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1. ADNOC Secures $60 Billion in US Investments for UAE Energy Projects

ADNOC secured $60 billion in US investments for UAE energy projects through deals with major US energy companies, announced during a UAE-US business meeting with President Trump, highlighting the strengthening partnership.

Key Highlights:

• Upper Zakum Expansion: Landmark field development plan with ExxonMobil and INPEX/JODCO to expand the Upper Zakum offshore field, the world’s second largest, using phased development and advanced AI-enabled technologies.

• Shah Gas Field: Strategic collaboration with Occidental to boost Shah Gas field capacity from 1.45 to 1.85 billion standard cubic feet per day, while accelerating the adoption of advanced technologies.

• Direct Air Capture (DAC) in Texas: ADNOC’s XRG unit signed an agreement with Occidental’s 1PointFive to evaluate investment in a DAC facility in Texas, targeting removal of up to 500,000 tons of CO₂ annually.

• New Concession Award: EOG Resources Inc. granted the first-ever unconventional oil exploration concession to a US company in Abu Dhabi, covering 3,609 sq km in the Al Dhafra region.

• Sustainability Focus: Projects will leverage AI, clean energy, and innovative infrastructure to reduce emissions and support global energy security.

ADNOC’s CEO, Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, emphasized the “shared commitment to enabling energy abundance” and the potential for further UAE-US partnerships, especially at the intersection of energy and AI.

2. US Secures Historic $600 Billion Investment Commitment in Saudi Arabia

In a parallel development, President Donald J. Trump announced a historic $600 billion investment commitment in Saudi Arabia, marking one of the largest foreign investment pledges in history.

1. Moving Beyond Oil

• Saudi Arabia is working to reduce its heavy reliance on oil.

• The new investments will help the country develop other energy sources, making its economy stronger and more flexible.

2. Boost for Renewable Energy

• A big part of the deal will go toward solar and wind energy projects.

• Saudi Arabia aims to produce half of its electricity from renewables by 2030.

• More land and funding will go into building solar farms, wind turbines, and battery storage systems.

3. Growth in Natural Gas

• The investment will help Saudi Arabia develop large natural gas fields, like the Jafurah plant.

• This will provide cleaner energy and help replace some oil use.

4. Modernizing the Power Grid

• Money from the deal will upgrade Saudi Arabia’s electricity grid.

• New battery systems will store renewable energy and keep the grid stable, even when the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing.

5. Cleaner and More Reliable Energy

• The focus on renewables and natural gas will help Saudi Arabia cut pollution and lower energy costs.

• The country will have a more secure and reliable energy supply for the future.

• This deal underscores the US’s role as a key partner in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and its ambitions to become a global energy and investment hub.

This historic investment will help Saudi Arabia move away from oil, expand clean energy, and modernize its energy system-making the Kingdom a leader in the global shift towards sustainable power.

3. ⚡ Spain Blackout: This Week’s Follow-Up

Last week, we reported on the unprecedented blackout that swept across Spain and Portugal on April 28th. Here’s the latest on what’s been uncovered and what remains under investigation.

Recap: What Happened?

Millions across Spain, Portugal, and parts of southern France lost power for up to 24 hours after a massive grid failure. The incident began at the Granada substation and quickly cascaded through other key points, disconnecting major generators and the France interconnection.

What’s New This Week?

Investigation Progress

• No Evidence of Cyberattack or Human Error: Authorities have reaffirmed that neither hacking nor operator mistakes were to blame.

• Focus on Grid Synchronization: Investigators are zeroing in on complex synchronization issues between the Iberian grid and the rest of Europe. Two significant power oscillations were recorded just before the blackout.

• Automated Solar Shutdowns: New data suggests that an automated command disconnected thousands of solar facilities, causing a rapid drop in renewable output and leading to overloads at nuclear plants.

While Spain and Portugal’s grid had a record-high 80% renewable energy share at the time, officials maintain that renewables themselves were not the direct cause. The challenge appears to be managing such a high share of variable energy sources with current grid infrastructure.

