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DEWA announces eight new 132 kV substations in Dubai, boosting capacity by 1,200 MVA for US$370mn, enhancing energy reliability and supporting urban growth. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Energy

DEWA adds eight 132 kV substations in Dubai

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, managing director and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), has announced the commissioning of eight new 132 kV transmission substations in the first half of 2024

These substations, with a total conversion capacity of 1,200 megavolt-amperes (MVA) and a combined cost of approximately US$370mn (AED 1.36 billion), are part of DEWA’s strategy to keep up with Dubai’s rapid development and urban growth. The projects also involved the installation of 89 kilometers of ground cables to further improve the efficiency of the 132 kV transmission network and address the rising electricity demand across the Emirate.

Dubai Energy Expansion

Al Tayer noted that some of these substations are designed to serve residential neighborhoods for Emirati citizens in Dubai, aligning with the integrated housing plan initiated by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice-president and prime minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. This plan, launched by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, aims to enhance living conditions in Emirati residential areas and boost social well-being.

“We continue our relentless efforts to achieve the goals of the National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031, and Dubai Social Agenda 33 to provide the best living experience and residential services that are suitable for all. We also work to enhance the reliability and availability of the energy network in Dubai utilising the latest disruptive technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, smart technologies, and innovative practices across all our services and operations. This has contributed to achieving 100% in the reliability and availability of the energy transmission system in Dubai since 2018 and DEWA achieving the best performance among utilities worldwide. The total cost of DEWA’s electricity transmission network projects under construction exceeds US$1.36bn (AED 5 billion),” Al Tayer added.

The new substations were commissioned in the areas of Al Thanya 3, Al Barsha South 4, Wadi Al Shabak, Nadd Hessa, International City Phase 2, Wadi Al Safa 5, and Umm Suqeim 3. Completing these substations involved over 8 million safe working hours and employed the latest global digital technologies for transmission substations. This effort is part of DEWA’s commitment to advancing digital transformation across its services and operations, ensuring high standards of availability, reliability, efficiency, and safety.

As of the end of June 2024, the total number of transmission substations in Dubai has reached 382, including 27 400 kV substations and 355 132 kV substations. There are currently 31 132 kV transmission substations under construction, and DEWA is reviewing financial proposals for six new 132 kV substations. Over the next three years, DEWA plans to issue new tenders for the construction of more than 50 additional 132 kV transmission substations and extend 350 kilometers of ground transmission cables.

In addition, DEWA has awarded contracts for ten new 132 kV substations in various areas across Dubai, including Al Aweer 1, Umm Nahad 4, Al Manara, Umm Suqeim 2, Al Quoz Industrial 3, Hatta, Al Barsha South 3, Al Barsha 2, Wadi Al Safa 4, and Zabeel 2, with a total investment of approximately US$272mn (AED 1 billion). Contracts have also been awarded for extending 132 kV ground cables to connect these new substations to the main electricity transmission grid, totaling 25 kilometers and costing up to US$48mn (AED 176 million).

Amagua C.E.M. designs solar-powered water treatment and distribution network for Ecuador’s Samborondón District. (Image source: Bentley Systems)

Water

Adopting solar energy for a new integrated water system

Amagua's integrated water system in La Puntilla Parish, Ecuador, leverages solar power and Bentley’s 3D modeling to optimise operations, reduce costs, and cut carbon emissions, ensuring a sustainable water supply.

Neda Simeonova, senior product marketing manager, Water Infrastructure, at Bentley Systems, pens this piece for Technical Review Middle East. She has been involved in the water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure industry for over 18 years, and has focused extensively on industry trends, technology advancements, and water policies.

Neda Simeonova 5 1

Neda Simeonova, senior product marketing manager, Water Infrastructure, at Bentley Systems

Amagua C.E.M. provides drinking water and wastewater management for the La Puntilla Parish in the Samborondón district of Ecuador. Committed to offering a quality, efficient water supply and sewerage service, they also provide complementary preventive system management, as well as consulting for network design, construction, and maintenance of residential facilities. To streamline operations and ensure a reliable water supply, Amagua decided to build an integrated water capture, transportation, and treatment system.

