Can Institutional Capital Drive Sustainable Blockchain Adoption?

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In recent years, the sustainability debate in blockchain has taken a new turn. What was once a side discussion among environmental critics has now become a mainstream issue discussed by governments, investors, and other large crypto exchanges. The question at this stage of industry development is not whether blockchain must be made more environmentally friendly, but who will take the lead in this process. There is growing interest in institutional capital as a potential catalyst for more responsible, greener blockchain ecosystems.

sustainable blockchain

The involvement of institutions in digital assets has been increasing, bringing additional pressures, including governance requirements and long-term investment policies. This capital influx is affecting how projects are designing their networks, utilising energy, and participating in sustainability models.

As investors consider all these issues, including regulatory risks and global crypto prices, they are also questioning whether blockchain infrastructure can meet international environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards. In this landscape, the latest cryptocurrency prices are available on Binance, whether you are monitoring the cryptocurrency price in India against the INR or elsewhere in the world. Their platform provides traders with real-time data that accounts for institutional capital.

ESG-Driven Capital Function

Investment in ESG has grown rapidly, and blockchain firms hoping to gain institutional support must become increasingly environmentally responsible. The institutions, unlike retail investors, are more likely to have strict mandates regarding carbon impact, energy sources, and long-term risk exposure.

This puts pressure on blockchain projects to adopt greener consensus mechanisms, such as Proof-of-Stake, or to offset emissions through verified carbon markets. Turning to institutional and retail flows at once, Binance has been contributing to the sustainability discussion by funding more eco-friendly blockchain infrastructure and inspiring developers to explore more energy-efficient solutions.

Governance expectations are transferred when institutions invest heavily, shaping the process of building and scaling networks. The acceptance of the sustained use of blockchains requires more than a change in mining power; it requires transparent reporting, lifecycle assessment, and compliance with environmental commitments. These are the issues that institutional investors demand to know about, and blockchain teams will have to measure their carbon footprint and seek third-party verification.

Exchanges contribute to it by listing, promoting, or highlighting projects that fulfil sustainability requirements, thereby directing attention and liquidity toward environmentally responsible ecosystems.

Institutional Alignment and Regulatory Pressure

Another significant factor influencing the adoption of sustainable blockchain is regulation. With tightening global policies on climate change, blockchain companies are under greater pressure to report their energy consumption and environmental impacts. Compliance-ready organisations are more likely to attract institutional capital, making greener blockchains more appealing.

For example, Binance is actively involved in discussions with regulators and policymakers, often presenting itself as a connector between the crypto world and the actual financial world. By promoting greater transparency and aligning with new regulatory frameworks, it favours greater adherence to sustainability principles.

Regulation promotes cooperation as well. Institutional investment projects should not merely exhibit technological efficiency but also strive towards the global sustainability goals. This goes beyond the source of energy to the responsible disposal of hardware, a matter institutions are becoming increasingly conscious of. Using incentives, listings, and partnerships, Binance can, in an indirect manner, drive more visible, trusted projects to lead institutional interest toward more eco-friendly blockchain solutions.

What Institutional Capital Tells Us About Innovation

In addition to financing greener networks, institutional investors are also stimulating the development of climate-related blockchain applications. Institutional support for tokenised markets in carbon and renewable energy certificates, which are tracked on-chain, and so on, widens the range of uses for blockchain in the environment. Binance’s active involvement in these areas is also a step toward legitimising new solutions and, thus, making it easier for developers to find partners and develop sustainable products.

Big financial players are accompanied by a promise of stability over time. Institutions make investments with multi-year payoffs, and they want to see blockchain ecosystems that can develop without sparking a primary environmental debate. Such a preference leads to the demand for research on cleaner mining options, more efficient equipment and more consensus mechanisms. Binance has frequently financed such projects, offering infrastructure, liquidity, and education to projects focused on low-carbon activities.

A Stepping Stone Towards Greener Adoption

Institutional capital can be used to hasten the adoption of sustainable blockchain by promoting transparency, reducing energy usage, and ESG consistency. Big exchanges can fortify such initiatives by serving as a broker between institutional investors and blockchain developers, by emphasising environmentally friendly practices and by promoting responsible innovation. Although there are some hurdles, the two elements of institutional accountability and industry leadership provide a viable solution for a greener future for blockchain.

Ultimately, institutional investors will continue to influence the development of blockchain as sustainability emerges as one of the cornerstones of financial technology. As the adoption of eco-friendly approaches continues with the help of platforms like Binance, it ceases to be an option and becomes a trend in the industry.

Upcycling Tennis Balls – Confronting the Environmental Cost of a Sport I Love

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I spend a lot of time on a tennis court. As a competitive player, training and competing are part of my daily routine, and tennis is something I absolutely love. Tennis balls were always just part of the background. We opened a can, played for a few hours, they would lose their bounce and then we replaced them. That cycle felt normal. I never questioned it or stopped to think what happened after I was done using them.

Until I did.

repurposed tennis balls

The Environmental Cost of Tennis

After a typical practice session, I looked over to the side of the court and saw a pile of dead, used balls left behind—what I would have considered “unusable.” They were all destined to be thrown away without a second thought. I realized that every one of those balls had been used by players like me. I wasn’t just observing an environmental problem — I was contributing to it. That moment changed the way I viewed waste in my sport.

Tennis balls are made of rubber and felt – materials that take hundreds of years to decompose. Because they’re pressurized, they’re also difficult to recycle, which means the vast majority end up in landfills. As someone who goes through hundreds of balls each year, I couldn’t ignore the fact that my sport, as much as I loved it, had an environmental cost.

That realization led to a simple but uncomfortable question: What could I do about it?

The Birth of BounceBack

I wasn’t going to solve the global problem of sports waste, but I wanted to try and do my bit. I wanted to start closer to home. I began by collecting the tennis balls I personally used and challenged myself to repurpose them instead of throwing them away once they were “done”. That was the beginning of BounceBack—a small sustainability project rooted in accountability.

At first, BounceBack was experimental. I didn’t know exactly what I was building or where it would lead. I started testing ways to turn used tennis balls into functional furniture, experimenting with stools, benches, and chairs. The goal went beyond simple repurposing. I wanted to turn an invisible problem into a visible, tangible solution — something people could see, question, and interact with.

The process was harder than I expected. Designing pieces that were stable, durable, and visually striking needed a lot of trial and error. Progress was slow, and much of the work happened quietly, without feedback or recognition. That slowness taught me an important lesson: meaningful sustainability work rarely looks impressive at the beginning. It often starts with small steps and a willingness to keep going.

furniture made from waste tennis balls

As I documented the project online, something unexpected happened. Teammates began asking questions. Younger players were surprised to learn how quickly tennis balls are discarded. Some people even offered me their used balls to repurpose. Without planning it, BounceBack became a conversation starter. It showed me that awareness doesn’t always require large campaigns — sometimes it begins with making a solution tangible.

One of my more recent prototypes, which I call The Impact Bench, explores the balance between environmental impact and aesthetic design. This bench uses 165 recycled tennis balls — the most I’ve used in any single piece. This time, I wasn’t aiming for subtlety. I wanted the volume to be obvious. The bench is intentionally dense and heavy, designed to visually represent how much waste accumulates through sport, and how that waste can be reimagined as design.

Parting Shot

For me, sustainability isn’t just about finding perfect solutions. It’s about questioning systems we’re part of and taking responsibility where we can. BounceBack hasn’t eliminated tennis ball waste, and it wasn’t meant to. Instead, it has changed how I approach consumption, design, and problem-solving—not just in tennis, but in everyday life.

