Human Interest

Human Interest about individuals, communities, or events that evoke emotional or personal interest.

Future Technologies Sells $14M Private 5G to US Energy Sector in 12 Months

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Proof, or at least an indication, that the growing market for private networks in Industry 4.0 is as much about local knowledge and boots as global corporate reach. Future Technologies, a US-based systems integrator, has just released a press release about receiving $14 million in orders from the nation's energy sector in 2023; and more to come on his big-ticket wins in the coming weeks, it said.

The company, founded in Atlanta, Georgia as a satellite integrator in 1999 and focused on private mobile communications for 15 years, recently appeared RCR wireless webinar on the state of private networks in 2024, and it will appear again in a companion report later in the month. In 2023, its contract revenues in the broad US energy market come from a combination of private 4G/5G sales, plus fixed broadband and mobile wide area network (WAN) solutions.

Fixed broadband sales include microwave and point-to-multipoint technologies; The WAN business is for mobile IoT sensor solutions, moving into non-mobile LoRaWAN as well. Most of the category winners were in the chemical, oil and gas and renewable energy sectors, it said. Future Technologies, a close ally of Nokia in the private 4G/5G market, has listed Cambium Networks, Semtech/Sierra Wireless, plus Intel and Microsoft as key suppliers.

The statement says: “Upstream and midstream energy operators face inherent challenges when it comes to operating in harsh, remote geographic environments. These often pose challenges, including limited connectivity, extreme weather conditions and vast distances. Private mobile, fixed broadband and public/private mobile WAN solutions can address these issues, providing a reliable and secure infrastructure tailored to specific (industry) needs.”

It explained its offering in each subsector of the energy market (“digital oilfield,” “chemical facilities,” and “renewables”) without actually naming any of its customers. With private 4G/5G as the key driver of the company's sales growth in 2023, it explained how edge mobile connectivity “augments” and “complements” public 4G/5G and enterprise Wi-Fi in each case to create : hybrid enterprise infrastructure to spring for operational efficiency.

Oilfield's explanation says it uses Nokia's DAC and MPW private network systems (3.55-3.7 GHz) to complement fixed wireless broadband (3 GHz to 60 GHz) from Cambium Networks: to extend fiber optic transport networks to vertical assets. , such as towers and buildings; Mobile WAN equipment from Sierra Wireless is deployed to connect to both public and private networks to “provide data-protected network connections to these critical assets,” according to the release.

In chemical plants, it uses the same Nokia systems to “cover 100 percent” of outdoor production environments; In renewables, it said it is tackling “carbon sequestration initiatives” with private 4G/5G (“for coverage”) and fixed broadband (“transportation and fixed wireless”) use cases. It assumed that computer vision was primarily a fixed wireless use case.

“These hybrid network solutions provide the best all-in-one solution for customers… ensuring they have the right network layer for each use case and, in some cases, the network flexibility of having both a primary and backup network approach in each case. the use case. This approach allows each problem to be solved with the right technology versus a single technology approach driving the result.”

Future Technologies also deployed private 5G solutions in good volume in the US defense sector in 2023. The company said in January it had secured “several million dollars” in private 5G wins among Fortune 100 and 500 industrial companies, many in the manufacturing space, and a $150 million pipeline of new private 5G sales. Future Technologies also works with AWS, Ciena, Cisco, Dell, Ericsson, HPE and Juniper (HPE; forthcoming), according to its website.

Peter Cappiello, CEO of Future Technologies, said: “Future technologies have experienced significant growth in the energy sector… We have accepted major awards in 2023 and are charging with an even more significant pipeline in 2024. Our team has years of domain expertise in these markets, which is critical when addressing requirements such as the connected worker, digital workflow, industrial automation and the digital twin.”

He added: “Our focus in this market is driven by our team of industry leaders, partnering with best-in-class technology solutions providers including Intel, Nokia, Cambium Networks, Semtech and Microsoft. Through this hybrid network transformation approach, we can help customers extend the functionality of their existing network assets while covering new networks, providing coverage and connectivity for advanced use cases.”

