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Europe power industry contracts rise by 23% in August 2020
AdministratorEurope power industry contracts activity in August 2020 saw 194 contracts announced, marking a rise of 23% over the last 12-month average of 158, according to GlobalData’s power database.
Europe power industry contracts in August 2020: Ireland leads activity
Looking at contracts by country, Ireland led the activity in August 2020 with 84 contracts and a share of 43.3%, up 38.6% over the previous month and up 8300% when compared with the last 12 month-average, followed by the UK with 25 contracts and a share of 12.9% and Germany with 16 contracts and a share of 8.2% during the month.
Looking at the last 12-month average, France held the top spot with 46 contracts, followed by the UK with 14 and Spain with ten contracts.
Solar is top technology area for contracts in August 2020
Looking at contracts divided by the type of technology, solar accounted for the largest proportion with 90 contracts and a 56.3% share, followed by wind with 50 contracts and a 31.3% share and thermal with 12 contracts and a 7.5% share.
Looking at power industry contracts divided by segment in Europe as tracked by GlobalData, Power Plant was the most popular segment in August 2020, with 109 contracts, followed by Generation Equipment (35) and T&D Equipment (31).
The proportion of contracts by category tracked by GlobalData in the month was as follows:
- Project Implementation: 107 contracts and a 55.2% share
- Supply & Erection: 49 contracts and a 25.3% share
- Repair, Maintenance, Upgrade & Others: 19 contracts and a 9.8% share
- Power Purchase Agreement: ten contracts and a 5.2% share
- Consulting & Similar Services: seven contracts and a 3.6% share
- Electricity Supply: two contracts and a 1% share.
Power contracts in August 2020: Top issuers by capacity
The top issuers of contracts for the month in terms of power capacity involved in Europe were:
- Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Ireland): 1,275.54MW from 82 contracts
- Danske Commodities (Denmark): 480MW from one contract
- Elektrocieplownia Stalowa Wola (Poland): 450MW capacity from one contract.
Power contracts in August 2020: Top winners by capacity
The top winners of contracts for the month in terms of power capacity involved in Europe were:
- Equinor (Norway) and SSE Renewables (United Kingdom): 480MW from one contract
- Zaklady Pomiarowo Badawcze Energetyki Energopomiar (Poland) and Energoprojekt-Katowice (Poland): 450MW from one contract
China Energy Construction Group (China): 270MW capacity from one contract.
All publicly-announced contracts are included in this analysis drawn from GlobalData’s Power database, which covers power plants, T&D projects, equipment markets, analysis reports, capacity and generation, and tracks tenders and contracts on a real-time basis.
About GlobalData
4,000 of the world’s largest companies, including over 70% of FTSE 100 and 60% of Fortune 100 companies, make more timely and better business decisions thanks to GlobalData’s unique data, expert analysis, and innovative solutions, all in one platform. GlobalData’s mission is to help our clients decode the future to be more successful and innovative across a range of industries, including the healthcare, consumer, retail, technology, energy, financial and professional services sectors.
New Responsible Mining Foundation report: Mining and the SDGs - huge potential, limited action
AdministratorJust 10 years are left to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals – and as one of the few sectors with links to all 17, the mining industry has a significant role to play in contributing to their achievement. But as the new report "Mining and the SDGs – a 2020 status update" reveals, the sector as a whole is falling short.
While most of the world's largest mining companies now mention the SDGs in their sustainability reporting, and while a few frontrunners have integrated the SDGs into their business strategies, most SDG-related reporting by mining companies is, the report finds, purely cosmetic – and there is little public reporting of firms' negative impacts on progress towards meeting the goals. There is a real risk of companies being accused of "SDG-washing" while reporting remains unbalanced.
And when looking for evidence that companies are taking practical actions to help deliver the goals, the results are very mixed.
Published by the Responsible Mining Foundation (RMF) and the Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment, the study bases its findings on the Responsible Mining Foundation's RMI Report 2020, which assesses the policies and practices of 38 large-scale mining companies around the world. It found that there are some examples of good practice within the sector, with relatively widespread action on SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). However, the report also found that no one company is taking strong action to address all 17 goals, and the sector's action on four goals in particular – SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water) – is especially weak.
There are multiple and striking mismatches between companies' rhetoric and action. The report found, for example, that SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing) and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) are two of the goals that many firms claim to be prioritising, yet they also account for some of the weakest levels of action. In a recent research article RMF highlighted the striking contrast between companies' materiality analyses and their actions on these SDGs.
Working towards the SDGs is about more than doing the right thing: there is a strong and well-established business case for companies to integrate the goals into their business strategies. As the report states, mining companies that embed the SDGs into their core operations will strengthen their ability to meet future challenges – and will build trust among all stakeholders, including an investment community increasingly concerned about sustainability matters. To that end, the report details nine practical steps companies can take to demonstrate their commitment to meeting the SDGs, and to responsible mining in general.