Being a young athlete has given me access to spaces where waste is normalized and rarely questioned. BounceBack is my way of pushing back against that norm, starting with myself. It is proof that sustainability doesn’t always begin with large-scale initiatives. Sometimes, it begins with noticing a problem you contribute to — and choosing not to ignore it.

For latest updates, follow BounceBack on Instagram

Water and Gender: A Strategic Lever for Sustainable Water Security

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World Water Day, celebrated every year on 22 March under the auspices of the United Nations, provides a unique opportunity to draw international attention to the vital importance of freshwater and to the persistent challenges related to its access, management, and sustainability. Since its inception, this observance has highlighted an annual theme addressing emerging priorities and structural challenges in the global water sector. In 2026, the chosen theme, “Water and Gender,” explicitly recognizes the close link between water management, sanitation, and gender inequalities, underscoring that the global water crisis is also a social, economic, and human crisis [1].

a group of women searching for water in Africa

Although water is an essential resource for all humanity, access to and management of water are neither neutral nor equitable. In many regions of the world, women and girls bear the primary responsibility for collecting, transporting, and managing water for domestic use. This burden, often overlooked in conventional economic statistics, nevertheless entails a substantial human cost. According to data compiled by the United Nations, women and girls collectively spend approximately 250 million hours each day collecting water in countries with inadequate water supply services,more than three times the time devoted by men and boys [2]. This lost time translates into missed opportunities in education, employment, and social participation.

Water issues are also closely linked to women’s health and dignity. The lack of adequate, safe, and accessible sanitation services exposes women and girls to increased risks of waterborne diseases, infections, and health complications, while also heightening their vulnerability to violence and violations of physical integrity. In schools, the absence of separate toilets and facilities adapted to menstrual hygiene management remains a major factor in absenteeism and school dropout among adolescent girls. Globally, fewer than 40% of schools have water, sanitation, and hygiene services that meet the specific needs of girls [2].

These structural inequalities are part of a broader context of women’s marginalization in water-related decision-making processes. Despite their central role in the daily management of water at household and community levels, women remain largely underrepresented in institutions responsible for planning, managing, and regulating water and sanitation services. This exclusion has direct consequences for the effectiveness and sustainability of public policies, as the specific needs of half the population are insufficiently taken into account in the design of infrastructure and services [3].

Global figures confirm the scale of this challenge. More than one billion women still lack access to safely managed drinking water services, and around 1.8 billion people live in households that rely on water sources located outside the home, a burden borne predominantly by women [4]. In this context, the persistence of gender inequalities directly undermines the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6 on water and sanitation, as well as Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality.

The theme “Water and Gender” adopted for World Water Day 2026 reflects a significant shift in how water policies are approached. It recognizes that gender equality is not a secondary or sectoral objective, but an essential condition for the sustainability of water-related solutions. The United Nations emphasize that systematically integrating gender considerations into water policies improves service quality, optimizes investments, and strengthens community resilience to climate shocks and water crises [1].

This approach is rooted in a human rights-based vision, according to which access to safe drinking water and sanitation constitutes a fundamental right, inseparable from the rights to dignity, health, and equality. It requires moving beyond purely technical solutions to address social norms, power relations, and institutional frameworks that perpetuate inequalities. Recent reports by UN Women and the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs show that, without structural change, none of the key indicators of gender equality will be achieved by 2030, with direct consequences for global water security [4].

International experience nevertheless demonstrates that when women are fully involved in water governance, outcomes improve significantly. Their active participation in local management committees, river basin authorities, or national institutions contributes to better alignment of services with the real needs of populations, more rational use of resources, and more sustainable maintenance of infrastructure. Several studies show that water-related projects incorporating a gender-sensitive approach achieve higher success and durability rates than those that do not take gender into account [5].

water scarcity and gender equality

World Water Day 2026 therefore calls on governments, financial institutions, international organizations, and civil society to act collectively to transform the water sector. This requires strengthening the collection of sex-disaggregated data, increasing funding dedicated to gender equality in water programs, and providing greater support for training and leadership development for women in water-related professions. It also involves promoting gender-sensitive infrastructure that ensures safety, accessibility, and dignity for all [6].

In a context marked by climate change, population growth, and rapid urbanization, pressure on water resources will only intensify. Ignoring the gender dimension would mean depriving ourselves of a critical lever to address these challenges. Conversely, making gender equality a central pillar of water policies not only helps reduce social injustices, but also strengthens the collective capacity to sustainably manage a vital and increasingly scarce resource.

Conclusion

The theme “Water and Gender” reminds us that the water crisis is not solely a matter of scarcity or infrastructure, but also a question of power, rights, and justice. Recognizing, valuing, and fully integrating the role of women in water management is an indispensable condition for building a future in which water becomes a driver of empowerment, resilience, and sustainable development for all humanity [1,3].

References

[1] UN-Water, World Water Day 2026: Water and Gender, United Nations, New York, 2025. Available on: https://www.unwater.org/our-work/world-water-day

[2] UN-Water, Water and Gender: Facts and Figures, United Nations, New York, 2024. Available on: https://www.unwater.org/water-facts/water-and-gender

[3] United Nations, World Water Day – Background and Key Messages, UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, New York, 2024. Available on: https://www.un.org/en/observances/water-day

[4] UN Women, UNDESA, Gender Snapshot 2025: Accelerating Progress on Gender Equality, United Nations, New York, 2025.

[5] United Nations, The Role of Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in Achieving Water-related Goals, UN Chronicle, New York, 2023.

[6] UN-Water, Human Rights-Based Approaches to Water and Sanitation, United Nations, New York, 2022.

Evaluating Different Investment Platforms in the European Market

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To invest money online, it is necessary to pick the strategy first. Classic investment solutions exist, such as stocks and bonds. However, investing in individual stocks is rather difficult, especially for people with no experience. In this case, it is recommended to invest via special AIFs or alternative investment funds. These solutions have numerous benefits and can be accessible even to people with zero savings.

There are many investment sites available right now for the European market, and you can find some of the options below:

Pros and cons of different investment platforms in European Market

Quanloop

Quanloop is an alternative investment fund with a unique business model. This investment platform acts like a single borrower from its users. All the investments are attracted on the website to be then unvested in the borrowing companies. The platform makes investing more secure for users.

Pros

  • One of the main perks of this site is the high liquidity of assets. People can withdraw their capital every day.
  • Any EU/EEA citizen above 18 years old can invest with Quanloop.
  • The lowest investment possible here is one euro.
  • Investment plans can be used for convenient passive investing.
  • There is a referral program that offers users an additional return for inviting their friends.

Cons

  • As this service collects all the funds, users are unable to choose borrowers.

Crowdestate

Founded in 2014, this P2P investment provider focuses on real estate businesses and projects. Individuals and companies can become investors on this site. To make a transaction, SEPA transfers are preferred. Verification is required to use this service.

Pros

  • The average annual interest rate on investments is 13%.
  • Taxes for Estonian users are partly covered by Crowdestate.
  • The investment process can be automated using the tools available on the site.

Cons

  • To invest capital, the users need to make a minimum transaction of 100 euros.

Bondora

This is one of the Estonian investment services made to bring investors and borrowers together. Loans can be placed on this platform where investors pick the options they want. These loans are mainly leases, business loans, etc. Private investors and businesses need to be from the EEA to use this site.