4 . Equinor’ s Empire Wind Project Faces Shutdown Amid U.S. Government Halt Order

The future of Equinor’s $5 billion Empire Wind project off the coast of New York is in jeopardy after a federal stop-work order halted construction, putting one of the U.S.’s largest offshore wind farms at risk of cancellation within days.

What Happened?

• On April 16, the U.S. Department of the Interior ordered Equinor to suspend all offshore construction activities for Empire Wind 1, citing concerns that the project was approved too quickly under the previous administration without sufficient environmental review.

• The halt has created an “urgent and unsustainable situation,” with Equinor warning that it is incurring costs of up to $50 million per week while work is paused.

• Unless the stop-work order is resolved soon, Equinor says it will be forced to terminate the project entirely.

Why Does It Matter?

 Scale and Impact: Empire Wind 1 was set to deliver 810 MW of clean power-enough for 500,000 New York homes-and create thousands of jobs.

Financial Stakes: The project has a gross book value of $2.5 billion and has already drawn $1.5 billion in project financing.

Policy Tensions: The suspension highlights the uncertainty facing U.S. offshore wind development, as federal authorities review permitting and environmental processes initiated under previous administrations.

Equinor is engaging with U.S. authorities and considering legal options, but time is running out. The company has signalled it may abandon the project “within days” without a resolution.

1 . MENA Set to Become Global Solar Manufacturing Powerhouse by 2029

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is on track to reach 44 GW of solar manufacturing capacity by 2029, according to a new analysis by Wood Mackenzie. 

This surge is set to reshape the global solar industry and position MENA as a leading exporter of solar panels, especially to the U.S. market.

Project Details:

Big Growth: The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) will have the capacity to make 44 GW of solar panels each year by 2029.

Chinese Involvement: Most of this new capacity (over 85%) will be run by Chinese companies by 2028.

Exports to the U.S.: MENA solar panels will have a big price advantage in the U.S., thanks to low import tariffs (10%), making them cheaper than panels from Southeast Asia.

Self-Sufficiency: By 2026, MENA aims to produce enough solar panels for its own needs, reducing imports.

More Solar Power: The region plans to install over 140 GW of solar power by 2030, both for local use and for export.

Strong Support: This growth is supported by government backing, smart planning, and new technology.

MENA is quickly becoming a major global hub for solar panel manufacturing and exports, with strong support from both local governments and Chinese companies.

2. Masdar and Samruk-Kazyna Launch Major Renewable Energy Partnership in Kazakhstan

Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC (Masdar) and Kazakhstan’s sovereign wealth fund, Samruk-Kazyna JSC, have signed a landmark agreement to drive large-scale renewable energy development in Kazakhstan.

⚡ Project Details:

‘24/7’ Renewable Energy Project: The partnership will deliver up to 500 MW of continuous, around-the-clock clean power, helping Kazakhstan ensure a reliable supply of renewable energy day and night.

Massive Battery Storage Plans: The agreement includes battery energy storage systems (BESS) with a total capacity of up to 2 GW, supporting grid stability and efficient use of renewable resources.

1 GW Wind Farm: Masdar is set to develop a 1 GW wind farm in Kazakhstan, paired with a 600 MWh battery storage facility. This will be one of the largest wind projects in the region, with construction expected to start in 2026.

Strategic Significance: The deal was signed in the presence of the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and the President of Kazakhstan, highlighting strong ties and mutual commitment to clean energy.

Masdar’s Global Ambitions

Central Asia is a key growth region for Masdar, which is targeting a global renewable energy portfolio of 100 GW by 2030.

3. LONGi and Rinergy Europe SARL to Supply 100MW of Solar Modules at Intersolar Europe 2025

LONGi, a global leader in solar technology, has signed a major agreement to supply 100MW of high-efficiency photovoltaic modules to Rinergy Europe SARL during Intersolar Europe 2025.