“To have operational autonomy, we determined the need for an integrated collection, conduction, and treatment system that allows it to supply a complete flow of 880 litres per second (l/s),” said Leonidas Dávila, engineer and project director at Amagua.

The project was divided into two phases, providing a flow of 440 l/s in the first phase and an additional 440 l/s during the second phase. It involved designing a catchment, distribution line, and treatment plant. To make the project self-sustainable and reduce its carbon footprint as much as possible, Amagua contemplated using solar panels to power the network and pump the water to the distribution tanks. The solar energy captured by the panels would power surface pumps that draw water from a river or well and pump it to the raw water tank and distribution system, reducing and potentially eliminating the network’s reliance on conventional energy sources, such as grid electricity or fossil fuels.

Addressing undulating terrain and pipeline transients

While solar panels are advantageous to reducing environmental impact and supporting a more sustainable and economical water supply, Amagua needed to consider several factors to optimise pump and network operations. “It is important to consider the appropriate capacity and size of solar panels, as well as the efficiency and capacity of storing energy in batteries, for optimal operation of the pump system,” remarked Dávila. In addition to the panel specifications and energy considerations, Amagua also had to address semi-undulating terrain and irregular topography, as well as avoid problems with transients in the 4.2-km-long pipeline in the high elevation area.

To identify and mitigate potential problems that could affect the pressure and flow and compromise operations, as well as ensure that the solar panels could generate the necessary power to deliver a reliable water supply, Amagua had to perform various modeling scenarios. They needed an integrated 3D design and hydraulic modeling and analysis solution to optimise optioneering, determine the most effective network arrangement, and validate the use of solar energy.

Leveraging Bentley’s 3D design and hydraulic modeling and analysis applications

“It was proposed that MicroStation and OpenFlows Water be used to optimise the execution of the project,” stated Dávila. Amagua selected MicroStation to design the entire architecture of the system in 2D and 3D, as well as OpenFlows Water to model and analyse the pipeline arrangement of the network and estimate energy consumption costs, based on both electricity and renewable energy.

The advanced algorithms and 3D visualisation features of Bentley’s applications allowed Amagua to perform digital simulations of numerous scenarios, verifying the optimization of both the existing and future distribution networks, and validating the use of solar panels as the most efficient source of renewable energy. “Thanks to the usefulness of OpenFlows Water’s energy cost module, we were able to model energy costs when using fossil fuels and when using solar panels, as well as their contribution to the carbon footprint,” continued Dávila. The digital models will also be used throughout the construction and operations phases of the project.

Digital simulation reaps savings and supports sustainability

Using Bentley’s advanced 3D design and hydraulic modeling and analysis applications, Amagua reduced modeling time by 80%. Working in a connected digital platform improved efficiencies in data federation and data exchange processes by 75% and 80%, respectively. Through accurate modeling and simulation, Amagua shortened the planning stage by 15 days, identifying and eliminating 3,530 collisions during the design phase that was equivalent to a potential savings of US$50,000. The integrated technology solution shaved 97 days off the construction schedule to save US$1.2mn while achieving an optimal design that saved 40,000 tons of concrete.

In addition to time, cost, and material savings, the digital simulations supported the use of solar panels, delivering significant environmental and sustainability benefits by reducing energy consumption and the carbon footprint of the project. The solar panels reduced dependency on fossil fuels, eliminating 6,905 metric tons of carbon emissions. “As a result, we were able to achieve a 95% reduction in fossil fuel energy used per year,” stated Dávila. Compared to conventional pumping systems, the solar-powered pumps are easier to maintain and are especially useful in rural or remote areas where electrical infrastructure may be limited, providing autonomous and reliable access to drinking water, improving the quality of life for communities. “The use of water pumping systems with solar panels offers significant environmental, economic, and social benefits,” concluded Dávila.

