International Power Engineer November 2026 by Setform Ltd

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DEMAND-SIDE

SOLUTION How ABB is helping datacentres become active grid participants

BEHIND THE BLANK CANVAS

A look at bespoke versus off-the-shelf valves

EXPLORING ASSET INTEGRITY

Reflections on Wind Energy Hamburg

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CONTENTS

Welcome Much of this issue of International Power Engineer focuses on grid management. The cover story, Demand-side solution, explores regulations in Ireland following datacentre expansion and the threat this poses to grid stability. ABB's Ultracapacitor ESS helps datacentres comply with Eirgrid's recent MPID 345 regulation forcing them to be active participants in the system. As datacentres continue to spring up all over the world such regulations and solutions are likely to become increasingly widespread. Beyond compliance (page 10), looks at potential threats to grid resilience, including geopolitical tensions, digitalisation, cyberattacks and climate change, arguing that they lead to unpredictable problems. Independent energy expert, DNV has released a report calling on the energy sector to treat infrastructure resilience as a strategic and societal necessity. Another big spread this issue, Coordinating cables on page 12, is an in-depth case study from Smart Veritas, describing how the company managed the challenging cable configuration on a recent project in the North Sea. We have a couple of expert insights, perhaps most notably a Q&A with Henkel's Dinko Cudic providing his take on the most interesting conversations that were had at the recent Wind Energy event in Hamburg (page 20). On a related note, there are several important shows coming up, perhaps most notably Adipec, the huge Abu Dhabi-based energy sector event due to run from the 2nd–5th November this year.

Nicola Brittain Editor

– NOVEMBER 2026 – COVER

OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE

Demand side solution ABB provides a solution for grid management

TRANSMISSION & DISTRIBUTION

10 12 16 18

Beyond compliance A DNV report explores energy resilience

20 24

Exploring asset integrity A spokesperson for Henkel documents conversations from Wind Energy

Hybrid solutions Exploring an Austrian startup’s hybrid renewable energy system

Coordinating cables How Smart Veritas managed a cable configuration project

The hidden engineering challenge Exploring advances in multi-cable and pipe transit technology

Behind the blank canvas Do bespoke products need to be more expensive

24 www.engineerlive.com

CONTENTS

26 28 30

Switchgear savings Why switchgear might be an overlooked opportunity

Managing pressure parts IGS explains how to extend pulverised coal boiler tube life

Navigating net zero Why EFW has a prominent role to play in UK power generation

NUCLEAR

SHOW PREVIEW

42 44

Protecting plants Why protection is critical to the AI revolution

Valve actuation The importance to nuclear plant safety

Finland to the fore The importance of nuclear to the country

48 50

The OEEC conference A preview of the Amsterdam-based show

Adipec A huge Abu-Dhabi based show

WindEurope A Copenhagen-based event

SAFETY

32 34 38

Protecting your people Why there is a new impetus for worker protection

Raw gas monitoring Insights into the gas flue cleaning process

A power academy A new independent academy for energy industry training

PUBLISHER Jerry Ramsdale EDITOR Nicola Brittain nbrittain@setform.com STAFF WRITER Saskia Henn shenn@setform.com DESIGN – Dan Bennett, Jill Harris HEAD OF PRODUCTION Luke Wikner production@setform.com HEAD OF SALES & PARTNERSHIPS David Pattison ACCOUNT DIRECTORS John Abey | Peter King SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGERS John Davis | Darren Ringer | Roy Glasspool

Setform’s international magazine for engineers is published twice annually and distributed to senior engineers throughout the world. Other titles in the company portfolio focus on Process, Design, Transport, Oil & Gas, Energy and Mining. The publishers do not sponsor or otherwise support any substance or service advertised or mentioned in this book; nor is the publisher responsible for the accuracy of any statement in this publication. ©2026. The entire content of this publication is protected by copyright, full details of which are available from the publishers. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright owner.

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DEMAND-SIDE SOLUTIONS ABB's data-centre software

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COVER STORY

DEMAND SIDE

SOLUTION An Irish grid operator is forcing data centres to become active participants in grid management; a solution from ABB promises to help them meet the new regulations

ata centres are expected to account for 30% of Ireland’s electricity demand by 2030 (according to the IEA), as such, grid operator Eirgrid has introduced the MPID 345 regulation forcing them to become active contributors to grid stability rather than simply consumers of power. International Power Engineer caught up with tech giant ABB’s Lee Todd and Carlos Nieto to get insight into the MPID 345, as well as how a new solution from the company will help datacentres meet the technical requirements it imposes.

BACKGROUND

Todd, vice president of energy and carbon services at the company, provided some background on the challenges faced by grid operators: he says: “The increased number of

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renewable assets has put significant pressure on the grid. There is some instability from losing inertia caused by the rotating machines, the big generators. Inertia is required to keep consistency and a minimum level of operation.” He added: “Old motor generators are being replaced by synchronous generators that don’t operate in the same way, the lack of inertia means an outage at one of the operators can lead to the whole grid going down.” A second factor that increases grid instability is the increased size and power of data centres, they comprise 20% of the grid demand in Ireland, and therefore have a direct and singular impact on grid stability. If a single datacentre experiences a fault, the removal of that load will trigger a drop in grid power. The grid operator will have banked on

this load being part of the system. As such, datacentres are being asked to become active participants in grid management.

EIRGRID’S NEW MPID 345 COMPLIANCE REGULATION

In a bid to offset such problems, EirGrid (the transmission system operator for Ireland), has introduced a regulation called MPID 345 compliance. The regulation, to take effect on October 27, 2026, introduces mandatory requirements for large, transmission-connected demand facilities (primarily data centres). They will need to remain connected and actively support the national power grid during and after electrical disturbances rather than disconnecting and switching to backup power.

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COVER STORY

KEY TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

The regulation has three technical requirements: • Fault Ride Through (FRT): Facilities must stay connected and operate stably during and after transmission system voltage dips, as long as the voltage stays within a defined voltage-against-time profile. • Active Power Recovery (APR): Once a fault clears and voltage recovers to 0.9 per unit, the facility must restore at least 90% of its pre-fault active power demand within 500 milliseconds. • Rate of Change of Frequency (RoCoF) Robustness: Facilities must withstand rapid frequency changes of up to ±1 Hz/s without grid disconnection.

THE ULTRACAPACITOR ESS

ABB’s solution, the Ultracapacitor ESS, meets all three requirements and ensures data centres can respond to grid disturbances in milliseconds. The innovation comprises a modular, behind-the-meter platform that transforms the way power is

ABB;’s solution will provide a precise coordinated control of power

Captions to go here

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The Ultracapacitor ESS meets all the technical requirements of the MPID 345

managed during critical events. By integrating ultrafast energy storage with grid-forming power conversion and advanced digital control, the solution enables large energy users to actively stabilise the grid while maintaining operational continuity. Todd explained: “Data centres do not need more backup capacity, but precise, coordinated control of power delivered at the exact moment it is

needed. The primary purpose of the solution is to provide not only grid inertia and grid voltage control that can be managed on demand, but to support all the available services that energy storage can provide.”

For more information visit: www.abb.com

Spareblock The compression unit Placed anywhere in the frame. The PTG-120 compresses the system and completing the penetration steel.

The transit frame Can be bolted or welded. Hardware and material in the highest quality for the toughest of applications.

Stayplates Placed between each row blocks, they ensure even blasts can’t make it through the penetration seal.

The unused space in the frame is filled with solid spare blocks. This allows for the option of fitting new cables/ pipes in the future.

HandiBlock Available in four sizes to fit cables/pipes or tubing from 4 to 54 mm (0.16” to 2.13”), inserts marked with designated cable/pipe dimensions. A safe, flexible and easy-to-install block module.

Standard Block Each block consists of two halves and can seal cables/ pipes with diameters from 3.5 – 110 mm. (0.14–4.33”).

TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION

BEYOND COMPLIANCE A new framework suggests energy resilience is more feasible than commonly thought, reports Saskia Henn

The framework provides a structured but flexible way to translate broad risks into levels of action

urrently, the energy sector is experiencing a surge in complex threats. Geopolitical tensions, digitalisation, cyberattacks and climate change are all contributing to unpredictable problems and an overall need for resilience. A recent report by DNV, an independent energy expert and assurance provider called on the energy sector to treat infrastructure resilience as a strategic and societal necessity. The paper introduces a new resilience framework and sets out the mindset shift needed to move resilience from a compliance exercise to a strategic priority.

THE RISK LANDSCAPE IS CHANGING.

“The risk landscape is no longer static,” says senior VP and regional director Prajeev Rasiah, Northern Europe at DNV. “The risks and threats are being stacked one on top of the other, and that’s why we need a systematic way of addressing them.” DNV was founded in Oslo in 1864 to establish common rules for assessing risk in the Norwegian shipping industry. Since then, it has grown into an independent assurance and risk management provider with expertise spanning the energy, maritime and other industries.

Prajeev Rasiah senior VP and regional director, Northern Europe at DNV. Rasiah has a background in aeronautical engineering and has been at DNV for 19 years

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The closed loop cycle analyses both the risk landscape and methods of prevention and recovery

TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION

A LOOK AT TODAY’S RISK LANDSCAPE

In the energy sector, not all threats are intentional. While there are instances of bad actors using cyberattacks to harm an infrastructure, other risks are a result of ongoing digitalisation, global tensions and extreme weather. For example, the Russia-Ukraine war revealed cracks in the global gas supply chains, as have ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Another example is the 16-hour blackout across the Iberian Peninsula in April 2025, which investigators attributed to “an interacting mix of technical and grid control factors”.1 “While [the blackout] was due to technical issues, it shows the potential vulnerability of society to attacks or disruptions to critical infrastructure. And that’s why it is not one company or one government alone that can solve this,” says Rasiah. “We want to have a systematic framework that can handle this level of complexity.” Perhaps more important is the issue of climate change. Researchers have logged 431 weather and climate disasters in the US since 1980 in which overall damages and costs were USD$1bn or more in each case and totalled US$3.1tn across all such incidents.2 Nearly half of those incidents, at a cost of US$1.5tn, were in the last 10 years alone.3 According to DNV, a systems-wide approach would help to establish a shared culture of resilience, and a collective understanding of roles, partners, stakeholders and change.

