• New facility will form part of Honeywell’s alignment to Saudi Vision 2030 and localization commitments, supporting economic diversification • Honeywell becomes the first international company to produce industrial gas detectors in Saudi Arabia     June 02, 2020 - Honeywell (NYSE: HON), a global technology leader, has today announced it will open a new facility for the production of gas detection devices in Saudi Arabia. The factory underscores Honeywell’s commitment to the In-Kingdom Total Value Add (IKTVA) program.   Established to accelerate Saudization, IKTVA’s aim is to achieve 70% localization of production and jobs by 2021 and act as a key enabler of Saudi Vision 2030. The new “Made in the Kingdom” Honeywell factory will support IKTVA’s localization ......read more

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, May 31, 2020:   Trina Solar Co., Ltd ("Trina Solar" or the "Company"), the world's leading PV and smart energy total solution provider, has been recognized as a "Top Performer" for outstanding product reliability and performance among global PV module manufacturers by PV Evolution Labs (PVEL), the leading independent test laboratory for the global downstream solar industry.  The company is one of only two PV module manufacturers with worldwide reach to gain the recognition for the sixth consecutive time since the Top Performer designation was established. The recognition is based on the results of the Product Qualification Program (PQP), presented in the 2020 PV Module Reliability Scorecard issued by PVEL, following factory inspections that took place ......read more

-- Demand Surges for Advanced Class Gas Turbines --    Dubai, United Arab Emirates, May 20, 2020:   Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems (MHPS) ranks first in market share by megawatts for gas turbine orders in 2020 according to data obtained from McCoy Power Reports. First quarter global orders of 2,638 MW brought MHPS’ market share to 28.5 percent globally. This increase in gas turbine market share was largely responsible for worldwide order booking increasing 19.7 percent during MHPS’ fiscal year ending March 31, 2020. “The extremely competitive global gas turbine market has moved in our direction with a clear preference for our JAC gas turbines, which are more reliable than competitor’s gas turbines while providing record-setting fuel efficiency and output,” said Ken Kawai, ......read more

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, May 13, 2020:   Robert Minter, Investment Strategist at Aberdeen Standard Investments, explains the impact of the pandemic on the O&G sector worldwide and offers some predictions for the next 12 months.   Some stress had already begun to appear in the global oil markets at the turn of the year. The US and Europe were in the middle  of an unusually warm  winter, which reduced  energy demand. In the US, investors were prioritising capital discipline over production increases and had started raising interest rates for lower credit quality oil producers. But little evidence existed for the impending shock to demand that would dwarf all others.   The first cases of coronavirus occurred in early December but were not in sufficient scale to be noticed until six weeks later ......read more

 H.E. Mohamed Al Hammadi, CEO of ENEC, sat down via video conference with Frederick Kempe, President and CEO of the Atlantic Council, for a virtual fireside chat on COVID-19 and the future of the decarbonized global power system  H.E. Al Hammadi: ”Over 700 people are working on the Barakah plant project to meet the timeline”     Abu Dhabi, UAE – 09 May 2020:   His Excellency Mohamed Al Hammadi, Chief Executive Officer of the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC), recently sat down via video conference with Frederick Kempe, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Atlantic Council Global Energy Center, during a virtual fireside chat on the progress being made at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on energy systems, and the ......read more

The Vertex module sets new industry benchmark with its ultra-high power output   Dubai, UAE – 04 May 2020:   Trina Solar Co., Ltd ("Trina Solar" or the "Company") announced that its Vertex module is able to reach 515.8W power output, based on the test result by TÜV Rheinland’s independent evaluation. This is another major breakthrough and milestone after Trina Solar had commenced formal mass production of the Vertex pilot line on March 18 and the shipment of the first Vertex order on March 27. The Vertex is one of the first ultra-high power modules to be certified by international testing institutions. It has passed the TÜV Rheinland photovoltaic module IEC test and been granted both the IEC 61215 PV module performance standard and the IEC 61730 PV module safety ......read more

