meed-logo

line1 line2 line3
SIGN IN / REGISTER

Rolls-Royce charts net-zero path

26 October 2023

UK-headquartered Rolls-Royce aims to achieve net zero carbon emissions from its operations and facilities, excluding product testing and development, by 2030.

This entails building energy-efficient facilities and a significant reduction in energy consumption and waste sent to landfills.

Meeting its long-term sustainable target will inevitably require facilitating its customers – which range from aircraft and transport operators to utilities – meet theirs.

“We have a long history of bringing to market ever more efficient technologies in aviation, transport and mobility and nuclear power generation,” says John Kelly, Rolls-Royce’s president for the Middle East, Turkiye and Africa (Meta) region. “These sectors being hard-to-abate or decarbonise does not stop us [from pursuing energy efficient solutions].”

Sustainable jet fuel

The company recognises that the adoption of sustainable aviation fuel (saf) and other synthetic fuels produced in a non-carbon-generative process, among other technologies, will play a key role in decarbonising the aviation sector.

Kelly says Rolls-Royce continues to work on and invest in more efficient gas turbine jet engines, such as the UltraFan, a demonstrator aero engine that is designed to burn 25 per cent less fuel compared to the first generation of its Trent jet engine.

UltraFan can be used for narrowbody and widebody aircraft that may be developed from the 2030s. It will also be ready to run on saf from day one of service.

“Regulations and enabling factors are key to reducing the carbon footprint of jet engines,” says Kelly.

Related read: Emirates and Shell Aviation sign sustainable fuel deal

It is understood that Rolls-Royce's ongoing research and tests drawn from initiatives such as its UltraFan programme will also contribute towards improving the efficiency of aircraft fleets and operators.

“We do not produce saf, but we work with partners and regulators and fuel offtakers to look for ways to improve its commercial viability.

“We have tested commercial and business aircraft limit of 50 per cent saf, and established that we can operate a flight safely using 50 per cent saf.  We are also pushing to get to 100 per cent, which should lead to increased offtake of saf in future,” says Kelly.

The key issues today for saf, as well as other synthetic fuels, include price point, availability and competitiveness compared to conventional jet fuel.

“The key is to scale up not just saf but other synthetic fuels from manufactured chemicals, or fuels that are produced in a non-carbon-generative way," the executive explains. "This requires regulations and government incentives in line with net-zero targets. It also requires ongoing dialogues, as this obviously has a political angle."

Kelly says events like the upcoming Cop28 climate summit and the airshow in Dubai can foster an environment that allows these dialogues and conversations to advance.

Hydrogen fuel

Beyond retrofits and the development of energy-efficient jet engines, Rolls-Royce is also looking at other alternative technologies, such as hydrogen both as a direct fuel source for aircraft as well as for the electrification of transport.

“We have conducted ground tests on engines using hydrogen as a direct fuel source with excellent results. Electrification in airport shuttles and mobility also offers opportunities, leading to shorter commute time or minimising traffic and reducing or eliminating fossil fuel requirement,” explains Kelly.

Air taxis are another area of opportunity, with air taxi engines being tested today.

Kelly reiterates the need for ongoing dialogues with the region’s sovereign wealth funds and regulators, among others, about how existing products across its business can be improved.

“Technology is a route to decarbonise. We have a range of solutions that will be available at different times as we get to net-zero… these solutions offer potential incremental benefits to users and customers.”

New nuclear

Small modular reactors (SMR), or the so-called 'new nuclear', is another non-carbon power resource that Rolls-Royce has up its sleeve.

“We have products that can produce 470MW of electricity, which is another option for a non-carbon power source,” says Kelly. 

“On one hand, we try to help enable synthetic fuels for aviation, on the other we also have SMR that helps enable synthetic fuels or enable utility companies and electricity grids to produce non-carbon power.”

While Rolls-Royce supports the development of wind and solar energy, both require tremendous amounts of cement and steel and using SMRs can help alleviate the carbon intensity of these materials and technologies.

“SMRs help scale up synthetic fuel production in a non-carbon-generative way,” says Kelly.

