Year: 2022

Posted on

Hitachi Energy and Linxon support National Grid in achieving sustainability targets through pioneering 420 kV SF6-free gas-insulated switchgear technology

Strengthening key power infrastructure in London while reducing carbon footprint

Zurich, Switzerland, Dec. 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hitachi Energy and Linxon are collaborating to strengthen London Power Tunnels (LPT), a key power infrastructure project that will ensure reliable, clean electricity supply for England’s capital city. To support National Grid in accelerating its net zero targets, Hitachi Energy will deliver EconiQ™ 420-kilovolt (kV) gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) and gas-insulated lines (GIL) containing no sulfur hexafluoride (SF6).

As one of the world’s largest investor-owned transmission and distribution utilities, National Grid has the ambition to remove all SF6 from its fleet by 2050. In 2020, it embarked on LPT project that will replace ageing high-voltage electricity cables and expand network capacity to meet the increasing electricity demand. Considered to be one of the city’s largest engineering projects since the 1960s, the LPT will span 32.5 kilometers via underground tunnels in South London.

Linxon is building Bengeworth Road substation for National Grid to develop the LPT infrastructure. To support National Grid in its transition to SF6-free solutions, Hitachi Energy will deliver 7 bays of its EconiQ 420 kV GIS to enable the transmission of electricity over long distances while eliminating SF6, in addition to EconiQ 420 kV GIL. The EconiQ high-voltage portfolio is 100 percent as reliable as the conventional solutions based on SF6. The installation is expected to commence by 2023.

“We’re delighted that Bengeworth Road substation, at the heart of London Power Tunnels, will be SF6-free,” said Onur Aydemir, National Grid Project Director for London Power Tunnels. “This key power project will deliver a secure energy supply to the capital, and by using sustainable technology we are minimizing the environmental impact of our operations to support the transition to Net Zero.”

“Following the successful collaboration with National Grid on the world’s first replacement of SF6 in existing high-voltage equipment and award-winning project in Richborough, UK, we are proud to be supporting National Grid again in its transition to SF6-free solutions,” said Markus Heimbach, Managing Director of the High Voltage Products business at Hitachi Energy. “The EconiQ GIS is based on our breakthrough SF6-free 420 kV circuit-breaker that demonstrates the reliability and scalability of the technology for the lowest carbon footprint.”

“Linxon is building the infrastructure to power the world with carbon free energy. Thanks to strong collaboration with Hitachi Energy, Linxon is able to provide the pioneering EconiQ SF6-free solution from Hitachi Energy for the Bengeworth substation, supporting our client to meet their sustainability targets”, said Stefan Reisacher, CEO of Linxon.

EconiQ is Hitachi Energy’s eco-efficient portfolio for sustainability, where products, services and solutions are proven to deliver exceptional environmental performance. Hitachi Energy has placed sustainability at the heart of its purpose and is advancing a sustainable energy future for all.

About Hitachi Energy

Hitachi Energy is a global technology leader that is advancing a sustainable energy future for all. We serve customers in the utility, industry and infrastructure sectors with innovative solutions and services across the value chain. Together with customers and partners, we pioneer technologies and enable the digital transformation required to accelerate the energy transition towards a carbon-neutral future. We are advancing the world’s energy system to become more sustainable, flexible and secure whilst balancing social, environmental and economic value. Hitachi Energy has a proven track record and unparalleled installed base in more than 140 countries. Headquartered in Switzerland, we employ around 40,000 people in 90 countries and generate business volumes of approximately $10 billion USD.

https://www.hitachienergy.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/hitachienergy
https://twitter.com/HitachiEnergy

About Hitachi, Ltd.

Hitachi drives Social Innovation Business, creating a sustainable society with data and technology. We will solve customers’ and society’s challenges with Lumada solutions leveraging IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products, under the business structure of Digital Systems & Services, Green Energy & Mobility, Connective Industries and Automotive Systems. Driven by green, digital, and innovation, we aim for growth through collaboration with our customers. The company’s consolidated revenues for fiscal year 2021 (ended March 31, 2022) totaled 10,264.6 billion yen ($84,136 million USD), with 853 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 370,000 employees worldwide. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company’s website at https://www.hitachi.com.

