15 minute read
ENERGY
effort, only about $240 billion has been allocated, leaving $860 billion worth of work upcoming in the pipeline.
Saudi Arabia is presently experiencing an influx of international companies as most want to partake in the investment strategies, projects and goals set for the Kingdom. The projects are complex and massive, and contractors are gearing up for the works that have been set in motion.
The most critical element looking forward is to ensure that these works are successfully implemented through proper and efficient management of supply chains. This will particularly be a challenge soon due to cost-push inflation, scarcity of materials, and procuring long lead items.
Can you tell us more about the landmark Saudi Arabian Grand Prix project? The track is the second longest yet the fastest street circuit on the F1 calendar. The construction was so extensive that it is on par with a permanent track construction, despite it being planned as a temporary circuit of a three-to-fiveyear lifespan. The real victory for us is the high grip of the track surface which the drivers very much enjoyed. All components of the track’s asphalt and layers were locally sourced, including aggregates, bitumen, and additives except for the safety barriers and slot drains. Achieving these mix designs, and executing with tolerances in the millimeters, requires true expertise, superior equipment, knowledge of aggregates, and an understanding of the local climate and environment.
Ultimately, the success of any racetrack is about the experience of the drivers and spectators. As we know, the Formula 1 race in Jeddah was a phenomenal success in that retrospect. The drivers spoke very positively about the track and the tarmac - even Sir Lewis Hamilton mentioned the noticeably high grip that was resultant of our mix design. And regarding the spectators, it was confirmed by Sky TV that the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was watched by more viewers than any other F1 race broadcasted since it took over broadcasting rights 10 years ago.
If that doesn’t translate to an absolute success of a project, I don’t know what does! We couldn’t be prouder to be Official Circuit Construction Partners, and to have been able to deliver such a track to the world.
For the time being, we are very excited and looking forward to the upcoming races in March. We are certain that millions of anxious F1 fans are feeling the same!
BLUEAIR’S DUSTMAGNET
HOW BLUEAIR’S DUSTMAGNET™ CAN ENSURE LESS DUST AND MORE CLEAN INDOOR AIR AT HOME
by ALEXANDER PROVINS, DIRECTOR EMEA, BLUEAIR
Living in the Middle East, the risk of dust within the home is a cause for concern for both the health of our families as well as its cleanliness. A study by the Environmental and Geophysical Sciences (Engeos) Laboratory at Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi and the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi founded that the UAE had an overall increase of up to 30 percent higher of tiny particles found in the air across Eastern Arabia since 2019, conclusive to the unusual escalation of sandstorms from Shamal winds. Although these dust particles may seem only a concern for those outside, the air knows no bounds and is therefore unconstrained to entering the home.
Indoor spaces have been shown to contain particles, odors, VOCs and gases from household chemicals as well as other sources within the air at home. Many of them are a gateway to potential allergens and other health issues for both young and old. From gases such as nitrogen dioxide that is emitted when we cook on gas hobs, to pollutants from burning candles and toxins from household cleaning products, and of course dust allergens,
indoor air quality faces constant deterioration, and effective measures are needed to address them.
Air purifiers are increasingly being seen as an important tool to help protect our health. Wanting to take this a step further, Blueair has now developed cutting edge technologies designed to capture airborne dust before it settles onto surfaces and floors.
Here, Alexander Provins, Director EMEA, Blueair shares four benefits of how an air purifier, and more specifically the new Blueair DustMagnet™, can ensure dust free and clean indoor air.
1. Designed for a life with less cleaning Dust can quickly accumulate on surfaces, regardless of how often you clean. Blueair’s DustMagnet™ technology is uniquely designed to attract airborne dust particles like a magnet before they settle on floors and surfaces in a slick Scandinavian design that blends into the home like any other furniture. Thanks to a powerful airflow in combination with two positively charged pre-filters, airborne dust is captured and removed, resulting in less time spent dusting and vacuuming. With smart connected features and geofencing technology, the DustMagnet™ also ensures a clean home wherever you are. Available in two sizes, the DustMagnet™ 5240i is independently verified to clean rooms between 20m² and 48m² in size while the DustMagnet™ 5440i is designed for rooms between 33m² and 79m² in size . Blueair always recommends using an air purifier based on AHAMs standard of 4.8 air changes every hour to ensure continuously clean air in your room. With its smart sensor, it will also monitor real-time air quality conditions and auto-adjust to optimise its cleaning performance.
