News Worldwide
Construction
Fugro and Autodesk
Revolutionize
Geotechnical Data
Management with GeoDin®
Ground Plugin for Civil 3D
Fugro and Autodesk have partnered to launch the GeoDin® Ground plugin for Autodesk Civil 3D, a cutting-edge tool designed to improve geotechnical data management in construction projects. GeoDin® consolidates subsurface data from ground drilling and cone penetration tests (CPTs), providing engineers with essential geotechnical insights. The integration enhances foundation design accuracy and reduces risks from unforeseen ground conditions, while also ensuring automatic compliance with local regulations.
Typically, critical geotechnical knowledge is lacking during the design phase, which can result in inefficiencies such as over-engineering or costly redesigns. By integrating real-time geotechnical data, the GeoDin® plugin allows engineers to optimize designs and address potential issues proactively. Studies reveal that over 50% of organizations currently separate geotechnical data from engineering design processes, underscoring the importance of this integration.
Wim Herijgers, Group Director of Strategy and Transformation at Fugro, noted that the partnership advances sustainable and safe construction practices. Dan Lohmeyer, VP of Building and Infrastructure Design at Autodesk emphasized that the collaboration fosters innovation and enhances project efficiency, aligning with their commitment to providing industry-leading solutions.
New Pre-Fabricated Manufacturing Plant Set to Transform Ethiopia’s Construction Industry
A new pre-fabricated building materials manufacturing plant in Ethiopia is set to revolutionize the country’s construction industry. The Federal Housing Corporation (FHC) has launched the facility with a 1 billion birr investment to tackle challenges in housing development and provide high-quality, reliable materials. Equipped with Turkish-made machinery and operated by trained Ethiopian experts, the plant is designed to stabilize input prices and boost production.
The factory can produce 202,752 cubic meters of reinforcing compound annually, with sales projected to exceed 2.29 billion birr. The plant’s expanded footprint, now 14 hectares, includes workshops for wood, metal, glass, aluminium, and elevators. Plans for a pre-fabricated manufacturing unit are also underway, promising to further enhance Ethiopia’s construction capabilities.
Rashad Kemal, CEO of FHC, emphasized that the facility will play a critical role in the country’s housing sector, helping to produce tall, uniform buildings with higher quality and efficiency.
Wim Herijgers, Group Director of Strategy and Transformation at Fugro, noted that the partnership advances sustainable and safe construction practices. Dan Lohmeyer, VP of Building and Infrastructure Design at Autodesk emphasized that the collaboration fosters innovation and enhances project efficiency, aligning with their commitment to providing industry-leading solutions.
Power
Korea Southern
Power Co. Chosen as
Preferred Partner for
World’s First
Clean Hydrogen Power
Generation Project
Korea Southern Power Co., Ltd. (KOSPO) has been selected as the preferred negotiating partner for the world’s first clean hydrogen power generation bidding process, organized by the Korea Power Exchange on November 22, 2024. This marks a major step in the transition to carbon-free energy.
KOSPO’s innovative project will co-fire coal with ammonia, a carbon-free hydrogen compound, at its Samcheok Bitdream headquarters. The initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions by over 700,000 tons annually, helping South Korea meet its 2030 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets for carbon neutrality.
The company has established a full-cycle clean hydrogen value chain, including production, storage, and utilization, enhancing its leadership in the hydrogen sector. If confirmed as the final bidder, KOSPO will begin co-fired power generation at Samcheok Green Power Unit 1 in 2028, with an annual capacity of 750 GWh. KOSPO’s comprehensive project planning and strategy made it the most competitive bidder in the process.
14 Major Global Banks and Financial Institutions Express Support to Triple Nuclear Energy by 2050
At Climate Week in New York City, major banks, government officials, and industry leaders gathered at the Financing the Tripling of Nuclear Energy event. This included 14 financial institutions supporting the global initiative to triple nuclear energy capacity by 2050, endorsed by 25 nations during COP28 in 2023.
The financial community recognized nuclear energy’s critical role in the transition to a low-carbon economy. They emphasized support for expanding nuclear electricity generation,which will help accelerate the clean energy transition. At the event, John Podesta, Senior Advisor to the President for International Climate Policy, stressed that nuclear energy is essential for a sustainable and secure energy future.
Dr. Sama Bilbao y León, Director General of the World Nuclear Association, called for financial institutions to translate their commitment into changes in lending policies, enabling greater access to sustainable financing for nuclear projects. The Net Zero Nuclear initiative seeks to triple global nuclear capacity by 2050, bringing together global leaders, policymakers, and the nuclear industry to meet climate challenges and ensure a cleaner energy future.
Renewable Energy
Johns Hopkins
Researchers Use
Machine Learning to
Speed Up Solar
Cell Testing
A team of Johns Hopkins researchers, led by PhD student Kevin Lee, has developed a groundbreaking machine learning method that could revolutionize the testing of solar cell technologies, drastically speeding up the process and reducing costs. The team’s work, published in Advanced Intelligent Systems, aims to solve a major hurdle in commercializing new solar materials—the lengthy and expensive fabrication-testing-iteration cycle.
Traditionally, testing solar cells involves multiple time-consuming measurements. However, Lee’s new approach extracts essential material properties from a single measurement, saving valuable time and resources. Unlike other methods that rely on simulated data, this technique uses real-world data, capturing thousands of data points from just one solar cell. The machine learning model accounts for complex defects, such as cracks or contaminants, without the need to fabricate numerous test cells.
By converting data into spatial maps and leveraging advanced machine learning models, the team can quickly assess solar cell performance, which could accelerate the development of more efficient renewable energy technologies. The method’s versatility also opens the door to applications beyond solar cells, including transistors and light sensors. This innovation promises to fast-track clean energy advancements and make renewable energy solutions more affordable.
