Energy

Report highlights need for better carbon storage technology

Eve Pope, Technology Analyst at IDTechEx, explains how carbon capture technologies can be made more efficient. Read on:

Carbon capture technologies capable of removing CO₂ from industrial emissions have been around for over 50 years, but widescale deployment of CCUS (carbon capture, utilisation, and storage) has been too slow for global net-zero ambitions. While governments are beginning to implement carbon pricing mechanisms or tax credits to motivate permanent storage of CO2 deep underground, a profitable business model exists beyond CO₂ sequestration via emerging CO₂ utilisation applications. According to the new IDTechEx research report, “Carbon Dioxide Utilisation 2025-2045: Technologies, Market Forecasts, and Players”, sales from CO₂ utilisation will directly generate US$240bn in revenue in 2045.

Carbon dioxide utilisation technologies recycle captured CO₂. The new carbon-containing products can be sold to generate financial benefits while offering a reduction in carbon footprint. The leading fate of captured carbon dioxide today is enhanced oil recovery - a method of reversing productivity decline in depleted oil fields. However, there are many emerging areas of CO₂ recycling, including CO₂-derived concrete, CO₂-derived fuels (methane, methanol, kerosene, diesel, and gasoline), CO₂-derived chemicals, and CO₂ yield boosting applications (crop greenhouses, algae, and proteins).

Profitable chemicals

Profitable production of CO₂-derived polymers has been around for decades. Asahi Kasei pioneered production of polycarbonate from waste CO₂ in 2002. The total annual production capacity of polycarbonate resin using CO2 utilisation technology has now reached about 1 million tonnes. Other essential plastics, such as polyethylene and PET, are starting to be made from CO2 via thermochemical and biological conversion routes, with LanzaTech leading microbial innovation in this space. Drop-in chemicals such as CO₂-derived ethanol and aromatics are also being commercialised.

While potentially all carbon-containing chemicals could utilise carbon dioxide in production, those requiring non-reductive pathways are the most promising due to a smaller energy demand and lack of dependency on low-carbon hydrogen production. The new IDTechEx report “Carbon Dioxide Utilisation 2025-2045: Technologies, Market Forecasts, and Players” explores synthesis routes for chemical companies to use waste CO2 as a green feedstock, displacing petrochemical products.

Decarbonising the aviation and shipping sectors

To date, alternative fuels have not achieved price parity with fossil fuels, inhibiting market uptake. However, increased market penetration of CO₂-derived fuels is expected to come from regulations already being put in place, such as fuel-blend mandates for long-haul transportation. As green hydrogen electrolyzer capacity scales up worldwide, production of e-fuels from carbon dioxide using power-to-x technology will also increase. These fuels are expected to play a role in decarbonising shipping and aviation as full electrification of the aviation and maritime sectors is currently unfeasible.

Several CO₂-derived fuels are already being commercially produced with many more commercial facilities expected over the next decade. The start of 2024 saw Mitsui and Celanese’s joint venture Fairway Methanol become operational, joining plants from Carbon Recycling International in producing over 100,000 tonnes per year of methanol made from captured CO₂. Other hydrocarbon fuels such as kerosene, diesel, and gasoline, which can be made via methanol or syngas intermediates, are also being ramped up. For example, Infinium’s Corpus Facility opened its doors this year, expected to produce thousands of tonnes per annum of CO2-derived e-fuels.

A net-negative future

The new IDTechEx report “Carbon Dioxide Utilisation 2025-2045: Technologies, Market Forecasts, and Players”, covers how CO₂ utilisation can lower the carbon footprint of ready-mixed concrete, precast concrete, and carbonate aggregates/supplementary cementitious materials through CO2 mineralisation reactions. Players already utilising over 10,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year in carbonates include O.C.O Technology and Greenore.

When CO₂ is permanently stored in concrete, performance is improved, and less cement is needed. Growth of CO₂-derived building materials will be driven by new certifications, superior materials performance, and the ability to achieve price parity through waste disposal fees and the sale of carbon credits.

Trinasolar to showcase solar panels and energy storage solutions

The company will highlight these solutions in South Africa during the Solar & Storage Live Cape Town taking place from 27-28 August. (Image source: Canva)

The company will highlight these solutions in South Africa during the Solar & Storage Live Cape Town taking place from 27-28 August.

"Trinasolar's participation in Solar & Storage Live Cape Town is a testament to our ongoing commitment to Africa's renewable energy sector," said Zhao Lei, head of strategic key accounts at Trinasolar. "Through our advanced technologies and integrated solutions, we are empowering communities and businesses across the continent to embrace a sustainable energy future. Our goal is to make solar energy more accessible, reliable, and efficient, supporting Africa's journey towards net-zero emissions."

At stand B8, Trinasolar will showcase its comprehensive suite of vertically integrated energy solutions. This includes the Vertex N and Vertex S+ with advanced n-type i-TOPCon technology and 210mm platform. Alongside, attendees can explore the latest innovations and product launches from TrinaTracker and Trina Storage.

Elementa 2: Advanced Energy Storage

Trinasolar will also spotlight the Elementa 2, its next-generation energy storage system. Elementa 2 sets a new benchmark in performance, safety, and cost-effectiveness. This Energy Storage System (ESS) offers advanced flexibility and high efficiency. Key features include an upgraded pack design, smart liquid cooling technology for precise thermal management, and a comprehensive fire mitigation and suppression system. This innovative solution is tailored to meet the growing demand for reliable and efficient energy storage across various sectors in Africa.

