Sharjah, UAE — April 9, 2026 — The Sharjah Waste to Energy Facility has processed 1,000,000 tons of waste since inauguration, marking a major operational milestone in Sharjah’s zero–waste to landfill journey while contributing to the UAE’s progressive energy strategy towards net-zero emissions. As the plant advances into its highly anticipated Phase 2 expansion, it continues to generate 30 MW of low-carbon electricity for the Sharjah public grid while offsetting 450,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually through landfill diversion. Established in 2022 as a flagship project of the Emirates Waste to Energy Company, a joint venture between BEEAH and Tadweer Group, the Sharjah Waste to Energy plant is the region’s first commercial-scale facility of its kind. As part of Sharjah’s broader circular ecosystem, it has played a transformative role in achieving the emirate’s 93% landfill diversion rate, complementing the integrated recycling operations at BEEAH’s state-of-the-art facilities within the Waste Management Complex in Al Saja’a.

From processing 100,000 tons of waste in its inaugural year to achieving its latest milestone, the Sharjah Waste to Energy plant has diverted enough waste from landfill equivalent to the combined weight of two Burj Khalifas. Upon Phase 2 completion, the Sharjah Waste to Energy project will double its positive impact through a second, duplicate plant adjoining the existing facility. The expanded plant will deliver significant increases:

• Power output: from 30 MW to 60 MW

• Annual waste processing: from 300,000 tons to 600,000 tons
• CO₂ displacement: from 450,000 tons to nearly 1 million tons
• Homes powered: from 28,000 to approximately 60,000 households

This enhanced capacity will be supported by continued collaboration with the Sharjah Electricity, Water, and Gas Authority (SEWA) to enable efficient integration into the public grid and further contribute to the UAE’s rapidly expanding clean energy portfolio.

Waste-to-energy is one of the major alternative pathways in the UAE’s energy diversification strategy, which has proactively laid the foundation since 2017 for tripling the share of national renewable energy. Clean energy produced from waste sustainably meets growing power demand while advancing the country’s ambitions for reaching net zero by 2050. The Sharjah Waste to Energy plant is a key contributor to this strategy, alongside landmark renewable and nuclear energy projects such as the Dubai Waste-to-Energy Plant, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, and the Barakah Nuclear Energy plant.

Commenting on the milestone, Hamza Al Jefri, CEO of the Emirates Waste to Energy Company, said: “Reaching the 1,000,000-ton milestone demonstrates the feasibility of our waste-to-energy model in addressing landfill dependency and clean energy needs. With Phase 2, we are focused on scaling our impact even further, expanding clean output while continuing to provide an effective solution for hard-to-recycle waste. The Emirates Waste to Energy Company remains committed to supporting national and local sustainability goals through energy innovation and operational excellence.”

By transforming residual waste into clean energy, the facility directly tackles the UAE’s high per capita municipal solid waste generation, a rising cost the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) is working to eliminate through initiatives that promote waste as an economic resource.

Fahad Shehail, CEO of Environment at BEEAH, added: “Through the Sharjah Waste to Energy plant, BEEAH continues to deliver innovative solutions that are enabling near-total landfill diversion in Sharjah. The latest achievement is a testament to the vision of our leadership and the strength of our partnerships. Phase 2 will significantly expand our positive impact, supporting the UAE’s transition to a cleaner, more circular economy and creating long-term environmental value for the region’s future-ready cities.”

The Sharjah Waste to Energy plant is located adjacent to BEEAH’s Waste Management Complex, which houses 12 integrated waste processing facilities, including one of the world’s largest Material Recovery Facilities. Collectively, the facilities process different types of municipal and commercial waste to recover recyclables for reintroduction into the circular economy and produce alternative materials and fuels. The residual, hard-to-recycle waste is sent to the Sharjah Waste to Energy plant, where it is thermally treated. The resultant heat is applied to a boiler, producing high-pressure steam to run a turbine generator. The plant produces low-carbon electricity, while treating flue gas and bottom ash, in line with best available European Union techniques. The residual heat is recovered, and the steam is condensed to be recycled, forming a closed-loop, efficient waste-to-energy process.

In 2025, Tadweer Group acquired Masdar’s stake in the Sharjah Waste to Energy Facility, becoming a joint venture partner to BEEAH. Building on the successes of the Sharjah plant and its subsequent expansion, the Emirates Waste to Energy Company aims to develop more clean energy projects across the UAE and the wider region to advance a sustainable, low-carbon future.

