Energy Storage

GlobalLogic Inc., a Hitachi Group Company and pioneer in Digital Engineering, announced availability of technology accelerators that significantly reduce time to market of custom Over-The-Top (OTT) applications by as much as 30 to 50 percent. This is accomplished through the development of advanced solution accelerators for application development and testing across all major mainstream OTT platforms. GlobalLogic delivers this capability through a software engineering team with deep expertise in the end-to-end OTT value chain, which has developed more than 200 complex applications over the past ten years as part of multiple global OTT services rollouts. OTT Digital Accelerators The world of streaming applications has become immense and complex. Consumers demand high-quality, immersive viewing experiences from any provider on any device. To satisfy this demand and increase consumer engagement, OTT service providers must develop extremely efficient, native application experiences across multiple platforms, including living room (Smart TV, Streaming Device), mobile, web and gaming environments. Faster development of OTT services GlobalLogic OTT Channel Development Accelerator and TestLab are two such accelerators enabling GlobalLogic clients Streaming applications must be highly reliable and resilient, to assure content will be available 24/7. And systems must be robust to enable providers to monetize the service. Global rollouts add additional complexity to the entire development process. Over the last ten years, GlobalLogic has been delivering custom OTT platform application development services for more than 20 streaming platform customers—resulting in the creation of best practice frameworks and accelerators for faster development of OTT services. The GlobalLogic OTT Channel Development Accelerator and TestLab are two such accelerators enabling GlobalLogic customers such as media companies to create exceptionally reliable, immersive experiences for consumers. Management of multiple devices The accelerators are platform-agnostic—compatible with the most commonly used consumer streaming services—as well as device-agnostic, supporting gaming consoles, set-top boxes, smartphones, PCs, and tablets. They also support management of multiple devices from a single interface. OTT Channel Development Accelerator: A customizable media platform that enables the creation of a fully functional, completely branded OTT channel or app from idea to launch-ready in just 2.5 months. Key Features and Benefits: Common code base for native applications on similar platforms Support for all VOD models (AVOD, SVOD, TVOD) Advanced, customizable UI/UX features such as unlimited screens or background video Versatile monetization options such as in-app purchases, subscription billing, or ad-based services Code base owned by client with flexible GlobalLogic engagement models OTT TestLab Accelerator: A unified infrastructure that schedules automated quality assurance tests on all OTT devices. Clients can test on their own devices, or leverage GlobalLogic’s devices and labs. This is further enhanced by custom, automated test cases for all major platforms and use cases. Key Features and Benefits: Makes testing possible as soon as the channel development project begins Jump starts continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipelines Simple KPI set up and viewing with easy app adjustment capabilities based on results Eliminates the need to purchase duplicate equipment dedicated to each device 3,000+ test devices spanning all major platforms, vendors, use-cases OTT application landscape “The OTT application landscape has grown dramatically larger and more complex over the past few years, and our clients are seeking partners to help navigate it,” said Arun Mukunda, VP and Global Head, Media and Entertainment, GlobalLogic.  “Having delivered hundreds of complex OTT applications, GlobalLogic is in a unique position to help our clients rapidly create and launch high quality streaming services on a global scale at a pace never before possible.”

The surge in demand for Category 3 Control fire performance cables used in critical situations can only help to meet safety compliance requirements, says pioneering cable supplier AEI Cables. The systems powered by these cables – including smoke and heat extraction systems – assist fire services in firefighting and a safe evacuation in the case of life safety. Selection and installation of cables AEI Cables has been highlighting the importance of following the technical guidance for the selection and installation of cables for Category 3 Control fire performance cables under the revised British Standard BS8519: 2020 Code of Practice. These cables reduce harmful smoke, toxic gases and flame spread in the event of a real fire. Stuart Dover, General Manager of AEI Cables, said: "We are seeing quite an increase in demand for Category 3 Control cables and perhaps the information to use these cables for a specific safety reason is getting through to the supply chain." Guidance for Category 3 Control fire performance The guidance for Category 3 Control fire cables applies to evacuation alarms for the disabled in care homes Stuart Dover adds: "There can be no compromise when it comes to the selection of cables for these critical applications. We offer our comprehensive range of Category 3 Control backed up with our technical support and guidance for these specific uses." The guidance for Category 3 Control fire performance cables applies to evacuation alarms for the disabled in care homes, emergency voice communications systems and voice alarm systems in relevant buildings including tall buildings, office spaces, hospitals, shopping malls and stadia. AEI Cables’ products AEI Cables’ Firetec Enhanced cabling has been approved and certified by LPCB to BS8519 (Annex B), Category 3 Control in addition to Category 2 Control. The BS Code of Practice under BS8519 contains six categories of cables, three for power cables and three for control cables each covering survival times of 30, 60 or 120 minutes. All AEI Cables’ products are supplied with approvals from independent bodies including BASEC and LPCB. It also holds approvals from organizations, including Lloyds, the MoD, Network Rail and LUL and works to international standards around the world.