• Achieves world record reliability of 99.3% • Latest enhancement is the largest, most fuel-efficient gas turbine in operation anywhere in the world • 30% renewable hydrogen capable, with 100% capability in development       Dubai - UAE, May 4, 2020:   Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems’ (MHPS) J-Series gas turbine installed fleet today reached one million hours of commercial operation, nearly double that of similar sized gas turbines from competitors. This gas turbine series - the company’s largest and most advanced - leads the industry with reliable, efficient power generation and flexibility to meet new and higher standards for reduced carbon emissions. Introduced in 2011, the J-Series delivers an industry-leading overall reliability of 99.3%. The air-cooled JAC ......read more

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, April 29, 2020:  Gulf Renewable Lab, a joint venture between global safety science organization UL and GCC Electrical Testing Laboratories (GCC Labs) has received accreditation by GCC Accreditation Center (GAC) in accordance with the recognized International Standard ISO/IEC 17025:2017.   The recently inaugurated Gulf Renewables Lab met the technical competence requirements and management system requirements that are necessary for it to consistently deliver technically valid test results.   The laboratory received the accreditation as a result of successfully adhering to the general requirements for competence of testing and calibration laboratories set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and GAC.   The GRL laboratory, located in Dammam's Third Industrial ......read more

While the US stock market, led by technology, healthcare and media, continues to send a signal that all is well you only have to look beneath the surface to find that it is not the case. Massive amounts of stimulus have found their way into the stock markets but not to the man on the street with unemployment rising and consumer confidence plummeting. These developments have put many government and health authorities under considerable pressure to reduce lock downs.  While some may be successful many are not yet ready and the impact on growth and demand will continue to deteriorate. These developments continue to be most visible across key commodities as they respond to demand more most other sectors. The table below shows the impact on key commodities since the Covid-19 pandemic became known outside of China. Growth and demand ......read more

BNC Network Energy Sector Drives Construction in Q1 2020 USD 12.9 billion worth of energy projects were awarded in the GCC in Q1 2020 registering a 53% QoQ hike     Key Highlights   • Oil & gas projects worth USD 7.3 billion were awarded across the GCC in Q1 2020 • USD 19.2 billion worth of urban construction projects were completed in the first quarter of 2020 • UAE construction sector leads Q1 2020 with 12.4 billion worth of new project announcements, 9.4 billion worth of contract awards and 18.4 billion worth of project completions      Dubai, United Arab Emirates, April 21, 2020:   The GCC construction market is estimated at USD 2.4 trillion, with over 23,000 active projects at the end of Q1 2020. BNC Network, the largest ......read more

Written by: Georges El Mir, Vice President Oil, Gas & Petrochemicals, Schneider Electric Dubai, United Arab Emirates, April 16, 2020:   Oil prices have been declining since reaching a record of almost $150/barrel over a decade ago (yes, prices were that high). The price volatility has caused, and continues to cause, a lot of distress across the value chain, reducing both CAPEX and OPEX in almost all companies in this industry. We are in a vicious cycle when maintaining investment into the future is critical for innovation and sustainability, not just during the next few years but well into the next few decades. This volatility has further compounded the existing challenges, such as, an ageing workforce and increased environmental regulations.  How can refineries and petrochemical plants continue to sustain ......read more

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, April 15, 2020:    The  increased oil production by Saudi Arabia and Russia combined with the COVID-19 pandemic, have precipitated a global economic slowdown that has left Oil and Gas companies wondering in which direction the industry is heading.  This is one of the topics discussed by Deloitte’s experts in the latest edition of the Deloitte Middle East Point of View: Stay calm and be prepared. In the spring 2020 issue of the magazine, Deloitte experts look at what actions organizations need to take to future-proof themselves from crises. In their article Building resilience, Bart Cornelissen, Energy, Resources and Industrials Leader and Yasmin Fansa, Manager, Monitor Deloitte, Middle East, say that: “The situation in the Oil and Gas industry has been further affected by ......read more

