Japanese group Toyota Tsusho Corporation has announced that its joint venture (JV) with French energy firm TotalEnergies Renewables has secured a contract from Saudi Power Procurement Company for a leading-edge, 119MW solar power plant. Also involved in the JV is a unit of the Saudi-based Zahid Group.

The $100 million project is being set up by Toyota Tsusho through a joint venture company, Noor Alwadi Renewable Energy Company, in which both the Japanese group and TotalEnergies Renewables each have a 40% stake, while Altaaqa Renewable Energy has the remaining 20%.

The solar plant, which is the first renewable project in Saudi Arabia for Toyota Tsusho group, will be implemented on a complete build, own, operate model and is set to be located in Wadi Ad Dawasir.

The work on the plant has already begun and it is due for commercial operations in March 2025.

According to Toyota Tsusho, this project was selected for the ‘Financing Programme for Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) Model Projects’, an initiative of Japan’s Ministry of the Environment, in 2022. The purpose of this initiative is to financially support the implementation of projects which reduce GHG emissions by using leading decarbonisation technologies in developing countries, and in return, to acquire JCM credits for Japan in achieving its GHG emission reduction targets.

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Dubai Municipality has allocated a total of 3,200 land plots to Emirati citizens in a move that supports its ambitious 2040 Urban Master Plan, and aligns with the comprehensive programme proposed by the Higher Committee for Development and Citizens Affairs.

The allocated plots will be fully serviced and will comprise not only a range of basic and essential amenities, but will also create entertainment facilities and leisure opportunities, including landscaped parks and exercise tracks for pedestrians and cyclists alike. Moreover, these will all be built and implemented according to the highest global standards. The designated locations of these land plots are designed to create a series of new regional, community-led hubs, further linking to the emirate’s expanding infrastructure.

During its first year, the Higher Committee for Development and Citizens Affairs approved the allocation of 11,500 land plots for citizens, as well as housing loans worth AED7bn ($1.9bn), benefiting around 7,000 people.

These moves further support the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which aims to boost the quality of life in Dubai and further accelerate its global competitiveness via the creation of sustainable communities offering a high quality of living compatible with leading-edge global benchmarking.

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Bahraini transport officials have met with senior officials from the GCC Railways Authority to discuss the next stage of developments on the major railway project that is set to connect Bahrain and Saudi Arabia via the King Hamad Causeway. As a key part of the Gulf Railway Network, it will then link to the wider GCC network.

On arrival, Hussein Ali Yaqoub, Assistant Undersecretary of Land Transportation at the Ministry of Transportation & Telecommunications, received the GCC Railways Authority delegation led by Nasser Hamad Al Qahtani and Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Samaani.

The assistant undersecretary commended the authority’s role in the development of the railway sector in the GCC and for co-ordinating among the member states regarding the railway project.

The meeting reviewed the developments of the transitional phase of the King Hamad Causeway project, developments in preparing the railway track on the Bahraini side and the King Hamad International Station in Al Ramli.

The meeting with the high-level GCC delegation also discussed details of engineering designs and meeting points between the two Kingdoms.

The GCC Railways Authority, established in 2022, is mandated with shaping the general policy for the Gulf Railway Network and co-ordinating among the member states to follow up on the implementation and operation of the complete project.

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Acwa Power has announced that work is currently underway on a green hydrogen facility at Oxagon – a site located within Saudi’s futuristic city Neom and is due for completion by December 2026.

The mega project, being developed by NEOM Green Hydrogen Company (NGHC) – a joint venture between Acwa Power, US industrial gases leader Air Products and NEOM – at a total investment value of $8.4bn, is set to become the largest green hydrogen production facility in the world.

NGHC has issued a full notice to proceed (NTP) to the EPC contractor, Air Products, which has now been approved, and filing to the Saudi bourse Tadawul is complete.

Following this development, Acwa Power’s $300mn contribution in the Limited Notice To Proceed (LNTP) will now be considered as part of its equity contribution in the project. In May, NGHC had previously announced the signing of financial deals with 23 local, regional, and international banks and investment firms.

According to NEOM, the NGHC plant will start producing green hydrogen from 100% renewable energy sources in 2026, with production of up to 1.2m tonnes of green ammonia annually – a figure equivalent to 600 tonnes of green hydrogen per day.

This green ammonia will be exported to global markets, supporting the decarbonisation of the heavy-duty transport sector and aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions. It is estimated that as a direct impact of the plant, up to five million tonnes of CO2 will be saved per year.

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The Big Project Middle East (BPME) editorial team has confirmed that the second edition of its Digital Construction Summit (DC Summit) will take place on the 26^th of September at the Habtoor Grand Resort in JBR, Dubai.

Formerly known as the Middle East BIM Summit, the 2023 DC Summit will focus on several key themes including: data and digital collaboration tools that facilitate the efficient delivery and operation of megaprojects; modern construction methodologies, Construction 4.0 technologies and advanced materials; integrating robotics and AI into the delivery and operations of projects; securing the digital elements of projects and assets, and striving for greater safety in the built environment.

The day-long event will put all these topics and more under the spotlight via curated panel discussions and presentations. Speakers will comprise veterans from government, the built environment, technology firms and suppliers, who will shine a light on the opportunities and challenges associated with digital construction. Registration is complementary but mandatory for built environment professionals across the Middle East.

“Several motivators, including the quest for greater efficiency, the focus on sustainability during construction and post construction and site safety, have seen the built environment step up its adoption of technology over the last few years. Technology has gone from being seen as an add-on that facilitated collaboration to a critical component that is intertwined with project delivery and post-handover operations. This is reflected in the expanded focus and agenda of the DC Summit – I look forward to a brilliant day hearing from the sector’s best and brightest,” said Jason Saundalkar, Head of Content at BPME.