About Linxon

Linxon commenced operations on September 1, 2018, undertaking turnkey electrical alternating current substation projects related to renewable and conventional power generation, power transmission and transportation solutions. Substations enable the efficient and reliable transmission and distribution of electricity. Within the substation, switchgear controls and protects the network from power outages and facilitates reliable electricity supply. (https://linxon.com/)

Attachment

Jocelyn Chang
Hitachi Energy
+41793847775
jocelyn.chang@hitachienergy.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8718382

Posted on

Blacklane Announces Significant Investment from Gargash Group and Mercedes-Benz Mobility

Double-Digit Million Dollar Deal Accelerates Blacklane’s Long-Term and Sustainable Growth in the Middle East and Globally

Blacklane Announces Significant Investment from Gargash Group and Mercedes-Benz Mobility

Chauffeurs trained in the newly opened Chauffeur Academy in Dubai pictured with an all-electric Mercedes-Benz EQS fleet.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates and BERLIN, Dec. 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Blacklane, the leading global chauffeur services provider, has partnered with Gargash Group, one of the leading business conglomerates in the UAE, as its most recent investor, alongside long-time backer Mercedes-Benz Mobility that also joined the round. This series F financing round brings a significant Million Dollar investment in the double digits at a valuation roughly 50% higher than the previous one from 2020.

Blacklane, which brings a unique premium chauffeur service experience to its clients, has seen unprecedented growth in popularity over the last months. With the new investment, the company will focus on its fleet’s transition to electric vehicles (EVs) including a retained super-charging network to accelerate its race to net zero and satisfy growing customer expectations. Since Blacklane aims to constantly deliver premium standards across its global chauffeur services network while improving the crew’s well-being, Blacklane has founded its first Chauffeur Academy in Dubai to ensure the highest service quality right from the start. The important Middle East market serves Blacklane as a test bed to optimize its structure and subsequently scale the new approach globally. Gargash Enterprises’ and Mercedes-Benz Mobility’s support is accelerating Blacklane’s ability to transition to EVs as well as perfecting its service blueprint and introducing it to other cities worldwide. While Gargash Enterprises contributes its local expertise and sustainability know-how, Mercedes-Benz Mobility provides Blacklane with world-class electric vehicles optimized for perfect chauffeur service experiences. Mercedes-Benz Mobility, investor since 2013, holds a brand share of more than 50% of Blacklane’s global fleet.

Blacklane Announces Significant Investment from Gargash Group and Mercedes-Benz Mobility

Jens Wohltorf, CEO and co-founder of Blacklane (left) pictured with Shehab Gargash, Managing Director and Group CEO of Gargash Group

Jens Wohltorf, CEO and founder of Blacklane, said: “Gargash Group is the perfect partner to super-charge our growth in the Middle East and globally. Dubai is an important gateway for international clients, a key leisure and commercial city, hungry for innovation, and committed to sustainability. Hence Gargash Group’s expertise and partnership lay the foundation to globally ramp up our premium electric fleet, set up our local chauffeur academies, and support the technical and operational expansion of our innovative platform. The ultimate goal is to continue driving our rapid growth. This new investment round is proof of Blacklane crew’s achievements. In the past three years, we successfully introduced innovative products, thereby winning an impressive amount of new business accounts, quadrupling revenues in 2022 year-on-year, and achieving EBIT profitability. I am very proud of the team!”

Mr. Shehab Gargash, Managing Director and Group CEO of Gargash Group, said: “Gargash Group has been witnessing the progress of Blacklane and believes that their strategic direction is much in line with the vision the Group has for its future. Our decision to make this investment at this juncture is very much aligned with how we see our industry evolving.”

Blacklane Announces Significant Investment from Gargash Group and Mercedes-Benz Mobility

Jens Wohltorf, CEO and co-founder of Blacklane (left) pictured with Shehab Gargash, Managing Director and Group CEO of Gargash Group

Franz Reiner, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Mobility AG, said: “We at Mercedes-Benz Mobility strive to exceed our customers’ expectations delivering an extraordinary customer experience moving ahead into a new era of individual mobility. Blacklane has been a perfect partner for almost 10 years while providing excellent experiences and peace of mind for its customers. We are looking forward to continuing our successful partnership and collaboration.”