A SYSTEMS-WIDE APPROACH

Risk management enables organisations to have the visibility, authority and tested capacity to act under stress. DNV has developed a resilience framework that acts as a practical pathway to help owners and operators define and access the detailed knowledge they need about their infrastructure and threat actors’ capabilities and intent.

The rise of complex risk challenges goes far beyond compliance

This framework comprises a four-step cycle designed to move organisations from identifying vulnerabilities to embedding practical resilience measures. The closed-loop process ensures that resilience is not treated as a one-time achievement to reach, but as a continuous step towards operational stability. The first step is analysing risks and building a modern threat profile. By considering an organisation’s own commercial, operational, regulatory, geopolitical and societal pressures, it can map its vulnerabilities and identify risk-reducing barriers. Once the risk profile is clear, the next step is to prioritise investments. Vulnerabilities found during risk analysis could expose a need for investments such as personnel training and education, improved cybersecurity, enhanced security or crisis management protocols. There could be inexpensive measures with high impact that could make a difference to a company. The third step is the implementation of measures for effective control. This includes strengthening preventive barriers, establishing alternative operating arrangements, and documenting response, restart, and recovery procedures. Rather than siloing each project, it is key to integrate resilience into every level. Step four is the continuous checking and validation of the energy system. Because system

shocks are unpredictable, continuous checking, for example through drills, ensures the energy system remains secure and reliable for future crises. “Resilience you haven’t tested is only an assumption”, says Rasiah.”

THE WAY FORWARD

Currently, the energy sector is experiencing lots of change. However, DNV’s framework implies that we are already well equipped to handle it. “It’s not a technical issue; we have all the technology we need to solve this problem,” says Rasiah. According to DNV, governments and regulators can emphasise the framework to standardise technology and specifications, helping to scale solutions in a way that prioritises resilience. It would enable uniform approaches to use existing technology invented and apply it in a more cooperative way. To tackle today’s shifting energy landscape, a collective approach is needed to ensure organisations are prepared for unexpected threats. A systems-wide approach could help organisations move from a state of concern to being more in control of their own resilience. [REFERENCES] 1 ENTSO-E Publishes Expert Panel Final Report on 28 April 2025 Blackout in Spain and Portugal 2 https://www.climatecentral.org/climate-services/billion-dollardisasters 3 https://www.climate.gov/news-features/blogs/beyond-data/2024active-year-us-billion-dollar-weather-and-climate-disasters

For more information or to read DNV’s report, visit: www.dnv.com/news/2026/from-concern-to-control-dnvpresents-resilience-framework-to-strengthen-critical-energy-infrastructure-as-threats-intensify

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TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION

The deck space requirement is not for the faint of heart

COORDINATING

CABLES

Kieran Cope managing director of Smart Veritas describes how the company managed the complicated cable configuration on a recent North Sea project 12

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TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION

Stand on the back deck of a lay vessel during a 5.0m MBR offshore joint and the thing that dominates is not the joint (although that’s also impressive). It is the emptiness around it

ext-generation HV cables are outgrowing the methods used to join them offshore. Drawing on the installation analyses and offshore execution of a recent North Sea project, we see that Omega Jointing is often treated as a contingency line item or severely underestimated at tender — an omission that becomes a first-order driver of vessel selection, schedule and capital cost, and a source of contract risk. The move to 220 kV–525 kV and 2GW transmission has pushed export cable conductors to 2,000mm² and beyond. The headline consequences are familiar: outer diameters approaching 300mm, mass in air exceeding 130 kg/m, and minimum

Between the diverters there has to be an uninterrupted straight run of cable

bend radii of 5.0m. A workaround to this is doing inline joints, but that always isn’t an availably option due to carousel and back deck space. As seen recently, this has lead to huge investments into larger cable lay vessels with tank capacities of 24,000T. Stand on the back deck of a lay vessel during a 5.0m MBR offshore joint and the thing that dominates is not the joint (although it’s also impressive). It is the emptiness around it. The sheer deck space requirement is not for the faint of heart. The consequence that matters offshore is bending stiffness, and it has not grown in proportion to any of those figures. It has grown much faster.

These higher stiffnesses make nextgeneration HV cables far harder to handle, and every piece of equipment that has to impose a curvature on it inherits that multiplier. Quadrants, diverters, chutes, overboarding frames and lowering arrangements all scale with the stiffness and the larger MBR requirements.

FURTHER COMPLEXITY

Adding further complexity, between the two diverters there has to be an uninterrupted straight run of cable, long enough to lay up the jointed section and close the cast half-shell bend restrictors. Nothing can encroach on that run. On most construction vessels, that dimension alongside

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TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION

the depth into the deck needed for cable handling (installation of static holdbacks) and crane position/ capacity and reach dictate whether the operation is possible at all. On most vessels the main crane sits amidships on the usable back deck, which means the lift is made over the opposite side at substantial radius. Capacity close in is irrelevant. What matters is the load chart at the working radius, and for the largest joints, that is in the region of 50–60t dynamic hook load at 30–35m radius. A crane that looks generous on the vessel specification sheet can quickly become inadequate at the radius when considering the dynamic vessel motions, snap loading/slack sling and the height required to clear the joint over the chutes – often items not available early on or at vessel selection. This reinforces the need for early engagement on installation analysis.

ON DECK

The deck itself then has to accommodate a cable path that clears bulwarks and class equipment which cannot practically be removed. In practice that means a substantial mezzanine deck, purpose-built and installed, or it means accepting a very short list of vessels that already have the geometry. Both answers are costly. For this project, over 30 different construction vessels were assessed

with full deck layouts and crane assessments. Meanwhile the jointing methodology has not changed at all. It is still: recover both ends to deck, joint them, and put the result back on the seabed in a shape the cable can tolerate. What has changed is that every step of that sequence now sits close to the capability limit of the fleet expected to perform it. To bring two cut ends onto a working deck you need surplus cable: roughly 1.5x the water depth. That length requirement has to fit inside an installation corridor. That corridor was sized early outside of the installation contractor’s influence, on a standard ALARP basis, and surveyed on that assumption. This is why route optimisation of the manufactured legs is the highest-leverage decision available, and it belongs to the design phase, not the marine phase. Leg lengths determine where joints fall. Placing them in shallower water, in competent soils, and in a season with workable weather statistics costs nothing at the design stage. Correcting for them offshore costs vessel days at the far end of the day-rate spectrum. Cable that has been on the seabed for any length of time also self-buries, and in soft sediments it self-buries deeply. Recovering it is not a lift against submerged weight. It is a

The North Sea project was recently completed by Smart Veritas

Cable that has been on the seabed for any length of time also self-buries, and in soft sediments it self-buries deeply

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breakout against soil suction and overburden, and the tension required can exceed the free-catenary value by a wide margin. That figure is highly sensitive to soil data that is rarely available at the resolution needed, at the location where it is needed. Analysis here can prove the cable can be recovered with this increased load. Compounding the load is the capstan effect. Every diverter the cable/winch wire wraps increases the tension across it. The winch does not see the tension at the touchdown point; it sees that tension amplified by the accumulated friction of the deck path. So, two limits move apart in opposite directions, the winch capacity required goes up, while the tension the cable is permitted to carry stays exactly where the manufacturer put it. Where those two limits cross, continuous recovery stops being available. The operation becomes bight by bight: grip, recover a section, transfer, re-grip, repeat. It works. It is also several times slower than the duration most tender programmes assume – again carrying commercial risk.

NUMERICAL MODELLING

Installation analysis is what turns that uncertainty into an executable recovery procedure. Numerical modelling is used to predict recovery tensions, catenary geometry,

TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION

Every diverter the cable wire touches increases the tension across it

Computer generated analysis

as staged bight-by-bight recovery, become unavoidable. The largest joints take seven to eight days to complete. That is seven to eight days in which the vessel is on station, connected to the cable, and unable to disconnect quickly. The vessel also typically has reduced capability to weathervane in this position. Weather risk over that exposure is not a contingency percentage.

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vessel offsets and the influence of soil breakout and friction effects, while assessing the capacity of winches, sheaves and deck equipment throughout the operation. By examining different seabed conditions, water depths and vessel configurations before mobilisation, the analysis identifies where continuous recovery remains feasible and where alternative methods, such

It is the dominant term in the schedule, and it compounds every constraint above: a slower bightby-bight recovery lengthens the window required, which lowers the probability of getting one, which raises the standby allowance. That, in turn, may drive a requirement for larger, more capable vessels, further reducing available fleet choice and increasing CAPEX. Jointing analysis extends beyond the electrical connection itself and considers the entire operation as an integrated marine activity. Vessel motions, crane operations, cable stiffness, minimum bend radius, deck geometry and environmental loading all influence whether the joint can be completed safely within the available weather window. The completed joint is not a component. It is a long, rigid, heavy assembly, and it has to be transferred across the deck and overboarded. Before the completed joint is returned to the seabed, installation analysis verifies that every stage of the transfer can be achieved without exceeding cable or equipment limits.

TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION

Modular systems from MCT Brattberg are designed to address fire protection

THE HIDDEN

ENGINEERING

CHALLENGE

An expert from MCT Brattberg explores how advances in multi-cable and pipe transit technology are improving fire protection, environmental sealing and long-term reliability across critical energy installations

s power generation and distribution infrastructure becomes increasingly complex, greater attention is being paid to the integrity of the physical barriers protecting electrical and mechanical systems. While transformers, switchgear and control equipment receive considerable engineering attention, the penetrations through which cables and pipes pass can represent overlooked vulnerabilities. Whether in nuclear facilities, offshore wind installations, substations or battery energy storage systems, these openings must accommodate essential services without compromising fire compartmentation, environmental protection or operational reliability.

MORE THAN A SEAL

Every cable or pipe passing through a wall, floor or enclosure creates a potential pathway for fire, smoke,

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water and gas. In critical power infrastructure, maintaining the integrity of these barriers is essential for personnel safety, equipment protection and operational continuity. Traditional approaches often require individual sealing arrangements for different cable and pipe dimensions. Modern multi-cable and pipe transit systems instead use engineered frames, elastomeric sealing modules and mechanical compression to accommodate multiple services within a single penetration. The principle is straightforward: correctly dimensioned modules surround each cable or pipe, while controlled compression creates a tight seal between the services, modules and supporting frame. However, achieving predictable performance requires careful consideration of material properties, installation geometry, cable configurations and operating conditions.

FIRE PROTECTION AND COMPARTMENT INTEGRITY

Fire resistance is particularly important in power installations containing high concentrations of electrical equipment. A fire originating in one compartment must not readily propagate through cable penetrations into adjacent operational areas. The performance of penetration seals can be assessed through recognised testing procedures, including EN 13663, which evaluates fire resistance in service penetration applications. Depending on the tested configuration, classifications may extend from EI30 to EI240, indicating specified periods of integrity and insulation performance. These ratings are not universal characteristics of individual components. They apply to complete, tested arrangements, including the supporting construction, penetrating services, sealing configuration and

TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION

any required insulation. Engineers must therefore consider the entire installation rather than selecting components solely on the basis of a nominal fire rating.

MANAGING WATER AND GAS INGRESS

Environmental sealing is another critical design consideration, particularly for underground substations, hydropower facilities, offshore installations and infrastructure exposed to flooding. Water penetration can damage electrical equipment, cause insulation deterioration and contribute to extended outages. Gas migration may introduce additional risks in certain industrial environments. Mechanical compression systems provide one approach to managing these hazards by maintaining contact pressure around individual cables and pipes. Engineering developments in elastomeric materials and compression arrangements have enabled systems to achieve documented resistance to significant water and gas pressures. For example, modular sealing systems developed by MCT Brattberg are designed to address fire protection alongside watertight and gastight penetration requirements. The applicable pressure resistance depends on the specific transit design, installation arrangement and verified test conditions. Pressure-test results must be distinguished from continuous operating-pressure ratings when evaluating suitability.

DESIGNING FOR CHANGING ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE

The energy transition is creating new challenges for cable management and penetration sealing. Wind farms, solar installations, battery storage facilities and expanding electrical grids require increasing numbers of power, control and communication cables. These systems must often operate in compact spaces while remaining accessible for maintenance and future modifications. Modular transit arrangements offer flexibility by allowing different cable

Improved transit engineering will remain important to designing power systems

diameters to be accommodated within a structured frame configuration. Engineering teams can also plan spare capacity for future cable additions, potentially reducing the need to create further penetrations through fire-rated or watertight barriers. This becomes especially relevant when facilities undergo upgrades, capacity expansion or equipment replacement during their operational lifetime.

FROM COMPONENT SELECTION TO SYSTEM ENGINEERING The reliability of a transit depends as much on installation quality as on the design itself. Incorrect module selection, unsuitable compression, damaged cable sheaths or deviations from approved installation instructions can undermine the intended sealing performance. Digital planning tools increasingly support the engineering process by helping designers establish frame dimensions, select compatible sealing modules and document cable configurations before installation. Such approaches can improve coordination between electrical designers, construction contractors and maintenance personnel. Nevertheless, digital design does not replace physical inspection,

installation verification or compliance with applicable approvals.

RELIABILITY THROUGHOUT THE ASSET LIFECYCLE

Power infrastructure is frequently designed for decades of operation. During that period, cable arrangements may change, equipment may be replaced and environmental conditions may evolve. A penetration sealing strategy must consequently extend beyond initial construction. Documented installation records, periodic inspection and controlled modification procedures help preserve barrier integrity throughout the asset lifecycle. The underlying engineering principle remains unchanged: a protective barrier is only as effective as its weakest penetration. As energy infrastructure becomes more interconnected, electrified and operationally demanding, multi-cable and pipe transit engineering will remain an important part of designing safer, more resilient and maintainable power systems. Martin Fröborg is global segment manager energy at MCT Brattberg AB

For more information, visit: www.mctbrattberg.com

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TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION

BEHIND THE BLANK CANVAS Jonathan Balmforth from JB Valves explores whether bespoke products really need to be more expensive than off-the-shelf products

sk a manufacturer for something slightly outside its catalogue and the answer usually follows one of two paths. Either the request is declined, or it is accepted as a bespoke job with a price and lead time to match. Both responses rest on an assumption that rarely gets questioned: that stepping outside the standard range means starting again.

IS ANYTHING REALLY BESPOKE?

How often is a product developed from a blank canvas? In valve engineering, very rarely. A nonstandard end connection, an alternative material or a different actuation arrangement is a variation on known principles, not an invention. The bore, the seat, the stem seal and the pressure boundary follow the same engineering logic whether the part number is in the catalogue or not. What makes the job expensive is seldom the engineering. It is how the supplier has organised itself around its range.

THE AWNING PROBLEM

Most buyers will recognise the phrase “that’s not in our product range”. It is the industrial equivalent of a firm that makes awnings refusing to make a tent. The fabric, the frame, the fixings and the skills are largely the same. The refusal says more about the catalogue than the capability. A close relative is the supplier that does not serve one industry but makes near identical hardware for another. The pressures, materials and tolerances may be comparable, yet the answer is still no, because the enquiry arrived through the wrong door.

WHAT THE DATA SAID

The assumption cuts both ways. A manufacturer can misjudge its own range just as easily as a buyer can. For years we built a medium-pressure 20,000 psi topside range to support

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A valve manifold featuring a needle-valve style configuration

our subsea products. Each variation was treated as a special: engineered, tested and shipped, then filed away. It was always the supporting act. Then we looked at the production data. Thousands of those valves had been manufactured. Major integrated subsea projects were specifying them as standard items, not bespoke extras. The specials had become the standard. Nobody had decided this; the work had simply accumulated until the catalogue no longer described what was actually being made. The range was rebuilt from the data rather than from the brochure.

RANGE OR METHODOLOGY?

That experience points to a more useful question for anyone specifying equipment: what matters more, the range or the methodology? A range is a record of what a manufacturer has made before. A methodology is what it can make next. Selecting suppliers on skill set rather than product list changes the conversation. The question becomes whether the design approach,

materials knowledge and testing capability fit the requirement, not whether a matching part number already exists. Manufacturers whose products were designed from the outset to be configured treat variation as normal work. Where design rules, qualification and testing are held in-house, a change in specification is an engineering task rather than a commercial event.

SO WHY CAN’T YOU GET WHAT YOU WANT? Often because the buyer has asked a product question when a capability question was needed. Ask a supplier what it makes and you get a catalogue. Ask how it would solve the problem and you find out whether bespoke really needs to cost more. And sometimes, as we found, the supplier has already solved it many times over without noticing.

For more information visit: www.jbv.co.uk

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OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE

Dinko Cudic is head of markets and applications development at Henkel

EXPLORING ASSET INTEGRITY We caught up with Dinko Cudic from Henkel who documented the key conversations being had around asset integrity at the recent Wind Energy event in Hamburg 20

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OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE

ollowing another busy week at Wind Energy Hamburg, the EasyQote team returned home having spoken with operators, developers and contractors from across the offshore wind sector. Compared with the last time this event took place in 2024, what stood out was that while technology evolves, many of the challenges impacting the marketplace are consistent. Corrosion, maintenance planning and extending asset life continue to dominate conversations, particularly as the industries wind fleets mature. Dinko Cudic, head of market and application development responsible for the EasyQote and STOPAQ brands at Henkel, to discuss the topics that stood out during the event and what they mean for the industry moving forward. You recently attended Wind Energy Hamburg 2026, what stood out most from your conversations this year? Honestly, it was how familiar many of the conversations were. The offshore wind sector continues to grow, but many of the challenges operators are facing today are the same. Maintaining efficiency and extending the asset service life is still a top priority for future success. What has changed is the shift to a long-term mindset. More people are looking beyond the next repair and asking how they can manage assets effectively for years to come. Corrosion remains a major topic across the offshore wind sector. Why do you think that is? Because corrosion never stops. Offshore structures operate in some of the harshest environments imaginable. Saltwater, wind, wave action and constant exposure all contribute to degradation over time. The industry knows that corrosion prevention isn’t something you address once and then forget about. It’s a continuous part of asset management and something that needs to be considered throughout the life of a structure. Fortunately, awareness is much higher today, and operators are generally taking a far more proactive approach. What might have started as patching a corrosion spot has now

Offshore structures operate in some of the harshest environments imaginable

turned into “how can you extend the lifetime of traditional coatings as well?” Are maintenance priorities changing as offshore wind fleets mature? Definitely. As assets age, operators become more focused on maintaining performance while keeping efficient maintenance activities. Every maintenance operation comes with cost, whether that’s labour, access equipment, vessel support or downtime. As a result, there is growing interest in solutions that can simplify maintenance, reduce application time and help assets remain protected for longer. People want solutions that are practical and straightforward to use, especially in offshore environments

where access can be challenging. What are visitors most surprised to learn when they visit the EasyQote booth? One of the biggest surprises is still that EasyQote doesn’t cure. Most people are familiar with traditional coating systems and immediately start thinking about curing times, weather windows and when an asset can be returned to service. They are used to solutions that need extensive preparation and multiple tools. When we explain that EasyQote provides immediate adhesion and doesn’t require curing, that’s often when the conversation changes. People realise the application process can be far simpler than they expected.

