Transportation

The sensor solutions provider - HENSOLDT is further expanding its production capacities at the Ulm site. A second printed circuit board assembly line has already been put into operation in electronics production. A third assembly line is to follow in 2025. The total investment volume amounts to eight million Euros. Radar production Printed circuit boards are indispensable for HENSOLDT products. Given the security of supply in the procurement of electronic components and the high demand for products that can be delivered quickly, it is proving to be an advantage for the company to have full control over core technologies such as the assembly of printed circuit boards. In particular, the ongoing conversion to series production in radar production is increasing the demand for components enormously. Printed circuit boards “Given the increasing demand, the urgency of delivering products and solutions quickly and on a large scale is noticeable,” says Gregor Schwab, HENSOLDT Head of Production. Gregor Schwab adds, “By expanding our production capacities, we have already more than doubled the number of printed circuit boards manufactured from 36,000 to 80,000 per year over the past two years.”

Verizon Business announced the activation of more than 740 new Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) lines with the Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (TriMet), a transit agency providing bus, light rail, commuter rail, and paratransit service in the Portland metro region. wireless network connectivity FWA delivers fast, reliable, and scalable wireless network connectivity. The ample bandwidth provided by FWA enables TriMet to leverage data-rich and mission-critical applications to meet the current demands, meeting its mission of connecting people with valued transportation options that are safe, convenient, reliable, accessible and welcoming for all. Transit Signal Priority In collaboration with regional traffic agency partners, TriMet is using mobile data TriMet uses mobile data to support many key technologies, including allowing riders to pay fares using their mobile wallet or contactless payment card and providing state-of-the-art connectivity and information to transit operators. In collaboration with regional traffic agency partners, TriMet is using mobile data to pioneer cloud-based Transit Signal Priority that improves traffic flow efficiency, speeding up buses without causing delays for drivers, cyclists, or pedestrians while improving safety and reducing carbon emissions. system performance and security These are just some examples of the benefits for commuters in the Portland area thanks to Verizon Business and TriMet. Future plans by TriMet include using their enhanced mobile data to further improve system performance and security. The activation of the new FWA lines represents a continuation of an already strong relationship between Verizon Business and TriMet. Verizon Business is the exclusive critical connectivity provider for the Portland-area agency that provides multimodal transit service across a 533-square-mile service district.

Siemens Smart Infrastructure launches its first fully electronic starter with semiconductor technology. The SIMATIC ET 200SP e-Starter offers short-circuit protection that is 1000 times faster and is virtually wear-free compared to conventional solutions such as circuit breakers or fuses. e-Starter features This ensures optimal protection for motors as well as other types of loads and the applications in which they are used. The e-Starter also features the application-friendly Smart Start and full integration into the Totally Integrated Automation (TIA) concept. The compact device can be used worldwide, requires minimal space in the control cabinet, and is easy to install. applications Motor starters not only switch motors reliably but also protect them against overload and short circuits In industries such as food and beverage, intralogistics, and mechanical engineering, high-efficiency motors are used in demanding applications, for example, to drive conveyor systems or pumps. Malfunctions and failures can quickly lead to considerable damage and costs. Against this backdrop, motor starters play an important role: They not only switch motors reliably but also protect them against overload and short circuits. Semiconductor technology The SIMATIC ET 200SP e-Starter uses semiconductor technology with silicon carbide metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (SiC MOSFETs), which enables ultra-fast and wear-free switching. Because of the short-circuit protection device they are equipped with conventional feeder solutions and have a comparatively slow response time. As a result, the device often needs to be replaced when a short circuit occurs.  unlimited short-circuit shutdown In contrast, the e-Starter detects short circuits extremely quickly and switches off in less than 4 µs. This makes it approximately 1,000 times faster than conventional components. The device offers unlimited short-circuit shutdown and does not need to be replaced after being tripped, which increases availability and significantly reduces warehousing costs for replacement parts. phase-optimized switching and Smart Start Torque surges that occur during a direct start are minimized as well, noticeably reducing the mechanical wear High inrush currents are typical for high-efficiency motors, e.g. those in energy efficiency classes IE3 and IE4, and can lead to unintended trips of the protection device. The phase-optimized switching and Smart Start of the SIMATIC ET 200SP e-Starter neutralize the inrush currents and significantly reduce the starting currents and therefore the electrical load on the grid during start-up. In addition, the torque surges that occur during a direct start are minimized as well, noticeably reducing the mechanical wear. This means that less maintenance work is required – a valuable benefit for applications with a high switching rate. Available, durable, and user-friendly “Our fully electronic e-Starter is a real innovation that offers many benefits over traditional electromechanical or hybrid motor starters. We developed it in close consultation with potential users,” said Andreas Matthé, CEO of Electrical Products at Siemens Smart Infrastructure. "That is why it responds to their challenges exactly as needed. It makes demanding motors and applications more available, durable, and user-friendly than ever before." Totally Integrated Automation “Siemens is the first manufacturer with a fully electronic starter that is completely integrated into ET 200SP and TIA Portal and specifically addresses two challenges in the industrial sector: applications prone to short circuits and high current peaks when starting high-efficiency motors." Machine and plant manufacturers and system integrators benefit from the seamless integration of the e-Starter into the market-pioneering automation concept of Totally Integrated Automation (TIA). planning, parameterization, and commissioning Diagnostic functions come as a standard, enabling detailed system diagnostics without the need for programming Diagnostic functions come as a standard, enabling detailed system diagnostics without the need for programming. Unlimited data availability and engineering using SIMATIC STEP 7 in the TIA Portal simplify project planning, parameterization, and commissioning. Automatic re-parameterization makes it easy to replace devices during ongoing operation (hot swapping). Minimal use of materials, energy efficiency, and durability all combine to make the SIMATIC ET 200SP e-Starter a highly sustainable product, earning it the Siemens EcoTech label. low energy consumption In addition to its use of recycled materials, the e-starter offers lower energy consumption and wear-free switching for longer and more efficient service life. The new starter will make its public debut at the Smart Production Solutions (SPS) trade fair held from November 12 to 14, 2024 in Nuremberg, Germany. The Siemens booth will be located in Hall 11.