Ameren Illinois proposed an ambitious plan to help its residential and business customers further reduce their energy usage, lower their carbon footprint, and save on their monthly energy bills. The plan submitted to the Illinois Commerce Commission targets 1,122 GWh of electric savings through energy efficiency upgrades from 2026 to 2029, which is expected to save customers over $2 billion over the life of the upgrades. Electric and gas efficiency programs Ameren Illinois will invest $145 million per year over the next four years to deliver electric and gas efficiency programs that include residential incentives for major home upgrades, such as heating and cooling systems, air sealing, and insulation. For business customers, the program will fund advanced technologies, such as smart thermostats, variable speed drives, demand-controlled ventilation, and ductless heat pumps. Greenhouse gas emissions Additional investments will equip community-based organizations to deliver energy efficiency services Additional investments will equip community-based organizations to deliver energy efficiency services, boost job creation, and strengthen economies in downstate Illinois. Execution of the plan is also expected to lower greenhouse gas emissions in support of Illinois' Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) goals. energy price volatility and supply shortages "This plan builds on the success of our industry-pioneering energy efficiency programs and ensures that our customers have the opportunity to benefit from the programs that they are paying for," said Lenny Singh, Chairman and President, Ameren Illinois. Lenny Singh adds, "Using energy wisely is the surest way to lower monthly energy bills. At the same time, it is a proven line of defense against energy price volatility and supply shortages, and a key tool in the fight against climate change." Ameren Illinois' energy efficiency programs Ameren Illinois' energy efficiency programs have achieved significant milestones Since 2018, Ameren Illinois' energy efficiency programs have achieved significant milestones, saving customers approximately $881 million on their electric bills. Business customers have saved over $427 million on their energy bills after utilizing program upgrades. Additionally, the program has saved more than 2.5 million MWh of electricity, which is the equivalent of removing nearly 1.7 million metric tons of CO2, removing 396,000 passenger vehicles from the road for one year, or providing electricity to more than 228,000 homes for one year. Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Plan Highlights of the 2026–2029 Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Plan: Residential Energy Savings – Ameren Illinois will invest $75 million per year in electric and gas incentives and rebates to spur adoption of energy efficient products, appliances, and equipment, and deliver home assessments to help customers uncover energy efficiency opportunities in the home.    Business Energy Savings – Businesses will see a swift return on their investment for energy efficiency upgrades, typically covering costs within an average of 1.8 years. After their return on investment, these businesses will benefit from ongoing energy savings. Market Development Initiative – Ameren Illinois will invest more than $5 million per year to deliver energy efficiency benefits to underserved customers and communities. Partnerships with local community organizations will build greater community engagement, create energy industry jobs, and deliver cost savings to the customers who need it the most. Since 2018, Ameren Illinois has invested over $201 million to help reduce the energy burden of income-qualified customers. Investing in energy efficiency "Energy efficiency directly impacts our businesses in downstate Illinois because every dollar that a business saves on their energy costs can be reinvested into their processes, products, people and communities," said Kristol Simms, Vice President of clean energy transition, economic, community and business development for Ameren Illinois. Kristol Simms adds, "Businesses can count on Ameren to help them protect their bottom line. Investing in energy efficiency will lead Illinois towards a more sustainable and prosperous future." Energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions "The investment made into utility energy efficiency programs today will save energy, reduce energy bills, improve indoor air quality, and create family-sustaining jobs for the future," said Kari Ross, Midwest Energy Affordability Advocate at NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council). Kari Ross adds, "Energy efficiency is the most cost-effective resource to reduce energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen our power grid, and support Illinois’ climate goals for a clean energy economy."

