Construction work on the 950MW fourth phase of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (MBR) Solar Park – the largest single-site solar park in the world – is now 90% complete, it has been announced.

In a statement, Dubai Water and Electricity Authority (DEWA) said that HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO, inspected work progress at the project, where he was briefed by Noor Energy 1 officials. The 4th phase uses the IPP model with investments up to US$4.29 billion.

It is the largest single-site project that combines Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) and photovoltaic technology using the IPP model. The overall construction of the project is 90% complete, officials said.

A consortium led by DEWA and ACWA Power formed a project company, Noor Energy 1, to design, build, and operate the 4th phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. DEWA owns 51% of the company while ACWA Power holds 25%, and the Chinese Silk Road Fund owns 24%.

The 4th phase of the Solar Park uses three hybrid technologies to produce clean energy: 600MW from a parabolic basin complex (three units of 200MW each), 100MW from the world’s tallest solar power tower at 262.44 metres (based on Molten Salt technology), and 250MW from photovoltaic solar panels.

On its completion, the project will have the largest thermal storage capacity in the world of 15 hours, allowing for energy availability round the clock. The 4th phase will provide clean energy for around 320,000 residences and reduce 1.6 million tonnes of carbon emissions every year.

Al Tayer also visited the 5^th phase of the solar park, where he was briefed by Shuaa Energy 3 officials, on the progress made in the 2nd and 3rd projects of the 5th phase. DEWA is implementing the 5th phase in partnership with a consortium led by ACWA Power and Gulf Investment Corporation using the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model.

In 2019 DEWA achieved a world record by receiving the lowest bid of USD1.6953 cents per kilowatt hour (Levelised Cost of Energy) for this phase.  The fifth phase will be implemented by Shuaa Energy 3, established by DEWA which owns 60% of the shares and the consortium led by ACWA Power and Gulf Investment Corporation which owns 40% of the rest of the shares.

Work in the 900MW 5th phase with investments totalling $560.3 million is progressing as planned. The 2nd project is 93.3% complete while the 3rd project is 23.06% complete.

The 5th phase is being implemented using the latest solar photovoltaic bifacial technologies, which allows solar radiation to reach the front and back of the panels, with single axis tracking to increase generation. Using fully automated robots to clean the solar panels without any human intervention, will increase efficiency.

Since its commercial operations last year, the 1st project whose production capacity has increased from 300MW to 330MW, has been recording higher-than-expected performance.

The fifth phase will provide clean energy to over 270,000 residences in Dubai and will reduce 1.18 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually. It will be commissioned in stages until 2023.

The Solar Park’s projects constitute one of the key pillars of the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy to provide 100% of Dubai’s total power capacity from clean energy sources by 2050.

The current capacity at the Solar Park is 1,627MW using solar photovoltaic panels. DEWA is implementing more projects with a total capacity of 1,233MW using solar photovoltaic and CSP.

DEWA’s installed capacity has reached 14,117 MW of electricity. Clean energy share in Dubai’s energy mix has reached 11.5% and is expected to reach 14% by the end of 2022.

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Source: ME Construction News

DP World Limited has announced exceptionally strong financial results for the six months to June 30, 2022 with total revenue growing 60.4% year-on-year (equivalent to 20.1% on a like-for-like basis).

Revenues reached $7.932 billion, with key highlights including –

• Container revenue per TEU increasing by 9.2%, driven by higher demand for storage
• Adjusted EBITDA of $2.441 billion and adjusted EBITDA margin of 30.8%
• Adjusted EBITDA increased by $628 million, and EBITDA margin for the half-year standing at 30.8%. Like-for-like adjusted EBITDA margin was 38.2%
• Cash from operating activities increased by 29.6% to $1,931 million in H1, 2022 compared to $1,490 million in H1, 2021
• DP World credit rating improves to BBB- with Positive Outlook by Fitch; and remains at Baa3 with Stable Outlook by Moody’s

The company’s capital expenditure of $741 million ($687 million in 2021) was invested across the existing portfolio during the first half of the year, with capital expenditure guidance for 2022 up to $1.4 billion. Investments are planned into the UAE, Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), London Gateway (UK), Sokhna (Egypt), Senegal and Callao (Peru).