About the Responsible Mining Foundation
The Responsible Mining Foundation (RMF) is an independent research organisation that encourages continuous improvement in responsible extractives across the value chain by developing tools and frameworks, sharing public-interest data and enabling informed and constructive engagement between extractive companies and other stakeholders. The Foundation does not accept funding or other contributions from the extractive industry.
South Korea’s Green New Deal to create sustainable ecosystem with offshore wind and solar PV playing pivotal roles
AdministratorSouth Korea, one of the top CO2 emitting countries in the world, proposed a ‘Green New Deal’ to help accelerate the country’s transition towards the creation of a sustainable ecosystem by attaining net-zero emissions by 2050 and mitigate the risk of climate crisis. The deal affirms South Korea’s desire to make big advancements in the renewable energy (RE) sphere, attaining at least 20% of green power generation in the mix, with solar PV power reaching more than 36GW and wind offshore capacity reaching 12GW by 2030, says GlobalData, a leading research and analytics company.
South Korea targeted the power generation sector first for transformation to tackle the growing emissions. The power generation sector, which has over 50% share in the country’s total carbon emissions, is set for a sustainable transformation with the share of coal in the generation mix diminishing from the current 45% to around 30% by 2030 and 10% by 2050.
Ankit Mathur, Practice Head of Power at GlobalData, comments: “In the third energy master plan, by 2040, South Korea desires to have renewables shape 30-35% of the generation blend. As per GlobalData estimates, the current transition will see the country’s generation mix having 19% of the generation from renewable sources (including hydropower) by 2030, very close to the 20% target by 2030. The country would need to create a plan of retiring the coal projects and installation of renewable projects to ensure the power demand is met without any major hiccups.”
South Korea is under increased scrutiny to reduce carbon emissions and the climate advocates are proposing a complete coal phase out by 2030 in line with the Paris Agreement. According to GlobalData, the current renewable (including hydropower) share in the capacity mix stands at 20%, and is likely to almost double by 2030. However, in order to faciliatate the sustainable transition, the government needs to implement an array of measures such as carbon tax, end to coal financing and focus on renewables to discourage coal usage.
Mathur concludes: “Due to the the country’s world-class marine plants and shipping construction infrastructure, there are significant opportunities in the floating offshore wind segment. International companies, in partnership with the local Korean companies and workforce, can support the government's Green New Deal strategy by stimulating the economic growth and create employment opportunities.
“GlobalData estimates the new capacity build of 48.5GW between 2020 and 2030 will be dominated by non-carbon emitting sources with 73% share, driven majorly by solar PV and wind installations. By 2030, the expansion of the offshore wind segment is anticipated to make it the larger performer in the overall wind segment, which would complement the massively strong solar PV segment to help the nation witness the green transition.”
- Comments provided by Ankit Mathur, Practice Head of Power at GlobalData
- This press release is written using data and information sourced from proprietary databases, primary and secondary research, and in-house analysis conducted by GlobalData’s team of industry experts
About GlobalData
4,000 of the world’s largest companies, including over 70% of FTSE 100 and 60% of Fortune 100 companies, make more timely and better business decisions thanks to GlobalData’s unique data, expert analysis and innovative solutions, all in one platform. GlobalData’s mission is to help our clients decode the future to be more successful and innovative across a range of industries, including the healthcare, consumer, retail, financial, technology and professional services sectors.
Deal activity in global oil and gas industry largely driven by themes, says GlobalData
AdministratorMergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity across the oil and gas sector reached US$224.4bn in deal value in 2019, reflecting growths of 29% and 159% compared to 2018 and 2017, respectively. The main themes that drove this activity were shale, emerging economies, China impact and subsea, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
GlobalData’s theme report: ‘M&A in Oil & Gas (2017–Q1 2020)’ analyses the key themes that were influential in enabling M&A and asset transactions within the oil and gas sector from 2017 to Q1 2020.
Snigdha Parida, M&A Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Deal activity was also influenced by the need to make strategic partnerships to overcome the regulatory challenges, gain access to IoT, cloud or other emerging technologies and diversify into renewable energy. The growing importance of sustainability, combined with volatile oil prices and diminishing resources resulted in M&A for diversification.
“The equipment and services industry witnessed most of the technology-driven deals in the sector. Tightening profit margins and resources that are increasingly difficult to reach have, in part, made investments into technologies a necessity.”
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has emerged as a new theme that has adversely impacted the oil and gas sector. The pandemic is likely to impact deals’ activities in the short-term.
Parida adds: “Low prices coupled with a prospect of low demand will not augur well for the sector and force to rethink on project timelines and cost-cutting across value chain. Buyers are wary of M&A deals while conserving cash for the future and possible target companies may also be reluctant to sell off at depressed prices.”