On June 17, 2022, the world's first 35kV high-voltage direct coupled energy storage system developed by NR was successfully connected to the grid in Shaoxing Hongxu energy storage power station in China. It not only helps to achieve the efficient use of clean energy and promote the green and low-carbon transformation, but also enhances the flexible regulation capacity of the power grid. High voltage direct coupled energy storage not only reduces the electrical distance from the main grid, but also has the advantages of stronger grid support effect, response consistency and higher conversion efficiency. Energy storage batteries The smooth operation of the project helps to explore and establish the standard of advance energy storage technology, promote the energy storage system to move towards a higher voltage level, larger capacity, safer, more reliable and more efficient direction, and can adapt to the characteristics of multiple types of energy storage batteries, making a useful attempt for the development direction of energy storage. The whole system uses a cascade topology to distribute the batteries to each PCS module The whole system uses a cascade topology to distribute the batteries to each PCS module. The reliability of the whole energy storage system is effectively improved through the integrated closed self-circulation air cooling technology and online thermal redundancy technology. At the same time, the multi-level active equalization technology is used to greatly improve the utilization of the battery and eliminate the "short board effect" of the battery cluster. Green power systems NR has provided a complete set of solutions for Shaoxing 35kV high voltage direct coupled energy storage system, including energy management system (EMS), Power Management System (PMS), high and low voltage full series air / liquid cooled Power conversion system (PCS), and battery management system (BMS). NR will continue to do a good job in the exploration of new energy storage systems, promote the research and practice of grid-forming energy storage application, and make more contributions to the construction of green power systems.

Rethinking filtration: with BECO® Helix depth filter cartridges, Eaton's Filtration Division introduces a completely new approach to liquid filtration. These innovative depth filter cartridges provide a double depth filtration effect, significantly higher particle-holding capacity, and a longer service-life compared to other pleated depth filter cartridges. This performance is made possible by the unique helix wrapping of the pleated polypropylene (PP) fleece layers. BECO Helix depth filter cartridges The fine fleece layers provide reliable separation in particle, clarifying, and fine filtration The innovative structure and the graduated, thin fleece layers from coarse to fine, maximize the filter surface area and allow optimal flow with low pressure differentials.  The funnel effect and high mechanical stability of the graduated fleece layers make BECO Helix depth filter cartridges excellent for backwashing. The fine fleece layers provide reliable separation in particle, clarifying, and fine filtration, while also protecting downstream membrane filter cartridges. Variety of different applications and filter housings Available in various lengths, with all common adapter designs and gasket materials, the BECO Helix depth filter cartridges ensure safe use across a variety of different applications and filter housings.  The depth filter cartridges have a filter area of 0.7 square meters per 10-inch element, they are available with retention rates from 0.6 to 10.0 µm, and are available immediately. Regeneration and sterilization instructions "The BECO Helix depth filter cartridge with a retention rate of 0.6 µm was specifically designed for bottling processes in the beverage industry. It protects downstream membrane filters from clogging substances and significantly extends their service-life, provided the regeneration and sterilization instructions are properly followed," explains Elke Brandscheid, Team Leader Technical Service & Product Manager Filter Cartridges of Eaton's Filtration Division. The CIP and SIP capability (Clean-in-Place and Sterilize-in-Place) of the BECO Helix depth filter cartridges also makes them well-suited for this application, while their backwashability, even with hot water, further extends the service-life and reduces operating costs. Eaton’s long-standing expertise Eaton’s long-standing expertise in filtration for industries like cosmetics and fine chemicals All BECO Helix depth filter cartridges provide a beta ratio of ≥ 5,000 or a retention efficiency of ≥ 99.98%. These food-grade depth filter cartridges have been carefully developed through extensive research, drawing on Eaton’s long-standing expertise in filtration for industries such as food & beverage, cosmetics, and fine chemicals. The innovative design of the BECO Helix depth filter cartridges enables optimized filtration with extended service life, reduced operating costs, and more sustainable material use. CIP and SIP compatible backwashability CIP and SIP compatible backwashability, with a wide range of applications: BECO Helix depth filter cartridges, available in various retention rates and made from polypropylene, provide a safe and efficient solution for pre-filtration and fine filtration across diverse industries. Double depth filtration effect and maximum particle-holding capacity: The unique helix wrapping increases the filter surface area and mechanical stability, resulting in significantly improved filtration performance and extended service-life for the depth filter cartridges.

