Bentley Systems pens an editorial for Technical Review Middle East, explaining how data-centricity and digital twins can help businesses make informed decisions about sustainability. Read on: 

Recently, CEOs have made a significant effort to advocate for policies to achieve net zero emissions. A notable example is the Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders, a group facilitated by the World Economic Forum that represents US$4 trillion in revenues and 12 million employees around the world. These members have been vocal in encouraging both businesses and governments to become meaningfully involved in the effort to get to net zero.

In October 2023, more than 100 CEOs and senior executives issued an open letter to world leaders urging them to support green policies before the COP28 Climate Summit. As their letter states, winning the race to net zero hinges on the ability to act on those policies. To get there, CEOs are asking for support and collaboration from governments, policymakers, and a wide range of stakeholders to accelerate the development of renewable energy projects and address obstacles such as a lack of interoperability that hinders green solutions.

Climate change requires adjustments in the ways organisations respond to stakeholders, as well managing regulations and compliance, leading to a stronger emphasis on incorporating sustainability at the core of their business strategy. Enterprise today must align two goals: Be more resilient to climate change effects and leverage future market opportunities in the process.

These goals are not merely ideological, but also tangible, as companies must pivot to address climate impacts that are already occurring. For instance, the Volkswagen factory in Portugal was forced to suspend production for more than two months in 2023 due to a flood in Slovenia, which impacted their supply chain and resulted in mass layoffs. Not only has VW stock value plummeted, but the overall GDP of Portugal (for which VW represented 4% of its exports) has taken a massive hit.

When Texas was hit by winter storm Uri in 2021, the destruction of computer chip facilities, power grids, and other infrastructure resulted in an estimated economic toll of US$80-$130bn in both damages and lost economic opportunities. The 2019-2020 Australian bushfires, also known as the "Black Summer," burned over 19 million hectares, destroyed thousands of homes, caused 33 deaths, and resulted in an estimated economic loss of AUD $2.8 billion. Almost 7,300 jobs disappeared nationwide.

A Dire Need for Data

CEOs make decisions based on numbers. They need not only data, but also the right technology and people to generate insights. This is particularly true where decision-making around climate change and sustainability are concerned. Business leaders want to be well-prepared to address climate events. However, they need access to data identifying the most probable future scenarios and their impact on companies’ own business models.

Only then can they strategise properly, make informed, data-centric decisions around sustainability, and ultimately climate-proof their businesses. Without these details and insights, CEOs may be unable to pivot toward more sustainable operations.

While it is common for organisations to conduct data-driven business analysis, prior analyses were not often performed with sustainability in mind. For many organisations today, this has changed. Within the oil and gas industry, which has long been dependent on regulations and constant shifts in industry and market demands, climate risk analysis is now a matter of survival.

Quantifying Uncertainty

Energy organisations have recently begun investing assets in renewable energies as a way to reduce risks. Heavy industries, or those working with infrastructure involving hard-to-abate sectors like steel, cement, and aviation, are also exposed to significant risks directly or indirectly associated with climate change. In many cases, infrastructure assets and their supply chains may also be highly exposed, and simply reinvesting in more sustainable assets isn’t always possible.

These hard-to-abate sectors can benefit from scenario analysis supported by digital twins or data-driven solutions. By engaging in effective simulations, businesses can identify the most critical uncertainties and assign more accurate probabilities to each of the scenarios these uncertainties define. In addition to obvious potential pitfalls linked to the progressive impact of climate change, the most frequent sources of uncertainty are associated with regulations, consumer or stakeholder behaviours and preferences, and technological availability and pricing.

In these analyses, high or low probability may be assigned to different scenarios. For instance, in the energy industry, uncertainties may link to changes in carbon regulation and profitability of renewables remaining competitive with conventional fossil fuels. Uncertainty analyses can help CEOs determine how best to allocate resources, point to potential areas for exploration of new ways of competing, and spot likely financial impacts. By identifying and quantifying the most probable scenarios with the use of digital twins and data-driven solutions, these scenario analyses can surface hidden risks and opportunities.

Leveraging Talent and Information

For climate risk analyses to be accurately generated in support of CEOs' strategic decisions, a combination of technology, data, and expertise is needed.
Today, CEOs must tap experts who are knowledgeable about the business and environment, capable of curating and interpreting the data and highlighting valuable and valid insights. These experts must be able to combine business experience with scientific knowledge to navigate multiple areas and disciplines. Rather than specialists, generalists are required. Environmental professionals are now in such high demand globally that there are simply not enough of them to fill all the roles that require their expertise.

