In The Spotlight
![E-fuels can reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the energy and transportation sectors. (Image source: Adobe Stock) E-fuels can reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the energy and transportation sectors. (Image source: Adobe Stock)](/images/2024/july/synergy_e-fuels.webp#joomlaImage://local-images/2024/july/synergy_e-fuels.webp?width=787&height=399)
E-fuels can reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the energy and transportation sectors. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Synergy Consulting discusses the advantages and challenges of e-fuels, and how a favourable environment can be created for their growth
E-fuels, or electro fuels, are synthetic fuels produced using electrolytic hydrogen. They are considered low-emission fuels when both their hydrogen and carbon inputs are derived using methods that result in minimal life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions. The production of e-fuels involves combining hydrogen with other elements to create different types of fuel products, each with specific applications and infrastructure requirements. Various different fuel types can be produced along this basic route.
Different fuel products can be further categorised by their ease of use. Drop-in e-fuels such as e-kerosene, e-diesel and e-gasoline are compatible with existing refuelling infrastructure and can be blended with limited constraints with petroleum-derived counterparts. By contrast, alternative e-fuels such as e-ammonia and e-methanol require investments in distribution infrastructure and end-use equipment to enable their use in the transport sector.
These types of fuels present yet another avenue in our quest towards a cleaner future by reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the energy and transportation sectors given that they utilise renewable electricity for their production. Drop-in e-fuels offer an easier transition due to their compatibility with existing infrastructure, whereas alternative e-fuels, despite their potential, require significant upfront investments.
E-fuels offer significant advantages in terms of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and utilising existing infrastructure, but they also face substantial challenges, particularly related to production costs, energy efficiency, and the need for substantial investments in new infrastructure. Balancing these factors is essential for the successful development and deployment of e-fuels.
- Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions: E-fuels can significantly lower life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions when produced using renewable energy sources and sustainable carbon capture methods
- Compatibility with existing infrastructure: e-fuels like e-diesel, e-gasoline, and e-kerosene can be used with existing refueling and distribution infrastructure, reducing the need for significant changes or new investments
- Energy storage and transport: can store energy from intermittent renewable sources (like wind and solar) in a stable, transportable form, addressing the challenge of renewable energy storage
- Energy security: By producing these fuels domestically, countries can reduce their dependence on imported fossil fuels, enhancing energy security
However, there still exist significant challenges in a greater adoption of such fuels. The current cost of producing e-fuels is relatively high compared to conventional fossil fuels due to the energy-intensive nature of the processes involved and the need for advanced technologies.
The overall energy efficiency of e-fuel production can be low, as significant energy is required for electrolysis and subsequent synthesis processes, leading to higher overall energy consumption.
In addition, alternative e-fuels such as e-ammonia and e-methanol require new investments in distribution and refuelling infrastructure, as well as modifications to end-use equipment, posing a financial challenge. Many technologies related to e-fuel production are still in the development or early commercialisation stages, requiring further research, development, and scaling up to become viable.
Given these challenges, accelerated deployment of e-fuels thus requires a comprehensive approach that includes policy support, infrastructure investment, cost reduction of key technologies, R&D promotion, and exploitation of synergies with other sustainable technologies.
Integrating e-fuels with biofuels and carbon capture utilisation and storage (CCUS) can lead to maximising benefits.
By addressing these areas, host countries and governments can create a favourable environment for the growth of the e-fuel industry, driving down costs and making e-fuels a viable alternative to conventional fossil fuels.
This article is authored by Synergy Consulting IFA
![Sohar Port and Freezone has announced the operational launch of the Sohar Emergency Response Organisation (SERO). (Image source: Sohar Ports) Image of workers.](/images/2024/july/Soharporthse.webp#joomlaImage://local-images/2024/july/Soharporthse.webp?width=787&height=399)
Sohar Port and Freezone has announced the operational launch of the Sohar Emergency Response Organisation (SERO). (Image source: Sohar Ports)
Sohar Port and Freezone has announced the operational launch of the Sohar Emergency Response Organisation (SERO).