2. Removes other household contaminants Indoor air is estimated to be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air, according to EPA. The air we breathe consists of, for example, bacteria, viruses, pollutants, pet dander, different types of dust particles and even microplastics, which can find their way into our lungs and lead to allergies, asthma and other health conditions. In addition to dust, the DustMagnet™ effectively inactivates bacteria and viruses and removes 99.97% of airborne particles down to 0,1 micron in size, like allergens, pollen, mould, pet dander and microplastics, from the air, thanks to Blueair’s HEPASilent™ technology. The activated carbon in the DustMagnet™ filter also removes unpleasant household odours and smoke. Thanks to a combination of electrostatic and mechanical filtration, Blueair’s unique HEPASilent™ filtration technology can use less dense filters than traditional air purifiers.
3. Removes toxic plastic microfibers that are harmful to children When plastic fibers, which occur in many raw materials in our homes, are tiny enough to enter the lungs, they’re unlikely to degrade. This is linked to a number of health issues for both children and adults. It is even more crucial for children as their organs are still developing, making them more vulnerable to diseases. An air purifier can be an effective measure to help filter out these harmful air chemicals, gases, and pollutants. And when it comes to a child’s environment, clean indoor air can improve learning conditions which can result in a better performance at school, enhanced abilities to concentrate and problem solving, as well as allowing for a good night’s sleep.
4. Better sleep Research suggests that air quality can significantly impact the quality of our sleep; microscopic dust, pollen, bacteria and chemical particles in your room may be the case. In addition to taking measures such as exercising more regularly, decreasing caffeine intake and keeping a regular sleepinghygiene routine, improving the quality of air in your bedroom can go a long way towards helping achieve better sleep. With the Blueair’s unique HEPASilent™ filtration technology, DustMagnet™ can produce more clean air at less air pressure, meaning whisper silent operation and less energy use than a light bulb. Moreover, with the DustMagnet™”Night Mode”, the air will be cleaned at low fan speed with dimmed LED lights so you can enjoy a great night’s sleep.
DustMagnet™ is available to buy from key retailers in the UAE, including Nia Home, Sharaf CG, Carrefour and Lulu Hypermarket, read more at www.blueair.com
ENERGY TRANSITION
What are the highlights of the Middle East Energy this year, and what are the main trends? The show theme for 2022 is guiding you through the energy transition. Therefore, our focus is on providing energy leaders and professionals with a platform to meet live and in-person and enabling them to shape the future of the energy landscape by providing opportunities to reconnect, discover the latest products, and showcase innovative solutions to deliver cleaner energy and sustainable power.
In addition to welcoming an anticipated 18,000 visitors, 500 hosted buyers, 500 exhibitors, Middle East Energy will also feature three conferences, including the Global Energy & Utilities Forum, the Intersolar Middle East Conference and Technical sessions, each one delivering a program covering topics including solar, decarbonisation, investment, digitalisation and technology. In addition to the conference sessions, the exhibition is also split into five dedicated product sectors, including Smart Solutions, Renewable & Clean Energy, Backup Generators & Critical Power, Transmission & Distribution, and Energy Consumption & Management.
You recently released research highlighting the importance of investment in grids to accommodate renewable energy capacity, can you tell us more about this? The research, Clean Energy – Going Beyond the Grid, a whitepaper prepared by Frost & Sullivan, highlighted the GCC could require nearly US$50 billion of grid-related investments to support proposed capacity additions from renewables.