Pros

  • Service has some of the lowest requirements for investments as visitors can invest starting with 1 euro.
  • For more precise investment control, users can choose one of the three investment plans.
  • Both Bondora users and new visitors that use referral links can receive monetary bonuses.

Cons

  • This service does not help with filling in tax declarations.
  • The average yearly return is only 9%.

Peerberry

This P2P investment website was created in 2017. Any user or business with a European Union bank account can make a money online investment. The standard return rate yearly is 10%. Funds can be withdrawn to the original bank account that was used for investing.

Pros

  • The minimum investment required is 10 euros.
  • All investments can be automated, or, alternatively, users can set things up by hand.
  • A generous referral program is available for inviting friends and receiving bonuses.

Cons

  • The secondary market is not available at this moment.

Mintos

This is a Latvian investment fund that opened in 2015. While their main office is in Europe, there are also offices in South America. Businesses from different countries can request loans, and site users choose to make their investments.

Pros

  • Everyone can invest as long as they own an appropriate bank account in the EU.
  • The smallest investment possible is ten euros.
  • People can receive a 12% annual return on average.

Cons

  • There is no help with paying or filing taxes.

When looking for a solution where to invest money online, investment funds always come in handy.

بصمة خضراء… نفاياتنا من ذهب

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كلّ يوم نُلقي بشيءٍ ما. قارورة فارغة بعد عطشٍ عابر، كرتون شُحن به منتج لم نعد نتذكّره، قطعة ملابس اشتريناها بدافع اللحظة، أو طعامٍ زاد عن مائدتنا. نرميه ونمضي، نشعر أننا تخلّصنا منه، وأنه خرج من حياتنا بلا رجعة. لكن الحقيقة أبعد من ذلك بكثير… لا شيء يختفي. النفايات لا تموت، بل تغيّر مكانها فقط. تنتقل من أيدينا إلى الأرض، ومن منازلنا إلى المكبّات، ومن نظرنا إلى ذاكرة الكوكب.

ما نراه «رميًا» هو في الحقيقة نقل للمشكلة، لا حلًّا لها. فالقارورة التي تختفي من سلّة المطبخ قد تبقى في الطبيعة مئات السنين. والطعام الذي نلقيه اليوم قد يتحوّل إلى غاز يساهم في تغيّر المناخ غدًا. لكننا اعتدنا على أن ما لا نراه… لا يقلقنا، وكأن البُعد عن أعيننا يُعفي ضمائرنا من المسؤولية.

نحن اليوم نعيش ضمن ما يُعرف بـ الاقتصاد الخطي. نأخذ من الأرض، ثم نُنتج، ثم نستهلك، ثم نرمي. خط مستقيم يبدأ بالاستخراج وينتهي في القمامة. نموذج بُني على افتراض خطير: أن الموارد لا تنفد، وأن الأرض قادرة دائمًا على الاستيعاب، وأن المستقبل سيتكفّل بالعواقب. هذا النموذج ربما خدم عصرًا صناعيًا سريعًا، لكنه اليوم أصبح عبئًا ثقيلًا على كوكبٍ بدأ يُظهر حدود قدرته.

ومع تضخّم المكبّات، وتلوّث البحار بالبلاستيك، واختناق المدن بالنفايات، لم يعد السؤال: هل هذا النموذج ناجح؟ بل: كم بقي له من الوقت؟

من هنا، يبرز مفهوم الاقتصاد الدائري. فكرة تبدو بسيطة، لكنها في عمقها تغيير جذري في طريقة التفكير. بدل أن تكون حياة المنتج خطًّا مستقيمًا ينتهي بالرمي، تصبح دائرة. دائرة تُعاد فيها المواد إلى الدورة الاقتصادية بدل أن تُدفن أو تُحرق. لماذا لا نُعيد استخدام الشيء بدلًا من رميه؟ ولماذا لا نُصمّم المنتجات منذ البداية لتعيش أطول، أو لتُفكّك بسهولة، أو لتُعاد الاستفادة من مكوناتها؟

الاقتصاد الدائري يعني أن تتحوّل النفايات إلى موارد. أن نرى في القارورة البلاستيكية مادة خام لا عبئًا، وفي بقايا الطعام فرصة لا مشكلة، وفي الملابس القديمة قيمة لم تُستنفد بعد. هو انتقال ذهني قبل أن يكون تقنيًا: من عقلية «الاستخدام ثم الرمي» إلى عقلية «الاستخدام ثم التحويل».

وهنا، يتغيّر مفهوم القيمة نفسه. فالشيء لم يعد يُقاس بما يقدّمه في لحظة واحدة، بل بما يمكن أن يقدّمه عبر أكثر من حياة. المنتج الجيد لم يعد الأرخص أو الأسرع، بل الأطول عمرًا، والأسهل إصلاحًا، والأقل هدرًا. وهذه الفلسفة لا تحمي البيئة فقط، بل تُعيد الاعتبار للجودة والمعنى في عالمٍ أرهقته السرعة.

الاقتصاد الدائري ليس حلمًا مثاليًا، بل واقع بدأ يتشكّل. شركات حول العالم أعادت تصميم منتجاتها لتُفكّك وتُعاد، ومصانع تحوّل نفاياتها إلى مدخلات إنتاج، ومدن تبني أنظمة لجمع وفرز النفايات بدل دفنها. والأهم: مجتمعات بدأت تدرك أن النفايات ليست نهاية السلسلة، بل بدايتها من جديد.

ومن زاوية اقتصادية، يفتح هذا النموذج أبوابًا واسعة. وظائف جديدة في إعادة التدوير، والصيانة، والتصميم المستدام. تقليل الاعتماد على المواد الخام المستوردة. خفض التكاليف على المدى الطويل. الاقتصاد الدائري لا يعني التخلّي عن النمو، بل إعادة تعريفه ليكون أذكى، وأبطأ في الهدر، وأطول نفسًا.

لكن هذا التحوّل لا ينجح بفرد واحد، ولا بشركة واحدة. الاقتصاد الدائري مسؤولية مشتركة. المصنع الذي يختار التصميم، والمستهلك الذي يختار الشراء، والمشرّع الذي يضع القوانين ويخلق الحوافز. حين يُكافأ الرمي لأنه الأسهل، وحين يُهمَّش الإصلاح لأنه غير مربح، تفشل الدائرة قبل أن تبدأ. أما حين تتكامل الأدوار، يصبح التغيير ممكنًا وواقعيًا.

تخيّل مدينة لا تمتلئ فيها الحاويات، ليس لأن الناس لا تستهلك، بل لأن لكل شيء مسارًا واضحًا. تُجمع بقايا الطعام لتتحوّل إلى سماد أو طاقة، وتُفكّك الأجهزة القديمة لاستخلاص معادنها، ويختار الناس الإصلاح والاستبدال بدل الرمي السريع. في تلك المدينة، لا تختفي النفايات، بل تدور.

وهنا يظهر التحدي الحقيقي: تغيير السلوك. فنحن اعتدنا الراحة السريعة؛ نشتري بدل أن نُصلح، ونستبدل بدل أن ننتظر، ونرمي لأن الرمي أسهل من التفكير في البديل. الاقتصاد الدائري يطلب منا أن نبطئ قليلًا، أن نسأل قبل الشراء: هل أحتاجه فعلًا؟ هل يمكن إصلاحه؟ هل له حياة بعدي؟ أسئلة بسيطة، لكنها قادرة على زعزعة نمط استهلاكي بُني لعقود على الإقناع السريع والتجديد المستمر.

