Saving money and the planet with solar leasing

Saving money and the planet with solar leasing

Saving money and the planet with solar leasing
The Bahrain Mall's solar project produces 10 million KWH of clean energy yearly. (YellowDoorEnery photo)
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In recent years, Saudi Arabia has stepped up its pursuit of a cleaner, greener tomorrow, positioning itself as a global energy leader championing climate action.

Under the Saudi and Middle East Green Initiatives, the Kingdom is implementing more than 80 projects in the public and private sectors with investments worth more than SR705 billion ($188 billion) to build a more sustainable future for all.

Furthermore, COP16 of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification will be held in the Saudi capital Riyadh in December.

Another important step is Saudi Arabia’s intention to reach net-zero by 2060, which requires an annual emission reduction of 278 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent by 2030.

To achieve this goal, the Kingdom is targeting 130 GW of renewable energy production capacity by 2030, increasing its share in the energy mix to 50 percent.

Tapping into its immense solar power potential, the country more than doubled its renewable energy capacity last year from 700 MW in 2022 to more than 2.2 GW.

With the growing importance of solar, companies are looking for innovative ways to switch to clean energy while reducing their electricity costs.

Solar leasing, also known as a solar power purchase agreement, or PPA, is the preferred option among multinational companies and large family-owned businesses. This solution is now widely available through leading sustainable energy developers in Saudi Arabia.

With a solar lease, companies can enjoy immediate savings with no upfront investment, while focusing on their core business and transferring the entire construction and operational risk to developers such as Yellow Door Energy.

The savings can be substantial, significantly reducing operating costs.

Solar leasing offers a cost-effective way to adopt renewable energy, lowering operational costs and enhancing an organization’s green credentials without the burden of initial capital investment.

Khaled Chebaro

With diesel pricing going up, businesses are looking to solar leasing to reduce diesel consumption and reliance on diesel generators.

Additionally, the widespread adoption of solar leasing can enhance energy grid stability and resilience by diversifying the energy supply and reducing peak demand pressures.

Solar leasing offers a cost-effective way to adopt renewable energy, lowering operational costs and enhancing an organization’s green credentials without the burden of initial capital investment.

In addition to the cost savings, this approach is hassle-free, as the operations and maintenance are entrusted to an expert with a proven track record.

Yellow Door Energy has more than 90 customers and 240 MW of awarded solar projects in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, UAE, Oman, Jordan and South Africa.

The company implements strict health and safety standards on all its 100-plus project sites and has a robust sustainable energy asset management system to live-monitor all its operating projects and maximize clean energy production.

With its desert climate, characterized by high temperatures and water scarcity, Saudi Arabia faces several environmental challenges, including desertification and land degradation. The country is also highly susceptible to the impacts of climate change.

Innovative technologies, such as solar PV, combined with the solar lease financing solution, along with traditional efforts such as land restoration, are an integral part of a holistic approach to environmental protection, climate action and achieving the Kingdom’s net zero 2060 target.

Additionally, the expansion of solar leasing can drive job creation and economic growth in the renewable energy sector, supporting overall national development.

In summary, with the Saudi government drafting regulations to advance a just energy transition, the Kingdom’s companies have a prime opportunity to amplify their contributions to a more sustainable future through the adoption of renewable energy solutions.

Khaled Chebaro is the Saudi Arabia country director at Yellow Door Energy
 

Disclaimer: Views expressed by writers in this section are their own and do not necessarily reflect Arab News' point of view

Spain’s PM urges Washington to reconsider tariff ‘nonsense’

Spain’s PM urges Washington to reconsider tariff ‘nonsense’
Updated 1 min 58 sec ago
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Spain’s PM urges Washington to reconsider tariff ‘nonsense’

Spain’s PM urges Washington to reconsider tariff ‘nonsense’
  • “Today, from here, I’d like to make a call again to the US administration to reconsider and open dialogue with the European Commission,” Sanchez told an economic event in Madrid
  • Ribera likened Trump’s trade policy to the behavior of a “schoolyard bully“

MADRID: Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and European Commission Vice President Teresa Ribera on Friday urged the United States to reconsider new tariffs on goods from Europe and open a dialogue with Brussels to stop what Sanchez described as “nonsense.”
President Donald Trump said on Wednesday the United States will charge a 25 percent import tariff on all cars. On Thursday, the Commission said the European Union was preparing a “robust, calibrated” response.
“Today, from here, I’d like to make a call again to the US administration to reconsider and open dialogue with the European Commission and stop this nonsense,” Sanchez told an economic event in Madrid.
Speaking at the same event, Ribera — who served as energy minister under Sanchez and is now the bloc’s antitrust chief — said the EU “misses the relationship of solidarity with the United States and we hope we can return to it,” adding there was always space to talk and find solutions.
She likened Trump’s trade policy to the behavior of a “schoolyard bully.”
“Europe cannot remain silent in the face of such aggression,” she added. “We’re reaching our limit and the next steps will require more Europe, and more unity in terms of security.”