DP World Group Chairman and CEO, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, commented: “We are delighted to report a record set of first half results with adjusted EBITDA growing 34.6% and attributable earnings rising 51.8%. This significant growth demonstrates that our strategy to focus on high margin cargo and to offer customised supply chain solutions will provide sustainable returns in the long term.

“Encouragingly, cargo owners continue to respond positively to our end-to-end product offering and we are focused on integrating our recent logistics acquisitions to further drive revenue synergies. We continue to invest in high growth verticals and markets to offer compelling supply chain solutions, and by leveraging our best-in-class infrastructure across logistics, ports & terminals, economic zones, digital and marine services, DP World aims to lower inefficiencies and improve connectivity in key trade lanes.”

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Dubai-based developer Nakheel has unveiled its new plan for Dubai Islands, comprising five island sites with a total area of 17 sq km. Their stated mission is to ‘enhance the wellbeing and lifestyles of residents and visitors’.

Aligning with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, Dubai Islands (formerly known as Deira Islands) will reinforce the emirate’s position as a global destination of choice for residents, visitors and investors.

According to Nakheel, each island will have its own unique offerings, with innovative living experiences, cultural hubs, recreational sport beaches and beach clubs, all in one interconnected location within easy access of the city and airport.

The islands will be home to over 80 resorts and hotels, including luxury and wellness resorts, boutique, family and eco-conscious hotels, supporting Dubai’s ambition to boost the tourism and hospitality sector by increasing the overall number of hotel keys.

Dubai Islands will feature over 20 km of beaches – including a Blue Flag certified beach – as well as two sq. km. of parks and open spaces, and a number of premium golf courses, all overlooking the Arabian Gulf.

Infrastructure arrangements include a well-connected network of marinas, promenades and pathways for water transport, walking and biking – again echoing the proposals of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan for developing vibrant and healthy communities.

On the new venture, Nakheel CEO Naaman Atallah said: “Dubai Islands are an integral part of the future vision for the emirate, focusing on enhancing the health, happiness and wellbeing of residents and visitors, as well as providing the highest standards and variety of urban infrastructure and facilities.

“Dubai Islands will add to the Nakheel portfolio of residential, retail, hospitality and leisure developments, offering another destination within a destination.”

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ALEC Energy has announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Stantec, a global leader in sustainable design and engineering, aimed at leveraging the expertise of the two renewable energy leaders to enable private and public sector organisations to meet and exceed the goals outlined in the UAE Energy Strategy 2050.

In a statement, the companies said that they will jointly work on projects to establish best practices in buildings design, systems, and services while also offering solutions to Net Zero as applicable to individual undertakings.

A key target of the UAE’s energy agenda is to increase the contribution of clean energy in the total energy mix to 50% by the mid of this century, while also increasing consumption efficiency of individuals and corporate by 40%.

“These goals, while ambitious, are certainly attainable. There however is need for a shift in the mindset of designers, engineers, and architects in the region, as organisations need to be expertly guided through the environmental, economic, and social aspects of decarbonising their business. Through our partnership with Stantec, we will design a framework specifically for the region that will serve as a roadmap towards the UAE’s renewable energy goals,” said Kez Taylor, CEO at ALEC Group.

ALEC Energy’s proven track record in the implementation of complex solar energy projects, will be complemented by Stantec’s expertise in sustainable design strategies, design enhancement, innovative and renewable technology integration, performance optimisation and cost assessment. Both companies will also jointly share knowledge with the industry and sponsor events, training programs and workshops with industry stakeholders, the statement added.

“Meeting the ambitious climate targets set throughout the GCC requires innovation through collaboration,” said Anas Kassem, regional managing director for Stantec’s Middle East operations. “Signing this MoU with ALEC Energy reinforces our commitment to supporting our clients and communities in their efforts to achieving renewable energy goals and securing a sustainable future.”