In its first investment in Poland, Axpo has acquired a plant in Western Pomerania, which produces green energy mainly from agricultural waste, it has been announced. The company plans to develop further biogas projects in the country over the coming years, making Poland one of five European countries in which Axpo has entered the biogas market. Axpo acquires Polish biogas plant In October 2024, Axpo purchased a biogas plant from private shareholders. In the upcoming months, Axpo will renovate the facility and bring it up to its standards. The facility has been in operation since the end of 2020 and is located in the village of Stare Ślepce in the province of Western Pomerania. It processes approximately 20,000 tons of agricultural substrates annually, consisting mostly of agricultural waste. Without a plant’s anaerobic digestion process, waste would emit large amounts of methane and CO2 into the atmosphere. Biogas facility adds to Axpo’s green energy portfolio The electricity generated is fed into the grid as part of Axpo’s green energy portfolio The biogas facility produces 6,640 megawatt hours (MWh) of electricity a year, as well as organic fertilizer (so-called ‘digestate’), which has a zero-carbon footprint. The electricity generated is fed into the grid as part of Axpo’s green energy portfolio. The digestate is used by farmers in the region to fertilize their land. More projects in the pipeline The Stare Ślepce plant is the first such facility to be owned by Axpo in Poland. The company plans further growth in the country, including the development of biogas projects. These activities are part of Axpo Group's broader strategy of supplying green gas to European markets. Axpo Group’s Head of Biogas International, Véronique Abrate, said: “Renewable gas is key to the decarbonization of the agricultural sector and the energy transition, so we are looking forward to developing biogas projects in Poland as well. This is an interesting emerging market to which we have much to offer.” Axpo’s biogas assets in Poland Axpo Polska’s Managing Director, Grzegorz Biliński, stated: “So far, we have been expanding in the Polish market by trading and selling power and gas to business customers. Having our own biogas assets is a major milestone for us and also helps diversify our energy portfolio.” Grzegorz Biliński adds, “Poland represents a large share of the European agricultural sector, making it an attractive market for developing projects using agricultural waste for the production of energy. It is also a sector that really does need to implement decarbonization solutions.” Extensive expertise in the biogas sector Axpo has extensive experience in operating biomass and biogas facilities Axpo has extensive experience in operating biomass and biogas facilities. In Switzerland, it is an industry major in the dry fermentation of organic waste, with 15 biogas plants producing renewable energy and nutrient-rich natural fertilizers. Elsewhere in Europe, Axpo is also pioneering the development of biogas facilities. In Spain, for example, the Torre Santamaría dairy farm uses the manure of its livestock to produce bio-methane. The plant currently injects 26 gigawatt hours (GWh) of bio-methane into the gas grid every year and in future will more than quadruple its annual bio-methane production to 115 GWh. Axpo expands into the Portuguese and Italian markets This year, Axpo also expanded into the Portuguese and Italian markets. In April, the company launched a 15 GWh bio-methane project in Portugal, which is expected to be operational by the end of 2025. In September, Axpo announced the start of construction of its first bio-methane plant in Italy which is expected to produce around 45 GWh of renewable energy a year and will also commence operations by the end of 2025.