Dubai, UAE, 7 April 2026 – LIPTON Teas and Infusions, the world’s leading tea company with operations in over 100 countries, has officially commissioned a solar power plant in collaboration with Yellow Door Energy, a premier sustainable energy partner in the Middle East and South Africa.

The newly operational 580 kilowatt-peak (kWp) solar plant, installed in Lipton Jebel Ali factory car park roof, is projected to generate 958,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean electricity in its first year, covering 13% of the facility’s energy consumption, and enough to produce more than 1 billion teabags a year. To maintain optimal performance, the facility features four cleaning robots that efficiently remove dust while minimizing water usage.

Comprising nearly 1,000 solar panels, this solar plant not only provides renewable energy generation but also offers shade for 88 parking spaces. The project is set to reduce carbon emissions by 388,000 kilograms annually, directly supporting LIPTON Teas and Infusions global sustainability objectives and aligning with the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Clean Energy Strategy.

“This solar installation in Lipton Jebel Ali factory enhances our share of renewable electricity at our Dubai operations, “Our commitment to achieving Net Zero across our value chain by 2040 is further strengthened by this project, raising the proportion of clean energy used in our manufacturing facilities. Additionally, our Khanewal factory in Pakistan is already utilizing solar power, and our Kaplan factory in Turkey is pursuing similar initiatives, reinforcing our global commitment to decarbonization.” Bruno Laine, Chief Supply Chain Officer at LIPTON Teas and Infusions, stated.

“Our commitment to environmental responsibility has always been a fundamental part of how we operate at the Lipton Jebel Ali factory. As the first factory in the United Arab Emirates to achieve zero waste to landfill, we are advancing further by taking decisive action to reduce our environmental impact at its source. The solar panels installation initiative aligns with the environmental pillar outlined in the Lipton Management System and supports the UAE’s Net Zero objectives. Our partnership with Yellow Door Energy demonstrates our clear intent to turn our sustainability commitments into meaningful, measurable results” Philip Ayoub, Lipton Jebel Ali Factory Director, and Global Digital Lead, LIPTON Teas and Infusions, commented.

Jeremy Crane, Group CEO of Yellow Door Energy, remarked, “We are proud to partner with LIPTON Teas and Infusions to bring this solar plant to life in Lipton Jebel Ali factory. This project exemplifies how manufacturers can effectively reduce emissions and energy costs through solar leasing. With over 1.1 terawatt-hours of clean electricity generated across seven countries, Yellow Door Energy continues to gain the trust of global manufacturers as they work towards decarbonizing their operations.”

As the solar developer, Yellow Door Energy is responsible for financing, designing, constructing, commissioning, operating, and maintaining the solar plant throughout the lease term. Solar leasing allows businesses to cut energy costs without upfront investment or operational risks, enabling them to focus on their core operations while enjoying the benefits of clean energy.

This solar plant marks a step towards LIPTON Teas and Infusions’ goal of achieving net-zero emissions across its value chain by 2040, with clear near-term targets aligned with a 1.5°C trajectory. Lipton Jebel Ali solar project exemplifies a tangible commitment to sustainability and setting a benchmark for the industry.

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 1 April 2026 – 2025 saw total renewable power capacity reach 5 149 gigawatts (GW) after the addition of 692 GW, or a 15.5% of annual increase, according to new report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). The Renewable Capacity Statistics 2026 also finds renewable energy dominates the total capacity expansion at 85.6% share, while non-renewables continue to account for a smaller share of additions.

Geopolitical tensions are once again thrusting energy into the global spotlight. Escalation in the Middle East raises fresh concerns over supply security and fossil fuel price volatility. Against this backdrop, renewable energy is gaining attention to build more resilient systems that are less vulnerable to international shocks. As renewables are homegrown, low-cost and can be deployed immediately, increasing their share in national energy systems can reduce exposure to international fuel markets.

Commenting on the findings, IRENA Director-General, Francesco La Camera said, “In the midst of uncertain time, renewable energy remains consistent and steadfast in its expansion. This not only indicates market preference but also makes a strong case for renewable energy resilience with brutal clarity. A more decentralised energy system, with a growing share of renewables and more market players, is structurally more resilient. Countries that invested in the energy transition are weathering this crisis with less economic damage, as they boost energy security, resilience and competitiveness.”