About Blacklane
Blacklane’s premium global chauffeur service brings peace of mind to travelers moving through a fast-paced world in over 50 countries worldwide. The crew’s dedication to safety, reliability, and smart technology places Blacklane at the forefront of a new era of stress-free travel. Since 2017, the company has been offsetting carbon emissions of all rides, combining a five-star guest experience with care for the planet. Blacklane’s services include on-demand chauffeured rides within cities, hourly bookings, and inter-city commutes, alongside classic airport transfers. Blacklane’s goal is to create the best sustainable chauffeur service experience in the world, exceeding guests’ expectations every time. Enjoy the journey as much as the destination with Blacklane. https://app.adjust.com/x0bj467

About Gargash Group
Since 1918, the Gargash Group has established itself as a leading business enterprise with a portfolio diversifying into automotive, real estate, and investments. Gargash successfully introduced leading global automotive brands into the UAE such as Mercedes-Benz, Alfa Romeo, GAC MOTOR, SIXT Rent a Car in addition to presenting an industrial line of lubricants, construction equipment & power systems. The group’s investment sector operating since 1998 provides financial services, while the developing real estate sector offers its valued clients expert residential, commercial and industrial property.

About Mercedes-Benz Mobility
With around 10,000 employees, Mercedes-Benz Mobility specializes in financial and mobility services. The products range from financing, leasing, vehicle subscriptions, rental, and fleet management to digital services for charging and payments, as well as insurance and innovative mobility services. Mercedes-Benz Mobility is a division of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, which also includes the vehicle manufacturer Mercedes-Benz AG, one of the largest suppliers of premium and luxury passenger cars and vans. Mercedes-Benz Group AG is one of the most successful automotive companies in the world. As a financial services provider, Mercedes-Benz Mobility entities worldwide support sales of the Mercedes-Benz Group’s automotive brands worldwide. In Germany, Mercedes-Benz Bank AG, as part of Mercedes-Benz Mobility is one of the leading vehicle financing banks and offers around one million customers financial flexibility. In 2021, Mercedes-Benz Mobility financed or leased around every second of the Mercedes-Benz Group’s vehicles sold worldwide. This corresponds to a contract volume of 133.7 billion €. The business segment generated sales of 27.9 billion € in 2021 and achieved an EBIT adjusted of 3.4 billion €. Mercedes-Benz Mobility operates in 36 countries.

For Blacklane ME media inquiries, please contact:
Hannah McCabe, hannah@coco-comms.me +971(0)52 6100577
Caroline Holmberg, Caroline@coco-comms.me +971(0)50 9127143

For Blacklane media inquiries, please contact:
Radmila Palová, press@blacklane.com,  +49 157 8067 4435

For Gargash Group media inquiries, please contact:
Grace Eid, grace.eid@gargash.ae, +971 (04) 2094163

For Mercedes-Benz Mobility inquiries, please contact:
Michael Kuhn, michael.m.kuhn@mercedes-benz.com, +49 160 8614 768

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7762f590-000d-4968-842e-7051a6ce5858

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/956c0639-52c3-4fa9-9eba-c424f4577992

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c30d7ead-a10e-4184-8bb6-30e9812ea543

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8718381

Posted on

Philips provides update on completed set of test results for first-generation DreamStation sleep therapy devices

December 21, 2022

Amsterdam, the Netherlands – Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG; AEX: PHIA) today provides an update on the comprehensive test and research program of its subsidiary Philips Respironics, following the voluntary recall notification/field safety notice* to address potential health risks related to the polyester-based polyurethane (PE-PUR) sound abatement foam in specific CPAP, BiPAP and mechanical ventilator devices.

Following previous updates in December 2021 and June 2022, additional test results and assessments have now been completed for the first-generation DreamStation devices (approximately 68% of the registered devices globally). These devices have not been exposed to ozone cleaning in line with the instructions for use.

The test and research program has been conducted together with five independent, certified testing laboratories, and the results have been reviewed and assessed by third-party qualified experts and Philips Respironics, as well as an external medical panel.

The full press release is available in the attached PDF and available here.

* Voluntary recall notification in the US/field safety notice for the rest of the world.

For media questions, please contact:

Steve Klink
Philips Global Press Office
Tel.: +31 6 10888824
E-mail: steve.klink@philips.com

Ben Zwirs
Philips Global Press Office
Tel.: +31 6 15213446
E-mail: ben.zwirs@philips.com

About Royal Philips
Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a leading health technology company focused on improving people’s health and well-being, and enabling better outcomes across the health continuum – from healthy living and prevention, to diagnosis, treatment and home care. Philips leverages advanced technology and deep clinical and consumer insights to deliver integrated solutions. Headquartered in the Netherlands, the company is a leader in diagnostic imaging, image-guided therapy, patient monitoring and health informatics, as well as in consumer health and home care. Philips generated 2021 sales of EUR 17.2 billion and employs approximately 79,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. News about Philips can be found at www.philips.com/newscenter.