Trump, Carney say they had a productive call, Canadian tariffs still coming

Trump, Carney say they had a productive call, Canadian tariffs still coming
Updated 53 min 27 sec ago
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Trump, Carney say they had a productive call, Canadian tariffs still coming

Trump, Carney say they had a productive call, Canadian tariffs still coming
  • The phone call was the first contact since Carney won the leadership of Canada’s ruling Liberals on March 9
  • Carney has said that Trump’s threat of tariffs is a betrayal of a once close economic and security relationship

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Mark Carney on Friday had a conversation that both men described as productive, although the Canadian leader said Ottawa would be imposing retaliatory tariffs next week as promised.
The phone call was the first contact since Carney won the leadership of Canada’s ruling Liberals on March 9. Carney has said that Trump’s threat of tariffs is a betrayal of a once close economic and security relationship.
“It was an extremely productive call, we agree on many things, and will be meeting immediately after Canada’s upcoming Election to work on elements of Politics, Business, and all other factors,” Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social.
That work “will end up being great for both the United States of America and Canada,” he added. Carney on Thursday vowed to transform Canada’s economy to be less dependent on the United States. Trump’s tariff announcement is expected on April 2. Ottawa has made clear for months that it will impose countermeasures.
“The Prime Minister informed the President that his government will implement retaliatory tariffs to protect Canadian workers and our economy, following the announcement of additional US trade actions on April 2, 2025,” Carney’s office said in a statement.
The United States and its northern neighbor have long been close allies and trading partners. But relations deteriorated after Trump, a Republican who took office in January, upended the relationship with tariff threats and repeated comments about annexing the country.
Trump referred to Carney as the Canadian prime minister rather than as the governor of the 51st US state, the term he often used to describe former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Carney said the two leaders had agreed to begin comprehensive negotiations about a new economic and security relationship immediately after an election on April 28.


Malaysian couple completes Ramadan fasting journey through Asia to perform Umrah

Malaysian couple completes Ramadan fasting journey through Asia to perform Umrah
Updated 58 min 22 sec ago
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Malaysian couple completes Ramadan fasting journey through Asia to perform Umrah

Malaysian couple completes Ramadan fasting journey through Asia to perform Umrah
  • Farhan Mokhali and Ainaa Fakhira crossed seven countries on the way to Saudi Arabia
  • On the last day of Ramadan, they are traveling to Malaysia to celebrate Eid at home

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian backpackers who traveled through seven countries to reach Saudi Arabia for Umrah have completed their 30-day Ramadan journey, fasting with Muslim communities they visited along the way.

Farhan Mokhali, 28, and Ainaa Fakhira, 27, started their journey from Padang Besar, a town bordering Thailand in the northern part of the Malaysian state of Perlis.

“The inspiration and idea solely came from Ainaa. She is the one who has always dreamed of being a backpacker and traveling around the world since she was a teenager,” Mokhali told Arab News.

“After several years of postponing the dream, in 2025 she decided to pursue it because she didn’t want to wait any longer.”

From Hatyai on the other side of the border, they reached Bangkok and traveled to Vientiane in Laos, from where they crossed to Kunming in China and traveled to Xi’an and further to Khorgos, where they entered Kazakhstan.

There the land journey had to end when they faced problems in obtaining visas to Turkmenistan and Syria.

Within 30 days, they visited seven countries, taking 10 trains, three buses and two aeroplanes.

Self-employed and running a media startup, they kept on working during their travel, which they estimate cost them about $4,300 in total.

While the journey took place during Ramadan, both kept on fasting as they experienced the cultures of various Muslim communities that they met on their way.

“We camped in the snow in negative temperatures and hiked 15 km during snowfall just to experience the Altyn Arashan hot springs while fasting in Kyrgyzstan. We loved every part of this journey since it gave us the chance to spend more quality time together and learn a lot of new things,” Mokhali said.

“We are also thankful to have had the opportunity to experience the beauty of Ramadan in other countries. We experienced different cultures, like iftar with the locals, Taraweeh at different mosques in several countries, and many more Ramadan traditions.”

Last week they reached Madinah, from where they traveled to Makkah to complete their pilgrimage.

It was the best part of their journey because they could experience Umrah together, Mokhali said, as they packed to return home on Saturday, right before the end of the fasting month.

“We are going to celebrate Eid in Malaysia,” he added. “We are going back to Malaysia tomorrow. We haven’t experienced Ramadan in our country this year yet.”