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation has announced that it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cognitive Research Lab Inc. on October 17, with the aim of developing a business that helps organizations make decisions to avoid/mitigate national security risk and human risk related to natural disasters and public-safety situations. Mitsubishi Electric and Cognitive Research Lab sign MoU Based on the MoU, Mitsubishi Electric’s technologies and expertise, cultivated through the company’s development of defense equipment, will be combined with Cognitive Research Lab’s cutting-edge technologies in generative artificial intelligence (AI), reinforcement learning, machine learning and knowledge in neuroscience and cognitive science. Decision-Support System in the Cognitive Domain The goal is to create a next-generation Decision-Support System in the Cognitive Domain that utilizes AI to analyze vast amounts of public information and company data, in order to propose appropriate responses to crises. The envisioned system is expected to provide decision makers with information on situations in regional areas and propose appropriate action in Japan and other markets worldwide. Enhancing Japan’s national security capabilities Mitsubishi Electric is committed to enhancing Japan’s national security capabilities and strengthening the country’s defense industry infrastructure, by improving deterrence through technological advancements.

Siemens Smart Infrastructure has secured a contract with Unibuss, one of the bus operators in the Greater Oslo region, to deliver its innovative Depot360 Managed Services solution to ensure optimized operations of its fleet and charging infrastructure. With Norway at the forefront of the global transition to electric mobility, this contract establishes Siemens' Depot360 footprint in the country. Depot360 Managed Services Siemens’ Depot360 Managed Services addresses the unique challenges faced by electric bus operators, such as those related to harsh winter conditions - common in Norway - and the need for 24/7 monitoring of vehicle charging. With Depot360's smart charging capabilities, Siemens can ensure the right amount of energy is delivered to vehicles without exceeding grid capacity, while also enabling remote monitoring of bus charging status for stable operations and reduced energy consumption. digital transformation Depot360 forms part of Siemens Xcelerator enables customers to accelerate their digital transformation Depot360 forms part of Siemens Xcelerator, an open digital business platform that enables customers to accelerate their digital transformation easier, faster, and at scale. "Transitioning to electric fleets is a vital step for Norway to achieve its ambitious climate goals and for setting a global example for greener transportation," said Henrik Anderberg, Technical Director, Unibuss. optimizing electrical fleets Henrik Anderberg adds, "So too is implementing the right technology to optimize the efficiency of electric fleets. With Depot360 Managed Services, we can enhance the efficiency of our operations by optimizing charging, reducing energy costs, and improving route completion rates." He continues, "Such streamlining of operations supports our sustainability goals, helping us contribute to a greener future and reduce our carbon footprint in public transportation." Depot360 AI Platform Enabled by the Depot360 AI Platform, Siemens’ expert team at its 24/7 NOC continuously leverages fleet-centric algorithms Enabled by the Depot360 AI Platform, Siemens’ expert team at its 24/7 Network Operations Center (NOC) continuously leverages fleet-centric algorithms to monitor and manage the charging infrastructure's performance. This allows for the identification and proactive resolution of issues based on data-driven decisions. Load shifting and peak shaving features will enable further energy cost reductions for Unibuss. data-driven platform "As we look to accelerate the electrification of transportation, Siemens is keen to innovate with forward-thinking organizations such as Unibuss," said Alan White, Head of Emerging Transportation Platforms at Siemens Smart Infrastructure. Alan White adds, "Depot360 Managed Services, part of our digital business platform Siemens Xcelerator, will be a game-changer for Unibuss' operations. We look forward to demonstrating how our data-driven platform and expert NOC team can deliver more reliable, efficient, and transparent fleet operations, even in the most challenging environments." electric bus fleets Unibuss, a subsidiary of Oslo's municipal transport company Sporveien AS, transports 70 million people annually across its 51 bus routes. The company boasts one of the Nordics' largest electric bus fleets with 259 electric buses. Depot360 will be showcased to the Norwegian market on stand 25 at the upcoming NHO Logistic and Transport conference, taking place on Oct 21-22 in Oslo, Norway. 