SAP Cloud Solutions is driving India's energy industry towards a sustainable future

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India's oil, gas and power sectors are adopting SAP's cloud ERP solution, 'RISE With SAP', as part of the country's sustainability and innovation drive. This comprehensive shift aims to increase operational efficiency, reduce environmental impact and align clean energy practices with India's commitments.

As India ranks as the world's third largest energy consumer, this transition underscores a broader strategy towards energy self-sufficiency and cleaner resources. Key initiatives such as the Restructured Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) are driving modernization in electricity and gas networks. Leading companies like Assam Power Distribution, Indradhanush Gas Grid and Purba Bharati Gas are leveraging RISE With SAP to meet the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions among industries and households.

Rakesh Kumar, IAS, Managing Director of Assam Power Distribution Company Limited, a public limited company owned by the Government of Assam, said: system modernization and become more customer-centric. We are excited to use SAP technology to drive our company towards sustainability and be a catalyst for holistic growth in the state of Assam, empowering agriculture and industry and lighting up rural and urban homes.”

“IGGL has implemented state-of-the-art cloud technology from SAP from September 2022, which enables us to achieve this goal by increasing operational efficiency, facilitating data-driven decision-making, driving innovation, promoting good governance, and strengthening internal financial controls across the value chain.” in the chain,” said PK Mohapatra, CFO, Indradhanush Gas, a joint venture between IOCL, ONGC, GAIL, OIL and NRL.”

Manuj Kumar Baruah, Managing Director, Purba Bharati Gas Pvt. Limited, a joint venture company of Assam Gas Company Limited, OIL India Limited and GAIL Gas Limited says; Adopting RISE with SAP has served as the backbone of the business, helping us integrate multiple departments and functions into a single platform that can scale with changing environments or requirements.”

Vikas Sharma, Vice President and Business Head, Public Sector, SAP India added; “India's energy sector is at an inflection point, being transformed by the widespread adoption of cloud technology. By integrating new-age technology on the cloud, SAP is committed to enabling this sector with clean energy, improved air quality, improved public health and a more sustainable environment.”

Green energy solutions for circular economy and localization

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Maidei Matika, Chief Investment Officer of the Gauteng IDZ, explains how the organization will use its strengths to incorporate green energies and circular economy principles into future operations.

Located at OR Tambo International Airport, IDZ is designing the next stage of operations and exploring how to take advantage of the area's natural endowments for a mixed energy solution.

Learn more about the Gauteng Industrial Development Zone.

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Smart Metering as a Catalyst for Industrial Efficiency and Resilience, ET EnergyWorld

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Smart metering systems are transforming the industrial landscape, offering many benefits that go far beyond mere billing and accounting. These advanced systems use advanced technologies such as Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), real-time data analytics, Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to provide industries with comprehensive insights into energy consumption patterns.

At the core of these systems is the ability to streamline processes and reduce operating costs. By automating consumption measurement, detecting violations and identifying outages, smart meters eliminate manual interventions and minimize errors, leading to significant cost savings. Furthermore, their data analysis capabilities play a crucial role in detecting meter manipulation or energy theft, ensuring fair practices and protecting the interests of law-abiding industrial consumers.

Importantly, smart metering systems can revolutionize the quality and reliability of energy supply services. By enabling accurate assessment of energy patterns at the distribution level, these systems facilitate better energy generation planning and help reduce potential supply disruptions, ensuring consistent and uninterrupted energy supply for industry. This minimizes the risk of costly production interruptions and associated financial losses.

Furthermore, smart meters empower industries with comprehensive insights into energy usage patterns, encouraging the adoption of energy-efficient practices and fostering a culture of conscious consumption. Armed with these insights, industries can implement targeted energy-saving strategies, aligning their operations with sustainability goals and corporate social responsibility initiatives, ultimately leading to cost savings and a reduced environmental footprint.

