The system was developed in collaboration with 386 Sky Solar Energy Systems LLC, bringing together Globalpharma’s focus on operational optimisation with specialised expertise in industrial-scale renewable energy deployment.

Fully operational, the solar installation has been implemented under Dubai’s Shams Dubai programme, enabling both on-site energy consumption and the export of surplus power to the grid through a bi-directional metering system. The project represents a significant step in integrating clean energy within Globalpharma’s manufacturing operations while enhancing overall operational performance.

Commenting on the initiative, Dr. Basem Albarahmeh, Chief Executive Officer of Globalpharma, said: “This initiative builds on a broader set of measures we have been implementing to strengthen efficiency and sustainability across our manufacturing operations. The integration of solar energy is a natural extension of our efforts to optimise resource utilisation, enhance energy efficiency and progressively reduce the environmental footprint of pharmaceutical production. As we continue to scale our capabilities, our focus remains on embedding sustainable practices within core operations, supporting a more resilient and future-ready manufacturing platform that aligns with evolving industry and regulatory expectations.”

Commenting on the partnership, Ahmad Al Khayyat, Chairman of Three Eight Six, said: “Partnership is a statement of intent. Global Pharma has chosen to embed clean energy” into their manufacturing operations, and that is exactly the kind of leadership that moves an entire industry forward. UAE’s Net Zero ambition will be built on decisions like this one.”

The initiative also aligns with broader national priorities, including the UAE’s clean energy transition and Net Zero 2050 strategy, supporting the progressive decarbonisation of industrial operations within the healthcare manufacturing sector.

Paris/Abu Dhabi, 2 April 2026 – TotalEnergies, a global integrated multi‑energy company, and Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar, a global clean energy leader, have signed a binding agreement to establish a $2.2bn 50/50 joint venture (JV) that will merge their onshore renewable activities in nine countries across Asia.

As electricity demand accelerates across Asia, this partnership brings together capital and expertise to deliver renewable energy at the scale and speed required. Once the transaction is closed, the JV will act as both companies’ sole vehicle for developing, building, owning and operating onshore solar, wind and battery storage projects in Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea and Uzbekistan.

The JV will have a portfolio capacity of 3 GW of operational assets and 6 GW of assets in advanced development that are expected to be operational by 2030. Each partner will contribute assets of comparable value.

“The UAE has established itself as a global energy leader by delivering at scale, investing with conviction, and building partnerships that endure. Masdar epitomizes that approach. We are proud to have pioneered renewable energy deployment in Central Asia and the Caucuses, and we have an expanding portfolio in some of the most attractive growth markets in Asia-Pacific. Asia will be the main driver of global electricity demand growth this decade, and this collaboration with TotalEnergies will accelerate our progress across the continent, unlocking new opportunities to deliver the competitive, reliable energy solutions that our partners and customers need,” said His Excellency Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Chairman of Masdar.

 “We are delighted with the signing of this agreement with Masdar, which brings together two major renewable players to build a renewable champion in Asia. It will allow us to combine the strengths of our two companies to secure significant positions in these markets and create more value than if we were acting alone. This agreement is fully in line with the renewable energy strategy of our Integrated Power business. We are also pleased to further deepen, in this area, the long-standing relationship between the United Arab Emirates and TotalEnergies,” said Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies.

“This joint venture reinforces Abu Dhabi’s status as a global center for energy leadership, combining the expertise of Masdar and TotalEnergies to drive renewable energy deployment across Asia. For Masdar, this JV strengthens and diversifies our portfolio, unlocking new opportunities in attractive, high-growth markets, while bringing in a like-minded partner to accelerate growth and deliver additional value in our existing markets.” said Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar.

The JV, which will be headquartered in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), will be staffed by around 200 employees from both TotalEnergies and Masdar. The management team for the JV will be announced at a future date. 

The closing of the agreement is subject to regulatory approvals and conditions.

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.

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates / Brasília, Brazil, October 14, 2025 – The world is falling behind on its renewable energy and efficiency goals despite record progress last year, confirms a new report released today by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the COP30 Brazilian Presidency, and the Global Renewables Alliance (GRA) during a pre-COP30 high-level event in Brasília.