ومع الزمن، يتحوّل هذا الوعي إلى ذاكرة جماعية. جيلٌ ينشأ وهو يرى الإصلاح أمرًا طبيعيًا، وإعادة الاستخدام سلوكًا ذكيًا لا دليل فقر، والتقليل من الهدر قيمة لا حرمان. عندها، يتغيّر شكل المدن والأسواق والمنتجات. فالمستقبل لا يُبنى بالقوانين وحدها، بل بما نُطَبِّعه في عقولنا وأيدي أطفالنا.

هناك، لا يُنظر إلى القمامة كعبء، بل كفرصة مؤجّلة. ولا يُترك العبء على فرد واحد، بل يُوزَّع بعدالة بين الجميع. ليست مدينة مثالية، بل مدينة قرّرت أن تواجه الواقع بدل تجاهله.

وربما يأتي يوم لا نقول فيه «نفاياتنا»، بل نقول «مواردنا المؤجّلة». لأن الشيء لا ينتهي حين نرميه، بل ينتهي فقط… حين نتوقّف عن الإيمان بقيمته.

Everything You Need to Know About Hiring Hi-Rail Cranes

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Are you considering investing in hi-rail cranes but have no idea where to start? Hi-Rail Cranes are an essential piece of equipment for any job site that needs to lift and move heavy loads, so understanding how they work is incredibly important.

Choosing the Right Hi-rail Crane for Your Project

For more information, we’ll explain what you need to know about hiring hi-rail cranes. So whether you’re looking for practical advice or want to expand your knowledge on the topic, you can trust that you will be completely informed when it comes time to hire a hi-rail crane.

Benefits of Hiring a Hi-rail Crane

As you learn more about hiring hi-rail cranes, you may wonder what the benefits are. In short, a hi-rail crane is an incredibly versatile and reliable piece of heavy machinery that can help with all sorts of projects.

Here are some of the key benefits that come from hiring one:

  • Cost Savings: Hiring a hi-rail crane is usually more affordable than purchasing one outright. This gives businesses much-needed cost savings while providing the same power and performance as an owned machine.
  • Safety and Efficiency: Hi-rail cranes are designed to provide superior protection and efficiency compared to other heavy machinery forms. This makes them ideal for a variety of applications, from construction sites to emergency response operations.
  • Durability: When rental cranes need to be used under challenging tasks or tough conditions, hi-rail cranes are an unbeatable choice. They are built with the highest quality components and sustainable materials, which makes them strong enough to handle whatever comes at them.
  • Transportability: Hiring a hi-rail crane means that you can move it from one job site to another with ease. This is great for businesses that require frequent transportation of heavy machinery such as heavy duty lathe machines, hydraulic machines, etc.

How To Choose the Right Hi-rail Crane for Your Project?

Choosing the right hi-rail crane is essential for any project. It requires careful consideration of all factors, from size and weight to speed and maneuverability. Having the right equipment can make the job easier and more efficient. That’s why you must keep in mind all the options before making your decision.

Here are some questions to consider when choosing a rental company for your hi-rail crane needs:

1. What Type of Hi-rail Crane Do You Need?

When renting a hi-rail crane, you must know exactly what type of machine you need. There are tons of options available, and they each have their own unique characteristics that make them better suited for certain types of jobs. Do some research to determine the capabilities you require most, and then find the hi-rail crane that is right for you.

Benefits of Hiring Hi-rail Crane

2. How much weight will the Hi-rail crane be lifting?

Knowing the amount of weight your project requires is essential when considering a hi-rail crane rental. Not all cranes are built to handle the same load, so make sure you choose one that’s able to accommodate it. When looking for your hi-rail crane, be sure to check out its lifting capacity. Otherwise, you could risk exceeding it and putting yourself in a dangerous and costly situation. Manage your weights properly, and you’ll be sure to find the right tool for the job.

3. How Long Do You Need to Rent the Hi-rail Crane?

If you need to rent a hi-rail crane, the length of time you’ll be needing it is an essential factor. Be sure to ask your rental company if they offer any discounts for longer rentals – it could save you a good chunk of change in the end! Of course, you should make sure that whatever agreement you come to suits the needs of your project. But accidents and technical difficulties can happen, so having a bit of extra time just in case could be a wise choice.

4. What is your budget for renting the Hi-rail Crane?

For most projects, budget is a significant consideration. Knowing how much you can afford to pay for your hi-rail crane rental will help narrow down your options and ensure that you make an informed decision. Talk to your rental company about payment options and consider additional costs such as fuel or maintenance fees.

Conclusion

When hiring hi-rail cranes, you need to make sure you’re well-informed and know what kind of services and features you need. By having the right knowledge and considerations, you can find a hi-rail crane hire service that meets your needs and will successfully complete any project you have in mind. Remember to do due diligence and research the best hi-rail crane hire services in your area.

The Effects of Waste on Palestinians’ Health And Environment

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The State of Palestine faces multiple environmental challenges, most of them linked to waste management. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) highlighted in 2020 that “47% of all waste, including hazardous waste, is disposed of in unsanitary dump sites”. The figures shared by the  Heinrich Böll Foundation in Plastic Atlas focused on municipal solid waste and underlined that 65% of the waste is disposed of in landfills and 32% in illegal dumping sites. Just 3% of the rubbish is recycled or reused.

Impact of Waste on Public Health And Environment in Palestine

The sociopolitical and economic context of the country dominated by the occupation makes even bigger the global challenge of waste management in Palestine. The country faces issues with all types of waste: solid, liquid, hazardous, and electronic, calling for integrated and better management among all actors involved. The amount of waste produced annually is increasing. For example, municipal solid waste is growing a 4% every year, according to the figures of Plastic Atlas.

In the case of solid waste management, the Italian NGO CESVI underlined that “one of the most important and pressing challenges is the land issue”. The report developed by CESVI explained that following the Oslo Agreements, the Palestinian Authority (PA) administers areas A and to some extent area B in the West Bank. But solid waste management treatment plants are only allowed in area A. In addition, the presence of Israeli settlements further complicates waste management. In Gaza, the situation is more difficult due to the Israeli blockade imposed since 2007, which doesn’t allow the entry of materials and prevents the development of infrastructures in solid waste, water and electrical power.

However, UNEP stressed that “if left unaddressed, waste management issues could pose both environmental risks and seriously impact the health of Palestinians”. But it is already a reality across the country. The young environmental journalists from Gaza Lina al-Bish and Majdi Musleh reported on the effects of illegal landfills (affecting air quality and soil health) and untreated wastewater on the health and livelihoods of citizens. Their reports are framed within the Young Environmental Journalists (YEJ) Training, an initiative of the Environmental Quality Authority (EQA) and the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) under the program Strengthening Palestinian Environment Action Program.

“The wastewater issue in northern Gaza is that the wastewater resulting from more than 400,000 people who live in Beit Lahiya, Jabalia and Beit Hanoun flows to Um al-Nasr (the Bedouin village), where the wastewater is collected in enormous basins and seeps out to the aquifer and soil”, explained Dr. Ahmad Hellas, Head of the National Institute for Environment and Development, in Lina’s report from Gaza. “This situation causes environmental and health disasters that affect all residents, especially immunocompromised and most vulnerable people, such as children, the elderly, and women”, said Hellas.