With more data than ever available today, this data is often siloed in different formats, repositories, and disciplines across supply chains. Using digital twins built on open platforms to simulate, federate, visualise, and analyze the data can be helpful in facilitating data-centric approaches and mitigating siloed challenges. One good example of this approach is ClimaTwin, built on Bentley’s open digital twin platform, iTwin. This startup connects complex climate models and infrastructure digital twins to provide risk intelligence and assess adaptation actions, such as for electric utilities. Technology that will enable companies not just to gather diverse pools of data, but to also integrate them meaningfully, will help drive strategic decision-making even as climate change creates more complex problems to solve.

Getting to Net Zero

To get closer to net zero, CEOs around the world need help resolving regulatory inefficiencies, consolidating disparate forms of data, managing projects, and determining the best way to operate given the dynamic state of play.

Digital twins offer a powerful tool for facing these challenges. These solutions allow company leaders to leverage infrastructure intelligence in scenario analyses, break down communication and information barriers, and access expertise and data from anywhere around the world – all within an open, interoperable, and collaborative platform.

More than ever, business leaders and CEOs must rely on data and technologies that yield these capabilities to make the necessary pivots and strategic transformations to climate-proof their businesses and maintain a true competitive advantage.

Masdar and Infinity Power have signed a power purchase agreement with the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company (EETC) to deliver a long-term supply of renewable energy

The energy will be supplied by an onshore wind farm that will be located in Ras Ghareb, Egypt. When constructed, it is expected to have a capacity of 200MW and produce 810,000MWh per year.

A signing ceremony was held at the Egyptian Cabinet in Al-Alamein city and was witnessed by senior stakeholders around the project as well as Government officials including Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly.

“We are excited to announce the construction of the Ras Ghareb wind farm, a project that symbolises Infinity Power's steadfast commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions,” remarked Mohamed Ismail Mansour, chairman of Infinity Power. “This initiative not only expands our footprint in Egypt but also signifies another big stride in bolstering our local impact in the renewables sector, creating valuable jobs. We remain committed to elevating our contributions to a cleaner, greener future.”

“Through Infinity Power, a Masdar Infinity company, we will deliver 200MW of clean energy to the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company (EETC), producing over 800,000MWh and offsetting more than 403,000 tonnes of emissions annually,” commented Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar. “This marks another milestone in our journey to unlocking Africa’s clean energy potential, and further advancing the clean energy transition.”

Limitless ambition

The latest announcement is yet another addition to Infinity Power’s growing, impressive portfolio. The organisation is targeting 10GW of operational renewable energy in Africa by 2030 in a view to providing electricity to 12 million homes. In pursuit of this, the company has marked a number of milestones this year including making a 1GW energy commitment in Sierra Leone and signing a land access agreement for a 10GW wind farm in Egypt.

Nayer Fouad, CEO of Infinity Power, said, “The addition of the Ras Ghareb wind farm to our growing roster reinforces our commitment to positioning Africa as a leader in sustainable energy. This is one of the many steps we will take as we pursue our ambition to develop renewable energy projects in every part of the nation.”

Ibrahim Imam, co-founder and CEO for MENA + APAC at PlanRadar, pens a piece for Technical Review Middle East. Read on: 

Digital twins - virtual replicas of physical assets that leverage real-time data to mirror the state, condition, and behaviour of their real-world counterparts - have been gaining traction across various global industries, such as manufacturing and urban planning, due to its ability to provide detailed insights and predictive analytics. In construction, digital twins are revolutionising traditional practices by enhancing project efficiency, reducing costs, and improving overall outcomes. 

Creating efficient systems

By integrating real-time data, digital twins enable accurate planning, streamlined project management, and early detection of potential issues. Digital twins are not only transforming how construction projects are designed and executed, but are paving the way for more sustainable and resilient built environments.

What are the key benefits of implementing digital twins for construction?

Implementing digital twins in construction offers key benefits that enhance the entire project lifecycle. Improved planning, precision and design are among the foremost advantages, as digital twins enable more accurate design processes by creating detailed virtual models that reflect real-world conditions. 

Enhanced project management is another significant benefit, as data from digital twins aids in monitoring and managing projects, leading to improved resource allocation and time management. This data-driven approach helps identify potential issues early, reducing the need for rework and minimising material waste. 

Digital twins also support sustainability in construction by reducing environmental impact. By providing insights into the most efficient ways to use materials and energy, digital twins create more sustainable construction practices, leading to greener and more resilient infrastructure.