In Q1 2020, a total of 14 M&A deals with a transaction value of US$50m or more were announced in the global oil and gas space. These deals had a combined transaction value of US$4.2bn, which was down by 80% when compared to Q4 2019 and 95% down when compared to Q1 2019.
In Q1 2020, GlobalData’s oil and gas index fell by 43%. The index remains 28% below January 2020 levels, turning many oil and gas companies into attractive bid targets.
Parida concludes: “Presently, the COVID-19 pandemic has created uncertainties in global energy demand that has compelled the oil and gas companies to evaluate their capital discipline and refrain from M&As. However, in the medium-term, the market correction could create attractive M&A opportunities in the sector.”
- Comments provided by Snigdha Parida, M&A Analyst at GlobalData
- Information based on GlobalData’s report: M&A in Oil & Gas (2017 to Q1 2020)
- This report was built using data and information sourced from proprietary databases, primary and secondary research, and in-house analysis conducted by GlobalData’s team of industry experts
About GlobalData
4,000 of the world’s largest companies, including over 70% of FTSE 100 and 60% of Fortune 100 companies, make more timely and better business decisions thanks to GlobalData’s unique data, expert analysis and innovative solutions, all in one platform. GlobalData’s mission is to help our clients decode the future to be more successful and innovative across a range of industries, including the healthcare, consumer, retail, technology, energy, financial and professional services sectors.
Outokumpu – Duplex stainless steel’s popularity grows as it turns 90
AdministratorOutokumpu is celebrating 90 years since duplex stainless steel made its debut on the world market. The global leader in stainless steel is using the opportunity to highlight the growing role of duplex grades in supporting sustainability. This is made possible by their superior corrosion resistance and high strength. Thanks to this combination of properties, engineers can create lightweight components and structures that provide a long life and require minimum maintenance – delivering excellent value for money and minimizing use of raw materials. As the inventor of duplex stainless steel, Outokumpu is committed to carry this legacy forward.
Duplex grades have been used widely over the last nine decades in chemical processing, oil and gas, pulp and paper, and food and beverage industries. Additionally, today’s requirements for sustainable solutions make duplex stainless steel a long-lasting alternative to traditional painted or coated carbon steel for bridges and infrastructure.
Peder Claesson, Head of Project Sales at Outokumpu, said: “While duplex stainless steel is now 90 years old, it is proving to be an ideal material for the 21st century. It is strong and durable for industrial environments, but it also looks great and has huge potential to save cost and minimize environmental footprint.”
The first duplex grades were introduced by Outokumpu’s Avesta steelworks in September 1930 as a breakthrough that combined the two most common types of stainless steel, austenitic and ferritic. This enabled metallurgists to create a new material that offered the best properties of both.
Since then, a whole family of duplex grades has been developed for specific industrial applications. For example, we have launched a new formable duplex grade to increase strength and efficiency of complex mechanical components such as heat exchanger plates.
Learn more about duplex stainless steel at www.outokumpu.com/duplex90.
Outokumpu is the global leader in stainless steel. We aim to be the best value creator in stainless steel through customer orientation and efficiency. The foundation of our business is our ability to tailor stainless steel into any form and for almost any purpose. Stainless steel is sustainable, durable and designed to last forever. Our customers use it to create civilization’s basic structures and its most famous landmarks as well as products for households and various industries. Outokumpu employs 10,000 professionals in more than 30 countries, with headquarters in Helsinki, Finland and shares listed in Nasdaq Helsinki. www.outokumpu.com
Sappi encourages innovation by supporting one of the first Graphic Arts Industry Hackathons
AdministratorSappi has joined forces with VIGC (Flemish Innovation Center for the Graphic Communication) and EY in their endeavor to launch one of the first Graphic Arts Industry Hackathons. A Hackathon is a method of creative problem solving designed to boost disruptive innovation. The target of this event is to create synergies, foster innovation and trigger ideas that will future-proof the print industry by tackling and contributing solutions to its most pressing challenges.
These categories being covered are: Commercial Print, Packaging & Labels, Publishing and Industrial Printing. The hackathon will take place on 12th and 13th of October, 2020, in a virtual format, thus enabling global participation. Startups, scale-ups, students, creatives and all industry enthusiasts are encouraged to join. Registrations can be done here: https://vigc.thefactory.works
Winners of this innovation contest will gain exposure in VIGC´s Het Congress event on October 15th, 2020, where they will have the opportunity to showcase their Minimum Viable Product/s to experts and industry decision-makers. Furthermore, they will receive €3,000, sponsored by Sappi, as well as 3 months of mentorship by Sappi experts to help them materialize their idea.