Siemens is presenting its new developments in industrial automation and digitalization for the intralogistics industry at this year's Logimat. Faced with global challenges like labor shortages, growing sustainability requirements, and demographic change, the technology company is introducing innovative automation and digitalization solutions that increase efficiency, adaptability, and sustainability in intralogistics. Siemens Xcelerator ecosystem Siemens shows in a highlight showcase how the mix of software-defined and data-driven With Simatic Robot Pick AI Pro, an industrial vision AI for the development of AI-supported picking robots, Siemens demonstrates in a highlight showcase how the combination of software-defined and data-driven automation creates more adaptability and flexibility in automation solutions in order to overcome the challenges and complexity of today's intralogistics and to offer future-proof solutions. The Siemens Xcelerator ecosystem plays a central role by promoting innovation and integration across platform boundaries, which is accelerating the transition to a Digital Enterprise. Automation for advanced robotic solutions A blueprint for software-defined automation for advanced robotic solutions for robot-based picking of small parts in the intralogistics industry The centerpiece of the showcase at the Siemens booth is Simatic Robot Pick AI Pro, a pre-trained deep-learning vision software from Siemens that enables model-free 3D robot picking of unknown objects with individually adaptable vacuum multi-grippers. Simatic Robot Pick AI Pro The software reliably delivers gripping poses for a wide variety of inventory items in milliseconds The software reliably delivers gripping poses (6-DoF) for a wide variety of inventory items in milliseconds, regardless of their shape, size, or packaging. This means that Simatic Robot Pick AI Pro will facilitate the development of cost-effective, autonomous, and scalable robot solutions for single-piece order picking for sectors like e-commerce. It also addresses the labor shortage associated with monotonous picking tasks. Siemens Industrial Operations X portfolios Simatic Robot Pick AI Pro is a solution of Siemens Industrial Operations X portfolios, which is part of Siemens Xcelerator. Siemens Industrial Operations X combines software-defined automation and data-driven solutions within industrial ecosystems aiming to make systems more adaptive. An essential component of software-defined automation is Simatic AX, a modern development environment that increases efficiency in the creation and management of both physical and virtual controls. Use of advanced technologies Use of advanced technologies like edge and cloud computing to optimize operational processes Virtual PLCs (programmable logic controllers) are also being used to provide greater flexibility and scalability in deploying control systems as software containers based on industrial edge management. Industrial Operations X integrates these technologies and enables a seamless collaboration between different systems and the use of advanced technologies like edge and cloud computing to optimize and continuously improve operational processes. With this, machine builders can develop flexible and scalable robot order-picking systems that can be adapted to meet specific requirements. Robots with Siemens AI vision software Robots with Siemens AI vision software can autonomously identify and handle a variety of unknown objects, ensuring increased flexibility and adaptability in dynamic environments. There is also a seamless integration with TIA, which ensures a continuous data flow from the robot order-picking cell to the entire operational process.  Development of new solutions and technologies Siemens will also show exactly how the Siemens Industrial Copilot supports automation engineers Siemens Xcelerator offers an open ecosystem for collaboration and innovation within a network of certified partners, such as Zivid for industrial 3D cameras or Piab for vacuum tools, to support the development of new solutions and technologies. At the exhibition, Siemens will also show exactly how the Siemens Industrial Copilot supports automation engineers in code generation and fault diagnosis and facilitates the engineering of complex automation systems. Siemens Industrial Copilot for engineering complex machines With the Siemens Industrial Copilot for TIA Portal Engineering, Siemens presents the first generative AI assistant for industrial engineering.  Thanks to its seamless integration into the TIA Portal, the AI assistant simplifies and accelerates development processes and significantly minimizes error sources. It also allows less experienced professionals to effectively apply their knowledge and skills.

