TME is excited to announce the addition of MICROTEST products to its catalogue, offering state-of-the-art solutions for testing equipment and circuits.

MICROTEST, a Taiwanese company established in 1993, has earned a strong reputation across multiple markets.

The brand’s devices are tailored for industrial production lines, quality assurance, research and development departments, and measurement laboratories.

This partnership highlights the availability of high-performance LCR meters, impedance analyzers, and safety testers, with plans to expand the product range further.

LCR meters and impedance analysers

LCR meters and impedance analyzers from MICROTEST are available in various versions distinguished primarily by their frequency range, which spans from 10 Hz to 1...50 MHz (depending on the model) with basic accuracy up to ±0.05%.

They are stationary devices designed for professional applications in laboratories and electronic circuit manufacturing.

To support such use, the LCR meters feature several functionalities that enhance their operation: automatic level control (ALC), connectivity to computers and data analysis software (via RS232, GPIB, LAN, or USB interfaces), and the ability to measure resistance and inductance simultaneously.

It can simultaneously test up to four parameters of a component and it’s also worth noting that the measurement time can be as short as less than 3 ms.

The 6632 series impedance analyzers share similar characteristics with built-in DC Bias voltage ±12V. A key feature is the optional Equivalent Circuit Analysis, enabling designers to simulate circuit components before selection.

Their capabilities include testing admittance, Q factor, phase angle θ, conductance, permeability, reactance, susceptance, loss factor D, relative permittivity and, naturally, inductance, impedance, DCR (DC resistance), and equivalent series resistance (ESR).

All these functions are accessible via a user-friendly interface (the units are equipped with 7-inch colour displays). Measurements can be performed in series or parallel, with cable length compensation (0...2 m).

Safety testers

High-voltage safety testers (also known as HiPot Testers) are used to test the insulation of various electrical equipment and circuits by checking the dielectric strength of coatings and other components intended for the protection of users, and in this way making sure that the design of equipment, installations and components is safe.

The MCT-7630/7631 models from MICROTEST are testers designed for industrial and laboratory testing. Depending on the model, they offer 1 or 8 channels, take measurements up to 5000 V AC and 6000 V DC (with measuring voltage range of 10...1000 V DC) and support insulation resistance measurements up to 12 GΩ.

Their functionalities also include True RMS value measurement, arcing detection (transients detection), a number of manual and automated tests with adjustable ramp time (from 0.1 s to 10 s) and measuring time from 0.1 s to 999 s. Similarly to the devices described above, these testers can be operated remotely (via digital interfaces), as well as locally (with an optional control pedal).

The Middle East’s role as a new global fuels hub, the potential impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in energy industry transformation, and potential pathways to a sustainable and resilient future are a trio of critical issues to be explored when the World Future Energy Summit returns to Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from 14-16 January as part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2025 (ADSW)

Hosted by Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s World Future Energy Summit – now globally recognised as the world’s premier business event focused on future energy and sustainability – will bring together pioneering energy sector minds, policy and decision-makers, and industry innovators to demonstrate, discuss and debate cutting-edge solutions and trends shaping a sustainable and resilient energy future.

The summit will explore broader regional trends, bringing together the global players who can help the UAE achieve its goal of increasing the proportion of clean energy in the country’s overall mix from its current level of 27.83% to 32% by 2030.

“Masdar’s pioneering and innovative track record as the UAE’s clean energy powerhouse provides demonstrable evidence of the UAE’s ambitious clean energy goals and the region’s growing prominence as a sustainability leader,” remarked Masdar CEO, Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi. “As a founding host and longstanding supporter of the World Future Energy Summit, we look forward to working with global partners, leaders and innovators to enable solutions to some of the world’s most pressing climate challenges.”

“The World Future Energy Summit is not just another industry event—it’s the heart of innovation and collaboration for building a sustainable energy future at a critical juncture,” added Leen AlSebai, general manager of RX Middle East and head of the World Future Energy Summit. “Energy demands and landscapes are constantly evolving, and our 2025 edition will draw on key trends and learnings from 2024 to continue propelling the industry forward. As we chart a sustainable future, we’ll place special focus on the Middle East’s role in the future of fuels and a carbon-neutral approach to economic growth.”

