News Worldwide
Rebuilding Los Angeles: A Fire-Resistant Future After Wildfire Devastation
Los Angeles is once again rising from the ashes after another wave of destructive wildfires. With over $250 billion in damages and thousands of homes lost, this disaster has highlighted the urgent need for smarter, more resilient rebuilding strategies. Instead of simply replacing what was lost, the city is taking a forward-thinking approach—prioritizing fire-resistant construction, better urban planning, and stronger policies to safeguard communities from future wildfires.
Fire-Resistant Homes: Building for the Future
One of the most significant changes in the rebuilding process is the shift toward fire-resistant materials and designs. Traditional wood siding, asphalt shingles, and wooden fences, which have fueled past wildfires, are being replaced with noncombustible alternatives. New homes will be built with concrete and stucco exteriors, tempered glass windows that can withstand extreme heat, and fireproof roofing materials such as metal and clay tiles. Additionally, wooden decks and fences are being swapped out for nonflammable materials to further reduce fire risk.
Beyond materials, architectural design is playing a critical role. Creating defensible space—an area around homes that is clear of flammable vegetation—is now a standard requirement. Homeowners are also incorporating roof sprinkler systems and ember-resistant vents to prevent fires from spreading into homes. Smart technology, including advanced fire detection systems, is helping residents receive real-time alerts and take preventative action before flames reach their property.
Safer Urban Planning: Rethinking Where and How We Build
Los Angeles is also taking a broader approach to fire prevention by rethinking how communities are planned. Buffer zones—open spaces designed to slow the spread of wildfires—are being established between residential neighborhoods and high-risk areas. At the same time, new housing developments are being strategically placed away from fire-prone hillsides and canyons, where wildfires have historically caused the most damage.
To further minimize risk, the city is limiting urban sprawl into wildfire-prone regions and focusing on denser, more centralized communities. Infrastructure improvements such as wider roads, expanded evacuation routes, and underground power lines are also being prioritized to enhance fire safety and emergency response capabilities.
Policy and Funding: Making Fire-Safe Rebuilding Possible
To ensure homeowners and developers can implement these fire-resistant measures, California is providing financial and policy support. The state has expanded its FAIR Plan to offer wildfire insurance in high-risk areas, while grants and low-interest loans are available to encourage fire-resistant rebuilding. On the federal level, agencies such as FEMA and HUD are contributing disaster relief funds to help communities rebuild stronger and safer.
Through fire-resistant construction, strategic urban planning, and policy-driven support, Los Angeles is not just rebuilding—it’s redefining resilience. The city’s new approach will help protect communities for generations to come, ensuring that future wildfires do not result in the same level of devastation.
European Heat Pump Sales Plummet by 23%, Triggering Job Losses
Heat pump sales across 13 major European markets fell by 23% in 2024, leading to thousands of job losses, according to the European Heat Pump Association (EHPA). The decline has been attributed to insufficient government support, economic struggles, and subsidized gas prices, leaving much of the industry’s capacity idle.
The EHPA reported that sales dropped by 600,000 units, affecting 4,000 jobs in 2024. The sharpest declines were recorded in Belgium (-52%), Germany (-48%), and France (-24%). Japanese manufacturer Daikin announced temporary unemployment at its Belgian factory in response to falling demand.
In contrast, the UK was the only country to see growth, with a record 63% increase in sales. This was driven by government incentives, including the £42 million Heat Pump Ready programme and an additional £30 million for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
The EHPA warned that changes to support schemes have contributed to the downturn, impacting an additional 6,000 jobs. It also highlighted that gas and electricity taxes remain equal in most countries, making heat pumps less competitive.
Despite setbacks, the EHPA remains optimistic. “Consumers want clean heating and energy independence,” said its director general, urging the EU Commission to prioritize heat pumps in the upcoming Clean Industrial Deal.
Norway currently leads Europe with 686 heat pumps per 1,000 households, but even its market saw a 10% decline in 2024.
Toshiba Carrier UK Unveils Eco-Friendly DAISEIKAI™ 10 Air Conditioner
Toshiba Carrier UK has launched the DAISEIKAI™ 10, a state-of-the-art air conditioner that combines performance, sustainability, and sleek aesthetics for superior home comfort. A part of Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE: CARR), Toshiba Carrier UK continues to drive innovation in intelligent climate and energy solutions.
The DAISEIKAI 10 is crafted using 43% recycled plastic, reinforcing Toshiba’s commitment to home decarbonisation. It features advanced air purification technologies, including a Plasma Ionizer to eliminate airborne contaminants and an Ultra-Pure Filter, which captures up to 94% of harmful PM 2.5 particles such as smoke, viruses, and bacteria. The self-cleaning coil maintains efficiency, while an ultra-quiet mode ensures minimal noise disruption.
Designed for maximum efficiency, the unit uses motion tracking technology to direct airflow where needed. A WiFi-operated Smart Sensing control function app enables users to customise airflow settings. The air conditioner’s “natural” design, featuring a PEFC-certified wood grille, aligns with its eco-friendly concept, offering a sustainable yet stylish appeal in wood or white finishes.
The DAISEIKAI 10 reflects our dedication to air purification and climate control in an elegant, eco-conscious product,” said David Dunn, Managing Director at Toshiba Carrier UK. Compatible with Single and Multi-Split Condensing Units, it offers built-in Wi-Fi and energy monitoring for real-time performance tracking.