This strategic initiative represents a comprehensive and advanced approach to emergency response and safety at Sohar Port, with the capabilities to address a wide range of incidents within the industrial area. The organisation is operated by Unity Fire and Safety, a company that specialises in safety and emergency response.
Increasing collaboration
Through its mutual aid agreement, SERO extends its coverage to effectively handle additional scenarios, with the support of Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA) and OQ.
This strategic initiative represents a robust method for emergency response and safety at Sohar Port, ensuring readiness for various incidents within the industrial zone. Unity Fire and Safety operates SERO, and through a mutual aid agreement, it extends its response capabilities to include the support of CDAA and OQ.
This partnership is part of a Public-Private Partnership that includes collaborations with both global and local entities, such as the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, the Port of Rotterdam Authority, and the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority. This collaboration aims to ensure efficient emergency responses at the port. Key aspects of this partnership include advanced equipment and training, regulatory compliance, updated emergency regulations, and the implementation of an Emergency Response Plan aligned with international safety standards and best practices.
Captain Majid bin Saif bin Mohammed Al Barahi, Director General of Maritime Affairs, Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, said, “With the launch, we are prioritising the safety and protection of people above all. This initiative goes beyond traditional measures, significantly boosting the efficiency and effectiveness of emergency responses. It serves as a robust framework, seamlessly safeguarding both individuals and the continuity of essential operations during challenging times.”
Batti bin Mohammed Al Shibli, harbour master of Sohar Port commented, “By embracing innovative practices and cutting-edge technology, the organisation is setting new industry benchmarks for safety and establishing a gold standard for operational excellence. This initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to ensuring the highest level of safety, resilience, and efficiency within Sohar. Paving a future where emergencies are met with unparalleled preparedness and adaptability.”
The organisation has undertaken a series of emergency drills over the past few months, with the support of various partners within the system, in collaboration with the Rotterdam-Rijnmond Safety District team from the Port of Rotterdam, as well as a team from the Civil Defense and Ambulance Authority. Furthermore, an audit was conducted to assess the system`s readiness in partnership with the technical partner, Kappetijn, ensuring the highest standards of efficiency and readiness.
![ProPress high-performance filter press enhances its advanced water management and recycling systems.](/images/2024/june/cdepropress.png#joomlaImage://local-images/2024/june/cdepropress.png?width=787&height=399)
ProPress high-performance filter press enhances its advanced water management and recycling systems.
CDE, renowned for its sand and aggregate wet processing solutions in waste recycling and natural minerals processing, has introduced its new ProPress high-performance filter press at Hillhead, enhancing its advanced water management and recycling systems.
Developed for the construction and demolition (C&D) waste recycling, quarrying, and mining sectors, the ProPress incorporates cutting-edge technology to ensure high operational efficiency and optimal water recovery.
ProPress advantages
The ProPress, featuring patent-pending technology, boasts a flexible design and adjustable throughput to match any operation's processing volume. Unlike traditional filter presses, it offers dual feed, allowing sludge to be fed from both sides, enhancing efficiency and reducing cycle times. Optimised sludge feed pressure expedites dewatering, boosting overall throughput. An overhead beam design reduces stress on the unit, enhancing durability.
With plates 25% larger (2.5m x 2m), the ProPress offers greater chamber volume and fewer plates, maximising capacity within a smaller footprint and improving mechanical cycle times. Integrated plate-shaking technology reduces filter cake build-up, minimising the need for manual intervention. An access walkway allows safe, efficient maintenance, and flush-mounted drip trays prevent material entrapment, providing a secure platform for operators.
The ProPress is supported by a multifunctional robot that handles plate opening, shaking, cloth washing, plate winch, and maintenance platform tasks. Available in various sizes to suit global markets and applications, the ProPress is largely pre-assembled to expedite commissioning, ensuring quick start-up and rapid return on investment.
During the washing and grading of materials, water collects silt and residues, forming sludge. This sludge is pumped under high pressure into the ProPress, which comprises a series of plate-formed chambers. As sludge is pumped through the press, solids accumulate within the chambers to form a filter cake, which is dewatered to maximise water recycling and recover a valuable by-product.