In 2024, global renewable capacity additions reached an unprecedented 582 GW. Yet this is still not enough to stay on track for the COP28 UAE Consensus target of tripling renewables to 11.2 TW by 2030. Meeting that goal now demands a staggering 1 122 GW of added capacity every year from 2025 onward, requiring annual growth to accelerate to 16.6% through the decade, according to the second official tracking report on the landmark energy goals set by the UAE Consensus at COP28.

The progress report, Delivering on the UAE Consensus: Tracking progress toward tripling renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency by 2030 also highlights that energy efficiency is an equally great concern. Global energy intensity improved by just 1% in 2024, far below the 4% annual gains needed to meet the UAE Consensus goal and keep the 1.5°C target alive.

The report calls for urgent action to:

• integrate renewable targets into national climate plans (NDC 3.0) ahead of COP30 in Belém;
• double collective NDC ambition to align with the global renewables goal; and
• scale investment in renewables to at least USD 1.4 trillion per year in 2025–2030 –more than doubling the USD 624 billion invested in 2024.

In light of the report findings, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said: “The clean energy revolution is unstoppable. Renewables are deployed faster and cheaper than fossil fuels – driving growth, jobs, and affordable power. But the window to keep the 1.5°C limit within reach is rapidly closing.  We must step up, scale up and speed up the just energy transition – for everyone, everywhere.”

Francesco La Camera, Director-General of IRENA added: “The world has broken renewable capacity records, but records alone will not keep 1.5°C alive. Renewables are not just the most cost-effective climate solution; they are the biggest economic opportunity of our time. This report shows the path: accelerate deployment, modernise grids, scale clean-tech and strengthen supply chains. Every dollar invested brings growth, jobs and energy security. As the custodian agency tracking progress toward the global renewables goal, we call for greater ambition. By raising targets, mobilising finance and deepening cooperation, major economies can lead the energy transition and make COP30 a milestone.”

Ben Backwell, Chair of the Global Renewables Alliance, said: “The private sector is driving the energy transition, providing three-quarters of global clean energy investment. Our industries, led by wind, solar and hydropower, are already delivering growth, jobs and security. What we need now are long-term government plans that match national ambitions; we need pipelines that deliver projects. Plans must deliver enabling action on grids and storage and help maximise the benefits of the energy transition. This report shows that the march to renewable energy abundance is underway – and it’s time for us to accelerate.”

The world’s major advanced and emerging economies must take the lead, according to the recommendations of the new report. G20 nations are projected to account for over 80% of global renewables by 2030, with the richest developed economies of the G7 expected to shoulder a leadership role by raising their share to around 20% of global capacity within this decade.

Major global economies must also deliver on climate finance, meeting the USD 300 billion annual floor of the new collective quantified goal (NCQG) and scaling up towards the aspirational USD 1.3 trillion confirmed at COP29 in Azerbaijan.

Beyond renewables, the report underlines the urgent need for investment in grids, supply chains, and clean-tech manufacturing for solar, wind, batteries and hydrogen.

While renewable energy investments grew by 7% in 2024, actual disbursements remain far below the levels required to build robust project pipelines and accelerate construction. As to supply chains, fair and transparent trade practices must be ensured for critical renewable energy technologies and international co-operation pursued to safeguard trade corridors for key materials and components.

Furthermore, strategic investment in modernising and expanding electricity grids is the essential foundation for integrating new capacity and strengthening energy security. Between now and 2030, an estimated USD 670 billion must be directed each year towards grids, with further investment required to rapidly scale up energy storage solutions, facilitate renewable integration and safeguard grid stability.

Read Delivering on the UAE Consensus: Tracking progress toward tripling renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency by 2030. 

In many developing nations, economic priorities often take precedence over environmental concerns. Governments focus on alleviating poverty, creating jobs, and stimulating economic growth, which can make environmental protection appear as a luxury rather than a necessity. However, this perception is increasingly being challenged by successful case studies and global evidence showing that sustainability and economic development can go hand in hand.

