Connect with us

Press Release

Masdar Launches UAE's first utility scale wind project with breakthrough low wind speed Innovation

Published

on

[ad_1]

  • Through the support and vision of its leadership, UAE demonstrates latest technology and innovation to capture low wind speeds at utility scale
  • Inauguration of the UAE’s first wind farms across four locations, with total combined capacity of over 100 megawatts, powering over 23,000 homes and displacing 120,000 tonnes of CO2 per year
  • Development marks debut of large scale, utility wind power on the UAE’s electricity grid, diversifying the country’s energy mix and advancing its energy transition – unlocking the new potential of wind
  • By working with global technology leaders and turbine manufacturers, the UAE is paving the way for commercialization of further utility scale, low-wind speed projects

ABU DHABI, UAE, Oct. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Under the directives of the UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, HH Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, inaugurated the UAE Wind Program.

27-megawatt (MW) Wind Farm located on Delma Island in Abu Dhabi, UAE

The 103.5 megawatt (MW) landmark project developed by Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar, demonstrates for the first time the latest technology and innovation to capture low wind speeds at utility scale, adopting advances in material science and aerodynamics to make wind power possible in the country. The project marks the debut of cost-effective, large scale, utility wind power on the UAE’s electricity grid, diversifying the country’s energy mix and advancing its energy transition.

The UAE Wind Program is expected to power over 23,000 UAE homes a year. It will displace 120,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide, equivalent of removing over 26,000 cars from the road annually. The development underscores the UAE’s commitment to tackling climate change as it looks forward to hosting an inclusive COP that focuses on delivering results.

The project spans four locations including the picturesque Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, which is home to free-roaming wildlife. A 45 MW capacity wind farm plus 14 MWp (megawatt peak) solar farm has been developed on the island. The other wind farm locations include the historical pearl-diving center, Delma Island (27MW) in Abu Dhabi, Al Sila, Abu Dhabi (27MW) and Al Halah, Fujairah (4.5MW).

HH Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan attended the inauguration ceremony held on Sir Bani Yas Island, where he witnessed the signing of a landmark Power Purchase Agreement between EWEC (Emirates Water and Electricity Company) and Masdar for the wind power generation from the Sir Bani Yas Island, Al Sila, and Delma Island projects. With the addition of wind power, EWEC’s portfolio now encompasses multiple sources of strategic green energy, solidifying the UAE’s energy transition leadership.

The event was also attended by H.E. Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Chairman of Masdar and COP28 President-Designate; H.E. Eng. Awaidha Al Marar, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy; Mr Chen Guanfu, President of PowerChina International; and Mr Wu Kai, Chairman of Goldwind Group. PowerChina was the main Engineering, Procurement and Construction contractor for the program and GoldWind Group was the main supplier of equipment.

H.E. Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, COP28 President-Designate and Chairman of Masdar, said, “The UAE Wind Program is a great source of national pride and a demonstration of Masdar’s ability to pioneer and implement innovations in wind and renewable energy technologies. More than twenty years ago, before Masdar was created however, His Highness Sheikh Zayed, our founding father, someone who cared deeply about the environment, oversaw the completion of a wind turbine on Sir Bani Yas Island. As the UAE’s clean energy powerhouse, Masdar continues this legacy by supporting the nation’s vision as a global leader in sustainability and climate action as it unlocks the new potential of wind power. For a viable energy transition, the world must triple renewable energy capacity by 2030 to meet the Paris Agreement goals. As we look forward to hosting COP28, today’s inauguration shows the UAE’s firm commitment to this target, boosting clean energy investments both at home and abroad.”

The project marks the first time that the UAE has added utility-scale wind power to its energy mix. Energy generated by landmark solar, nuclear and waste-to-energy plants already feeds into the UAE’s national grid and earlier this month the country was recognized as a world leader in solar energy use, according to the latest data from The Energy Institute Statistical Review of World Energy.

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Masdar’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “As the UAE’s flagship renewable energy company, this is an incredibly proud moment for Masdar. Today’s launch of the UAE’s first utility-scale wind program is the result of years of hard work and collaboration. It would not have been possible without the vision and the unstinting support of the UAE’s leadership, we were able to pioneer cutting-edge technology to overcome the UAE’s low wind speeds and harness the power of this formidable natural resource. As we accelerate our path to Net Zero by 2050, the UAE wind program shows that anything is possible when you have vision, passion and a pioneering spirit.”

Previously wind energy was not viable due to low wind speeds in the UAE, but innovations within climate technology and UAE-led expertise made wind power possible. Bigger turbine sizes, lower hardware prices and the discovery of a unique weather phenomenon that generated high winds at night made this project scalable and economically viable. As wind power is strongest at night in the UAE this complements the country’s existing solar power generation, further diversifying the nations renewable energy mix.