The ProPress allows owners and operators to recycle up to 95% of process water for immediate reuse while reducing waste disposal costs by recovering a filter cake product suitable for pipe bedding and landfill capping. This eliminates the need for maintenance-intensive, labor-consuming, and costly settling ponds.
CDE’s business development director, Darren Eastwood, said, “Tackling the most challenging of materials is our expertise. We’ve poured over 30 years of engineering excellence into the development of the ProPress. We’ve listened to and worked alongside our customers around the globe to design a solution that is adaptable to their needs, be they in the waste recycling or natural minerals processing sectors.
“Those needs were clear: sustainable water management was key to minimise fresh water dependency and maximise water recycling, all while improving processing capacity, reducing operating costs, and minimising maintenance downtime. The ProPress is our response to all of this and more and it is already delivering for our customers. By the end of the year, the ProPress will be found on eight plants across three regions, processing around 1000tph of material.
“Our most significant product launch in recent years, ProPress really encapsulates CDE’s purpose: to create our best world, a ton at a time. It represents a constant push for improvement to make our equipment, our customers’ operations, and the sectors we operate in more efficient and less wasteful. We’re very pleased to finally bring this latest innovation to the wider market to help maximise the availability of our natural resources and reduce the industry’s waste burden.”
![IRENA warns of missing renewables target despite growth surge; global collaboration crucial for sustainable energy future. (Image source: IRENA)](/images/IRENA%202024.webp#joomlaImage://local-images/IRENA 2024.webp?width=747&height=399)
IRENA warns of missing renewables target despite growth surge; global collaboration crucial for sustainable energy future. (Image source: IRENA)
The Renewable Energy Statistics 2024, released by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), highlight a critical challenge: While renewables are the fastest-growing power source, the world faces a potential shortfall in meeting the tripling renewables target pledged at COP28
To stay on track, the world will now need to increase renewables capacity by at least 16.4% annually through 2030.
The unprecedented 14% increase in renewables capacity during 2023 has established a compound annual growth rate of 10% from 2017 to 2023. Coupled with the declining additions of non-renewable capacity over the years, this trend suggests that renewable energy is on course to surpass fossil fuels in global installed power capacity.
However, if last year’s 14% growth rate continues, IRENA's target of reaching 11.2 Terawatts (TW) by 2030 under its 1.5°C Scenario will fall short by 1.5 TW, missing the target by 13.5%. Moreover, if the world maintains the historical annual growth rate of 10%, it will only achieve 7.5 TW of renewables capacity by 2030, falling short of the target by nearly one-third.
IRENA director-general Francesco La Camera emphasised, “Renewable energy has been increasingly outperforming fossil fuels, but it is not the time to be complacent. Renewables must grow at higher speed and scale. Our new report sheds light on the direction of travel; if we continue with the current growth rate, we will only face failure in reaching the tripling renewables target agreed in the UAE Consensus at COP28, consequently risking the goals of the Paris Agreement and 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”
“Consolidated global figures conceal ongoing patterns of concentration in geography. These patterns threaten to exacerbate the decarbonisation divide and pose a significant barrier to achieving the tripling target,” he added.
COP28 president Dr Sultan Al Jaber stated, “That means increasing collaboration between governments, the private sector, multilateral organisations, and civil society. Governments need to set explicit renewable energy targets, look at actions like accelerating permitting and expanding grid connections, and implement smart policies that push industries to step up and incentivise the private sector to invest. Additionally, this moment provides a significant opportunity to add strong national energy targets in NDCs to support the global goal of keeping the 1.5°C target within reach. Above all, we must change the narrative that climate investment is a burden to it being an unprecedented opportunity for shared socio-economic development.”
Regarding power generation, the latest data for 2022 confirmed regional disparities in renewables deployment. Asia remains the global leader in renewable power generation with 3,749 Terawatt hours (TWh), followed for the first time by North America (1,493 TWh). South America saw a notable increase in renewable power generation by nearly 12% to 940 TWh, attributed to hydropower recovery and increased solar energy contribution.