The inauguration of the North Gaza Emergency Sewage Treatment Plant (NGEST) was a great step to solve the issue of wastewater management in the area, which has been increasing since 2007. However, as highlighted in Lina’s report, the project needs comprehensive follow up, immediate action, and rapid implementation of radical solutions.

In the West Bank, wastewater discharge by Israeli settlements to the Palestinian environment is a growing challenge. According to the 2016 data shared by the Palestinian Environmental NGOs Network- Friends of Earth Palestine (PENGON-FoE Palestine), around 40 million cubic meters (m3) of wastewater was discharged by settlements onto Palestinian valleys and agricultural lands annually, accounting for 5 times more wastewater per capita than Palestinians. The young environmental journalist Qais Dudin portrayed in his report this situation in Dura, south of Hebron, and how it is affecting especially agricultural lands and soil health.

The lack of management of wastewater leads to health issues linked to direct contact with polluted water and the contamination of the surrounding environment. This has a direct impact on the citizens’ health. Back in Gaza, the young journalist Yamen Aweidah reviewed in his report different health impacts linked to the lack of access to clean water and sanitation in Gaza, ranging from kidney diseases to skin problems.

However, there are projects and initiatives trying to tackle waste management and environmental issues in the country and the region. The young environmental journalist Mariam Hilme showcased one of those solution stories in Gaza: the recovery of Wadi Gaza. The United Nations Development Project (UNDP) has supported the restoration of Wadi Gaza Nature Reserve in a three stages project, starting with the put in operation of the Gaza Central Treatment Plant in April 2021.

Waste management needs integrated and planned systems with the contribution of all stakeholders involved, from governments to citizens. The Wadi Gaza story along with many other smaller initiatives might show the way for many others to come.

The article was originally published at AMWAJ Alliance – Tayyarat. This material has been developed under the Young Environmental Journalists Training in Palestine funded by Sweden. 

15 Purest Water Sources in the World

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99% of the world’s water sources are unfit for human consumption, leaving a paltry 1% to sustain over 7 billion people across the planet. The following infographic by Waterlogic, manufacturers of workplace water dispensers takes a deep dive into the 15 purest water sources left on earth, uncovering everything from the freshwater havens of bracing Alaska through to the natural filtration effects of the gold mines in South Africa.

There are even a couple of surprises: who knew the River Thames is now regarded as the cleanest river in the world to flow through a major city? Read on to see which other waterways make the cut as world’s purest.

 

 

Energy-efficient Building Envelopes in Oman – A Study

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In Oman, extreme hot weather conditions and thermally inefficient building envelopes have led to high cooling loads in residential units. Residential buildings serve a smaller number of occupants per unit, when compared to other sectors in the building industry. Also, mechanical, electrical and other energy-intensive equipment are relatively lesser in quantity and complexity. Yet, as per statistics, the residential sector is the largest consumer of electricity in the industry. In Oman, the residential sector consumes most of the electricity produced, with over 70 % of the load contributed by cooling using air conditioners (Zurigat et al., 2003).

A major reason cited for the high residential cooling loads is the poor performance of the building’s external enclosure, or the envelope. Traditional construction materials are used in residential building construction, with little or no focus on sustainability. The single walled enclosures that are found in these buildings are made of solid concrete blocks, with no air cavity or insulation. Single-paned windows and lack of insulation for roofs further aggravate the issue.

Moreover, Oman is a country that receives extreme heat during summers that extend up to seven months in a year. Temperatures can go as high as 50 ᵒC. The lack of significant resistance to the passage of heat through the envelope necessitates constant use of air conditioners. Hence, this calls for alternative materials to be used in building envelopes in Oman.

Materials like concrete with Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) beads, Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC), Concrete with Ground-Granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) and Concrete with the micro silica are locally available or developed for various purposes.

Autoclaved Aerated Concrete

Experimental research has revealed that thermal performance of buildings can be improved with the help of superior insulation properties of materials, which can in turn bring down the cooling loads and subsequent electricity costs. Investigation of thermal properties of concrete with EPS, AAC blocks, and concrete samples with industrial waste like GGBS and micro silica revealed that concrete with EPS and AAC blocks have significantly low thermal conductivity. These materials, along with double glazed windows and insulated roof can help in reducing the cooling load of building interiors, with reference to conventional building envelopes.

In fact, it was found that using AAC blocks, double glazed windows and insulated roofs consumed the least electricity when employed in Oman conditions, saving up to 11.29% of electricity, whereas, the Case 2 envelope saved 8.99% of the electricity load. Subsequent cost savings were determined using life cycle cost analysis method, from which the building envelope with AAC blocks was found to save 10.07% of electricity costs during an assumed building life cycle of 50 years. Cost savings were achieved in the envelope using concrete with EPS as well, the savings being 7.62%.

Conclusions

The above results revealed an important parameter in determining building cooling loads- the specific heat capacity of the material. Despite the lower thermal conductivity of concrete with EPS blocks as compared to the AAC blocks, the latter was found to be more efficient due to the higher specific heat capacity, or the ability to store heat. There is a potential for identifying materials (already available in the market) with even higher efficiency than the AAC blocks.

Research can help in developing new building envelope configurations with these materials for the Omani construction industry. The resulting savings of energy and costs can be highly beneficial to the economy and the environment.

How To Trade Sustainable Instruments Online

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Many people assume that sustainability and online trading doesn’t go well together, but where are here to prove the opposite. In fact, we would argue that online trading is the best type of financial investment for people that encourage sustainability and in this post, we’ll explain why that is.

What is Online Trading?

In this guide, we refer to online trading as trading done using online brokers, also known as CFD trading. These brokers provide traders access to trading platforms where you can trade everything from stocks and commodities to cryptocurrencies and forex.

Now, unlike a traditional stockbroker, for example, an online broker offers derivatives of these investment platforms meaning you never own the underlying asset but instead speculate on its value. Let’s say you want to trade on Tesla’s stock, then your job is to predict whether or not the value of the stock will increase or decrease in a set amount of time.

The beauty with this setup is that it allows brokers to offer a larger selection of instruments that your average broker, which, in turn, make it easier to find sustainable trading opportunities. We’ll talk more about different sustainable instruments that you can trade further down, but first, we want to explain how you can start trading.

How To Start Online Trading

Getting started in the world of online trading is quite straightforward, even when living in the Middle East or Africa. All you really have to do is figure out who you’re going to trade with and then what you’re going to trade, so let us walk you through the process.

Find an Online Broker

The number on thing that you have to do is find an online broker. Without the broker, you won’t gain access to the markets or a trading platform and, subsequently, you won’t be able to trade. There is a plethora of brokers on the market and they all provide a unique product so you need to know what you’re looking for. Generally speaking, there are three things to focus on in your hunt for a new broker.

  1. Safety – Trading is always associated with the risk of losing money, it’s something we all have to accept. However, there are other risks involved in the industry that you can completely avoid. By using a regulated and licensed broker, you can rest assured that you and your funds are protected and that you won’t get ripped off.
  2. Assets and Platforms – Every broker has a unique selection of assets on offer and every broker’s platform is slightly different. Therefore, you must ensure that you’re happy with both. Also, make sure that the sustainable instruments you’re interested are listed.
  3. Suitable Accounts – As a trader from MENA, you might be obligated to open a special Islamic Trading account according to religious rules. Luckily, many of the world’s leading broker offer this type of account and you’ll be spoiled for choice.

Pick Your Sustainable Instruments

With a broker set up and some money deposited on your trading account, it’s time to start trading. As mentioned earlier, there are several kinds of sustainable instruments available today and you can pick and choose the once you are the most interested in or the ones that you think will bring in the most profit.

