Energy

More than 300 government representatives gathered in Abu Dhabi and online for the 31st Council meeting of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), where discussions centred on energy security, renewable energy deployment and the growing influence of artificial intelligence and digitalisation on the global energy transition.

Held over two days in a hybrid format, the meeting reviewed progress on the agency’s ongoing programmes and explored priorities for the next stage of renewable energy development worldwide. Delegates also examined how electrification and emerging technologies could help accelerate the transition to cleaner energy systems.

Francesco La Camera said the global energy landscape was undergoing rapid change, affecting economies and communities across the world.

“Changes in today’s global energy landscape are affecting not only the energy sector, but entire economies, particularly in the world’s most vulnerable communities,” he said. “This Council convenes at a critical moment as IRENA’s Membership discusses priorities for the next phase of the transition, from energy security and resilience to electrification of end-use sectors and the growth of digital economies.”

The meeting also highlighted the increasing connection between renewable energy, economic stability and food security.

Serving as chair of the 31st IRENA Council, Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak stressed the importance of strengthening renewable energy systems amid global uncertainty.

“The current global landscape clearly demonstrates that energy security, economic stability, and food security are inextricably linked,” she said. “Now, more than ever, the world must double down on renewables.”

She added that IRENA’s role remained critical in helping countries navigate the changing energy environment while supporting long-term sustainability and resilience goals.

Delegates also reviewed the implementation of IRENA’s 2026-2027 work programme and budget, while beginning discussions on the agency’s medium-term strategy for 2028-2032.

The council meeting comes as governments worldwide continue increasing investments in renewable energy infrastructure, low-carbon technologies and grid modernisation to strengthen energy resilience and reduce emissions.

Elsewedy Electric has strengthened its position in the energy services sector through the acquisition of a 60% stake in Dutch turbine maintenance specialist Thomassen Service.

The deal covers Thomassen Service’s operations in the Middle East and Africa, its filter manufacturing division, and its Africa-based subsidiary. The agreement was signed by senior executives from both companies, including Elsewedy Electric CEO and Managing Director Ahmed Elsewedy and Thomassen Service CEO Peter Hertog.

The acquisition forms part of Elsewedy Electric’s wider expansion strategy as demand for dependable energy infrastructure and maintenance services continues to rise across the Gulf and other high-growth markets.

By integrating Thomassen Service’s expertise in gas turbine maintenance and repair, Elsewedy Electric aims to broaden its technical capabilities and strengthen its end-to-end offering across the energy value chain.

Ahmed Elsewedy said, “This acquisition represents an important step in enhancing our technical expertise and expanding the integrated solutions we provide to customers across the Middle East, Africa and Europe. Combining Thomassen Service’s specialist capabilities with our engineering and project delivery strengths will enable us to better support the evolving requirements of the energy sector.”

He added that the move also supports the company’s international growth plans by expanding its ability to provide services covering the full lifecycle of energy projects, from construction through to long-term operation and maintenance.

The transaction comes as countries across the region continue to invest heavily in power generation and industrial infrastructure aligned with long-term economic diversification programmes, including Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

Elsewedy Electric is also developing two advanced gas turbine component repair facilities in the UAE, which are expected to improve local servicing capabilities and reduce dependence on overseas repair centres. The company said the investment would help shorten turnaround times while improving operational efficiency and equipment reliability for customers.

Peter Hertog described the partnership as a significant opportunity for Thomassen Service to expand into new markets and accelerate growth.

“Joining Elsewedy Electric creates strong opportunities to scale our operations and broaden our international reach,” he said. “We are pleased to partner with an organisation that shares our focus on innovation, quality and customer service.”

He added that Thomassen Service’s experience in turbine maintenance, combined with its agile technical teams and international expertise, would complement Elsewedy Electric’s expanding portfolio across the energy, oil and gas industries.

The acquisition is also expected to support further investment in technology, workforce development and infrastructure, enabling both companies to strengthen their presence in the global energy services market.

In front of the company's headquarters, the flags fly in the new design. (image source: Deutz AG)

Cologne-based DEUTZ, a provider of innovative and sustainable mobility and energy solutions, has unveiled a new brand identity that visually captures the company’s transformation of recent years

It reflects the ‘Next DEUTZ’ corporate strategy, which positions DEUTZ more broadly and strengthens the company’s resilience, and the introduction of a new organisational structure with five business units.

“Our new brand combines familiar and new elements,” said DEUTZ CEO Dr. Sebastian Schulte. “Tradition, reliability, and pride in our heritage remain central, for example in the corporate red and the outline of Ulm Minster. At the same time, the new identity embodies openness, progress, and innovation. The open D in the new logo symbolises collaboration and transparency, while the colour yellow represents courage and optimism for the future.”

A key feature of the rebranding is the clear, consistent positioning of the five business units: Defense, Energy, Engines, NewTech, and Service. They will each have their own sub-brand in the market, thus consolidating their own profile beneath the strong DEUTZ umbrella brand.

The new identity highlights tradition and transformation, both internally and externally. It was developed through a collaborative, company-wide process involving more than 1,300 employees. Ideas and input from across the organisation helped to shape the design through workshops, discussions, and structured feedback. The result is a brand that was created from within as an authentic identity for the company’s next chapter.

DEUTZ will gradually roll out the new brand over the coming months. The process was supported by the agency Strichpunkt Design, which was also responsible for delivering the final design.

Mecc Alte has completed a major restructuring of its ownership framework as the power generation specialist prepares for its next phase of industrial growth ahead of its 80th anniversary in 2027.

The consolidation process has resulted in a majority of the group’s controlling shares passing to shareholders Mario Roberto Carraro and Paolo Carraro following negotiations conducted over the past 15 months.

The company said the transition was designed to ensure long-term continuity, stability and strategic clarity while maintaining the family-led industrial heritage that has shaped the business for decades.

Under the new leadership structure, Mario Carraro will continue as chief executive officer and chairman of the group’s operating companies, overseeing overall industrial strategy and direction. Paolo Carraro will retain responsibility for Mecc Alte China, which the company identified as a key pillar of future development.

As part of the transition, the Carraro brothers have also appointed their father, Diego Carraro, as chairman of the new family holding company. The role is intended as a symbolic recognition of his five decades leading the business before stepping down from operational duties in 2021.

“It is a privilege to continue to accompany, in a representative role, the company to which I have devoted fifty years of my operational life,” said Diego Carraro. He added that he was proud to see the next generation taking responsibility for the group’s future while preserving its longstanding values.

The restructuring will also include a broader corporate reorganisation programme during 2026, including the merger of M.e.c.c. Alte S.p.A. into Comeccfin. The move will consolidate subsidiaries under a single industrial and financial holding company to improve strategic alignment and operational efficiency across global operations.

Despite the structural changes, the Mecc Alte brand name will remain unchanged.

Mario Carraro said the transition marked an important step in preparing the company for future growth. “We do so with momentum and courage, but also with awareness of what the company has been,” he said.

The company said the simplified structure would reinforce its strategic focus on the global power generation sector, particularly as demand grows for infrastructure supporting data centres, decentralised energy systems, construction projects and critical backup power applications.

According to Mecc Alte, group revenues increased from €137mn in 2020 to €210mn in FY2025, reflecting continued expansion across international markets.

Paolo Carraro said the restructuring sends a clear signal to the market about the company’s long-term direction. “In a rapidly evolving sector, what makes us different is the ability to be guided by our values,” he said.

The company added that the ownership transition will not affect day-to-day operations, production schedules or existing customer programmes.