Obstacles to Environmental Progress
Limited financial resources and underdeveloped infrastructure often hinder the implementation of advanced environmental solutions. Initiatives such as clean energy projects, reforestation, or recycling programs require significant investment and institutional support, which many developing countries struggle to provide. In addition, environmental awareness and education are still limited in several regions, reducing both public and private engagement in sustainability efforts.

Population pressures and rapid urban expansion further complicate environmental priorities. Meeting immediate needs such as housing, food, and water often takes precedence over long-term ecological concerns. Moreover, reliance on energy-intensive industries such as coal or oil for economic growth makes the transition to environmentally friendly alternatives more challenging. Weak environmental regulations, sometimes exacerbated by corruption or short-term political priorities, can also slow progress toward sustainability goals.

Sustainability as a Driver of Growth
Despite these challenges, the notion that environmental protection conflicts with economic development is increasingly being debunked. Studies and real-world examples demonstrate that integrating sustainability can boost both the environment and economic performance.

In Andhra Pradesh, India, the implementation of Zero Budget Natural Farming across 500,000 hectares led to a 123.6% increase in farmers’ incomes while improving biodiversity. This approach enhanced agricultural productivity while simultaneously benefiting the environment. In Kenya, renewable energy investments, supported by fixed-tariff policies, not only increased energy access but also created new jobs, stimulating economic growth.

Innovative financial mechanisms also show that sustainability can coexist with development. In Barbados, the “Debt-for-Climate” swap redirected $165 million toward projects improving water infrastructure and food security, enhancing climate resilience without increasing national debt. In China, green policies focusing on energy efficiency and pollution reduction contributed to long-term economic gains, illustrating the economic viability of a transition to a greener economy.

The Societal and Human Rights Dimension
Furthermore, environmental sustainability aligns with broader human rights and social development. Studies reveal that citizens who prioritize environmental protection also tend to value individual rights, democracy, and equality, indicating that sustainability can strengthen both societal and economic frameworks.

Looking Ahead
The evidence is clear: environmental sustainability is not a barrier to growth—it is a catalyst. By adopting effective environmental policies, investing in renewable energy, and engaging communities, developing nations can achieve economic progress while safeguarding the planet, laying the foundation for long-term prosperity.

Note: This article was produced in collaboration with AI to support research, writing, and data analysis.

Note: This article was produced in collaboration with AI to support research, writing, and data analysis.

The Case for Solar

Solar energy offers a host of advantages: it’s renewable, sustainable, and widely available. Modern solar panels can convert sunlight into electricity efficiently, and costs have dropped dramatically over the past decade. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the global cost of solar photovoltaic (PV) electricity fell by nearly 85% between 2010 and 2023, making it competitive with or even cheaper than traditional fossil fuels in many areas.

In addition to environmental benefits, solar systems can strengthen energy independence. Households, businesses, and communities that generate their own electricity reduce pressure on national grids and avoid exposure to volatile fuel prices. Solar solutions can also empower remote areas without access to centralized power networks, improving living standards and economic opportunities.

Barriers to Widespread Implementation

Despite these advantages, solar energy adoption faces multiple hurdles:

1. High Initial Investment: While prices have fallen, installing solar panels and inverters still requires significant upfront capital, which can deter households and smaller businesses.

2. Infrastructure and Grid Limitations: Some national grids are not optimized for decentralized solar generation. Feeding large amounts of solar power into older grids can create stability and storage challenges.

3. Policy and Regulatory Gaps: In many countries, incentives, subsidies, or supportive regulations are limited or inconsistent. Without clear policy frameworks, investment in solar can be risky.

4. Energy Storage: Solar generation depends on sunlight, which is intermittent. Battery systems for storing excess electricity are still expensive, limiting the ability to provide consistent power during nights or cloudy days.

5. Awareness and Expertise: Some regions lack awareness of solar benefits, and technical expertise for installation and maintenance can be scarce.