The real power of smart metering systems lies in their ability to leverage emerging technologies. Features such as remote monitoring, predictive maintenance, demand forecasting and dynamic pricing strategies tailored to industrial needs are made possible by integrating smart meters with IoT and AI. By harnessing the power of technology, smart meters enable industries to optimize energy consumption, reduce costs and increase operational efficiency, driving sustainable growth and fostering a greener, more resilient industrial landscape.

Furthermore, two-way communication between industry and energy suppliers through smart metering systems enables monitoring of consumption trends and implementation of demand response programs, contributing to overall energy efficiency. Industries can use this communication to optimize their energy use and participate in programs that promote energy conservation efforts.

In a rapidly evolving industrial landscape, smart metering systems are game-changers, reshaping the energy landscape by driving operational efficiency, combating energy theft, improving supply quality, raising awareness and enabling effective communication. Ultimately, these technological advances contribute to the overall growth and competitiveness of the industry sector, driving progress toward a more sustainable and prosperous future.

I'm in Texas to see the future

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Hello from Texas! I'm in Corpus Christi and Houston this week to meet with the remarkable innovators shaping America's clean energy future. It's going to be a great trip.

If you want to see what the next generation of clean energy innovation looks like, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better place than Texas. Amazing companies are breaking ground not just here in Southeast Texas, but across the state. Each one is a huge boon to the local economy, America's energy security, and the fight against climate change.

The world is currently undergoing an energy transition fueled by the development and deployment of new clean energy technologies. The pace of innovation behind this transition is happening faster than many people (myself included) dared to hope. The progress makes me optimistic about the future and excited about the role that American communities will play, especially in places like Texas. Breakthrough Energy and I have invested more than $130 million in Texas-based entrepreneurs, institutions and projects. It's a big bet, but one I'm confident in.

Why? Because of the people. Nearly half a million Texans work in the oil and gas industry, and their skills are directly transferable to the next generation of industry. This workforce will help form the backbone of the world's new clean energy economy, and it will strengthen Texas' energy leadership for generations to come.

Many of the companies I see on this trip are already hiring or planning to hire oil and gas workers. One of those companies is Infinium, which is working on the next generation of clean fuels for trucks, ships and even airplanes. I visit their first demonstration plant in Corpus Christi, where they turn waste CO2 and renewable energy into electric fuel or e-fuels for trucks. They already have a deal with Amazon and soon if you live in the area you can get delivery powered by Infinium eDiesel.

The key to Infinium's approach is that their fuel can be dropped into existing engines. That's huge. That means companies won't have to adapt their fleets, removing one of the biggest barriers to switching to new fuels. I'm particularly excited about the work they're doing on sustainable aviation fuel, or SAF, which the company estimates can reduce emissions from air travel by up to 90 percent. Infinium is in the process of converting an old gas-to-liquids plant in West Texas to a new facility that will increase the company's capacity to produce eVuels tenfold. Breakthrough Energy's Catalyst program has invested in this first-of-its-kind plant, and I can't wait to see it complete.

Another company I would look at is Mars Materials. They are the Breakthrough Energy Fellows project working on a different way to reuse CO2. The company is developing a clever technique to turn captured carbon into one of the key components of carbon fiber, an ultra-lightweight, super-strong material used in everything from clothing to car frames. (If you've never played pickleball with a carbon fiber racquet, I highly recommend giving it a try – you won't believe how much power you get from your shots.) and the gas talent they could access in the state, and they're not the first Breakthrough Energy company to do this. I'm going to check out their lab where their scientists are hard at work optimizing the conversion process.

Both of the companies I just mentioned turn CO2 into useful products. Their business models assume that they will have access to a lot of carbon. Fortunately for them, Texas is also in the process of becoming the capital of direct aerial capture. DAC is the process of removing carbon directly from the air. The captured carbon can either be captured underground or reused by companies such as Infinium and Mars Materials. A recent study found that Texas has the largest DAC deployment potential in the country and could add up to 400,000 jobs by 2050.

DAC is the fire extinguisher of clean energy technologies. it's something you hope you never need, but you need to be prepared if (and when) you do. In an ideal world, we would adopt clean energy so quickly that we would not need to remove carbon from the air. In reality, this did not happen. We already have decades of legacy emissions to clean up, so we need a sizeable DAC industry.