With at least two to three jurisdictions in the Middle East and North Africa region looking at SMRs, Kelly confirms ongoing discussions with those countries.

Related read: Small reactors top nuclear agenda

The confluence of significant growth and the drive to achieve long-term economic programmes such as Saudi Vision 2030, which in turn places a strong focus on manufacturing and development, means Rolls-Royce is on hand to explore partnerships and potential local production for relevant products or technologies.

“We are here to partner…  the Rolls-Royce vision is to enable local development and to be able to manufacture globally and foster a global supply chain,” he concludes.

Photos: Rolls-Royce

https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/11241190/main4813.jpg
Jennifer Aguinaldo

Register for MEED's guest program now to access this article.

Click here to register
Exclusive from Meed
Related Articles
  • Lowest bidder emerges for Kuwait Airport Terminal 2 operations

    19 October 2026

     

    Ireland’s DAA International has emerged as the lowest bidder for the contract to operate, manage and maintain the new passenger Terminal 2 (T2) at Kuwait International airport, submitting an offer of KD419m ($1.35bn).

    Official price-opening records released by Kuwait’s Central Agency for Public Tenders on behalf of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation show three international airport operators submitted commercial bids for the tender.

    DAA International’s proposal undercut its nearest rival by about 45%. Turkiye’s TAV Airports Holding submitted the second-lowest offer at KD764.15m ($2.46bn), while South Korea’s Incheon International Airport Corporation bid KD959.48m ($3.1bn).

    All three proposals were marked as approved in the tender committee’s price disclosure.

    The contract entails the operation, management and improvement of training, maintenance and development services across Terminal 2 and its associated aircraft parking aprons.

    The remit also includes corporate management of centralised operation and maintenance across the broader Kuwait International airport model, centralising operational procedures, systems integration and service delivery across the aviation hub.

    Technical documents indicate the winning operator will oversee facility management, terminal operational readiness, passenger processing systems, apron operations and staff development programmes before and after the complex’s commercial launch.

    MEED reported in June 2023 that six airport operators had initially been invited to bid for the Terminal 2 operating concession.

    Terminal 2 is the centrepiece of Kuwait International airport’s multibillion-dollar expansion, aimed at boosting total handling capacity to 25 million passengers a year.

    Turkish contractor Limak Insaat is executing the main terminal building under an estimated $4.34bn contract awarded in 2016.

    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/20747061/main.png
    Yasir Iqbal
  • Dubai tenders Al-Maktoum-Dubai South drainage scheme

    19 October 2026

    Dubai Municipality has invited contractors to submit bids by 5 November for the construction of a stormwater drainage system connecting Al-Maktoum Airport and Dubai South

    The project, designated TF-06-C2, involves approximately 20 kilometres of pipelines with diameters ranging from 400mm to 3,000mm. The works will use deep trenchless construction and conventional open-cut methods. 

    The scheme is one of four projects, for which a project management consultancy (PMC) tender was issued earlier this month.

    The tender for TF-06-S1 Supervision of Stormwater Drainage System Projects – Package 4 was issued on 6 October.

    The consultancy covers the following projects:

    • TF-06-C1: Construction of a stormwater pond connecting Al-Maktoum Airport and Dubai South
    • TF-06-C2: Construction of a stormwater drainage system connecting Al-Maktoum Airport and Dubai South
    • TF-07-C1: Construction of a stormwater drainage system on Sheikh Zayed Bin Hamdan Road connecting developers
    • TF-24-C1: Connecting developers’ areas to the stormwater networks in Dubailand 

    The projects are part of Dubai Municipality’s wider Tasreef programme, intended to increase Dubai’s rainwater drainage capacity by 700% by 2033 and provide capacity for the emirate’s needs for the next 100 years.

    Investment in the UAE water sector has been dominated by stormwater drainage and network resilience schemes this year, as Dubai Municipality advances procurement under its AED30bn ($8.1bn) Tasreef programme.

    TF-07-C1

    As previously reported, contractors are preparing to submit bids on 22 October for the main construction contract for TF-07-C1.

