In The Spotlight
EMSTEEL has been named a 2026 Steel Sustainability Champion by the World Steel Association for the third consecutive year, reinforcing its position as a regional leader in low-carbon steel production.
The recognition, announced during the association’s board meeting in Berlin, highlights companies demonstrating strong commitment to sustainable practices across the global steel sector. EMSTEEL remains the only company from the MENA region to receive the distinction this year.
The award reflects the company’s continued focus on integrating sustainability into its operations. In 2025, EMSTEEL achieved a 34% reduction in absolute emissions compared to its 2019 baseline, while also improving emissions intensity across both its steel and cement businesses.
This progress has been supported by increased reliance on cleaner energy sources and ongoing efficiency improvements. A significant share of electricity consumption in its steel operations was covered by clean energy certificates, contributing to lower indirect emissions. At the same time, investments in carbon capture and energy optimisation have helped reduce direct emissions and enhance overall performance.
Eng. Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, Group CEO of EMSTEEL, said the recognition reflects consistent progress in advancing lower-carbon industrial practices. “Being recognised once again as a worldsteel Sustainability Champion reflects the tangible progress we are making in advancing lower-carbon steel production,” he said.
He added that the company has moved from strategy to execution, implementing key initiatives while maintaining operational strength. “Our focus remains on delivering practical and scalable solutions that support the transition to lower-carbon industries,” he noted.
EMSTEEL has also advanced innovation efforts, including the introduction of new technologies and circular economy initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact. The company continues to collaborate with international partners to support broader decarbonisation goals and contribute to long-term sustainability targets in the UAE.
Nations that have strategically embraced renewable energy sources are demonstrating superior resilience during the ongoing global energy crisis, according to fresh guidance from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
The advisory document, developed for policymakers navigating turbulent international energy markets, outlines both immediate interventions and longer-term strategies designed to shield populations from crisis impacts whilst directing economic recovery towards enhanced energy independence.
Evidence from multiple regions confirms renewables are already diminishing reliance on imported fossil fuels. Countries spanning Europe to Asia, including the Iberian Peninsula, China, India and Pakistan, have successfully leveraged clean energy to buffer against market instability. Global renewable capacity expanded by 692 GW in 2025, maintaining unprecedented growth momentum.
The economic case has become compelling. Over 85% of newly installed renewable capacity now undercuts fossil fuel alternatives on cost. Since 2010, solar costs have plummeted 87%, onshore wind 55%, and battery storage 93%. Hybrid systems combining wind or solar with storage now deliver round-the-clock power more affordably than most conventional generators.
IRENAdirector-general Francesco La Camera characterised renewables as "a national security imperative," urging governments to prioritise accelerated deployment and broader electrification.
Ongoing Middle Eastern tensions underscore the fundamental vulnerability of energy systems dependent on fossil fuels, where oil and gas prices heavily influence electricity costs. Consequences extend beyond energy markets into broader economic disruption, with vulnerable communities worldwide facing the most severe impacts.
The advisory recommends expanding distributed generation through cross-sector collaboration, implementing time-of-use pricing to align consumption with renewable availability, and accelerating electrification across transport and heating. Medium-term priorities include expediting grid projects and expanding storage capacity, whilst long-term success requires clear policy frameworks attracting sustained investment.
Volvo Construction Equipment has commenced serial production of its A30 Electric and A40 Electric articulated haulers, marking a significant step forward in the electrification of heavy construction machinery.
The move positions Volvo CE as the first manufacturer to bring battery-electric articulated haulers of this scale into full production, signalling a shift from pilot innovation to industrial deployment. The models, first unveiled at Bauma 2025, have already attracted strong interest from customers in quarrying and mining, sectors traditionally reliant on diesel-powered equipment.
With payload capacities of 29 and 39 tonnes respectively, the new machines are among the largest electric units in the company’s portfolio. Designed for high-demand applications, they can operate for up to six hours on a single charge, depending on site conditions and usage patterns.
Electrification in this segment is expected to deliver not only environmental benefits through reduced emissions, but also operational advantages. Electric drivetrains can contribute to quieter working environments, lower vibration levels and reduced exposure to exhaust emissions, supporting improved conditions for operators and site personnel.
Production is taking place at Volvo CE’s facility in Braås, a site with historical significance as the origin of the world’s first articulated hauler, known as “Gravel Charlie”, introduced in 1966. The transition to electric production at the same location reflects both continuity in engineering expertise and a broader technological shift within the industry.
