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The 29th meeting of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Council will convene on 11 September in Abu Dhabi, bringing together more than 400 government officials from 169 countries and the European Union.

Over two days, delegates will provide strategic guidance on IRENA’s work programme while tackling critical issues driving the global energy transition.

A central focus will be energy security, with discussions on diversifying supply chains, advancing next-generation technologies, and boosting regional manufacturing capabilities.

IRENA will share its latest analysis on the shifting geopolitical and economic dynamics of renewable energy supply chains, with particular attention to the solar PV sector.

The agenda also includes accelerating investment in sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), which IRENA highlights as essential to decarbonising long-haul aviation.

The Agency will present new initiatives to support SAF projects and channel financing through its platforms, enabling developers and governments to progress projects from early-stage concepts to bankable ventures.

The meeting will conclude with Members outlining future priorities for IRENA, addressing institutional matters, and preparing for the upcoming 30th session.

“Diverse, resilient and transparent supply chains are essential to achieve the tripling renewable power capacity target by 2030,” said IRENA director-general Francesco La Camera. “While the shift toward renewables is a key enabler for energy security and independence, global supply chains remain concentrated in a few nations. Efforts to diversify them, however, must contend with complex economic realities, making the 29th IRENA Council an important opportunity to advance this discussion collectively.” 

In his capacity as 29th IRENA Council Chair, H.E. Mr Francisco Chacón Hernández Ambassador of Costa Rica to the UAE, KSA and Jordan said, "IRENA has been and is a successful, inclusive vehicle of a universe of countries in their quest to find solutions towards a sustainable energy of the future. A future, envisioned to fulfill, in time, human aspirations for shared prosperity to all, the younger generations in particular. As a Costa Rican chair of the 29th Council, topics as energy transition, decarbonisation and renewable energies will be on the forefront of our aims and thoughts. True to our Costa Rican idiosyncrasy, we will never impose. We will seek to listen with respect to all, and team up together to get going, always in good faith."

Leading motor and drive manufacturer WEG will present its latest energy-efficient technologies at Global Water Expo 2025, held from 2-4 September at Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center.

Exhibiting at stand 1B41, Hall 1, WEG will highlight solutions designed to advance sustainable water infrastructure in the Middle East.

Among the innovations on display will be the W23 Sync+ motor, a hybrid combining PM, ferrite or neodymium magnets and SynRM technologies, achieving IE5 and anticipated IE6 efficiency ratings — the highest currently available. Designed for pumps, compressors and high-load applications, the motor delivers maximum energy savings while lowering total cost of ownership and CO₂ emissions.

Visitors will also see the W80 AXgen axial flux motor, offering up to 96.9% efficiency in a lightweight, compact design, along with the CFW line of VSDs for scalable process control, the ADV200-SP solar-powered drive, and WG20/WG50 gearboxes for high torque transmission.

“Water is a critical resource in the Middle East, where growing demand and limited natural supply make efficiency and reliability essential. This means that choosing the right equipment for the job is vital,” commented Raphael Torrano, managing director at WEG Middle East.

“WEG has actively been involved in Middle East water projects, providing motors, drives and transformers for desalination and transmission operations to support the region’s national infrastructure and to advance sustainability. We’re committed to the global energy transition, supporting regional and national climate goals through technologies that improve efficiency and reduce emissions.”

Saudi Arabia’s Western region is driving a construction pipeline worth US$692bn, accounting for 55% of the Kingdom’s US$1.25tn development plan, according to Knight Frank.

The region, led by Jeddah, is seeing projects of unprecedented scale that are reshaping its skyline and positioning it at the centre of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 transformation.

Saudi Arabia’s construction output reached US$141.5bn in 2023, up 4.3% from the previous year, and is forecast to hit US$181.5bn by 2028, making it the largest construction market globally.

In Jeddah, landmark developments include Jeddah Central, a US$19.9bn coastal redevelopment featuring a marina, beaches, museums, a stadium, and 2,700 hotel rooms; Jeddah Tower, set to surpass 1 km in height and become the world’s tallest building; and the restoration of UNESCO-listed Al-Balad.

Additional mega projects such as Jeddah Cove and Airport City further highlight the city’s diverse blend of heritage, commerce, leisure, and infrastructure.

The residential sector continues to lead the Kingdom’s construction activity, accounting for US$43.5bn, or 31% of output in 2023, with projections to reach US$56.9bn by 2028.

Power and utilities follow closely, valued at US$35.1bn in 2023 and expected to rise to US$46.5bn by 2028.

This scale and diversification reflect the breadth of opportunity across the construction ecosystem, opening doors for both local and international companies.

The Western region’s construction boom is also spurring new demand for advanced technologies, expertise, and sustainable practices.

With projects on a scale never seen before in the Kingdom, companies are positioning themselves to align with Vision 2030 objectives, tapping into opportunities ranging from smart urban design and digital construction to offsite solutions and renewable energy integration.

