In The Spotlight
Masdar City, a beacon of sustainability and innovation in urban development in Abu Dhabi, has seen contributions from numerous global construction equipment manufacturers.
Some of these companies showcased their latest advancements at the recent Hillhead event in the UK.
Hillhead is a prominent international exhibition dedicated to the quarrying, construction, and recycling industries. Held biennially at Hillhead Quarry near Buxton, Derbyshire, UK, the event showcases the latest products, services, and technologies from leading global manufacturers and suppliers in the sector.
The exhibition spans a wide range of equipment including large excavators, crushers, screens, and trucks, alongside demonstrations of machinery in action, making it a dynamic experience for attendees.
Hillhead's unique setting in an actual quarry allows for live demonstrations, providing a real-world environment where visitors can see equipment perform under actual working conditions. This aspect sets Hillhead apart from other trade shows and is a key attraction for visitors and exhibitors alike.
The event not only offers insights into the latest innovations and practices but also serves as a valuable networking opportunity for professionals in the industry.
Building sustainable cities
Rubble Master is a company specialising in the development and manufacture of mobile crushing and screening solutions for recycling, demolition, quarrying, mining, and contracting applications.
Founded in Austria in 1991, Rubble Master has established itself as a leader in compact crushing. Their machines are known for their performance, durability, and efficiency, designed to reduce noise and dust emissions while maximising mobility.
This makes them particularly suitable for urban operations and environmentally sensitive projects. Rubble Master's product line includes a variety of crushers and screens that are used to process a range of materials directly on-site.
Read the entire article in Technical Review Middle East's latest issue
DUBAL Extrusion Investment has completed the rooftop solar power generation project (phase I) at OSE Industries, a local aluminium extrusion company owned by DEI.
The rooftop solar power project, implemented by Emirates Electrical Engineering LLC, became operational at the beginning of July and is situated on the rooftops of buildings 1 and 2 of the OSE plant.
With a rated capacity of 633 kilowatts peak (kWp), the system is anticipated to generate 1.1 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of clean electricity annually, potentially covering up to 12% of OSE Industries’ annual electricity needs. Environmentally, the annual generation of 1.1 GWh of clean energy could power a small town for several days to a week, reducing carbon emissions by 440,000 kg CO2e and promoting sustainable practices.
The project was carried out under a Solar Lease Agreement, removing upfront costs and providing a hassle-free approach to operation, maintenance, and affordable energy rates.
The supplier is responsible for monitoring the system’s performance, maintaining its cleanliness, and ensuring the availability of spare components. Preliminary data for July 2024 shows that the solar system generated 109.5 megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity, meeting 12% of the monthly demand and contributing to a reduction of 43,800 kg CO2e in carbon emissions.
Phase II of the project, which will extend to the remaining buildings and service areas, is planned for commissioning in 2025. This project reflects DEI’s dedication to advancing the UAE’s sustainability goals, including the DEWA SHAMS Dubai Initiative, Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, and UAE Net Zero 2050.
Mecc Alte’s V-Type range is the result of a series of discussions where OEMs and end-users highlighted application requirements with Mecc Alte experts.
A key outcome was the need for alternators that could continuously work in harsh environments.
“We call the V-Type our most resilient alternator yet,” says the company’s group marketing director, Jonathan Stokes. “It has been created specifically to deliver reliable power generation when working in harsh environments, for example those with extreme heat or cold, or high levels of rain or dust, often in remote locations.”
Naturally, given the tough environments in which the alternator range is used, the V-Type underwent rigorous testing.
Superior durability is built into the design as standard to guarantee power in locations where it may be challenging to carry out maintenance procedures associated with less resilient models.
V-Type TOTAL+, for example, is an exclusive winding treatment with a specification that’s designed to be more resilient. Reinforced tape is also used around the lower radius of the stator, providing an external covering for the reinforced NDE winding head base.
Other enhancements that add to V-Type range’s exceptional durability and longevity include 30,000 premium bearing hours for increased reliability, taping and VTP treatment for the excitor stator, TOTAL+ reinforcement of the lower lamination slats for insulation protection, and premium paint that includes an anti-rust treatment.
The range also comes with the MAUX Power Boost Auxiliary Winding System as standard across the range. The MAUX system provides high performance over standard shunt systems, thanks to over 300% forced short circuit current for up to 20 seconds.
An extended warranty is also standard as part of the range.
