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According to new study from the University of Sussex, installing solar panels on rooftops may reduce global temperatures by 0.13 degrees.

The study also suggested that this could end up supplying the majority of the world's electricity.

About 286,000 sq km of the world—an area comparable to that of Italy or New Zealand—is covered with rooftops.

According to the study, photovoltaic solar (rooftop PV) could provide 19,500 TWh of power annually if every appropriate roof was employed. If combined with load shifting and battery-electric storage, this would nearly entirely replace fossil fuel-based electricity and cover 65% of current world demand.

The impact of widespread solar deployment by 2050 was simulated by the researchers using sophisticated climate models. 0.13 degrees Celsius is a substantial portion of global warming. According to a 2023 Nature study, an additional 140 million people will be exposed to harmful heat for every 0.1 degree of warming beyond current levels.

The researchers urge politicians to give this technology top priority, arguing that solar electricity is more cost-effective for taxpayers than nuclear.

A shift toward PV

University of Sussex climate and policy researcher Prof Felix Creutzig, said, “Solar is now outcompeting nuclear power in cost, deployment speed and environmental risks. Given its immediate carbon reduction benefits governments should consider shifting incentives toward rooftop PV instead of nuclear. This goes for cooler countries like the UK as well as those with more obvious solar potential.

“Beyond carbon savings, reducing fossil fuel dependence also means cleaner air and better energy security. With so much untapped potential in solar it’s hard to see how governments can justify investing in nuclear, or as yet unproven carbon capture projects.”

Over the past ten years, the cost of solar power has drastically decreased. According to IRENA data, new nuclear projects like Small Modular Reactors are expected to cost between £100 and £150 per MWh, whereas the levelized cost of power for solar is now between GBP£30 and £50 per MWh.

In order to place solar panels where they can be most effectively utilised, the paper promotes international cooperation. Only 1% of rooftop PV installations are in Africa, despite the region having the greatest solar energy resources in the world. This underscores the need for investment. East Asia has the most potential for rooftop PV to mitigate climate change due to its high carbon intensity and vast building stocks.

Meanwhile, North America and Europe, despite lower solar intensity, have a high combined installation potential of over 4,300 GW or 25% of global capacity based on their high building stock.

According to the International Energy Agency, the UAE's low-emissions power generation share increased from 3% in 2019 to 35% last year due to the growth of nuclear and solar power. While the UAE is continuing to grow its nuclear capacity, its solar PV capacity continues to grow as well. 

Also read: UAE, France partner for clean energy expansion

Metito Utilities, a leading global investor, developer, and operator of sustainable water management solutions, has signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP), SACE, and ACEA S.p.A. to drive transformative water infrastructure projects across Africa, the UAE, and other high-need regions.  

The agreements were formalised during the UAE-Italy Business Forum in Rome and were signed in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

These strategic partnerships align with Italy’s Mattei Plan and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, reinforcing international cooperation in sustainable water infrastructure development.  

Italy-UAE bilateral ties

The collaboration with CDP, Italy’s national promotional institution and development bank, will facilitate financing for water projects in Africa’s Official Development Assistance (ODA)-eligible nations, addressing critical infrastructure gaps while creating opportunities for Italian businesses.  

Through its partnership with SACE, Italy’s Export Credit Agency, Metito Utilities will gain access to innovative financial solutions and insurance mechanisms to accelerate the development of water projects in Africa, the UAE, and other key regions.

This cooperation aims to strengthen economic ties between Italian industries and emerging markets while advancing sustainable development goals.  

Metito Utilities’ alliance with ACEA S.p.A., a leading provider of water, energy, and environmental services, will drive cutting-edge advancements in water treatment, desalination, and distribution networks across Africa and the Middle East.

Together, they will implement next-generation water security solutions to ensure safe and sustainable access to clean water in regions facing severe shortages.  

Additionally, Metito Utilities will leverage its AWID framework, an industry-first platform dedicated to scaling up climate-smart water projects, to secure diverse funding sources and execute large-scale infrastructure initiatives that enhance water security across the African continent.  