During my visit, I will meet with local business and community leaders involved in the development of the DAC Hub in Kingsville, Texas. The Hub is the brainchild of Occidental's 1PointFive and will bring nearly 2,500 jobs to the community over the next five years. I was an early investor in direct air capture technology and it's great to see it grow from concept to real economic opportunity for the local community.

The DAC project was selected for a grant from the Department of Energy as a result of the bipartisan Infrastructure Act. Having participated in some of the early discussions of clean energy bills a few years ago, I am amazed at how much progress has been made since then and am eager to meet the people who are driving it forward. DAC Hubs is a perfect example of how innovation can and should work. Private investors take risks by developing breakthrough innovations that are then scaled up through a mix of public and private investment.

It's going to be an exciting few days. I look forward to meeting with the leaders of the many companies supported by Breakthrough Energy located in the region. I will be speaking about the enormous potential I see in the clean industry at CERAWeek, one of the largest annual energy conferences in the United States. I'm also going to learn more about the Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub being developed in the area, and I'll tour Air Liquide's hydrogen plant in La Porte. Their plant uses steam methane reforming to create hydrogen fuel for industry and will be retrofitted in the coming years to eliminate its emissions. (As I've written before, hydrogen will play a key role in the energy transition.)

All of the companies I'll be seeing in Texas this week are at the heart of the energy transition. They drive innovation, bring good jobs to their communities and boost the American economy. If you want a glimpse into our nation's clean energy future, you need to head down to the Lone Star State.

How energy titans are shaping the future with solid-state batteries

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In an era defined by technological marvels and calls for sustainability, the oceans emerge as a fierce battleground for innovation—a realm where the energy of the future stirs beneath the waves, whispering promises of cleaner, limitless power. As the world strives for green energy like never before, engineers are flirting with the daring, venturing into the heart of the salty abyss with a new-age arsenal of solid-state batteries.

Imagine this. deep-sea rigs braving the rising tides powered by a power source so safe, powerful and flexible it's like discovering the philosopher's stone of renewable energy. Solid state batteries avoid the flammable liquid electrolytes that threaten the sanctity of our seas and store energy in the stoic embrace of solid electrolytes. A shift that quells the specter of fiery dangers that haunt the seas, ushering in the dawn of unwavering security in marine energy offshore.

Now, imagine using more power in the crab's flexion; this is the enticing promise of higher energy density solid state batteries whispering to us. With the ability to hide more juice in smaller chambers, these batteries are gaining traction with better-performing offshore rigs. Maintenance is routine, saying goodbye to the tyranny of time and cost – less frequent, less costly and surprisingly efficient.

Another feat unfolds as we face the fury of the ocean; the high temperatures, relentless humidity, and throbbing vibrations that plague conventional batteries with relentless degradation. But solid-state contenders remain apathetic, their performance dwarfed by the stormy fury of offshore domains. This unwavering vitality paves the way for an uninterrupted flow of energy, ensuring platforms are constantly alive, pulsating with productivity.

Whispers of this revolution carry stories of fierce cooperation and intelligence. Imagine the rabid intellectuals at Norway's own NTNU and energy titan Equinor joining forces in a quest to master solid-state batteries for the dangers of offshore domains. This communication heralds a spectrum of possibilities, stretching far beyond the offshore sector, promising to transform electric cars, portable electronics and massive energy storage networks.

NTNU and Equinor are not just dreaming. they are forging the tools of titans, building a tomorrow where the roar of diesel engines and the gloom of carbon emissions are but a fading echo of the past.

As we sail into a bold and untamed horizon, solid-state batteries stand as beacons of a future brimming with renewable energy. With every step of research and leap of development, we move closer to a world where the strength of solid-state technology galvanizes marine fleets, pushing us toward the bright summit of a greener future.

