The Roads and Transport Authority of Dubai (RTA) has begun implementing a project to modernize the lighting on thirty pedestrian bridges across the emirate. The goal of this initiative is to enhance the level of comfort and safety for residents crossing major highways.
This project is part of the RTA's 'People's Happiness' program, which aims to create safer and more convenient travel conditions for all road users, as well as to increase overall customer satisfaction. Furthermore, it aligns with RTA's broader plans to strengthen Dubai's position as a leader in green economy, promote environmental sustainability, and utilize existing infrastructure assets more effectively.
The modernization involves equipping all thirty bridges with energy-efficient LED systems that operate based on motion sensor technology. The lighting will automatically activate upon detecting pedestrian traffic on the bridge. This approach is designed to reduce energy consumption and operational costs without compromising safety during dark hours.
Before launching the new systems, RTA conducted studies and surveys at all thirty sites to assess the condition of each bridge and determine lighting needs. Specialists used light meters to record current illumination levels and calculate the necessary parameters for each location, ensuring the new systems comply with approved lighting standards.
The first phase of work, covering 21 out of 30 bridges, is already underway. RTA plans to complete the entire project, including the remaining bridges, by the fourth quarter of 2026. The authority stated that it will continue to improve street lighting and related facilities throughout Dubai by implementing technologies that suit the emirate's environmental conditions and working towards achieving sustainable development goals through energy-efficient solutions.
Volkswagen Caminhões e Ônibus (VWCO) completed its first sale of biomethane-powered vehicles, supplying 56 units of the Constellation 26.280 model to Loga, a company responsible for waste collection in the northwest region of São Paulo.
Loga had been testing this model since the second half of 2025, and the company's positive reception motivated the purchase decision. Biomethane, which is essentially purified biogas derived from the decomposition of organic waste in landfills, functions as a type of 'renewable natural gas' capable of powering engines.
This application creates a notable situation in the sector, where a collection truck operates using a fuel that can be generated from the very waste it collects. The Constellation uses an Otto cycle engine, similar to those used in gasoline or CNG cars, equipped with an automatic transmission and a three-way catalyst to treat exhaust gases.
The main attraction of this vehicle lies in its ecological impact. According to VWCO, the model has the capacity to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by up to 90%, avoiding annually the release equivalent to burning 35 thousand liters of diesel. Furthermore, by operating on gas, it presents a lower noise level, which is a considerable advantage during nighttime collection in residential areas.
In terms of functionality, the biomethane Constellation offers the largest gas storage capacity in its category, totaling 240 m³ (960 liters) in carbon steel tanks. This capacity allows for travel of up to 300 km per refill, minimizing operational interruptions. The vehicle belongs to the Compactor line, featuring a robust structure to support heavy work without compromising load capacity.
For Loga, this acquisition is part of a larger project to modernize the fleet with a focus on clean energy sources. Ricardo Alouche, Vice President of VWCO, summarized the significance of the purchase by stating that the biomethane Constellation proves the viability of combining high operational performance with a substantial reduction in environmental emissions.
In Tashkent, Uzbekistan, a training seminar was held dedicated to introducing greenhouse gas monitoring, reporting, and verification (GHG MRV) systems at the enterprise level. The event was organized on July 22, 2026, by the initiative of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Green Economy Projects Center, and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ).
The Ministry of Economy and Finance reported that the seminar is part of efforts to support green industrialization in Uzbekistan and provide technical consultations on implementing GHG MRV systems at industrial facilities. Specialists from relevant ministries and agencies, representatives of industrial enterprises, and industry experts took part in the event.
Expert Zsolt Lendel, representing the German company Integration Consulting hired by GIZ, presented international experience in assessing enterprises' readiness to implement GHG MRV systems. Participants also familiarized themselves with practical methods for organizing monitoring, reporting, and verification processes, as well as modern approaches to managing greenhouse gas emissions.
Practical sessions focused on assessing enterprises' readiness for MRV implementation, developing monitoring plans, collecting and managing emission data, and preparing reports according to international standards. Participants discussed the main difficulties associated with emission monitoring and data collection, as well as reporting methodologies and ways to ensure information reliability. During group exercises led by an international expert, participants practiced preparing MRV reports and reporting procedures using existing projects as examples.
According to the ministry, this seminar represents another step towards the phased implementation of GHG MRV systems at the enterprise level, coordinating technical approaches, and creating a systematic basis for greenhouse gas emission accounting.
On July 22, 2026, Uzbekistan and China officially opened a joint scientific research laboratory in the field of green energy. This laboratory is located at the National Research Institute of Renewable Energy under the Ministry of Energy of Uzbekistan.
The opening ceremony was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Energy of Uzbekistan, the government of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China, as well as the University of Technology of Inner Mongolia and several other research organizations and universities.
Speakers at the event, including the First Deputy Minister of Energy Umid Mamadilov, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Shi Guanghui, and Vice President of the University of Technology of Inner Mongolia Professor Guo Guofei, emphasized the importance of expanding scientific cooperation in the field of renewable energy, implementing advanced technologies, and training qualified specialists.
The creation of this laboratory is the result of cooperation between the National Research Institute of Renewable Energy under the Ministry of Energy of Uzbekistan and the University of Technology of Inner Mongolia within the framework of the 'Belt and Road' initiative. It is expected that the center will conduct joint research in areas such as solar, wind, and hydrogen energy, energy storage technologies, smart energy systems, and artificial intelligence.
Furthermore, the project includes the creation of modern laboratory facilities and the training of highly skilled personnel. Organizers stated that the new research center will serve as a platform for demonstrating energy technologies in Central Asia, localizing advanced developments, and further strengthening scientific and innovative interaction between Uzbekistan and China.