Sappi has already taken its own steps in digital innovation with OctoBoost, Sappi´s internal startup, which develops digital solutions for the print industry. “Innovation and digitization will be the catalysts of the print industry´s prosperity”, says Anna Oñate, Sappi´s Intrapreneur, Co-Founder of OctoBoost and Mentor at the VIGC Hackathon, “A Hackathon is the perfect platform to bring bright, creative minds together, willing to contribute to the industry´s transformation”
“One of the key pillars of our Digital Transformation Strategy is to create an ecosystem of digital innovators around us. We want to be closer to innovative players within and outside of our industry”, says Kouris Kalligas, Head of Digital Transformation in Sappi Europe and Mentor at the VIGC Hackathon. “A Hackathon is a celebration of Open Innovation and we want to enable as many as we can, as much as we can.”
About VIGC
VIGC: VIGC (Flemish Innovation Center for the Graphic Communication) is the independent knowledge center for graphic communication in the Benelux. The VIGC is at the service of the printing industry, its customers and its suppliers. It consists of a multidisciplinary team of seasoned domain experts and project leaders with extensive practical experience in graphic communication.
About EY:
EY is a global service provider with more than 250,000 professionals. EY The Factory, enables innovation within EY, in startups and scale-ups and inside larger corporations. EY is committed to building a better working world — with increased trust and confidence in business, sustainable growth, development of talent in all its forms, and greater collaboration. It wants to build a better working world through its own actions and by engaging with like-minded organizations and individuals.
About Sappi
Sappi is a leading global provider of sustainable woodfibre products and solutions, in the fields of Dissolving wood pulp, Printing papers, Packaging and speciality papers, Casting and release papers, Biomaterials and Bio-energy. As a company that relies on renewable natural resources, sustainability is at our core. Sappi European mills hold chain of custody certifications under the Forest Stewardship Council™ (FSC™ C015022) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification™ (PEFC/07-32-76) systems. Our papers are produced in mills accredited with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 50 001 and OHSAS 18001 certification. We have EMAS registration at 5 of our 10 mills in Europe.
Sappi Europe SA is a division of Sappi Limited (JSE), headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, with 12,500 employees and 19 production facilities on three continents in nine countries, 37 sales offices globally, and customers in over 150 countries around the world.
Learn more about Sappi at www.sappi.com.
FSU to spearhead global working gas capacity additions through 2024
AdministratorThe Former Soviet Union (FSU) is expected to witness the highest global working gas capacity additions, contributing around 32% of the global gas storage capacity additions by 2024, says GlobalData, a leading data, and analytics company.
The company’s report, ‘Global Capacity and Capital Expenditure Outlook for Underground Gas Storage, 2020−2024 – Russia Leads Global Working Gas Capacity Additions’, reveals that the FSU is likely to witness a total working gas storage capacity additions of 899 billion cubic feet (bcf) by 2024. Of this, the capacity of planned projects that have received necessary approvals for development accounts for nearly 639 bcf.
Haseeb Ahmed, Oil and Gas Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The FSU is expected to witness the start of operations of 11 new-build gas storage sites by 2024. Of these, nine are planned and the remaining two are announced sites. Uzbekistan’s Gazli II and Russia’s Stepnovskoe II are the largest upcoming gas storage sites in the region, with respective capacities of 247 bcf and 199 bcf by 2024.”
GlobalData identifies Europe as the second-highest contributor to the global working gas storage capacity additions contributing around 28% or 792 bcf by 2024. The region is expected to witness the start of operations of 27 planned projects and 21 announced projects. Deborah in the UK is the largest upcoming gas storage site in the region with a capacity of 174 bcf by 2024. Golianovo in Slovakia and Galata in Bulgaria are joint second-largest upcoming gas storage sites, each with a capacity of 53 bcf.
Ahmed continues: “The Middle East ranks third across the globe contributing roughly 17.5% of the world’s working gas storage capacity additions between 2020 and 2024. The region has nine upcoming projects, of which six are planned projects and the remaining three are announced projects. Turkey’s Tuz Golu II is the largest upcoming gas storage site in the region, with a capacity of 148 bcf by 2024.”
About GlobalData
4,000 of the world’s largest companies, including over 70% of FTSE 100 and 60% of Fortune 100 companies, make more timely and better business decisions thanks to GlobalData’s unique data, expert analysis, and innovative solutions, all in one platform. GlobalData’s mission is to help our clients decode the future to be more successful and innovative across a range of industries, including the healthcare, consumer, retail, technology, energy, financial and professional services sectors. PR10308.
Offshore wind capable to support Norway’s power export while it remains majorly dependent on hydropower
AdministratorNorway has majorly been a net electricity exporter and is amongst the top 10 electricity exporting nations in Europe. Primarily reliant on hydropower, the country is an open electric market and its grid is well integrated with the other Nordic countries namely Sweden, Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands. To further support its electricity export, Norway looks to diversify into offshore wind. Building on the experience and strengths of the offshore oil and gas industry, the offshore wind segment stands as a perfect synergy to be developed and the power generated can enhance the country’s electricity export capacity, says Globaldata, a leading data and analytics company.