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OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE

Corrosion prevention doesn’t always have to be complicated, and that’s a message that still resonates with a lot of visitors. Why is simplicity such an important topic for operators? Maintenance teams already have a lot to deal with. If a solution requires extensive preparation, specialist equipment or multiple application stages, it can make maintenance activities more difficult to execute. One of the things people appreciate about EasyQote is that it arrives ready to use. There is no mixing and no complicated preparation process. That simplicity helps maintenance teams respond quickly when corrosion is identified and can make a real difference in the field. With windfarm numbers growing, and at the same time aging, the risk of corrosion is increasing and quick solutions are the way forward when it comes to efficiency. Which applications were generating most interest during the event? Boat landings continue to generate a lot of discussion. Operators regularly see coating damage and mechanical wear in these areas, and this poses a huge safety risk to personnel with lives at risk if the boat landings fail. We saw a definite interest in solutions that can provide both corrosion prevention and additional mechanical protection for this important area. We had a number of conversations about protecting high-risk areas that are exposed to both environmental conditions and physical impact. It’s a challenge that many operators continue to face across offshore wind assets. How important is long-term performance when selecting a protection system? We firmly believe it is critical. Testing is important, but we design our products for the real world, and we know most operators want to see evidence from the field. They want to know how a technology performs after years of exposure to real operating conditions. The environment these assets operate in can be unforgiving, so proven performance matters. That’s why discussions often come back to

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The Wind Energy event took place between the 22nd and 25th of September

track record, long-term testing and project history. Ultimately, the best validation comes from seeing a solution continue to perform successfully after years in service. What do you think the industry will focus on over the next few years? I think we’ll see continued focus on asset life extension and maintenance. The industry has invested heavily in both on and offshore wind infrastructure and now there’s increasing attention on protecting those investments over the long term.

EasyQote provides immediate adhesion and doesn’t require curing

That means reducing maintenance burdens where possible, improving asset reliability and finding practical ways to prevent corrosion before it becomes a bigger issue. Asset integrity, corrosion prevention and maintenance efficiency remain critical topics for the wind sector, and there is still strong interest in solutions that help make those challenges easier to manage.

For more information visit: www.stopaq.com

OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE

HYBRID SOLUTIONS Exploring an Austrian startup’s hybrid renewable energy system, unveiled at Wind Energy Hamburg

t Wind Energy Hamburg, Austrian startup novventos unveiled its live hybrid renewable energy system. The system combines vertical-axis wind power, modular solar arrays, and intelligent energy management for offgrid, industrial, and mobile deployments. “Grid constraints are mostly about time and capacity: long waits for new connections, local networks with little spare capacity, and peak demand that existing infrastructure can’t always serve,” says novventos CTO and cofounder Bernhard Fellner. “A hybrid wind-solar system with storage sits behind the meter and attacks those problems directly The concept targets places where the grid does not reach or can’t deliver in time, and where diesel is the default. Hybrid systems can take the pressure off by filling in gaps where needed to supply energy continuously. Solar produces on clear days and

A compact and quiet system suits rooftops, containers and urban sites

wind contributes at night, in overcast weather and through the cooler months,” says Fellner. “Together they give a flatter, more continuous output than either alone, so less storage is needed to cover the gaps.”

HOW IT WORKS

The system has several core system components: first containerised mobile. energy arrives pre-integrated, so a site can have power without waiting for a grid upgrade or connection. Energy is actively managed through master.boost, which balances both solar and wind sources, battery storage and loads in real time. The master.boost cabinet handles several sources (wind, solar, grid, generator) and connects to a cloud platform for remote monitoring. Meanwhile, naca.boost vertical axis turbine is built around a new rotor design for low wind speeds and the turbulent airflow near the ground. According to the company, it delivers

The live hybrid renewable energy system combines wind power and modular solar arrays

up to 75% higher efficiency than comparable near-ground vertical axis turbines, even at an installation height of just 3m to 8m. It’s also compact and quiet, which suits rooftops, containers and urban sites. sky.boost mounts on standard 10ft and 20ft ISO containers, and the mobile.energy container is delivered ready to run, with no specialist installation team or groundworks. On-site generation reduces exposure to supply interruptions, price volatility and diesel logistics. This also supports the wider transition by replacing fossil generation where grid access is the bottleneck.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Now that the hybrid system has been launched, novventos is finding it to be useful in a variety of operations, including construction sites, commercial and industrial rooftops, remote and off-grid operations and alongside wind farms. “[Construction sites are] the clearest proof point. novventos systems have already replaced diesel generators on Strabag construction sites, where sites are temporary, often far from a grid connection and the equipment has to move,” says Fellner. The hybrid system is very much in its early days, but it is already catching the attention of various industries. As steady energy supply becomes simultaneously more vital and harder to find, hybrid systems could play a key role in the transition.

For more information visit: www.novventos.com/en

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OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE

SWITCHGEAR SAVINGS Why switchgear might be an overlooked opportunity to contribute to better PUE

uch of the current discussion around data centres involves advancements in cooling infrastructure, thermal management systems, energy and water usage, and increasing rack densities. But the subject of switchgear tends to fly under the radar. Reducing power consumption has become one of the driving factors when designing any system for data centres. With large facilities drawing hundreds of megawatts, data centre engineers look for every opportunity to improve power usage effectiveness (PUE), the ratio of the facility’s total power consumption to power used for computing operations. Switchgear might be an overlooked opportunity to contribute to better PUE. Solenoids are common solutions for tripping circuit breakers in switchgear during a fault event, and engineers have two basic solenoid types to choose from: continuous duty and latching. Where design constraints allow, latching solenoids will provide significant benefits.

LATCHING AND CONTINUOUS DUTY SOLENOIDS

Latching solenoids differ from continuous duty solenoids in that they do not constantly draw current to maintain an actuated state. Latching solenoids are instead actuated with a brief pulse of current (just a few milliseconds) and hold position using either a permanent magnet or residual magnetism, without drawing any additional current. A pulse of one polarity “latches” the armature. A pulse of opposite polarity releases the armature. Because they do not need constant current, they draw less power than continuous duty solenoids. In facilities like data centers, where the switchgear may employ large numbers of solenoids, the energy savings afforded by latching solenoids could be substantial. However, the very fact that latching solenoids need a pulse of current to both latch and release has made some design teams hesitant to choose them. Some applications demand the solenoids be manually reset after a fault is cleared, and some applications need the solenoids to release when power is lost. Latching solenoids with the appropriate controls can accommodate both of these scenarios. Latching solenoids are easily designed as manual-reset devices and are already used this way in fire protection as well as in transmission

and distribution applications. In this configuration, the pulse of current is only used to release the armature, which trips the breaker. A technician must use a tool to manually reset the breaker mechanism. Latching solenoids may also be pressed into service in applications where loss of power requires fail-safe operation, such as undervoltage release (UVR) devices. Because UVRs are designed to trip when power is lost, they often rely on continuous duty solenoids, since a power loss de-energises the solenoid, which releases the armature. Latching solenoids can provide the same functionality by using a capacitive discharge circuit. A brief pulse of current charges the capacitor, which then receives a low voltage signal to maintain charge while drawing nearly zero current. If the voltage signal is lost, the capacitor discharges, providing the current needed to release the armature. Latching solenoids are a switchgear solution that engineering teams should not overlook, even in applications where they might not normally be specified. Their low power draw can contribute to improving data center PUE, and with the use of a capacitive discharge circuit, they can provide the same fail-safe functionality as continuous duty solenoids.

For more information visit: www.tlxtech.com

TLX’s Manual Reset Latching Solenoid

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OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE

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OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE

MANAGING PRESSURE PARTS Dave Simcox from IGS explains how to extend pulverised coal boiler tube life

xtending the operating life of a pulverised coal (PC) boiler requires careful management of its pressure parts. Corrosion and erosion progressively reduce tubewall thickness, increasing the risk of failures, forced outages, and costly panel replacement. Protecting tubes while they remain suitable for service can help preserve existing assets throughout an extended operating period. The starting point is to understand what is causing the damage. Different areas of the same boiler can experience different mechanisms, so the protection system must match the local operating environment. Two utility boiler examples show how this approach supports waterwall preservation, from long-term testing to protection expanded over successive outages.

UNDERSTANDING THE DAMAGE

PC boiler tubes can suffer from reducing-atmosphere fireside corrosion, coal-ash corrosion, fly-ash erosion, and damage associated with wall blowers or sootblowers. Fuel chemistry, combustion conditions, ash loading, gas velocity, and cleaning practices influence where and how quickly metal is lost. In reducing furnace conditions, sulfur-bearing species can attack carbon-steel waterwalls and form iron-sulfide-rich scales that provide limited protection. Low-NOx burners and staged combustion can contribute to these conditions. Blower activity can intensify the problem. Cleaning removes the corrosion-product layer, exposing fresh tube metal to the furnace environment and allowing the corrosion cycle to restart. Mitigation must therefore provide a corrosion barrier durable enough to withstand repeated cleaning. Blower alignment, pressure, and operating frequency should also be reviewed. The wallblower corrosion cycle repeats until HVTS alloy cladding interrupts exposure of the carbon-steel substrate.

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An illustration of the wall blower corrosion cycle

Inspection should combine operating history, visual examination, ultrasonic thickness mapping, and, where appropriate, deposit analysis. Tubes below the plant’s allowable minimum wall thickness, or with unacceptable cracking, require repair or replacement. HVTS alloy cladding protects remaining serviceable metal; it does not restore pressure-boundary thickness or repair structural cracks.