Jenkins sold a Jenkins Motor Test System to Oman, where temperatures can exceed 120ºF. While Jenkins Motor Test Systems are built tough and for industrial environments, this specific location required customizations to be the most effective in an extremely hot environment. Locations near large bodies of water or tropical environments can also cause problems as the humidity in the air will cause the copper wiring in the transformer to oxidize over time. Although Jenkins designs its equipment to operate for long periods, some applications for customer environments require specific customization. The Solution  Jenkins engineers and winders worked together to develop a custom solution for this harsh climate, particularly paying close attention to temperature and water resistance. To customize the transformer for this environment, the Jenkins team made the following modifications: Doubling the spacing between winding layers to increase airflow. Encasing the transformer first in a high tolerance epoxy varnish, and then in a polyester over-dip that prevents the application from rust, dust, and harmful materials. Utilizing expanded metal at the base of the MTS enclosure, allows heat to escape, reducing the internal temperature. Installing temperature-sensitive cooling fans (set to 100ºF) atop the enclosure to prevent overheating. The Results  Jenkins technicians checked insulation for 10,000 volts (resistance to ground), checked each voltage leg, and high voltage potential to ground, and ensured the taps were in the correct place. Voltage was confirmed to operate up to 20% above normal operation, ensuring maximum efficiency and longevity of the transformer. These modifications have resulted in prolonged use of the Jenkins Motor Test System in harsh environments and ultimately customer satisfaction.

Fluence Energy, Inc., a global provider of energy storage products, services, and optimization software for renewables and storage, announces that the company has been selected by Origin Energy Limited (Origin) to deliver a 300 MW / 650 MWh battery at the Mortlake Power Station in southwest Victoria. The project will use Fluence’s Gridstack™ energy storage product with a 15-year service agreement contributing to Origin’s strategy to accelerate renewable energy and energy storage in its portfolio. The system will also utilize Fluence’s AI-powered asset performance management (APM) software, Nispera™, to optimize the battery’s operational performance. Energy storage projects The system will capture excess power during periods of high renewable generation  “We are honored to be selected by Origin to deliver this grid-forming battery-based energy storage system and deploy our ecosystem of solutions,” said Fluence President and Chief Executive Officer, Julian Nebreda. Julian Nebreda adds, “Australia is an important market for Fluence. Our local team is now delivering over 1 GW energy storage projects within Australia to enhance grid stability and enable the country’s clean energy transition.” Energy storage system to be commissioned in late 2026 The site preparation and civil works of the Mortlake Battery are expected to commence following a period of detailed design and procurement activity. The energy storage system is anticipated to be commissioned in late 2026. Located in Victoria’s South West Renewable Energy Zone, this energy storage system will provide system strength to the grid. The system will capture excess power during periods of high renewable generation and discharge to meet peak demand.

Mota-Engil, a multi-national with activities focused on the construction and management of infrastructures, responsible for the construction of the Canoas wastewater lifting station, selected WEG as the provider of a large package of electrical solutions for an important initiative to decontaminate the waters of the Bogotá River, in Colombia. Sustainable development When the project is completed, the pumping station will receive the wastewater from approximately 70% of the city, corresponding to the Fucha, Tintal, and Tunjuelo river basins, and the wastewater from the Municipality of Soacha, to be later pumped to the future Canoas Wastewater Treatment Plant, which will be one of the largest in Latin America. This great milestone will make it possible to return quality water to the Bogotá River and guarantee the sustainable development of the country. Safe distribution of energy Seventeen medium voltage switchgears were also supplied in addition to low voltage load centers One of the great challenges of this project is to guarantee the safe distribution of energy to the electrical systems and motors. For this, WEG has supplied a complete 115 kV substation that includes two 30 MVA/115/13.2 kV transformers, adding more efficiency and reliability to the plant. 17 medium voltage switchgears were also supplied in addition to low voltage load centers. For this project, WEG will also be supplying six three-phase induction motors and six medium voltage variable frequency drives. Each 4,300 kW motor, vertically mounted, will be coupled to its respective pump and will be responsible for pumping 6.4 cubic meters of wastewater per second to 51.6 meters height from the well, one of the most critical processes in the plant. Improvement of the quality of life This demonstrates the company's ability to develop integrated solutions that meet the most diverse applications. With participation in other important projects in the water and wastewater segment, in various processes such as potable water treatment plants, wastewater treatment, and distribution systems, WEG reinforces its experience in this segment by being selected for this important project, thus contributing to the improvement of the quality of life of the population and the environment.

