Energy

GE Vernova has secured a new order from the Middle Delta Electricity Production Company (MDEPC), an affiliate of the Egyptian Electricity Holding Company (EEHC), to modernise power generation assets at the Bahna and Nubaria power plants in Egypt.

The agreement includes two Advanced Gas Path (AGP) upgrades for GE Vernova 9F gas turbines operating at the Bahna power plant, alongside long-term services agreements covering both Bahna and Nubaria facilities. The contracts span 15 years for Bahna and eight years for Nubaria.

Booked during the first quarter of 2026, the project is expected to be implemented over a three-year period and forms part of Egypt’s broader strategy to modernise its electricity infrastructure, strengthen energy security and improve power generation efficiency.

According to MDEPC, the AGP upgrades are expected to enhance the operational performance of the turbines while increasing electricity output and reducing fuel consumption.

Mohamed El-Abd said the project demonstrated the benefits advanced turbine technology could bring to Egypt’s F-class gas turbine fleet.

He noted that the upgrades are expected to improve the efficiency of each turbine by around 2%, while also increasing generation capacity. The enhanced performance is anticipated to support additional power generation using fuel more efficiently and may contribute to lowering carbon emissions per megawatt hour.

The agreement also aims to improve plant reliability and extend maintenance intervals through the application of AGP technology, which has increasingly been used globally to optimise existing gas-fired generation assets.

Joseph Anis said improving the efficiency and availability of existing power generation infrastructure remained an important priority for many countries facing rising electricity demand.

He added that technologies such as AGP upgrades could help operators improve operational performance while supporting more reliable and efficient electricity generation.

GE Vernova has maintained a presence in Egypt’s power sector for more than five decades, supporting projects across power generation, transmission and energy services. The company’s installed base in Egypt currently includes more than 60 gas and steam turbines with a combined generating capacity of approximately 10GW.

The latest agreement reflects continued investment in upgrading existing infrastructure as Egypt works to meet growing electricity demand while improving the efficiency and sustainability of its power sector.

Alpha Nero has completed a large-scale solar energy installation across its UAE operations, marking a major step in its long-term sustainability strategy and reducing reliance on grid electricity through on-site renewable generation.

The project was delivered in partnership with CleanMax, a commercial and industrial solar specialist, and is designed to support Alpha Nero’s shift towards lower-carbon operations while improving energy resilience.

The system, with a capacity of around 450 kWp, is expected to generate more than 740,000 kWh of electricity annually. This output will offset a significant share of the company’s operational energy demand and contribute to a substantial reduction in Scope 2 emissions linked to purchased electricity.

According to project estimates, the installation will cut carbon emissions by approximately 320 tonnes of CO2 each year. In addition to environmental benefits, the shift to solar is expected to provide greater long-term cost predictability by reducing exposure to fluctuations in conventional energy prices.

The initiative aligns with wider national sustainability frameworks in the United Arab Emirates, including long-term net zero ambitions and updated climate legislation aimed at accelerating decarbonisation across industrial sectors.

Alpha Nero stated that embedding sustainability into its operating model is now a core business priority, particularly as expectations from regulators, investors and clients increasingly converge around measurable environmental performance. The company views the transition as part of a broader move towards more responsible manufacturing within the luxury fit-out sector.

The project was completed in just three months following its launch in November 2025, and has achieved strong performance benchmarks, with energy yields of approximately 1,650 kWh per kWp. This reflects both efficient system design and optimal use of rooftop space under high solar irradiation conditions in the region.

CleanMax, which manages the full lifecycle of the installation, provides end-to-end services including design, engineering, regulatory compliance and long-term system operation. The company also integrates AI-enabled monitoring tools to optimise performance and ensure consistent energy output over time.

Its model allows clients to adopt solar energy without operational disruption, with systems designed, financed and maintained under long-term service agreements. The project also complies with local utility requirements and incorporates real-time monitoring to maximise efficiency.

CleanMax highlighted that demand for integrated renewable energy solutions is increasing as companies across industries seek to balance cost efficiency with sustainability commitments. Industrial clients are particularly focused on securing stable energy supply while meeting emissions reduction targets.

For Alpha Nero, the solar rollout also supports its broader sustainability initiatives, including the use of its proprietary carbon management platform, which enables businesses to track and reduce emissions across operations.

As the company continues to expand internationally, it plans to further integrate clean energy and digital sustainability tools into its operations, positioning environmental performance as a central component of its long-term growth strategy.

Siemens Smart Infrastructure has introduced a Managed Detection and Response (MDR) service aimed at strengthening cyber resilience for energy providers and operators of critical infrastructure, including data centres and airports.

The launch comes as organisations face growing cybersecurity challenges driven by the convergence of IT and operational technology (OT). This shift is generating a surge in security alerts, placing pressure on internal teams that often lack the resources and round-the-clock expertise required to manage complex threat environments.

Siemens’ MDR offering is designed to address these gaps through a fully managed, 24/7 service model. By outsourcing security operations rather than building in-house capabilities, companies can significantly reduce both upfront and ongoing costs while maintaining compliance with regulatory frameworks such as the NIS 2 Directive.

The service provides continuous monitoring and analysis of IT and OT environments, enabling faster identification and response to potential threats. Security data from client systems is collected and transmitted to a central Security Operations Centre, where events are assessed, prioritised and categorised. From there, customers receive targeted recommendations to mitigate risks and resolve incidents efficiently.

By combining automated detection with specialist expertise, the system is able to distinguish between false alarms and critical incidents, helping organisations focus on genuine threats. Detection protocols are continuously updated to reflect evolving cyber risks, ensuring a proactive rather than reactive approach to security.

Siemens states that the MDR service can accelerate response times significantly, allowing threats to be addressed more quickly than traditional in-house models. It also enables operators to maintain secure operations without diverting resources from core business activities.

The solution is already being deployed by early adopters, including Hertener Stadtwerke, which is using the service to protect its operational systems. For utilities and other infrastructure providers, rising regulatory requirements and the increasing sophistication of cyber threats have made robust security frameworks essential.

The MDR service aligns with Siemens’ broader cybersecurity strategy, which emphasises trusted standards and scalable solutions to support digital transformation. It also reflects the principles of the Charter of Trust, an initiative promoting stronger global cybersecurity practices and collaboration.

As industries continue to digitalise and integrate connected technologies, cybersecurity is becoming a central pillar of operational resilience. Siemens’ latest offering aims to provide a practical and cost-effective solution for organisations seeking to secure complex infrastructure while navigating an evolving threat landscape.

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.