The Importance of Renewable Energy Sources
from the desk of Mishal Kanoo, Chairman, The Kanoo Group
As the UAE welcomes global leaders for COP28, the recently concluded ADIPEC 2023 provided a platform for the biggest energy producers and consumers to demonstrate their commitment to lowering emissions while driving investment into new technologies and clean energies.
The Kanoo Group's contributions to the transition towards clean and sustainable power generation were transparent when the company established Kanoo Energy more than twenty years ago. This is a division that provides sustainable solutions for the region's oil and gas, power, and industrial projects. Kanoo Energy offers engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, operations, and maintenance for renewable energy projects.
Renewable energy sources are naturally replenished and do not produce greenhouse gas emissions or air pollution, contributing to climate change and health problems. I am talking about solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and biomass energy. It is crucial for several reasons, like helping reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions.
With COP28 coming up this November and as the UAE hosts, renewable energy sources will be at the center of almost all discussions and negotiations between parties because all nations want to improve air quality by reducing pollution from power plants.
That is where renewable energy comes in, and with it, it can create jobs in the clean energy sector, which is in demand more than ever today. They provide economic and social benefits like rural development and innovation. They enhance energy security and diversity by reducing dependence on fossil fuels that are finite and subject to geopolitical risks, making our energy supplies more secure and reliable.
The Kanoo Group and the Transition to Clean Energy
The Kanoo Group has always been transparent and committed to the transition to clean energy and has invested in several renewable energy projects for two decades. Kanoo Industrial and Energy has partnered with CleanMax to provide sustainable solar solutions to GCC commercial and industrial businesses, especially Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. These solutions help companies reduce their carbon emissions and energy costs.
The group has always been committed to positively contributing to the environment, ever since it was first established, and has led the transition to clean energy in the region. We have introduced new partnerships and collaborations into our organization, including Carbon Clean, Imaginarium, and many more.
Carbon capture technology is a solution for decarbonizing the industrial sector, as industrial emissions significantly contribute to greenhouse gas levels. This technology effectively reduces emissions by trapping carbon dioxide from power plants, industrial sites, and other primary emission sources.
With Carbon Clean as our partner, an established global leader in industrial carbon capture solutions, Carbon Clean's innovative solutions significantly reduce the costs and environmental impacts of carbon capture compared to conventional technologies.
This is technology that can help us achieve our net-zero goals.
ADNOC, the premier sponsor of ADIPEC, awarded CARBON CLEAN the Clean Energy Technology Innovation of the Year Award 2023 for its CycloneCC, an innovative technology that reduces the cost and physical footprint of carbon capture by over 50 percent. We are very proud of this partnership.
Imaginarium is a leader in 3D printing and advanced manufacturing technology. They have pioneered game-changing applications for over 40 industries, especially the energy sector. Imaginarium has helped disrupt the manufacturing sector by enabling enterprises to prototype faster, design better, and realize products in the shortest of periods. They offer a complete ecosystem of production services and are a platform for creativity and execution backed up by decades of expertise. Whether manufacturing exquisite jewelry, innovating engineering applications, or saving lives with patient-specific solutions, Imaginarium is committed to seamlessly transforming ideas into reality and creating things that make a difference.
Another partnership we have is Robotplusplus, a cutting-edge semi-automatic hydro-blasting robot that significantly expedites, enhances safety, and promotes environmental sustainability in surface preparation for storage tanks.
Kanoo Energy has nearly two decades of legacy in championing renewables and sustainability, and this is a testament to our enduring presence at ADIPEC and the creation of new alliances.
Clearly, the Kanoo Group has supported initiatives and events that promote renewable energy awareness and education, such as the World Future Energy Summit (WFES), an annual platform for dialogue and action on clean energy. Our division, Kanoo Energy, has been a sponsor and exhibitor of WFES since its inception in 2008.
The Future of Renewable Energy
The future of renewable energy is bright.
The cost of renewable energy technologies has been declining rapidly, making them more affordable and competitive with fossil fuels. There is growing demand for renewable energy as people become more aware of its environmental benefits.
Kanoo Energy is well-positioned to play a leading role as the world transitions to clean energy.
The Kanoo Group has the experience, expertise, and financial resources to develop and implement renewable energy projects. Our division, Kanoo Energy, is committed to contributing to the wellness of the environment and helping build a more sustainable future.
We are involved in other renewable energy initiatives, like our partnership in the development of a solar power plant in Morocco, and we are investing in a biomass energy project in the United Kingdom.
We have invested in several research and development projects to improve the efficiency and affordability of renewable energy technologies.
Our division, Kanoo Energy, is evident in its commitment to lead the region's global transition to clean energy, partnering with companies focusing on the road to net zero. After decades of slowly moving up the agenda of the world's issues, sustainability is now a key priority for all organizations, governments, and groups. The Kanoo Group has been ahead in planning a long-term robust carbon management plan with sustainable practices in all our ten divisions.
As we roll out our initiatives to reduce our carbon footprint, including sourcing certified clean energy solutions through partnerships and investments, like the rest of the world, we will integrate sustainability into our industry's focus and practices.
By 2030, the world will be home to half a billion more people, demanding more energy every year. At the same time, the global challenge of climate change calls for urgent, game-changing solutions and partnerships to eliminate emissions.
Every government, industry, business, and individual have a role in decarbonizing and creating the future of energy faster while safeguarding energy security and ensuring nobody is left behind as we create lower-carbon pathways to a sustainable, higher-growth future.
The Kanoo Group’s division, Kanoo Energy, has renewed and strengthened our commitment to accelerate all our collective efforts to reduce carbon emissions and curb climate change.
Mishal Kanoo, Chairman, The Kanoo Group