With these enhancements the V-Type is built to last as part of a robust power generator set that is ideally suited to its operating conditions, environment, and specified application.
Mecc Alte is a high-volume manufacturer that produces a diverse range of alternators, including 2-pole and 4-pole alternators, as well as medium and high voltage alternators, spanning 1 – 5000kVA.
Learn more about Mecc Alte
The Integrated Transport Centre of Abu Dhabi has officially launched its green bus service, starting on 12 September.
This new fleet is powered by clean hydrogen and electric energy, marking a significant advancement in the Green Bus Programme, spearheaded by Abu Dhabi Mobility.
The programme aims to transform Abu Dhabi Island into a public transport green zone by 2030. As part of this initiative, a pioneering study was conducted—the first of its kind in Abu Dhabi and the wider region—to evaluate the feasibility and performance of hydrogen and electric buses under local climate and urban conditions.
Given the scarcity of research in the region, the study involved in-depth technical assessments of various bus models in collaboration with international manufacturers, government entities, and global agencies.
The new green bus service will operate on Route 65, connecting Marina Mall with Shams Boutik on Al Reem Island.
Green Bus Programme: a comprehensive action plan
Abu Dhabi's Green Bus Programme is a wide-ranging strategy focused on assessing and managing the emirate's public transport bus fleet. Its aim is to evaluate the most appropriate hydrogen and electric-powered technologies and offer these sustainable transport options to residents, visitors, and commuters. This will be achieved through partnerships with international government bodies and bus manufacturers, ensuring solutions are well-suited to the local environment. The programme also includes enhancing Emirati skills through specialised training programmes and practical learning experiences in South Korea and China.
Launched in November 2023, the assessment phase of the Green Bus Programme will conclude in June 2025. During this period, bus operators and drivers will undergo both theoretical and practical training, facilitated by Abu Dhabi Mobility’s partners. Certified technicians will also receive ongoing training to ensure they are prepared to handle daily maintenance and inspections of the green buses.
As the public bus system transitions from diesel to renewable energy, it is expected to cut annual carbon dioxide emissions in Abu Dhabi by over 100,000 metric tonnes.
The MENA region is increasingly facing severe challenges in the water sector. Issues such as water scarcity and high energy costs are creating a growing demand for sustainable and cost-effective treatment solutions for water reuse. Brentwood, with its proven expertise in drinking water and wastewater treatment technologies, sedimentation technology, sludge collection and removal systems, and biofilm processes, is at the forefront of addressing these challenges.
Brentwood are excited to invite you for its final session in or three-part webinar series on water technology, specifically focused on the MENA region. This session aims to provide technical insights into sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective water management solutions tailored for the unique challenges of the region.
Brentwood's featured speaker, Dr. Noama Shareef, will share her extensive knowledge and present various technical solutions for addressing water and wastewater treatment challenges in the MENA region. Dr. Shareef's expertise in the field ensures that attendees will gain valuable insights into the latest advancements and practical applications in water treatment technologies. Following her presentation, there will be an interactive Q&A session, allowing participants to engage directly with Dr. Shareef and get their specific questions answered. The entire webinar will be conducted in Arabic, making it accessible to many attendees in the region.
We encourage you to register now to secure your spot for this informative session. The webinar will focus on the application of lamella settlers as a solution for improving sedimentation processes in water and wastewater treatment plants.
These advanced technologies are essential for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of sedimentation processes, which are critical components of water and wastewater treatment systems.
Mark your calendar for Wednesday, 23 October 2024, from 5:00 to 6:00 PM GMT+1. This is an excellent opportunity to stay informed about the latest developments in water technology and to learn from a leading expert in the field.
Additionally, if you missed the previous sessions in our webinar series, you can watch them on-demand at your convenience. We have made the recordings available to ensure that you have access to all the valuable content and insights shared during the series.
Register now for the final session of our MENA water technology webinar series: https://hubs.ly/Q02HsRdD0. Don’t miss this chance to enhance your knowledge and stay ahead in the ever-evolving field of water treatment technology.
Watch past webinars on-demand here: https://hubs.ly/Q02HsRm-0.
Speaking at the Saudi Fund for Development’s 50th anniversary celebration, Akinwumi Adesina, president of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), has praised Saudi Arabia for its support, dedication and friendliness to Africa
The president said the fund translated the pulse of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia into development support in Africa. “Its work covers 407 projects in 41 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, with support of over US$5.3bn,” he noted.