    The project covers more than 100 million square metres between Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road and Emirates Road, and from Expo Road to Dubailand.

    It will provide stormwater infrastructure and service connections for more than 20 private developers and Al-Yalayis 5, as well as supporting major roads in the Jebel Ali area. The construction scope includes a major gravity drainage system with pipeline diameters of up to 3,000mm.

    TF-24-C1

    Bids for TF-24-C1 were submitted on 1 October, with Nael Construction & Contracting, Al-Nasr Contracting Company and Al-Kharafi & Sons understood to be among the bidders. 

    The project will connect developers’ areas in Dubailand to the stormwater network. It includes 18km of stormwater drainage pipelines with diameters of up to 1,800mm and 3.5km of gravity sewer pipelines with diameters of up to 1,000mm.

    As MEED understands, the main contract tender for TF-06-C1 has yet to be released.

    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/20746611/main.jpg
    Mark Dowdall
  • Contractor wins $44m Morocco rail stations deal

    19 October 2026

    Morocco’s national railway operator, Office National des Chemins de Fer (ONCF), has awarded a MD437.6m ($44.5m) contract to local firm Jet Contractors to build five railway stations along the Benguerir-Marrakech corridor.

    The project forms part of the wider Kenitra-Marrakech high-speed rail development programme.

    Jet Contractors will build one high-speed rail station and four regional express rail stations.

    These include two stations in Benguerir, and one each at Sidi Bou Othmane, Sidi Ghanem and Marrakech Stadium.

    The scope of work includes construction and fit-out of the stations and associated infrastructure, including concrete structures, platforms, ancillary facilities, passageways, circulation areas and connection zones within the stations.

    It also covers architectural finishing works; testing and commissioning of electrical networks; and all mechanical, electrical and plumbing services.

    The contractor will also provide all safety, security and protection systems, including alarms, fire detection and firefighting systems, and surveillance systems.

    Morocco awarded multiple civil works contracts in 2024 to international and local firms to build its Kenitra-Marrakech high-speed railway line.

    The rail project is part of a $37bn strategy to connect more of Morocco’s cities, ports and airports by rail. It will stretch 375 kilometres from Kenitra on the northwest coast to Marrakech in the south.

    The project is divided into seven lots, each measuring 36km to 64km. The rail link will pass through cities including Rabat, Sale and Casablanca.

    The link will extend the Al-Boraq high-speed rail line between Tangier, Rabat and Casablanca. The line began operating in 2018 and was Africa’s first high-speed railway system.

    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/20745963/main.jpg
    Yasir Iqbal
  • Firms submit Dubai multibillion-dollar road scheme interest

    19 October 2026

     

    Register for MEED’s 14-day trial access 

    Contractors submitted expressions of interest on 10 October for a design-and-build contract for a multibillion-dollar new road that will run parallel to Sheikh Zayed Road.

    Dubai’s Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) held an online meeting after the submissions to prepare for the prequalification phase of tendering, expected to start in a few weeks.

    The scope covers about 30 kilometres (km) of works.

    These include about 15km of viaduct along First Al-Khail Street and more than 14.5km of bridge ramps, along with other associated infrastructure works.

    The RTA floated the expression of interest notice to contractors in early September.

    The project is another significant initiative aimed at alleviating pressure on the existing Sheikh Zayed Road section from Hadiqa Street to Hessa Street.

    Dubai has previously explored bold concepts to expand capacity on Sheikh Zayed Road, including proposals to introduce double-decker sections to add extra lanes without widening the existing corridor.

    The idea was discussed in the context of rising congestion and limited right-of-way along one of the city’s busiest arterial roads, with elevated decks potentially carrying through traffic while existing at-grade lanes served local access.

    The plans ultimately became standalone schemes, with subsequent efforts focusing instead on corridor-wide upgrades, interchange improvements and complementary public transport expansions to manage demand more sustainably.

    The latest project aligns with Dubai’s continued investment in upgrading and expanding its road network to keep pace with rapid population growth and rising commuting demand.

