Category Archives: Energy

Waste-to-Energy Pathways: An Overview

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Waste-to-energy is the use of modern combustion and biological technologies to recover energy from urban wastes. The conversion of waste material to energy can proceed along three major pathways – thermochemical, biochemical and physicochemical. Thermochemical conversion, characterized by higher temperature and conversion rates, is best suited for lower moisture feedstock and is generally less selective for products. On the other hand, biochemical technologies are more suitable for wet wastes which are rich in organic matter. 1. Thermochemical Conversion of Waste The three principal methods of thermochemical conversion of MSW are combustion (in excess air), gasification (in reduced air), and pyrolysis (in … Continue reading →

Portable Battery Packs: The Definitive Guide

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With more people working outside of homes, preparing for power outages, or just working from home, portable power stations have become a more affordable solution to backup power. Unlike fuel-powered generators, these quiet and exhaust-free battery devices are able to safely provide power to many common household items inside as long as the user conforms to the manufacturer’s specifications. To select a good model to suit your needs without opting for the biggest and/ or most expensive model, it helps to grasp several essential specification and options related to the best portable battery packs. What is a Portable Power Station? … Continue reading →

An Introduction to Solar Pond

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A solar pond is a three-dimensional, open-air pit, filled with water endowed with special properties. It receives solar energy through insulation, then the trapped heat is extracted from it from the water lying at the bottom of the pond. When solar energy falls onto the pond, it heats the water, splitting it into three sections: the first section is the uppermost layer, or Surface Zone, containing fresh water with a low level of salinity. This owes to the fact that salts gather at the bottom. The second layer is the middle layer, called the insulating layer or Insulation Zone, whose … Continue reading →

Sustainability In Tourism: How To Choose Energy-Efficient Hotel Lighting

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With sustainability becoming today’s main concern, the tourism industry must learn to prioritize sustainable practices, including the thoughtful use of lighting solutions. Often overlooked, hotel lighting is a subtle source of unmanaged energy consumption and carbon emissions. As eco-consciousness increasingly influences travelers’ decision-making, balancing aesthetics, functionality, and consumption has never been more critical. This article explores the contribution power-saving lighting has to sustainability in the tourism sector. By carefully selecting lighting solutions, hotels can reduce their carbon footprint and enhance their overall sustainability profile. The article also highlights the multifaceted benefits of resource-efficient alternatives. You’ll find practical pointers for choosing … Continue reading →

Desertec: What Went Wrong?

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A plan to power Europe from solar power plants in Sahara desert, popularly known as Desertec, seems to have stalled, but several large North African solar projects are still going ahead despite local concerns. Where did the Desertec project go wrong, and can desert solar power yet play a role in a democratic and sustainable future? If you use social media, you may well have seen a graphic going around, showing a tiny square in the Sahara desert with the caption: ‘This much solar power in the Sahara would provide enough energy for the whole world!’ Can this really be true? It is … Continue reading →

Energy Efficiency in Saudi Cement Industry

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Saudi Arabia is the largest construction market in the Middle East, with large development projects under way and many more in the planning stage. The cement industry in Saudi Arabia is evolving rapidly and annual clinker production was 75 million tonnes in 2018. The cement industry is one of the highest energy-intensive industries in the world, with fuel and energy costs typically representing 30-40% of total production costs. On an average, the specific electrical energy consumption typically ranges between 90 and 130 kWh per tonne of cement. Keeping in view the huge energy demand of the cement industry, the Saudi … Continue reading →

How PPAs are Helping Businesses Fulfil Their Environmental Pledges

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In recent years, businesses around the world have been making significant strides towards sustainability and reducing their environmental impact. One crucial tool that has emerged to support these efforts is the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). PPAs have become increasingly important for businesses looking to fulfil their environmental pledges by procuring renewable energy. In this blog post, we will explore what a PPA is, delve into the concept of virtual PPAs, and discuss how these agreements are helping businesses make a positive environmental impact. What are PPAs and Virtual PPAs A Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is a contract between an energy … Continue reading →

Designing Safer Solar Arrays: A Practical Guide to DC Isolation

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Solar projects in hot, dusty, and high-irradiance regions place unusual demands on direct-current switching equipment. A rooftop or ground-mounted array may operate for decades while its disconnects face ultraviolet exposure, temperature cycling, airborne dust, humidity, and repeated maintenance activity. Choosing the correct DC isolation device is therefore both an electrical-safety decision and a long-term reliability decision. What a solar DC isolator actually does A DC isolator, also called a DC disconnect in some markets, separates a section of the photovoltaic array from downstream equipment. It gives technicians a controlled way to de-energize conductors for inspection, inverter replacement, emergency response, or … Continue reading →

7 Ways to Cut Energy Costs in Small Spaces

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Global energy demand continues to rise and is expected to increase by 50% by 2050. This has raised concerns about environmental sustainability, and finding ways to cut energy costs has become a priority for many. Fortunately, there are several effective strategies that can be implemented to reduce energy consumption and lower energy bills in small spaces. By making changes to daily habits and adopting energy-saving technologies, you can achieve significant cost savings while contributing to a more sustainable future. From simple behavioral changes to the implementation of energy-efficient appliances like a single zone mini split system, our comprehensive guide can … Continue reading →

Energy Management in the Middle East: Perspectives

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Managing and reducing energy consumption not only saves money but also helps in mitigating climate change and enhancing corporate reputation. The primary objective of energy management is to achieve and maintain optimum energy procurement and utilisation, throughout the organisation which may help in minimizing energy costs and mitigating environmental effects. Infact, energy management is widely acknowledged as the best solution for direct and immediate reduction of energy consumption. Why Energy Management is Important? Energy should be regarded as a business cost, like raw material or labour. Companies can achieve substantial reduction in energy bills by implementing simple housekeeping measures. Reduction and control of energy … Continue reading →

Energy Outlook for the Middle East

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There are several problems confronting the world with respect to its fossil fuels-based energy supply. The first problem relates to the ever-increasing use of fast-depleting conventional sources of energy, like petroleum, coal and natural gas. The contribution of fossil fuels in global energy supplies is above 80 percent. Energy demand will certainly increase manifolds during this century due to industrial and developmental activities as burgeoning world population. Global Trends in Energy Sector The concentration of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere is rising rapidly with use of fossil fuels leading to increasing emission of carbon dioxide which is having a … Continue reading →

How Clean Cooking Could Prevent Premature Deaths Across Africa and Middle East

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Every evening across Africa and the Middle East, millions of families gather around open fires and inefficient stoves to prepare their meals. The smoke that fills their homes poses a deadly threat, claiming hundreds of thousands of lives every year. This daily exposure to toxic fumes represents one of the largest overlooked public health crises in both regions. Expanding access to clean cooking solutions could prevent these deaths while transforming lives in ways that extend far beyond health. The Daily Danger Facing Billions of People The numbers tell a sobering story. Globally, around 2.1 billion people cook with polluting fuels … Continue reading →