Climate change ambitions proving ‘futile’ as fossil fuel consumption hits new highs: report

Climate change ambitions proving ‘futile’ as fossil fuel consumption hits new highs: report
Coal use reached record levels in 2023, according to the report. Shutterstock
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Updated 25 June 2024
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Climate change ambitions proving ‘futile’ as fossil fuel consumption hits new highs: report

Climate change ambitions proving ‘futile’ as fossil fuel consumption hits new highs: report

RIYADH: “Drastic and coordinated actions” are needed to reduce the global reliance on fossil fuels, a climate think tank leader has warned after a new analysis showed oil and coal consumption are at record levels.

Commenting on the latest edition of the Statistical Review of World Energy by the Energy Institute, co-authored with KPMG and Kearney, Romain Debarre, managing director of the Energy Transition Institute, stressed that green ambitions are “futile” without moves that immediately impact global warming.

Countries worldwide have pledged to transform their energy systems following global deals, such as the Paris Agreement, and decisions at COP28 in Dubai – which concluded last December with a landmark agreement among 198 parties, signaling a new era of climate action.

Despite these pledges, global primary energy consumption increased by 2 percent in 2023, surpassing its 10-year average and pre-COVID-19 levels, according to the report.

“COP28 and rhetoric from world leaders on the energy transition demonstrates the ambition to reduce the world’s fossil fuel dependency. However, this ambition is futile unless it is matched with drastic and coordinated actions resulting in real and immediate impact on climate change mitigation,” said Debarre.

The report noted that oil consumption across the world surged to unprecedented levels in 2023, largely due to China’s relaxation of its stringent zero-COVID-19 policies. 

Alongside this, coal use also hit new highs.

There were some signs of climate policies having an impact, with renewables’ share of total primary energy consumption up 14.6 percent, and nuclear power bringing the combined share of low-carbon sources to over 18 percent.

Oil and gas




Caption

The 73rd annual edition explained that as supply chain issues eased, most markets returned to their pre-2019 trends, marking 2023 as a year of notable recovery.

“The Asia Pacific region saw an increase of over 5 percent to 38 million barrels per day in oil consumption, while China’s refining capacity exceeded the US for the first time ever, making it the largest oil refining market by capacity,” the release said.

The Middle East, with its substantial oil reserves, saw increased activity, contributing to global oil consumption exceeding 100 million bpd for the first time. This rebound was especially pronounced in the Asia Pacific region, where oil demand rose by over 5 percent to 38 million bpd.

While China’s energy sector witnessed remarkable growth, the US retained higher throughput with an overall utilization of 86.6 percent compared to the Asian country’s 81.7 percent.

Natural gas prices saw significant declines in Europe and Asia, dropping 30 percent from their 2022 peaks. However, global gas production remained relatively stable. The US emerged as the largest exporter of liquefied natural gas, overtaking Qatar, with the Asia Pacific region, particularly China and India, driving increased demand.

The report noted that the European gas market experienced a significant shift in 2023. European gas demand fell by 7 percent, following a 13 percent decline the previous year. 

Russia’s share of EU gas imports plummeted to 15 percent, down from 45 percent in 2021, as LNG imports outpaced piped gas for the second consecutive year. 

This rebalancing of gas supply has been largely influenced by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has prompted European countries to seek alternative energy sources.

Fuel, renewable energy, and electricity

Renewable energy continued its rapid expansion, growing six times the total primary energy consumption rate, as per the Energy Institute, KPMG, and Kearney.

The Middle East and Asia contributed to a 25 percent increase in global electricity demand. Grid-scale battery electricity storage capacity in China, which accounted for nearly 50 percent of the worldwide total, exemplified the region’s push toward sustainable energy solutions.

Fossil fuel use appears to have peaked in advanced economies. Europe’s use dropped below 70 percent of primary energy for the first time since the Industrial Revolution, driven by reduced demand and renewable power growth. The US saw fuel consumption fall to 80 percent of total primary energy. 

EI CEO Nick Wayth pointed out that while the transition’s progress is slow, diverse energy stories are unfolding across regions.

“In advanced economies, we observe signs of demand for fossil fuels peaking, contrasting with economies in the Global South for whom economic development and improvements in quality of life continue to drive fossil fuel growth,” he said.

Emerging economies, however, face challenges in curbing fuel growth. In India, for example, fuel consumption rose by 8 percent, now representing 89 percent of total energy use. 