By working with global technology leaders and turbine manufacturers, this project is paving the way for the commercialization of further utility scale, low-wind speed projects. The project is creating a foundation of critical scientific wind data, which will form the basis of the UAE’s next phase of development.

Led by its founding CEO and now COP28 President-Designate, Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Masdar has been pioneering clean energy since 2006. A decade ago, the company launched the 100 MW Shams project, which was the first concentrated solar power plant to be developed in the Middle East. In Indonesia, Masdar is at the final stages of developing the Cirata Floating Solar Plant, Southeast Asia’s largest floating solar plant. While earlier this year, the Sharjah Waste to Energy plant in the UAE recorded that it had processed over 100,000 tonnes of waste and offset over 150,000 tonnes of carbon emissions since it began operations a year ago. The region’s first waste-to-energy plant is a joint venture between Masdar and BEEAH group, the Middle East’s sustainability pioneer.

Masdar is active in more than 40 countries and has invested in a portfolio of renewable energy projects with a combined capacity of more than 20 GW. Masdar is committed to achieving at least 100 GW total renewable energy capacity by 2030.

This material is distributed by Daniel J. Edelman, Inc. on behalf of Masdar. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, DC.

Contacts:

For media inquiries, please contact: [email protected]

For more information please visit: http://www.masdar.ae and connect: facebook.com/masdar.ae and twitter.com/masdar

About Masdar

Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) is the UAE’s clean energy champion and one of the largest companies of its kind in the world, advancing the development and deployment of renewable energy and green hydrogen technologies to address global sustainability challenges. Established in 2006, Masdar is today active in over 40 countries, helping them to achieve their clean energy objectives and advance sustainable development. Masdar is jointly owned by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), Mubadala Investment Company (Mubadala), and Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA), and under this ownership the company is targeting a renewable energy portfolio capacity of at least 100 gigawatts (GW) by 2030 and an annual green hydrogen production capacity of up to 1 million tonnes by the same year.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2239001/Masdar_1.jpg

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2239003/Masdar_2.jpg

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2239005/Masdar_3.jpg

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2239007/Masdar_4.jpg

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2239009/Masdar_5.jpg

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1973446/Masdar_Logo.jpg

 

4.5-megawatt (MW) Wind Turbine located at Al Halah, Fujairah, UAE

 

27-megawatt (MW) Wind Farm located at Al Sila in Abu Dhabi, UAE

     

45-megawatt (MW) Wind Farm located on Sir Bani Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, UAE

   

45-megawatt (MW) Wind Farm located on Sir Bani Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, UAE

   

Masdar Logo

 

 

Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/masdar-launches-uaes-first-utility-scale-wind-project-with-breakthrough-low-wind-speed-innovation-301948274.html



[ad_2]

Source link

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Press Release

New Study Reveals Majority of Indians Prioritize Nutrition Over Taste, Surpassing Global Average

Published

on

[ad_1]


Based on a recent survey of urban Indian consumers: 


  • Nine out of 10 consumers are searching for protein-rich food compared to seven out of 10 global shoppers.


  • The top four qualities consumers look for when buying snacks are (1) natural, (2) heart-healthy, (3) protein-rich and (4) energy-source, all of which come before satisfying cravings.


  • Nuts have emerged as one of the most popular snacking choices, with 86% of Indian shoppers report having purchased them in a span of 6 months.


  • Urban Indians read nutrition labels more than the global average, reflecting a growing trend towards informed purchasing.


  • 69% of urban dwellers surveyed have the opinion that plant-based protein is just as good as meat-based protein, exceeding the global average of 55%.


 


Wonderful Pistachios, the world’s largest grower and processor of pistachios and distributor of California Pistachios in India, released today, World Nutrition Day, the findings of a new global study that sheds light on the snacking habits of urban Indians. The study, commissioned with Material, a leading global research consultancy, included 10 countries and over 12,400 respondents, revealed a new behavioural trend that urban Indian consumers prioritize nutrition over taste when it comes to snacking. This growing preference for healthy snacking emphasizes the importance of good nutrition for overall well-being.


 


For the India market specifically, the study delved into the snacking habits of 2,415 shoppers across six Indian cities, which represented a population of approximately 35.9 million consumers. Remarkably, a majority of urban Indians (58%) reported basing their food purchasing decisions on nutritional benefits more than taste, exceeding the global average of 52%. Delhi and Ahmedabad lead with over 60% of urban shoppers preferring nutrition in their food. Bengaluru and Chennai follow closely, indicating a nationwide shift towards smarter snacking preferences. In India, Millennials and Gen Z are leading the charge in health-conscious purchasing decisions, with more than 83% of consumers in these age groups reading nutritional labels before buying.