Summit host, Masdar will emphasise the need for cross-sector collaboration to achieve global energy transition goals in support of the tripling of global renewable capacity set out in the UAE Consensus. The 2025 edition will spotlight how countries across the region and internationally are capitalising on emerging clean energy opportunities. It will feature exclusive sessions exploring the evolving strategies of regional and international energy companies as they lead the charge towards decarbonisation, spurred by commitments made at COP28 in the UAE.

Bridging global and regional clean energy agendas

The summit’s agenda will reflect the UAE’s ambitious clean energy goals and the region’s growing prominence as a sustainability leader. Dedicated conference streams will discuss landmark UAE projects and their contributions toward the UAE Energy Strategy 2050. The event will also highlight the Emirates’ rising stature in the global green hydrogen market, with recent reports ranking it first in hydrogen market readiness in the Middle East.

Faisal Rashid, senior director, Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, will take part in a panel discussion on ‘Energy Efficiency: Balancing cost, incentives, and sustainability’, and sees the summit as a key enabler in promoting the UAE’s clean energy strategies. "My main objective is to leverage this international platform to promote energy efficiency and sustainability practices, share our expertise in energy strategy activation, and exchange knowledge with other professionals in the field,” said Rashid. “Participating in this event highlights our commitment to advancing the UAE's clean energy strategy and Net Zero targets. By collaborating with industry leaders and sharing best practices, we can strengthen our position as a key global hub for sustainable energy solutions, driving economic growth while promoting a healthier environment and a better quality of life for future generations."

The conference will also focus on AI and its role in transforming energy ecosystems, given the technology’s potential to optimise energy use, forecast demand, and enhance production efficiency as global consumption levels grow. In-depth discussions will probe how AI can be integrated into energy infrastructure without compromising sustainability efforts.

Elsewhere, participants will have access to six exhibition tracks covering solar energy, EcoWASTE, water, clean energy, smart cities, and climate & environment, while spotlighting regional leaders like Masdar.

Seven conference streams will support the exhibition, providing in-depth discussions on topics such as Pathways to 1.5°C, Water and Food Security, Sustainable Cities, Waste Management, and Green Finance. A dedicated focus on women in energy through initiatives like CLIX will also be under in the spotlight, as well as a deep dive into innovation and the role of entrepreneurs in tackling some of the most critical challenges of our time. The 2025 edition of the World Future Energy Summit will also explore the role of the Middle East in creating a new trade network for clean energy, with key initiatives across the region, featuring UAE-based companies such as ACWA Power, leading the way.

With more than 400 global companies and 350 industry speakers expected to take part, the World Future Energy Summit 2025 will serve as a nexus for investment, innovation and knowledge exchange across industries and is not one to be missed.

Visit the website to learn more by clicking here and register for the conference by clicking here

As the world increasingly embraces the transformative power of automation and AI, Emerson, a global technology and engineering leader, is at the forefront of driving sustainable solutions for industries.

In a recent interview, Anil Ajith, vice president of strategic sales and global projects for the Middle East and Africa at Emerson, shared his insights on the company's vision and the future of industrial automation.

"Industrial AI, as we call it, is accelerating in a way that it benefits the industry and the entire planet," Ajith stated. "Emerson is very much on the right track, as we ensure that the world is safer, smarter and more sustainable."

At the heart of Emerson's approach is the belief that the right data and the right technology can unlock unprecedented efficiency and reliability for industrial operations.

Ajith emphasised the importance of having a robust data fabric and advanced analytics to provide actionable insights for process optimization.

“Having the right data and having the right technology gives you efficiency and reliability, and then you enhance it based on how you can compute that data. With AI you can prolong the life of an asset, or ensure that you are able to operate their assets to its optimum.”

Intelligent software

Emerson's vision of "Boundless Automation" takes this concept even further, aiming to create an enterprise-wide automation platform that is scalable, intelligent, and sustainable.

Ajith explained that this approach involves a software-defined, less hardware-dependent approach, enabling greater flexibility and scalability.

“Boundless helps you to get to that scale. And you're quantifying it from the intelligent field to the cloud. So bringing it all together to ensure that scalability factor is there.”

The Middle East market, particularly in countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, has been receptive to Emerson's technological advancements. Ajith acknowledged that while there are initial challenges, such as the fear of change and the need for proof of concept, the region is steadily embracing these transformative technologies.