For the first time, India used more coal than Europe and North America combined. Africa saw a 0.5 percent decline in primary energy consumption, with fossil fuels accounting for 90 percent of the total and renewables for 6 percent of electricity. 

China’s post-COVID-19 recovery led to a 6 percent rise in fuel use, though its share of primary energy has been declining since 2011, reaching 81.6 percent in 2023. 

The Asian powerhouse also accounted for 55 percent of global renewable energy additions, surpassing Europe in energy per capita for the first time.

“In advanced economies, we observe signs of demand for fossil fuels peaking, contrasting with economies in the Global South for whom economic development and improvements in quality of life continue to drive fossil growth,” Wayth said.

The EI CEO added: “The progress of the transition is slow, but the big picture masks diverse energy stories playing out across different geographies.”

The EI Statistical Review of World Energy has been a key resource since 1952, providing comprehensive data on global energy markets.


PIF’s SIRC, Germany’s Concord Blue to launch first phase of sewage to renewable hydrogen station

PIF’s SIRC, Germany’s Concord Blue to launch first phase of sewage to renewable hydrogen station
Updated 06 February 2025
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PIF’s SIRC, Germany’s Concord Blue to launch first phase of sewage to renewable hydrogen station

PIF’s SIRC, Germany’s Concord Blue to launch first phase of sewage to renewable hydrogen station
  • Both parties will offer innovative solutions that contribute to environmental sustainability and promote the circular carbon economy
  • Plan will see around 100 million tonnes of waste recycled annually

RIYADH: A new agreement between the Saudi Investment Recycling Co. and the German company Concord Blue will lead to the construction of a station in the Kingdom that converts sewage into renewable hydrogen.

The Public Investment Fund firm inked the memorandum of understanding with the engineering company for the first phase of the development, whereby the plant will use Concord Blue Reformer technology to develop sludge treatment projects resulting from sewage and other organic waste, according to a statement.

Concord Blue Reformer’s non-combustion reforming process uses the principles of staged reforming to efficiently and cleanly recycle waste into energy.

This falls in line with SIRC’s goal of actively leading the charge in implementing impactful waste reduction strategies, accelerating the widespread adoption of renewable energy solutions, and championing the principles of environmental justice.

It also aligns with the comprehensive plan announced by the Kingdom’s Ministry of Environment in January 2024, which targets recycling a significant portion — up to 95 percent — of the country’s waste.

“Under this memorandum, SIRC will provide sewage and agricultural waste as raw materials, while Concord Blue will convert this waste into renewable hydrogen, in addition to transferring knowledge in this field and training national cadres to build, operate and maintain facilities for converting waste into hydrogen,” said Faisal Al-Solami, executive vice president of finance and strategic planning at SIRC.

When fully implemented, the plan will see around 100 million tonnes of waste recycled annually, showcasing the nation’s commitment to sustainability.

Under the terms of the newly signed MoU, both parties will offer innovative solutions that contribute to environmental sustainability and promote the circular carbon economy by producing high-quality green hydrogen and manufacturing biochar and industrial-activated coal. 

Al-Solami said signing the agreement is a key step toward achieving Vision 2030’s recycling and sustainability goals, as it promotes environmentally friendly energy solutions from waste, reduces emissions, and supports an eco-conscious economy.

This comes as the first phase of the project will achieve several goals, including reducing the volume of waste sent to landfills, enhancing hydrogen production on a large scale, and developing innovative solutions to reduce carbon emissions.

It will also support local manufacturing projects and contribute to achieving a zero-carbon future by producing clean fuel that supports the transition to a hydrogen economy in the industrial and transportation sectors.


Closing Bell: Saudi main index edges up to close at 12,433

Closing Bell: Saudi main index edges up to close at 12,433
Updated 06 February 2025
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Closing Bell: Saudi main index edges up to close at 12,433

Closing Bell: Saudi main index edges up to close at 12,433

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index edged up on Thursday, gaining 19.18 points, or 0.15 percent, to close at 12,433.58. 

The total trading turnover of the benchmark index was SR6.88 billion ($1.83 billion), as 123 of the listed stocks advanced, while 96 retreated.  

The MSCI Tadawul Index increased by 2.23 points, or 0.14 percent, to close at 1,545.99. 

The Kingdom’s parallel market Nomu also rose, gaining 135.68 points, or 0.43 percent, to close at 31,386.27. This comes as 40 of the listed stocks advanced, while 39 retreated. 