IFC supports MAN Enterprise Group to expand in MENA, enhance gender inclusion, and promote sustainable growth amid regional challenges. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Construction

IFC boosts MENA's growth with MAN Enterprise

IFC, part of the World Bank Group, granted a US$15mn loan to MAN Enterprise Group, an engineering, procurement, and construction Group to expand in MENA & Europe, fostering green growth and gender inclusion in Lebanon's challenging economy

The loan will help the group grow its operations across the Middle East and Africa, supporting private sector development and job creation.

It will also assist the group in initiating new projects to establish its presence in different countries, enhancing its internal capacity for climate-friendly technologies, and improving its gender inclusion practices.

The conflict in the Middle East has been impacting countries in the region, including Lebanon, a nation that has already faced several economic challenges in recent years. Unemployment, especially among Lebanese youth and women, is a significant issue. According to estimates by the International Labour Organization, nearly half of Lebanon's youth are unemployed (47.8%), with women facing even greater difficulty finding jobs.

"IFC's support is not only a vote of confidence in our Group but also in Lebanon's private sector potential as a growth engine," said Patrick Abi Nader, CEO of MAN Enterprise. "Apart from the financing, we will collaborate with IFC to integrate climate-friendly practices into our operations and address gender disparities in our workforce to unlock a more diverse talent pool critical to our success."

The construction industry is a major global driver of employment, contributing 13% of total employment in the Middle East and North Africa region in 2020. In addition to its investment, IFC will partner with MAN Holding in Lebanon to enhance gender inclusion by offering childcare solutions for working parents. This initiative aims to attract and retain women in the workforce, boosting their participation in economic recovery efforts. This effort is part of the Care Arabia program, a regional initiative led by the World Bank Group through IFC.

"Despite Lebanon's challenging environment, IFC has been selectively identifying opportunities to support the Lebanese private sector through South-South investments, preserving jobs and aiding the economy during a critical period," said Ashruf Megahed, regional industry head of manufacturing, Agribusiness and Services for the Middle East, Central Asia, and Türkiye. "Investing in a local market leader like MAN Enterprise will enable the company to access corporate capital complementary to traditional financing, enhance sustainable and inclusive practices, and strengthen resilience against economic downturns."

IFC's financing aligns with the World Bank Group's strategies for the Middle East and Africa, aiming to foster job creation through accelerated private sector growth, competitiveness, and sustainable green development.

For over five decades, IFC has been a steadfast partner in Lebanon, supporting the country's private sector with investments and guidance across various sectors including finance, manufacturing, construction, retail, and ICT. These efforts aim to enhance competitiveness and create more employment opportunities, particularly for women, youth, and vulnerable communities. Since 2005, IFC has invested over US$920mn in Lebanese firms, deploying US$603mn from its own funds and mobilising US$317mn from other partners, leading to the creation and preservation of more than 40,000 jobs, with over 7,000 held by women.

Discover the enhanced JCB 3CX Backhoe Loaders, arriving this July with upgraded features for superior performance. (Image source: Bell Equipment)

Mining

Revolutionising Backhoe efficiency with JCB 3CX

The updated range of JCB 3CX Backhoe Loaders is set to arrive on South African shores this July, promising to build on the brand’s popularity with enhanced features aimed at delivering improved comfort, versatility, and productivity, thereby reducing costs and boosting efficiency

Bell Equipment sales product manager for JCB products, Massyn Jansen Van Vuuren, commented, “This new model range will replace the existing JCB 3CX Eco, 3DX and 3CX Global product lineup. The new cab makeover is the most noticeable change and is bound to impress. The striking new design uses high quality moulded plastics, and the pillars and roof are light grey in colour to give a lighter and more spacious feel.

“Most importantly the new cab places a huge focus on operator safety, comfort, and ease of operation. For example, the loader lever has been simplified to operate like a wheel loader. The 3CX range now has a single lever loader control incorporating an F-N-R directional switch so an operator can control the loader and transmission with one hand. In addition, there is a proportional switch on the side of the lever to operate the 6-in-1 bucket, which further reduces the effort needed to operate the machine.” 