Industry leaders, investors, architects, engineers, and developers are increasingly turning their focus towards Jeddah, where rapid urbanisation and large-scale developments are fuelling demand for cutting-edge products and services.

Amidst all this, Jeddah Construct is to return to the city from 28-30 September. 

Jeddah Construct, the largest construction gathering in Saudi Arabia’s Western Province, serves as a vital meeting point for industry professionals, offering three days of networking, business opportunities and knowledge sharing. By drawing influential decision-makers and highlighting top manufacturers and suppliers, the event has become a key destination for those looking to engage with Jeddah’s fast-growing construction sector.

“Jeddah Construct reflects the scale and ambition of the construction market in Saudi Arabia’s Western Province. With significant investment concentrated in the region, the event offers a strategic setting for companies to connect with industry leaders, present their solutions and explore opportunities aligned with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives,” said Muhammed Kazi, senior vice president – construction at dmg events. “It is an environment where the market’s ambitions for growth and the partnerships shaping its future come together.” 

Maaden Bauxite and Alumina Company (MBAC), a subsidiary of Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Maaden), has signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Emerge, the joint venture between Masdar and EDF.

The deal will see the development of a solar power facility to supply clean energy to the Al Baitha Bauxite Mine for the next 30 years.

The project will integrate an 8 MWp ground-mounted solar photovoltaic array with a 30 MWh battery energy storage system, ensuring stable, round-the-clock power supply.

Expected to generate around 17,300 MWh of electricity annually, the facility will cut approximately 13,800 tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year, comparable to removing over 3,000 cars from the road.

With the new system, the Al Baitha Bauxite Mine will be able to operate almost entirely on renewable energy, making it one of the region’s first large-scale mining operations powered predominantly by clean sources.

The agreement aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy by advancing the Kingdom’s energy transition, lowering industrial carbon emissions, and supporting sustainable economic growth.

Emerge will deliver the project on a full turnkey basis, overseeing financing, design, procurement, construction, operations, and maintenance.

The initiative underscores Maaden’s growing role as one of the world’s fastest-expanding mining companies while positioning Saudi Arabia as a leader in sustainable mining practices.

Ali Al-Qahtani, executive vice-president, of Maaden’s aluminum business, said, “This partnership supports our ambitions to drive renewable energy across our operations, as well as reinforcing our committment to advancing sustainable solutions that benefit both our businesses and the communities we serve. We look forward to working with Emerge to deliver this integral pillar of our operations.”

Abdulaziz Alobaidli, chairman of Emerge and chief operating officer at Masdar, commented, “Emerge offers businesses a seamless, cost-effective pathway to transform to renewable energy. This partnership demonstrates the value Emerge brings to industries looking to decarbonise and optimise their energy usage.”

Omar Aldaweesh, CEO KSA of EDF Group and EDF power solutions, and Emerge board member, said, “Emerge’s partnership with Maaden marks a bold step in decarbonising the Kingdom’s mining sector. By delivering a tailored solar power plant and battery storage solution, we are paving the way for a more resilient, low-carbon future while proving that industrial ambition and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.”

From the natural gas that underpins power generation to the carbon dioxide emissions driving the climate crisis, there is no denying gases have a significant impact on modern life, according to Eve Pope, senior technology analyst at IDTechEx.

The two lightest gases - hydrogen and helium - may be made up of small molecules but have a big role to play in the technology innovations of the future. Key application areas include mobility, power generation, and semiconductor manufacturing.

Hydrogen power

Hydrogen is an energy carrier that could replace fossil fuels to power the future. Fuel cells can convert hydrogen gas into electricity through a chemical reaction with oxygen. Because solid oxide fuel cells have a long operating lifetime and fuel flexibility, they are well-suited to the continuous power generation required for sustainable data centres. As the AI boom continues, some data centres are already using solid oxide fuel cells running on natural gas, with plans to transition over to low-carbon hydrogen once economics and infrastructure can make this commercially feasible.

For cars, fuel cell electric vehicles can also be powered by the reactions between stored hydrogen and oxygen in the air. Markets for fuel cell electric vehicles will depend upon national investments in green hydrogen projects and rollouts of hydrogen refueling stations.

Industrial decarbonisation of iron and steel enabled by hydrogen

For iron and steel, natural gas direct reduced iron (DRI) production using shaft furnaces is already mature. Hydrogen-based DRI (H2-DRI) processes represent the next logical evolution toward greener steel production. Midrex and Energiron shaft furnace plants have successfully demonstrated the use of hydrogen or hydrogen-rich gases, as evidenced in projects like HYBRIT by SSAB in Sweden and HBIS Group in China.

The success of hydrogen-based green steel production will depend heavily upon the availability of green and blue hydrogen and supporting infrastructure, with IDTechEx’s “Green Steel 2025-2035: Technologies, Players, Markets, Forecasts” report forecasting that 46 million tonnes of steel will be produced enabled by hydrogen in 2035.