Emerson's commitment to sustainability is also evident in its "greening by" initiative, which focuses on reducing the carbon footprint of its own operations and enabling its customers to achieve their sustainability goals. This includes technologies for carbon capture, energy management, and emissions reduction.

“Emerson is a pioneer in carbon capture, especially providing technologies that can accelerate carbon capture projects in our plants, in our facilities…We have technologies that can measure how much of emissions are going into the atmosphere. We can measure that and give that analytics back to the client to ensure that their facility is low carbon or zero carbon.”

The 45th Big 5 Global officially began at Dubai World Trade Centre, bringing together government officials, industry pioneers, and decision-makers to spotlight the MEASA region's construction sector, underscored by US$9 trillion worth of ongoing and upcoming projects.

The opening day of Big 5 Global offered a packed agenda of strategic summits, including LiveableCitiesX, Future FM, and GeoWorld, alongside key events like the Big 5 Global Leaders’ Summit and the IFMA Global | Middle East Summit.

On the exhibition floor, some prominent companies secured major deals and forged partnerships

The event also celebrated international cooperation through country pavilions such as Turkiye, China, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Italy and others.

“The successful opening of the 45th edition of Big 5 Global has been remarkable, as we witnessed an inspiring day of thought-provoking discussions, where leaders from across the industry came together to share insights and ideas for the future of construction. It was also a day of tremendous business activity, with companies signing new partnerships and deals, showcasing the continued growth and importance of Big 5 Global as a hub for collaboration, innovation and opportunity within the urban development and construction sector,” said Josine Heijmans, senior vice president, dmg events.

There has been a mixed response to the outcome of COP29 and the Baku Finance Goal (BFG) that was announced in the final hour

There was plenty of drama in the conclusion of the 29^th edition of the United Nations Climate Change Conference, held in Baku, as international stakeholders representing 200 countries vied to hammer out a deal that would continue the energy transition and support developing countries in their battle against climate change.

The conference opened under headlines dominated by Ilham Aliyev, the President of country host Azerbaijan, who described oil and gas as a “gift from God” and criticised misinformation spread by western media, charities and politicians. From this point, persistent protests from climate demonstrators and campaigners set the background clamour for the event as it ran through the agenda, as the spotlight began to focus the eventual deal that would mark its success, or otherwise.

As the debate began in earnest, the temperature began to rise and at one point in the proceedings it appeared as though a deal might not be reached following the breakdown of discussions and dozens of nations walking out.

However, this tumultuous finale, delegates returned to the room and a period of intense diplomacy saw a new deal struck in the dying hours of the conference

Over the line in Baku

The culmination of the debate was announced in the form of the BFG.

This represents a commitment to channel US$1.3 trillion of climate finance to the developing world each year. At its core is a target for developed countries to take the lead on mobilising at least US$300bn per year for developing countries by 2035.

In addition, there was a conclusion for the Article 6 negotiation on high integrity carbon markets under the UN. According to the COP29 announcement, financial flows from complaint carbon markets could reach US$1 trillion per year by 2050 and have the potential to reduce the cost of implementing national climate plans by US$250bn per year.

“We have unlocked one of the most complex and technical challenges in climate diplomacy,” said COP29 lead negotiator Yalchin Rafiyev. “Article 6 is hard to understand, but its impacts will be clear in our everyday lives. It means coal plants decommissioned, wind farms built and forests planted. It means a new wave of investment in the developing world.”

In addition, the full operationalisation of the Loss and Damage Fund was unveiled after originally being agreed during COP27 in Egypt. The fund aims to provide financial assistance to countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, with the decision to launch operations made agreed during COP28.

COP29 went further by ensuring the fund’s operationalisation, including several important related agreements including the Trustee Agreement and the Secretariat Hosting Agreement. To date, the total pledged financial support for the fund exceeds US$730mn.

The best outcome or an “optical illusion”?

“When the world came to Baku, people doubted that Azerbaijan could deliver. They doubted that everyone could agree. They were wrong on both counts,” remarked COP29 President, Mukhtar Babayev. “With this breakthrough, the Baku Finance Goal will turn billions into trillions over the next decade. We have secured a trebling of the core climate finance target for developing countries each year.