Now available through Toshiba Carrier UK’s network, the DAISEIKAI 10 reinforces Toshiba’s role in sustainable air conditioning while supporting the UK’s 2050 net-zero target.
Learn more at www.toshiba-aircon.co.uk.
UK Water Companies to Benefit from AI-Powered Pipeline Monitoring
Water companies across the UK will soon gain unprecedented insights into their underground infrastructure through a groundbreaking partnership between Network Plus and Datatecnics. This collaboration aims to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and predictive maintenance within the sector.
Network Plus will deploy Datatecnics’ advanced sensing technologies, which use AI-driven decision-making to provide real-time monitoring of critical pipelines. By integrating cutting-edge hardware, software, and predictive analytics, the initiative will help water companies detect vulnerabilities before they escalate into major issues.
Kevin Fowlie, CEO of Network Plus, emphasized the importance of this collaboration in enhancing the digital maturity of utility companies. With over 5,000 employees and 80 regional depots, Network Plus delivers essential services across water, wastewater, gas, power, telecoms, and transport. Sam Atherton, Chief Strategy Officer, highlighted the partnership’s role in future-proofing the UK’s water infrastructure.
Datatecnics, known for its Foresight platform, offers AI-powered risk modeling tools that connect all water utility data. CEO Suhayl Zulfiquar described the partnership as a pivotal step toward innovation and resilience, ensuring easier access to next-generation digital water management technologies.
This partnership marks a significant advancement in the UK water sector, supporting data-driven decision-making and enhancing long-term infrastructure reliability.
UAE’s Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative Partners with World Bank to Tackle Global Water Scarcity
The Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative and the World Bank have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate innovation and investment in global water security. The agreement was signed by Ayesha Al-Ateeqi, Executive Director of the initiative, and Ousmane Dione, World Bank Vice President for MENA, during the World Governments Summit 2025.
This collaboration aims to address critical water security challenges by fostering sustainable water management solutions. Key areas of focus include enhancing water sustainability, boosting efficiency, and developing innovative financing mechanisms. The initiative will also engage public and private sectors, along with international organizations, to incubate and scale up groundbreaking water solutions.
Ayesha Al-Ateeqi emphasized that the partnership aligns with the initiative’s mission to develop new solutions for water scarcity and strengthen international cooperation. Ousmane Dione highlighted the goal of promoting sustainable water management in water-stressed regions through innovations in irrigation, desalination, and water reuse.
The agreement formalizes both organizations’ commitment to tackling water scarcity through joint projects, investment, and international cooperation, ensuring a more secure water future for generations to come.
Sweden Unveils One of Its First Hybrid Solar Farms in Halmstad
A pioneering hybrid solar farm has been unveiled in Halmstad, Sweden, marking a major step forward in the country’s renewable energy sector. The facility, developed by Solarwork Sverige vand Powerworks Energy, integrates both solar power and battery storage to enhance grid stability and efficiency.
Generating over 7,000 MWh of clean electricity annually, the 6.6 MWp installation features 11,928 bifacial PV modules and 20 Sungrow SG250HX string inverters. These high-efficiency inverters ensure seamless integration with bifacial panels, maximizing energy output.
Carl Kuylenstierna, CEO of Sperlingsholms Gods, the plant’s owner, emphasized the importance of solar energy in Sweden’s transition to sustainable power. “We generate electricity exactly when it’s needed most—midday—at a low marginal cost,” he stated.
To further optimize energy use, the farm incorporates a 4 MW/4.4 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) using Sungrow’s PowerTitan 1.0 technology. This AC-coupled system enables independent operation of the PV and battery storage, improving flexibility and reliability.
“Sungrow’s solutions are ideal for the Nordic climate,” said Fredrik Lyckvind, CSO at Powerworks Energy. “The liquid-cooled technology reduces operating costs and ensures long-term stability.”
As Sweden accelerates its renewable energy transition, the Halmstad hybrid solar farm sets a precedent for future sustainable energy projects.
Qualitas Energy Acquires 250 MW Wind Portfolio in Germany
Qualitas Energy, a global renewable energy investment platform, has acquired a 250 MW wind energy portfolio in Germany, strengthening its position in the country’s clean energy market. The portfolio includes four wind farm projects in Saxony-Anhalt, Hesse, Lower Saxony, and Baden-Württemberg, with a total of 37 planned turbines in advanced development stages.
Once operational, the wind farms will generate enough electricity to power over 166,000 households, equivalent to a city the size of Duisburg. This acquisition follows Qualitas Energy’s recent additions, including a 32-turbine wind farm near the North Sea coast and seven wind farms with a 173 MW repowering potential across Germany.
The deal marks the company’s largest transaction since its 2023 acquisition of DunoAir’s 1.4 GW onshore wind development business. Supported by its €2.4 billion Qualitas Energy Fund V, the company is accelerating its investments in Germany’s wind sector.
“Wind power is one of the most cost-effective and reliable sources of electricity, and we are committed to leveraging its full potential,” said Johannes Overbeck, Co-CEO of Qualitas Energy Germany.
With over 250 employees across six locations, Qualitas Energy continues driving Germany’s energy transition and decarbonization goals through strategic wind power investments.