Agreement Highlights

• Product Details: LONGi will deliver 100MW of its advanced Hi-MO X10 and Hi-MO 7 PV modules. These modules use cutting-edge monocrystalline technology, offering high energy yield, proven reliability, and flexibility for a range of project types.

• Award-Winning Innovation: The Hi-MO X10 module, chosen for this agreement, recently won the 2025 Intersolar The smarter E Award for its industry-first back-contact design, sleek aesthetics, and outstanding efficiency.

• Market Impact: The modules will support Rinergy’s growing network of installers and EPCs (engineering, procurement, and construction companies) across Europe, helping accelerate the continent’s shift to clean energy.

  
  This partnership combines LONGi’s manufacturing strength and innovation with Rinergy’s operational excellence and local market expertise, aiming to deliver top-tier solar solutions and simplify solar adoption throughout Europe.

  

4. Danish Startup Solartag Launches Innovative Solar Tile for Pitched Roofs

Solartag, a Danish building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) specialist, has unveiled its new T-Roof solar tile-a sleek, fully integrated solution designed to replace traditional roofing on pitched roofs.

Product Highlights

Integrated Design: The T-Roof plate is a BIPV product that serves as both a roofing material and a solar energy generator, combining function, aesthetics, and durability.

Technical Specs:

• Power output: 71 W per tile

• Power conversion efficiency: 16%

• Size: 43.5 cm x 116 cm

• Weight: 14.2 kg/m²

• Uses black PERC solar cells and 4 mm low-reflection hardened glass

• IP67-rated for water and dust resistance

• Operates in temperatures from -40°C to 50°C

• System voltage: up to 1,000 V

• Temperature coefficient: 0.33%/°C

Sustainability and Sourcing: Manufactured in Lithuania with key components sourced from European partners to minimize supply chain emissions and ensure fast delivery.

Durability:

• 25-year warranty for the PV technology

• 40-year warranty for the glass plate

Aesthetics:
The flagship colour is black, but custom colours are available for tailored projects.

Target Market:
Already in use by private homeowners, architects, and developers across Northern Europe who value sustainable energy without compromising on roof design.

Solartag’s T-Roof solar tile offers a stylish, durable, and fully integrated renewable energy solution for pitched roofs-blending sustainability.

1. LONGi Launches All-Black EcoLife Solar Module Series for Residential Market

LONGi, a global solar leader, has unveiled its new EcoLife series of all-black back-contact solar panels, setting new standards for residential rooftop solar.

Key Features:

High Power & Efficiency:

•  Up to 510W output (depending on model)

• Module efficiency up to 25%

• Cell efficiency reaches a world-leading 27.3%

Advanced Technology:

• Combines heterojunction (HJT) and back-contact (BC) cell technology for superior light absorption and minimal energy loss.

• First mass-produced residential module to use this HBC platform.

Compact & Stylish:

• 54-cell, all-black bifacial design for sleek aesthetics

• Models include LR7-54HJBB (full black, up to 505W, 24.7% efficiency) and LR7-54HJD (transparent, up to 510W, 25% efficiency)

Durability & Safety:

•  Withstands snow loads up to 4 meters and Category 15 hurricane winds

• Class A fire rating

• Enhanced anti-shading and anti-cracking features with LONGi’s TaiRay wafer

• 30-year product and power warranty

Performance in Real Conditions:

• Ultra-low temperature coefficient (-0.24%/°C) for minimal power loss in heat

• Only 1% power degradation in the first year, then just 0.35% annually

• Reduces power degradation by 70% compared to TOPCon modules under shading

Benefits for Homeowners

1.  More Power on Limited Roof Space: Higher output per square meter means even small rooftops can maximize solar generation.

2. Faster Payback: Greater efficiency and reliability lead to quicker returns and long-term savings.

3. Built to Last: Engineered for decades of stable performance, with robust materials and warranties.

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