Rami Ghandour, CEO of Metito Utilities, said, "As countries work to achieve water security for their growing communities, these partnerships create unprecedented opportunities to accelerate sustainable solutions. By combining Metito Utilities extensive experience with Italian expertise and financial capabilities, we are creating a powerful framework to address critical infrastructure needs and enhance water security across multiple markets. Building on our commitment to Africa initiated with Africa Water Infrastructure Development (AWID) launched with British International Investment, these collaborations further underscore our dedication to developing sustainable water infrastructure across the continent.”

A leading trade fair, bauma is set to showcase the latest technologies for the construction sector, serving as a platform for industry discussions on key future topics. A major highlight of the event is the bauma FORUM, running from 7-11 April in the Innovation hall bauma LAB0.

Organised by Messe München in cooperation with VDMA Construction Machinery and Building Material Plants and VDMA Mining & Minerals, it will bring together experts from politics, industry, and academia to discuss challenges and innovations.

Representatives from the European Commission, European Parliament, and trade associations such as CECE and VDMA will provide regulatory insights, while industry leaders and universities present research projects.

Each day of the bauma FORUM will focus on a specific theme. On 7April, it will highlight climate-neutral construction sites, featuring a panel discussion with the German housing minister Klara Geywitz.

The bauma Innovation Award 2025 winners will also be announced, recognising advancements in climate protection, digitalisation, machine technology, construction, and research. 8 April will centre on the Mining Challenge, with discussions on the EU Critical Raw Materials Act, led by European Parliament member Hildegard Bentele.

Digitalisation

The conference will also focus on alternative drive concepts, with Bert van Hasselt, CEO NewTech at DEUTZ, exploring alternatives to diesel engines. The next day will examine connected construction, with Ralf Lüddemann from STRABAG discussing digitalisation and networking in construction.

Dr. Katharina Knapton-Vierlich from the European Commission will address European construction policy, focusing on sustainability. Beyond the bauma FORUM, the Innovation hall bauma LAB0 will feature themed areas. The Start-up Area will showcase nearly 50 young companies, with the top 25 presenting at the bauma FORUM.

Virtual reality

The Science Hub will display university research, while MiC 4.0 will present advancements in digitalisation. The VR Experience Zone will offer interactive exhibits on robotics, alternative drives, and additive manufacturing. bauma 2025 will also feature the THINK BIG! initiative, aimed at inspiring secondary school students to explore careers in the construction machinery industry.

Organised with VDMA Construction Machinery and Building Material Plants, it will include live machine demonstrations and career insights, with a focus on encouraging young women in technical professions. With expert discussions, technological showcases, and networking opportunities, bauma 2025 is set to be a key event for industry professionals, policymakers, and aspiring engineers.

Volvo Penta has introduced a compact, energy-dense BESS subsystem, offering fast-charging, transportable power solutions for construction and mining sectors

Tightening emissions regulations, along with increasing electric demands that surpass grid capacity, have driven a surge in energy storage needs within the construction and mining sectors. To address these challenges, Volvo Penta has introduced its energy-dense and compact Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) subsystem, designed to offer transportable and fast-charging benefits. This solution provides system integrators and BESS manufacturers with a reliable option for deploying energy storage in microgrid scenarios such as quarries, urban restoration sites, and other demanding environments.

Powering future operations 

The construction and mining industries face several energy-related challenges. Some sites have access to grid capacity and electricity but require fast charging or peak shaving solutions to optimise power usage. Others must develop energy strategies to generate or deliver power due to grid limitations, particularly when projects are not sized accordingly from the outset. Additionally, businesses and worksites in transition phases may find themselves neither fully off-grid nor completely secure in their energy capacity for ongoing projects. Volvo Penta’s BESS subsystem presents an effective solution to these challenges, supporting the growing power demands of heavy-duty industries that exceed grid capabilities or face restricted grid connectivity. These energy storage systems can seamlessly integrate with renewables or other power generation assets, ensuring a stable and reliable power supply crucial for large-scale or remote operations transitioning to electrification.

Volvo Penta’s BESS subsystem is particularly well-suited for battery-electric vehicle (BEV) charging, offering a favorable C-rate to facilitate fast charging and grid stability in high-demand applications. Given the frequent capacity and frequency challenges associated with electrification, this subsystem provides a crucial solution to maintain consistent energy availability.

