Red Sea Global Announces Completion of Solar Stations in 1st Phase of Infrastructure Project

Amaala is a land and property megaproject currently in development in Saudi Arabia that is managed by Red Sea Global. Asharq Al-Awsat
Amaala is a land and property megaproject currently in development in Saudi Arabia that is managed by Red Sea Global. Asharq Al-Awsat
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Red Sea Global Announces Completion of Solar Stations in 1st Phase of Infrastructure Project

Amaala is a land and property megaproject currently in development in Saudi Arabia that is managed by Red Sea Global. Asharq Al-Awsat
Amaala is a land and property megaproject currently in development in Saudi Arabia that is managed by Red Sea Global. Asharq Al-Awsat

Red Sea Global has announced the installation of 750,000 solar panels and five solar stations dedicated to the operation of the first phase of the “Red Sea Project,” which consists of 16 hotels, retail, and entertainment venues, and supporting infrastructure facilities to be powered entirely by renewable energy.
John Pagano, the CEO of Red Sea Global, explained that since the beginning, the company has been committed to adopting a different approach in its operations and projects.

Its development of the world’s largest tourism destination that is fully powered by renewable energy falls within such commitment, he said.

Pagano added that the installation of electroluminescent (EL) panels at the five solar stations had been completed as part of the first phase of the Red Sea Project, and the complete independence of the mega venture from the national grid makes it not only the largest but also the first of its kind in the world.

One of the solar stations is located near the Six Senses Southern Dunes, the Red Sea Resort, and Spa, the first solar-powered resort and hotel to be inaugurated of the 16 hotels of the first phase of the Red Sea Project.

Two solar stations are located near the Desert Rock mountain resort and the Sheybarah Resort on Sheybarah Island. Two other solar stations of larger capacity will power the remaining resorts and the 15 beach villas in the Turtle Bay Village.

Red Sea Global is also implementing the world’s largest battery storage facility at a capacity of 1,200MWh, which will enable the mega tourism project to achieve 100% grid independence, all within the commitment of the company in sustainability and development and to contributing to realizing the targets of the Saudi Vision 20230.

All vehicles transporting visitors of the Red Sea Tourism Project will be fully powered by solar energy, starting with their arrival at the Red Sea International Airport and continuing through their movements within the sites and between the nearby islands.

Red Sea Global is also investing in human capital. It has provided vocational training scholarships to 500 people in cooperation with the Human Resources Development Fund, of which 50 people have received training in renewables. Providing specialized training to a total of 10,000 Saudi citizens by 2030 is the target of the company.



Starbucks Workers Expand Strike in US Cities Including New York

Starbucks workers hold signs as they picket during a strike in front of a Starbucks to demand collective bargaining agreements in Burbank, California on December 20, 2024. (AFP)
Starbucks workers hold signs as they picket during a strike in front of a Starbucks to demand collective bargaining agreements in Burbank, California on December 20, 2024. (AFP)
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Starbucks Workers Expand Strike in US Cities Including New York

Starbucks workers hold signs as they picket during a strike in front of a Starbucks to demand collective bargaining agreements in Burbank, California on December 20, 2024. (AFP)
Starbucks workers hold signs as they picket during a strike in front of a Starbucks to demand collective bargaining agreements in Burbank, California on December 20, 2024. (AFP)

Starbucks workers have expanded their strike to four more US cities, including New York, the union representing over 10,000 baristas said late on Saturday.

The five-day strike, which began on Friday and initially closed Starbucks cafes in Los Angeles, Chicago and Seattle, has added New Jersey, New York, Philadelphia and St. Louis, Workers United said in a statement. It did not say where the New Jersey walkout was occurring.

Starbucks did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside regular business hours.

Talks between the coffee chain and the union hit an impasse with unresolved issues over wages, staffing and schedules, leading to the strike.

The union is striking in 10 cities, also including Columbus, Denver and Pittsburgh, during the busy holiday season that may impact the company's Christmas sales.

Workers United warned on Friday that the strike could reach "hundreds of stores" by Tuesday, Christmas Eve.

Starbucks began negotiations with the union in April. It said this month it had conducted more than eight bargaining sessions, during which 30 agreements had been reached.

The company operates more than 11,000 stores in the United States, employing about 200,000 workers.