Oxford PV's Perovskite Solar Panels A Game-Changer for Solar Energy
Oxford PV is pioneering the future of solar energy with its perovskite tandem solar panels, which promise to revolutionize the solar industry. Unlike traditional silicon-based solar panels, perovskite panels use a perovskite crystal structure that enhances efficiency by capturing a wider range of sunlight. The company’s first commercial perovskite silicon tandem modules boast a module efficiency of 24.5%, producing 20% more power than conventional silicon panels.
The key advantage of perovskite technology is its ability to absorb more wavelengths of sunlight through the stacking of layers, optimizing efficiency. Perovskite panels can generate more electricity from the same surface area, making them ideal for space-constrained environments like urban settings.
Additionally, they are cheaper to produce, as they require fewer materials and manufacturing steps, resulting in lower production costs.
The scalability of perovskite technology also opens up new possibilities for both residential and utility-scale systems. With perovskite panels, solar energy becomes more affordable and competitive with fossil fuels, making a significant contribution to the global transition to sustainable energy. As Oxford PV continues to innovate, perovskite solar technology is poised to transform the energy landscape, making clean, efficient solar power more accessible worldwide.
Water
Johns Hopkins
Researchers Use
Machine Learning to
Speed Up Solar
Cell Testing
As Saudi Arabia grapples with a growing population, limited natural water resources, and climate change, it is turning to international experts for solutions in water sustainability and treatment. Danish companies, known for their expertise in wastewater management, are playing a key role in supporting the Kingdom’s water goals.
Partnerships with firms like Danfoss, Grundfos, and AVK are helping Saudi Arabia optimize its water resources, reduce wastage, and minimize environmental impacts. For
instance, Grundfos has introduced solar-powered pumping systems to remote areas, while Danfoss emphasizes efficient water technologies that use less water and energy. Additionally, AVK International has provided essential wastewater solutions, including valves and hydrants.
The Kingdom faces significant challenges in wastewater treatment, with only a portion of wastewater in major cities like Dammam, Riyadh, and Jeddah being treated and reused. Danish innovations, such as advanced filtration and reverse osmosis systems, are addressing these issues.
As Saudi Arabia advances its Vision 2030 goals, incorporating Danish expertise in sustainable water practices helps ensure a future with efficient, reliable water management. This collaboration will also aid the Kingdom in mitigating water scarcity and climate change while becoming a regional leader in water sustainability.
Innovative Approaches to Water Management for Sustainable Urban Development
Water is a critical resource for any city’s growth and sustainable development. Managing water resources efficiently is key to balancing urban expansion and environmental preservation. Suzhou, a city in eastern China, faces challenges related to water management due to its rapid urbanization and complex water systems. Nearly half of Suzhou’s area is covered by water, and it is an important industrial zone in the Yangtze River Delta.
A study by Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University developed a system to assess the water quality challenges in Suzhou. The researchers calculated a water environmental carrying capacity score, which measures a city’s ability to maintain water quality standards while supporting growth. Their findings show that since 2001, Suzhou’s water capacity has increased, indicating
effective governmental actions, such as industrial optimization and wastewater recycling. However, challenges like fluctuating water resources and increasing urban water demand remain.
To improve water management, the researchers recommend protecting ecosystems, regulating sewage discharge, and maintaining key waterways. Additionally, cities should focus on cleaner industrial and agricultural practices, promote water conservation, and raise public awareness. These measures can help cities worldwide manage water resources more effectively as they grow sustainably.
HVAC and Cold Chain
CSafe Unveils New
Technologies for
Enhanced Cold Chain
Shipping Solutions
CSafe, a provider of temperature-controlled shipping solutions for the biopharmaceutical industry, is launching three new technologies to enhance its portfolio. These innovations are designed to address key challenges in the cold chain industry by integrating real-time data tracking, ensuring maximum visibility throughout the shipping journey.
The first is the Multi-Use Dewars, part of the CGT Cryo Series, specifically designed for the growing cell and gene therapy market. These reusable cryogenic dewars maintain temperatures as low as -150°C using liquid nitrogen dry vapor units, and come with a built-in TracSafe RLT real-time tracking device.
The CSafe Connect Control Tower offers a white-glove shipment monitoring service, providing customers with real-time visibility into shipment data such as GPS location and cargo temperature. The service operates 24/7 to monitor shipments and escalate any issues.
Lastly, the Silverpod MAX RE, a reusable pallet shipper, provides over 120 hours of thermal protection and is made from recyclable components, ensuring safe storage and shipment with real-time tracking capabilities.
Reducing the HVAC Carbon Footprint The Path to Sustainability
The HVAC industry plays a critical role in global energy consumption, particularly in the construction and industrial sectors, which account for around 30% of global energy use and 40% of carbon emissions. As governments focus on reducing emissions and sustainability, the HVAC sector must contribute to achieving net-zero goals.
With the rise of intelligent technology, smart HVAC systems are becoming more energy-efficient. These systems use sensors to monitor building conditions, integrating with automation systems to reduce energy waste and improve performance. Technologies like smart thermostats and remote-controlled HVAC devices enable efficient temperature regulation, reducing emissions by optimizing energy use.
As global temperatures rise, so does the demand for air conditioning, which accounts for 10% of building electricity
consumption. More efficient air conditioning units and systems like modular HVACs—adaptable, cost-effective, and easier to maintain—are key to reducing HVAC-related emissions.
In the pursuit of net-zero, incorporating smart systems, improving energy efficiency, and embracing modular designs are vital steps. With continued innovation, the HVAC industry can significantly reduce its carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.