The best-performing stock was Almasane Alkobra Mining Co., with its share price surging by 7.49 percent to SR68.9. 

Other top performers included the Thimar Development Holding Co., which saw its share price rise by 5.76 percent to SR56.9, and Makkah Construction and Development Co., which saw a 4.42 percent increase to SR108.60. 

Mutakamela Insurance Co. saw the largest decline of the day, with its share price dropping 2.19 percent to SR18.72. 

The Tanmiah Food Co. saw a decline of 1.99 percent, with its share price dropping to SR127.80, while the Saudi Industrial Investment Group fell by 1.69 percent to SR17.40. 

On the announcements front, Saudi Industrial Investment Group reported its annual financial results for 2024, with net profits reaching SR11 million, matching the previous year’s figure. 

Saudi Arabian Mining Co., known as Ma’aden, also announced the official launch of its US dollar-denominated trust certificates offering.

The offering is available to eligible investors both in Saudi Arabia and internationally, as part of Ma’aden’s strategic initiative to strengthen its financial position and expand investment opportunities. 

To facilitate the issuance, Ma’aden has appointed 10 companies as joint lead managers for the transaction, including Citigroup Global Markets Limited, HSBC Bank, Al Rajhi Capital Co., BNP Paribas, and GIB Capital.

The other five include J.P. Morgan Securities plc, Natixis, Saudi Fransi Capital, SNB Capital Co., and Standard Chartered Bank. 

In a statement to Tadawul, the company stated that the sukuk will be issued in two tranches, with maturities of 5 and 10 years. The minimum subscription amount is set at $200,000, with the final value and terms of the offering to be determined based on market conditions. 

Following the announcement, Ma’aden’s shares closed at SR48.15, up 4.05 percent in today’s session. 


Saudi crown prince launches ‘King Salman Automotive Cluster’ at KAEC

Saudi crown prince launches ‘King Salman Automotive Cluster’ at KAEC
Updated 06 February 2025
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Saudi crown prince launches ‘King Salman Automotive Cluster’ at KAEC

Saudi crown prince launches ‘King Salman Automotive Cluster’ at KAEC

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has named the automotive manufacturing hub within King Abdullah Economic City the “King Salman Automotive Cluster,” the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.

The King Salman Automotive Cluster will serve as a pivotal center for the automotive industry, housing the headquarters and manufacturing facilities for both local and international companies.

Notable brands, such as Ceer—the first Saudi electric vehicle brand—and Lucid Motors, which opened its first international factory in KAEC in 2023, are set to be key players in the cluster.

The site will also host multiple Public Investment Fund joint ventures with global manufacturers, including a highly automated factory with Hyundai Motor for car production in Saudi Arabia and a partnership with Pirelli to establish a tire factory.

This new cluster marks a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification efforts, supporting the development of the automotive sector and advancing sustainable transportation. It will contribute to boosting the non-oil gross domestic product and increasing exports.

The King Salman Automotive Cluster will accelerate local manufacturing capacity, promote research and development, and optimize supply chains, making them more efficient for both regional and international markets.

The project is expected to create numerous investment opportunities for the private sector, fostering the growth of promising industries within the Kingdom.

By 2035, the cumulative GDP contribution from companies within the cluster is projected to reach approximately SR92 billion.

The cluster will generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, support local manufacturing, and boost Saudi exports, positively impacting the nation’s balance of payments.

Leveraging KAEC’s robust infrastructure and its strategic location near a well-developed port, the cluster offers significant advantages for both local private sector entities and international companies. These factors will provide ample opportunities for collaboration between partners, suppliers, and investors within the automotive industry and related sectors.

The King Salman Automotive Cluster will play a key role in advancing the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program, which aims to position Saudi Arabia as a leading industrial hub and global logistics center by fostering high-growth sectors and attracting foreign investment.


Saudi Arabia takes steps to strengthen personal data protection

Saudi Arabia takes steps to strengthen personal data protection
Updated 06 February 2025
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Saudi Arabia takes steps to strengthen personal data protection

Saudi Arabia takes steps to strengthen personal data protection

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s financial sector is set to benefit from enhanced data protection measures following the signing of two agreements between the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority and the Saudi Central Bank. 

The agreements, signed on Feb. 5 and 6, aim to bolster the implementation of personal data protection laws across financial institutions, enhancing regulatory oversight and ensuring compliance with national data governance standards. 

