China’s Sunpure supplying robotic tech for KSA solar plant: Egypt-based Elsewedy Electric has signed an agreement with Chinese intelligent PV cleaning robotics company Sunpure to use the company’s robots to maintain its 348 MW solar project in Saudi Arabia, according to a statement. Solar panel cleaning robots provide a waterless solution to remove dust and other contaminants from solar arrays in a bid to maintain PV cell efficiency and offer a safe alternative to manned panel cleaning operations. Elsewedy signed a USD 176.1 mn turn-key agreement with KSA’s Al Ghazala Energy for the project last January, and is expected to commission the solar farm next year, the statement notes. The project is expected to generate 876 GWh once operational, offsetting some 500k tons of CO2 emissions annually. Sunpure has a 4 GW pipeline across six planned solar projects in Saudi Arabia.

Robot disruption in MENA renewables: Saudi Arabia’s state-owned mining corporation Ma’aden signed an agreement last January with US-based mining solutions company Offworld to explore zero-carbon mining in the kingdom using the American firm’s robotic mining swarms. The pact would pave the way for Ma’aden to decarbonize mining, processing, manufacturing, and construction with five types of robots covering a range of functions including surveying, excavating, collecting, hauling, and bulldozing.

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Dubai looks to Japan for expertise on water treatment: A delegation from Dubai’s municipality visited Japan to explore the country’s water treatment and recycling strategies, Wam reports. Japan showcased the latest technologies it uses for sorting waste, converting waste into energy, and recycling cinders. The delegation also met with representatives of large companies and factories specialized in the water and waste sectors, including those with expertise in waste-to-energy conversions, bottom-ash recycling, and digging for wastewater and rain drainage.

OTHER STORIES WORTH KNOWING ABOUT THIS MORNING-

• Moroccan desalination plant starts operation: Moroccan state-owned fertilizer giant OCP Group has inaugurated the first phase of its 35 mn cbm per year Safi desalination plant. The plant’s output will serve OCP’s industrial needs and provide drinking water to the Safi and El Jadida neighborhoods. The first phase will produce 10 cbm per year. (Morocco World News)
• SNB Capital tapped to help Tadweeer’s move on Tadawul: SNB Capital will serve as the financial advisor for Saudi-based recycling company Tadweeer’s move from Tadawul’s parallel market (Nomu) to the main stock market. (Tadawul)