The promise of electric vehicles is closer to reality than ever before. New plans and investments at the federal level designate billions of dollars to move our country toward clean energy, including $2 million to help auto manufacturers retool facilities to increase EV production. Additionally, the Biden Administration has announced a goal to create 100% carbon-free electricity by 2035 and a net-zero carbon economy by 2050. Domestic EV marketplace The domestic EV marketplace has grown from 16,000 to more than 2 million vehicles in the last decade and is poised to expand at lightning speed over the next ten years. S&P Global mobility has predicted that by 2030, electric vehicles (EVs) will make up 40% of the U.S. market share of new vehicles on the road. This dramatic increase in EVs will require a nationwide network of charging stations to meet the demand from the current 140,000 to over 1.1 million. Charging stations It is a necessity that regulators lay the groundwork now for a reliable and secure charging networkThe expansion of charging stations will undoubtedly give zero-emissions drivers more confidence in their ability to refuel more conveniently. Still, it’s critical that confidence in infrastructure security also be prioritized alongside this growth. If not adequately protected and monitored, charging stations could serve as access points for cybercriminals, potentially leading to personal data leaks, attacks on vehicle systems, and even widespread blackouts. As EVs continue to gain momentum as realistic alternatives to CO-2 emitting vehicles, it is a necessity that developers and regulators lay the groundwork now for a reliable and secure charging network for the long term. EV Charging Infrastructure and the electric grid The nation’s electric grid generates and delivers electricity essential to everyday life. It’s made up of power plants and other sources of generated electricity, complete with transmission and distribution lines and infrastructure that delivers essential power. Grid connection An important aspect to remember about EV charging stations is that they connect to their relative electric grid. Simply put, the infrastructure for charging stations is comprised of devices that wait for another device to connect and communicate. However, it lacks a third-party firewall or other devices that can act as protection. Unfortunately, this results in vulnerability and means new doors for cybercriminals to walk through. Cybersecurity risks If the grid became compromised by a large-scale attack, it could lead to destructive and widespread blackouts Even before EV charging stations are factored in, the electric grid faces substantial cybersecurity risks from criminals, terrorists, hackers, and foreign governments every day. If the grid became compromised by a large-scale attack, it could lead to destructive and widespread blackouts that would undoubtedly affect EV charging stations and other essential institutions such as banks, hospitals, and gas stations. With the expansion of EV charging stations, the risks only grow. Now is the time to address threats and strategize before disaster strikes. Risks of connectivity emerge The world we live in has reached a level of being almost entirely connected at all times – security systems, appliances, health monitors, industrial sensors, and now, our vehicles. While the connectivity of vehicles has been incredibly beneficial to consumers and the automotive industry alike, the growth in the internet of things (IoT) has opened countless doorways for cybersecurity threats. Software flaws One young information technology security specialist reported finding flaws within a third-party software that a handful of leading EV manufacturers use. It gave him access to more than 25 EVs in at least 13 countries. The man, who stumbled on the findings in 2022, said he could remotely control some EV functions, including starting vehicles, unlocking windows and doors, disabling security systems, and turning on stereo systems and flashing headlights. The IT specialist said he could also tell if a person was in the vehicle. In a separate and concerning situation, a single compromised password led to a foreign-fronted cyberattack on a U.S.-based pipeline in 2021. It halted the fuel supply process on the east coast and cost the company $4.4 million in ransom money. Cyberattacks Thousands of charging stations are already in danger of being targeted by cybercriminals The point is that even massive and powerful companies can fall victim to cyberattacks. Even though cybersecurity is a critical issue for EV manufacturers, their systems are still vulnerable to hackers. Thousands of charging stations are already in danger of being targeted by cybercriminals, and as the number of stations grows, so too will the risk. The higher the number of entry points, the more opportunities hackers will see. If they can break into and gain access to even the most sophisticated EVs, it could be catastrophic. Ensuring security and reliability through proactivity Because charging stations are connected to the country’s primary grid, the entire infrastructure must be armed with the most aggressive security measures. The risks associated with modernized electric vehicles are not something that traditional automotive safety regulations and security standards properly cover. The complicated and rapid evolution of EVs is putting them at a heightened threat. When charging stations are connected to the electrical grid, it is imperative to ensure strong cybersecurity measures are in place to remain dependable and effective.  Embedding cybersecurity technology We often see outside parties utilized to secure tech because of the frequent lack of necessary cyber protection The best way to ensure the electric grid's safety is to build cybersecurity technology directly into the charging stations. We often see outside parties utilized to secure tech because of the frequent lack of necessary cyber protection. Unfortunately, the promising growth EVs and their charging stations bring to our environment also contributes to technology’s vulnerabilities, which can cause key security measures to be overlooked. There’s no getting around it: EV charging stations are highly vulnerable to hackers. Awareness and solutions As the growth continues, there is an acute need for heightened awareness and solutions for the weaknesses associated with these charging stations. These solutions should consider everything from the charging points and devices to operators of the energy distribution networks and infrastructure providers. We must aim to implement advanced cybersecurity measures that will keep safe drivers and all the data that EVs contain.