The 2023 Digital Construction Summit is supported by:

Gold sponsor: KEO
Bronze sponsor: AESG, Kairnial

To discuss participating at the event as a speaker, contact conference producer Jason Saundalkar on Jason.s@cpitrademedia.com. Sponsorship inquires can be addressed to Raz Islam (raz.islam@cpitrademedia.com) and Madeleine Martin (madeleine.martin@cpitrademedia.com).

To learn more about the 2023 DC Summit, please click here.

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The Saline Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC) has deployed desalination barges to meet the surging demand for potable water during the Hajj season in Makkah and Madinah.

With over 1.6m pilgrims having arrived in Saudi Arabia, the timely mobilisation of floating desalination barges was part of the Saudi Government’s proactive measures to ensure the uninterrupted supply of potable water.

Water and wastewater management specialist Metito engineered, designed, developed, and commissioned the floating desalination barges for its client, the Saudi National Shipping Company (Bahri). A total of three barges, 50,000m3/d each, secured the project the title of the largest operating plant of its kind in the world.

According to a statement, in delivering the three desalination barges, Metito has strategically incorporated high-value engineering, and innovative treatment solutions to establish a sustainable, mobile, and adaptable approach. Not only do they deliver a significant volume of superior quality potable water but also adhere to the highest international and local codes and standards.

The integration of intricate and scalable solutions ensures the provision of essential water security measures, enabling timely and efficient responses to crisis situations and emergency water needs. Additionally, these solutions effectively address seasonal requirements such as the high-water demand during the Hajj season, the statement from Metito concluded.

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A project management consultancy (PMC) services contract for the new Kuwait Airways Tower project in Qibla, Kuwait has been awarded to Egis.

According to a statement from Egis, Kuwait Airways Company (KAC) aims to construct a state-of-the-art, LEED certified, multi-purpose tower that adheres to the latest technical and professional standards, optimising functionality and sustainability. Egis said it will work closely with KAC alongside the entire project lifecycle, providing comprehensive project management services from pre-design to testing, commissioning, and handover.

Leveraging BIM- based technology and aiming for LEED certification, Egis will oversee pre-construction and construction phases, feasibility studies, site analysis, market research, project concept and program, project scheduling, cost and time management, LEED consulting, design coordination, value engineering, quality control, risk planning and more to ensure a successful delivery of this iconic tower, the firm said.

“The Kuwait Airways Tower project represents an important milestone for Kuwait Airways Company. We are delighted to partner with Egis as our Project Management Consultant for this endeavour,” said His Excellency Captain Ali AL Dokhan Chairman of Kuwait Airways Company.

He added, “Their expertise and proven track record in managing complex projects align perfectly with our vision of creating a state-of-the art tower that showcases sustainability and exemplifies the highest standards of design and functionality. Together with Egis, we are confident in delivering an iconic landmark that will elevate Kuwait’s profile in the global business landscape.”

The project is said to encompass an area of 1,416m3 and will feature a multi-story tower spanning 20 to 30 floors, a two-level basement for parking, a podium serving as a multi-purpose hall with a commercial complex on the ground floor and two mezzanine levels, along with additional upper floors.

In addition, the project scope includes landscaping, external civil works, surface parking spaces, hospitality offerings, and other components based on the feasibility study, ensuring optimal utilisation of the available area and services on and around the site.

“We are honored to have been chosen as the PMC for the esteemed Kuwait Airways Tower project. This opportunity reinforces Egis’ position as a trusted and influential leader in the field of engineering. We are excited about establishing a strong and enduring partnership with our esteemed client, collaborating closely to leverage our expertise and ensure the flawless execution of this iconic tower,” remarked Egis Kuwait’s Managing Director, Khaled Elmir.

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Emirates Water and Electricity Company (Ewec) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to qualified developers and developer consortiums interested in developing the new Abu Dhabi Islands ‘Reverse Osmosis’ (RO) independent water project (IWP).

The Abu Dhabi Islands RO IWP project consists of two standalone greenfield, low-carbon intensive RO seawater desalination plants, which will be located on Saadiyat Island and Hudayriat Island.

Together, both plants will provide a combined total of 100 million imperial gallons per day (MIGD), equivalent to a daily output of 455,000 cu. m.

The RFP is being issued to bidders who have passed the qualification process following the Expression of Interests (EOI) stage that took place in September last year.

A total of 41 companies and consortiums had submitted EOIs of which 19 have qualified for the RFP stage. The deadline for submitting the RFPs has been set for Q4 2023.

The project scope includes the development, financing, construction, operation, maintenance, and ownership of the plant and its associated infrastructure.

The successful developer or developer consortium will own up to 40 per cent of the entity, while the remaining equity will be held indirectly by the Abu Dhabi Government, it added.

Ewec CEO, Othman Al Ali said: “Low-carbon intensive RO water desalination technology is a key innovation that advances our strategic initiative of decoupling power and water generation capacity. Once complete, the Abu Dhabi Islands RO project will become our seventh and eighth RO plants, enabling us to significantly shift our fleet to a water production portfolio – one that actively contributes to the decarbonisation of the sector, supports the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036, the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, and the UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategic objectives. We look forward to receiving competitive bids from the qualified companies as we move forward with the project development,” he added.

According to Ewec, the low-carbon intensive RO desalination project will also see it collaborate with Modon and Aldar Properties to develop and implement a unique design to cover the two desalination plants in a way that allows them to be landscaped, blending with the islands’ distinguished nature and ecosystem.

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