Energy

The facility will utilise KBR's leading ammonia synthesis loop technology to deliver cost-competitive and low-carbon intensity ammonia. (Image source: KBR)

KBR has announced that its blue ammonia technology has been selected by Shell for its Blue Horizons low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia project in Duqm, Oman

The facility will utilise KBR's leading ammonia synthesis loop technology to deliver cost-competitive and low-carbon intensity ammonia. KBR will provide licensed proprietary engineering design for the 3,000 metric tons per day ammonia plant utilising hydrogen produced by Shell's Blue Hydrogen technology.

"We are excited to work with Shell on this breakthrough project in Oman and contribute towards achieving Oman's Vision 2040 targets," said Jay Ibrahim, president, KBR Sustainable Technology Solutions. "Our blue ammonia technology allows our clients to implement their energy transition projects with a cost-competitive solution at the lowest carbon intensity."

KOC contract

This news follows KBR’s earlier announcement that it has been awarded an advisory consulting contract by Kuwait Oil Company for the development of a country wide masterplan for the production of 17GW of renewables and 25GW of green hydrogen by 2050. KBR will provide advisory consulting services to develop a phased strategy for the deployment of wind and solar power, combined with power storage capability. The renewable power capability will be linked to the production of green hydrogen for internal industrial use, as well as for export purposes.

The agreement signing. (Image source: Aramco)

Aramco is strengthening its hydrogen business by acquiring an equity interest in the Jubail-based Blue Hydrogen Industrial Gases Company (BHIG), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Air Products Qudra (APQ)

On completion of the transaction, Aramco and APQ, a joint venture between Air Products and Qudra Energy, are expected to each own a 50% stake in BHIG. The deal will also include options for Aramco to offtake hydrogen and nitrogen.

Through its investment in BHIG, Aramco is looking to develop a lower-carbon hydrogen network in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, serving both domestic and regional customers.

Expanding new energies

Ashraf Al Ghazzawi, Aramco executive vice president of Strategy & Corporate Development, said, “This investment highlights Aramco’s ambition to expand its new energies portfolio and grow its lower-carbon hydrogen business. We are delighted to partner with APQ on this journey and believe there are promising commercial opportunities for hydrogen with lower emissions. We intend to leverage our growing capabilities in carbon capture and storage (CCS), as well as our technical expertise in hydrogen, with the ambition to support the establishment of a vibrant marketplace for lower-carbon hydrogen – helping lay the foundations of a future energy system.”

Dr. Samir J. Serhan, Air Products Qudra chairman, said, “It is an honour to further extend Air Products Qudra’s strong partnership with Aramco, working to accelerate the hydrogen economy and driving the creation of the largest hydrogen network in the Middle East, which is expected to serve the refining, chemical, and petrochemical industries. We look forward to providing our expertise in hydrogen and pipeline operations and supporting Aramco’s need for a reliable supply of lower-carbon hydrogen for domestic and regional requirements.”

Aramco is developing and scaling alternative energies and technologies that are expected to be critical to lowering emissions and supporting the energy transition, including carbon capture and storage (CCS), blue hydrogen, blue ammonia, renewables, and synthetic fuels.

The generator set fitted with a Perkins 1103 is providing vital backup power at the St Patrick School in Uganda. (Image source: Perkins)

Global power provider, Perkins, and generator set manufacturer, Jubaili Bros, have partnered in order to provide vital backup power for a children’s charity in Uganda

The two organisations have come together to support the St. Patrick School near Mbarara. The institution is supported by the Building Hope in Kids – Uganda charity, and educates more than 800 girls and boys up to Grade 7. The boarding school provides education and three healthy meals alongside two snacks per day. However, according to Perkins, conditions can be difficult with the main power often failing and no access to refrigeration.

Jubaili Bros collaborated with Perkins, which provided a Perkins 1103-33TG1 diesel engine, delivering 45kVA, for installation in a Jubaili Bros Jet generator set. The standby power solution will provide dependable backup power to the school’s five core buildings – the administration block, the auditorium and chapel, the dormitories, library and dining hall. In addition, the generator set will also provide much-needed power for the future installation of washing machines and 50 personal computers.

“St. Patrick School was thrilled to be the recipient of the new diesel generator set,” remarked Father Julius Turyatoranwa, founder of Building Hope in Kids – Uganda. “It’s vital for us that we have a way to provide backup power to the entire school during the periodic outages from the national electricity grid. It’s been a pleasure to work with Jubaili Bros in Uganda and Perkins Engines Company Limited. Their support has really meant a lot to Building Hope in Kids – Uganda.”

Jubaili Bros and Perkins are also committed to supporting the ongoing servicing and support for the equipment.

“We’re delighted to have been able to support such a worthwhile and important charitable project,” commented Dan Bentley, Perkins EAME sales director. “It’s been a wonderful collaboration with Jubaili Bros, as we came together to help over 800 children, and more going forward, to continue their studies in safe, light and warm living conditions.”

DEWA announces eight new 132 kV substations in Dubai, boosting capacity by 1,200 MVA for US$370mn, enhancing energy reliability and supporting urban growth. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, managing director and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), has announced the commissioning of eight new 132 kV transmission substations in the first half of 2024

These substations, with a total conversion capacity of 1,200 megavolt-amperes (MVA) and a combined cost of approximately US$370mn (AED 1.36 billion), are part of DEWA’s strategy to keep up with Dubai’s rapid development and urban growth. The projects also involved the installation of 89 kilometers of ground cables to further improve the efficiency of the 132 kV transmission network and address the rising electricity demand across the Emirate.

“We continue our relentless efforts to achieve the goals of the National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031, and Dubai Social Agenda 33 to provide the best living experience and residential services that are suitable for all. We also work to enhance the reliability and availability of the energy network in Dubai utilising the latest disruptive technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, smart technologies, and innovative practices across all our services and operations. This has contributed to achieving 100% in the reliability and availability of the energy transmission system in Dubai since 2018 and DEWA achieving the best performance among utilities worldwide. The total cost of DEWA’s electricity transmission network projects under construction exceeds US$1.36bn (AED 5 billion),” Al Tayer added.

The new substations were commissioned in the areas of Al Thanya 3, Al Barsha South 4, Wadi Al Shabak, Nadd Hessa, International City Phase 2, Wadi Al Safa 5, and Umm Suqeim 3. Completing these substations involved over 8 million safe working hours and employed the latest global digital technologies for transmission substations. This effort is part of DEWA’s commitment to advancing digital transformation across its services and operations, ensuring high standards of availability, reliability, efficiency, and safety.

As of the end of June 2024, the total number of transmission substations in Dubai has reached 382, including 27 400 kV substations and 355 132 kV substations. There are currently 31 132 kV transmission substations under construction, and DEWA is reviewing financial proposals for six new 132 kV substations. Over the next three years, DEWA plans to issue new tenders for the construction of more than 50 additional 132 kV transmission substations and extend 350 kilometers of ground transmission cables.

In addition, DEWA has awarded contracts for ten new 132 kV substations in various areas across Dubai, including Al Aweer 1, Umm Nahad 4, Al Manara, Umm Suqeim 2, Al Quoz Industrial 3, Hatta, Al Barsha South 3, Al Barsha 2, Wadi Al Safa 4, and Zabeel 2, with a total investment of approximately US$272mn (AED 1 billion). Contracts have also been awarded for extending 132 kV ground cables to connect these new substations to the main electricity transmission grid, totaling 25 kilometers and costing up to US$48mn (AED 176 million).