Electricians play a pivotal role in preventing electrical fires by following safe practices during installations, repairs, and inspections. At a minimum, electricians should ensure all electrical wiring and components are installed according to current building codes and manufacturers' specifications. This includes using the right size wires for the amperage load, using approved materials, and properly securing all connections. During electrical inspections, electricians should identify and address any potential fire hazards. Electricians can also advise homeowners on electrical safety measures they can take to prevent fires. These include safe appliance use, avoiding overloaded outlets, and the importance of smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. Maintenance of electrical systems Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) can prevent possible fires. GFCI outlets have built-in protection to detect imbalances in electrical current and quickly shut off power to prevent shocks and potential fires, particularly in areas prone to moisture like kitchens and bathrooms. Regular maintenance of electrical systems is also crucial for fire prevention. Electricians can perform preventative maintenance checks to identify and address any developing issues before they become serious fire hazards. Fire departments responded to an average of 32,160 home fires involving electrical distribution Fire departments responded to an average of 32,160 home fires involving electrical distribution and lighting equipment each year in 2015–2019, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Electrical fires cause scores of civilian deaths and hundreds of civilian injuries, as well as millions of dollars in property damage. Fire Hazards in the Home Some of the electrical components that present fire hazards in the home include faulty electrical outlets and switches, worn or damaged components, overloaded circuits, damaged or frayed cords, and misused extension cords and power strips. Improper use of light fixtures can also be a danger, and space heaters can be a fire hazard if they are placed too close to flammable materials or left unattended. Damaged or frayed cords can cause sparks and ignite nearby flammable materials As outlets and switches age, the wiring behind them can loosen and break, causing sparks and fire. Loose plugs can also overheat and ignite surrounding materials. Plugging too many appliances into a single outlet or using extension cords instead of proper wiring can overload a circuit, thus causing overheating and fires. Damaged or frayed cords can cause sparks and ignite nearby flammable materials. Cords that are kinked, pinched, or have exposed wires should be avoided and replaced immediately. Minimizing the Risk of Electrical Fires Here are some steps a homeowner can take to minimize the risk of fire from electrical systems: Upgrade the electrical system, especially if the home is older. If the electrical system has not been updated in a while, a qualified electrician can advise if it needs modernization. This could involve upgrading to breakers with better safety features such as Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) and Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) technology. Schedule an electrical safety inspection. Having a qualified electrician periodically inspect a home's electrical system can identify potential problems before they escalate into fire hazards. Keep flammable materials away from electrical components, including curtains, furniture, and piles of paper. Sparks and overheating can easily ignite nearby flammables. Addressing Multiple Threats Effective communication is key for electricians to impress upon homeowners the seriousness of fire hazards. Avoid technical jargon and explain fire hazards in clear, concise language that homeowners can understand. Focus on the potential consequences, like damage to property or injury, to heighten awareness. Pictures can be worth a thousand words. Show homeowners examples of damaged wiring, overloaded outlets, or faulty installations that pose fire risks. This can be done through photos on a tablet or phone, or even carrying around small physical samples. Frame the conversation around safety for the homeowner and their family. Highlight how addressing these hazards can prevent potential fires and ensure a safe living environment. Provide a written report after the inspection or repair. This report should detail the identified hazards, the corrective actions taken, and any recommendations for future maintenance or upgrades. By combining clear communication, visual aids, and a focus on safety, electricians can effectively convey the importance of addressing fire hazards to homeowners and empower them to make informed decisions about their electrical systems.