At the very centre of harnessing renewable energy and making it available for consumers is effective transmission and “THE RESEARCH, CLEAN ENERGY – GOING BEYOND THE GRID, A WHITEPAPER PREPARED BY FROST & SULLIVAN, HIGHLIGHTED THE GCC COULD REQUIRE NEARLY US$50 BILLION OF GRID-RELATED INVESTMENTS TO SUPPORT PROPOSED CAPACITY ADDITIONS FROM RENEWABLES.”
distribution networks, which is why the sector plays a prominent role at the Middle East Energy exhibition and during dedicated conference sessions.
With the value of the transmission and distribution equipment industry continuing to grow exponentially, a range of market leaders have already confirmed their attendance at Middle East Energy and will be showcasing the latest technologies and innovations supporting the delivery of renewable energy to end-users and, ultimately, delivering on the regions net-zero commitments.
Exhibitors, including DUBCAB, Lucy Electric, Rittal, Emirates Transformers, Eaton, Riyadh Cables, Tesar, and Bahra, will provide insights into the latest breakthrough technologies, upgraded services, and solutions driving higher efficiency and flexibility within the sector.
Investment in green hydrogen has been steadily growing in recent years; why? Notwithstanding the fact green hydrogen could meet up to 25% of the world’s energy requirement in less than 30 years and has a market value of over US$10 trillion, it is also one of the preferred routes to achieving net-zero carbon emissions. Therefore, governments and companies worldwide are investing heavily in green hydrogen technology to support their energy transition away from coal and oil.
As part of the Middle East Energy exhibition, we will take a deep dive into hydrogen with several panel discussions scheduled to address topics such as the Middle East’s potential to emerge as a global hub for green hydrogen and ammonia, how projects will be financed and the price of producing green hydrogen, the importance of implementing hydrogen strategies to support future green hydrogen projects, and the opportunities surrounding blue hydrogen.
As a global hub for the energy industry, what will international participation look like this year? Regarding visitor attendance, the top represented international countries are Nigeria, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, with uptake from the latter witnessing a 40% increase in the number of visitors registered for the exhibition.
Azzan Mohammed, Exhibition Director, Global Energy & Utilities Forum and Middle East Energy. Interestingly, the number of delegates from Saudi is up 40% compared to 2020. In terms of visitor interest from the Saudi market, Transmission & Distribution tops the agenda, followed closely by Renewable & Clean Energy, particularly Solar, Wind and Hydrogen, and Energy Consumption & Management.
Overall, renewable & clean energy is the most popular product sector with visitors, with solar energy featuring highly. This is also evident with UAE visitors, with 70% stating they are specifically attending to learn more about solar, training, batteries, and wind.
Internationally, exhibitors from countries including France, Germany, Italy, Saudi Arabia, China, the United Kingdom, and the US will be participating, and a total of 13 international pavilions confirmed.
We’ll also have representation from Algeria, Morocco, Kenya, Lebanon, Iraq, and Jordan from the MENA region.
How will exhibitors benefit from participating in the event following the pandemic challenges? Middle East Energy provides an essential platform for regional and international exhibitors to build relationships with key stakeholders worldwide. In addition to being able to meet, debate and discuss with colleagues from the industry live, and in person, we also provide exhibitors with valuable industry insights and a platform for doing business with new contacts while reaffirming existing partnerships.
KOHLER Statement and Anthem Showering Collection elevate the shower’s design and experience
Kohler believes every shower is a canvas, and the Statement and Anthem showering collection is the ultimate palette.
The Statement Showering Collection brings a range of unique shapes and an array of sizes to the shower, breathing new life into our showering experience. The new Anthem shower controls will transform the daily routine of showering into a customized corporeal event with the power to instill a sense of wellbeing and transform the day.
Statement Showering collection: The Evolution of Showering
Inspired by iconic design forms, showering modules in this new collection offers an array of sensory stimuli.
This collection includes four styles of hand showers, four unique rainheads, and two body sprays, all available in a range of sizes, shapes, finishes to best suit the décor and design environment yielding a natural interplay with other accessories and design elements.
