As we begin to reconcile and reconnect with a world disrupted by a pandemic that knows no bounds, the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement loom large on a horizon moving ever closer. If we are to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, increase the renewable energy market share and improve energy efficiencies, innovation in the renewable energy industry is essential in the next decade. Though the ask is tall, the task is not improbable. In fact, it is very achievable.
But let us dispel a common misconception: innovation does not mean new technologies, not always. Though these two concepts are often intertwined, they are not the same. While the requisite research and development will continue to procure and test new tech to advance our renewable energy capabilities, we can innovate in more ways than just this one. Indeed, this point will form a key tenet of the third biennial, and first virtual International Renewable Energy Agency's (Irena) Innovation Week, which ends on Thursday.
Innovation has been at the heart of our industry since its inception. Thanks to a tireless desire to produce cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions, renewables now represent the most cost-effective solutions for generating new power in many economies. Indeed, owing to increased deployment and technological acceleration, solar photovoltaic, or PV, module prices have fallen by up to 90 per cent since the end of 2009, according to an Irena cost analysis report from 2019 – a particular sign of encouragement for the sun-drenched UAE, and other Gulf economies pursuing energy diversification strategies.
Today, renewables account for one-third of total global power generation, and we are witnessing substantial growth in variable renewable energy solutions. Yet, it is still the case that heavy industry and transport sectors alone will account for 38 per cent of all CO2 emissions globally in 2050, unless we oversee significant changes to policymaking and approaches to energy production and consumption.
To achieve zero emissions in these heavy industries and transport sectors, and limit global temperature rises to 1.5°C, renewables must comprise up to 50 per cent of the final energy demand in these sectors by 2050, according to Irena’s latest analysis. They currently provide just under 25 per cent. To summarise: further innovation is not a luxury, it is a necessity.
So, how do we get there? We require solutions that will make the world’s energy production, transmission and consumption more flexible, allow for a higher, cost-effective use of renewables and empower a new generation of consumers.
We have seen in recent years how the concepts of electrification, decentralisation and digitalisation have affected a shift in policymaking and procurement paradigms, unlocking flexible systems for increased deployment of renewable technologies across the world – importantly, to developing economies – especially with solar and hydrogen production and storage. On this topic, Irena's "30 Innovation Briefs" outline innovation priorities that policymakers must address to decarbonise electricity systems in the Covid-19 recovery phase.
When it comes to solar power production, emerging fourth industrial revolution, or 4IR, technologies have facilitated and accelerated efficiencies at an impressive rate. Automation technologies such as additive and 3D printing, for instance, have dramatically cut operational costs for solar power hardware. In some instances, PV panels can now be produced three times bigger in a fraction of the time – multi-day processes have been reduced to a matter of hours. Such innovative processes mean that the UAE, which already comprises more than two-thirds of the GCC’s total installed renewable energy capacity, according to Irena figures from 2018, can accelerate its ambition to generate 50 per cent of its power from renewables by mid-century, in line with UAE Energy Strategy 2050.
Beyond solar power production, 4IR technologies will also play a key role in integrating more renewable energy into the grid. For instance, blockchain technologies can provide new ways of operating the electricity system, by allowing the integration of higher shares of variable renewable power generation.
Dubai is home to the world's first functional 3D printed offices. The UAE aims to have 25 per cent of its buildings similarly manufactured by 2030. Ahmed Jadallah / Reuters
Blockchain can not only empower consumers of electricity by allowing them to take control of their energy consumption habits and payment plans, but it allows system operators of distributed generation to optimise grid operations by managing all connected devices through one centralised smart device, enabling flexibility and real-time pricing.
When it comes to renewable hydrogen, it can further support the integration of renewable electricity generation by decoupling it from local use at a given time to balance demand and supply. The versatility of stored hydrogen gas means that it can be used in a wide range of applications, such as power plants, storage, transportation, and even in homes and businesses. Its wider usage should be further considered.
The GCC governments are developing new solar power plants as part of their strategy to increase renewable energy output. Courtesy Government of Dubai
New storage methods are also a critical component of an innovative renewable energy landscape. Battery storage systems are emerging as one of the key solutions to effectively integrate high shares of solar renewables in power systems worldwide. Recent research from Irena has outlined how electricity storage technologies can be used for a variety of applications in the power sector, from e-mobility and behind-the-meter applications to utility-scale use cases.
As these new technologies develop, we must remain mindful that they should not only carry greater economic potential, but also contribute to a lasting, positive impact on our social development and people’s livelihoods.
Commuters wait for their bus outside the airconditioned bus stop along al Falah Street in central Abu Dhabi on a Friday afternoon All photos by. All photos by Victor Besa /The National
Mustaffa, eleven, waits for his bread to be baked with his uncle Abdul Qader outside the Naser Bader Bakery.
Abdul Rahman has been working at Naser Bader Bakery along Al Falah Street, Abu Dhabi for almost five years now.
The new air-conditioned bus stops around Abu Dhabi with Covid-19 restrictions.
Pedestrians cross the street at central Abu Dhabi on Friday afternoon.
Commuters get off the bus at Abu Dhabi on a Friday afternoon.