So, leading the way in energy innovation, let the world marvel as we create the elements, bend the currents, and ride a strong wave into a tomorrow painted with bright strokes of sustainability, fueled, guided, and protected by the stalwart. energy storage, solid state batteries.

The EnerGeo Alliance testified at Energy Week about the need for energy geoscience research to provide reliable and affordable energy access and meet future energy demand.

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Washington, D.C., March 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, Joe Dreyer testified on behalf of the EnerGeo Alliance before the U.S. House of Representatives during what has been announced as “Energy Week,” where the House is considering six energy-related bills and resolutions. promote US energy dominance.

Dreyer highlighted the role of energy geoscience and exploration as key energy opportunities to ensure energy selectivity and security and meet future energy demand;

“Energy geology provides invaluable information about the resources beneath us that energy companies and policymakers can use to identify and prioritize high-density, low-carbon-intensive energy sources, to find where offshore wind farms are best suited to harness wind energy. , extend the life of existing natural gas and oil assets, enable subsurface carbon storage, and more. That's why at EnerGeo Alliance we proudly say, “we make energy possible.”

Noting the energy geosciences industry's long history of safe and responsible operations worldwide, Dreyer noted “the need for legislative and regulatory effectiveness to meet future energy demands.” Next, Dreyer focused on the role of geology in developing offshore energy and carbon capture and storage projects; and the integrity of the containment or sequestration environment. A viable geoscience industry is integral to achieving these lofty goals, and well-defined and effective regulatory processes are required by US and other policymakers.

“Policymakers must now prioritize the required infrastructure, including ensuring effective permitting for the geological surveys needed to identify and monitor the deposits.

territories. We strongly encourage BOEM (Bureau of Ocean Energy Management) and the current administration to align regulations that currently exist or may be developed (…) so that geoscience activities are analyzed and permitted under the same metrics.

“Geological surveys provide the information that governments and policymakers need to make informed decisions in the best interests of their citizens regarding access to mainstream energy and alternative sources, as well as developing low-carbon strategies. As countries develop and implement their energy evolution goals to bring reliable, affordable energy to their citizens and achieve the ambitions of a Net Zero Emissions (NZE) policy, it is important to understand that these goals cannot and will not be achieved without critical data and technology. the geology industry provides.

“At EnerGeo, we advocate to ensure that all policymakers and energy companies have access to reliable data and analytics to support their progress efforts.

“With the growing need for energy from all sources, many predict that the energy industry is on the cusp of an 'international boom.' Where industry invests now will influence where they access insight (data), infrastructure and supporting regulatory and policy structures,” Dreyer concluded.

###

About the EnerGeo Alliance

The EnerGeo Alliance, founded in 1971, is the global trade alliance for the energy geosciences industry, the intersection where earth science and energy meet. The EnerGeo Alliance and its member companies span more than 50 countries and join together to open the door to the safe discovery, development and delivery of mainstream energy, alternative energy and low-carbon energy solutions that meet the needs of our growing world. .

Michela Fumagalli

EnerGeo alliance

713-584-3391

mfumagalli@energeoalliance.org

EnerGeo Alliance testified during Energy Week

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Washington, D.C., March 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, Joe Dreyer testified on behalf of the EnerGeo Alliance before the U.S. House of Representatives during what has been announced as “Energy Week,” where the House is debating six energy-related bills and promoting U.S. energy dominance. formulas.

Dreyer highlighted the role of energy geoscience and exploration as key energy opportunities to ensure energy selectivity and security and meet future energy demand;

“Energy geology provides invaluable information about the resources beneath us that energy companies and policymakers can use to identify and prioritize high-density, low-carbon-intensive energy sources, to find where offshore wind farms are best suited to harness wind energy. , extend the life of existing natural gas and oil assets, enable subsurface carbon storage, and more. That's why at EnerGeo Alliance we proudly say, “we make energy possible.”

Noting the energy geosciences industry's long history of safe and responsible operations worldwide, Dreyer noted “the need for legislative and regulatory effectiveness to meet future energy demands.” Next, Dreyer focused on the role of geology in developing offshore energy and carbon capture and storage projects; and the integrity of the containment or sequestration environment. A viable geoscience industry is integral to achieving these lofty goals, and well-defined and effective regulatory processes are required by US and other policymakers.

