation.

The framework also encompasses mechanisms for environmental risk assessment and the promotion of transparency in implementing ESG initiatives, which it said helps to mitigate environmental risks and capitalise on emerging sustainable markets.

Etihad Rail added that the framework serves not only to guide investment decisions but also to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing among industry peers, regulators, and investors.

The framework was developed in collaboration with various industry experts, as well as First Abu Dhabi Bank and Standard Chartered Bank, who served as co-ESG advisors and provided guidance to ensure the framework’s alignment with the Green Loan and Bond Principles.

The framework was validated through a Second Party Opinion (SPO) from Det Norske Veritas (DNV).

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Latest NewsTransportation

Riyadh Air Launches Fleet of Electric Coache 

by Madaline Dunn
written by Madaline Dunn

Riyadh Air has announced the launch of a fleet of electric coaches for employee transport. 

The fleet has launched in partnership with National Transportation Solutions Company, “NTSC,” a division of the Petromin Corporation and TAM-Europe.

Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, commented: “Investing in electric coaches is just one early initiative we can introduce to offset our environmental footprint as we demonstrate we will be a leader in helping achieve the aviation industry’s global net-zero agenda.”

According to International Energy Agency (IEA) analysis, EV car sales saw a 35 per cent year-on-year increase last year, with one in five cars sold being electric. 

Kalyana Sivagnanam, the Group CEO of Petromin Corporation, added: “We are proud to have this partnership for sustainable mobility with Riyadh Air and contribute to their efforts to reach sustainability goals. This is a remarkable airline with environmental responsibility embedded in their DNA.”

Aviation is one of the most carbon-intensive forms of transportation and accounts for between 2.5-3 per cent of emissions. The industry has also witnessed a faster growth rate in recent decades than rail, road, or shipping, and, if left unmitigated, some estimates forecast emissions rising to 22 per cent by 2050.

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EnergyLatest NewsTransportation

Masdar, TotalEnergies Partner on Abu Dhabi SAF Project

by Madaline Dunn
written by Madaline Dunn

Masdar has signed an agreement with TotalEnergies to assess the viability of developing a commercial green hydrogen to methanol to SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) project.

The project will capture and utilise CO2 from an “industrial source” to be used as a feedstock, in addition to green hydrogen from renewable energy-powered electrolysis, for the production of green methanol and SAF.

This agreement follows a test flight conducted by the two companies during  December 2023, which, the parties said demonstrated the potential for converting methanol to SAF.

According to the IEA, aviation has grown faster in recent decades than rail, road or shipping, and its emissions are growing, too.

The industry currently accounts for around 3 per cent of emissions, however, looking ahead to 2050, if aviation is left unmitigated, this could rise to 22 per cent.

While there has been significant emphasis on the role of SAF in aviation’s decarbonisation, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), in 2024, SAF production will reach just 0.53 per cent of aviation’s fuel needs.

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Latest NewsTransportation

EV Maker VinFast Shares Middle East Expansion Plans

by Madaline Dunn
written by Madaline Dunn

Vietnamese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer VinFast has announced plans for expansion in the Middle East.

A subsidiary of Vingroup, Vietnam’s largest conglomerate, the EV maker shared that alongside its North American expansion, it is also making an entry into Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

Globally, EV adoption has been on an upward trajectory, and according to IEA data, in 2023, nearly one in five cars sold was electric.

In the Middle East, we’re also seeing movement in the electric vehicle space, with some forecasts projecting that the EV market will reach US$7.65 billion by 2028, up from US$2.7 billion in 2023.

That said, globally, challenges remain around charging infrastructure, costs, and policy, and this year, the sector is encountering headwinds.

The EV maker shared that it has already partnered with Bahwan Automobiles Trading in Oman to distribute its electric vehicles. In the UAE, meanwhile, in addition to establishing a regional headquarters in Dubai, it has signed an exclusive dealership agreement with Al Tayer Motors.

