A balancing rock, also called balanced rock or precarious boulder, is a naturally occurring geological formation featuring a large rock or boulder, sometimes of substantial size, resting on other rocks, bedrock, or on glacial till. Some formations known by this name only appear to be balancing, but are in fact firmly connected to a base rock by a pedestal or stem.

Compagnie Maritime Monégasque Zero Emission (CMMZE), founded by maritime entrepreneur Aldo Labia, plans to break ground on projects for green hydrogen production in the MENA region in early 2025, targeting a total of 180,000 tons of green hydrogen annually.

It plans to set up additional production sites in Tunisia and Morocco and to build a large plant in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the company said on Friday. The first hydrogen production is expected by the end of 2027 and the fuel will be exported mainly to Europe.

The new project was revealed after Aldo Labia sold its stake in the shipping sector to Asian interests for $700m (€661.75m), with fresh capital from the sale expected to support the development of hydrogen initiatives.

The hydrogen plants will use solar and wind energy in the production process. CMMZE estimates that 1.2 million MWh of electricity will be required for the targeted annual production.

The company will therefore develop renewable energy sites in Tunisia. Specifically, solar installations will be located in the Ben Guerdane region, while wind generation will take place in El Hamma. The company also plans to install 250 MW of electrolysis capacity at the port of Zarzis, Tunisia, as well as processing and storage facilities.

CMMZE said it is currently discussing long-term purchase agreements with potential European partners.

Overall, the initiative is expected to meet the growing demand for clean energy alternatives in Europe, while creating jobs in Tunisia, as well as in Morocco and the United Arab Emirates.

Tunisia to allocate $2.2bn to renewables in 2025

Tunisia plans to allocate 7.1 billion Tunisian dinars ($2.2 billion) to the development of the electricity sector in 2025, including renewable energy projects.

The country aims to increase its reliance on solar and wind energy to 35% over the next six years and reduce electricity imports from Algeria and Libya.

In the first nine months of 2024, Tunisia imported almost 14% of its electricity supply, with the rest coming from the national grid.

According to the draft finance law for 2025, the government intends to allocate 7.1 billion Tunisian dinars to support the electricity sector and guarantee sufficient subsidies to control any price increases.

The report predicts that solar and wind energy projects will enable Tunisia to produce nearly 4,850 megawatts (MW) of green electricity by 2030.

A catalyst for growth

In doing so, the large-scale development of renewable energy could catalyze economic growth in Tunisia in several ways: first, by reducing energy costs and the need for subsidies; second, by making this energy green and minimizing dependence on imported fossil fuels, thereby contributing to more balanced trade flows; and third, by attracting foreign direct investment in green industrial production and exports, thereby creating jobs and economic opportunities.

The World Bank is working closely with the Tunisian government to fully integrate the vision of a green energy transition at the heart of the country’s industrial, social and economic transformation. In addition to creating a legal and business environment conducive to attracting investors, the government must prepare the ground by ensuring that appropriate university and vocational training programs are put in place to train the new generation of young people and workers to enter sectors related to green industries.

Source: https://en.africanmanager.com/re-aldo-labias-cmmze-to-launch-production-facilities-in-tunisia/

An erosional remnant is a persisting rock formation that remains after extensive wind, water, and/or chemical erosion. To the untrained eye, it may appear to be visually like a glacial erratic, but instead of being transported and deposited, it was carved from the local bedrock. Many good examples of erosional remnants are seen in Karlu Karlu/Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve in the Northern Territory of Australia. - A pedestal rock, also known as a rock pedestal or mushroom rock, is not a true balancing rock, but is a single continuous rock form with a very small base leading up to a much larger crown. Some of these formations are called balancing rocks because of their appearance. The undercut base was attributed for many years to simple wind abrasion, but is now believed to result from a combination of wind and enhanced chemical weathering at the base where moisture would be retained longest. Some pedestal rocks sitting on taller spire formations are known as hoodoos.

A climbing wall is an artificially constructed wall with grips for hands and feet, usually used for indoor climbing, but sometimes located outdoors. Some are brick or wooden constructions, but on most modern walls, the material most often used is a thick multiplex board with holes drilled into it.

CMMZE announces plans to develop a large-scale green hydrogen production facility in United Arab Emirates. The facility, together with projects in Morrocco and Tunisia, will produce 180,000 tonnes of clean hydrogen per year for export to Europe.

Sustainable energy solutions provider Compagnie Maritime Monegasque Zero Emission (CMMZE) unveiled ambitious plans to construct a large-scale green hydrogen production facility in United Arab Emirates.

The project, together with facilities in Morrocco and Tunisia, will produce 180,000 tonnes of clean hydrogen per year, primarily for export to the European market. This initiative represents a leap forward in North Africa's transition to renewable energy and positions UAE, Morocco, and Tunisia as major players in the emerging global green hydrogen economy.

The facility in UAE will use state-of-the-art technology powered by solar and wind energy. Meanwhile, in Tunisia, the energy solutions company will develop dedicated renewable energy sites in Nefetia Benguerdane for photovoltaic solar power and El Hamma for wind energy to supply clean electricity for hydrogen production.

Aldo Labia, its founder, stated, "Through this project, we want to improve the energy sector through green hydrogen solutions. We create a sustainable energy source with abundant renewable resources and contribute to North Africa's and Europe's decarbonization efforts."