“Policymakers must now prioritize the required infrastructure, including ensuring effective permitting for the geological surveys needed to identify and monitor the deposits.

territories. We strongly encourage BOEM (Bureau of Ocean Energy Management) and the current administration to align regulations that currently exist or may be developed (…) so that geoscience activities are analyzed and permitted under the same metrics.

“Geological surveys provide the information that governments and policymakers need to make informed decisions in the best interests of their citizens regarding access to mainstream energy and alternative sources, as well as developing low-carbon strategies. As countries develop and implement their energy evolution goals to bring reliable, affordable energy to their citizens and achieve the ambitions of a Net Zero Emissions (NZE) policy, it is important to understand that these goals cannot and will not be achieved without critical data and technology. the geology industry provides.

“At EnerGeo, we advocate to ensure that all policymakers and energy companies have access to reliable data and analytics to support their progress efforts.

“With the growing need for energy from all sources, many predict that the energy industry is on the cusp of an 'international boom.' Where industry invests now will influence where they access insight (data), infrastructure and supporting regulatory and policy structures,” Dreyer concluded.

###

About the EnerGeo Alliance

The EnerGeo Alliance, founded in 1971, is the global trade alliance for the energy geosciences industry, the intersection where earth science and energy meet. The EnerGeo Alliance and its member companies span more than 50 countries and join together to open the door to the safe discovery, development and delivery of mainstream energy, alternative energy and low-carbon energy solutions that meet the needs of our growing world. .

The Gas Association's confident investment policy will fuel a sustainable energy future

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The Nigerian Gas Association (NGA) has commended the Federal Government for the recent release of three key policy directives that herald a monumental leap towards opening up investment in the oil and gas sector.

Nwokedi's hand
Mr. Aka Nwokedi, President, Gas Association of Nigeria

These directives include multiple strategies, including implementing fiscal incentives for non-adjacent gas, midstream and deepwater developments, streamlining the contracting process to shorten the contract cycle to six months, and implementing local content requirements without hindering investment or cost competitiveness.

The President, Gas Association of Nigeria, Mr. Aka Nwokedi, hailed these directives as transformative milestones that are poised to revolutionize the energy landscape of Nigeria's oil and gas sector, with gas as a key enabler.

He emphasized that strategic investment of fiscal incentives for non-adjacent gas, medium and deepwater developments can attract significant investment, strengthen safety measures, increase production rates, enhance domestic gas utilization and improve ease of doing business. the part.

Furthermore, streamlining the contracting process to speed up the current 36-month contracting cycle by just six months is being hailed as a game changer. This will significantly reduce bureaucratic obstacles and increase operational efficiency across the sector. This streamlined approach will catalyze project implementation, optimize resource allocation, and create an enabling environment for local and international investors.

Furthermore, applying local content requirements without compromising investment or cost competitiveness underscores the government's commitment to promoting sustainable development and empowering local stakeholders. These directives can pave the way for inclusive growth, knowledge transfer and skills development within the Nigerian workforce by balancing local content commitments and investment incentives.

“We commend the Federal Government for its unwavering commitment to drive positive change and create an enabling environment for investment in the oil and gas sector,” Mr Nwokedi said. “These progressive policy directives mark a significant leap forward in our collective journey towards a sustainable energy future and strengthening security in Nigeria.”

Mr. Nwokedi reiterated NGA's firm commitment to partner with the Federal Government to realize the nation's strategic energy goals, focusing on the use of gas as a key driver of economic prosperity and national development.

The Nigerian Gas Association reaffirms its commitment to promoting collaboration with all stakeholders including government agencies, industry players and civil society organizations to promote progress and prosperity in the oil and gas sector.

NGA is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the development and growth of the gas industry in Nigeria. With a focus on advocacy, education and collaboration, NGA seeks to advance the interests of its members and contribute to the sustainable development of Nigeria's energy sector.