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Liebherr has expanded its heavy lift ship crane series with a fully electric 800t model to meet a growing demand for larger wind turbine components.

The LS 800 E, which has been designed to reduce overall ship emissions, includes a new ‘Master V’ control unit with high computing power and data processing that will enable the integration of future assistance systems and semiautomated process applications. The crane also includes the Litronic control system developed in-house for speed and precision.

Gregor Levold, sales director for Liebherr Offshore, Ship and Port Cranes said: “The new cranes follow on from a long tradition and decades of experience in building ship cranes. The first ship crane was delivered by Liebherr in 1958. The push into the 800t size segment does not represent new territory – Liebherr has already supplied onshore and offshore cranes in the 3,000 to 5,000t category”

He added: “We have many years of experience with all-electric drives from the port equipment sector, among others. As usual, the development of the crane is done completely in-house. We can also cover the procurement of individual components largely in house at Liebherr. These are invaluable advantages for our customers, especially nowadays. In addition, all drive components are installed inside the crane. This facilitates the integration of the crane into the ship’s design and enables better utilisation of the areas below deck.”

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SANY has manufactured its first excavator in Indonesia marking the overseas launch of the first lighthouse factory in the Chinese construction machinery industry, the manufacturer said.

Located 70 kilometres away from the capital city of Jakarta, the SY315CKD was produced at a 10,000-square-metre plant in KIM Industrial Park with a total investment of nearly $30 million. The plant will mostly supply the southeastern Asia market while the planned annual production of the model is 3,000 units.

According to the company, SANY’s lighthouse factories look almost identical with AGVs that shuttle back and forth between production lines and warehouses, 100 or so human operators and over 500 robots that work together in a highly coordinated fashion. Online interconnection and autonomy have now been realised in twelve major links throughout the production chain, including assembly, logistics and commissioning.

Speaking on the announcement, Ding Shifeng, project leader, said: “This factory in Indonesia, drawing experiences from over 40 of its counterparts already built in China, epitomises the latest R&D achievements. It is the first ‘Industrial 4.0’ production base outside of China in the industry.”

He added: “Every piece of data in the industrial software and every bolt in the manufacturing facilities are produced according to SANY’s standard. This is a first for us, in this industry, to see a “made in China” mark on a standard, not on a product.”

Compared to SANY’s other bases in the US, Germany, India and Pakistan, this lighthouse factory is completely made and created by SANY from the design, construction and commissioning of the plant and its facilities to its operation and management.

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Work on the Sheikh Ammar Street Development project is progressing at a steady pace in Ajman, with more than 65% of the project completed, it has been announced.

According to a WAM report, the project, which is being at an investment of $18.7 million, will help improve traffic flow as it will include making Al Tallah Street a two-way street. It is part of the first package of initiatives aimed at improving the emirate’s infrastructure and making it a modern, international city in terms of its architecture and construction, the report added.

The updates on the project came during a visit by Abdul Rahman Mohammed Al Nuaimi, Director-General of the Municipality and Planning Department in Ajman, who was briefed about its progress and inspected the work being done on the street.

During the tour, Al Nuaimi stressed that the project’s goal is to enlarge the street to three lanes from Al Rawda Bridge to Sheikh Ammar Bridge.

He added that as one of the emirate’s vital streets, the development requires drafting a plan to assess the ongoing situation and current and future needs.

Work on the project is scheduled to be completed by the beginning of 2023.

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Saudi Arabian Amiantit Company (Amiantit), a major diversified industrial group, has announced that one of its affiliates, as part of a consortium, has been awarded a contract to manage, operate and maintain water and environmental treatment services in the northern sector of Saudi Arabia.