Forward-looking statements
This statement contains certain forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of Philips and certain of the plans and objectives of Philips with respect to these items. Examples of forward-looking statements include statements made about the strategy, estimates of sales growth, future EBITA, future developments in Philips’ organic business and the completion of acquisitions and divestments. By their nature, these statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to future events and circumstances and there are many factors that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these statements.

Attachment

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1000773471

Posted on

Govt will expedite Sungai Golok PLSB Project – PM Anwar

PASIR MAS, Dec 21 (Bernama) — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today gave his assurance that Phase 1 and 2 of the Sungai Golok Integrated River Basin Development (PLSB) project in Kelantan will be expedited without excessive costs.

 

In this regard, he said the project would be carried out through a limited tender.

 

“The Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) must submit a report on the Sungai Golok PLSB project to the Finance Ministry (MOF) before the tender process starts.

 

 

 

“I guarantee that the MOF will speed up the approval, on the condition that it is not a direct negotiation to ensure that the cost does not increase,” he told a press conference after visiting the temporary relief centre at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Tengku Panglima Raja here.

 

During the visit, the prime minister was briefed on the current flood situation in Pasir Mas by district officer Hazmi Abdul Hamid and state DID director Kamal Mustapha.

 

Also present were Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Yakob, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah, Sarawak Affairs and Special Functions) Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali and Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.

 

 

 

Elaborating, Anwar said DID had been asked to send the report on the Sungai Golok PLSB project at the end of this month.

 

“I don’t know about the timeline, but I already told them to speed it up if possible so that the approval by the MOF can be expedited as well,” he added.

 

Asked whether the allocation for Phase 1 and 2 of the Sungai Golok PLSB project would be reduced as it will be implemented through a limited tender, Anwar said it would depend on the tender.

 

“It depends on the tender…it cannot be a normal tender because it will take too long. Also, it cannot be done through direct negotiation as the cost will increase. So it is better if we go through a limited tender and the process can be expedited,” he said.

 

 

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

Posted on

NADMA: JKR reports 120 disaster locations as of 2 pm

 

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 21 (Bernama) — The Public Works Department (JKR) reported that there were 120 disaster areas as of 2 pm today, involving floods (94 locations), collapsed slopes (16), collapsed roads (two), road subsidence (five) and damaged/collapsed bridges (three).

 

National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), in a statement, said that the incidents occurred at four locations each in Kedah, Negeri Sembilan and Pahang; one location each in Perak and Selangor; 38 locations in Kelantan; 65 locations in Terengganu; as well as three in Johor, which involved 48 Federal roads and 72 state roads.

 

Meanwhile, the number of flood victims in five states – Perak, Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Johor – increased a little to 72,510 in 418 temporary relief centres this evening compared to 72,297 people in 446 centres this morning.

 

 

 

The Department of Drainage and Irrigation (DID), meanwhile, reported that the water levels of 10 rivers were at the danger level this evening, namely Sungai (Sg) Keratong, Jalan Kota Bahagia, Rompin in Pahang; Sg Lebir in Kampung Tualang in Kuala Krai, Rantau Panjang in Pasir Mas, Sg Golok in Kampung Jambu (Kuala Jambu), Tumpat and Sg Golok in Rantau Panjang, in Kelantan.

 

In Terengganu, the affected rivers are Sg Dungun at Jambatan Jerangau, Dungun; Sg Telemong in Kuala Ping, Hulu Terengganu; Sg Kemaman at the Paya Paman Pump House, Kemaman; Sg Nerus in Kampung Jeram, Kuala Nerus; and Sg Marang at the Pengkalan Berangan Bridge.

 

The DID, through the National Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (PRABN), has updated the preparedness notices to enable residents, especially those in risk areas, to be wary of the possibility of flash floods occurring in the next 24 hours.

 

 

 

“The hotspots listed involve 12 districts from three states, namely Pahang (Bentong, Bera, Kuantan, Pekan and Rompin); Perak (Batang Padang, Hilir Perak and Muallim); as well as Selangor (Hulu Selangor, Kuala Selangor, Petaling and Sepang),” the statement added.