Somik Das, Senior Power Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Hydropower fulfills Norway’s own electricity needs and caters to its exports. However, the country found itself as a net importer of the electricity in 2019 as hydro reservoirs remained low during the year. The analysis further suggests that for the past few years, exports have been decreasing, wherein 2019 saw Norway’s electricity exports declining by 33% over 2018. Offshore wind in Norway is in its incipient stage, but has strong potential, and can cater to the export-oriented approach of the nation. Norway has one of the world’s richest offshore wind resources, with wind speeds averaging 10m/s.”
To encourage expansion, the Norwegian government declared NOK25m (approximately US$2.8m) for an offshore wind venture and the foundation of a research center for renewable energy (RE). The RE research center is anticipated to focus on the challenges to the nation’s offshore wind segment. The team also has the additional support of another NOK10m (US$1.1m) to develop the supply chains and delivery models for offshore wind.
Das concludes: “Norway has opened two areas for offshore wind power developments in the North Sea, citing the possibility of developing upto 4,500MW of capacity. As the global offshore wind development costs decline over technological advancements, it will complement the country’s export strategy well to feed the neighboring countries at the time of peak demand.
“Good wind resources, combined with Norway’s strong position in maritime, offshore and land-based industrial sectors, indicate that Norwegian offshore wind power segment has it all to become noteworthy in the Norwegian locale. GlobalData’s forecasts suggest that the country will have about 1.5GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030.”
- Comments provided by Somik Das, Senior Power Analyst at GlobalData
- This insight was based upon data and information sourced from proprietary databases, primary and secondary research, and in-house analysis conducted by GlobalData’s team of industry experts
About GlobalData
4,000 of the world’s largest companies, including over 70% of FTSE 100 and 60% of Fortune 100 companies, make more timely and better business decisions thanks to GlobalData’s unique data, expert analysis and innovative solutions, all in one platform. GlobalData’s mission is to help our clients decode the future to be more successful and innovative across a range of industries, including the healthcare, consumer, retail, financial, technology and professional services sectors.
Nidec ASI takes water into the desert and wins 5 contracts in Saudi Arabia worth more than $50 million
AdministratorWater is the new oil for Saudi Arabia and Nidec ASI - head of the Nidec Industrial Solutions platform belonging to the Nidec Group - which has always been committed to creating and supplying innovative, sustainable and customized solutions, has been awarded work orders for motors and drives needed to create 5 pipeline systems for transporting water in the Arabian Peninsula. These projects will ensure greater volumes of water for over 12 million people, helping to improve the quality of life for everyone living in this geographical area characterized by a hostile climate while at the same time supporting its economic growth.
The 5 projects being supplied by Nidec ASI are part of SWCC’s (Saline Water Conversion Corporation - a Saudi Government Corporation responsible for the desalination of seawater and supplying fresh water to its citizens) ambitious growth program and will transport salt water to the desalination plants and then convoy the treated water along a network of pipelines to a number of Saudi cities. The pipeline network will take water to the cities of Arafat, Jeddah, Jubail, Rabigh, Riyadh, Al Shuqaiq and Taif.
Nidec ASI motors and drives will be installed along the extensive route connecting the coast to the treatment plants and from there to the various cities, making it possible to take fresh water to inhabitants, hospitals and all public and private facilities in the various regions concerned. Nidec ASI's solutions have also been designed with environmental sustainability in mind, in fact they contribute to energy savings for the entire system, minimizing the use of electricity and reducing the environmental impact thanks to a reduction in the use of non-recyclable raw materials.
Specifically, Nidec ASI is supplying 124 motors and 85 drives produced in its Italian plants in Monfalcone and Cinisello Balsamo.
“We are particularly proud of these work orders: our motors and drives will help bring the precious commodity of water to over 12 million people who are currently struggling to have access to this life-giving resource. The pipeline systems will also have important benefits for the economic development of the areas concerned", said Dominique Llonch, CEO of Nidec ASI and Chairman of Nidec Industrial Solutions. "Operating in a country of huge economic ferment like Saudi Arabia, serving such an important client as SWCC, once again confirms the success of our approach based on offering solutions which are innovative, made-to-measure and above all designed to save energy and raw materials.”
For over 150 years, Nidec ASI has been a market leader thanks to its ability to innovate and offer technologies capable of meeting all the needs and requirements of ambitious projects throughout the world. The technical specifications of Nidec ASI solutions make it possible to adjust them to the most extreme design and climate conditions, without ever forgetting about environmental protection and always with the aim of contributing to creating an increasingly green and sustainable future.
MSE Systems bring in Landia pumps and mixers to help treat potato effluent
AdministratorFollowing the successful installation two years ago of Landia Chopper Pumps and a Landia Aeration System, MSE Systems is set to install a further three units from Landia for one of the UK’s leading supplier of potatoes.