Enhanced features

The new EasyShift transmission with 'kick down' comes standard across the range, simplifying gear changes via a rotation of the F-N-R directional lever next to the steering wheel. The kick down switch, located on the floor, allows operators to shift from second to first gear for added power during loading or site work."

“All cabs are ROPS/FOPS certified and the seat rotation area is larger to give the operator more room, which together with improved cab sealing to keep out water and dust, creates a cleaner and more pleasant workspace. There is also improved visibility to the working area behind the machine,” remarked Massyn.

In addition, the 3CX Plus model introduces a high-performance HVAC air conditioning system with 21 adjustable air vents strategically positioned around the front console, ‘B’ pillar, and rear of the machine, optimising comfort and demisting performance. The 3CX features a standard fan mounted on the B pillar."

Under the hood, the JCB 3CX range benefits from enhanced hydraulic efficiency due to new standard variable displacement piston pumps across all models. The larger pump provides 150lpm, a 39% increase over the previous model, allowing for reduced engine speed while maintaining productivity, effectively cutting fuel consumption. Moreover, the variable flow pump operates on demand, reducing engine load and further improving fuel efficiency.

The Plus and Pro models feature a standard Smooth Ride System for improved road handling and can be equipped with a versatile 6-in-1 shovel, optionally fitted with flip-over forks for increased functionality. “The 6-in-1 shovel can be used for dozing, loading, digging, grabbing, spreading, and grading while the optional flip over forks are ideal for machines that will double up as a forklift for pick and place activities around the work site and to unload vehicles,” he added.

Lighting has been upgraded with six LED work lights replacing halogen lights. Front-mounted adjustable LEDs and rear-mounted LEDs, two of which are adjustable, enhance nighttime visibility. A 'guide me home' light system keeps work lights illuminated for 30 seconds after the ignition is turned off, aiding safe exit from the machine and worksite during nighttime operations.

Other standard features include an in-cab boom lock, front and rear wash/wiper functions, Return To Dig function, electronic throttle control, Bluetooth radio and USB ports, front and side LCD display, adjustable steering column, and a battery isolator key for electrical isolation during maintenance.

"All in all, the new 3CX range has a machine to suit all requirements and we expect these new machines to add real value and strengthen JCB’s position as the world’s leading brand of Backhoe Loaders. We have a fleet of units that will be used across the country to familiarise customers with the new range and the improvements, so we encourage customers to contact their nearest Bell dealer and experience the machines for themselves,” concluded Massyn.

New M410 and M510 Label Printers from Brady. (Image source: Brady Corporation)

Innovations

Powerful precision. Simply intuitive.

Brady Corporation’s new mid-range portable label printers are equipped with all the latest features for professional label printing

With 110 different label cartridges for the new M410, and 250+ for the new M510, electricians, data centre installers, telecom contractors, laboratory researchers, warehouse and manufacturing professionals will be able to wrap, sleeve, tag and flag their way through any cable identification challenge with great ease, accuracy and speed.

M410 Label Printer

Specifically engineered for premium 25.40 mm printing, the M410 Label Printer is an everyday workhorse for DataCom, electrical and lab professionals. Create and print labels faster with its intuitive QWERTY keypad and programmed pre-set label options for wire marking, flagging and patch panel ID.

Characteristics and benefits:

• Print pre-sized or continuous labels up to 25.40 mm wide with edge-to-edge printing
• 110+ hassle-free drop-in cartridges with 12+ purpose-built materials to take on whatever your work demands
• Get seamless cartridge changes with an easy-swap locking mechanism while a window in the door allows you to easily remember what's installed
• Create and print two ways — the intuitive QWERTY keypad or a PC
• Designed to withstand 1.2 m drops and challenging work environments
• Enhanced exterior colouring for jobsite visibility
• Ships with the free Brady Workstation Basic Design suite that includes fundamental apps and features to create labels.
• Backlit LCD graphics display for easier labelling in low-lit areas

Find out more about the M410 Label Printer >>

M510 Label Printer

The perfect companion for your project workspace, the M510 Label Printer works fast to deliver high-quality labels day in and day out. Whether you’re in a lab, field or facility, this printer works as hard as you do. Design and print up to 38.10 mm labels on demand with a QWERTY keypad or create labels in batches at the office with Brady Workstation software.