Initial deliveries are scheduled for customers in the United Kingdom and Norway, with wider distribution across Europe planned later in 2026.
Volvo CE stated that the milestone supports its long-term strategy to expand sustainable equipment offerings and meet increasing demand for low-emission solutions. As the construction and mining sectors face growing pressure to decarbonise, the introduction of large-scale electric haulers represents a practical step towards safer, cleaner and more efficient operations.
The development highlights how electrification is beginning to reshape even the most energy-intensive areas of heavy industry, as manufacturers and operators alike adapt to evolving environmental and operational requirements.
Trinasolar has introduced an upgraded version of its Vertex N G3 solar modules, delivering a peak output of 760W and signalling a notable advance in mass-produced n-type TOPCon technology.
The latest modules incorporate the company’s i-TOPCon Ultra platform, which underpins improvements in both efficiency and energy yield.
Commercial rollout is expected in the third quarter of the year, as Trinasolar scales up production to meet growing global demand for high-performance photovoltaic solutions.
The enhanced design draws on a combination of innovations aimed at boosting output while improving reliability.
These include an advanced cell platform that increases power generation and bifacial performance, alongside multi-cut and edge passivation techniques that help minimise electrical losses and improve resistance to shading and hot spots.
In addition, a high-density packaging approach enables greater efficiency across the module.
As a result, the Vertex N G3 series delivers several performance gains.
These include bifaciality levels of up to 85±5%, enabling higher rear-side energy capture, as well as improved performance under low-light conditions. The modules also feature reduced degradation rates over time and a favourable temperature coefficient, supporting stable operation in a range of climates.
Trinasolar emphasised that the upgraded modules are designed to integrate seamlessly with widely used solar tracking systems, allowing operators to maximise energy output across large-scale installations.
This compatibility is particularly relevant for utility-scale solar projects and environments with high reflectivity, where bifacial modules can capture additional energy from ground-reflected light.
Beyond technical performance, the company highlighted the economic advantages of the new modules.
By improving efficiency and output, the design contributes to lower balance of system (BOS) costs and a reduction in the levelised cost of electricity (LCOE), making projects more financially viable.
The modules are also positioned for emerging applications such as energy-intensive data centres, where consistent, high-capacity power supply and long-term reliability are critical.
A simulation conducted in Spain demonstrated the system-level benefits when the modules are paired with Trinasolar’s tracking solutions. Compared with conventional technologies, the setup showed measurable reductions in BOS costs and LCOE, alongside an increase in overall project value and electricity generation potential.
With these upgrades, Trinasolar aims to strengthen its position in the competitive solar market, while supporting the broader transition towards more efficient and cost-effective renewable energy systems.
Kuwait’s Environment Public Authority (EPA) is strengthening its oversight of water resources through enhanced monitoring systems designed to safeguard public health and ensure environmental sustainability, according to a report by Arab Times.
The authority is deploying advanced tracking mechanisms to assess water quality in line with international benchmarks, aiming to maintain access to safe and clean water supplies amid current conditions.
In a televised statement, Abdullah Al-Yateem, head of the EPA’s Chemical Testing Department, said water quality management is guided by standards derived from Kuwait’s Environmental Protection Law. He noted that a combination of chemical and biological indicators is used to detect contaminants and verify that water remains within safe limits.
Al-Yateem highlighted the critical role of EPA laboratories in analysing both drinking water and seawater samples, ensuring continuous monitoring across the entire water cycle. He explained that inspection teams conduct routine field visits across all governorates, collecting random samples of drinking water for laboratory testing to confirm compliance with regulatory standards.
The monitoring programme also extends to marine environments. Samples are regularly collected from coastal areas across Kuwait, from the northern to southern shores, and analysed to assess seawater quality. This process is supported by coordination with other relevant authorities, which contribute additional testing data to strengthen overall monitoring efficiency.
In addition to water testing, the EPA is carrying out checks on marine life, including fish and other organisms, to ensure they are safe for consumption and free from pollutants. These measures are part of a broader effort to protect ecosystems and maintain public confidence in environmental quality.
Al-Yateem reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to adopting best practices in environmental monitoring and resource management. He also stressed the importance of public awareness, encouraging responsible water use as part of wider sustainability efforts.