Africa experienced a modest growth of 3.5%, reaching 205 TWh in renewable power generation for 2022, despite its substantial potential and urgent need for sustainable growth. Recognising this need, IRENA is advancing the Accelerated Partnership for Renewables in Africa (APRA) initiative and preparing an investment forum focused on APRA member countries later this year.
![Amagua C.E.M. designs solar-powered water treatment and distribution network for Ecuador’s Samborondón District. (Image source: Bentley Systems) Solar powered water treatment](/images/Amagua.webp#joomlaImage://local-images/Amagua.webp?width=747&height=399)
Amagua C.E.M. designs solar-powered water treatment and distribution network for Ecuador’s Samborondón District. (Image source: Bentley Systems)
Amagua's integrated water system in La Puntilla Parish, Ecuador, leverages solar power and Bentley’s 3D modeling to optimise operations, reduce costs, and cut carbon emissions, ensuring a sustainable water supply.
Neda Simeonova, senior product marketing manager, Water Infrastructure, at Bentley Systems, pens this piece for Technical Review Middle East. She has been involved in the water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure industry for over 18 years, and has focused extensively on industry trends, technology advancements, and water policies.
Neda Simeonova, senior product marketing manager, Water Infrastructure, at Bentley Systems
Amagua C.E.M. provides drinking water and wastewater management for the La Puntilla Parish in the Samborondón district of Ecuador. Committed to offering a quality, efficient water supply and sewerage service, they also provide complementary preventive system management, as well as consulting for network design, construction, and maintenance of residential facilities. To streamline operations and ensure a reliable water supply, Amagua decided to build an integrated water capture, transportation, and treatment system.
“To have operational autonomy, we determined the need for an integrated collection, conduction, and treatment system that allows it to supply a complete flow of 880 litres per second (l/s),” said Leonidas Dávila, engineer and project director at Amagua.
The project was divided into two phases, providing a flow of 440 l/s in the first phase and an additional 440 l/s during the second phase. It involved designing a catchment, distribution line, and treatment plant. To make the project self-sustainable and reduce its carbon footprint as much as possible, Amagua contemplated using solar panels to power the network and pump the water to the distribution tanks. The solar energy captured by the panels would power surface pumps that draw water from a river or well and pump it to the raw water tank and distribution system, reducing and potentially eliminating the network’s reliance on conventional energy sources, such as grid electricity or fossil fuels.
Addressing undulating terrain and pipeline transients
While solar panels are advantageous to reducing environmental impact and supporting a more sustainable and economical water supply, Amagua needed to consider several factors to optimise pump and network operations. “It is important to consider the appropriate capacity and size of solar panels, as well as the efficiency and capacity of storing energy in batteries, for optimal operation of the pump system,” remarked Dávila. In addition to the panel specifications and energy considerations, Amagua also had to address semi-undulating terrain and irregular topography, as well as avoid problems with transients in the 4.2-km-long pipeline in the high elevation area.
To identify and mitigate potential problems that could affect the pressure and flow and compromise operations, as well as ensure that the solar panels could generate the necessary power to deliver a reliable water supply, Amagua had to perform various modeling scenarios. They needed an integrated 3D design and hydraulic modeling and analysis solution to optimise optioneering, determine the most effective network arrangement, and validate the use of solar energy.
Leveraging Bentley’s 3D design and hydraulic modeling and analysis applications
“It was proposed that MicroStation and OpenFlows Water be used to optimise the execution of the project,” stated Dávila. Amagua selected MicroStation to design the entire architecture of the system in 2D and 3D, as well as OpenFlows Water to model and analyse the pipeline arrangement of the network and estimate energy consumption costs, based on both electricity and renewable energy.
The advanced algorithms and 3D visualisation features of Bentley’s applications allowed Amagua to perform digital simulations of numerous scenarios, verifying the optimization of both the existing and future distribution networks, and validating the use of solar panels as the most efficient source of renewable energy. “Thanks to the usefulness of OpenFlows Water’s energy cost module, we were able to model energy costs when using fossil fuels and when using solar panels, as well as their contribution to the carbon footprint,” continued Dávila. The digital models will also be used throughout the construction and operations phases of the project.