    Planning for growth

    Dubai launched the 2040 Urban Master Plan in March 2021, referencing studies indicating that the emirate’s population will reach 5.8 million by 2040, up from 3.3 million in 2020. The daytime population is set to increase from 4.5 million in 2020 to 7.8 million in 2040.

    In December 2022, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, approved the 20-Minute City Policy as part of the second phase of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. 

    In addition to the road projects, the RTA’s Dubai Metro Blue Line extension and Dubai Metro Gold Line form part of Dubai’s plans to improve residents’ quality of life by cutting journey times, as outlined in the policy.

    The policy aims for residents to have 80% of their daily requirements within a 20-minute journey, on foot or by bicycle. This goal will be achieved by developing integrated service centres with all necessary facilities and increasing population density around mass transit stations.

    READ THE OCTOBER 2026 MEED BUSINESS REVIEW – click here to view PDF

    Industry and logistics drive development at Neom; Saudi Arabia’s investment priorities realign amid conflict; MEED’s 2026 power developer ranking.

    Distributed to senior decision-makers in the region and around the world, the October 2026 edition of MEED Business Review includes:
    To see previous issues of MEED Business Review, please click here
    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/20745908/main.jpg
    Yasir Iqbal
  • Libya seeks offshore contractors for $8bn gas project

    19 October 2026

    Libya’s Mellitah Oil & Gas Company (MOG) has invited companies to prequalify for a major offshore package as part of its Mellitah Complex Expansion & CO2 Management Integrated Development Project, which is estimated to be worth about $8bn.

    The package is estimated at around $3bn and focuses on developing offshore pipelines and subsea systems for the “E” Offshore Installation Project and CO2 project.

    The deadline to submit prequalification documents is 5 November. The contract will use the engineering, procurement, installation and commissioning (EPIC) model.

    MOG is a joint venture of Libya’s National Oil Corporation and Italian oil and gas company Eni.

    This is not the first time MOG has invited submissions for the offshore pipelines and subsea systems package. The company originally launched a prequalification process for the EPIC contract in 2021, but the project experienced delays and the process was eventually cancelled. The prequalification process was restarted nearly three years later, but it was also ultimately abandoned.

    Complex expansion

    As part of the Mellitah Complex Expansion & CO2 Management Integrated Development Project, two offshore structures – Structure A and Structure E – will be developed in Libya’s offshore block NC 41.

    Structure A is in the central-western part of the area, about 80 kilometres (km) from the Libyan coast, with a water depth of 95-105 metres.

    Structure E is located in the central-eastern part of the area, about 130km from the Libyan coast, in a water depth of 205-235 metres.

    The scope of the wider project includes:

    • A new wellhead platform installed in 96 metres of water as part of the development of Structure A
    • A new production platform installed in about 220 metres of water depth as part of the development of Structure E
    • Modification of the existing Sabratha platform
    • Sealines and subsea systems for structures A and E
    • Upgrading the existing onshore Mellitah complex
    Project contract awards

    In June 2024, MOG awarded an offshore engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract worth €1.2bn ($1.28bn), which was part of the Mellitah Complex Expansion & CO2 Management Integrated Development Project.

    The contract was awarded to a consortium of three Italian companies: Rosetti Marino, Kerry Project Logistics and Gruppo Antonini.

    In a statement, Rosetti Marino said its share of the project contract was worth €400m ($428m), comprising 33% of the total contract value.

    Rosetti Marino said its scope of work includes EPC and load-out activities to deliver the topside of the approximately 6,000-tonne gas production wellhead platform, named WHP-A, to be installed off the coast of Libya.

    Project setbacks

    During 2023 and 2024, several setbacks affected the Mellitah Complex Expansion & CO2 Management Integrated Development Project.

    In November 2023, MOG restarted the prequalification process for an upstream offshore package worth an estimated $700m.

    The project scope involves modifications to the offshore Sabratha platform at the Bahr Essalam field.

    Less than two months later, MOG restarted prequalification for a second package as part of the integrated development project.

    The scope of the second package covers key sealine and subsea systems.

    No reason was given for restarting the prequalification process for two of the project’s packages.

    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/20738707/main.jpg
    Wil Crisp