Many economists are predicting a recession in 2023, although most agree business conditions should improve by the end of the year. For the electricals market, numerous factors are in play that can offset the downturn, and any projections must also consider the variables of the local market (rather than the national or international outlook). Economic weakness and challenges The Conference Board forecasts that economic weakness will intensify and spread more widely throughout the U.S. economy over the coming months with a recession starting in early 2023. Real GDP growth was expected to be 2.0 percent year-over-year in 2022, then slow to 0.2 percent in 2023, and later rebound to 1.7 percent in 2024, according to the Conference Board. 2023 comes on the heels of a challenging year for electricals, when price increases and product shortages were a stark reality. Impact of  higher prices  A troubled geopolitical environment provides an additional source of economic uncertainty Sales growth numbers in 2022 were skewed by the impact of inflation: How much of the bigger numbers were “real growth” and how much reflected the impact of higher prices? Higher prices accounted for the lion’s share of revenue growth by some estimates, with real growth in the low single digits. A troubled geopolitical environment, exemplified by the war in Ukraine and a continuing COVID crisis in China, provides an additional source of economic uncertainty.   environmentally friendly technologies A positive factor that may offset the fragile outlook in 2023 includes an overall trend toward greater electrification and away from less energy-efficient power sources. Governments around the world are pushing for more environmentally friendly technologies, which provides positive headwinds for the electricals market. In the United States, for example, the Inflation Reduction Act, passed in August 2022, includes government investments and tax incentives to drive the transition to a greener world, including $27 billion to deploy low- and zero-emissions technologies, and $1 billion more each for advancing zero-emissions heavy-duty vehicles and for zero-energy building code adoption. Tax incentives Another $750 million will be spent to establish interstate electricity transmission lines, and $87 million will go to low-emission electricity programs. Tax incentives will provide new inducements for consumers to transition to electric technologies, which means more business for the broader electrical market. The government is also encouraging investment in infrastructure spending and the construction of factories for a variety of electrical products. Residential construction The higher interest rates present affordability challenges for home buyers and a slowdown in the market Residential construction, a big factor in the electricals outlook, has slowed down considerably in 2022, and the trend will likely continue into 2023. The U.S. Federal Reserve has raised interest rates by a total of 4.25 percentage points in 2022, a trend that is reflected in the interest rates charged to homebuyers. Mortgage rates for a 30-year fixed mortgage increased from 3.2% to 6.3% in 2022. The higher interest rates present affordability challenges for home buyers and a slowdown in the market for single-family construction. Markets in the Sunbelt are less affected, but data on housing starts and building permits nationwide reflect the slowdown. Non-residential construction Non-residential construction has held up well in 2022, but demand is weakening in the new year, while a backlog of projects will likely preclude the worst of the impact, although the business pipeline will eventually be depleted. A troubling long-term trend for the construction market, and by extension the electricals market, is the tendency of companies to allow employees to work from home at least part of the time. The apparent eventual consequence is to lower the demand for office space, already reflected in lower occupancy numbers in some markets. Less construction means less demand for electrical products and services. Obviously, the long-term trend lines are still uncertain.   Supply chain woes Supply chain woes and longer lead times continued to plague the world market at the start of 2023, although the situation has improved since the worst of times. Lead times are still months longer than normal, and products powered by semiconductor chips, such as lighting controls, are especially a challenge. An employee shortage continues as companies in all sectors of the electricals market struggle to find enough employees to fill their needs. The shortage stimulates opportunities for companies to work smarter and to provide more preassembled electrical products to simplify installation.

As part of their strategy to address damp and mold, West Dunbartonshire Council will deploy Aico’s HomeLINK Environmental Sensors across all their properties. The Council is one of Scotland’s major social housing landlords, currently owning and managing over 10,400 homes, and are focusing on increasing energy efficiency, tackling existing issues, such as damp and mold, as well as improving tenant safety, health and well-being. Ei1000G Gateway and Ei1025, Ei1020 Environmental Sensors The organization has taken the proactive approach to install the Ei1000G Gateway and Ei1025 and Ei1020 Environmental Sensors in each of their homes, making this Scotland’s largest scaled Internet of Things (IoT) roll out to date. By utilizing a multi-network sim card and RF interconnection, the sensors will be seamlessly retrofitted By utilizing a multi-network sim card and RF interconnection, the sensors will be seamlessly retrofitted into existing properties and can provide the council with a consistency on key air quality information, such as carbon dioxide, temperature, humidity, as well as insights on fire and CO activations. This will then lead to insights such as indoor air quality (IAQ) risk, damp and mold, excess heat, cold homes, potential fuel poverty, and void risk. HomeLINK App for Residents The HomeLINK App for Residents empowers individuals to take control of their home’s indoor environment. Tenants will receive alarm testing reminders and tailored recommendations. Councilor Gurpreet Singh Johal, Convener of Housing and Communities, said: “None of our tenants should be living in a home that is affected by damp or mold and these new sensors will allow us to access information on the fabric of each home easily so we can take action quickly to resolve. Not only that, we will have data to track the problem and help us identify what the best approach to resolve it will be.” Biggest roll out of this type of sensor in Scotland Councilor Gurpreet Singh Johal adds, “This is the biggest roll out of this type of sensor in Scotland and I am proud that West Dunbartonshire’s approach to dealing with damp and mold is not only leading the way, but addressing the problem in an efficient and proactive manner.” As Scotland’s social housing sector now rapidly adopts the use of IoT technologies" Gregor Morrison, Regional Specification Manager for the West of Scotland said “As Scotland’s social housing sector now rapidly adopts the use of IoT technologies to help not only increase the level of home life safety, but to improve resident health and well-being. This progressive approach from West Dunbartonshire Council to provide all homes with the opportunity for this technology is admirable.” Incorporation of the Environmental Sensors Gregor Morrison adds, “The incorporation of the Environmental Sensors will be pivotal in generating essential home health insights, as well as providing data for the tenant through the resident app, leading to healthier and more energy-efficient homes within the community.” He continues, “Growing up in and around the social housing sector in Yoker & Clydebank, I’m really looking forward to continuing the close working relationship with WDC, and seeing first-hand the difference the technology can make within the community.”