“The Baku Finance Goal represents the best possible deal we could reach, and we have pushed the donor countries as far as possible. We have forever changed the global financial architecture and taken a significant step towards delivering the means to deliver a pathway to 1.5°C. The years ahead will not be easy. The science shows that the challenges will only grow. Our ability to work together will be tested. The Baku Breakthrough will help us weather the coming storms.”

This positive judgement is not one universally shared however, with critics suggesting that developed countries were not meeting their responsibilities to raise resources to support developing nations. Indian negotiator, Chandni Raina was one of the leading voices in dissent, labelling it “an optical illusion” that “will not address the enormity of the challenge we all face.”

Ali Mohamed, Kenya’s special envoy for climate change and chair of the African group of negotiators, also expressed his disappointment. “Africa leaves Baku with realism and resignation as COP29 progress falls far short of our hopes,” he stated in a post on X. “When Africa loses, the world loses – its minerals, biodiversity & stability. The US$300bn/year by 2035 is too little, too late for a continent facing climate devastation while contributing leads to emissions.”

While the debate continues for the time being over the effectiveness of the new deal, eyes are already looking ahead to COP30 which will be hosted in Brazil from 10-21 November 2025. Certainly, these proceedings will be heavily coloured by a new leader amongst the developed countries in the form of US President Donald Trump. Having recently nominated a fracking CEO to lead the US Energy Department, there are fears the President will step back from the country’s climate commitments.

Time, then, will tell whether the critics of the BFG are proven correct or whether the agreement will hold together the climate effort in the potentially subdued conferences that could lie ahead.

Moteurs Baudouin, a global leader in advanced power solutions, has announced its role as a Silver Sponsor at Touchdown Middle East, an industry-leading event organised by the Gulf Data Center Association (GDCA).

Held in Bahrain, the event highlights Baudouin's dedication to supporting the Middle East's rapidly growing data centre sector.

"At Moteurs Baudouin, we are driven by a singular vision: to be recognised as a global leader in innovative power solutions," said Enrique Moraga, director of business development for critical applications at Baudouin.

Building on its strong partnership with the Gulf Data Centre Association (GDCA), Baudouin will showcase its expertise in power generation for critical applications during the event.

With over a century of experience in delivering dependable power solutions, Baudouin is well-positioned to support the Middle East's expanding digital infrastructure.

The event also marks the launch of Baudouin’s groundbreaking 20M55 generator set, offering an unprecedented 5250 kVA—the highest power rating currently available for data centre backup solutions.

"Our latest 20M55 generator set, delivering an industry-leading 5250 kVA, redefines reliability and efficiency, meeting the growing demands of modern data centres," director of business development for critical applications at Baudouin.

Touchdown Middle East is set to be a key gathering for the region’s data center industry.

Li-ion battery energy storage systems (BESS) remain the global market leader, with 92.3 GWh deployed in 2023 across grid-scale, commercial, and residential applications, according to a recent IDTechEx report.

The widespread adoption of Li-ion BESS has been driven by significant cost reductions and continued technological advancements that enhance safety and energy density. These characteristics make Li-ion batteries a preferred choice for customers prioritising efficiency, durability, and cost-effectiveness in energy storage solutions.

Emerging technologies, including CATL's "zero-degradation" TENER system, have captured industry attention. The TENER system reportedly maintains zero degradation for five years, a claim achieved through biomimetic SEI, self-assembly electrolytes, and pre-lithiation additives.

These innovations are part of a broader industry trend to optimise system-level energy density and reduce lifecycle costs, enabling Li-ion technology to maintain its dominance in the energy storage market.

IDTechEx forecasts the Li-ion BESS market to reach US$109bn by 2035. A notable shift in Li-ion technology is the increasing adoption of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry, which offers cost advantages, longer cycle life, and a lower risk of thermal runaway compared to nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) chemistry. LFP's affordability and stability have positioned it as the dominant choice for stationary energy storage applications.

While LFP cells generally have lower energy density than NMC cells, advancements in larger cell form factors and system design have improved energy efficiency.

These enhancements enable manufacturers to allocate more container volume to active cells rather than components like thermal management systems, saving space and reducing installation costs.

