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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 26th 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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Shuaa Capital, the asset management and investment banking platform, has announced that it has arranged, on behalf of its subsidiaries and other investors, the sale of a prime plot of land in Business Bay for AED190m ($51m) to Dubai-based developer Danube Properties.
This transaction is part of Shuaa Capital’s ongoing strategy to consolidate its asset portfolio, driving value for its shareholders and supporting the growth of Dubai’s real estate market.
Shuaa Capital Group CEO, Fawad Tariq Khan said: “We are delighted to reveal this transaction with Danube Properties, with whom we have a growing relationship. This agreement underscores our dedication to generating shareholder value and participating in the advancement of Dubai’s real estate sector. Our strategy focuses on recognising and seizing opportunities that resonate with the ever-evolving UAE market.”
Danube plans to develop a major residential tower on this new site – and Danube Chairman, Rizwan Sajan commented: “As one of the fastest-growing private real estate developers in the UAE, we are always on the lookout for prime plots of land in key development areas. This purchase will help Danube to create a more attractive project for investors and home buyers to invest and benefit from future price appreciation, due to its attractive location. Business Bay forms the new business district and once completed, will create a vibrant downtown at the heart of Dubai, where we already have delivered Bayz – one of our key projects. Purchase of this particular piece of land will help us strengthen Business Bay as a vibrant downtown where people will be able to live, work and do business – at a location next to Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest tower.”
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Thomas & Adamson (T&A) is delivering cost management services on the new ‘Serenia Living’ luxury residential development, which is located on the Palm Jumeirah in Dubai. The firm said it was appointed in 2022 under lead design consultant, Godwin Austen Johnson (GAJ), to deliver pre-and post-contract cost management services on the project for developer Palma Holding.
According to a statement, T&A was appointed to manage costs amid challenging market conditions and inflation pressures. Leveraging its service and sector experience, T&A led value engineering and negotiation processes to achieve significant savings on the construction cost of the Serenia Living project.
The firm is said to have delivered more than 330 projects, for 135 clients, with a construction value of more than $5.98bn across its residential projects, globally, over the past four years alone. T&A Middle East boasts a running total of 4,225 residential units, the statement outlined.
Rudolph van Wyk, Director at Thomas and Adamson Middle East said: “Due to the dynamic conditions currently pervading the construction market, including pronounced supply chain pressures as well as budget constraints, several challenges had to be overcome in the pre-contract phase to keep the project on track in terms of time and cost. By facilitating value engineering exercises with various project stakeholders, we were able to achieve key savings for our client, while maintaining the exceptionally high-quality standards required by Palma Holding. Construction of the residential project is now on track to commence, and we look forward to seeing the works through to fruition in late 2025.”
The firm’s collaborative approach, working alongside all members of the design and project team and assisting with early strategic guidance on design and procurement solutions, was fundamental in its approach to this project. In addition to helping reduce the development’s overall construction costs, it also helped to identify and mitigate potential risks. T&A was thorough in ensuring the design was systematically thought through, cohesive and helped avoid unnecessary delay and disruption in the latter stages of the project, the statement noted.
The Serenia Living project comprises the construction of four mid-rise towers (B+G+12/14/19/19) and all associated landscaping and external works. The new luxury residential project is Palma Holding’s second offering on the Palm Jumeirah, following ‘Serenia Residences The Palm’ which was completed in 2018.
Based on the concept by Hazel Wong, the design development of Serenia Living was undertaken by architecture firm Godwin Austen Johnson (GAJ), and will have a total built-up area of 1,182,000sqft. It will feature a total of 226 exclusive residences including 22 penthouses, and an ultra-luxury duplex Sky Mansion, the statement added.
Pre-contract cost management services were completed by T&A in May 2023, with the start of construction works and project completion slated for late June 2023 and December 2025, respectively. The handover of residences is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2026.
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A significant milestone in the Dubai Waste-to-Energy (DWE) project has been achieved according to BESIX and Hitachi Zosen Inova (HZI). The successful ignition of the first fire at the DWE facility is said to represent a crucial step towards completing and operating the plant, and demonstrating the efficient and safe processing of waste to generate renewable energy.
The DWE facility is billed as the world’s largest and most efficient waste-to-energy facility, and aims to reduce landfill dependency and help Dubai achieve its goal of 75% waste diversion by 2025. Currently in its commissioning phase, the DWE facility processes 1,000 tonnes of waste daily. Energy production on two lines is set to commence in August 2023; the project aims to be fully operational across all five lines in Q1 2024.
The first fire milestone was witnessed by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council. The visit underscores the project’s importance and serves as a testament to Dubai’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and the pursuit of excellence.
Several firms are involved in the DWE project including BESIX, HZI, Dubai Holding, DUBAL, Tech Group and ITOCHU. BESIX was said to have been chosen for the project due to its expertise in complex infrastructure projects, and plays an integral role in the DWE project. The firm is responsible for overseeing civil, infrastructure, fire-fighting, and ancillary works. Meanwhile, HZI led process-related work, and leveraged its technology offering and expertise to convert municipal solid waste efficiently and safely into clean energy.
“We are immensely honoured to have His Highness witness the successful ignition of the first fire. This momentous achievement was made possible by the efficient collaboration between BESIX and HZI, along with Dubai Holding, DUBAL, Tech Group, and ITOCHU. All parties take great pride in working together towards our shared objective,” said Benoit Vadani, Vice-President, Director Development at BESIX.
At its peak, the plant will process 5,666t of waste daily, equivalent to two million tonnes annually. This will generate 220MW of electricity, supplying power to roughly 135,000 homes in the region. From the residual ash produced during combustion, metals will be recovered and recycled for commercial use, a statement explained.
Roni Araiji, Managing Director Middle East, Hitachi Zosen Inova added, “HZI stands as a global leader in sustainable energy and environmental solutions. This facility represents a remarkable collaboration to tackle pressing waste management challenges and generate clean energy for the region. The successful ignition of the first fire serves as a testament to our system’s capability to convert waste efficiently and safely into renewable energy.”
The facility’s construction adheres to the highest standards of engineering, efficiency, and environmental sustainability. Once completed, a joint venture between HZI and BESIX will provide operation and maintenance services for 35 years under an agreement with Dubai Municipality, the statement concluded.
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