Digital simulation reaps savings and supports sustainability
Using Bentley’s advanced 3D design and hydraulic modeling and analysis applications, Amagua reduced modeling time by 80%. Working in a connected digital platform improved efficiencies in data federation and data exchange processes by 75% and 80%, respectively. Through accurate modeling and simulation, Amagua shortened the planning stage by 15 days, identifying and eliminating 3,530 collisions during the design phase that was equivalent to a potential savings of US$50,000. The integrated technology solution shaved 97 days off the construction schedule to save US$1.2mn while achieving an optimal design that saved 40,000 tons of concrete.
In addition to time, cost, and material savings, the digital simulations supported the use of solar panels, delivering significant environmental and sustainability benefits by reducing energy consumption and the carbon footprint of the project. The solar panels reduced dependency on fossil fuels, eliminating 6,905 metric tons of carbon emissions. “As a result, we were able to achieve a 95% reduction in fossil fuel energy used per year,” stated Dávila. Compared to conventional pumping systems, the solar-powered pumps are easier to maintain and are especially useful in rural or remote areas where electrical infrastructure may be limited, providing autonomous and reliable access to drinking water, improving the quality of life for communities. “The use of water pumping systems with solar panels offers significant environmental, economic, and social benefits,” concluded Dávila.
![Al Laith partners with Pilosio to introduce FlyDeck, revolutionising Middle East construction with innovative suspended access solutions. (Image source: Al Laith) FlyDeck deployment in Lake Como, Italy](/images/Al%20Laiths%20project.webp#joomlaImage://local-images/Al Laiths project.webp?width=747&height=399)
Al Laith partners with Pilosio to introduce FlyDeck, revolutionising Middle East construction with innovative suspended access solutions. (Image source: Al Laith)
Al Laith, a prominent provider of project solutions and services in the Middle East, has announced a strategic alliance with Pilosio to introduce the innovative FlyDeck system to the region
This collaboration marks the inaugural deployment of FlyDeck in the area, signifying a significant advancement in the construction industry.
Known for its legacy of innovation and commitment to excellence, Al Laith is partnering with Pilosio to lead the adoption of FlyDeck technology in the Middle East. The alliance aims to enhance construction practices across the region and is poised to play a crucial role in key construction projects.
With a robust 30-year history of success in the Middle East, Al Laith brings extensive expertise in construction and engineering to this groundbreaking initiative. “We are delighted that a global leader like Pilosio which is well known for their cutting-edge innovation for access solutions, has chosen Al Laith to bring its industry-leading suspended access solution, FlyDeck to market. This partnership allows us to bring a new way of access into the market, which saves our clients critical time on projects, ” commented Jason English, CEO at Al Laith Group.
Key highlights of the collaboration:
Innovative construction solutions: Pilosio’s FlyDeck System is a revolutionary suspended access system designed for its adaptability and speed.
Technical excellence: Al Laith's extensive experience and technical prowess in construction and engineering will synergise seamlessly with Pilosio's FlyDeck innovative solution. The collaboration leverages the strengths of both companies to achieve unparalleled technical excellence.
Commitment to sustainability: Both Al Laith and Pilosio share a commitment to sustainability. The collaboration will incorporate environmentally friendly practices in the construction process, aligning with global standards for green building initiatives.
Al Laith is excited about the partnership with Pilosio, representing a significant milestone in the regional construction and industrial access industry. This partnership brings together two industry leaders. Al Laith is proud to be part of this transformative partnership and looks forward to the successful execution of several projects.
Nereo Parisotto, chairman of Pilosio Group, emphasised their commitment to developing a suspended access system that excels in safety, lightweight construction, ease of assembly, and environmental sustainability. "It is with great pride that we see Al Laith, a renowned company in the Middle East, recognising these core values inherent in our FlyDeck system from the outset. The partnership for this project and beyond reflects a shared dedication to excellence, innovation and mutual goals."
