Digital shift and decarbonisation: STAMFORD | AvK responds to global energy trends. (Image source: STAMFORD | AvK)

In an interview with Technical Review Middle East, STAMFORD | AvK discusses how its latest innovations, like the high-efficiency STAMFORD S9 alternator and digital VITA AVR range, are supporting the global shift towards net zero. From data centres and microgrids to hybrid systems and alternative fuels, the company outlines how it is helping customers navigate the evolving power landscape with scalable, future-ready solutions. Read on: 

STAMFORD | AvK's white paper talks a lot about where the electrical ecosystem is headed with net zero. How is the STAMFORD S9 fitting into that picture?

The STAMFORD S9 fits seamlessly into the evolving electrical ecosystem by offering better efficiency—potentially saving up to US$45,500 per year in fuel costs and reducing CO₂ emissions by 66 tonnes annually—and by being designed with higher power density in mind, which minimises both weight and space-related carbon footprints.

Moreover, it supports a wide range of applications—from marine to data centres—that are actively participating in the energy transition and incorporating renewable energy.

For example, as data centres explore greener energy sources, the S9 plays a crucial role by delivering the reliable backup power they require, while in Microgrids, it contributes to localised energy resilience and lower emissions by operating alongside renewables and other alternators.

^{The STAMFORD S9 alternator}

With the rapid growth in data centres and increasing demand for grid support, how is the STAMFORD S9 helping to meet these evolving power needs?

The STAMFORD S9 is a market-leading solution already powering data centres around the globe, and it is also constantly being optimised to meet evolving demands.

We are increasing our production capacity and leveraging our global footprint to meet the surging need, while also offering the S9 in various voltages—low, medium, and high—to accommodate different market requirements.

The S9 is engineered to serve both the mission critical backup power applications in data centres as well as prime power applications providing continuous power to the grid.

The high efficiency S9 when coupled with gas engines can be rapidly deployed to feed power to the grid.

Sub-transient reactance-optimised generators are used to provide mission critical backup power directly to data centres.

This capability makes the S9 a flexible, future ready choice for today's power generation landscape.

You mentioned going digital with the VITA range for your AVRs. What brought about that change, and how is it helping customers get closer to net zero?

The move to digital with our VITA AVR range was driven by the need for more precise and stable control, as well as rapid response to load changes—all of which are essential in supporting the energy transition.

This digital approach reduces fuel wastage caused by generator inefficiencies and also enhances performance under variable load conditions, which are typical in hybrid or renewable-powered systems.

As a result, customers can achieve more efficient operations and make meaningful progress towards their net zero targets.

^{STAMFORD VITA 01 AVR}

As a thought leader in the power generation industry, how is STAMFORD | AvK balancing innovation (like the development of the STAMFORD S9 and VITA range) with the practical challenges of decarbonisation, such as cost and scalability, in regions like the Middle East?

Balancing innovation with decarbonisation challenges in regions like the Middle East requires solutions that are not only scalable and cost-effective but also compatible with existing infrastructure and grid systems.

STAMFORD | AvK has a deep-rooted presence in the region, backed by extensive technical expertise and a track record of delivering market-leading solutions tailored to local requirements.

While continuing to drive innovation—such as the launch of the AvK A7 that integrates strengths from both the AvK and STAMFORD brands—we’re also focusing on delivering efficient, durable products that are compatible with both conventional and renewable prime movers, including those powered by HVO, biogas, and hydrogen.

Furthermore, our solutions are designed to be reliable even when renewable sources are intermittent, and our technical support spans the full transition journey, ensuring we stay a trusted partner throughout.

What trends are you keeping an eye on for the next ten years, especially in the energy transformation?

Over the next decade, we are closely monitoring the rapid rise of renewable and hybrid solutions, the growth of microgrids, and the continued evolution of prime movers—including larger engines and those powered by alternative fuels.

At the same time, we’re tracking advances in technology such as variable speed systems, and the emerging potential of fuel cells and even nuclear energy.

These trends will shape the future of power generation, and we are actively aligning our innovation roadmap to stay ahead of them.

The rollout is expected to boost both security and efficiency. (Image source: Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects)

Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects has awarded a major contract to Smiths Detection to install next-generation checkpoint screening systems at Dubai International Airport (DXB), the company announced on the opening day of Airport Show 2025.

Under the multi-year agreement, Smiths Detection will deploy its HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX Model-S computed tomography (CT) scanners across Terminals 1, 2, and 3.

The rollout is expected to boost both security and efficiency while enhancing the passenger experience at one of the world’s busiest airports.

The high-resolution 3D scanners will allow passengers to keep electronics and liquids in their carry-on bags during screening, cutting down processing times.

A push for efficiency

The systems come equipped with iCMORE automatic object recognition software, automated tray return, and smart lane management features.

They are fully certified by international regulatory authorities including the TSA and ECAC.

The project forms part of Dubai’s wider push for a seamless and secure aviation infrastructure, reinforcing its position as a global leader in airport innovation.