In line with the previous year, solar energy led the increase, accounting for 511 GW or approximately 75% share in the total renewables capacity addition. Wind energy followed suit, adding 159 GW. Together, solar and wind accounted for 96.8% of all net renewable additions last year, reflecting the biggest cost decrease among all renewable technologies. Bioenergy took the third place with 2.3% annual growth, adding 3.4 GW to total renewable energy expansion.

The report also confirms, however, the persistent and significant disparities amongst countries and regions. Asia continued to lead with a 74.2% contribution to all new renewable capacity; the 513.3 GW additions represent a growth rate of 21.6%. Africa recorded its highest capacity increase, rising by 15.9% or adding 11.3 GW, driven by Ethiopia, South Africa, and Egypt. Another region that experienced its largest annual growth is the Middle East, which increased by 28.9%, led by Saudi Arabia.

In terms of total global capacity, Asia unsurprisingly keeps its top position with 2 891 GW of total renewables capacity, followed by Europe which recorded 934 GW in total. Central America and the Caribbean had the lowest renewables capacity with a total of 21 GW in 2025. This disparity exposes the vulnerability of economies with low share of renewables, and underscores the urgent need to increase the share for their energy security.

Technology highlights:

• Solar energy: solar photovoltaics accounted for 510.3 GW out of 511.2 GW of total solar power additions in 2025.
• Renewable hydropower (excluding pumped hydro): 18.4 GW was added in 2025, with 96% of the increase coming from China. Ethiopia, India, Tanzania, Bhutan, Viet Nam, Canada, Austria, Indonesia and Nepal, respectively added more than 0.5 GW.
• Wind energy: capacity grew by 14% from 2024, with record additions of 158.7 GW in 2025. China accounted for nearly three-quarters of the expansion, adding 119.4 GW, while India saw an increase of 6.3 GW.
• Bioenergy: capacity increased by 3.4 GW, led by Japan, which more than doubled its bioenergy capacity expansion from 2024, adding 1.1 GW in 2025. China followed with capacity additions of 0.8 GW and Brazil with 0.6 GW additions.
• Geothermal energy: capacity grew at a similar rate to the previous year at 1.7%, adding 0.3 GW in 2025. The Philippines and Indonesia each contributed 0.1 GW of the additions, followed by Germany, Türkiye and Japan.
• Off-grid electricity (excluding Eurasia, Europe and North America): expanded by 1.7 GW, led by solar power with 1.5 GW. A broad range of bioenergy types added 0.2 GW to the total addition of off-grid capacity.

Read the full Renewable Capacity Statistics 2026 including the highlights, here.

UAE – March 30, 2026: – Investment in renewable energy projects in the Middle East has jumped by 28%, year-on-year, according to a new report from Ansarada, a leading M&A and infrastructure procurement platform.

The 2026 Renewable Energy Infrastructure Outlook Report, produced in partnership with Infralogic, notes that globally, investment in the renewable energy sector has surged to a total of US$496B, with increasing AI compute demand cited as a key driver of this activity.

Investment in renewable energy projects in the Middle East totalled US$12.9 billion in 2025, up from US$10.1 billion in 2024.

Surveying 150 senior executives across APAC, EMEA, and the Americas, the report highlights how the Middle East is establishing itself as a strategic market, with 25% of respondents citing the region as a top growth market for renewable energy investment.

As Western markets grapple with grid congestion and permitting delays, the region’s sovereign-backed model enables “rapid supply chain mobilisation and bankable pipelines,” sidestepping the permitting friction and multi-year grid queue bottlenecks plaguing Europe and North America.

The Middle East’s integrated delivery approach exemplifies a different path to market, building renewables and transmission infrastructure in parallel rather than sequentially. This model leverages sovereign capital and streamlined regulatory frameworks to accelerate deployment at scale.

“The Middle East demonstrates what’s possible when projects are designed and delivered holistically,” said Justin Smith, Managing Director at Ansarada. “Building renewables and transmission together represents a fundamentally different approach than the fragmented delivery model common in Western markets.”

The urgency is amplified by AI-driven energy requirements. With over US$500 billion in AI infrastructure capital expenditure projected for 2026 and US data centre energy consumption forecast to hit 409 TWh by 2030, the report identifies this as the primary catalyst for new renewable development, cited by 37% of respondents globally and 36% in EMEA.