CASE STUDY: A 1,300 MW BOILER

A US utility owner and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) evaluated thermal-spray materials in a 1,300 MW supercritical PC boiler operating with low-NOₓ burners and reducing-atmosphere fireside corrosion. Test panels containing IGS HVTS alloy cladding and products from another thermal-spray provider were installed adjacent to the burner elevations. This placed the materials in the furnace environment where protection was needed, allowing their performance to be assessed after extended operating exposure. Tube-panel evaluation map used to compare material performance after long-term exposure. Following five years and approximately 39,000 operating hours, IGS HVTS showed no visible deterioration. Examination recorded a

maximum measured loss of less than 0.007 inches beneath the IGS HVTS alloy cladding. Other thermal-spray products tested experienced cracking and delamination. The significant result was preservation of the underlying pressurepart material. Surface appearance alone cannot establish whether a protection system has performed its intended function; the condition of the tube beneath it is central to evaluating lifeextension potential. This evaluation provides long-term field evidence for protecting serviceable waterwalls exposed to reducingatmosphere fireside corrosion. It also shows why material selection should consider the performance of the complete installed system, including its ability to maintain an effective barrier throughout prolonged furnace exposure.

CASE STUDY: PROTECTING WATERWALLS OVER SUCCESSIVE OUTAGES

At another site, waterwall tubes above the burner elevations and below the over-fire-air ports experienced fireside corrosion following the installation of low-NOx burners. Sootblower activity worsened the damage. The location and operating history pointed to interacting corrosion and cleaning-related mechanisms. Repeated

OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE

Sections of a fireside wall showing different levels of corrosion

IGS installed bands of HVTS alloy cladding around the furnace and expanded the protected zones during successive outages removal of the surface scale exposed the tubes to further attack, making protection of the remaining serviceable waterwall material a priority. IGS installed bands of HVTS alloy cladding around the furnace and expanded the protected zones during successive outages. The dense, lowpermeability alloy barrier isolates the carbon-steel substrate from the corrosive furnace environment. The program’s objective is to preserve the original waterwalls, reduce exposure to forced outages, and prevent panel replacement in the corrosion zones. Expanding protection during

successive outages allows the utility to address affected areas as part of its ongoing maintenance program. This application illustrates the importance of evaluating fireside corrosion and blower-related damage together. Selecting protection for only one mechanism could leave the tube vulnerable to the other.

MATCHING PROTECTION TO THE APPLICATION

The alloy system must suit the dominant degradation mechanism. A dual cladding system is available for waterwall applications in severe corrosion and erosion environments. Where both mechanisms are significant, a corrosion-resistant underlayer with an erosion-resistant outer layer can be applied. Application quality is equally important. Substrate acceptance, surface preparation, controlled application parameters, qualified operators, and inspection all influence

performance. Final records should document protected areas and support inspection during future outages.

CONCLUSION

Boiler tube life extension starts before metal loss makes replacement unavoidable. By identifying the damage mechanism, confirming that tubes remain serviceable, and applying the appropriate alloy upgrade, utilities can protect existing pressure parts and reduce the risk of premature panel replacement. The long-term evaluation and staged waterwall application demonstrate the value of combining field evidence with a maintenance strategy tailored to the boiler. Continued inspection remains essential to managing those assets throughout their service life.

For more information visit: integratedglobal.com/en

IGS installed bands of HVTS around the cladding

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OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE

NAVIGATING NET ZERO Dr Benedikt Engel, CEO of MatAlytics, believes Energy from Waste (EFW) has a more prominent role to play in UK power generation, he explains why here…

ithin the UK there are between 50 to 60 operational EfW facilities with a mixture of ownership backgrounds and structures. Many EfW operators stem from waste management backgrounds; and strive to contribute towards the circular economy and the UK’s path to net zero. EfW companies are usually paid to accept household, commercial or organic waste. In the UK, energy generated is often sold back to the national grid. The model is effective for these EfW businesses, who are often agile and innovative with their approach and use of technology. Although, to remain profitable, they need to ensure they continually operate at peak capacity. Since these EfW sites function as mini power stations, they face the same kinds of challenges that all thermal power plants experience regarding equipment and asset degradation. The difference: in efforts to keep revenue streams and profits on track, fuel (waste) often burns 24/7 within furnaces. EfW sites have the same header systems, pipework, big valves, steam turbines and generators as those used within larger thermal generation power plants but this raises a fundamental question for operators: what is the forecasted, realistic impact of furnaces running at 24/7 on the rest of the plant and its assets? Do they really know, and how are they measuring this impact and drawing insights?

PHYSICS AI ALLOWS FOR BETTER DECISION-MAKING

Essentially, EfW operators need to balance high availability and profits with the long-term integrity of critical equipment. Physics-based AI adds depth and intelligence for teams. Instead of depending on and reviewing historical patterns since this can

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Dr Benedikt Engel argues that physics-based AI can support EfW operators

sometimes treat previously recorded poor operating behaviour as normal, it combines this data with sophisticated physics-based AI models. So when physics AI software is introduced into plant condition monitoring, it provides these businesses with a clearer understanding of the impact of thermal stress, fatigue and accumulated damage. This data enables engineers to understand how operating events affect asset life.

PREPARING EFW FOR CCS

Physics-based AI can support EfW operators as they explore how to integrate Carbon Capture Storage (CCS) into existing plants and newly planned developments. Introducing CCS will have an impact on all operating assets, especially high-temperature equipment. Using physics-based AI within this context will help operators to model

and understand the impact of any inclusion of this technology into a plant, be it for a retro-fit or new plant plans. Findings from the modelling will enable engineering teams to understand how to configure plant settings more effectively too. For example, they can establish and compare asset behaviour before and after modifications. The analysis produced will help them understand the impact of existing assets when CCS is introduced, or during the wider planning phase, providing valuable information that can be used during contract negotiations with equipment suppliers, for instance.

For the full article visit: www.engineerlive.com For more information visit: www.matalytics.com

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SAFETY

PROTECTING YOUR PEOPLE

An expert from Draeger explores the reason for the new impetus for worker protection

Maintenance and repair work entails risk for the workforce

n the energy industry, workers are exposed to countless hazards that may affect their respiratory systems. These range from mist and dust to gas and vapours. From cleaning and inspecting the interiors of tanks and boilers to opening gas lines, replacing filters and catalytic converters and welding, grinding or carrying repairs on contaminated plant components: The correct personal protective equipment (PPE) depends on the task, the materials and the conditions at the workplace. The selection should form part of a comprehensive risk-control strategy. Whether at a power station, conventional waste-to-energy, gas or hydrogen plant: maintenance and repair work is necessary – and entails risks for the workforce. In conventional oil and gas plants, tank cleaning, heat exchanger and pipework work are carried out regularly. Particularly during maintenance shutdowns due to leaks, employees may be exposed to hazardous substances such as hydrogen sulphide, ammonia, hydrocarbons, acids and catalyst materials. In thermal power stations and wasteto-energy plants, for example, boilers and combustion chambers, flue gas

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ducts, dust extraction and ash and slag handling systems are typical areas of concern. In biogas processing and feed-in, flammable gases are often accompanied by toxic by-products and biological contaminants. Common examples include raw biogas, hydrogen sulphide and ammonia, biologically contaminated condensate and spent activated carbon. Hydrogen is gaining importance as an alternative energy carrier as part of the energy transition. Work on gascarrying components, leak tests and system decommissioning are routine in hydrogen and power-to-gas plants

as there is always a risk of explosion due to leaks during such work. Hydrogen is particularly critical, as it is not detected by conventional monitoring technology.

SEVERAL PROTECTIVE MEASURES

To protect against respiratory hazards, the STOP principle is applied in industrial plants. It gives priority to control measures that eliminate or reduce hazards at source. These are followed by technical controls (e.g. extraction systems) and administrative controls (e.g. working

High pressure water jetting produces contaminated aerosols

SAFETY

time limits). Personal protective equipment (PPE), including respiratory protection equipment (RPE) is used for risks that remain. Portable gas detectors offer personal air monitoring in potentially hazardous atmospheres. They are used for the detection of toxic gases, oxygen deficiency and flammable vapours. Multi-gas detectors can detect several gases simultaneously and are suitable for applications such as clearance measurement, leak detection or personal area monitoring of multiple gases simultaneously. Single-gas detectors are designed to monitor a specific hazardous substance, such as oxygen, carbon monoxide or hydrogen sulphide. The detector must be selected and configured for the substance and task. Personal protective equipment forms the last line of defence for staff working in hazardous environments. In the energy industry, staff may be exposed to significant high hazards, both chemical and physical. They require highly effective respiratory protection. High-pressure water jetting (hydroblasting), for example, produces contaminated aerosols and mists that carry the risk of deep inhalation into the lungs and of infection. The chemical flushing of pipework with aggressive acids or alkalis generates corrosive vapours that cause inflammation of the respiratory tract. Another source of danger is the volatile compounds used for degreasing. These create high vapour pressure, which greatly increases the risk of rapid inhalation of toxic vapours. Conventional respiratory protection systems, like full face or half masks with filters, are economical safety equipment, but they promote the build-up of moisture and heat, which often leads to sweating, discomfort and heat stress – and consequently to reduced working hours. In practice, this can also increase the risk of non-compliance with regulations as it is not uncommon for staff to remove uncomfortable respiratory protective equipment before the end of the working time.