It is part of Dubai’s broader strategy for intelligent airport transformation. As DXB continues to break records in international passenger traffic, these upgrades ensure the airport’s security and service capabilities remain ahead of global demand and expectations.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, president of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, chairman of Dubai Airports, and chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline & Group, said, "Dubai continues to lead the world in aviation excellence by investing in the latest security screening technologies. This project strengthens passenger safety, enhances the travel experience, and reinforces Dubai’s reputation as a global aviation hub."

His Excellency Eng. Khalifa Al Zaffin, executive chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation, added that selecting Smiths Detection reflects the organisation's commitment to smart infrastructure integration across its airports.

Meanwhile, Her Excellency Eng. Suzanne Al Anani, chief executive officer of Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects, explained, "We are dedicated to developing secure and intelligent airport infrastructure that meets future demands. This project exemplifies our proactive approach to enabling safe, seamless, and high-capacity travel through the integration of smart, advanced technologies."

Managing director of Smiths Detection Middle East Tom Squier said that the company's advanced screening solutions will enhance detection efficiency and support Dubai’s vision for safe and smart air travel.

Project Hajar is one of the world’s first operations to durably store captured atmospheric CO₂ underground. (Image source: 44.01)

Project Hajar, a partnership between 44.01 and Aircapture, has been named the top performer in the Air category of the XPRIZE Carbon Removal competition, receiving a US$1mn XFACTOR award.

The initiative, based in Fujairah, UAE, combines Aircapture’s Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology with 44.01’s mineralisation process to permanently lock away atmospheric CO₂—preventing it from ever re-entering the atmosphere.

The four-year global competition, backed by Elon Musk and the Musk Foundation, sought scalable carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies that could operate at the gigatonne level. Out of more than 1,300 teams from nearly 80 countries, 20 finalists were announced in May 2024, with the winners unveiled today in New York.

Local support

Project Hajar is one of the world’s first operations to durably store captured atmospheric CO₂ underground. XPRIZE judges praised it as a high-quality, scalable solution with strong potential to support global climate goals.

The project was supported by ADNOC and the Fujairah Natural Resources Corporation.

44.01 has already demonstrated its mineralisation process in Oman and the UAE and is now focused on international expansion.

Talal Hasan, founder and CEO of 44.01, said “The success of Project Hajar is testament to the leading role our region can play in decarbonising our atmosphere, providing new jobs and opportunities as we navigate the energy transition. Our climate needs decarbonisation solutions that can be deployed at scale, and we are working hard to scale up our technology in the Middle East and export it around the world.”

Matt Atwood, founder and CEO of Aircapture, said “This recognition from XPRIZE underscores the strength of our vision for deploying carbon removal infrastructure that is both rapidly scalable and economically viable. While many are focused on future capabilities, our modular system is already operating in the field—delivering measurable results today. We’re honoured that the XPRIZE judges acknowledged the commercial and technical merits of our approach, which is designed for near-term impact and long-term scalability.”

“At this critical turning point for our planet, the technologies developed by these winning teams represent hope with a broad range of approaches that are suitable for different geographies and can help the world reach net zero and ultimately reverse climate change,” said Anousheh Ansari, chief executive officer, XPRIZE. “We cannot stabilise our climate without sustainably and safely extracting carbon from our atmosphere and oceans at large scales. I’m incredibly proud of the ways this XPRIZE competition catalyzed and fostered the innovation and collaboration necessary to build this critical new industry that was missing prior to our competition.”

STR and SubC Imaging partner to enhance subsea inspection. (Image source: STR)

STR, a specialist in advanced marine sensor technology, has entered into an exclusive global technology and service partnership with SubC Imaging, a Canadian original equipment manufacturer known for its subsea cameras, digital video recorders, and data services.

The collaboration comes in response to rising demand across the offshore energy and marine sectors for high-quality optical solutions and real-time inspection data to monitor and maintain critical subsea infrastructure.

Key industries include oil and gas, offshore wind, marine science, defence, and subsea power and communications.

Through STR’s global network, the partnership will deliver an expanded portfolio that combines STR’s in-house camera systems, cathodic protection (CP) tools, flooded member detection (FMD) equipment, and inspection services with SubC Imaging’s advanced camera systems, digital video recording technologies, lights, lasers, and live data streaming solutions.

Improving data quality

The combined offering aims to give clients access to cutting-edge inspection tools and services for deployment on both manned and unmanned vessels, delivering greater operational flexibility, enhanced visual clarity, and improved data acquisition in subsea environments.

Steve Steele, STR CEO, said, “This is a significant partnership for us as part of our commitment is to provide clients with the very best sensor, inspection and data solutions through technology and service quality. This collaboration enables us to direct opportunities toward one another, where appropriate, and focus on the best optical and inspection solutions for our clients. We look forward to building a strong working relationship with Chad and his world-class team.”

Chad Collett, SubC Imaging CEO, said, “This partnership reflects SubC Imaging’s commitment to making advanced optical and data solutions more accessible to the global offshore market. STR’s rental expertise and strong international presence align perfectly with our goal of delivering flexible, high-quality technology that helps clients improve efficiency and data quality in the field.”