At the time, Ta Xuan Hien, Chief Executive Officer of VinFast Middle East, called the agreement an “important milestone” in VinFast’s global market expansion strategy.

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Special ReportsTransportation

Financing the Decarbonisation of MHDVs: A Subnational Perspective

by Madaline Dunn
written by Madaline Dunn

Climate Group and the Under2 Coalition’s ZEV Community have published a new report outlining what subnational governments need to do to boost the transition to zero-emission trucks.

The research findings are based on 14 survey responses and eight structured interviews with representatives of states and regions in Europe, Africa, Latin and North America.

The report outlines that medium and heavy-duty vehicles (MHDVs) represent less than one-tenth of all vehicles, but roughly 40 of road transport emissions and make up a third of total transport fuel use.

Further, it details that tailpipe CO2 emissions from all MHDVs have been increasing rapidly since 2000, with trucks accounting for more than 80 per cent of this growth.

It notes that electrification of MHDVs requires urgent attention, the right policy frameworks, investment, and commercial deployment.

However, fewer than half of the governments surveyed have a target year to ensure public/government-owned MHDV fleets are net zero emission, according to the report.

Some governments do have partial or incremental targets or overarching net zero targets in place.

The top challenges cited by governments were found to be:

• Lack of charging infrastructure;

• Lack of access to public finance;

• The need for underlying grid development; and

• Investment

It outlines that one important step for progress is setting a clear target date for phasing out internal combustion engines, trucks, and buses.

It reveals that a target date of 2030 for a zero-emission bus fleet and 2040 for trucks is the most widely recognised benchmark.

Further, it writes that innovative financing solutions should also play a role, and there should be more collaboration and communication with energy utilities to:

  • Accelerate the deployment of infrastructure
  • Streamline the planning and permitting by leveraging joint expertise, and
  • Enhance the sharing of data and financial resources.

Likewise, it encourages governments to engage and work with businesses to unlock private finance and investment and send a message to the manufacturers that there’s a market for zero-emission trucks.

Read the full report here.

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Latest NewsTransportation

DP World, Zhejiang Seaport Group Form Strategic Partnership

by Madaline Dunn
written by Madaline Dunn

DP World and Zhejiang Seaport Group have inked a strategic partnership, it has been announced.

The partnership is aimed at strengthening port logistics and shipping routes between Jebel Ali Port in Dubai and Ningbo-Zhoushan Port in China, the parties shared.

Commenting on the move, Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director of DP World GCC, said: “China is the UAE’s largest trading partner and we are committed to supporting the Belt and Road Initiative through this and other ventures.”

According to the two entities, they will work together to promote the construction of “low-carbon ports,” establishing an information-sharing mechanism, and share experiences in the construction of “green” terminals, the use of shore power and the refuelling of ships with fuel such as “green” methanol and LNG.

LNG, or liquified natural gas, is a fuel which consists primarily of methane, which is, over a 20-year period, over 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Dubbed a “transition” or “bridge” fuel by proponents, environmental groups call its rebranding greenwashing. 

The collaboration between the two parties will also expand the application of “new energy,” encourage ships to use what the parties called “clean fuels”, and establish a “green shipping corridor” between Jebel Ali Port and Ningbo-Zhoushan Port, the two shared. 

Logistics and transport is a heavy-emitting sector, contributing just over a third of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Global shipping alone accounts for roughly 3 per cent of global emissions, with forecasts projecting it could account for around 10 per cent of global GHG emissions by 2050. As such, accelerated decarbonisation of logistics and transport with real, proven solutions is crucial for keeping 2050 climate goals within reach. 

Commenting on the partnership, Tao ChengBo, Chairman of Zhejiang Seaport Group and Ningbo-Zhoushan Port Group, said the UAE is an “important hub” for China’s Belt and Road Initiative and that the partnership will create opportunities for Chinese businesses to access customers across the Middle East, Asia, Europe and Africa.

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