THE ADVANTAGES OF PAPR SYSTEMS

Innovative PAPR (Powered Air Purifying Respirator) systems, on the

PPE forms the last line of defence for staff working in hazardous environments

other hand, operate on the principle of positive pressure and offer significant advantages in terms of wearing comfort, operating times and dynamic activities. The battery-powered blower actively draws in ambient air. The air is forced through the filters and cleaned of particles or gases before entering the headpiece. The airflow is designed to reduce inward leakage. Of course, the protection depends on using an approved system configuration correctly. A PAPR does not supply oxygen and is not suitable for oxygendeficient, unknown or immediately dangerous atmospheres. The Dräger X-plore 8500, for example, can be combined with compatible filters selected for the specific particles, gases and/or vapours present, as well as a range

of headpieces and carrying systems. The filter must be suitable for the contaminant and concentration, and the system must be used within its approved limits. Its powered airflow can provide high wearing comfort with no breathing resistance associated with drawing air through a filter by the wearer’s own effort. Investing in innovative respiratory protection technology does more than just promote the health of your employees. It also invests in the safety of your company’s systems and work processes – and thus, ultimately, in your own economic resilience.

For more information visit: www.draeger.com/en_uk/Safety

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SAFETY

RAW GAS MONITORING Bengt Löfstedt from Opsis provides insights into the flue gas cleaning processes of a power plant and the needs to monitor pollutant concentrations in the raw gas

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SAFETY

It goes beyond the scope of this article to describe the effects of pollutants. All in all, it is safe to say that air pollutants are bad

The basic flue gas treatment stages and the related gas monitoring locations

ombustion-based power plants generate emissions, and notably emissions of pollutants. Assuming carbon-based fuel, the primary emissions are carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) but there are also other types of emissions. Flue gas treatment methods are widely applied to reduce those emissions.

THE ORIGIN OF AIR POLLUTANTS

Air pollutants are formed in some different ways. The obvious path is for components in the fuel to react and to be emitted from the furnace. Besides CO2, there can also be carbon monoxide (CO), and slip of unburnt fuel. Sulfur in the fuel generates sulfur dioxide (SO2). Chlorine, typically originating from plastics, generates hydrogen chloride (HCl). Incineration of hazardous waste may cause emissions of for example mercury (Hg) and bromine (Br) compounds. The combustion itself can also generate air pollutants, notably

nitrogen oxides (NO and NO2, collectively NO) and sometimes the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (N2O). Nitrogen in the fuel also adds to the NOX emissions. Then there are also secondary pollutants. Dust is formed as molecules aggregate to solid particles. Efforts to reduce the emissions can generate other types of emissions. An example of the latter is NOX reduction that may result in slip of ammonia NH3).

HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS

It goes beyond the scope of this article to describe the effects of pollutants. All in all, it is safe to say that air pollutants are bad. They affect our health and decrease our lifespan, they deteriorate harvests, and they drive climate change increasingly making parts of our world inhabitable. However, there are methods to control and decrease the emissions of air pollutants. That is also why legislators impose regulations on

emissions and dictate use of flue gas treatment methods.

WHAT TO DO

There are methods to catch the pollutants before they are emitted to the ambient air. Cyclones as well as fabric and electrostatic filters are widely applied to catch dust. Scrubbers are also frequently in use, where lime is injected in the flue gas flow, causing reactions which remove SO2 (“DeSOx” process) and HCl. In more specialised scrubbers, activated or sulfur-doped carbon or bromine can be utilized to catch mercury compounds and thereby reduce mercury emissions. NOX emissions are controlled by reactions with injected NH3, ideally forming nitrogen and water. This is often referred to as “DeNOx”, and as either of selective catalytic or noncatalytic conversion (SCR, SNCR). The SCR reaction is facilitated by using a catalyst which consists of a ceramic carrier covered with rare metal oxides.

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SAFETY

THE NEED TO CONTROL

So far for flue gas treatment theory. However, it comes with many practical challenges, both material-wise and from a control perspective. The latter notably applies to scrubbers and DeNOx units. A scrubber operating with too little scrubbing agent is simply ineffective and will probably cause exceedances of emission limits with resulting penalties. Too much scrubbing agents is a waste of agent and gives rise to unnecessary amount of residues that must be deposited, all at a cost. Likewise, a DeNOx unit with too little ammonia injection will cause too high emissions of NOX. Too much ammonia gives the sought-after NOX reduction but instead causes NH3 emissions. All in all, SO2, HCl, NOX, Hg, and other pollutants in the raw gas must be monitored in real time at the inlet of the respective treatment stage to control the injection of the reacting agent. The output from the

stages should also be monitored for the same pollutants, and also for NH3 after a DeNOx stage. Realtime feedback to the control system verifies proper operation.

MONITORING EQUIPMENT

It can be challenging to monitor pollutants in raw gas. There are high temperatures, aggressive gases, high dust loads, and risk of condensing water. This disqualifies extractive monitoring systems where the raw gas is sampled and lead via tubes to gas analysers. A better approach is in-situ monitoring. Here, the sensing part of the monitoring system is mounted directly on the duct without any need for sampling. With clever design of the instrumentation, a single monitoring system can also detect multiple types of gases, and also monitor multiple gas ducts. As an example, an in-situ

monitoring system can be based on the Opsis LD500 gas analyser. The central unit contains one or more narrow-band lasers which wavelengths are scanned across the absorption lines of the molecule types to be monitored. The laser light is led via an optical fibre to an emitter situated on the duct. From there, it is aimed through the flue gases inside the duct and onto a sensor inside a receiver. Data from the sensor is sent back via another optical fibre to the central unit where the signal is analysed. The gas concentrations are calculated and fed to the control system. The optical fibres allow protection of the delicate lasers and other electronics from the usually harsh conditions at the point of monitoring.

For more information visit: www.opsis.se

With clever design of the instrumentation, a single monitoring system can also detect multiple types of gases An OPSIS gas analysis system for raw gas monitoring. The analyser (blue) is detached from the potentially aggressive environment of the monitoring location via fibre optic cables

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Training & Education

SAFETY

A POWER ACADEMY

How an independent training provider will deliver specialist power sector training

ead leading safety-critical training provider for the power and energy sector 3T has launched its new Power Academy in Aberdeen, Scotland creating the country’s first independent training providerled facility of its kind dedicated to specialist power-sector training. Located at 3t’s training centre in Aberdeen, the Academy has been developed in partnership with Siemens Energy to support the development of the technical skills required across Scotland’s electricity infrastructure as it continues to scale.

FIRST COHORT

The first cohort of five apprentices employed by Siemens Energy began training on 21 September, marking the launch of a new apprenticeship pathway for substation fitting in Scotland. The five apprentices are working on SSEN Transmission projects as part of the business’s plans to upgrade the electricity network across the north of Scotland. To mark the launch, Stephen Gethins, Scotland’s Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Energy, visited 3t’s Aberdeen training centre, where he met the inaugural apprentices and took part in an engaging Q&A session focused on the importance of developing a skilled, homegrown workforce to support Scotland’s energy future. Energy Minister Stephen Gethins said, “Scotland’s energy transition presents a generational opportunity to create high-skilled jobs across the country, as we build the workforce required to deliver a more secure, and more affordable energy future for Scotland and Europe. That means investing not only in the infrastructure itself, but in the people who will build, maintain and operate it. Jamie Purves, managing director, 3t Training Services UK, said, ”Working alongside our partners, we’ve created a one-of-a-kind training environment

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The Aberdeen-based academy represents a significant investment in infrastructure

that can provide apprentices with the skills and hands-on experience needed to support the future of the UK’s power systems. “As the first independent training facility in Scotland, the academy will not only fill a critical skills gap, but will also help develop the workforce required to strengthen grid resilience, support infrastructure investment and power the country’s energy transition. And, this is just the first step, we’re already developing a wider range of short courses and upskilling programmes to support the power sector as a whole.” The Academy represents a significant investment in specialist equipment and infrastructure, including a dedicated substation facility at 3t’s Aberdeen site. The environment gives apprentices access to practical, industry-standard training that would typically be associated with network operators’ own internal training facilities. It expands a model already delivering strong growth from power and utilities customers at 3t’s

Manchester training centre, creating new apprenticeship pathways and strengthening the skills base behind the UK’s electricity infrastructure. The launch comes as Scotland and the wider UK continue to invest heavily in electricity networks to accommodate growing energy demand, electrification and the transition to a lower-carbon energy system. Developing the workforce required to deliver and maintain this infrastructure is increasingly critical. Apprenticeships are a vital part of building the skilled, homegrown workforce Scotland needs to support growth of the sector, and 3t is committed to working closely with government and industry partners to strengthen apprenticeship pathways in Scotland, ensuring the pipeline of skills keeps pace with the scale of investment in the country’s energy infrastructure.

For more information visit: www.3tglobal.com

SAFETY

1 2 3

Delivering future-focused intelligent flow control With the latest actuation technology from Rotork, you can improve efficiency, reduce emissions, minimise your environmental impact and ensure safety.

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NUCLEAR

Nuclear power plant diagram

PROTECTING PLANTS Chloe Hirst from Belzona explains why protecting nuclear power plants against corrosion with industrial coatings and composites is critical to powering the AI revolution

rtificial intelligence has become one of the defining technologies of our time. It is transforming industries, accelerating scientific discovery and reshaping economies. To support this burgeoning technology, polymeric repair composites and anti-corrosion coatings have an important role to play. They help to safeguard the critical nuclear infrastructure that provides the reliable, low-carbon electricity needed to power the AI revolution.

INCREASE IN ELECTRICITY DEMAND

According to the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) Energy and AI report, as AI adoption accelerates, electricity demand from data centres is expected to more than double—from

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415 TWh in 2024 to approximately 945 TWh by 2030. Meeting this unprecedented growth will require a significant expansion of reliable electricity generation.