Notable examples include Narada Power’s 5.11 MWh system, featuring a cell-level energy density of 390 Wh/L, and CATL’s 6.25 MWh TENER container, offering 430 Wh/L and a ~25% increase in system-level energy density over previous models.

These developments are crucial for high-capacity projects in spatially constrained locations. Despite its challenges, such as supply chain complexities and cost fluctuations, Li-ion technology remains critical to global energy transition efforts. Its proven reliability and scalability for grid-scale projects ensure its continued prominence. Furthermore, as the demand for sustainable energy solutions grows, ongoing innovations in Li-ion BESS will help meet stringent market requirements.

Würth Group, a global leader in fastening and assembly materials, is unveiling its new division, Würth Construction Gulf, at the Big 5 event in Dubai from 26-29 November. 

This initiative aims to revolutionise the construction sector in the Middle East with innovative, efficient, and sustainable solutions, aligned with Dubai’s 2040 vision for urban development.

Leading the announcement, Benjamin Würth, a fourth-generation member of the Würth family, emphasises the division’s focus on enhancing construction practices in the region. Würth Construction Gulf is introducing cutting-edge technologies, agile supply chain solutions, and eco-friendly products tailored to the Middle East's dynamic growth and infrastructure demands.

The division highlights its RELAST system, a state-of-the-art solution designed to extend the lifespan of critical infrastructure such as bridges, showcasing Würth’s dedication to sustainable and resilient construction practices. Würth Construction Gulf is also committed to partnering with regional developers and contractors to deliver bespoke solutions that meet project deadlines and budgets without compromising quality.

As a principal sponsor of the Big 5’s Global Leaders Summit, Würth Group is participating in key discussions on optimising supply chains and infrastructure in the Middle East. The company is sharing its global expertise to drive sustainable, efficient growth while leveraging advanced digital tools and automation.

At the Big 5, Würth’s live product demonstrations offer attendees a firsthand look at innovative solutions designed to tackle the challenges of the regional construction market.

Cannon Artes is constructing an advanced wastewater treatment and water reuse plant within one of the largest petrochemical complexes in the Middle East.

The facility, designed to support the water recovery requirements of a major polyolefin plant in Qatar, will process up to 25,000 cubic metres of effluent and cooling-tower-blow-down water daily. With a recovery capacity of 780 cubic metres per hour, the plant significantly reduces discharge rates, achieving nearly 80% water reuse.

This far exceeds regulatory standards. The facility is part of a nearly US$2bn project to establish a new polyethylene plant. The plant, designed with two polymerisation units and an annual capacity of nearly 2 million tons, incorporates advanced membrane technologies to manage industrial wastewater and cooling water blowdown.

Industrial effluents are treated using Cannon Artes’ proprietary EmbioArt Membrane BioReactor (MBR), while cooling water blowdown is processed with ultrafiltration (UF) and reverse osmosis (RO) technologies. The facility has a total treatment capacity of approximately 1,000 cubic metres per hour.

The project also includes a 600 cubic metre-per-hour remineralisation plant, equipped with six advanced calcite filters. This system increases pH and reduces the corrosivity of recovered water, setting a new benchmark for industrial remineralisation technology.

Sustainable operations

The Qatar project highlights Cannon Artes’ capability to execute large-scale, complex contracts. The company handled every aspect, from process design to procurement, manufacturing, assembly, testing, and delivery. All components were customised to meet client specifications, integrating cutting-edge technologies like EmbioArt MBR, UF, and RO for maximum efficiency and environmental sustainability.

Construction commenced in August 2024, with infrastructure expected to be completed within six months by early 2025. Full mechanical completion is slated for Q4 2025, demonstrating an impressive timeline given the project's complexity.

With projects delivered in more than 80 countries, the company has provided customised solutions to industries including oil and gas, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and food and beverage, solidifying its reputation for excellence in industrial water management.

“Cannon Artes was chosen as the supplier of choice earlier this year, due to our proven ability to deliver large-scale and complex industrial wastewater treatment solutions that meet the highest environmental and efficiency standards,” said Alessio Liati, sales director at Cannon Artes. “To give an idea of the project’s scale, the water treatment plant alone spans an area comparable to three football fields, with more than 1,600 reverse osmosis membranes, 360 ultrafiltration modules, and over 17,000 sqm of active MBR membrane surface.”