When bathrooms blend with living spaces.
Defined by voluminous proportions and soft, organic designs the Statement showering collection brings form and finish to the forefront without overwhelming the space. Inspired by iconic furniture and home goods, the collection carries an underlying familiarity while creating WWW.CBNME.COMstriking aesthetics within the space.
Anthem Shower Controls: The Beauty of Simplicity
The sleek shower controls from KOHLER provide myriad combinations of temperature and spray control for hand showers, body sprays, rain heads, and showerheads, allowing unrestrained creativity and endless possibilities. Create a World of Wellbeing: with indulgent sprays and inspired forms
Within the thoughtfully crafted forms are signature spray experiences to create wholly immersive environments. An oblong showerhead results in enveloping water coverage for the whole body, and seven immersive spray experiences include options such as a Deep Massage spray composed of twisting jets that knead sore muscles or a Cloud spray that swathes the body in a warm mist.
Engineered for personalization:
The Anthem collection enables complete command over temperature, volume, spray experiences, and more in both digital and mechanical options by acting as the control center for six shower outlets. The buttons for each outlet pop open when pushed, converting into dials that allow users to set and adjust flow volume.
About Kohler Co.
Founded in 1873, Kohler Co. is one of America’s oldest and largest privately held companies. With more than 50 manufacturing locations worldwide, Kohler is a global leader in the manufacture of kitchen and bath products; and owner/operator of two of the world’s finest five-star hospitality and golf resort destinations in Kohler, Wisconsin, and St. Andrews, Scotland. Kohler focuses on making everyday moments better through thoughtful design and intelligent technology, with homes becoming more connected.
ELECTRIC COMPACT
BOBCAT T7X – WORLD’S FIRST ALL-ELECTRIC COMPACT TRACK LOADER
Doosan Bobcat unveiled its new, all-electric Bobcat T7X compact track loader at CES® 2022, the world’s most influential technology event, held this month in Las Vegas in the USA. The T7X is the first machine of its kind to be fully electric, offering the full benefits of eliminating hydraulic systems, components, emissions and vibrations – all while providing a cleaner, quieter machine. The Bobcat T7X was honoured with two 2022 CES
Innovation Awards in the categories of Vehicle Intelligence & Transportation and Smart Cities. The CES Innovation Awards programme recognizes recipients in a multitude of technology product categories and distinguishes the highest rated in each.
The Bobcat T7X was developed for the North American market initially, but internal testing and the gathering of customer feedback is planned for the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region to identify its commercial potential.
Scott Park, President and CEO of Doosan Bobcat, said: “Doosan Bobcat is at the forefront of innovation, and we are proud to debut the all-electric technology of the T7X to help customers maximize both sustainability and productivity. Our focus remains on providing solutions and products that empower people to accomplish more and build a better world.”
DRIVE THE NEW WAY
NEW IVECO T-WAY: HIGH PRODUCTIVITY AND SAFETY ON OFF-ROAD TERRAINS
With a complete line-up of AWD and PWD versions and the the 16-speed HI-TRONIX automated gearbox, the IVECO T-WAY features a host of functionalities such as Rocking Mode, Off-road Mode, Creeping Mode and 4 reverse gears to tackle with ease the toughest off-road conditions. The new architecture of the EBS system, combined with disc brakes on all wheels, greatly improves the vehicle’s performance and the driver’s safety in the most demanding applications.
NEW IVECO S-WAY: HIGH TECHNOLOGY AND EFFICIENCY FOR ON-ROAD MISSIONS
The new IVECO S-WAY, with a completely redesigned and reinforced cab, offers a wide choice of Euro III/V diesel engines, a delivering class-leading power from 360 HP to 560 HP Euro III / 570 HP Euro V and superior fuel-saving devices, such as anti-idling feature, Ecoswitch, Ecoroll and Smart Alternator. 12-speed HI-TRONIX automated transmission with the most advanced technology in its category, electronic clutch and best-in-class torque-to-weight ratio.