 


Indian consumers prioritize four key factors when shopping for nutritional snacks: natural (free of artificial colours and preservatives), heart-healthy, protein-rich, and provides energy. Nine out of 10 urban shoppers consciously seek protein-rich food options, compared to the global average of seven out of 10. The focus on nutrition has fueled the rise of nuts as a preferred snack choice, becoming essential to daily eating habits. The study found a staggering consumption of nuts, with 86% of Indian shoppers report purchasing them in a span of 6 months, compared to just 75% globally. With 6g of protein in per 28g serving, California Pistachios are a smart snack choice that provides benefits without sacrificing taste.


 


Shail Pancholi, Country Director, India, Wonderful Pistachios, commented on the study, saying, “Nuts were traditionally used as garnishes and consumed during festivals, but have now become a popular snack in India, indicating a notable shift in dietary habits. Pistachio consumption in India has doubled in the last six years, as consumer awareness of the nutritional benefits that pistachios offer has grown. Consumers are discovering that pistachios are naturally cholesterol-free, rich in plant-based protein and dietary fiber, and provide over 30 different vitamins and minerals.” 


 


Interestingly, the study found that nuts are the second most preferred snack among urban Indian consumers, with 64% of Baby Boomers and 59% of Gen Z prioritizing nutrition over taste when selecting food. This indicates a growing focus on health across generations, with Baby Boomers focusing on senior wellness and Gen Z reflecting the rise of mindful purchasing. Though on opposite ends of the age spectrum, these two generations take the lead in seeking protein-rich options, as well as preferring natural snacks. 


 


Mumbai tops most of the consideration sets when choosing a snack. Residents opt for natural ingredients (35% vs. the national average of 30%), heart-healthy options (33% vs. 30%), and protein (33% vs. 29%). Chennai residents look for energy-boosting snacks (31% vs. the national average of 29%). 


 


The fact that 69% of urban Indians surveyed have the opinion that that plant-based protein is just as good as meat-based protein reflects a positive shift towards varied dietary preferences. Pistachios are a good source of high-quality complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids. A 28g serving of pistachios provides 6g of protein, which is 11% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) according to FSSAI.


 


The Wonderful Pistachios study unveils a compelling shift in Indian snacking habits. Nuts are evolving from festive treats to a daily snacking staple, fueled by a nationwide preference for more nutritious options. The trend transcends generations, resonating with Gen Z and Baby Boomers alike, underscoring the growing importance of mindful eating in urban India. As consumers increasingly seek natural, heart-healthy, protein-rich, and energy-boosting snacks, the future of Indian snacking appears to be firmly rooted in nutrition and well-being.

 


Wonderful Pistachios

Wonderful® Pistachios is the world’s largest grower and processor of pistachios, with a global presence in over 70 countries. As a vertically integrated operation, they are experts in every step of the process from tree to shelf, ensuring the highest-quality product every time. In tandem with its Grower Partners, Wonderful Pistachios harvests 125,000 sunny acres (50,000 hectares) of land in California that receive warm days and cool nights, which work in harmony with the rich, natural soils to create the perfect growing climate for high-quality pistachios. They ship 600 million pounds (204 million kg) of nuts worldwide from their advanced processing facilities to ensure the highest standards are met. When it comes to pistachios, Wonderful® Pistachios expertise is unmatched in scale and capacity, paired with warehouses and sales teams worldwide that are well-equipped to provide support at every step of the way. 


 


California Pistachios

California Pistachios are grown and distributed by The Wonderful Company, the world’s largest vertically integrated pistachio processor and marketer located in California’s Central Valley. California Pistachios are Non-GMO, providing a smart, healthy choice for consumers around the world. Sun-ripened in the moderate Mediterranean climate of California, these distinctively green nuts pack taste and contain antioxidants and over 30 different nutrients. California Pistachios in India are available under leading brands and private labels at retail outlets, grocery stores, and online platforms.


 


For more information about California Pistachios India, please visit www.b2b.wonderfulpistachios.com 


 



[ad_2]

Source link

Continue Reading

Press Release

Singapore Prepares Ahead to Leverage Artificial Intelligence for a Better Future

Published

on

[ad_1]

SINGAPORE, May 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information Tan Kiat How launched the Digital Enterprise Blueprint (DEB) at Asia Tech x Singapore (ATxSG) 2024 today. The Blueprint will enable SMEs to harness technology, optimise the way they work, and strengthen digital resilience and cybersecurity across the ecosystem. 50,000 SMEs are expected to benefit over the next five years through four key focus areas:

  1. Empower enterprises to be smarter by adopting AI-enabled solutions
  2. Enable enterprises to scale faster through cloud-based and integrated solutions
  3. Equip enterprises to be safer through improved cyber resilience
  4. Support enterprises to upskill workers to make full use of digital capabilities

Seven partners have come onboard to pledge their commitment, including Singapore Business Federation, Singapore Computer Society, SGTech, Amazon Web Services, Google, Microsoft and Salesforce.