![Discover the enhanced JCB 3CX Backhoe Loaders, arriving this July with upgraded features for superior performance. (Image source: Bell Equipment) 3CX](/images/3CX%20Edited-blue-nosun.webp#joomlaImage://local-images/3CX Edited-blue-nosun.webp?width=747&height=399)
Discover the enhanced JCB 3CX Backhoe Loaders, arriving this July with upgraded features for superior performance. (Image source: Bell Equipment)
The updated range of JCB 3CX Backhoe Loaders is set to arrive on South African shores this July, promising to build on the brand’s popularity with enhanced features aimed at delivering improved comfort, versatility, and productivity, thereby reducing costs and boosting efficiency
Bell Equipment sales product manager for JCB products, Massyn Jansen Van Vuuren, commented, “This new model range will replace the existing JCB 3CX Eco, 3DX and 3CX Global product lineup. The new cab makeover is the most noticeable change and is bound to impress. The striking new design uses high quality moulded plastics, and the pillars and roof are light grey in colour to give a lighter and more spacious feel.
“Most importantly the new cab places a huge focus on operator safety, comfort, and ease of operation. For example, the loader lever has been simplified to operate like a wheel loader. The 3CX range now has a single lever loader control incorporating an F-N-R directional switch so an operator can control the loader and transmission with one hand. In addition, there is a proportional switch on the side of the lever to operate the 6-in-1 bucket, which further reduces the effort needed to operate the machine.”
Enhanced features
The new EasyShift transmission with 'kick down' comes standard across the range, simplifying gear changes via a rotation of the F-N-R directional lever next to the steering wheel. The kick down switch, located on the floor, allows operators to shift from second to first gear for added power during loading or site work."
“All cabs are ROPS/FOPS certified and the seat rotation area is larger to give the operator more room, which together with improved cab sealing to keep out water and dust, creates a cleaner and more pleasant workspace. There is also improved visibility to the working area behind the machine,” remarked Massyn.
In addition, the 3CX Plus model introduces a high-performance HVAC air conditioning system with 21 adjustable air vents strategically positioned around the front console, ‘B’ pillar, and rear of the machine, optimising comfort and demisting performance. The 3CX features a standard fan mounted on the B pillar."
Under the hood, the JCB 3CX range benefits from enhanced hydraulic efficiency due to new standard variable displacement piston pumps across all models. The larger pump provides 150lpm, a 39% increase over the previous model, allowing for reduced engine speed while maintaining productivity, effectively cutting fuel consumption. Moreover, the variable flow pump operates on demand, reducing engine load and further improving fuel efficiency.
The Plus and Pro models feature a standard Smooth Ride System for improved road handling and can be equipped with a versatile 6-in-1 shovel, optionally fitted with flip-over forks for increased functionality. “The 6-in-1 shovel can be used for dozing, loading, digging, grabbing, spreading, and grading while the optional flip over forks are ideal for machines that will double up as a forklift for pick and place activities around the work site and to unload vehicles,” he added.
Lighting has been upgraded with six LED work lights replacing halogen lights. Front-mounted adjustable LEDs and rear-mounted LEDs, two of which are adjustable, enhance nighttime visibility. A 'guide me home' light system keeps work lights illuminated for 30 seconds after the ignition is turned off, aiding safe exit from the machine and worksite during nighttime operations.
Other standard features include an in-cab boom lock, front and rear wash/wiper functions, Return To Dig function, electronic throttle control, Bluetooth radio and USB ports, front and side LCD display, adjustable steering column, and a battery isolator key for electrical isolation during maintenance.
"All in all, the new 3CX range has a machine to suit all requirements and we expect these new machines to add real value and strengthen JCB’s position as the world’s leading brand of Backhoe Loaders. We have a fleet of units that will be used across the country to familiarise customers with the new range and the improvements, so we encourage customers to contact their nearest Bell dealer and experience the machines for themselves,” concluded Massyn.
Versatile International has announced the establishment of a new company to manufacture lighting technologies in Saudi Arabia.
Asheil Versatile Lighting Technologies is an end-to-end lighting manufacturer that also provides consultancy and planning services for large scale lighting installations. Asheil will serve destination-scale projects, including the Saudi giga-projects, and the local wholesale market. The company’s operating model is designed to increase supply chain transparency, decrease risk and provide access to a comprehensive range of locally manufactured lighting products.