The EPA sought to reassure residents that drinking water supplies, as well as marine environments, remain safe, emphasising that ongoing testing has not identified concerning levels of contamination.
The intensified monitoring comes as regional authorities place greater emphasis on environmental protection and resource security, particularly in relation to water, which remains a critical asset in arid climates such as Kuwait.
Yanmar Compact Equipment EMEA has launched its new SV10 mini excavator, designed for space-restricted environments
Developed for the evolving demands of the 0-2 tonne segment, the SV10 focuses on delivering precise control, ease of operation and dependable performance across a wide range of applications.
It is designed for construction and urban infrastructure projects, rental and fleet operations, as well as municipal and landscaping applications.
According to Yanmar, the launch comes at a time when the 0-2 tonne segment accounts for 39% of the construction machinery market and continues to grow, driven by strong demand from construction and rental professionals.
“At the heart of the SV10 is its compactness,” a company statement read. “With an overall width of just 740 mm in its narrowest configuration, the machine can pass through standard doorways and operate in tight indoor or urban environments with ease.
A variable undercarriage also allows operators to extend the width to 990mm for enhanced stability when required, offering the flexibility to adapt to different working conditions.
“Its small swing radius, combined with a 60° boom swing, delivers precise control and positioning in highly restricted areas,” the statement added.
“From indoor renovation and demolition, to urban works and other sensitive environments where precision and minimal disruption are essential, the SV10 is designed to operate where larger machines cannot reach
Despite its compact footprint, the SV10 still delivers strong and reliable performance.
Powered by a Yanmar 3TNV70 engine delivering 9.2 kW of net power, the machine achieves digging forces of 5.2 kN (arm) and 7.6 kN (bucket), alongside a maximum digging depth of 1,800mm.
“A wide working range and compatibility with multiple attachments enable the SV10 to adapt to a variety of tasks, from trenching and landscaping to light demolition and utility work,”the statement added.
“Such versatility makes it well suited to contractors managing diverse projects, as well as rental companies seeking to maximise fleet utilisation.”
Ease of operation features include improved ergonomics, with repositioned side levers and intuitive controls, for a smooth and comfortable user experience, even for less experienced operators.
This can be valuable in rental environments, where machines must be quickly understood and safely operated by users with varying skill levels.
“The SV10 has been designed to maximise uptime and minimise operational disruption,” Yanmar noted.
“With an operating weight of 1,055 kg and transport weight of 1,180 kg, the machine is easy to transport between sites and quick to deploy, supporting efficient workflows for contractors and rental fleets alike.”
It added: “Straightforward maintenance, including a tilting engine bonnet for fast access to key components, reduces service time and keeps machines in operation longer. Combined with Yanmar’s proven engine reliability and a design focused on low total cost of ownership, the SV10 delivers dependable performance over time.”
A key focus at the show will be dust and spillage control at conveyor transfer points. (Image source: Martin Engineering)
Global bulk material handling specialist Martin Engineering has announced it will unveil a series of new conveyor accessories and flow technologies at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026, taking place from 3–7 March at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Exhibiting at booth C30148 in the Central Hall, the company will present heavy-duty systems developed at its Center for Innovation, targeting safer and more efficient bulk handling operations across the aggregates and mining sectors.
Chris Schmelzer, Director of National Sales for the US and Canada, said the new portfolio has been tested in demanding real-world environments. He added that visitors will be able to explore solutions designed to support cleaner, safer and more productive material handling processes, from extraction through to final product.
Products on show
A key focus at the show will be dust and spillage control at conveyor transfer points, where emissions remain a persistent industry challenge.
Among the products on display is the Martin Skirtboard Liner, engineered to protect sealing systems by absorbing impact and abrasion inside transfer point skirtboards. The liner features a steel-reinforced urethane construction and a T-slot mounting interface that allows adjustment from outside the chute wall, reducing the need for confined space entry.
The company will also preview the Martin ApronSeal Urethane Skirting system, a dual-seal assembly combining a primary urethane seal with a self-adjusting secondary flap to contain fine material. Designed for belt speeds of up to 4.5 m/s, the system requires minimal maintenance and limited free belt space.
In addition, Martin’s modular A.I.R. Control Dust Curtains are designed to create controlled air recirculation zones within transfer enclosures, helping to reduce dust emissions compared with conventional rubber curtain systems. The curtains can be adjusted or replaced externally, cutting service times.