NUCLEAR POWER AND ELECTRICITY DEMAND

As electricity demand from AI continues to accelerate, attention is increasingly turning to how this demand can be met with reliable, lowcarbon power. While wind and solar continue to expand rapidly, supporting energy-intensive AI infrastructure around the clock will require a diverse electricity mix. According to 2025 data from the IEA, fossil fuels still generate over half of the world’s electricity, with coal accounting for 34%, oil 2% and

natural gas 21%. However, low-carbon sources are becoming increasingly important. Renewables contribute 34% and nuclear contributes 9% of global electricity generation. Nuclear generates more than 20% of the world’s low-carbon electricity, making it the secondlargest source of low-carbon power globally (World Nuclear Association). The IEA expects nuclear to play an increasingly important role in meeting future electricity demand. It also identifies emerging technologies – including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) – as an important part of the long-term solution. This shift is already reflected in investment decisions across the technology sector. Companies including Amazon, Microsoft, Google

NUCLEAR Polymeric technology plays an important role in nuclear power plant maintenance. Image credit: BS Italia

safely and efficiently will therefore be just as important as developing the next generation of reactors.

PROTECTING AGAINST EROSION

Belzona polymeric repair composites and protective coatings are engineered to perform in the demanding industrial environments found within nuclear power facilities operating Pressurised Water Reactors (PWR), Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR) and Boiling Water Reactors (BWR). Applications are typically focused on balance-of-plant infrastructure, cooling systems, water treatment assets, pipework, civil structures and auxiliary equipment. As cold-applied materials, they eliminate the need for hot work permits, improving safety and simplifying maintenance. Their ability to be applied in situ helps minimise downtime and disruption, while their long-term resistance to corrosion, erosion and chemical degradation enables them to protect critical assets in aggressive operating conditions. By extending the service life of equipment and reducing the frequency of repairs, these systems also support more sustainable power plant maintenance strategies. Composite wrap system applied to leaking pipeline. Image credit: Protecmo

and Meta have announced major agreements and investments related to nuclear energy, recognising the need for reliable, 24/7 low-carbon electricity to support the rapid growth of AI and data centres. These developments reinforce the view that, while renewable energy will remain central to the future electricity mix, nuclear power will play an increasingly important role in providing dependable baseload generation. But while the industry looks towards the next generation of nuclear technology, one fact remains unavoidable – the reactors already operating today will continue to shoulder much of the world’s lowcarbon electricity demand for decades to come.

SAFEGUARDING NUCLEAR ASSETS

Constructing new nuclear power

stations requires enormous investment and lengthy planning, licensing and construction programmes. Extending the operational life of existing facilities, by comparison, can deliver substantial additional generating capacity far more quickly. Many nuclear power plants around the world are already operating beyond their original design life thanks to comprehensive life extension programmes. As electricity demand accelerates, maximising the reliability and availability of these assets is becoming strategically important. In this context, industrial polymeric repair composites and protective coatings have an increasingly important role to play, helping safeguard critical infrastructure, extend asset service life and support the long-term reliability of nuclear power stations. Ensuring that existing nuclear facilities continue operating

MAINTAINING THE NUCLEAR FLEET

Much of the discussions surrounding nuclear energy understandably focus on future technologies including advanced reactors, SMRs and nextgeneration fuels. These innovations will undoubtedly shape the future. But they should not overshadow the importance of protecting the infrastructure already generating lowcarbon electricity every day. As AI accelerates electricity demand, the world’s existing nuclear fleet becomes increasingly valuable. Keeping these facilities operating safely, efficiently and reliably will require continued investment in practical engineering solutions that extend asset life, minimise downtime and preserve critical infrastructure.

For more information, visit: www.Belzona.com

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NUCLEAR

A PWR reactor

VALVE ACTUATION Exploring a critical element in nuclear plant safety and reliability

s electricity demand continues to increase and governments pursue secure, low-carbon energy strategies, nuclear power is expected to play an increasingly important role in the global energy mix. Investment in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and advanced reactor technologies is growing, while many operators are extending the life of existing nuclear facilities. Across both new-build and life-extension projects, maintaining safety and operational reliability remains the highest priority.

CRITICAL ROLE

Valve actuation is fundamental to nuclear plant operation. They regulate, direct and isolate fluids in applications including reactor cooling, feedwater, steam generation, chemical dosing and auxiliary systems. The performance

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of the valves depends heavily on the actuator, which provides the mechanical force required to position the valves correctly and, where necessary, to move them during emergency conditions. Actuators form the vital link between plant control systems and the valve assembly itself. Their role extends beyond simply opening and closing a valve. Correct actuator specification influences system integrity, equipment protection, availability and, ultimately, plant safety.

SELECTING AN ACTUATOR

Selecting an actuator for a nuclear plant can be a complex engineering task. Valve type, operating loads, travel requirements, operating speed, duty cycle, power supply and environmental conditions must all be considered.

Equipment installed inside containment may face significantly different qualification requirements from equipment used elsewhere in the plant. Actuators must be capable of delivering sufficient torque or thrust to overcome the highest anticipated valve loads, while avoiding excessive output that could damage valve stems, seats or drivetrain components. Achieving this balance is particularly important in safety-related applications, where equipment must operate reliably under defined accident conditions without compromising long-term valve integrity. To help manage these requirements, specialised protection systems can be incorporated into the actuator assembly. Torque-limiting mechanisms restrict the maximum force transmitted to the valve, helping to prevent overstressing critical components. For linear valve applications, thrust-compensation

NUCLEAR

The fuelling machine

arrangements can accommodate temperature-related stem expansion and absorb transient seating loads, supporting both valve protection and operational performance. Environmental durability is equally important. Nuclear actuators must withstand challenging operating conditions over extended service lives. Robust drive trains, effective enclosure sealing and the segregation of electrical connection compartments from internal mechanisms can all contribute to dependable long-term performance. Qualification of safety-related actuators is carried out in accordance with recognised nuclear qualification

standards. IEC/IEEE 60780-323:2016 defines the basic requirements for qualifying electrical equipment and associated interfaces for use in nuclear facilities. Where seismic capability forms part of the qualification requirements, testing and assessment are carried out in accordance with IEC/ IEEE 60980-344:2020, which provides methods and procedures for seismic qualification. For safety-related electric valve actuators, IEEE Std 382-2019 provides specific guidance on applying the requirements of IEC/ IEEE 60780-323 to power-operated valve assemblies. Qualification must also be maintained through

controlled manufacturing, material traceability, documentation and quality assurance processes. Plant upgrades often involve installing new actuators, enhancing control functionality or implementing retrofit solutions that minimise changes to existing valve infrastructure. Additional gearing may be required to meet increased torque or thrust demands, or to adapt the actuator output to different valve operating requirements. Whether supporting life-extension programmes, plant upgrades or the deployment of next-generation reactors, the engineering objective remains unchanged: valves must operate correctly, at the required time and under the specified conditions. Reliable, properly qualified valve actuation is therefore essential to maintaining the safety, reliability and availability of nuclear power generation throughout the life of the plant.

For more information visit: www.rotork.com

Repair, Protect & Extend The Life of Critical Power Generation Assets From nuclear and fossil fuel power plants to hydroelectric, wind and other renewable energy facilities, critical assets face relentless erosion, corrosion, cavitation, abrasion and chemical attack. Belzona polymeric repair composites and protective coatings help power operators restore damaged equipment and structures, protect against further deterioration and extend asset service life — all without hot work or costly replacement.

Scan to Explore Belzona Solutions for the Power Industry

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NUCLEAR

FINLAND AT THE FORE GlobalData explains how Finland is reinforcing its position as one of Europe’s lowest-carbon electricity markets

inland has long been a leader in renewable energy supported by the full commercial integration of the Olkiluoto 3 nuclear power plant, the early completion of its coal phase-out, and the rapid expansion of onshore wind and solar PV. As industrial electrification, data centre growth, and electric heating lift electricity demand, the country is shifting toward an increasingly decarbonised generation mix underpinned by nuclear baseload and variable renewables, according to GlobalData, a leading intelligence and productivity platform. GlobalData’s latest report, “Finland Power Market Trends and Analysis by Capacity, Generation, Transmission, Distribution, Regulations, Key Players and Forecast to 2035,” reveals that country’s cumulative installed capacity is projected to expand from 26.1GW in 2025 to 45.6GW by 2035, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.7%. Over the same period, the share of renewable capacity is expected to climb from 57.6% to 76.5%, while thermal capacity is expected to shrink from 14.5% to 7.0%. Attaurrahman Ojindaram Saibasan, power analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Finland’s power mix combines firm baseload with fastscaling renewable generation. The full commercial operation of the 1,720MW

Olkiluoto 3 unit has anchored national output, meaning nuclear power will generate nearly 40% of the country’s electricity from just under 17% of total installed capacity. With the closure of the Salmisaari plant in April 2025 completing the coal phase-out years ahead of the 2029 statutory deadline, the generation fleet has achieved exceptionally low emissions intensity.” Onshore wind represents the primary growth engine of new capacity additions, supported by strong resource availability and streamlined spatial planning. While wind and nuclear anchor the supply side, solar PV is emerging as the fastest-growing renewable technology in percentage terms, driven by falling system costs and national net-metering rules for microgeneration. Meanwhile, conventional thermal generation has receded into a reserve and balancing role, with generation from gas, oil, and coal collectively contributing less than 4% of total supply.

GREEN POWER SCALING Saibasan adds: “As clean power generation scales to meet rising demand from heavy industry, electric transport, and large-scale computing facilities, grid flexibility is becoming the primary operational focus. Enhancing cross-border interconnection through the Nordic market, notably via the

Aurora Line to northern Sweden, alongside domestic transmission reinforcement and utility-scale battery deployment, will be essential to manage structural price volatility and prevent network constraints.” Investment across Finland’s power sector is forecast to expand markedly through the late 2020s, with onshore wind capturing the largest share of capital expenditure, followed by transmission network upgrades and solar PV. Finland’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2035 under the Climate Act provides long-term policy predictability, complemented by funding allocations under the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility for hydrogen innovation and clean infrastructure. Saibasan concludes: “Finland offers a compelling model for deep decarbonisation in energy-intensive northern economies. By pairing large-scale baseload nuclear power with cost-competitive wind additions and robust regional grid links, the market is successfully decarbonising its supply while positioning itself as an attractive destination for green industrial investment.”