Commuters get off the bus at Abu Dhabi on a Friday afternoon.
E-scooter riders along Al Falah Street in central Abu Dhabi on a Friday afternoon.
This is where innovation must transcend technologies and seep into the thinking of policymakers. We must look to initiate new, agile business models that champion the case for new services and incentivise further integration of renewable energy technologies – whether that is through energy-as-a-service, peer-to-peer trading or pay-as-you-go models. Furthermore, we should be looking to design new market structures and regulatory frameworks that stimulate new opportunities for market entrants, incentivising entrepreneurship and innovative start-ups.
It is these brains that we need in these times. Indeed, at times of great change, the ability to adapt and innovate determines whether we succeed or fail in the future. 2020 is one such epochal time; a watershed year that will define how we and our progeny live in the years ahead, and for how much longer our species will live on this planet. And the global energy transition is the best place to start our adaptation to this new normal by embracing an intuitive spirit of innovation.
Dr Nawal Al-Hosany is a permanent representative of the UAE to the International Renewable Energy Agency
The End of Loneliness
Benedict Wells
Translated from the German by Charlotte Collins
Sceptre
Men’s singles
Group A: Son Wan-ho (Kor), Lee Chong Wei (Mas), Ng Long Angus (HK), Chen Long (Chn) Group B: Kidambi Srikanth (Ind), Shi Yugi (Chn), Chou Tien Chen (Tpe), Viktor Axelsen (Den)
Women’s Singles
Group A: Akane Yamaguchi (Jpn), Pusarla Sindhu (Ind), Sayaka Sato (Jpn), He Bingjiao (Chn) Group B: Tai Tzu Ying (Tpe), Sung Hi-hyun (Kor), Ratchanok Intanon (Tha), Chen Yufei (Chn)
In the UAE’s arid climate, small shrubs, bushes and flower beds usually require about six litres of water per square metre, daily. That increases to 12 litres per square metre a day for small trees, and 300 litres for palm trees.
Horticulturists suggest the best time for watering is before 8am or after 6pm, when water won't be dried up by the sun.
A global report published by the Water Resources Institute in August, ranked the UAE 10th out of 164 nations where water supplies are most stretched.
The Emirates is the world’s third largest per capita water consumer after the US and Canada.
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
Globalization and its Discontents Revisited
Joseph E. Stiglitz
W. W. Norton & Company
If you’re going to go grey, a great style, well-cared for hair (in a sleek, classy style, like a bob), and a young spirit and attitude go a long way, says Maria Dowling, founder of the Maria Dowling Salon in Dubai.
It’s easier to go grey from a lighter colour, so you may want to do that first. And this is the time to try a shorter style, she advises. Then a stylist can introduce highlights, start lightening up the roots, and let it fade out. Once it’s entirely grey, a purple shampoo will prevent yellowing.
“Get professional help – there’s no other way to go around it,” she says. “And don’t just let it grow out because that looks really bad. Put effort into it: properly condition, straighten, get regular trims, make sure it’s glossy.”
10 tips for entry-level job seekers
Have an up-to-date, professional LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, set one up today. Avoid poor-quality profile pictures with distracting backgrounds. Include a professional summary and begin to grow your network.
Keep track of the job trends in your sector through the news. Apply for job alerts at your dream organisations and the types of jobs you want – LinkedIn uses AI to share similar relevant jobs based on your selections.
Double check that you’ve highlighted relevant skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
For most entry-level jobs, your resume will first be filtered by an applicant tracking system for keywords. Look closely at the description of the job you are applying for and mirror the language as much as possible (while being honest and accurate about your skills and experience).
Keep your CV professional and in a simple format – make sure you tailor your cover letter and application to the company and role.
Go online and look for details on job specifications for your target position. Make a list of skills required and set yourself some learning goals to tick off all the necessary skills one by one.
Don’t be afraid to reach outside your immediate friends and family to other acquaintances and let them know you are looking for new opportunities.
Make sure you’ve set your LinkedIn profile to signal that you are “open to opportunities”. Also be sure to use LinkedIn to search for people who are still actively hiring by searching for those that have the headline “I’m hiring” or “We’re hiring” in their profile.
Prepare for online interviews using mock interview tools. Even before landing interviews, it can be useful to start practising.
Be professional and patient. Always be professional with whoever you are interacting with throughout your search process, this will be remembered. You need to be patient, dedicated and not give up on your search. Candidates need to make sure they are following up appropriately for roles they have applied.