During an upgrade to the customer’s potato processing factory, Chesterfield-based MSE Systems found that the addition of a high-efficiency Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) plant would improve the activated sludge process by reducing oxygen demand. To ensure that the plant could meet future needs, a new chemical addition system was introduced to remove suspended solids, free emulsified oils, grease and elevated residual phosphorus.
For odour control, an 11kW Landia AirJet system was installed to mix, aerate and control odours of screened potato effluent in a balance tank. In addition, two submersible Landia Chopper Pumps were brought in to pump screened potato effluent from a 4.5m deep pit (500m away), which included an additional 4m lift.
Andy Neal, Design Manager at MSE Systems, said: “Our challenge, which meant utilising a very small footprint between the existing plants, was to help our customer meet and maintain a stringent Environment Agency discharge consent, so that they remain fully compliant. The Landia AirJet and Chopper Pumps have proved very reliable and cost-effective, so it gave us the confidence to invest further in this equipment as the best, long-term solution.
He added: “For a new packing line, two submersible Landia Chopper Pumps will pump potato effluent, whilst a Landia Jet Mix system will mix organic sludge (dissolved solids 3-5%) in a 60m3 tank”.
MSE Systems ensured that the initial installation proceeded with the minimal amount of disruption, in order for their customer to reopen on schedule. Despite the tight time frame, the new wastewater treatment plant was delivered by MSE Systems ahead of deadline and within budget.
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Growing digitalization makes the oil and gas industry more vulnerable to cyberattacks
AdministratorThe oil and gas industry is increasingly relying on digital technologies to transform itself in the 21st century. As increasing volumes of data are being stored on networked servers, there is a higher probability of this data getting targeted by hackers, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
GlobalData’s latest thematic report, ‘Cybersecurity in Oil & Gas (2020)’ highlights the importance of cybersecurity technologies in the industry, in order to protect oil and gas assets against internal as well as external threats.
The oil and gas industry is expanding the use of digital technologies to optimize daily activities. Widespread deployment of the IoT is generating huge volumes of data. Each node in a company’s network, whether a computer terminal, a cell phone, sensors, or a networked camera, can become an entry point for hackers.
Ravindra Puranik, Oil and Gas Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Hackers can exploit these nodes and gain access to a wealth of information, including business plans, project designs, supplier details, contracts, financing, and other critical information. Loss or theft of such data can prove financially and operationally detrimental for an oil and gas company.
“The frequency and sophistication in cyberattacks has increased over the years, as seen in the case of the Shamoon attack that has targeted Saudi Aramco on multiple instances. Hence, it is imperative that oil and gas companies adopt a proactive approach in handling cybersecurity. Broad scale coordination among industry players, government agencies, and technology vendors is essential to tackle such complex and persistent menace.”
GlobalData’s thematic research identifies BP, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Eni, ExxonMobil, Gazprom, Royal Dutch Shell and Saudi Aramco, among the leaders in the cybersecurity theme in the oil and gas industry. It also highlights some of the cybersecurity technology providers for oil and gas industry, namely BlackBerry, Broadcom, Cisco Systems, Fortinet, IBM, Microsoft, Palo Alto Networks, and Verizon.
More recently, the COVID-19 pandemic has increased cyber risk significantly. Employees working on personal computers and using public networks are especially vulnerable to phishing and other types of cyberattacks.
Puranik concludes: “The industry needs a clear strategy and then subsequent delivery to address these vulnerabilities and protect against data loss, denial of service, and other forms of disruption to operations.”
- Quotes provided by Ravindra Puranik, Oil & Gas Analyst at GlobalData
- Information based on GlobalData’s thematic report: ‘Cybersecurity in Oil & Gas (2020)’
- This press release was written using data and information sourced from proprietary databases, primary and secondary research, and in-house analysis conducted by GlobalData’s team of industry experts
About GlobalData
4,000 of the world’s largest companies, including over 70% of FTSE 100 and 60% of Fortune 100 companies, make more timely and better business decisions thanks to GlobalData’s unique data, expert analysis, and innovative solutions, all in one platform. GlobalData’s mission is to help our clients decode the future to be more successful and innovative across a range of industries, including the healthcare, consumer, retail, technology, energy, financial and professional services sectors.
Renewable energy in Chile gets more attractive with its major capacity build-up during 2019-30
AdministratorThe Chilean renewable market stands to reap the benefits of its renewables’ potential and intent to lower the price of electricity for the customers. The country has put in gigantic efforts to promote renewable expansion to contribute to its decarbonization plan and achieving the target of attaining carbon neutrality by 2050. The Chilean renewable capacity, including hydropower, presently contribute to around 47% of the capacity mix while Fossil fuel rules the remaining 53%. Chile’s capacity mix is estimated to witness a major upside by 2030, with renewables (including hydropower) accounting for more than 70% of the power capacity mix, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
Somik Das, Senior Power Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The country is firmly planning to retire its coal power generation fleet and to prioritize renewable energy (RE) sources that would not require damming or diverting water resources impacting the environment. Due to Chile’s vulnerability to future changes in the climatic conditions, GlobalData estimates that during 2019-2030, almost 30GW of new power generation capacity will be built. Out of this, 90% of the new capacity will be renewable in nature. Solar PV and Wind will lead the renewable capacity built together contributing more than 70% of the capacity.