For more information visit: www.globaldata.com

The full commercial operation of Olkiluoto 3 will mean nuclear power will generate 40% of Finland’s electricity

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YOUR GUIDE TO DISTRIBUTORS, SUPPLIERS AND MANUFACTURERS IN THE INDUSTRY

APROVIS Energy Systems

Barnbrook Systems

HILLIARD

Innovative gas and exhaust gas treatment. Since its foundation in 2000, APROVIS has been operating successfully as a medium-sized company on the national and international market. We are constantly developing further.

A leading provider of problem-solving innovative solutions for the aerospace, defence, and industrial sectors. Delivering highquality systems and advanced technologies, ensuring reliability and performance across all applications. Partner with us for excellence.

Hilliard offers a diversified product line for industrial applications in a wide variety of industries. Hilliard products are designed, manufactured and sold according to our customers' applications.

T +49 9826 / 65 83 – 040

T +44 1329 847722

T +1 607 733 7121

E info@aprovis.com

E sales@barnbrook.co.uk

E sales@hilliardcorp.com

W www.aprovis.com/en/home-en/

W www.barnbrooksystems.com

W www.hilliardcorp.com

RICHWOOD Integrated Global Services (IGS)

OPSIS

RICHWOOD

Headquartered in Virginia, U.S., IGS is an international provider of surface engineering solutions. It executes projects around the world and has 35+ years of experience helping customers solve metal wastage and reliability problems in mission-critical equipment.

OPSIS AB is a globally active manufacturer of innovative systems for air quality monitoring and industrial gas analysis. We provide our customers with reliable and cost-effective measurement systems and services for a wide range of applications.

Richwood designs innovative solutions for the worldwide bulk material handling industry. Clean conveyors and sealed and protected load zones from site specific solutions mean lowered maintenance costs, safer work areas and more productive operations.

T +1 888 506 2669

T +46 46 72 25 00

T 304-525-5436

E info@integratedglobal.com

E info@opsis.se

E info@richwood.com

W www.integratedglobal.com

W www.opsis.se

W www.richwood.com

Rotork

SafeLane Global Limited

Seal For Life Industries

A market-leading global provider of mission-critical flow control solutions for the industrial actuation and flow control markets. We help customers improve efficiency, reduce emissions, minimise their environmental impact and assure safety.

With 30+ years’ experience in demining, explosive and unexploded ordnance disposal, SafeLane Global provides end-to-end consultancy in explosive risk mitigation on land or at sea. Services include: Threat assessments, surveys, investigation, clearance, and ALARP certification.

Seal For Life, part of the Henkel Adhesive Technologies Group, offers the most diversified protection, maintenance and repair solutions in the market. With fourteen distinct brands offering a broad range of products servicing multiple industries across the globe.

T +44 (0) 1225 733200

T +44 1594 368 077

T +31 599 696 170

E information@rotork.com

E info@safelaneglobal.com

E info@sealforlife.com

W www.rotork.com

W www.safelaneglobal.com

W www.sealforlife.com

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SHOW PREVIEW

OFFSHORE ENERGY EXHIBITION & CONFERENCE (OEEC)

he Offshore Energy Exhibition and Conference (OEEC), Europe’s leading annual event for the offshore energy and maritime industries, will take place at the RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre in The Netherlands between 24th and 25th November 2026. The show will focus on offshore wind, oil and gas, marine energy, hydrogen, carbon capture and storage (CCS), as

well as sustainable maritime solutions. The event typically attracts between 8,000 and 10,000 visitors and hosts more than 500 exhibiting companies. Historically, the conference sessions have drawn between 1,300 and 1,500 dedicated delegates representing over 80 nationalities. Attendees primarily consist of business leaders, engineers, buyers, investors, regulators and policymakers. There will be a range of industries exhibiting. Last year the exhibitor breakdown was as follows: manufacturing (c36%), logistics & supply chain (15%), professional services (11%), and oil and gas (6%). The high-level conference programme will features 80 expert speakers presenting deep-dives into market trends, innovations, and energy transitions that focus on the convergence of industries, as well as

how offshore wind, hydrogen, oil & gas, marine energy, and carbon capture and storage (CCS) interact. New additions include critical security tracks, such as seabed security (subsea infrastructure surveillance) and AI & cybersecurity in renewable energy. For more information visit: www.oeec.biz/oeec2026

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ONSHORE TO OFFSHORE

Precision in Every Vibration. Detect early. Monitor reliably. Maximize performance.

From rotor imbalance detection onshore to harsh marine environments offshore, ASC accelerometers deliver precise vibration data to support reliable wind turbine condition monitoring. Onshore: ASC 5511LN / 5515LN — Triaxial capacitive MEMS, resolution below 20 µg, measurement ranges up to ±400 g, operating temperatures from −40°C to +100°C.

Offshore: ASC OS-LN / OS-MF — IP68-rated stainless steel housing, seawater-compatible cables, operating temperatures from −40°C to +100°C. Low-noise measurements or frequency response up to 7 kHz, with shock resistance up to 6,000 g.

ASC Sensors — Engineered for precision. Built for reliability. Let’s talk about it: sales@asc-sensors.de • Phone +49 8441 7865470

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SUCCESSFUL WORLDWIDE. AT HOME IN GERM ANY.

22.10.26 18:29

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SHOW PREVIEW

ADIPEC 2026

his Abu-Dhabi based show, promising to explore ‘energy systems in a new era’, will take place between 2nd-5th November 2026. Originally focused on oil and gas, the show has broadened into a massive ecosystem covering global energy security, affordable supply, and low-carbon technologies. The show will welcome over 239,000 energy professionals from 172 countries; with more than 2,250 exhibiting companies likely to to include national and international oil companies as well as renewable energy organisations. A comprehensive conference will include more than 1,800 speakers across 380 sessions.

A VAST SHOW SPREAD ACROSS 17 HALLS

This huge event will be spread across 17 exhibition halls and features the

following dedicated technology and industry zones: • An AI zone: this will focus on industrial AI, digital twins, and automation. • A low carbon & chemicals zone: This will be centred on hydrogen, carbon capture (CCUS), and industrial electrification. • A maritime & logistics zone: An area that will connect the shipping and supply chain infrastructure. • A digitalisation zone: To highlight smart manufacturing and cloud technology. The conference is enormous, it has drawn 7,261 paper submissions, and will include approximately 12 strategic and technical programmes.. Confirmed C-Suite speakers include industry leaders such as Wael Sawan (Shell), Meg O’Neill (BP), Claudio Descalzi (Eni), Lorenzo Simonelli (Baker Hughes), and Olivier Le Peuch (SLB).

A series of elite networking events will run alongside, including exclusive, invitation only channels like the Global Energy Club and Leadership Roundtables that will facilitate high-level strategy sessions between international ministers and C-level executives. The show will run between 10am and 6.30pm on the 2nd-4th November, and 10am-5.30pm on 5th November. General visitor passes are available via the official ADIPEC Registration Portal for US$60 while delegate passes granting strategic and technical program access are priced around US$7,250. ADIPEC runs a free hotel shuttle bus service connecting selected major hotels across Abu Dhabi directly to the ADNEC Centre. There are also park and ride services meaning attendees can avoid heavy traffic and parking constraints around the centre.

For more information visit: www.adipec.com

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JOIN US

Cross-market focus: connect with leaders across oil & gas, offshore wind, maritime, CCS, hydrogen & renewables. Networking: meet peers, partners & industry experts.

Conference program: sessions on security, clean tech, circularity & renewable solutions. Innovators’ Area: dedicated space for startups & emerging solutions.

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SHOW PREVIEW

WINDEUROPE 2027

he WindEurope annual show returns to Copenhagen, Denmark between April 20th and 22nd, 2027 and will take place at the Bella Centre in the heart of the city. This marks the eighth time Copenhagen has hosted the conference. The organisers will welcome over 16,000 participants, 500

exhibitors, 400 speakers, 80 sessions, and 200 research posters. Their core focus will be scaling up onshore and offshore wind energy, accelerating electrification, expanding grid infrastructure, and driving industrial competitiveness and energy security. The event is organised by WindEurope, with Green Power Denmark as the

national host and partner, alongside support from Copenhagen Capacity and key industry players. Among the exhibition highlights will be specialised areas such as The Pavilion – Powered by Denmark showcasing Danish companies. The conference serves as a primary hub for ministers, CEOs, developers (such as Vestas, Ørsted, and Equinor), and investors to tackle supply chain challenges and advance Europe’s climate neutrality goals. The conference programme features over 80 expert sessions split across strategic policy discussions and highly technical research tracks with themes that cover the entire life cycle of onshore and offshore wind energy. They will focus heavily on expanding infrastructure and strengthening Europe’s supply chain. For more information visit: www.windeurope.org/ annual2027/

The conference services as a primary hub for ministers, CEOs and developers

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WHERE ENERGY OPPORTUNITY TAKES SHAPE

Energy is entering a new era.

ADIPEC in numbers:

Rising demand, new technologies and intensifying competition are reshaping global energy markets – creating unprecedented opportunities to expand supply, attract investment and strengthen economic competitiveness. From 2–5 November in Abu Dhabi, ADIPEC 2026 brings together leaders, capital and capability to turn opportunity into action – advancing the partnerships, projects and technologies that will shape how energy is produced, traded and delivered.

JOIN THE GLOBAL ENERGY COMMUNITY

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