Pathways to Accelerate Adoption

Experts suggest several strategies to overcome these barriers:

• Government Incentives: Subsidies, tax breaks, and feed-in tariffs can reduce upfront costs and make solar financially attractive.
• Technological Innovation: Cheaper, more efficient panels and affordable energy storage solutions will improve reliability and lower total costs.
• Community Solar Projects: Shared solar farms allow multiple users to benefit from collective investment, spreading costs and making adoption easier.
• Education and Awareness Campaigns: Promoting the economic and environmental benefits of solar can encourage both businesses and households to adopt the technology.
• Integration with Smart Grids: Modernizing grids to manage distributed energy sources can optimize solar energy use and reduce waste.

Global Solar Adoption: By the Numbers

Solar energy adoption has grown rapidly worldwide, yet it still represents a fraction of total energy production:

• Installed Capacity: As of 2024, global solar PV capacity reached 1,200 GW, up from just 40 GW in 2010. China leads the world with over 400 GW, followed by the US (~150 GW) and the EU (~180 GW).
• Growth Rate: Annual global solar capacity has been growing at roughly 15–20% per year, driven by falling panel costs and supportive policies.
• CO₂ Savings: Current solar generation prevents an estimated 1.5 billion tons of CO₂ emissions annually, roughly equivalent to taking over 300 million cars off the road.
• Future Potential: The IEA projects that solar could provide over 25% of global electricity by 2050 if deployment accelerates, significantly cutting fossil fuel dependence.

A Bright Future

Solar energy is not just a technical solution; it represents a shift toward sustainable living and climate-conscious energy policies. Experts argue that if barriers are addressed, solar could supply a significant portion of global electricity by 2050, reducing emissions and protecting the planet.

Dr. Lina El-Sayed, an energy policy analyst, notes: “Solar power is one of the most promising solutions we have. The technology exists, the costs are competitive, and the environmental benefits are clear. The challenge is not technical—it’s political, financial, and societal. Overcoming those barriers will define the next decade of energy transition.”

What Is a Solar System?

A solar system, also known as a photovoltaic (PV) system, is a complete setup designed to capture sunlight and convert it into usable electricity. The main components of a solar system include:

1. Solar Panels (PV Modules): Convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity.
   • Typical capacity: Residential panels usually range from 250W to 450W per panel, while commercial/industrial panels can reach 500W or more per panel.
   • System size: Small home systems may produce 3–5 kW, while larger installations can exceed 10–20 kW.
2. Inverter: Converts DC electricity from panels into alternating current (AC) electricity used in homes and businesses.
   • Capacity: Must match or slightly exceed the solar panel output. Typical residential inverters range from 3 kW to 10 kW, while commercial inverters can reach 50 kW or more.
3. Mounting Structures: Secure panels on rooftops or open land, oriented for maximum sun exposure.
4. Battery Storage (Optional): Stores excess energy for use at night or during cloudy periods.
   • Capacity: Residential batteries range from 5 kWh to 20 kWh, sufficient for powering essential home components for 6–12 hours without sunlight.
   • Purpose: Ensures that critical systems (refrigerators, lighting, internet, and medical equipment) remain operational during outages.
5. Charge Controller: Regulates power flow to prevent overcharging of batteries (for off-grid systems).
6. Wiring and Electrical Components: Connect all parts safely to deliver electricity to your appliances or the grid.

Typical Home Energy Requirements

For an average household:

• Essential components: Refrigerator (150–250W), lights (100–500W depending on LED usage), fans or air conditioning (500–1500W), water pumps (300–1000W), and electronics (100–500W).
• Daily energy consumption: Usually ranges from 10–30 kWh/day. A 5 kW solar system can cover about 20–25 kWh per day, depending on sunlight availability, which is sufficient for most essential needs.

In summary, a properly sized solar system can power a home reliably while reducing reliance on the grid, contributing to energy independence and environmental sustainability.

Sources

• International Energy Agency (IEA) – Renewables 2023 Report
• International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) – World Energy Transitions Outlook 2022
• BloombergNEF – Global Solar Market Outlook 2024
• World Bank – Energy Access and Solar Deployment Data

Note: This article was developed with the support of AI-assisted research and writing tools.