“GlobalData’s projects database defines the robust market attractive with more than 8.9GW of wind projects and 21.9GW of solar PV projects under various stages of development.”
Chile has a plan to phase out coal-fired power plants by 2040 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. To provide an unwrinkled road to a smooth transition and risk-free environment to the investors would need an established supply chain, policy support, and continuous visibility of the market. During the H1 2020, the country’s renewable sector has already witnessed a high number of M&A and ‘Asset Transaction’ financial deals compared to the same period last year. Solar PV technology saw three times more financial deals amounting to US$4bn, followed by wind at US$1.2bn and hydropower at US$0.3bn.
Das concludes: “Chile has been particular about the environment and its resources, in the generation front, it is trying to reduce coal-based power generation which formed as high as 45.6% in 2013 to 5-15% of the generation blend, in 2030. The current Chilean energy transition vision and trajectory towards an increasingly clean and efficient matrix has provided the investors with the confidence of a stable and lasting market with good returns.”
- Comments provided by Somik Das, Senior Power Analyst at GlobalData
- This insight was based upon data and information sourced from proprietary databases, primary and secondary research, and in-house analysis conducted by GlobalData’s team of industry experts
About GlobalData
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Emerson Introduces Industry’s First Pneumatic Valve System with Embedded Wireless Connectivity
AdministratorNew automatic recovery module enables easy valve system commissioning and configuration
Emerson has introduced a wireless automatic recovery module (ARM) for its AVENTICS™ G3 electronic fieldbus platform that makes it easy for technicians to perform pneumatic valve system commissioning and diagnostics from a mobile phone, tablet or laptop computer.
“The AVENTICS G3 fieldbus platform is the first in the industry to offer wireless technology that puts valve system configuration and diagnostics at the control engineer’s fingertips,” said Enrico De Carolis, vice president of global technology, fluid control and pneumatics, at Emerson. “This offering furthers our quest to help manufacturers reduce production downtime and simplify valve system commissioning, while creating a path for using diagnostics/prognostics for analytics and advancing our offering of intelligent devices with IIoT capability.”
The new wireless ARM module and AVENTICS G3 fieldbus platform are ideal for pneumatic valve system applications in the automotive, food and beverage, tire, packaging and metalworking industries.
The wireless ARM module provides easy access to the AVENTICS G3 fieldbus platform’s diagnostic and commissioning capabilities via an internal Wi-Fi access point and mobile website — even when the valve system is located inside a machine or on a ceiling. It offers the visual benefits of a hard-wired human machine interface (HMI) at lower cost and with higher flexibility. The wireless ARM module generates error notification for alarms, voltage levels, short circuits, module errors, open load errors and distribution errors to reduce system downtime.
The device has a small footprint that connects easily to the AVENTICS G3 fieldbus platform in the space of a jumper clip. It features three power settings for low-, medium-, or high-distance signals to ensure safe and secure access to data — regardless of where the valve system is mounted. Additional security benefits include wireless signal that can be turned off during configuration, multiple password options, and diagnostic and commissioning information provided with no control capability.
The wireless ARM module is compatible with Ethernet/IP DLR, and PROFINET protocols. Additional protocols are targeted for future release.
The wireless ARM module also protects the AVENTICS G3 fieldbus platform’s configuration information from a critical failure, including all settable node and attached I/O module parameters.
Emerson also has introduced an upgraded ARM clip for the AVENTICS G3 fieldbus platform that is backwardly compatible to existing ARMs and G3 fieldbus platforms. The ARM clip improves system reliability by protecting configuration information from critical valve system failure.
The AVENTICS G3 fieldbus platform’s electronic parameters and settings are automatically stored in the ARM’s nonvolatile memory and then the ARM is automatically disconnected from power, to ensure stored information is not erased during a power spike or critical failure. “A replacement G3 fieldbus communication node can automatically download the required parameters from the ARM module,” said De Carolis. “This enables the valve system and production line to quickly resume operation without the need for re-commissioning by a controls engineer, offering true ‘plug and play’ capability.”
The compact ARM module is easy to install in the space of an AVENTICS G3 fieldbus platform’s jumper clip without having to change the mounting.
For more information, visit www.Emerson.com/AVENTICS.