Zermatt is a truly unique destination nestled in the Swiss Alps. The town is primarily renowned for its iconic Matterhorn Mountain, which stands at 4,478 meters and is one of the highest and most recognizable peaks in the Alps. Zermatt’s landscape includes 38 peaks over 4,000 meters. With around 2.5 million overnight stays recorded in 2023, Zermatt is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Switzerland. However, due to the town’s remote location and rugged terrain, Zermatt faces specific challenges. These include the need for reliable and sustainable infrastructure and the management of natural risks, such as avalanches and extreme weather events, which can disrupt infrastructure and pose safety concerns. These factors, combined with the altitude difference, oxygen-deficient air, and steep terrain, underscore the need for innovative solutions. For decades, together with its innovative customers, Siemens has been developing technological solutions to meet these challenges.  Evaluation of energy flows The hut operates mainly autonomously and is largely self-sufficient in its energy needs The Monte Rosa Hut, located 2,883 meters above sea level, is one of the most iconic mountain huts in Switzerland. The high-tech hut has been equipped with Siemens building technology since its reopening in 2010. In 2021, 8.6 tons of lead batteries were replaced by 2.7 tons of lithium batteries.  Continuous online evaluation of energy flows indicated the need for a new solution as the existing lead batteries would soon reach the end of their lifespan. The hut operates mainly autonomously and is largely self-sufficient in its energy needs. With the building management system Desigo CC, as the comprehensive on-site solution to manage all the systems, such as HVAC, Shading, Lighting, Power, Fire Safety, and Security, the operator can quickly review the key equipment values, check key room KPIs, and troubleshoot any potential problems.  Troubleshooting potential problems In 2024, the open and flexible IoT platform “Building X” from Siemens was deployed. Building X is the scalable digital building platform to digitalize, manage, and optimize building operations, allowing for an enhanced user experience, increased performance, and improved sustainability.  The Matterhorn summer paradise offers bike trails, adventurous kickbike and dirt scooter descents Zermatt Bergbahnen AG is Switzerland’s largest cable car company. The cable car station ‘Matterhorn glacier paradise’ is Europe’s highest cable car station at 3,883 m above sea level. It offers year-round snow experiences and stunning views of 38 peaks over 4,000 m. The Matterhorn summer paradise offers bike trails, adventurous kickbike and dirt scooter descents, and 400 km hiking trails. In the winter, the company offers, together with Cervinia/Valtournenche, 54 lifts and a total of 360 km of slopes. Rapidly changing weather Infrastructure in mountainous and challenging terrain demands high standards due to factors such as altitude, low oxygen levels, and rapidly changing weather. Siemens and Zermatt Bergbahnen share a long-standing and successful partnership in areas such as low-voltage power supply and state-of-the-art control solutions, which has been expanded with the completion of the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing and the connection from Matterhorn Glacier Paradise to Testa Grigia in Italy. Siemens solutions provide complete transparency and traceability of the system, thereby ensuring a seamless energy management overview of the entire infrastructure. This system ensures that all the energy values can be managed directly on the control units and displayed graphically on a state-of-the-art display/HMI or SCADA. Data from different subsystems provided by a wide range of manufacturers can be easily integrated into the overall Siemens system via standardized interfaces. Remote management of critical systems The Gornergrat Railway (GGB) and Matterhorn Gotthard Railway (MGB) are part of the BVZ Group The Gornergrat Railway (GGB) and Matterhorn Gotthard Railway (MGB) are part of the BVZ Group, which includes 10 subsidiaries. The BVZ Group provides public transport and tourism services in the cantons of Valais, Uri, and Grisons.  The GGB adopted the first cloud-based operational model in 2017, which was facilitated by Siemens Mobility. It ensures seamless and reliable operation. This innovative approach eliminates the need for on-site server infrastructure and allows for the remote management of critical systems. The integrated control and information system, known as “Iltis”, enhances operational efficiency and safety. This system enables remote control of signaling, monitoring of operations, and management of passenger information systems. Streamlining depot operations Another world premiere in 2023: The first mobile depot control system in the cloud, the Controlguide® TrackOps Depot, for the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn. Controlguide® TrackOps Depot is an innovative depot control solution, enabling the local management of shunting activities and streamlining depot operations. Utilizing cloud-based technologies, Siemens provided flexible and scalable depot control solutions to ensure the efficient management of railway operations. Tablet-based control interfaces were introduced for depot operations, thereby enabling the simplified and efficient management of shunting activities directly from the field.