The UAE’s emergence as a regional AI hub is driving increased focus on energy infrastructure capable of supporting compute-intensive operations. As the country positions itself at the forefront of AI adoption across the Middle East, the need for integrated renewable energy and storage solutions becomes increasingly critical. “AI compute demand is the single biggest driver of new renewables development,” Smith said. “But the shift from distributed solar to integrated, dispatchable systems, the ‘solar-plus-storage’ configurations needed to manage grid stability, dramatically increases procurement complexity.”

The report reveals battery storage transitioning to essential infrastructure: 34% of EMEA respondents expect strong growth in large-scale storage. In EMEA broadly, macroeconomic uncertainties (44%) and high interest rates (44%) lead to regional concerns.

Despite widespread technology adoption, the report exposes critical weaknesses. While 91% use purpose-built procurement software, organisations deploy an average of 3-4 disconnected systems, and 55% still rely on email for sensitive bidder correspondence.

“Organisations think they’ve digitised, but they’ve actually created a ‘Frankenstack’ of disconnected tools,” Smith said. “The technology fragmentation gap was one of the most surprising findings.”

Only 37% of respondents globally described their most recent procurement process as “very efficient,” dropping to 8% in EMEA and 29% among government agencies. While 95% believe their processes are transparent internally, 43% admit processes lack clarity for external parties, creating litigation risk.

In EMEA, 80% of respondents deeply embed ESG in procurement, with 90% describing transparency and auditability as at least “very important.” Without auditable ESG data, projects may not be eligible for tender or financing in many jurisdictions.”The Middle East demonstrates what’s possible when projects are designed holistically. That integrated approach, combined with proper digital infrastructure for procurement, separates projects that deliver from those that stall,” Smith concluded.

The discussions centred on exploring new avenues for collaboration in clean energy generation, distribution and sustainability, with Al Tayer highlighting the importance of leveraging cutting-edge technologies and international partnerships to address evolving challenges in the global energy landscape.

Al Tayer also noted that the meeting underscores DEWA’s unwavering commitment to pioneering sustainable solutions and building strategic international alliances. He added that collaborations with industry leaders like Shanghai Electric help DEWA to accelerate the transition towards a sustainable future and advance the goals of the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050.

The partnership between DEWA and Shanghai Electric builds upon a history of successful collaboration. A consortium led by Shanghai Electric – as the main contractor – built the fourth phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. This is the world’s largest single-site concentrated solar power (CSP) project using the independent power producer model. With an investment of AED15.78 billion, the 950MW fourth phase combines CSP and photovoltaic solar technologies.

HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, inaugurated the summit, which brought together world leaders, ministers, senior officials, and experts from around the globe.

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, MD and CEO of DEWA, and Chairman of WGEO, stressed that WGES has become a pioneering international platform supporting the green economy and strengthening the UAE’s global role in climate action and sustainable development. He noted that the summit provides a space for dialogue on policies and strategies, the exchange of expertise, and the development of innovative solutions that balance economic growth with environmental protection, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030.

Al Tayer highlighted that this year’s edition was also an opportunity to showcase the UAE’s successful model in achieving harmony between economic progress and sustainability, while sharing key experiences in renewable energy and green technology that reinforce the nation’s leadership in advancing the global green economy.

Practical steps to accelerate the green transition

HE Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, said: “The World Green Economy Summit 2025 reflects the UAE’s commitment to translating the outcomes of COP28 into practical steps that support the transition toward a sustainable green economy. It is also a leading global platform for dialogue and partnership-building, where the UAE continues to drive investment in clean energy, reduce emissions, and pioneer innovative solutions that safeguard both economic growth and the environment.”

He underlined that the UAE has established itself as a global model in climate action with landmark strategies such as the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, the National Hydrogen Strategy 2050, and the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, complemented by strategic clean energy investments.

A global platform for innovation

HE Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, said: “The World Green Economy Summit embodies the UAE’s forward-looking vision to scale the latest advances in technology across industries along a unified pathway of sustainable growth. Guided by wise leadership, WGES highlights our determination to harness renewable and low-carbon energy, artificial intelligence, and sustainable manufacturing as enablers of smart industrial development.”

He added that WGES strengthens the UAE’s position as a catalyst for international cooperation and innovation, accelerating progress toward a low-carbon economy and laying the foundations for sustainable and competitive industries.