Beyond BEV charging, the BESS subsystem also supports microgrid deployment and peak shaving strategies. Its transportable design enables flexible power solutions for zero-emission construction zones and remote mining sites. These energy storage units can power equipment directly on-site and be relocated for recharging without disrupting operations. Furthermore, they enhance stationary equipment functionality by supporting the energy needs of electric excavators, wheel loaders, and crushers, ensuring continuous uptime in rugged work environments.

At the core of Volvo Penta’s BESS subsystem is an energy-dense battery pack with a high-performance C-rating, allowing for efficient fast charging and discharging. Adapted from the proven battery technology used in both on- and off-highway Volvo Group applications, the subsystem is built to withstand tough environmental conditions, with a high IP rating against corrosion and dust. The system also features a DC/DC converter for auxiliary power, a telematics gateway for real-time monitoring, and a thermal management system that optimises performance in various operating conditions. CAN and DC interfaces, derived from Volvo Group’s expertise, ensure secure and reliable data transfer, while a robust Battery Management System (BMS) enhances overall performance, maximizes battery life, and safeguards cybersecurity.

Each Volvo Penta BESS subsystem provides the essential DC energy supply, while original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) manage the AC setup, container integration, and system configuration. This collaborative approach allows for tailored energy solutions that meet the unique needs of each customer.

Volvo Penta has conducted extensive testing and prototyping with customers and is now ready to bring its production-ready BESS subsystem solutions to the industry. At bauma 2025, the company will showcase how these advanced energy storage solutions can support the transition to electrification in construction and mining. Attendees can visit Volvo Penta’s stand (A4.412) to meet with experts and explore opportunities for integrating BESS technology into their operations.

Riverbed, a leader in AIOps for Observability, has unveiled the Manufacturing sector findings from its Global AI & Digital Experience Survey

The study highlights strong enthusiasm for AI, with 92% of surveyed manufacturing executives identifying AI as a top C-Suite priority and agreeing it offers a competitive edge. However, only 32% of manufacturers are currently fully prepared to implement AI projects—5% below the overall industry average. Challenges such as data quality and scalability are key hurdles preventing manufacturers from unlocking AI’s full potential. As AI evolves, the industry is poised to benefit from improved efficiency, enhanced product quality, optimised inventory management, and more data-driven decision-making, all of which contribute to a superior customer experience.

The next three years are expected to bring rapid AI expansion as businesses seek practical AI solutions. By 2027, 83% of manufacturing leaders anticipate being fully prepared for AI implementation. AI’s role is also expected to shift significantly, from primarily driving operational efficiencies (58% today) to becoming a key growth driver (65%) by 2027. This shift represents one of the most notable transformations across all industries in the study.

Millennials and Gen Z viewed as AI leaders

As AI reshapes the manufacturing sector, enthusiasm spans the C-Suite, younger employees, and organizations as a whole:

• 97% agree AI will enhance digital experiences for end users.
• 62% say their company’s sentiment toward AI is positive, with 32% neutral and only 6% skeptical.
• While Gen Z is often seen as the AI-savvy generation, manufacturing leaders view Millennials (45%) as equally adept, followed by Gen X (10%).

Most manufacturers have moved beyond the experimental phase, with 56% accelerating AI initiatives by investing in infrastructure and talent. Meanwhile, 29% have reached the transformative stage, where AI is fully integrated into operations.

AI driving workflow automation in manufacturing

Manufacturing leaders foresee AI delivering significant benefits, with 89% recognising AI automation as key to improving IT efficiency and digital experiences. Over the next three years, AI will be used in IT operations for:

• Workflow automation (80%)
• Automated remediation (69%)
• 24/7 support availability via chatbots (63%)
• Data-driven insights (60%)
• Anomaly detection (59%)

Gaps hindering AI adoption in manufacturing

Despite strong AI adoption momentum, the study identified three critical challenges preventing manufacturers from maximising AI’s benefits:

• Reality Gap: While 77% of manufacturers believe they are ahead of peers in AI adoption (including 25% who say they are significantly ahead), only 7% admit to lagging behind. This discrepancy suggests an overestimation of progress.
• Readiness Gap: Only 32% of manufacturing leaders say their company is fully prepared for AI adoption, ranking them behind most other sectors. Additionally, 67% cite AI’s immaturity as a barrier to scalable implementation.
• Data Gap: Although 87% recognize high-quality data as crucial for AI success, 69% are concerned about their data’s effectiveness, and only 42% rate their data as excellent in terms of completeness and accuracy. Furthermore, 42% see poor data quality as a hindrance to further AI investments. 