Arda Atalay, head of Mena private sector at LinkedIn Talent Solutions, Rudy Bier, managing partner of Kinetic Business Solutions and Ben Kinerman Daltrey, co-founder of KinFitz
Cryopreservation: A timeline
Keyhole surgery under general anaesthetic
Ovarian tissue surgically removed
Tissue processed in a high-tech facility
Tissue re-implanted at a time of the patient’s choosing
Full hormone production regained within 4-6 months
The two finalists advance to the Asia qualifier in Malaysia in August
Group A
Bahrain, Maldives, Oman, Qatar
Group B
UAE, Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia
UAE group fixtures
Sunday Feb 23, 9.30am, v Iran
Monday Feb 25, 1pm, v Kuwait
Tuesday Feb 26, 9.30am, v Saudi
UAE squad
Ahmed Raza, Rohan Mustafa, Alishan Sharafu, Ansh Tandon, Vriitya Aravind, Junaid Siddique, Waheed Ahmed, Karthik Meiyappan, Basil Hameed, Mohammed Usman, Mohammed Ayaz, Zahoor Khan, Chirag Suri, Sultan Ahmed
2pm: Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 (Dirt) 1,000m Winner: AF Mozhell, Saif Al Balushi (jockey), Khalifa Al Neyadi (trainer)
2.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 2,000m Winner: Majdi, Szczepan Mazur, Abdallah Al Hammadi.
3pm: Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 1,700m Winner: AF Athabeh, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel.
3.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 1,700m Winner: AF Eshaar, Bernardo Pinheiro, Khalifa Al Neyadi
4pm: Gulf Cup presented by Longines Prestige (PA) Dh150,000 (D) 1,700m Winner: Al Roba’a Al Khali, Al Moatasem Al Balushi, Younis Al Kalbani
4.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh40,000 (D) 1,200m Winner: Apolo Kid, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muahiri
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023 More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
The specs: 2018 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Price, base / as tested Dh99,000 / Dh132,000
Engine 3.6L V6
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Power 275hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque 350Nm @ 3,700rpm
Fuel economy combined 12.2L / 100km
Key facilities
Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
Premier League-standard football pitch
400m Olympic running track
NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
600-seat auditorium
Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
Specialist robotics and science laboratories
AR and VR-enabled learning centres
Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Frankenstein in Baghdad
Ahmed Saadawi
Penguin Press
First Test
November 23-27 (The Gabba, Brisbane) Second Test
December 2-6 (Adelaide Oval, Adelaide) Third Test
December 14-18 (Waca Ground, Perth) Fourth Test
December 26-30 (Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne) Fifth Test
January 4-8, 2018 (Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney)
Liverpool’s Uefa Champions League bid: “They’re great. With the attacking force they have, for me, they’re certainly one of the favourites. You look at the teams left in it - they’re capable of scoring against anybody at any given time. Defensively they’ve been good, so I don’t see any reason why they couldn’t go on and win it.”
Mohamed Salah’s debut campaign at Anfield: “Unbelievable. He’s been phenomenal. You can name the front three, but for him on a personal level, he’s been unreal. He’s been great to watch and hopefully he can continue now until the end of the season - which I’m sure he will, because he’s been in fine form. He’s been incredible this season.”
Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s instant impact at former club LA Galaxy: “Brilliant. It’s been a great start for him and for the club. They were crying out for another big name there. They were lacking that, for the prestige of LA Galaxy. And now they have one of the finest stars. I hope they can go win something this year.”
WHAT IS A BLACK HOLE?
1. Black holes are objects whose gravity is so strong not even light can escape their pull
2. They can be created when massive stars collapse under their own weight
3. Large black holes can also be formed when smaller ones collide and merge
4. The biggest black holes lurk at the centre of many galaxies, including our own
5. Astronomers believe that when the universe was very young, black holes affected how galaxies formed
City's slump
L - Juventus, 2-0 D - C Palace, 2-2 W - N Forest, 3-0 L - Liverpool, 2-0 D - Feyenoord, 3-3 L - Tottenham, 4-0 L - Brighton, 2-1 L - Sporting, 4-1 L - Bournemouth, 2-1 L - Tottenham, 2-1
Key recommendations
Fewer criminals put behind bars and more to serve sentences in the community, with short sentences scrapped and many inmates released earlier.
Greater use of curfews and exclusion zones to deliver tougher supervision than ever on criminals.
Explore wider powers for judges to punish offenders by blocking them from attending football matches, banning them from driving or travelling abroad through an expansion of ‘ancillary orders’.
More Intensive Supervision Courts to tackle the root causes of crime such as alcohol and drug abuse – forcing repeat offenders to take part in tough treatment programmes or face prison.
Tips for SMEs to cope
Adapt your business model. Make changes that are future-proof to the new normal
Make sure you have an online presence
Open communication with suppliers, especially if they are international. Look for local suppliers to avoid delivery delays
Open communication with customers to see how they are coping and be flexible about extending terms, etc
Courtesy: Craig Moore, founder and CEO of Beehive, which provides term finance and working capital finance to SMEs. Only SMEs that have been trading for two years are eligible for funding from Beehive.
About Tenderd
Started: May 2018
Founder: Arjun Mohan
Based: Dubai
Size: 23 employees
Funding: Raised $5.8m in a seed fund round in December 2018. Backers include Y Combinator, Beco Capital, Venturesouq, Paul Graham, Peter Thiel, Paul Buchheit, Justin Mateen, Matt Mickiewicz, SOMA, Dynamo and Global Founders Capital
What are the influencer academy modules?
Mastery of audio-visual content creation.
Cinematography, shots and movement.
All aspects of post-production.
Emerging technologies and VFX with AI and CGI.
Understanding of marketing objectives and audience engagement.