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, April 07, 2020:   Trina Solar Co., Ltd ("Trina Solar" or the "Company") has announced that it has signed a sales agreement with the Yemeni photovoltaic firm Al Raebi, to supply 6MW of Vertex series modules to high-efficiency distributed PV projects in the Middle East. The acquisition of the order signals the degree to which the Vertex series modules will lead the Middle East solar market into the era of 500W+ ultra-high power output, boosting the local application of photovoltaic clean energy. The Vertex series modules, with a conversion efficiency reaching 21%, boast power output exceeding 500W. The modules come in bifacial double-glass and back sheet versions, incorporating 210mm cells and integrating advanced three-piece, non-destructive cutting and high-density ......read more

As many of us settle into a routine of working from home, companies have never been better prepared to take advantage of the technology now available to meet these new demands.    However, this greater flexibility in how we are working comes with drawbacks. To stay connected with our colleagues, remote working requires greater usage of electricity and energy, between plugging in our machines, using appliances more often, and the temptation for regular trips to the coffee machine or boiling water for a cup of tea.   This means we are using far more energy without realizing it, and in turn seeing our electricity bills rise. But there are some simple tips and tricks you can implement into your daily work at home routine that will help you use energy more efficiently and save money on your electricity bills in the ......read more

• 3.5kW, 5U, DX based solution is designed for fast installation and servicing • Rack mounted design frees up IT floor space • Low maintenance requirements make Uniflair Rack Mounting Cooling ideal for edge computing and micro data center applications   March 11, 2020 – Schneider Electric, the leader in digital transformation of energy management and automation, today announced the introduction of its first rack mounted data center  cooling solution. The Uniflair Rack Mounted Cooling 3.5kW, DX solution addresses the escalating demand for rack-based cooling for micro data centers and edge computing where space can be at a premium.   Available globally, the new offer frees up valuable IT floor space by placing the IT cooling at the bottom of any IT rack. The solution can be integrated ......read more

Public and private sector efforts held up as benchmark during thought-leading session titled ‘Decarbonisation and Sustainable Development Goals’ ‘Expo site is a blueprint for future smart city’ - Markus Strohmeier, Siemens  Session told energy services companies (ESCO) in the Emirates have increased tenfold in past two years  Dubai, UAE: 04 March 2020: Greater focus on energy efficiency will help reduce costs and aid Middle East energy sector players meet the dual challenge of meeting growing demand for power while reducing carbon footprint, according to industry experts during a thought-provoking plenary session titled ‘Decarbonisation and Sustainable Development Goals’ on the sidelines of Middle East Energy 2020, the 45th edition of the global energy platform, which runs until March 5 ......read more

• Safe Completion of Fuel Assembly Loading in Unit 1 at Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant Marks the Start of Nuclear Operations for Electricity Generation • Certified Operators Begin Process to Gradually Produce Clean Electricity   Abu Dhabi, UAE – 3 March 2020: The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) announced today that, following the successful completion of fuel assembly loading into Unit 1, the UAE has officially become a peaceful nuclear energy operating nation. The Nation also becomes the first country in the Arab World to achieve this status, joining a limited group of countries worldwide that have successfully developed the intellectual and infrastructural capacity to use nuclear energy to generate safe, clean, and reliable baseload electricity.    The milestone was achieved this ......read more

Digitalisation and renewables will be front and centre across three days as Energy & Utilities Market Outlook report forecasts annual investment in renewable energy to top US $35 billion in MENA  Dubai, UAE: 02 March 2020: Power sector leaders have arrived in the UAE for this week’s mega Middle East Energy exhibition and probing conference series which begins a three-day run at the Dubai World Trade Centre tomorrow (March 3). Set against the background of an industry in the midst of major disruption and transformation, the show, previously known as Middle East Electricity, has attracted more than 1,100 exhibitors from more than 130 countries. Industry heavyweights will demonstrate breakthrough technologies that are changing the entire energy eco-system, with power capacity in the MENA region set for annual 6.4% ......read more

Continent to see increased focus on geothermal, wind, solar & biomass    Dubai, UAE: 01 March 2020: African’s rich renewable sources are being underused even though the continent aims to connect 60 million new households to electricity grids by 2030. The under-utilisation claim was made by Wnaguli Charles Wainaina, the Chief Procurement Officer of the Kenya Electricity Generating Co. Ltd ahead of his buying visit to Middle East Energy, the mega global power event, which runs at the Dubai World Trade Centre from March 3-5.   Mr Wataina, who is being hosted at Middle East Energy organised by Informa Markets, said recently the African power scene had undergone transformation to a more renewable focus but needed to boost efficiency of the approach.   “There has been a paradigm shift in ......read more

