US President to extend tariffs on solar imports; UK firms urge country to focus on renewables: NRG matters

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Updated 06 February 2022
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US President to extend tariffs on solar imports; UK firms urge country to focus on renewables: NRG matters

  • Germany’s economy minister, Robert Habeck, urges the country to be less reliant on Russian gas supplies

RIYADH: On a macro level, inconsistency remains rife in the energy sector as some countries such as the UK continue to pursue a green track while other countries like the US and Germany are lagging behind in some aspects. On a micro level, however, renewable bids and initiatives prevail signaling a promising future for the sector.

Looking at the bigger picture:

·US President Joe Biden aims to further prolong the tariffs on imported solar equipment for an additional four years, Bloomberg reported.

The decision is receiving backlash on a local and international level, especially from China, as it will cause disruptions in inattentional trade matters. 

·Car sales in the UK surged 28 percent during the month of January to hit the highest it’s been in seven months, Bloomberg reported, citing data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

The surge in sales is mainly attributed to the rise in demand for electric vehicles as one in five customers chose battery powered vehicles.

·Germany’s economy minister, Robert Habeck, urges the country to be less reliant on Russian gas supplies to curb shortages if conflicts with Ukraine advance, Reuters reported.

Through a micro lens: 

·African Infrastructure Investment Manager, or AIIM, put up a bid for a 60 percent stake in Lekela Power — provider of clean and reliable energy across Africa — Bloomberg reported, citing Reuters.

·Chief executives of UK energy firm SSE plc and UK arm of automation firm Siemens are urging their home country to heavily shift focus towards renewables to avoid the unstable natural gas market, Bloomberg reported.

The companies argue that being on track with the country’s carbon neutrality goals is the best approach to ease the pain of the energy crisis in the long term.


Major airlines suspend, reroute flights amid US-Israel strikes on Iran

Updated 35 min 4 sec ago
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Major airlines suspend, reroute flights amid US-Israel strikes on Iran

  • Saudia says decision taken in line with aviation safety and security standards
  • Emirates said it temporarily suspended it's operations out of Dubai

RIYADH: Major international airlines across the Middle East and South Asia have suspended, canceled or rerouted flights following ongoing US-Israel attacks on Iran and the resulting airspace closures, according to official statements issued via X.

Saudia said in an official statement that it had canceled a number of flights due to developments in the region and the closure of airspace.

The airline said the decision was taken in line with aviation safety and security standards, noting that its Emergency Coordination Center is closely monitoring developments with relevant authorities.

Saudia urged passengers to verify the status of their flights before heading to the airport and said guests would be notified of updates through the contact details associated with their bookings.

The carrier added that further information would be announced in a subsequent statement if available.

Air Arabia said its flights were experiencing cancellations, delays or rerouting as a result of the evolving situation and airspace closures.

The airline advised passengers to check the status of their flights before traveling to the airport by visiting its website or contacting its call center.

Customers booked on affected flights will be notified directly, the airline said, adding that further updates would be provided as the situation develops.

Air India announced a broader suspension, stating that “in view of the developing situation in parts of the Middle East, all Air India flights to all destinations in the Middle East have been suspended.”

The airline said it remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety for passengers and crew and will continue to assess the safety and security environment for flight operations, adjusting services proactively as required.

Air India said its teams would extend necessary support to passengers and advised customers to check flight status online or contact its 24/7 call center for assistance.  

All flight operations at Dubai International and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International are suspended until further notice, according to a post by Dubai Media Office on X.

Dubai-based Emirates reported that regional airspace closures had caused disruption to several of its flights and that the airline had temporarily suspended its operations from its hub Dubai.

The airline said it is actively monitoring the situation, engaging with relevant authorities and adjusting operations in line with the latest developments. 

The carrier apologized to affected customers and said it is assisting them with rebooking, refunds or alternative travel arrangements, reiterating that the safety and security of passengers and crew remain its highest priority.  

Qatar Airways confirmed a temporary suspension of flights to and from Doha due to the closure of Qatari airspace.

The airline said it is working closely with government stakeholders and relevant authorities to support impacted passengers and will resume operations once the airspace reopens.

It warned that delays are anticipated when usual operations resume and said additional ground staff have been deployed at Hamad International Airport and other key airports to assist passengers.  

Meanwhile, Al Jazeera reported that British Airways had canceled flights to Tel Aviv and Bahrain, adding to the list of carriers adjusting operations.

Across their statements, airlines consistently cited airspace closures and safety considerations as the primary reasons for suspensions and disruptions, while urging passengers to monitor official channels for updates as the situation continues to evolve.