Flow improvement technologies will also feature prominently. The N2 Air Cannon Intelligence System monitors connected air cannons multiple times daily, detecting misfires, measuring blast efficiency and tracking pressure and temperature. A cloud-based dashboard enables predictive maintenance and reduces manual inspections.
An expanded line of electric vibrators will be introduced, aimed at improving material separation and preventing build-up in hoppers, silos and chutes. The new models offer increased power and efficiency while maintaining durability, backed by a three-year warranty.
The company will also present upgraded belt cleaning systems, including the Martin H1 Primary Belt Cleaner and P2 and R2 secondary cleaners, built with stainless steel components and tungsten carbide tips for use on abrasive materials and high-speed or reversing belts.
Schneider Electric is set to highlight new progress in its collaboration with Microsoft at Hannover Messe, showcasing how joint innovations are helping manufacturers modernise operations and improve resilience.
At the centre of the partnership is Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure Automation Expert platform, which provides a software-defined automation framework capable of operating across on-site, edge and hybrid environments. This is complemented by Microsoft’s Azure cloud and AI capabilities, which enable advanced data analysis, orchestration and optimisation of industrial processes.
Together, the companies are promoting a more integrated approach to manufacturing, where engineering, deployment and operations are connected through a single digital workflow. This model allows manufacturers to design automation systems once and deploy them across multiple sites without extensive reconfiguration, improving efficiency and consistency.
The approach also addresses growing industry challenges such as supply chain disruption, increasing product complexity and the need to modernise safely. By linking engineering design directly with operational execution, the platform enables better traceability, faster validation through simulation and more scalable operations.
Gwenaelle Huet, EVP of Industrial Automation at Schneider Electric, said the collaboration demonstrates a shift towards unified and interoperable manufacturing systems. “From agentic design to software-defined operations, we are enabling a single workflow that validates, simulates and deploys automation logic consistently across cloud and edge environments,” she explained.
Artificial intelligence plays a central role in this transformation. AI-driven tools can automate routine engineering tasks, validate system logic before deployment and reduce the time required to move from design to production. According to the companies, this has already resulted in significant time savings, with some engineering processes completed in a fraction of the time previously required.
In one example, the joint platform has been applied in a green hydrogen project with H2E Power, where it has supported thousands of hours of stable autonomous operation in a high-temperature industrial environment, while also helping to reduce production costs.
Dayan Rodriguez, Corporate Vice President for Manufacturing and Mobility at Microsoft, said the collaboration is helping bridge the gap between design and execution. “We are closing the loop from engineering intent to operational reality by automating decisions, validating processes early and enabling consistent deployment across environments,” he noted.
Visitors to Hannover Messe 2026 will be able to see live demonstrations of the technologies, including AI-driven engineering tools and open automation systems, as both companies continue to advance the next phase of digital manufacturing.
Dubai Chambers has stepped up efforts to reinforce trade links with Oman following a high-level delegation visit to Sohar aimed at strengthening supply chain resilience and expanding economic cooperation.
The delegation, led by Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, met with representatives from the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the North Al Batinah Governorate to explore new avenues for collaboration between the business communities of Dubai and Sohar.
Discussions centred on enhancing bilateral trade flows, identifying high-value investment opportunities and deepening engagement across priority sectors. Both sides emphasised the importance of building stronger commercial partnerships to support sustained growth in cross-border trade.
As part of the visit, the delegation toured key industrial and logistics hubs, including SOHAR Port and Freezone and Sohar Industrial City. These engagements provided a platform to examine ways to streamline the movement of goods, improve supply chain efficiency and strengthen logistical integration between the two markets.
Participants highlighted the strategic role of infrastructure connectivity in supporting regional trade, particularly as businesses seek more resilient and flexible supply chains in response to evolving global conditions.
Dubai Chambers noted that closer coordination with Omani partners is expected to unlock new commercial opportunities, while enhancing the overall competitiveness of businesses operating in both markets.
Lootah reiterated the organisation’s commitment to fostering stronger economic ties, pointing to the importance of seamless logistics networks and coordinated trade frameworks in enabling long-term growth. He added that such initiatives are key to reinforcing the resilience of bilateral trade relations and supporting shared development objectives.
The visit reflects ongoing efforts by both sides to deepen economic integration and position Dubai and Sohar as complementary hubs within the wider GCC trade ecosystem.