Driving global collaboration

HE Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, emphasised that the UAE remains committed to fostering climate resilience and accelerating the energy transition. He noted that WGES provides a crucial meeting point for leaders and innovators to collaborate, share insights, and forge pathways that bolster growth while safeguarding the planet for future generations.

A firm commitment to sustainability

HE Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said: “The World Green Economy Summit affirms the UAE’s commitment to a sustainable future, where the green economy represents both an environmental necessity and a significant economic opportunity. Through strategic investment in sustainable projects, we can create new industries, generate employment, and demonstrate how sustainability and economic growth advance in tandem.”

She added that frameworks such as the Net Zero 2050 Initiative and the Circular Economy Policy illustrate the UAE’s commitment to long-term sustainable development, underscoring the importance of public-private cooperation in accelerating the transition to a green economy.

Global engagement

WGES 2025 featured a range of high-level sessions, including a ministerial dialogue on ‘Delivering Climate Ambition by 2030 and Beyond – United Action for Green Transition’ with participation from ministers, ambassadors, and delegates from the 91 member countries of the Global Alliance on Green Economy (GAGE).

The summit also hosted a key session titled ‘Advancing the Tangier Declaration: A Road Map for Carbon Neutral Cities in Africa’, which addressed integrating decarbonisation into urban development plans, mobilising climate finance, and developing bankable projects in key sectors. In addition, dozens of expert-led sessions and seminars explored diverse aspects of sustainability, innovation, and green transition.

The winners will be honoured at the 11^th edition of the World Green Economy Summit (WGES), held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. WGES, set for 1-2 October at the Dubai World Trade Centre, will convene a large number of officials, experts and decision-makers in the clean and renewable energy sector from around the world. The summit has been organised by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, Dubai Water and Electricity Authority and the World Green Economy Organization.

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and Chairman of the Emirates Energy Award, said: “The Emirates Energy Award embodies the vision of our wise leadership and their commitment to driving the transition towards a green economy and accelerating the adoption of clean and renewable energy sources. The growing participation in the award reaffirms Dubai’s position as a global hub for recognising and attracting innovative and sustainable projects. Moreover, the geographical diversity of participants highlights the award’s pivotal role in convening experts and specialists under one platform, thereby contributing to the advancement of energy and sustainability solutions regionally and globally.”

HE Ahmed Buti Al Muhairbi, Secretary General of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Emirates Energy Award, said: “The Emirates Energy Award creates new opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange. Previous cycles have demonstrated that it not only recognises outstanding initiatives but also contributes to shaping future directions by encouraging innovative ideas that provide practical solutions to energy and climate challenges.”

Empowering the green transition

The award aims to provide a creative environment that fosters innovation, promotes the adoption of clean technologies and supports the development of effective partnerships between individuals, institutions and specialised organisations. It also opens new horizons for collaboration across multiple fields, including green buildings, sustainable transport, solar energy technologies, digital solutions for consumption management and community initiatives that enhance environmental awareness.

The objectives of the award are aligned with the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategy, the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050, which aim to provide 100% of the emirate’s energy production capacity from clean sources by 2050. They also reflect global efforts to accelerate the transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.

A global platform for energy innovation

The fifth cycle of the award attracted submissions from 24 countries. The UAE led with 63 projects, followed by Turkey with 37, Egypt with 31, Jordan with 27, Saudi Arabia with 19 and Morocco with 17. The 2025 cycle also witnessed strong participation from Kuwait, Palestine, Algeria, Qatar, Oman, and Yemen, alongside European entries from France, the UK, Germany, Finland, Sweden and Estonia. In addition, remarkable projects were submitted from South Korea, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and the US.

A track record of achievements

In its previous cycles, the award has showcased innovative projects in areas such as solar energy applications, energy storage technologies, smart building systems and digital solutions for monitoring and managing consumption. It has also highlighted youth and community-driven initiatives that underscore the importance of awareness and education in fostering sustainability.

Towards a more sustainable future

The distinction and success of the award reflect Dubai’s pioneering role as a model in sustainability and clean energy. With each new cycle, it strengthens its position as an interactive platform for shaping the future of sustainable energy. By honouring pioneering projects and encouraging innovative solutions, the award contributes to accelerating the green transition across all levels and sectors. Amid today’s global climate challenges, the award continues to play a pivotal role in supporting the international clean energy agenda and reinforcing the UAE and Dubai’s leadership and commitment to sustainability efforts, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.