Also Read: Binary Options Trading – A Comprehensive Guide

A Glance at Sustainable Trading Instruments

Stocks

Naturally, trading stocks from sustainable and environmental-friendly companies is one easy way to ensure that you’re investments are morally accepted. ITT Industries (ITT), Brookfield Renewable Partners LP (BEP), and First Solar (FSLR) are all considered to be “green investments”.

Indices & Funds

As the interest in sustainability grows around the world, the number of green investments follow. Today, there are more sustainable indices and funds available to traders and investors than ever before.

Commodities

Commodities can be a complicated selection of assets because many of the most profitable commodities are gas and oil in different shapes. That being said, the number of green energy options is increasing so the market is growing. Also, you can trade precious metals and food items which aren’t necessarily sustainable but also not damaging to our planet.

Some traders complement CFD exposure with allocated bullion for long-term hedging and stability. Through PIMBEX, investors can buy physical gold and silver bullion to hold outside the trading platform while maintaining online convenience. This blend lets you speculate on metals via derivatives and own tangible assets for diversification and risk management.

Forex

Forex, or exchange rates, is perhaps one of the greenest markets out there. There is no connection to morally lacking corporations and the assets aren’t bound to anything but there own exchange rate and the central bank that controls them.

Cryptocurrencies

Lastly, the cryptocurrency market is the newest and most sustainable market to trade on right now. Similar to regular currencies (forex), cryptocurrencies aren’t connected to any oil-drilling companies. However, what makes them more sustainable than currencies is that they are decentralized and therefore, not even connected to a central bank or a specific country.

زرع الأشجار لم يكن بهذه السهولة

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ظاهرة الاحتباس الحراري  كانت كلمة جديدة بالنسبة لي عندما كنت في الصف السادس. مندهش من التأثيرات، سألت أستاذ العلوم، “إذا كان بإمكان طلاب مدرستنا زرع الأشجار؟”. كانت الفكرة هي زراعة حوالي 500 شجرة. لسوء الحظ، جاء الرد بالنفي. في الواقع، لقد كان تحديًا عمليًا بالنسبة لنا هو الحصول على المساحة لزرع والإبقاء على 500 شجرة، وكان ذلك نتاج افكاري وأنا طفل. في وقت لاحق، انتهى بنا المطاف في زراعة خمسة أشجار فقط، عاش منها اثنان. الآن عندما أزور مدرستي، وأنظر إلى الشجرتين اشعر بالفرح. وتعصف بذهني الافكار، ماذا لو زرعنا 500 شجرة وتمكنا من حماية أكبر عدد ممكن من ال 500 شجرة؟

في وقت لاحق، بدأت الزراعة التطوعية والدعوة اليها بسبب افتتاني بالموضوع، وتطوعت مع برنامج “بلانت-ذي-بلانيت” (زراعة الكوكب) حيث قمت بتنظيم ورش عمل حول العدالة المناخية والتي تسمى الأكاديمية (9-15 عامًا) وأيضًا زراعة الأشجار مع أطفال المدارس في نيبال والهند منذ عام 2012. أطلق ونجاي متاهي وبرنامج الأمم المتحدة للبيئة (زراعة الكوكب) في يناير 2007، كجزء من حملة بليون شجرة، التي قادها الفتى الألماني فيليكس فنكباينر لمدة 9 سنوات، وفيما بعد ؛ تحولت إلى حملة تريليون شجرة. كانت زراعة الأشجار مشكلة دائمة لأنها تحتاج إلى مساحة مناسبة واصناف متعددة وتغذية منتظمة للتأكد من نموها بشكل صحيح.  عبر العمل على نطاق واسع، اكتشفت أن زراعة الأشجار وضمات بقاء العدد الأكبر منها هو هندسة.

منذ عام 2007، زرعت “بلانت-ذي-بلانيت” حوالي 14 مليار شجرة حول العالم. كان هذا ممكنًا عبر التبرعات وبدعم من والحكومة والشركات والجهات الراعية. ومع ذلك؛ الهدف هو زراعة تريليون شجرة حيث انه لدينا المساحة الكافية لزرع تلك الأشجار من دون استعمال الأراضي الزراعية.  يمكن أن تمتص تلك الأشجار ربع انبعاثات الكربون التي يصنعها الإنسان، وتعتبر واحدة من أرخص الطرق للحد من زيادة درجة الحرارة العالمية إلى 2 درجة مئوية.

تزرع “بلانت-ذي-بلانيت”  شجرة واحدة كل 15 ثانية في شبه جزيرة يوكاتان على مساحة 22500 هكتار ويخطط لاستعادة 68000 هكتار أخرى من الأراضي بكلفة  يورو واحد فقط لكل شجرة والتي تشمل الحضانة والعناية بها مع نسبة استمرارية تبلغ 94 ٪. ضمن هذا، يمكنهم زرع 100 مليون شجرة بحلول عام 2030. لكن زراعة تريليون شجرة لا تزال غير عملية ضمن هذا المشروع فقط. لقد أدركنا انه هناك حاجة إلى 10000 مشروع مماثل بهذا الحجم لاستعادة تريليون شجرة.

على النقيض من هذه التحديات الرئيسية، قامت تزرع “بلانت-ذي-بلانيت” باطلاق تطبيق يحمل اسمها Plant-for-the-Planet  وذلك لإنشاء منصة مشتركة بين منظمات زراعة الأشجار تمكنهم من تحقيق هدف حملة تريليون شجرة التي بدأت في 2018 في موناكو . تم إطلاق التطبيق مؤخرًا في 28 سبتمبر في منتدى المناظر الطبيعية العالمي في نيويورك عقب قمة العمل المناخي للأمين العام للأمم المتحدة. يحتوي التطبيق حاليًا على أكثر من 18000 مستخدمًا وقد  تم التبرع بأكثر من 900000 شجرة من خلال هذه البوابة بمتوسط تبرع يبلغ حوالي 45 دولارًا أمريكيًا.

ولأول مرة على الإطلاق، اجتمعت بعض من أفضل مشاريع زراعة الأشجار التي يقودها المجتمع من أكثر من 20 دولة لتقديم تعزيز هائل لجهود إعادة التحريج في العالم. الآن، مع تطبيق “بلانت-ذي-بلانيت”، يمكن للجميع زراعة الأشجار في جميع أنحاء العالم ببضع نقرات. أفضل جزء هو أن كل الأموال التي يتم جمعها تذهب مباشرة إلى مزارعي الأشجار. لا تأخ ذ”بلانت-ذي-بلانيت” اي نسبة مئوية من التبرعات، بل توفر فقط المنصة لجعل التشجير أكثر امكانية. خلال رحلتي، قابلت العديد من الأشخاص ذوي العقلية المتشابهة الذين كانوا يرغبون في زراعة الأشجار ولكنهم كانوا يفتقرون إلى الأفكار أو الوقت، ويمكن لهذا التطبيق أن يضيف قيمة إلى ما يريدون القيام به.