Leading the Way in Solar Tracking with TrinaTracker Vanguard 1P

Trinasolar team will provide detailed insights into TrinaTracker’s upgraded Vanguard 1P solar tracker. This advanced system, equipped with a state-of-the-art smart control system, is designed to deliver unparalleled adaptability, system stability, and ease of installation, particularly on flat terrain. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about how TrinaTracker's solutions can optimise solar energy production for large-scale projects.

Guided by the mission "Solar Energy for All," Trinasolar continues to lead the way in smart PV and energy storage solutions, paving the way for a net-zero future across Africa and beyond. Its commitment to innovation and sustainability ensures that clean energy becomes more accessible and efficient, driving positive change on a global scale.

Infinity Power and Masdar to develop renewable energy project in Egypt

Infinity Power is a joint venture between Infinity and Masdar. (Image source: Infinity Power)

Masdar and Infinity Power have signed a power purchase agreement with the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company (EETC) to deliver a long-term supply of renewable energy

The energy will be supplied by an onshore wind farm that will be located in Ras Ghareb, Egypt. When constructed, it is expected to have a capacity of 200MW and produce 810,000MWh per year.

A signing ceremony was held at the Egyptian Cabinet in Al-Alamein city and was witnessed by senior stakeholders around the project as well as Government officials including Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly.

“We are excited to announce the construction of the Ras Ghareb wind farm, a project that symbolises Infinity Power's steadfast commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions,” remarked Mohamed Ismail Mansour, chairman of Infinity Power. “This initiative not only expands our footprint in Egypt but also signifies another big stride in bolstering our local impact in the renewables sector, creating valuable jobs. We remain committed to elevating our contributions to a cleaner, greener future.”

“Through Infinity Power, a Masdar Infinity company, we will deliver 200MW of clean energy to the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company (EETC), producing over 800,000MWh and offsetting more than 403,000 tonnes of emissions annually,” commented Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar. “This marks another milestone in our journey to unlocking Africa’s clean energy potential, and further advancing the clean energy transition.”

Limitless ambition

The latest announcement is yet another addition to Infinity Power’s growing, impressive portfolio. The organisation is targeting 10GW of operational renewable energy in Africa by 2030 in a view to providing electricity to 12 million homes. In pursuit of this, the company has marked a number of milestones this year including making a 1GW energy commitment in Sierra Leone and signing a land access agreement for a 10GW wind farm in Egypt.

Nayer Fouad, CEO of Infinity Power, said, “The addition of the Ras Ghareb wind farm to our growing roster reinforces our commitment to positioning Africa as a leader in sustainable energy. This is one of the many steps we will take as we pursue our ambition to develop renewable energy projects in every part of the nation.”

Egypt develops its hydrogen strategy

The National Green Hydrogen Council will oversee the implementation of the strategy on an annual basis. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The Egyptian government has announced the launch of its National Strategy for Low-Carbon Hydrogen, according to a statement on 15 August.

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly highlighted that the strategy is a key part of Egypt’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions and diversify its clean and sustainable energy sources in line with its international commitments.

The strategy also aims to strengthen collaboration with global partners and financial institutions to support research, development, and investment in the hydrogen sector, as noted by Cabinet Spokesperson Mohamed El-Homosany. Additionally, the strategy is focused on improving the economic efficiency of utilizing domestic resources.

El-Homosany further stated that the National Green Hydrogen Council will oversee the implementation of the strategy on an annual basis.

The strategy is expected to significantly boost Egypt’s gross domestic product (GDP), potentially reaching up to US$18bn by 2040, and create over 100,000 job opportunities this year. It is also anticipated to enhance Egypt’s energy security, reduce carbon dioxide emissions, and promote the transition to a green economy.

Tabreed shares yearly financial statement

Dr. Bakheet Al Katheeri, the new chairman of its Board of Directors of Tabreed. (Image source: Tabreed)

Tabreed has announced its consolidated financial results for the first half of 2024, alongside changes to its board of directors.

The financial results highlight the company's robust performance, driven by business growth, stable profit margins, and disciplined financial management. Tabreed experienced an 8% year-on-year increase in customer volumes, reflecting higher demand for cooling during the summer and ongoing strategic development over the past year.

The group's revenue for the first half of 2024 increased slightly to US$293.76mn, compared to US$290mn in the same period last year. Tabreed’s EBITDA margin for the first half of 2024 grew to 56% year-on-year, reflecting the company’s ability to achieve strong financial results while expanding its operations. Over the past 12 months, Tabreed has made significant investments totaling US$266mn, yielding a return of 10%.

Sale of bonds

In a demonstration of responsible financial management, Tabreed reduced its debt by 12% in the first half of the year through the repurchase of US$207mn in sukuk due to mature in 2025. This follows the sale of US$33mn of bonds in 2023, bringing the total sukuk repurchased to US$240mn. These efforts are part of Tabreed’s strategy to optimise financing costs and strengthen its balance sheet.

Simultaneously, the company increased its returns to shareholders, with a 15% rise in cash dividends for 2023 compared to the previous year, which were approved by shareholders and paid out in April 2024.

Additionally, in the first half of 2024, Tabreed completed its new district cooling plant on Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi. With a final capacity of 21,000 RT (refrigeration tons), the facility provides sustainable cooling to residential and commercial communities, currently operating at 9,000 RT, with plans to add another 6,000 RT over the next two years.

Tabreed also took steps to expand its global presence by supporting the Big 5 Construct event in Cairo, Egypt. Company executives delivered keynote speeches and participated in high-level discussions with planners, developers, and government officials, emphasizing district cooling as a key solution for sustainable urban development.

Tabreed has announced the appointment of Dr. Bakheet Al Katheeri as the new chairman of its Board of Directors, succeeding Khaled Al Qubaisi, who has served as Tabreed’s chairman since 2017.