In collaboration with IMDA and the TechSkills Accelerator for ITE and Polytechnics Alliance, SGTech is launching the Tech Apprenticeship Programme to expand the career pathways of graduates by providing access to industry apprenticeships that offer on-the-job training and development opportunities. Over the next two and a half years, SGTech aims to facilitate the placement of at least 300 apprentices who are fresh or mid-career professionals from polytechnic or ITE backgrounds, and drive the adoption of similar practices that promote more inclusive hiring and career agility.

IMDA and the Singapore Academy of Law (SAL) signed an MoU aimed at uplifting the legal sector’s productivity through the use of GenAI. As part of this partnership, GPT-Legal, a new large language model which is contextualised for Singapore’s legal sector, will be co-developed. The model will be integrated into SAL’s research platform LawNet, which is accessible by 75% of Singapore’s lawyers. SAL will also be penning an MoU with the National University of Singapore and AI Singapore to develop its AI capabilities and create a certification to recognise AI specialists in the legal profession.

Additionally, Tribe and Digital Industry Singapore announced a collaboration with NVIDIA to launch the Ignition AI Accelerator for AI startups to create and bring to market the next wave of advancement in AI solutions. This programme will nurture 15 high-potential startups, equipping them with well-rounded support covering business and technical needs. NVIDIA and Tribe will also collaborate with EnterpriseSG to offer qualified AI startups funding support through the Startup SG Tech scheme, and assist them through the IMDA Accreditation process. 

Singapore hosted the final meeting of the UN Secretary-General’s Artificial Intelligence Advisory Body (AIAB) from 28-29 May. As part of the agenda, Singapore facilitated an engagement session between AIAB and the Digital Forum of Small States (Digital FOSS). Digital FOSS Fellows exchanged views with AIAB members on the topic of AI governance, particularly on the implications and challenges faced by small states. Through such efforts, Singapore aims to promote a more inclusive approach towards shaping global AI and digital governance.

Contact:

[email protected]

 

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/singapore-prepares-ahead-to-leverage-artificial-intelligence-for-a-better-future-302160193.html



[ad_2]

Source link

Continue Reading

Press Release

One in Six Globally Concerned About Colorectal Cancer Screening Costs

Published

on

[ad_1]

SHENZHEN, China, May 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — By 2040, the burden of colorectal cancer (CRC) is projected to increase to 3.2 million new cases and 1.6 million deaths per year representing a 66% and 71% rise in new cases and deaths respectively relative to 2020.

To better address the global burden of CRC and reduce its impact, BGI Genomics has launched the second edition of its global CRC awareness report, covering 1,938 respondents from Brazil (306), China (367), Poland (300), Saudi Arabia (300), Thailand (362), and Uruguay (303):  

CRC Screening Gaps Vary Globally: Nearly half (49.3%) of global respondents have never undergone CRC screening, with the highest proportions in Saudi Arabia (62.0%) and Poland (61.0%).

Preference for Fecal Testing Over Colonoscopy: Although colonoscopies are more recognized (33.4%), fecal tests at healthcare facilities are preferred (31.8%), reflecting a trend towards non-invasive methods.

Cost and Fear are Determinants of Screening Choice: Fear of colonoscopy (18.2%) and screening costs (17.7%) are major barriers to CRC screening. Poland (24.7%) and Uruguay (21.0%) show the highest fear of colonoscopy, while Thailand (24.5%) and Brazil (20%) indicate the most concern about costs.

Medical Advice and Family History Drive CRC Screening: Doctor’s recommendations are a major driver for CRC screening (30.5% globally), with Uruguay showing the highest adherence (44.1%). Additionally, those with a family history of CRC are more proactive in screening (64.5%), compared to the general population (35.0%).

Prof. Varut Lohsiriwat from Mahidol University offers his insights to this report. He suggested: “The essence of effective cancer screening lies in the acceptance and adherence of the patient to the screening method. The best screening method is the one that the patient accepts and adheres to because that’s the method that will actually benefit them.”

Dr. Zhu Shida, BGI Genomics Deputy GM, notes: “At BGI Genomics, we focused our efforts on developing advanced molecular biology testing techniques to close the gap [between acceptance and accessibility]. The ultimate goal is to transform colorectal cancer from a life-threatening disease into a manageable condition through widespread, early screening and intervention.”

For more region-level comparisons, access the full BGI Genomics 2024 State of CRC Awareness Report.

All data involved in this report come from the results of an online survey project conducted by BGI Genomics. It only surveys awareness related to colorectal cancer and does not involve personally identifiable data.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1608027/BGI_Logo.jpg 

Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/one-in-six-globally-concerned-about-colorectal-cancer-screening-costs-302159170.html



[ad_2]

Source link

Continue Reading

Trending