أصدر سبعة شبان من مؤسسة “بلانت-ذي-بلانيت” “تطبيق Plant-for-the-Planet” ، والذي يسمح لأي شخص بزراعة الأشجار حول العالم. يعد التطبيق جزءًا من حملة تريليون شجرة، والتي تساهم عالميا في جهود إعادة التحريج والتخفيف من تغير المناخ. يركز التطبيق على مشاركة الادوات مع جميع المشاريع الأخرى للمساعدة في زيادة جهود إعادة التحريج. إنها شفافة للغاية مع Open Source و Open API حيث يمكن للمستخدمين زراعة الأشجار بدءاً من 10 سنتات وصولا الى 20 دولارًا أمريكيًا. المطور الرئيسي، ساغار أريال ؛ 24 سنة، من نيبال  وهو يزرع الأشجار مع بلانت-ذا-بلانيت منذ أكثر من عشر سنوات ، كواحد من 81000 شاب من 73 دولة. قال أريال “وضعت عمل الراحلة وانغاري ماثاي في بالي ، وسكبت كل قلبي وروحي في هذا التطبيق على مدار العامين الماضيين. آمل أن تكون سعيدة وفخورة بنا. ليس لديك شتلة في متناول اليد؟ أو ترغب في تجنب التراب تحت أظافرك؟ تطبيق مؤسسة “بلانت-ذي-بلانيت”  هو طريقتك لمساعدة الطبيعة على التعافي من خلال الاختيار من بين 50 مشروعًا لإعادة التحريج تم اختيارهم يدويًا من البلدان النامية. فوائد غرس الأشجار تتعدى منفعة الطبيعة، حيث انها أيضًا مصدر دخل حيوي للمجتمعات الفقيرة التي توفر فرص عمل. هناك العديد من المشاريع القادمة. “

التطبيق سهل الاستخدام للغاية، كل ما عليك فعله هو اختيار المشروع المفضل لديك والتبرع له. الأشجار تزرع لك، لا أعذار. تضاف كل شجرة الى العداد العالمي للأشجار. بالإضافة ، لا توجد رسوم إضافية أو مصاريف خفية على المنظمات غير الحكومية المعنية بزراعة الأشجار أو الجهات المانحة أو أي شخص آخر. يساعد هذا التطبيق على تنفيذ الأهداف الممتازة لتحدي بون – وهو جهد عالمي لاستعادة 150 مليون هكتار من الأراضي المتصحرة والمتدهورة في العالم بحلول عام 2020، و350 مليون هكتار بحلول عام 2030 – عن طريق خلق سلسلة من ردود الفعل الإيجابية. اشترك أكثر من 10000 شخص في التطبيق خلال مرحلة التطوير.

بالإضافة إلى ذلك، قالت المديرة التنفيذية لبرنامج الأمم المتحدة للبيئة، إنغر أندرسن، “إن الاستعادة الواسعة النطاق تتطلب منا الوصول إلى أعداد كبيرة من الناس، بفعالية من حيث التكلفة وبسرعة.” وقالت “تطبيقات مثل “بلانت-ذي-بلانيت” يمكن أن تقطع شوطًا طويلاً في تعزيز الحلول القائمة على الطبيعة للعمل المناخي وسبل العيش والاستدامة “.

ومع ذلك، بمساعدة التطبيق، يمكن للمستخدم أن يزرع غابة افتراضية خاصة به والتي تتيح لك أيضًا معرفة مكان زراعة كل الأشجار المتبرع بها. يمكنك أيضًا تسجيل الأشجار التي زرعتها مع الصور والمواقع وحتى اهداء االاأشجار التي تبرعت بها للآخرين. بالإضافة إلى ذلك، يمكنك بدء مسابقة غرس الأشجار بين المدارس، مع الزملاء أو الأصدقاء. علاوة على ذلك، يمكن لمنظمات التي تعنى بزراعة الأشجار التسجيل أيضًا لطلب التبرعات من خلال التطبيق. نحن نعتقد أننا سننشئ “قائمة فوربس” اجديدة والتي ستصنف الناس حسب الأشجار المزروعة.

من الواضح أن هذا ربما يكون أفضل دعم فني يستخدم لجعل هذا العالم مكانًا أفضل للعيش فيه. تطبيق مؤسسة “بلانت-ذي-بلانيت” متاح لمستخدمي اندرويد و iOS ويمكن أيضًا الوصول إليه من خلال  (www.trilliontreecampaign.org) WebApp  من المتوقع أن يتم تضمين الإصدار 2.0 ميزة تمكن المستخدمين من مشاهدة الغابات المتبرع بها تنمو باستخدام صور الأقمار الصناعية.

السيد غميزي هو منسق البرنامج وعضو مجلس الإدارة العالمي في “بلانت-ذي-بلانيت” والذي يهدف إلى زراعة تريليون شجرة في جميع أنحاء العالم. لديه أكثر من 10 سنوات من الخبرة في المناصرة عن تغير المناخ.

Green Hydrogen: Global Dynamics, MENA Perspectives and Algeria’s Decarbonization Strategy

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Global energy systems are undergoing a structural transformation driven by the urgency of climate change mitigation, long-term sustainability concerns, and the need to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The Paris Agreement and subsequent national commitments to carbon neutrality by mid-century have reinforced the necessity of deep and rapid reductions in greenhouse gas emissions across all sectors of the economy. Although renewable electricity generation—particularly solar photovoltaics and wind power—has expanded significantly over the past decade, the electrification of final energy demand faces intrinsic limitations in sectors characterized by high-temperature industrial processes, energy-dense fuels, and long-duration storage requirements [1].

Green hydrogen has emerged as a pivotal solution within this evolving energy paradigm. Unlike grey hydrogen, produced from fossil fuels with significant carbon dioxide emissions, or blue hydrogen, which relies on carbon capture and storage with unresolved long-term risks, green hydrogen is generated through the electrolysis of water using renewable electricity, resulting in near-zero lifecycle emissions [2]. Its importance lies not only in its low-carbon profile but also in its versatility: hydrogen can serve as a fuel, an energy carrier, a storage medium, and a chemical feedstock.

green hydrogen production plant

From a systemic perspective, green hydrogen enables sector coupling by linking electricity generation with industry, transport, and chemical production. It also provides a mechanism for absorbing surplus renewable electricity, thereby reducing curtailment and enhancing grid flexibility [3]. Consequently, hydrogen is increasingly perceived not as a standalone energy source, but as an integrative component of future low-carbon energy systems.

This article aims to provide a holistic and interdisciplinary analysis of green hydrogen development, bridging global market dynamics, regional opportunities in the MENA region, and national strategic considerations in Algeria. Particular attention is given to the water–energy nexus, techno-economic competitiveness, and the geopolitical dimensions of hydrogen trade, in line with the scope and objectives of EcoMENA.

Conceptual Framework of Green Hydrogen Production

1. Hydrogen classification and production pathways

Hydrogen is commonly classified into three categories, according to its production pathway and associated carbon intensity. Grey hydrogen, which currently accounts for more than 95% of global hydrogen production, is derived from fossil fuels via steam methane reforming and is associated with significant CO₂ emissions. Blue hydrogen incorporates carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), reducing but not eliminating emissions while raising concerns related to methane leakage and long-term storage integrity [4]. In contrast, green hydrogen is produced via water electrolysis powered entirely by renewable energy sources, ensuring minimal greenhouse gas emissions over its lifecycle.