Challenges and considerations for digital twin implementation in the MENA region

Implementing digital twin technology involves several key challenges. Data security and privacy are critical, as the vast amounts of real-time data generated must be protected through robust encryption, secure storage, and stringent access controls. Integration and interoperability also pose significant challenges since digital twins must seamlessly interface with existing systems. Additionally, investing in training programs and educational initiatives is essential to build a technically-capable workforce; deploying and operating digital twin systems require expertise in data analytics, machine learning, and IoT technologies. 

The future outlook of digital twins in construction

Future developments in digital twin technology are set to significantly impact the MENA region, with advancements to include enhanced real-time data integration, more sophisticated AI-driven analytics, and greater use of IoT devices for comprehensive monitoring of construction projects. These technological improvements will drive increased efficiency, better predictive maintenance, and more accurate forecasting in the construction sector. 

We are increasingly seeing a clear trend of increased adoption of digital twins globally, driven by their benefits in improving project outcomes, reducing costs, and enhancing sustainability. This global trend is likely to influence the MENA region as industry stakeholders recognize the value of digital twins, and leverage them to stay competitive and meet the demands of modern construction projects.

Fuelre4m has introduced a new product called Styrex, which can revolutionise how we manage and repurpose polystyrene waste.

The company has said that it is already in discussions with leading global businesses, and the interest is significant, demonstrating the urgent demand for a solution like Styrex.

Global emergency

Polystyrene, commonly referred to as Styrofoam, has become a significant environmental hazard due to its persistence as a pollutant. Annually, around 14 million tons of polystyrene waste are produced globally, but the recycling rate remains alarmingly low. This non-biodegradable material can take up to 500 years to break down, leading to overflowing landfills and severe ocean pollution. It poses a significant risk to marine life, with approximately 1 million marine animals dying each year as a result of plastic pollution, including polystyrene. Shockingly, polystyrene makes up about 30% of the global landfill volume, highlighting the urgent need for a groundbreaking waste management solution.

A viable solution

Styrex is the first and only solution capable of effectively addressing the polystyrene waste crisis. Utilising state-of-the-art nanotechnology, Styrex converts polystyrene into a valuable, sustainable resin, representing a major breakthrough in waste management. With the UAE set to lead the way in adopting this innovative technology, the potential for both national and global environmental change is substantial.

In this cutting-edge process, polystyrene waste is carefully collected and prepared for transformation. The advanced nanotechnology involved deflates and reduces the hydrocarbon chains of polystyrene, converting it into a high-value resin. The material is then compressed to 1/50th of its original size, creating a solid, sustainable fuel.

"Styrex is not just a product; it is a revolutionary leap forward in solving one of the most critical environmental crises we face today," said Rob Mortimer, Founder, and CEO of Fuelre4m. "This isn’t just about offering a solution; this problem shouldn’t even exist anymore! It is imperative that everyone on the planet recognises their responsibility to tackle this issue. Our technology does more than just manage waste; it transforms it into a resource that can lead us to a cleaner, more sustainable future. The real issue is when people choose worse alternatives instead of embracing what works.”

Bentley Systems, the infrastructure engineering software company, has announced the finalists for the 2024 Going Digital Awards.

This annual event celebrates the exceptional achievements of Bentley’s global users, highlighting how innovative software is driving the advancement of infrastructure worldwide, ultimately enhancing quality of life. This year, 36 finalists across 12 categories were chosen from over 250 nominations submitted by organisations from 36 countries.

Finalist representatives will present their projects to a panel of 34 independent judges, who will determine the winners. The winners will be announced on 9 October, during the 2024 Going Digital Awards ceremony at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver.

Some of the finalists in the 2024 Going Digital Awards are:

BRIDGES AND TUNNELS

JMT – Digital Experience for I-95 Rappahannock River Crossing Construction Project, Fredericksburg, Virginia, United States
QK4, Inc. – Going Digital Survey with Bridging Kentucky, Kentucky, United States
Tecne Systra-Sws Advanced Tunneling Srl – Digital Implementation in Tunnel Assessment and Rehabilitation, Italy

CONSTRUCTION

PT Hutama Karya (Persero) – Navigating the Complexities of Jakarta MRT Phase 2A CP203 with Digital Solutions, Jakarta, South Jakarta, Indonesia

Webuild s.p.a. – 4D Modeling and Construction Management for a Pedestrian Steel Bridge Erection in the New ENI Headquarter Complex in Milan, Italy, San Donato Milanese, Lombardia to Milano, Italy

