@ green | JULY-AUGUST , 2023

SPHERA , A leading global provider of environmental , social and governance ( ESG ) performance and risk management software , data and consulting services , recently announced the launch of SpheraCloud Corporate Sustainability – Portfolio Management software solution , designed to help organisations reliably measure and manage their portfolio carbon footprint , assess climate-related risks and opportunities , integrate a climate strategy into their organisation , as appropriate , and meet ESG reporting requirements .

The announcement comes as financial institutions seek to report financed emissions , which stem from daily financial service activity ( i . e ., through investments , loans and services ).

A financial institution ’ s financed emissions can be substantially higher than its direct emissions . Capturing and analysing financed emissions becomes especially complex for financial entities with many loans , investments and debt holdings .

The modular software on Sphera ’ s industry-leading software as a service ( SaaS ) platform allows financial institutions to accurately collect , calculate , report and manage financed emissions by utilising AI and advanced analytics .

Notable features of SpheraCloud Corporate Sustainability – Portfolio Management include automated data collection , a robust calculation engine , integrated emissions factor libraries , portfolio performance management and audit-proof reporting .

OPEC Fund Development Forum concludes with progressive outcomes

ADB ’ s Warren Evans and OPEC Fund ’ s Dr Abdulhamid Alkhalifa .

OPEC Fund Director-General Dr Abdulhamid Alkhalifa said : “ In its second year the OPEC Fund Development Forum again provided a platform for increased collaboration and decisive action from our partners . We have demonstrated that we are ambitious and that we deliver . We remain firmly committed to addressing pressing global issues and extending our resources to support sustainable development .”

Signings and announcements during the

Development Forum included :

• The OPEC Fund signed a US $ 20 million loan agreement with Access Bank Botswana to extend financial support to micro , small and medium-sized enterprises in the country . At least 30 per cent of the funds will be directed explicitly towards women-owned small businesses , and 70 per cent will be utilised for

on-lending to local companies to facilitate their access to finance .

• The OPEC Fund signed an agreement with the International Renewable Energy Agency ( IRENA ) to join the Energy Transition Accelerator Financing ( ETAF ) platform . This global initiative seeks to mobilise funds for renewable energy investments . The OPEC Fund plans to support the platform with up to US $ 250 million in sovereign and non-sovereign loan financing until 2030 to support projects in partner countries .

• The OPEC Fund and the United Nations World Food Programme signed a cooperation agreement to intensify joint efforts to enhance global food security and build climate-resilient food systems . The collaboration aims to scale up adaptation to address climate risks across food systems , promote climate-smart and innovative agriculture solutions and accelerate progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 2 “ Zero Hunger ”.

• The OPEC Fund and the Asian Development Bank signed a co-financing agreement to support Thailand › s new economic model for sustainable development . OPEC Fund › s US $ 500,000 technical assistance grant will support the strengthening of the country › s bio-circular green economy by helping to identify investment opportunities and promoting growth in critical sectors

• The OPEC Fund published its firstever Development Effectiveness Report , a review of the impact of the institution ’ s projects and the results of its engagements , and its Annual Report , presenting its delivery in 2022 with US $ 1.6 billion new commitments in 48 projects . Addressing global development challenges under the over-arching theme “ Driving Resilience & Equity ”, the Development Forum brought together government leaders , ministers from OPEC Fund member and partner countries , heads of the Arab Coordination Group institutions , senior officials of multilateral development banks and international organisations as well as private sector representatives .

The event included panels on topics such as “ Towards a Transformative Development Model ”, “ Regional Collaboration as a Catalyst for Scalable Solutions ”, and “ Implementing Policies and Partnerships that Prioritise People and Planet ”. It also featured spotlight sessions on climate change and food security , providing a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in critical areas and highlighting the need for innovative solutions and collaborative action .

The Arctech team having lively discussions with clients

ARCTECH , THE world ’ s leading solar tracking and racking solution provider , showcased its latest advancements in commercial and industrial ( C & I ), and utility sectors , catering to diverse needs and scenarios , at the Intersolar Europe 2023 .

During the Expo , Arctech sent a full set assembling of 17 people including R & D , wind tunnel laboratory research , technical engineers , sales , marketing , after-sale service professionals , etc .

At the exhibition , Arctech showcased the SkyLine II single-axis solar tracking solution and introduced its full product pipeline of 1P and 2P solar tracking and racking solutions as well as BIPV solutions .

The Arctech team had fruitful meetings with 30 + clients and partners including Juwi , Shell , IM2 , Greentech , and CPP among others , and shared the company ’ s upfront innovation and sophisticated service . The Arctech booth also attracted over 600 visitors during the expo .

Pedro Magalhães , the General Manager of EU & NA markets of Arctech addressed the importance of the European market “ Intersolar has been one of the most important expos of the industry and Arctech has never missed any Intersolar Munich even during Covid last year , the expo serves as a premier platform to display our comprehensive solar tracking and racking solutions ”.

He remarked , “ Arctech is strategising our value proposition in the European market . Now , we are cooking for mature markets like Spain and proactively making substantial moves in Eastern Europe , Italy , Greece , among others .” – @ Green