According to a filing to the Saudi Stock Exchange Tawadul, International Water Distribution Company (Tawzea) (which is 50% owned by Amiantit), along with its consortium partners Aqualia Spain Company and Alhaj Abdullah Ali Riza Company (HACCO) has secured a $106.16 million contract awarded by the National Water Company.

The seven-year contract, which is yet to be signed, will see the consortium manage the operation and maintenance of water and environmental treatment services in the norther sector of the Kingdom by raising the operational efficiency, technical knowledge, quality and availability of services and maintenance requirements in the sector. The sector serves four regions in the north of Saudi Arabia, it added.

Tawzea specialises in the management of concessions and the operation and maintenance of water and wastewater facilities. It owns 39% of the project’s company to implement the contract, Amiantit added.

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The region’s first vertical aerospace complex, the Suppliers Complex, is scheduled to be completed in September according to the Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH) at Dubai South. The facility has been designed to attract SMEs and start-ups by offering solutions that are designed for multipurpose activities.

“The new facility is in line with our mandate to provide the aviation industry with the required infrastructure and facilities to set up their businesses as part of the overall ecosystem that we have at MBRAH. We are also offering exclusive incentives to companies, mainly start-ups and SMEs, and we will spare no effort to cement Dubai’s position on the world aviation map,” said Tahnoon Saif, CEO of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub.

The $4.6bn Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub was first announced in February 2019, and in November 2020, MBRAH announced that its infrastructure is 70% complete.

The Suppliers Complex is in the Supply Chain Cluster, and is a G+3 development offering over 12,000m2 of light industrial space, enabling aerospace companies to easily and quickly set-up their facilities. The facility is said to offer 86 leasable units with three levels for companies providing maintenance services, aircraft parts trading, aerospace and drone companies.

According to MBRAH which was developed by Dubai South, the complex offers global aerospace players high-level connectivity and is a free-zone destination for the world’s leading airlines, private jet companies, and associated industries. MBRAH is also home to maintenance centres and training and education campuses, and seeks to strengthen engineering industries to foster the emirate’s vision of becoming a leading aviation hub.

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What’s billed as one of the region’s most sophisticated warehousing and logistics hubs – KLP21 – will be delivered by AD Ports Group, with its first warehousing facilities set to be available within Q3 2022.

KLP21 is situated in Kizad, the group’s integrated trade and industrial zone located between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The site is said to leverage the UAE’s strategic position as a gateway to Asia, Africa and the MENA region, and is also located next to the upcoming Regional Food Hub (along the main E311 cargo corridor), ensuring direct connectivity to all major markets.

Comprising four warehouses with over 80,000sqm of capacity, KLP21 will be one of the largest and most advanced temperature-controlled logistics hubs in the region. Combined, the warehouses will be able to accommodate over 100,000 pallets across a network of chambers which can be independently configured to a range of sizes and temperatures.

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The facility is tailor-made to support critical regional industries requiring cold and ambient storage, including healthcare, food and beverage, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), and specialty chemicals sectors.  Among the benefits for potential customers, the facility will offer a full suite of third-party logistics (3PL) and fourth-party logistics (4PL) services, regional logistics hub operations and value-added services including re-packing, specialty packing, labelling and others.

Developed by KIZAD, the facility will have two of its four warehouses, spanning 40,000sqm, operated by AD Ports Logistics. For AD Ports Logistics, this is in addition to over 350,000sqm of logistics storage space, including its KIZAD-based 19,000sqm ultra-cold storage facility that has been the cornerstone of Abu Dhabi’s global efforts against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abdullah Al Hameli, Chief Executive Officer, Economic Cities & Free Zones Cluster, AD Ports Group, said: “The development of KLP21 builds upon our fully integrated offering under AD Ports Group’s Economic Cities & Free Zones portfolio. The project responds to increasing customer demand for temperature-controlled storage solutions in the emirate to support the safe and efficient distribution of climate-sensitive goods in the UAE and across the wider region.”

In July 2022, Abu Dhabi launched a new $2.72bn drive to expand its manufacturing sector to over $46bn.

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Source: ME Construction News