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation announced that it has delivered the first unit of an air-surveillance radar system to the Philippine Air Force last month. The system, which was designed, manufactured and tested in Japan, was ordered by the Department of National Defense of the Republic of the Philippines in August 2020. first unit of air-surveillance radar system delivered Mitsubishi Electric continues to work on the remaining units for future delivery This is the first time a Japanese company has transferred finished defense equipment to a foreign government since the Japanese government established the Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology in April 2014. Mitsubishi Electric continues to work on the remaining units for future delivery. Mitsubishi Electric contributes to Japan’s security In accordance with the government’s aforementioned Three Principles, Mitsubishi Electric is contributing to Japan’s security by working to strengthen deterrence through cooperation with the Japanese government, in order to meet needs for joint development, equipment transfer and participation in supply chains involving various governments and companies in other countries.

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.

WEG stands out once again by supplying a large custom-built induction motor for an Integrated Steel Plant in the Eastern part of India, in the state of Odisha. The induction motor of the MGW line, 26 MW/4 Poles/11 kV, is the largest ever manufactured in WEG's manufacturing site in India for the Indian market, it was selected to drive the main air compressor of the oxygen plant, essential for the operation of the entire Phase-1 of the steel production plant. challenges of interchangeability The project involved replacing an existing motor at the plant, a complex task that required technical expertise to overcome the challenges of interchangeability of the new motor with the existing structure. For this, it was essential to combine all the dimensions of the machine, ensuring that no modifications were necessary on-site or in the foundation. From the water inlet and outlet to the oil lines, cable entry points and shaft details, each element was carefully considered for an efficient transition. WEG supplies induction motor System criticality has been significantly minimized, eliminating the need for complex maintenance The choice of an induction motor not only met the technical demands, but also offered substantial advantages over synchronous motors, commonly used for this application because induction motors are rare in this size and power.  System criticality has been significantly minimized, eliminating the need for complex maintenance associated with components such as the exciter and exciter panels, as well as delicate integration with motor and rotor telemetry systems. WEG's commitment The reliability of WEG's induction motor was a key element in keeping production running smoothly. Since the motor was installed, the steel plant has not experienced any unplanned downtime in the last one year of operation, contributing to a continuous and efficient production environment. With WEG's commitment to offer technological and reliable solutions to the market, this association not only increases the productivity of the plant, but also contributes to increasing the steel production capacity on Indian soil.