Capitalizing on business opportunities during Ramadan

Capitalizing on business opportunities during Ramadan
Updated 28 March 2025
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Capitalizing on business opportunities during Ramadan

Capitalizing on business opportunities during Ramadan
  • Traditional clothing, food, outfits see increased sales
  • Customer turnout increases in final 10 days of holy month

RIYADH: The Ramadan season presents a particular opportunity for businesses to thrive, as many consumers turn to products that enhance their experience during the holy month.
Items such as lanterns, dates and traditional fabrics see a significant uptick in sales, reflecting cultural practices and traditions.
Recently, Arab News visited the Al-Magliah market in Riyadh to explore what sells best during Ramadan. The findings highlighted the diverse range of products that cater to the needs of the community during this time.
One of the standout shops was dedicated to undergarments typically worn beneath thobes, along with traditional Saudi outfits such as the bisht and meshlah.
Hamza Sulaiman, a sales representative at the Al-Jaja store, said: “All year round we have bisht sales, but what really rises in Ramadan is the undergarments for thobes.
“Sales of the bisht peak in the last ten days of Ramadan as men prepare for Eid festivities. The yellow bisht is particularly popular, symbolizing celebration, while the white bisht is worn for Eid prayers along with accessories like the agal (the black headband).”
At Fakhamat Al-Irtiqaa, a shop specializing in thobe fabrics, sales representative Ali Saeed noted a remarkable increase in demand.
“During Ramadan, we see over a 90 percent boost in sales compared to other months. Customers prefer Japanese fabric because it is thick and resists wrinkling.
“A bolt of this fabric typically costs between SR550 to SR900 (about $146 to $240). Ramadan is our peak season, attracting both young and older men who are looking to tailor their outfits for Eid.”
Inside a local center, Fahad Jalabiyat showcased traditional Arabian dresses. Sales representative Saffiyah Eissa highlighted the growing popularity of jalabiyat during Ramadan.
“There’s a significant 70 percent increase in demand for jalabiyat as women seek comfortable yet modest attire.
“Our most expensive piece is priced at SR300 (about $80). The makahweer style, originally Emirati, is also trending here in Saudi Arabia, known for its vibrant colors and feminine cuts. As we approach the last ten days of Ramadan, customer turnout increases significantly, boosting our sales.”
The Ramadan season is a lucrative period for businesses in Al-Magliah, driven by cultural traditions and consumer preferences.
From traditional clothing to modern interpretations, the market adapts to meet the demands of its community, ensuring a truly festive atmosphere as families prepare for Eid celebrations.


Islamabad expresses solidarity with Myanmar, Thailand after earthquake kills over 150

Islamabad expresses solidarity with Myanmar, Thailand after earthquake kills over 150
Updated 28 March 2025
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Islamabad expresses solidarity with Myanmar, Thailand after earthquake kills over 150

Islamabad expresses solidarity with Myanmar, Thailand after earthquake kills over 150
  • The shallow 7.7-magnitude tremor hit Myanmar’s Sagaing on Friday afternoon and was followed minutes later by a 6.4-magnitude aftershock
  • The quake flattened buildings, downed bridges, and cracked roads across swathes of Myanmar, demolished a 30-story skyscraper in Bangkok

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Friday expressed solidarity with Myanmar and Thailand after a powerful earthquake killed more than 150 people and injured hundreds in the two Southeast Asian countries.
The shallow 7.7-magnitude tremor hit northwest of the city of Sagaing in central Myanmar in the early afternoon, and was followed minutes later by a 6.4-magnitude aftershock.
The quake flattened buildings, downed bridges, and cracked roads across swathes of Myanmar, and even demolished a 30-story skyscraper under construction hundreds of kilometers (miles) away in Bangkok.
The Foreign Office in Islamabad said the Pakistani people were saddened by the heartbreaking news of the devastating earthquake and their thoughts were with everyone impacted by this tragedy.
“We applaud the courageous individuals and emergency responders who are working diligently on the ground to deliver rescue and relief efforts. Their bravery and commitment during this urgent time are truly admirable,” it said.
“We express our solidarity with the governments and communities affected during this challenging period. May strength and resilience lead those impacted toward healing and recovery.”
While the full extent of the catastrophe is yet to emerge, the leader of isolated Myanmar, in the grip of a civil war, issued a rare plea for international aid.
Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing said 144 people had been killed, with 732 confirmed injured, but warned the toll was “likely to rise.” Eight deaths have been confirmed so far in Thailand, with more expected.
“In some places, some buildings collapsed,” he said in a televised speech. “I would like to invite any country, any organization, or anyone in Myanmar to come and help. Thank you.”
Across the border in Thailand, a 30-story skyscraper under construction collapsed to a tangled heap of rubble and dust in a matter of seconds.
Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said eight dead bodies have been recovered and, with between 90 and 110 people unaccounted for, the toll is expected to rise.
“We see several dead bodies under the rubble. We will take time to bring the bodies out to avoid any further collapses,” he told reporters.
Earthquakes are relatively common in Myanmar, where six strong quakes of 7.0 magnitude or more struck between 1930 and 1956 near the Sagaing Fault, which runs north to south through the center of the country, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
A powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake in the ancient capital Bagan in central Myanmar killed three people in 2016, also toppling spires and crumbling temple walls at the tourist destination.