The first memorandum of understanding focuses on enforcing personal data protection laws and their executive regulations within the financial sector.  

It seeks to strengthen supervision of financial institutions’ adherence to data protection requirements, thereby supporting the Kingdom’s broader digital economy goals.   

The move comes as Saudi Arabia accelerates its financial technology transformation, with a goal to raise non-cash transactions to 80 percent of total payments by 2030, up from 62 percent today.   

The first agreement was signed by Abdulaziz Al-Anazi, director of the General Department of Risk and Compliance at SDAIA, and Marwan Al-Lahedan, executive director of Operational Sustainability Oversight at SAMA.  

According to the agreement, the initiative will also promote collaboration in monitoring mechanisms, fostering an environment of secure and efficient data management.   

The second MoU, finalized on Feb. 6, will enhance the governance framework for data within the financial sector. This agreement will help advance Saudi Arabia’s digital infrastructure, creating a regulatory environment that supports data protection across the financial landscape.  

Both agreements were signed in the presence of high-level representatives, including Khaled Al-Dhaher, deputy governor for supervision and technology at SAMA, and Rayed Al-Rayedi, head of the National Data Management Office at SDAIA.    

The effort underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening its regulatory ecosystem to protect personal data and foster innovation in the financial industry.   

The surge in technological upgrades within financial institutions and the entry of new fintech startups underscore the need for rigorous data protection protocols to secure consumer information and prevent fraud.  

According to the World Bank, fraud in the financial sector leads to substantial global losses. In 2023, online fraud resulted in approximately $485.6 billion in losses worldwide.   

The increasing sophistication of fraudulent schemes poses substantial challenges to financial institutions and their clients.    

Fraudsters use advanced techniques, including phishing, identity theft, and cyberattacks, to exploit vulnerabilities within financial systems. This not only leads to direct financial losses but also erodes consumer trust in financial services.  


Hungarian firms plan major tech investment in Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030

Hungarian firms plan major tech investment in Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030
Updated 06 February 2025
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Hungarian firms plan major tech investment in Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030

Hungarian firms plan major tech investment in Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030
  • Trade between Saudi Arabia and Hungary reached $480 million in 2023
  • Hungary has maintained diplomatic ties with Saudi Arabia for over 28 years

RIYADH: An alliance of 25 Hungarian companies is preparing to invest in Saudi Arabia’s technology and digital transformation sectors, seizing the opportunities offered by Vision 2030. 

The announcement, made at the Saudi-Hungarian Business Forum in Riyadh organized by the Federation of Saudi Chambers, underscored the growing economic ties between the two nations, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The forum was attended by Hungarian Parliament Deputy Speaker Istvan Jakab, Saudi-Hungarian Business Council Chairman Marwan Al-Mutlaq, Shoura Council Chairman Ibrahim bin Mohammad Al-Qannas, and Hungarian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Balazs Selmeci.

The initiative builds on the creation of the Hungarian-Saudi Holding Co. last year, a consortium focused on digital transformation and investment partnerships across Saudi Arabia’s digital, financial, and food sectors.

Trade between Saudi Arabia and Hungary reached SR1.8 billion ($480 million) in 2023, reflecting a 27 percent increase, with the Kingdom’s exports surging 216 percent to SR584 million and imports at SR1.2 billion.

Jakab highlighted the strength of Hungary’s relationship with Saudi Arabia, saying: “The relationship with the Shoura Council and the Federation of Saudi Chambers is strong,” and emphasized the potential of the holding company to foster investment and collaboration in key sectors.

Al-Mutlaq noted Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in the tech sector, ranking fourth globally in e-government and tenth in e-commerce. 

He added that the Saudi-Hungarian Business Council, in its new term, will focus on strengthening investment partnerships and boosting bilateral trade.

Hungary has maintained diplomatic ties with Saudi Arabia for over 28 years, contributing to ongoing bilateral cooperation. The country’s advanced IT sector presents opportunities to share expertise with Saudi Arabia’s growing technology landscape.

As part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan, the country is making substantial investments in digital transformation, focusing on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and the Internet of things to build a significant digital economy by 2030. 

Government spending on technology is expected to reach $24.7 billion by 2025, according to a report published by the International Trade Administration. 

Key initiatives include the Public Investment Fund backing advanced tech firms like Alat, which focuses on AI, semiconductors, and robotics, with projected investments of around $100 billion by 2030.