Oshkosh Airport Products, a division of Pierce Manufacturing Inc., a subsidiary of Oshkosh Corporation announces Airservices Australia has issued a purchase order for four Oshkosh Airport Products Striker® Volterra™ 6x6 Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) hybrid electric vehicles. These environmentally advanced fire apparatus will be deployed at the new Western Sydney International Airport (WSI), set to open in 2026. Striker Volterra 6x6 The Striker Volterra 6x6 comes equipped with an Oshkosh-patented hybrid-electric drivetrain, featuring an electro-mechanical infinitely variable transmission. This enables zero-emissions operation through the integrated onboard batteries and uninterrupted power supply by coupling with the internal combustion engine for pumping and drive systems. innovative design  Airservices Australia is making a significant investment to support the development of an “airport of the future” WSI is a transformational infrastructure project expected to boost economic activity, provide local employment opportunities, meet Sydney's carbon-neutral sustainability initiatives, and meet the area’s growing aviation needs. Airservices Australia is a government entity making a significant investment to support the development of an “airport of the future,” featuring world-pioneering technology, innovative design, and a sustainability plan incorporating assets like the Striker Volterra ARFF hybrid electric vehicles.  sustainability "As the first airport built in Australia in over 50 years, WSI is not just an airport; it's a statement of intent for a more sustainable future,” said Dave Archer, Vice President of Engineering for Oshkosh Vocational. He adds, “The Striker Volterra vehicles, with their hybrid electric technology, align perfectly with Airservices Australia and WSI’s goals. These vehicles are not only an asset to emergency response capabilities but also play a crucial role in larger environmental sustainability initiatives." environmentally conscious choice Dave Archer continues, "They symbolize a dedication to intelligent design, energy optimization, fire crew safety and efficiency, and ultimately, a carbon-neutral future." Striker Volterra ARFF hybrid electric vehicles demonstrate the most advanced acceleration and reduced fuel consumption compared to our standard diesel models, making them an environmentally conscious choice for emergency response services. Striker Volterra features Striker Volterra ARFF demonstrates a 28 percent improved acceleration compared to the standard diesel models WSI’s four new Striker Volterra 6x6 vehicles will feature an industry-pioneering modular cab design, TAK-4® all-wheel independent suspension, and a 50’ Snozzle® High Reach Extendable Turret. They each house an 11,356-liter (3,000-gallon) water tank, a 1,590-liter (420-gallon) foam tank, and a 7,570 lpm (2,000 gpm) water pump, along with a 250 kg (550 lb.) dry chemical powder system. Accelerating from 0 to 80 kph (0 to 50 mph) in under 25 seconds, the Striker Volterra ARFF demonstrates a 28 percent improved acceleration compared to the standard diesel models when fully loaded. training, implementation, and service support Dave Archer added, “The collaboration between Oshkosh Airport Products and Airservices Australia marks a significant step forward in the aviation industry's commitment to sustainability. We remain committed to a strong partnership, providing world-class training, seamless implementation, and unwavering service support to ensure these vehicles exceed expectations in the critical missions of ARFF crews.” By leveraging new technologies and innovations like Oshkosh Airport Products’ Striker Volterra ARFF hybrid electric vehicles, WSI will showcase the feasibility of low-carbon operations and set a new standard for airports worldwide.

DNV is pleased to have supported a landmark solar and storage project in the Republic of Palau in the Western Pacific region. Philippines-based power producer - Solar Pacific Energy Corporation (SPEC), the solar developer of listed Alternergy Holdings Corporation, appointed DNV as Owner’s Engineer for the 15.3 MWp solar power and associated 13.2 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) in Ngatpang state on Babeldoab, the largest island in the Palau archipelago. The USD 29 million project, which is jointly owned by SPEC and its listed parent – Alternergy, will meet more than 20% of Palau’s energy needs. SPEC was awarded a long-term power supply agreement by the Palau Public Utilities Corporation (PPUC) to feed power to the central grid in Badelboab. The power plant was inaugurated last June 2. DNV’s work scope for the solar + BESS hybrid system DNV assessed if the design would meet two main purposes: grid smoothing and energy generation DNV’s work scope for the solar + BESS hybrid system, SPEC’s first venture into overseas markets, spanned four phases across the design, pre-construction, construction, and project completion stages. DNV assessed if the design would meet two main purposes: grid smoothing and energy generation. It advised on project scheduling and progress tracking, and checked the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract on SPEC’s behalf. “Solar Pacific is grateful to DNV for its excellent technical and project management support throughout the pre-construction and implementation stages of this exciting project. DNV provided valuable expertise to ensure the delivery of a rather complex project that involved a PV and battery storage hybrid solution on a challenging project site located in a remote location. We look forward to expanding our working relationship with DNV throughout the Asia Pacific region,” said Mike Lichtenfeld, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Solar Pacific Energy Corporation (SPEC). DNV, Alternergy and SPEC partnership “Alternergy is delighted to conclude another successful renewable project with DNV,” said Gerry Magbanua, the President of Alternergy, adding “Since 2014, we have collaborated with DNV in developing our pioneering wind and solar projects in the Philippines.” Project construction management was conducted remotely from DNV’s Singapore office Project construction management was conducted remotely from DNV’s Singapore office, with DNV’s partner providing onsite construction personnel supervised and managed by DNV and owner’s site representatives (OSRs) for both the civil and electrical engineering aspects. The OSRs monitored construction and with input from DNV specialist engineers, delivered several monitoring, inspection, verification, witnessing and testing activities during construction, commissioning, testing and energization of the system. DNV inspections post-commissioning DNV inspections post-commissioning ensured that non-conformance with contract specifications was sufficiently rectified, before certifying the project as ready for handover and issuing the Final Completion Certification. According to DNV’s latest Energy Transition Outlook report, Southeast Asia will see solar PV and solar coupled with storage play a significant role in the region’s electricity generation share, rising sharply from the late 2030s to generating 74% of the electricity by 2050.