The annual production of 180,000 tonnes of green hydrogen will require approximately 1.2 million megawatt-hours (MWh) of renewable electricity. To meet this demand, the energy provider plans to install 250 MW of electrolyzer capacity at the port of Zarzis, along with processing and storage facilities.

This initiative aligns with the growing demand for clean energy alternatives in Europe and supports the European Union's ambitious targets for green hydrogen adoption. CMMZE is inspiring energy security and sustainability across both regions by establishing a robust supply chain for green hydrogen from North Africa to Europe.

The three projects will likely create local jobs and stimulate economic growth in Morrocco, Tunisia, and UAE’s renewable energy sector. Additionally, it will contribute to significant carbon dioxide emission reductions, with estimates suggesting the prevention of carbon dioxide emissions annually compared to traditional hydrogen production methods.

The company’s green hydrogen initiative builds upon the company's recent success in launching North Africa's first commercial hydrogen pilot stations. These pilot projects have demonstrated the viability of hydrogen technologies in the region and paved the way for larger-scale implementations.

CMMZE plans to begin construction of the UAE, Zarzis, and Nador facilities in early 2025 and expects the first hydrogen production phase to come online by late 2027. The company is currently discussing long-term offtake agreements with potential European partners to guarantee a stable market for the green hydrogen produced.

This ambitious project represents a milestone in CMMZE's goal to accelerate the global transition to clean energy and establish it as a leader in large-scale green hydrogen production in North Africa.

Notably, the CMMZE founder Labia has made a significant business move by selling his shipping holding to Asian interests for $700 million USD. This transaction marks a notable shift in Labia's business portfolio and potentially signals a strategic realignment of his investments towards more sustainable ventures.

The substantial sum from the sale could provide Labia with significant capital to further invest in CMMZE's green hydrogen initiatives. This move aligns with the growing global focus on renewable energy solutions and could accelerate CMMZE's ambitious plans to produce green hydrogen for the European market.

Divesting from traditional shipping and potentially reinvesting in green hydrogen production, Labia shows a commitment to transitioning towards more environmentally friendly business models. This pivot could position CMMZE as a key player in the green hydrogen space, taking advantage of the capital from the shipping sale to fund large-scale sustainable energy projects.

For more information, visit cmmze.energy

About CMMZE

CMM Zero Emission is a sustainable energy solutions company dedicated to developing green hydrogen projects. It focuses on creating comprehensive value-chain solutions for hydrogen production. The company is making waves in the energy sector by using green hydrogen technology to reduce global emissions and create a more sustainable future. It has a strong presence in North Africa and is expanding operations across the Middle East and Africa.

Source: https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/cmmze-unveils-plan-to-produce-180kt-of-green-hydrogen-annually-for-european-market-1033799193

CMMZE Invest Limited and Das Solar Co., Ltd. are pleased to announce the formation of a strategic consortium aimed at developing, financing, building, operating, and maintaining renewable energy projects for green hydrogen production.

This landmark partnership marks a significant step towards advancing sustainable energy solutions and reducing carbon footprints globally.

The consortium, named “CMMZE-Das Solar,” will focus initially on green hydrogen projects, with plans to expand to other regions. The initiative includes the development of wind and solar renewable electricity production units with a total installed capacity of up to 1GW, incorporating electricity storage systems, transmission lines, and ancillary infrastructure. The generated electricity will be utilized to power green hydrogen production sites and related by-products for export.

Mr. Alex Vancauwenbergh, the manager of CMMZE, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with Das Solar to drive forward the green hydrogen agenda. This consortium aligns with our commitment to sustainable energy development and innovation.”

Aldo Labia, the founder of CMMZE Invest Limited, has been instrumental in steering the company towards pioneering sustainable energy solutions. With a deep-rooted passion for environmental sustainability, Labia has fostered numerous strategic partnerships, including the recent consortium with Das Solar, to advance green hydrogen projects. His leadership and innovative approach continue to drive CMMZE’s mission of reducing carbon footprints and promoting renewable energy on a global scale.

CMMZE, headquartered in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, UAE, is a limited liability company recognized for its investment in sustainable and innovative energy solutions. Das Solar, based in Zhejiang, China, is a leading company in the renewable energy sector with extensive experience in solar technology and project execution.

The consortium agreement designates CMMZE as the Representative of the Consortium, authorizing it to manage relations with third parties, submit applications, sign necessary agreements, and coordinate the services of the consortium members. Both CMMZE and Das Solar are committed to adhering to the consortium’s obligations and ensuring the successful execution of the green hydrogen projects.

Mr. Vincent Cao, Senior Vice President of Das Solar, highlighted the strategic significance of the partnership, “Joining forces with CMMZE enables us to leverage our combined technological and operational capabilities. This collaboration is set to pave the way for innovative green hydrogen solutions and contribute to the global transition towards renewable energy.”

CMMZE Invest Limited is a UAE-based company dedicated to investment in sustainable energy projects and innovative technologies. With a strong focus on renewable energy, CMMZE aims to contribute to global efforts in combating climate change and promoting environmental sustainability.

Das Solar Co., Ltd. is a leading Chinese company specializing in renewable energy solutions, particularly in the solar power sector. With a commitment to technological innovation and sustainable development, Das Solar plays a pivotal role in advancing renewable energy projects worldwide.

Source: presswire.com