Spotlight on Faris AbuYaghi, BESS Director Africa & Asia - Envision Energy

About Faris

Faris AbuYaghi leads the Battery Energy Storage Systems division at Envision Energy, covering the dynamic markets of Asia and Africa. With over two decades of experience in renewable energy and technology services, he has played a crucial role in driving business growth and promoting clean power initiatives.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems Engineering from The United States Military Academy (West Point). Faris's extensive career includes various leadership positions at Enviromena Power Systems, ProTenders, and Huawei Digital Power Company, contributing to his deep expertise in the energy sector.

Please describe your role at Envision as well as your industry expertise.

Faris AbuYaghi leads the business development efforts of Battery Energy Storage Systems at Envision Energy, covering the dynamic markets of Asia and Africa. 

Faris's extensive career includes various leadership positions at Enviromena Power Systems, ProTenders, and Huawei Digital Power Company, contributing to his deep expertise in the energy sector.

What motivated Envision to invest in MENA's renewable industry?

Envision Energy's investment in the MENA region is driven by several strategic motivations:

1. Diverse Energy Portfolio: The MENA region is embracing renewable energy technologies beyond just solar, including wind power and emerging sectors like hydrogen. Envision's expertise in wind turbines, energy storage solutions, and green hydrogen aligns well with these diversified energy strategies.
2. Strategic Market Positioning: Establishing a presence in the MENA region allows Envision to strategically position itself in a market with high growth potential for renewables. This enhances Envision's global footprint and supports its mission to solve the challenges of a sustainable future through intelligent energy management.

Envision Energy's investment in MENA reflects a commitment to advancing renewable energy technologies and supporting the region’s transition towards a more sustainable and diversified energy portfolio.

Can you tell us about what sets you apart from other competitors?

Envision Energy stands apart from competitors through a combination of innovative technology, comprehensive solutions, and a strong commitment to sustainability and customer partnerships:

1. Comprehensive Energy Solutions: Unlike many competitors that specialize in a single type of technology, Envision provides a holistic approach to energy. From wind turbines and energy storage systems to digital transformation and green hydrogen projects, our comprehensive solutions cater to a wide range of energy needs across different sectors and geographies.
2. Global Reach with Local Focus: While we operate globally, our approach is deeply localized, adapting our technologies and solutions to meet regional energy challenges and regulations. This strategy not only enhances our service offerings but also strengthens local economies and supports community development.
3. Sustainability at the Core: Sustainability is not just part of our business—it's at the heart of everything we do. Envision’s aim to 'solve the challenges for a sustainable future' drives our innovations and our dedication to achieving a net-zero world. Our efforts extend beyond renewable energy to include significant contributions to ecosystem conservation and carbon neutrality.
4. Strategic Partnerships: Envision believes in the power of collaboration. We have established strong partnerships with governments, businesses, and other stakeholders to co-create solutions that are not only technologically advanced but also socially and economically inclusive.
5. Leadership in Energy Transition: Envision is recognized for its leadership in the global energy transition. By investing in cutting-edge research and development and engaging in policy advocacy, we are shaping the future of the energy landscape, making it more sustainable and resilient.

By leveraging these strengths, Envision Energy not only delivers superior value to our customers and partners but also actively contributes to the advancement of global energy sustainability and innovation.

What's a recent milestone Envision has achieved that you would like to share with us?

One of the most significant recent milestones for Envision Energy is our inclusion in the 2024 TIME100 Most Influential Companies list. This recognition underscores our pivotal role in driving the global energy transition and our impact on the renewable energy landscape.

Being named to the TIME100 Most Influential Companies list reflects not only our technological innovations and market influence but also our commitment to sustainable development. It highlights our efforts in advancing wind technology, deploying cutting-edge battery storage solutions, and leading initiatives in the green hydrogen sector. This accolade serves as a testament to our team's dedication and our collaborative approach with partners worldwide to achieve a sustainable future.

Additionally, we continue to secure significant project wins across various regions, such as one of the largest BESS projects in the UK, and a 1.6 GW wind project in Saudi Arabia, we are continuously expanding our presence and reinforcing our capability in delivering comprehensive and efficient energy solutions globally. These projects not only strengthen our portfolio but also enhance the reliability and accessibility of renewable energy, contributing to the energy security and economic development of the communities we serve.

How do you see the effects of the increasing adoption of solar energy on the MENA's economy in the coming years?

1. Economic Diversification: From oil and gas focused traditionally, the MENA region is diversifying its economy by investing in solar energy and other sources of renewables. This shift not only helps reduce economic dependence on fossil fuels but also opens up new sectors for investment and development, contributing to a more resilient and sustainable economic structure. Battery systems, such as those provided by Envision Energy, play a crucial role by enabling reliable energy storage, facilitating the integration of solar power into the grid, and ensuring a stable energy supply.

2. Job Creation: The solar energy sector, including battery system deployment, is creating numerous job opportunities in the MENA region. Companies like Envision Energy are at the forefront, contributing to local employment through the construction, maintenance, and operation of solar and storage projects. This not only boosts the local economy but also enhances skills development in communities.

3. Attracting Foreign Investment: The MENA region's commitment to solar energy has made it an attractive destination for foreign investors, boosts the economy and brings in technical expertise and advanced technologies. Envision Energy's battery solutions ensure that solar projects are more viable and sustainable, enhancing the region's attractiveness to investors.

4. Technology Transfer: The adoption of solar energy and battery storage is transforming the MENA region into a hub for renewable energy innovation. Envision Energy is contributing to this by providing advanced battery technologies and promoting technological know-how. This fosters a culture of innovation, leading to the growth of new businesses and services related to solar and energy storage.

5. Environmental Benefits: The switch to solar energy contributes significantly to reducing carbon emissions, aligning with global climate goals. This shift can have broader economic benefits from the potential for carbon credit markets.

Envision Energy is playing a vital role in the MENA region's solar energy expansion by providing essential battery systems that support economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development. This integration of solar and storage technology is driving a significant transformation in the region’s economic and environmental landscape.

About Envision

Envision Energy is a world-leading green technology company that provides renewable energy solutions for global enterprises, governments, and institutions. Encompassing three major business sectors - Smart Wind Turbines, Energy Storage, and Green Hydrogen Solutions, Envision Energy collaboratively constructs comprehensive solutions for energy transformation. It also manages Envision-Hongshan Carbon-Neutral Fund and owns Envision Racing Formula E team, who conquered the Formula E Teams' Championship in 2023.

With its contribution to the global green energy transition, Envision Energy is listed as a “Green Giant” in TIME “2024Time 100 Most Influential Companies” list. Envision Energy has also received several accolades for its sustainability performance, including the EcoVadis Gold Medal and the CDP “A-List”. It was also recognized in Fortune's “Change the World” list and ranked among the top 10 smartest companies by the MIT Technology Review. 

Today, Envision Energy leverages its global network of R&D and engineering centers across China, the United States, UK, France, Germany, Denmark, etc. to continuously lead global green technology development. Envision Energy joined the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and committed to achieving the "Business Ambition for 1.5°C" in 2021. It has achieved carbon neutrality across its global operations by 2022 and will achieve carbon neutrality throughout its value chain by 2028.