ACWA Power Unveils Plans to Localize Renewable Energy Sector in Saudi Arabia

The localization rate at the “Sakaka" Photovoltaic Solar Energy Project has reached nearly 100%. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The localization rate at the “Sakaka" Photovoltaic Solar Energy Project has reached nearly 100%. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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ACWA Power Unveils Plans to Localize Renewable Energy Sector in Saudi Arabia

The localization rate at the “Sakaka" Photovoltaic Solar Energy Project has reached nearly 100%. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The localization rate at the “Sakaka" Photovoltaic Solar Energy Project has reached nearly 100%. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

ACWA Power has declared its continued dedication to localizing the renewable energy sector in Saudi Arabia through extensive plans and strategies aligned with the Kingdom’s goal of meeting 50% of its energy needs with clean energy by 2030.

Saudi Arabia has undertaken the construction of numerous mega projects, including solar and wind power stations, which stand as the world’s largest. This significant leap aligns with the country's pledge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, and combat climate change.

According to the General Authority for Statistics, Saudi Arabia is a youthful nation, with 63% of its citizens under the age of 30.

Despite this demographic, the Kingdom achieved the fastest-growing economy within the G20 group in 2022, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The renewable energy industry worldwide is undergoing a pivotal turning point, fueled by Saudi Arabia’s ambitious aspirations to lead the energy transition. Consequently, investing in national human capital has become a crucial element in developing and implementing future energy solutions to achieve these objectives.

For its part, ACWA Power confirmed its dedication to keeping pace with this development.

Mohammad Abunayyan, chairman of ACWA Power, emphasized the value that young national energies add to one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.

“We recognize our responsibility towards our young national energies and the immense potential they possess,” said Abunayyan.

“Therefore, we are working on their training, promoting values, developing essential skills, and nurturing the knowledge that empowers them to lead the future of the clean energy and water sectors,” he added.

ACWA Power reiterated its commitment to supporting youth development in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and contributing to the diversification of the country’s economy.

It aims to play an active role in driving the realization of this vision by prioritizing the empowerment of young men and women and investing in programs that nurture their talents.



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.