Addressing AI-related security and confidentiality risks

With 92% of manufacturing leaders concerned that AI could expose proprietary data in the public domain, data security remains a significant issue. The industry’s reliance on legacy systems makes it particularly vulnerable to breaches, reinforcing the need for robust cybersecurity strategies.

Overcoming AI challenges in manufacturing

Salman Ali, senior manager – Solution Engineering, GCC, at Riverbed, explained, “AI is transforming the manufacturing industry, offering significant benefits in terms of operational efficiencies, reducing costs, and the ability to innovate at a faster pace to maintain a competitive edge. However, for manufacturers to deliver substantial performance improvements and improve their AIOps initiatives, they must focus on the quality of their data. Our recent study reveals that 42% of manufacturing leaders are concerned about the effectiveness of their organization’s data for AI purposes. At Riverbed, we’re helping customers in this industry overcome this data challenge with our open, AI-powered observability platform, which provides practical AI that works and scales, enabling organizations to automate and drive efficiencies across their IT operations and achieve significant ROI from their IT investments and AIOps efforts.”

FedEx has launched FedEx Surround in the UAE, an intelligent monitoring and intervention solution that aims to improve logistics and supply chain management.

The tool, which is built on near real-time visibility, AI-powered predictive analytics, and sophisticated handling capabilities, offers businesses unparalleled shipment visibility, control, and reliability.

It can forecast anticipated shipping disruptions, allowing FedEx and its customers to make quick, educated decisions.

With three service levels—Select, Preferred, and Premium—the tools serve a wide range of industries, including healthcare, aerospace, automotive, and high-tech, by delivering vital updates and interventions to maintain the integrity and timely delivery of important shipments.

FedEx Surround monitoring and intervention offers three important benefits to its customers:
• The Surround dashboard offers near real-time global visibility and predictive analytics with AI and a multi-sensor SenseAware ID device.
• The special handling code improves operational capability, allowing for prioritised boarding and handling, cold chain support, and in/out of network intervention.
• 24/7 expert support provides proactive monitoring and intervention with dedicated teams at hubs, ramps, and stations, including customised reporting for customers.

A host of digital tools

“At FedEx, we are constantly innovating with data-backed intelligent solutions to meet the evolving needs of our customers,” said Nitin Navneet Tatiwala, vice president of marketing and air network for FedEx Middle East, Indian Subcontinent, and Africa.

“We are continuously learning from the millions of packages moving through our network each day – identifying patterns, trends, and cause-effect relationships – and using these insights to enhance our services in a more focused way. The launch of FedEx Surround is a game-changer for businesses relying on just-in-time delivery and critical shipments. It empowers businesses to smartly intervene in real-time, ensuring that shipments are not only monitored, but also actively managed to mitigate potential disruptions, enhancing decision-making, and ensuring peace of mind every step of the way.”

The introduction of FedEx Surround is consistent with the company's overall commitment to advancing global commerce via smart innovation, the company said in a statement.

Along with this monitoring and intervention solution, FedEx provides a comprehensive suite of other digital tools, including FedEx Delivery Manager, an interactive delivery solution that provides customisable delivery options and alerts, and the FedEx Import Tool, which streamlines the import process, improving efficiency, compliance, and the overall end-to-end shipment journey.

These digital solutions readily interact with the company's existing extensive shipping and tracking capabilities.

The global logistics provider has invested heavily in technology, providing sustainable solutions to the world. A few years a ago, it launched the beginning of electric vehicle (EV) trials in the UAE, where one-tonne electric trucks combine low-energy consumption and high performance. Read the full story here: FedEx Express advances sustainable operations with electric vehicle trials in the UAE