Proicere Ltd. – SPRS Retreatment (SRP) Sellafield, Seascale, Cumbria, United Kingdom

RAIL AND TRANSIT

SPL Powerlines UK – Midland Main Line Electrification, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and South Yorkshire; United Kingdom

Transport for London – The Elizabeth Line, London, England, United Kingdom

INECO – Master Design Stage RBDTD-LV-DS3 North Latvian Section, Latvia

ROADS AND HIGHWAYS

China Road and Bridge Corporation, China Highway Engineering Consulting Corporation – Phnom Penh – Bavet Expressway, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

WISDRI Engineering & Research Incorporation Limited – Wuhan Gaoxin 4th Road Comprehensive Reconstruction Project, Wuhan, Hubei, China

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) – Digital Twin Implementation for NLEX-SLEX Connector Road Project, Caloocan to Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines

“Infrastructure is essential. It connects us locally and globally, supporting our society and economic growth and development,” said Kristin Fallon, chief marketing officer, Bentley Systems. “This year’s Going Digital Awards finalists represent an impressive mix of international projects that are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on land, at sea, and underground. These programs highlight engineering genius; they showcase the teams of infrastructure professionals that are unlocking the power of data with AI, digital twins, immersive visualisations, and more, to make modern life possible. We applaud and celebrate each finalist for their outstanding achievements to make better, more resilient critical infrastructure for an improved quality of life.”

His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, presided over the official lease signing ceremony between China's leading Shandong Timber and Wood Products Association (STWPA) and Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) to establish the Zhong A Shandong Industrial Park in Ras Al Khaimah.

The lease agreement was signed by Yang Yuelu, President of STWPA and Chairman of Zhong A Shandong Industrial Park, and Ramy Jallad, Group CEO of RAKEZ.

The first phase of the industrial park, with an investment of US$360mn, will cover over 450,000 sq m in Al Ghail and Al Hulaila within RAKEZ. The park is set to expand further, ultimately occupying over 1 million m2 in Al Ghail over the next three years. Once completed, the project will introduce more than 60 new companies, particularly in the wood and food and beverage sectors, and generate over 3,500 new jobs in the next five years.

STWPA, which has established similar ventures in China, Indonesia, and Ethiopia, attracts a variety of businesses in sectors such as chemicals, mechanical and electrical, and glass. In Ras Al Khaimah, the industrial park will offer ready-made infrastructure for Chinese investors, with RAKEZ and its partners facilitating their business setup. The park has already attracted F&B and plywood manufacturers.

The UAE holds a pivotal role in China’s global trade strategy, serving as China's largest trade partner in the Arab region and re-exporting around 60% of Chinese trade to over 400 cities across the MENA region. Additionally, the UAE has secured numerous international trade agreements that bolster the country's appeal as a manufacturing hub for global companies. This strategic position has propelled the UAE up the FDI league tables, solidifying its reputation as a prime destination for international investment.

Recognising the significance of Chinese businesses in diversifying Ras Al Khaimah's industrial base, RAKEZ actively engages with Chinese entrepreneurs, government officials, and media representatives through strategic meetings and roadshows across Chinese cities. These efforts to foster a thriving business and investment environment have attracted over 200 Chinese companies to RAKEZ, spanning industries such as recycling, LED lighting, engineering, and packaging, among others.

The Egyptian government has announced the launch of its National Strategy for Low-Carbon Hydrogen, according to a statement on 15 August.

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly highlighted that the strategy is a key part of Egypt’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions and diversify its clean and sustainable energy sources in line with its international commitments.

The strategy also aims to strengthen collaboration with global partners and financial institutions to support research, development, and investment in the hydrogen sector, as noted by Cabinet Spokesperson Mohamed El-Homosany. Additionally, the strategy is focused on improving the economic efficiency of utilizing domestic resources.

El-Homosany further stated that the National Green Hydrogen Council will oversee the implementation of the strategy on an annual basis.

The strategy is expected to significantly boost Egypt’s gross domestic product (GDP), potentially reaching up to US$18bn by 2040, and create over 100,000 job opportunities this year. It is also anticipated to enhance Egypt’s energy security, reduce carbon dioxide emissions, and promote the transition to a green economy.

Ahmed Ismail, Managing Director, FTI Consulting, and Samuel Whitehouse, Managing Director, FTI Consulting write for Technical Review Middle East. Read on:

Recent global climate shifts have brought extreme weather conditions to the forefront of our concerns. From heat waves to floods, these changes are becoming increasingly alarming.