Hydrogen isotopes for nuclear fusion

Even the heavier isotopes of hydrogen have a role to play. Deuterium and tritium are essential fuels for nuclear fusion technologies, hoped to provide energy-dense, continuous sources of green energy with no risk of meltdown. According to IDTechEx’s “Fusion Energy Market 2025-2045: Technologies, Players, Timelines” report, commercial fusion companies have raised over US$9bn to date, while an increasing number of governments see fusion as the modern day 'space race'. Players are pursuing different reactor designs and fuels, leading to various materials opportunities and supply chain challenges.

Helium required for semiconductor manufacturing

Helium is widely used in manufacturing processes due to its cooling and inert properties. It is crucial for thermal management during semiconductor production. As semiconductor manufacturing advances towards smaller nodes (essential for AI, autonomous vehicles, etc.), reliance on helium will continue to grow. Helium is a finite resource, so technologies for helium production and helium substitutes covered in IDTechEx’s “Helium for Semiconductors and Beyond 2025-2035: Market, Trends, and Forecasts” report will become increasingly essential.

Materials key to hydrogen and helium production

From the ion exchange membranes in electrolyzers for green hydrogen generation to the gas separation membranes used in helium and hydrogen production, the applications explored in this article represent significant opportunities for chemicals and materials companies. Materials for green hydrogen are needed for components such as catalysts, electrodes, porous transport layers, gas diffusion layers, bipolar plates, and gaskets. Innovations include new catalysts with less iridium content to cut costs. For gas separation membranes, the development of new palladium-alloy metallic membranes could unlock ultra-pure H2 separation.

Etihad Rail has announced the speaker line-up for Global Rail 2025, the region’s largest mobility and transportation exhibition, which will take place in Abu Dhabi from 30 September-2 October. The press conference confirmed participation from senior government officials, global CEOs, and transport leaders representing more than 100 nationalities.

The event, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, and supported by His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Etihad Rail, is being organised in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) and dmg events.

At the press conference, speakers included H.E. Sheikh Nasser Al Qasemi, Assistant Undersecretary for Infrastructure and Transport at MoEI, Ahmed Al Musawa Al Hashemi, CEO of Hafeet Rail and Chairman of the Executive Committee of Global Rail, Salman Abou Hamzeh, Senior Vice President at dmg events, and Kholoud Almazrouei, Director of Special Projects at Etihad Rail.

A platform for global transport dialogue

Global Rail 2025 aims to bring together the international transport community to foster cross-border collaboration and innovation across mobility, logistics, and infrastructure. More than 20,000 participants are expected to attend the three-day exhibition, which will feature strategic dialogue, project showcases, and technical exchanges.

This year’s edition will span four halls and host over 200 exhibitors across 14 key sectors, ranging from infrastructure and rolling stock to smart mobility and financing. Over 70 companies are exhibiting for the first time, alongside 11 national rail operators such as Etihad Rail, Hafeet Rail, Qatar Rail, Korea Railways Corporation, India Railways, East Japan Railways, and Renfe Operadora. Together, the exhibiting businesses represent a combined annual turnover of over US$140bn.

Themed “Driving the Future of Transport and Global Connectivity”, Global Rail 2025 reflects the industry’s shared ambition to accelerate multimodal mobility, forge infrastructure partnerships, and advance sustainable transport solutions. With global passenger traffic forecast to reach 9.5bn by the end of 2025, the event will provide a critical platform for shaping the transport networks of the future.

High-level participation and expert-led sessions

Confirmed attendees include more than 20 ministerial delegations alongside senior leaders from leading transport, logistics, and infrastructure companies such as AECOM, Alstom, Asyad, Bayanat, CAF, DP World, Jacobs, Hitachi Rail, MTR Corporation, Siemens Mobility, Škoda Group, and Talgo.

Two parallel conferences will run throughout the exhibition. The Strategic Conference will host over 55 sessions on topics including high-speed rail delivery, intermodal operations, sustainable financing, governance, interoperability, automation, and city planning. The Technical Conference will cover areas such as digitalisation, asset management, engineering, and operational innovation, with contributions from global experts and R&D leaders.

Adding to the programme is the Global Rail Innovation Award, now in its second edition. With an AED1mn grant, the award recognises transformative solutions in transport and mobility. This year, it attracted 242 submissions, more than triple the entries of its inaugural year, underscoring its growing role as a launchpad for new ideas.

Dedicated zones and international showcases

Global Rail 2025 will also feature nine country pavilions, highlighting participation from Austria, Germany, India, Jordan, Poland, Qatar, South Korea, Spain, and the United Kingdom. An International Projects Pavilion will showcase billion-dollar infrastructure investments from countries including Afghanistan, Chad, Kenya, and Uzbekistan.

The Finance Pavilion will connect developers and operators with leading financiers such as First Abu Dhabi Bank, AIIB, ICBC, and Emirates NBD, while the Innovation Hub will spotlight AI, automation, and future mobility solutions from over 25 pioneering companies.

For the first time, the exhibition will host a Youth Hackathon in partnership with UAE universities, engaging students in real-world transport challenges under industry mentorship.