“Asheil aims to kindle a new lighting technology sector in Saudi Arabia and establish the Kingdom as a producer of world-class lighting technologies,” said Marco Fahd, group chairman and CEO of the Versatile Group and co-founder of Asheil.
“Asheil combines the project governance expertise of Versatile International with the manufacturing capabilities of our partner, Haneco. The company’s unique service offer is designed to address disparity in the market, insulate Saudi Arabia from global supply chain challenges, and support the Kingdom’s signature development projects in delivering against Vision 2030.”
Saudi Arabia, a leader in manufacturing in the GCC
In its first phase, Asheil is building a 5,000 sqm manufacturing facility in Sudair City for Industry and Businesses, 120 km northwest of Riyadh. Ultimately the company plans to have 20,000 sqm of factory space, manufacturing bespoke lighting installations tailored to the specific needs of Saudi Arabia’s biggest development projects.
Asheil’s component portfolio will feature more than 1,000 fully compatible lighting products, each backed by a comprehensive guarantee for maximum transparency and accountability.
Saudi Arabia’s LED lighting market was valued at US$923mn in 2022 and is projected to reach US$1,858mn by 2030. The Kingdom currently imports around SAR 5.25 billion (US$ 1.4bn) in lighting equipment per year, according to data from the Observatory of Economic Complexity. Around 85% of imports come from China, amounting to 3.8% of the Kingdom’s total imports from China.
“Saudi Arabia represents an enormous opportunity for lighting manufacturers willing to invest in the Kingdom’s future,” said Marco Fahd.
“Asheil’s end-to-end lighting technology service, comprising consultancy and design planning, in-market manufacturing and service warranty to Saudi customers, will help large-scale projects develop and procure Made in Saudi lighting solutions with complete transparency and on-the-ground service.”
The 2024 Agility Index research study by Epicor and Nucleus Research reveals that nearly half of companies in the make, move, and sell industries consider rising costs as the primary challenge for supply chains.
More than half of these companies are using artificial intelligence, automation, or machine learning in at least one supply chain management application to tackle these issues. Notably, 63% of high-growth businesses — those with a revenue increase of 20% or more over the past three years — have already implemented generative AI in their supply chain operations to manage costs and operational challenges.
Nucleus Research surveyed over 1,700 supply chain management leaders globally to explore how they are utilising advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning to overcome challenges like supply chain disruptions, rising costs, and skilled labour shortages. The study also highlighted planned future investments in these technologies.
“When workers are empowered to spend more time innovating — what humans do best — that’s where the real value creation happens. That is agility,” said Vaibhav Vohra, chief product and technology officer at Epicor. “Our 2024 Agility Index underscores the growing adoption of AI and other automation technologies as an essential factor in enabling supply chain businesses to better thrive and compete. These cognitive capabilities are coming together to empower workers and their businesses to more readily adapt to shifting market conditions and better serve their customers.”
Survey highlights
Survey respondents indicated they are integrating generative AI into digital supply chain operations across various functions such as product descriptions, customer service chatbots, natural language querying, reporting, and in-application assistance. Specifically, the adoption of generative AI in customer service chatbots, noted by 72% of organisations, is highlighted as the most prevalent use case. This widespread implementation is attributed to the technology's ability to streamline customer interactions across various sectors.
Similarly, 67% of organisations currently employ generative AI for crafting product descriptions, leveraging the technology's capacity to analyse customer sentiment and forecast market demand. This enables a more informed approach to product design and feature development.
Businesses are widely adopting machine learning, particularly in inventory optimisation (45%) and demand forecasting (40%), highlighting the importance of these technologies in managing stock levels and accurately predicting future demand.
Survey respondents indicated that the most anticipated benefits of automation technologies are increased efficiency and productivity (32%), cost savings (26%), and enhanced supply chain automation (23%). This demonstrates a strong confidence in the potential of these technologies to bring substantial improvements in supply chain management.