Here in the UAE, we experienced significant weather disruptions earlier this year with the April floods, which posed challenges for various sectors, including construction.

To help construction contractors be prepared in case of similar events in the future, we will delve below into effective strategies for mitigating the detrimental effects of adverse weather on construction projects in the UAE.

Contractual entitlement

In most standard forms of contract, to make a successful claim for time and/or additional payment, the contractor must demonstrate that the weather event was ‘exceptional’ and not just merely adverse. The fact that there was heavy rain and floods is not, in itself, sufficient to obtain an extension of time or recover additional payment.

The most commonly used contract in the UAE is the FIDIC 1999 suite. Using the FIDIC 1999 Red Book as the example, Sub-Clause 8.4(c) [Extension of Time for Completion] provides that a contractor is entitled to an extension to the Time for Completion where it can demonstrate that “…exceptionally adverse climatic conditions...” have occurred.

What constitutes ‘exceptional adverse weather’ is frequently not explained in older standard forms of contract and it will generally require the contractor to demonstrate, with the aid of past meteorological records for the location of the site, that the event was a 1 in 10 year, or more, event.

Some guidance to that effect is provided in the 2017 FIDIC suite. In Sub-Clause 8.5(c) [Extension of Time for Completion], the contractor must demonstrate that the event was unforeseeable by an experienced contractor at the date of tender based on any climatic date provided by the employer under Sub-Clause 2.5 [Site Data and terms of Reference] and/or relevant climatic data published for the location of the site.

As such, under either form of contract, a successful claim will require a detailed comparison between the weather event that occurred and the weather patterns for a number of years preceding the event.

Notification requirements

It is essential that contractors notify the employer promptly in accordance with the contract when adverse weather conditions have affected the project progress and to keep sufficient contemporaneous daily records on how the works have been affected. This will allow the contractor to demonstrate any additional time and cost it may be entitled to.

Recommended best practices

In order to effectively harness the above factors, it is vital that both the contractor and employer know, and understand, the requirements of their contract when adverse weather events occur.

Sending a notification under the contract for the right to claim for adverse weather conditions is essential. It is also vital for the contractor to document the damage with daily, weekly, and monthly reports, using photographs and videos if necessary.

Once the extent of any rectification work has been established, the contractor should estimate the extent of any delay and the costs involved and seek to agree these with the employer.

By understanding and implementing contractual provisions and taking immediate action to document damage and prepare for site reinstatement, parties involved in construction projects can minimise damage and resultant financial losses.

It is recommended that project parties also consult a legal professional or an expert familiar with UAE construction laws to ensure that they adhere to the contract requirements and protect their rights under their contract.

Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE National Rail Network, has introduced its Sustainable Finance Framework.

This comprehensive guide is designed to align the company's future financing efforts with its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Strategy, particularly focusing on Clean Transportation, Green Buildings, and Pollution Prevention and Control.

The framework was developed in collaboration with industry experts and co-ESG advisors, First Abu Dhabi Bank and Standard Chartered Bank, to ensure its alignment with the Green Loan and Bond Principles. The robustness of the framework was further validated by Det Norske Veritas (DNV) through a Second Party Opinion (SPO).

Key characteristics

The framework outlines a structured approach for Etihad Rail to assess and finance sustainable projects, detailing four key components: adherence to Green Loan and Bond Principles to meet international sustainability standards, clear criteria for the allocation of funds towards sustainable initiatives, a rigorous process for project evaluation and selection, and transparent management and reporting of funds.

Aligned with Etihad Rail's ESG strategy, the framework includes mechanisms for assessing environmental risks and promoting transparency in ESG initiatives. It not only supports informed investment decisions that mitigate environmental risks and leverage sustainable market opportunities but also encourages collaboration and knowledge-sharing among industry stakeholders, regulators, and investors, thereby fostering a transition towards a more sustainable financial system.

 Ali Tabbal, chief financial officer at Etihad Rail said, “The introduction of our Sustainable Finance Framework is a testament to Etihad Rail’s commitment to integrate and uphold sustainable practices in all our operations. Through responsible financial practices, we are further underscoring this dedication by driving positive environmental and social impact in the region across the transportation, logistics, and infrastructure sectors. This framework is a pivotal element of our broader ESG strategy, directly aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. It provides a clear roadmap for integrating ESG considerations into investment decisions, empowering companies to generate long-term sustainable value. By doing so, we are not only fostering a transition to a low-carbon, resilient economy but also supporting the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy and contributing to the nation’s vision for a sustainable future.”