As outlined by AfDB, projects the country has financed range from irrigation to produce food, dams for energy, hospitals for mothers and their babies, electricity to light up schools and enhance learning, airports and roads to link countries, counties and communities. These efforts have been part of an attempt to develop a deeper friendship and engagement between Saudi Arabia and Africa.
Adesina remarked that the Saudi Fund for Development stands out in the development financing landscape due to its “unlimited territorial scope” and its focus on “countries need”.
“That means: Open heart. Open hands. Open purse. Its success is rooted in its values, reflected by its acronym, SDF, which I call: Supportive. Dedicated. Friendly. That’s why countries appreciate the SDF,” he continued. “The African Development Bank is your friend and strategic partner in Africa… I wish the Saudi Fund for Development another 50 exciting years ahead, as we partner together to support Africa with renewed dedication to accelerate Africa’s development.”
MDS, a global leader in manufacturing heavy-duty rock trommels and conveyors, has announced the appointment of Abdul Latif Jameel Machinery as its inaugural distributor in the Middle East.
With immediate effect, Abdul Latif Jameel Machinery will oversee the sales, service, and support of the MDS range of materials processing equipment throughout Saudi Arabia.
Headquartered in Jeddah, Abdul Latif Jameel Machinery is a well-established supplier of heavy machinery, commercial vehicles, material handling solutions, and crushing and screening equipment.
Their broad portfolio includes the sale and maintenance of internationally recognised brands, such as Komatsu construction and mining machinery. Already representing Powerscreen and Terex MPS, this new partnership with MDS marks the third Terex brand to join their extensive product lineup.
Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba)’s CEO, Ali Al Baqali, was a featured speaker at the CEO Panel titled Industry Insights from Aluminium Primary Producers during the Fastmarkets International Aluminium Conference 2024, held from 10-12 September in Athens, Greece.
Joining senior executives from Hongqiao Group and Century Aluminium, Al Baqali addressed key issues facing the aluminium industry, including the rising costs of smelters, the increasing demand for value-added products, the implications of the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), carbon emissions reduction, and supply chain sustainability.
He also discussed the broader challenges and future outlook for the industry.
Al Baqali further highlighted market trends in the Middle East and North Africa, introduced Alba’s EternAlTM low-carbon aluminium product line, and spoke on Bahrain’s government initiatives toward achieving Net Zero Emissions by 2060.
During his time in Athens, Al Baqali also visited Elval, one of Alba’s clients, to explore their production processes, sustainability efforts, and discuss potential market dynamics and future collaboration opportunities.
During his keynote address at the inaugural Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Symposium hosted by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), His Excellency Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, President of Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), urged global cooperation to usher in a new era of aviation. He called on nations to unite in supporting the accelerated and safe deployment of AAM, aligning with the symposium’s Call to Action.
Saudi Arabia was chosen to deliver the opening keynote to aviation leaders from over 75 countries at the event in Montreal, ICAO's headquarters. As Chair of the Arab Civil Aviation Organisation (ACAO), Al-Duailej emphasised the need for regulators to work together to seamlessly integrate AAM into the global aviation system.
“This gathering is not just another milestone; it is a beacon lighting the path toward a new era in aviation. Saudi Arabia is dedicated to building a future where Advanced Air Mobility is a cornerstone of global connectivity and economic growth. Let us rise to the challenge, let us redefine the future of aviation, and let us do it together. Only through such cooperation can we fully unlock the potential of this sector.”
He also highlighted the immense global opportunity that AAM presents and its crucial role in promoting a sustainable future.
Saudi Arabia is quickly becoming a leader in AAM development, having released an AAM roadmap earlier this year and conducted air taxi trials in NEOM and Makkah during the Hajj pilgrimage.
At the symposium, ICAO recognised Saudi Arabia’s potential in AAM by awarding KAUST students the top prize in the ICAO Global AAM Academic Paper Competition. This recognition reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to cutting-edge research and complements its investments in eVTOL aircraft, aligning with its ambitious goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2060.
Additionally, GACA held bilateral meetings with various aviation authorities and organisations, including the ICAO President, KAUST, and Embry-Riddle’s President P. Barry Butler, to strengthen international partnerships.
On the sidelines of the event, which ran from 8-12 September, a high-level Saudi delegation visited BETA Technologies’ facility in Vermont, USA, where they explored the latest advancements in AAM manufacturing and exchanged expertise in sustainable aviation.