About Emerson
Emerson (NYSE: EMR), headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri (USA), is a global technology and engineering company providing innovative solutions for customers in industrial, commercial, and residential markets. Our Emerson Automation Solutions business helps process, hybrid, and discrete manufacturers maximize production, protect personnel and the environment while optimizing their energy and operating costs. Our Emerson Commercial and Residential Solutions business helps ensure human comfort and health, protect food quality and safety, advance energy efficiency, and create sustainable infrastructure. For more information visit www.Emerson.com
Crowley Completes Challenging Over-the-Shore Fuel Delivery to U.S. Military in the Arctic
AdministratorCrowley successfully lightered and delivered nearly four million gallons of military specification fuel to Eareckson Air Station on the Aleutian Island of Shemya in Alaska, overcoming challenges that included Mother Nature’s destruction of the island’s shoreside dock, remote location and challenging weather and sea conditions.
Shemya’s radar and aircraft refueling station, Eareckson Air Station, and the 180 service members, contractors and civilians who operate it rely on Crowley’s twice-yearly fuel deliveries to supply fuel required for incoming aircraft for the Defense Logistics Agency, U.S. Coast Guard, Air Force and other state and federal agencies. With this season’s delivery, Crowley continued its nearly uninterrupted service record, which dates to 1956.
This year’s fueling, while similar in outcome, differed in complexity and execution. The operation, carried out in partnership between Crowley’s government solutions and Alaska fuels team, utilized the company-owned tug Sea Prince and 52,000-barrel barge DBL-289 to execute multiple vessel-to-vessel lighterages, followed by multiple over the shore deliveries in lieu of a traditional alongside delivery.
“The successful completion of the Shemya fuel delivery, despite the environmental and infrastructure challenges, is representative of the reliable, flexible solutions that Crowley consistently delivers to government and commercial energy customers,” said Sean Thomas, vice president. “It’s a credit to our men and women at sea and ashore, who ensure safe and quality product can be delivered in the most difficult conditions in order for our service members to carry out their mission.”
Lightering operations to this island 1,200 miles from Anchorage are challenged by the “tyranny of distance,” converging at a location where tide and wave action, combined with drastic and sudden weather changes, create very narrow windows of opportunity for marine operations. After coordinating government, contractor and Crowley personnel, afloat and ashore, for the most appropriate operational timing, Crowley successfully lightered fuel from a contracted articulated tug-barge (ATB) offshore, then delivered it over the shore and into Eareckson’s shoreside tanks and trucks.
“Even with a relatively calm three- or four-foot swell, it's very much a contact sport and a very active sea out there,” said Crowley Fuels' long-time Cargo Operations Manager, Anthony Morris, who leads the delivery activities.
Crowley’s crews have lightered fuel to Shemya for decades, but this latest delivery marks the end of an era of line-haul vessel delivery to the island. Starting in 2021, Crowley’s new, 55,000-barrel ATB Aurora/Qamun, soon to enter sea trials, will serve Crowley’s customers throughout western Alaska and the Arctic. The ATB is specifically designed to improve efficiency, maneuverability and operational capability in the challenging waters found surrounding Alaska. Pending the award of a new contract, the vessel will assume service to Shemya as well, continuing Crowley’s commitment to the mission at this remote and austere location.
Morris welcomes the change. “The crew of the ATB will be able to go into the harbor, turn, look at the weather and decide whether they can actually make it to the dock and exit without having to get alongside. It gives us a bigger window of opportunity, improves our operational efficiency and most importantly, further improves upon the already safe methods developed by Crowley,” he said.
That window of opportunity extends beyond the island of Shemya to the many remote villages of Western Alaska that also depend on Crowley’s capabilities and people who know how to get fuel over the shore in some of the most austere environments on earth.
About Crowley Solutions
Crowley Solutions, the company's government services group, provides energy services including petroleum storage, distribution by sea and land, fuel over the shore and liquified natural gas solutions; global supply chain solution services including truck, rail, air, and ocean transportation as well as global freight forwarding; maritime solutions comprised of naval architecture and marine engineering services, vessel management, chartering, towing, port and range operations, and foreign military sales; and technology solutions that move customers to the forefront of transportation management, data analysis, automation and cyber security.
About Crowley Fuels
Crowley Fuels is a leader in Alaska’s fuel industry, providing safe, dependable transportation, distribution and sales of petroleum products to more than 280 communities across the state. The company is the state’s largest wholesaler of quality fuel products, including diesel, heating fuel, propane, gasoline, aviation fuels, marine fuels and packaged petroleum products. Crowley has 18 petroleum terminals across the state with a combined 76 million gallons of storage capacity, and the company utilizes its diverse distribution channels – on land, over water and occasionally through the air – to deliver the fuel Alaskans need to live, work and play throughout the state.
For information on Jacksonville-based Crowley Holdings Inc., a holding company of the 128-year-old Crowley Maritime Corporation, visit www.crowley.com.