 

NADMA also said the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) had updated the severe-alert level continuous rain warning in Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Johor effective until tomorrow (Dec 22), Sarawak (Dec 23-24) and Sabah (Dec 23-26), as well as strong winds and rough seas warning in the waters of the South China Sea until Saturday (Dec 24).

 

Apart from that, MetMalaysia also issued a Significant Weather Forecast based on a weather model analysis, the ongoing monsoon is expected to occur until Sunday (Dec 25) and has the potential to cause strong winds, big waves as well as continuous rain in east coast states in the Peninsula, Sabah, western Sarawak and the waters of the South China Sea.

 

Regarding coordination of the Disaster Operations Control Centre (PKOB), NADMA said all PKOBs in the affected states had been directed to identify the need for alternative temporary relief centres to be activated if the existing ones are close to reaching capacity.

 

 

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

Posted on

DOA never discussed issuing campsite permit

PUTRAJAYA, Dec 21 (Bernama) — The Department of Agriculture (DOA) has never discussed the campsite permit with the operator of the Father’s Organic Farm in Batang Kali, Selangor, which suffered a landslide on Friday (Dec 16) because it is outside the department’s jurisdiction.

 

Referring to a report published by news portals (Mkini and The Vibes) yesterday that the Father’s Organic Farm could not apply for a camping site licence because such a permit did not exist, citing the DOA as one of the government agencies that informed them of the matter, the DOA said the claim was untrue.

 

The DOA said its role was only to provide advisory services related to the process and methods to obtain the Malaysian Organic Scheme certification (myOrganic) as well as visits related to the certification process at Father’s Organic Farm.

 

 

 

“The DOA does not have the authority to grant permits, licences or advisory services to any operators that offer campsites,” the department said in a statement today

 

The DOA said it functions to provide agricultural development services in the production of sufficient, quality and safe food items and enforce acts that maintain the safety, quality and protect the country’s agricultural industry from the threat of pests and diseases and facilitate international trade.

 

The 2.42 am landslide tragedy on Friday (Dec 16) saw 61 people survive, 26 die and seven more victims are still unaccounted for out of 94 people.

 

 

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

Posted on

Teenager gets Hero’s Award for saving girl from drowning

SEREMBAN, Dec 21 (Bernama) — Muhammad Zulfikal Asmadi, 14 received a special JBPM Hero Appreciation Certificate for saving a drowning 12-year-old girl at Pantai Penunjuk in Kijal, Terengganu on Dec 16.

 

The award was presented by Fire and Rescue Service Department (JBPM) director-general Datuk Seri Mohammad Hamdan Wahid today who was an official visit to the Negeri Sembilan JBPM here to the Form Two student at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Kijal.

 

Mohamad Hamdan who likened Muhammad Zulfikal’s deed as ‘extremely outstanding that will not be forgotten even after one’s death’, said the sacrifice made by the young hero who hails from Terengganu is an example for the present young generation to emulate.

 

 

 

 

Meanwhile, Muhammad Zulfikal who was met by reporters after the ceremony expressed his gratefulness and happiness for the award which he said was unexpected.

 

He also said the award was a motivation for him to continue helping others.

 

“I feel proud to receive this award and this is the first for me to receive an award like this. When it happened, I was at the beach. The water was choppy and suddenly someone shouted that a child was drowning.

 

 

 

 

“Without hesitation, I grabbed a boat nearby andn ran to the beach to help. In my mind, my thought was only to save her. I was not afraid then,” said Zulfikal who aspires to become a member of the uniformed organisation.

 

Muhammad Zulfikal said he is a seasoned swimmer and boat operator who frequently follows his father Asmadi Ripin, 42, who is also a fisherman, to sea since he was 12-years-old

 

A video of him swimming against the strong sea current and waves about 100 meters from the beach to save the life of the girl became viral since Sunday. He also won praises from netizens for his bravery.

 

Meanwhile, Asmadi also expressed his gratitude and was thankful to the JBPM for the award received by the eldest of the four siblings.

 

“He is indeed a brave son and I did not expect him to be so brave to save another person. I only knew about it when he came home to tell me. Thank God, nothing untoward happened and the victim was saved,” he said.

 

In the 5.30 pm incident last Friday, the victim, who was from Bandar Seri Bandi, Kemaman almost drowned during a picnic at the beach with her family.

 

 

Source: BERNAMA News Agency