Characteristics and benefits:

• Create large 38.10 mm labels with edge-to-edge printing and a wide range of text sizes
• Print up to 38.10 mm per second to get work done faster
• Use the M510 for more applications with 250+ hassle-free drop-in cartridges and 26+ high-performance materials
• Enter data with more accuracy as you work between an intuitive QWERTY keypad, a separate numeric keypad or a PC
• Backlit full-colour LCD graphics display for easier labelling in low-lit areas
• Durably designed to withstand 1.2 m drops
• Ships with the free Brady Workstation Basic Design suite that includes fundamental apps and features to create labels.
• The rechargeable NiMH battery prints up to 1700 labels on a single charge

Find out more about the M510 Label Printer >>

Interested in how to quickly create reliable labels anywhere? Discover portable labelling solutions from Brady Corporation!

Envision Group and DHL Group join hands to advance green logistics, SAF, and a Net Zero Industrial Park, targeting net-zero emissions. (Image source: DHL Group)

Logistics

Envision & DHL: Green logistics partnership

Envision Group, a leading global green technology company, and DHL Group have signed a strategic partnership agreement to foster comprehensive cooperation in logistics solutions and accelerate sustainability targets

The partnership covers four main areas: Logistics solutions, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), green energy, and the joint development of a "Net Zero Industrial & Logistic Park." This collaboration combines DHL Group's extensive logistics expertise with Envision's knowledge of renewable energy solutions, aiming to advance environmental energy initiatives. Both companies are committed to achieving net-zero emissions, with SAF being a key focus. Recognizing SAF's critical role in reducing carbon emissions in air transportation, DHL aims to increase the SAF mix to 30% by 2030. Envision will provide SAF for DHL, supporting the logistics company's carbon reduction goals while securing the global supply. Additionally, Envision will explore renewable feedstock sources and technology routes to advance decarbonisation in the aviation sector.

Lei Zhang, Chairman of Envision Group, stated, "The aviation sector is currently trailing targets largely due to high costs associated with green hydrocarbons and their derivatives. Envision, through systematic innovation, can reduce cost and revolutionise the production of SAF at scale. The development of this 'new oil' will support global efforts towards carbon neutrality."

Sustainable logistics alliance

Furthermore, Envision will provide comprehensive green energy transition solutions, including electricity, to support DHL's renewable energy goals through focused green power procurements.

The agreement positions DHL as a key strategic partner for Envision's development plans, leveraging DHL's extensive network across over 220 countries and territories to support Envision's renewable energy market expansion. As Envision's preferred logistics partner, DHL will deploy fully integrated logistics solutions to enhance efficiency and quality, ensuring seamless global supply chain management and support in navigating regulatory and operational challenges.

Tobias Meyer, CEO at DHL Group, remarked, "The partnership framework with Envision represents a further step towards global sustainability leadership for DHL Group. By leveraging our unparalleled logistics expertise and unique global network, we are committed to supporting Envision in their international expansion and logistical challenges. Together, we will lead the change in integrating green technologies and optimising supply chains, setting new benchmarks for sustainable innovation and global environmental impact through the energy transition."

Envision and DHL will also explore opportunities for the joint development and construction of a "Net Zero Industrial & Logistic Park" across various industry sectors. This new class of industrial parks, fully powered by a comprehensive clean energy solution, integrates the supply chains of several industries, such as electric vehicle and battery manufacturing. The Park aims to advance new electric power systems models and foster green industrial ecosystems, expediting the global green transition for customers. Having launched in Asia and parts of Europe and the Middle East, Envision, with DHL's support, will expand the Park's global footprint, providing innovative solutions for zero-carbon transformation.

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