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Energy

Borouge to test AI-powered autonomous petrochemicals operations in UAE

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Borouge, a petrochemicals company that provides polyolefins solutions, is collaborating with Honeywell to conduct a proof of concept for AI-powered autonomous operations, which has the potential to “revolutionise” Borouge’s UAE plant operations.

The collaboration between Borouge and Honeywell is set to deliver the petrochemical industry’s first AI-driven control room designed for full-scale, real-time operation, establishing a new standard for the future of AI in petrochemicals.

Hazeem Sultan Al Suwaidi, CEO of Borouge, says: “Borouge’s AI, Digitalisation, and Technology (AIDT) transformation programme is setting new standards in operations, innovation and business performance. [Read more…] about Borouge to test AI-powered autonomous petrochemicals operations in UAE

The Panasonic BR-2/3AGCT4A Battery: A Key Component for Reliable Industrial Automation

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In the world of industrial automation, even the smallest components can have a big impact. The Panasonic BR-2/3AGCT4A battery is one such example.

Compact and often overlooked, this 6V battery plays a crucial role in supporting uninterrupted operations across CNC machines, PLCs, and various automation systems.

It is especially valued by maintenance engineers and automation professionals looking to prevent downtime in critical environments. [Read more…] about The Panasonic BR-2/3AGCT4A Battery: A Key Component for Reliable Industrial Automation

Yokogawa partners with Shell on robotics and AI technology for plant maintenance

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Yokogawa Electric has formalized a long-term agreement with Shell Global Solutions to integrate and further develop technologies for utilizing robots and drones in plant monitoring and maintenance.

Under the agreement, Yokogawa will add an advanced machine vision tool called Operator Round by Exception (ORE), developed by Shell, into its own OpreX Robot Management Core.

The enhanced software service will be made available by Yokogawa to customers in the energy, chemicals, and other industries. [Read more…] about Yokogawa partners with Shell on robotics and AI technology for plant maintenance

Battery storage: The missing link in the power grid

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It’s a common misconception that the electricity grid operates like a vast reservoir of power, storing energy and delivering it on demand. The reality is a far more precarious balancing act.

The grid is a real-time network where electricity generation must constantly match consumption. This system has served us for a century, but its lack of storage capacity is a critical vulnerability, especially as we transition to intermittent renewable energy sources.

This is where a new generation of technology comes in: Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). These are not merely scaled-up versions of consumer batteries; they are sophisticated, utility-scale power assets designed to address the grid’s core challenges. [Read more…] about Battery storage: The missing link in the power grid

Voltfang secures €15 million funding and launches ‘Europe’s largest second-life battery factory’

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Voltfang, a large-scale provider of European battery storage solutions for industrial, commercial, and grid-scale applications, has successfully closed its Series B financing round, raising €15 million.

The round was once again led by Dutch deeptech investor FORWARD.One. Additional investors include existing backers such as Interzero, PT1, Helen Ventures, Daphni, Aurum Impact (the Goldbeck family office), as well as new partners like Fiege Ventures and Newberry Investments.

At the same time, the company is expanding and opening a new production site in Aachen, North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW). [Read more…] about Voltfang secures €15 million funding and launches ‘Europe’s largest second-life battery factory’

ABB introduces ‘battery energy storage systems-as-a-service’

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ABB has launched its new “Battery Energy Storage Systems-as-a-Service” (BESS-as-a-Service) – a flexible, zero-CapEx solution designed to accelerate the shift to clean, resilient and affordable energy.

BESS-as-a-Service is the first in a range of next generation service models being developed to remove the barriers to clean technology adoption and accelerate industries’ transition to net zero.

With demand for energy storage expected to surge, ABB’s BESS-as-a-Service offers companies a turnkey path to energy independence and sustainability. [Read more…] about ABB introduces ‘battery energy storage systems-as-a-service’

Energy company Carrier to invest additional $1 billion in US manufacturing

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Carrier Global, a provider of intelligent climate and energy solutions, has revealed plans to invest an additional $1 billion over five years in US manufacturing, innovation and workforce expansion.

Carrier says the investment is “incremental to its ongoing commitments to American operations”, and is expected to create 4,000 highly skilled jobs in R&D, manufacturing and field service.

David Gitlin, chairman and CEO, Carrier, says: “This investment marks the next chapter in our commitment to US manufacturing. [Read more…] about Energy company Carrier to invest additional $1 billion in US manufacturing

Distributed intelligence: Using AI to manage power

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Artificial intelligence is transforming how we manage power, offering solutions to optimize energy consumption across various sectors.

Studies suggest that AI-powered energy management systems can lead to significant cost savings, with some reports indicating potential reductions of up to 20 percent in energy expenses for buildings and industrial facilities.

This article explores the key applications of the growing market for AI in power management, the companies driving this revolution, and the technologies involved. [Read more…] about Distributed intelligence: Using AI to manage power

Underwater robotic lidar scans play key role in extending life of Angolan oil field

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Off the coast of Angola, in the deep waters of the South Atlantic Ocean where the Girassol oil field has been producing for over two decades, a crucial project is under way to ensure its continued operation. (See video below.)

A key part of this “life extension project” involves the intricate work of 3D at Depth, a subsidiary of Kraken Robotics.

Recently, the company marked a significant milestone, completing its 1,000th subsea measurement task for TotalEnergies at the Girassol field. [Read more…] about Underwater robotic lidar scans play key role in extending life of Angolan oil field

Rosendin starts taking offers to purchase its solar module installation robot

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Rosendin, America’s largest employee-owned electrical contracting company with one of the fastest-growing renewable energy programs, has begun taking offers to sell its groundbreaking autonomous robotic solution for photovoltaic (PV) solar module installation.

The move follows a successful live demonstration of its three-piece robotic solution at a large-scale solar project under construction in West Texas.

At the April 17 event near Abilene, Rosendin’s robotic system proved it could accelerate utility-scale solar construction, while enhancing worker safety and solving persistent labor shortages. [Read more…] about Rosendin starts taking offers to purchase its solar module installation robot