• Largest-ever cybersecurity alliance advances industry collaboration to defend digital economy • Improves the security, stability and resilience of cyberspace in an increasingly digital world • Supports the commitment to an open, transparent and collaborative culture that focuses on people, processes and technology   February 27, 2020 – Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, has joined the Cybersecurity Tech Accord, a watershed agreement among its signatories to enhance the cybersecurity ecosystem and to defend the digital economy from cyberattacks.    The Cybersecurity Tech Accord is a public commitment among 144 global companies to protect and empower civilians online and to improve the security, stability and resilience of ......read more

According to BCG’s report, the Middle East can deliver 8500 bcm of gas by 2030 marking the strongest growth in a decade Dubai, 23 February, 2020 : The natural gas market in the Middle East is experiencing a substantial growth phase, with its cost of supply remaining competitive in the long-term despite shale revolution. The recent report by Boston Consulting Group’s (BCG), Snam, and the International Gas Union (IGU) reveals that the Middle East and Asia-Pacific have demonstrated the strongest growth in gas demand the past ten years – growing at an average of 4.6% per year, double the rate of global primary energy demand. The Middle East can deliver approximately 8,500 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas with average breakeven prices of $2.5 per MMBtu [Million British Thermal Units] by 2030. While recent record low ......read more

• The Secure Power Division captures more than 20 industry awards for leadership, solutions, and programs in 2019 • Industry analysts, trade publications and leadership groups among those recognizing Secure Power  • Division provides power and cooling solutions for data centers, distributed IT, and non-IT applications   BOSTON, MASS., FEBRUARY 13, 2020 –  Schneider Electric, the leader in digital transformation of energy management and automation, has announced that its Secure Power Division received more than 20 awards across leadership, offers, and programs in 2019, leading the way in the data center and IT industries. In addition to the awards, a number of media, analysts and industry organizations recognized Secure Power with prestigious rankings. Most recently, independent technology ......read more

This piece is co-authored by Chris Dartnell, President Oil and Gas, Industrial Automation Business at Schneider Electric and Shebin Jalal, Global Solution Architect, Oil and Gas, Industrial Automation Business at Schneider Electric    Dubai, United Arab Emirates, February 19, 2020:   Today, devices of all kinds across the Oil & Gas industry are equipped with intelligent sensors that gather data. Since these devices are connected, they send the data forward to a repository like the cloud, and the data is then correlated and analyzed on servers. The rapid output of that analysis enables better, faster process decisions that help cut costs and drive efficiencies. Consider the example of pump jacks in an oil field. Traditionally, oil companies would regularly schedule crew visits (every 6 months or so) to the ......read more

- UAE is the first country in the Arab region to operate a nuclear power plant. - License issuance follows comprehensive review of Operating License Application submitted by the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation on behalf of Nawah in 2015   17 February 2020, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), the UAE’s independent nuclear regulator, has today issued the Operating License for Unit 1 of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant to the Nawah Energy Company (Nawah), the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation’s (ENEC) subsidiary responsible for operation of the nuclear power plant located in the Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi Emirate in the United Arab Emirates.    The Operating License, with an estimated duration of 60 years, authorizes Nawah to commission and ......read more

• Application avatars set new ease-of-use standards for pump and conveyor environments.  • PROFIBUS and PROFINET protocol support now added to existing Ethernet/IP and Modbus TCP compatibility for a wider range of applications. • Flexible load management now allows for autonomous operation mode.   Schneider Electric, the global specialist in energy management and automation, today announced important additions to its versatile TeSys™ island digital load management system solution. When introduced, TeSys island redefined the way loads are managed and introduced unprecedented potential for efficiency in machine design, installation and service phases. TeSys island is a fully digitized and object-oriented load management system and an Industry 4.0 compliant data provider. With the availability ......read more