RO Capital Partners (“ROCP”), the RO Group’s venture capital arm, announces that its portfolio company, measurable.energy, has installed its smart power sockets in the office of PKF Francis Clark in Bristol. PKF Francis Clark is an award-winning firm of chartered accountants and business advisers. measurable.energy is a UK tech company that designs and manufactures smart, machine-learning-enabled power sockets that will reduce the energy costs of PKF Francis Clark’s Bristol office by more than 20%. PKF Francis Clark is located at 90 Victoria Street in that city, an office building comprising 24,377 sq. ft. of high-quality office accommodation across four storeys. Small Power energy use Up to 40% of total electricity usage in most commercial office buildings can be attributed to this type measurable.energy’s solution eliminates ‘Small Power’ waste, which is energy not required by devices that are plugged in or directly wired; such as printers, AV equipment, chilled and hot water taps, monitors, and heaters, and which are often left fully on or in standby mode overnight. Up to 40% of total electricity usage in most commercial office buildings can be attributed to this type of ‘Small Power’ energy use. Edward Rowlandson, Group Managing Director, the RO, said: "We are very pleased to have installed measurable.energy’s technology in our flagship Bristol property for a key tenant, PKF Francis Clark. We acquired 90 Victoria Street in Bristol in April 2023, and ROCP’s investment into Reading-based measurable.energy was also made early in 2023." PKF Francis Clark’s values Rowlandson added: “That investment was driven by the need to reduce energy, and we are delighted that PKF Francis Clark’s values align with our own, and that of measurable.energy. We look forward to seeing their simple solution for office occupiers who are under pressure to take action, cut energy costs, and reduce emissions installed in more properties around the country, as the business looks to scale.” CEO and Co-Founder of measurable.energy, Dan Williams said: “My electricity-saving message to companies is to not be fooled by the small size of certain devices. A very high percentage of an office occupier’s electricity bill hides in the shadows, among small gadgets and forgotten chargers." Power usage patterns Williams added:"This silent power drain adds up faster than tenants think, and without ever realizing it. Powered by machine learning, our plug sockets will automatically identify and eliminate ‘Small Power’ waste for PKF Francis Clark, turning every appliance in their Bristol office into a cost-saving superhero.” Jim Solomon, Regional Facilities Manager at PKF Francis Clark concluded: “Since deploying measurable. energy's AI-powered sockets, we have not only reduced our office's energy consumption of the devices using the sockets by 38%, but have also gained invaluable insights into our power usage patterns. This technology has been instrumental in our efforts to operate more sustainably and efficiently.”

The project aims to increase the resilience of the city's transmission network, reducing dependence on energy supply from other locations, and meeting demand during the peak tourism season. WEG has just announced the supply of a complete energy storage system (BESS) for the city of Aspen, located in the state of Colorado, USA. The project aims to enhance the resilience of the local power grid, which does not have its own power generation system and is entirely dependent on generation from other cities. Microgrid management software The solution provided by WEG includes transformers, AC/DC voltage converters, battery containers, switching and protection systems, as well as advanced microgeneration or microgrid management software. The initial system will have a capacity of 1.5 MW of power and 2 MWh of stored energy The initial system will have a capacity of 1.5 MW of power and 2 MWh of stored energy, with the potential to expand to up to 8 MWh when fully implemented. The management software is being developed by teams of specialists in the United States and Brazil, where WEG’s largest software development technical team is based. Implementation of the BESS system This project is yet another in the portfolio of BESS systems in the United States, where WEG has a group of engineers dedicated to this product in the cities of Duluth, GA, and Barre, VT. According to Carlos Bastos Grillo, Managing Director of Digital and Systems at WEG, the implementation of the BESS system will not only reduce dependency on external energy sources, but also increase the city's resilience against power supply interruptions during the peak season and dry periods, when wildfires occur more frequently in the region. Facing similar challenges "The guarantee of a stable power supply is vital for the sustainability of local tourism, which is the backbone of Aspen's economy. We believe that this project will not only benefit residents and visitors, but also serve as a model for other cities facing similar challenges," assures the Executive. The BESS system is scheduled to be completed by September 2024, preparing Aspen for the high ski season that starts in November. Timely completion will ensure that the city does not suffer from power shortages during one of the most critical periods for local tourism.