2. Electrolysis technologies

Water electrolysis constitutes the technological backbone of green hydrogen production. Three main electrolysis technologies are currently relevant. Alkaline electrolysis is the most mature and widely deployed, benefiting from relatively low capital costs and long operational lifetimes. Proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis offers higher current densities and greater operational flexibility, making it well-suited for integration with variable renewable energy sources, albeit at higher costs due to the use of precious metal catalysts. Solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs), operating at high temperatures, promise superior efficiency but remain at the demonstration stage [5].

green hydrogen generation through electrolysis

 

Figure 1. Green hydrogen production via renewable-powered electrolysis.
Schematic representation of green hydrogen production through water electrolysis supplied by renewable electricity (solar and wind). The system illustrates electricity generation, electrolysis, hydrogen (H₂) production, oxygen (O₂) co-production, and downstream valorization pathways including storage and Power-to-X conversion.
Source: Adapted from IEA [1] and IRENA [3].

3. The water–energy nexus

While green hydrogen is often portrayed as a clean energy solution, its dependence on water resources introduces critical sustainability considerations. Electrolysis requires high-purity water, typically obtained through desalination or advanced water treatment processes. In water-scarce regions such as the MENA region, integrating hydrogen production with seawater desalination and wastewater reuse is essential to avoid exacerbating water stress [6]. The water–energy nexus therefore becomes a central dimension of green hydrogen strategies.

Global Green Hydrogen Market Dynamics

1. Demand outlook

Global interest in green hydrogen has intensified rapidly, supported by ambitious climate policies and industrial decarbonization targets. According to the International Energy Agency, global hydrogen demand could exceed 500 million tonnes per year by 2050, compared to approximately 95 million tonnes today [1]. While early demand growth is expected in refining and ammonia production, long-term expansion will be driven by steelmaking, synthetic fuels, maritime transport, aviation, and seasonal energy storage.

2. Cost trajectories and competitiveness

The economic viability of green hydrogen is strongly influenced by the cost of renewable electricity, electrolyzer capital expenditures, and financing conditions. Recent studies indicate that the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) could decline by 30–70% by 2040, particularly in regions with abundant low-cost solar and wind resources [7]. This trend is reshaping global energy trade prospects, with renewable-rich regions emerging as potential exporters of hydrogen and hydrogen-derived products.

3. Geopolitical implications

The rise of green hydrogen introduces a new dimension to global energy geopolitics. Traditional fossil fuel exporters are increasingly seeking to reposition themselves as suppliers of low-carbon energy carriers, while importing regions aim to diversify energy sources and reduce exposure to volatile fossil fuel markets [8]. Cross-border hydrogen corridors and long-term off-take agreements are becoming central elements of emerging energy diplomacy.

The MENA Region as an Emerging Green Hydrogen Hub

1. Structural advantages

The Middle East and North Africa region is widely regarded as one of the most promising global hubs for green hydrogen production. This positioning is driven by exceptional renewable energy resources, particularly solar and wind, combined with vast land availability and strategic geographic proximity to European markets. Average solar irradiation levels in large parts of the region exceed 2,000 kWh/m²/year, enabling high-capacity-factor renewable systems [9].

2. National strategies

Several MENA countries have adopted national hydrogen strategies as part of broader energy transition and economic diversification agendas. Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Morocco, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates have launched large-scale projects targeting green hydrogen and ammonia exports, reflecting a regional shift toward low-carbon energy leadership [11].

Algeria’s Green Hydrogen Strategy

1. Renewable energy potential

Algeria possesses one of the largest renewable energy potentials in the Mediterranean basin. Vast Saharan regions exhibit solar irradiation levels exceeding 2,200 kWh/m²/year, complemented by favorable wind conditions in selected areas [13]. These resources provide the foundation for producing renewable electricity at very low costs, a critical determinant of green hydrogen competitiveness.

2. Water and desalination integration

Water availability represents a critical constraint in arid environments. Algeria’s strategy emphasizes integrating hydrogen production with seawater desalination and wastewater reuse. The expansion of desalination capacity along the Algerian coast provides a scalable source of high-purity water for electrolysis while minimizing pressure on freshwater resources [6].

3. Industrial legacy and infrastructure

Algeria’s long-standing experience in natural gas production, hydrogen handling, and pipeline infrastructure constitutes a strategic asset for hydrogen development. Existing energy partnerships with Europe offer a strong foundation for future hydrogen export agreements [16].

4. Euro-Mediterranean hydrogen corridors

Projects such as the SoutH2 Corridor aim to connect North African hydrogen production with European demand centers, aligning with the European Union’s REPowerEU strategy [17]. 

MENA–Europe green hydrogen value chain

Figure 2. Algeria’s strategic positioning in the MENA–Europe green hydrogen value chain.Conceptual illustration highlighting Algeria’s renewable resource base, desalination–hydrogen integration, existing gas infrastructure, and emerging hydrogen corridors linking North Africa to Europe.

Source: Adapted from European Commission [17] and IRENA [9].

Power-to-X Pathways and Decarbonization Potential

The economic viability of green hydrogen is closely linked to downstream valorization through Power-to-X pathways. Green ammonia, e-methanol, and synthetic fuels enable large-scale storage, transport, and decarbonization of hard-to-abate sectors such as aviation and maritime transport [18,19].

Challenges and Risks

Despite its strong potential, green hydrogen deployment faces several challenges, including high upfront capital costs, financing constraints, infrastructure adaptation, safety concerns, technology transfer, and market uncertainty. Addressing these barriers requires coherent regulatory frameworks, public–private partnerships, and long-term off-take agreements [20].

Policy Implications and Strategic Recommendations

To fully realize its green hydrogen potential, Algeria should accelerate renewable deployment, strengthen integrated water–energy planning, and deepen international cooperation. Aligning national strategies with European decarbonization objectives and investing in human capital will be critical for long-term success [21].

Conclusion

Green hydrogen represents a strategic opportunity for reshaping global energy systems and achieving deep decarbonization. For Algeria, it offers a pathway to diversify the energy economy, maintain geopolitical relevance, and contribute to regional and global climate objectives. By leveraging its renewable resources, industrial expertise, and strategic location, Algeria can emerge as a key actor in the evolving Euro-Mediterranean green hydrogen landscape.

References

[1] International Energy Agency (IEA). Global Hydrogen Review. Paris: IEA; 2023.
[2] Hydrogen Council. Hydrogen Insights 2024. Brussels; 2024.
[3] International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). Green Hydrogen: A Guide to Policy Making. Abu Dhabi; 2023.
[4] Sadik-Zada ER. Blue versus green hydrogen. Energy Policy. 2023.
[5] International Journal of Hydrogen Energy. Electrolysis technologies review. 2024.
[6] IEA. The Water–Energy Nexus in Hydrogen Production. 2023.
[7] Chahtou A et al. LCOH in MENA countries. IJHE. 2024.
[8] World Energy Council. Hydrogen and Energy Geopolitics. 2024.
[9] IRENA. Hydrogen in the MENA Region. 2024.
[10] European Commission. Hydrogen Infrastructure and Corridors. 2023.
[11] Nature Energy. Hydrogen and global transition. 2023.
[12] OECD. Hydrogen Policy Frameworks. 2023.
[13] Global Solar Atlas. World Bank / IRENA; 2023.
[14] Sonatrach. Hydrogen Outlook. 2024.
[15] Algerian Ministry of Water Resources. Desalination Program Report. 2023.
[16] European Commission. REPowerEU Hydrogen Strategy. 2023.
[17] International Fertilizer Association. Green Ammonia Outlook. 2024.
[18] Energy Conversion and Management. E-fuels for aviation. 2023.
[19] World Bank. Financing Green Hydrogen. 2024.
[20] IRENA. Cost Reduction Pathways. 2023.
[21] International Journal of Hydrogen Energy. Power-to-X systems. 2024.