Diriyah Company, the driving force behind the transformation of historic Diriyah into a global destination, is set to participate in MAPIC 2024, in Cannes – . The company will showcase the latest developments of its flagship project, Diriyah Square, a dynamic center for shopping, dining, culture, and lifestyle. MAPIC is the international retail property market event for key property players and cities to build the ultimate lifestyle and shopping destinations. Located on the outskirts of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Diriyah is poised to become a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. Backed by the Public Investment Fund, Diriyah aims to attract 50 million annual visitors by 2030, contributing to the diversification of the Saudi economy. During MAPIC 2024, Diriyah Company will engage in a series of high-level discussions and presentations. Alfie Gibbs, Chief Development Officer, will participate in the Retail and Urban Regeneration Summit, sharing insights on the company’s approach to mixed-use and retail urban regeneration projects. Nawaf Rajeh, Development & Innovation Marketing Senior Director, will discuss the importance of community engagement in shaping successful projects. Additionally, Diriyah Company will host an exclusive briefing for potential investors and partners, providing a detailed overview of the various retail opportunities within the Diriyah…
Mocean Energy, a pioneering force in ocean energy technology, has launched a crowdfunding campaign on Crowdcube to accelerate its growth and commercialization efforts. The company’s innovative wave and solar-powered technology, Blue X, offers a reliable and sustainable solution for generating clean energy. By harnessing the power of the ocean, Mocean Energy aims to contribute to a greener future and address the global energy challenge. The funds raised through the crowdfunding campaign will be used to further develop and commercialize the Blue X technology. This will involve scaling up production, optimizing performance, and expanding into new markets. “We are advancing our innovative technology in support of our ambition to become a global leader in the ocean energy space. This crowdfunding round is an opportunity to join us on this exciting journey as we deliver cutting-edge solutions to power a cleaner, greener future,” said Cameron McNatt, Managing Director at Mocean Energy. Mocean Energy has already made significant strides in the development of its technology, with successful deployments of the Blue X prototype and ongoing commercial projects. The company’s strong track record and experienced team position it as a leading player in the ocean energy sector.
Gasgrid, a leading energy infrastructure company, has awarded StreamTec Solutions AG (STS) a framework contract for Owners Engineering (OE) services to support the development of hydrogen transmission infrastructure projects in the Baltic Sea region. This strategic partnership aims to accelerate the transition to a hydrogen-based economy and strengthen energy security in the region. The framework contract, which has a minimum term of four years with options for two additional two-year extensions, will focus on two key projects: Esa Hallivuori Senior Vice President, Infrastructure Projects Gasgrid commented: “The hydrogen economy will improve security of supply and safety in the Baltic Sea region and Europe as a whole, bring much-needed flexibility to the energy system and create new investments and jobs”. Georg Nowack Project Manager from STS added “We are delighted to be entrusted by Gasgrid to support the development of these prestigious and ambitious infrastructure projects. This partnership highlights our expertise in delivering innovative projects in the field of hydrogen and offshore construction.” This collaboration between Gasgrid and StreamTec marks a significant step forward in the development of a hydrogen-based energy future for the Baltic Sea region and Europe.
The Lithuanian government has pledged to address the challenges hindering the development of a high-tech industrial park, a key project in the country’s efforts to strengthen its semiconductor industry. The project, a joint venture with Taiwan’s Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), aims to establish a state-of-the-art facility for semiconductor production. However, recent delays due to land rezoning issues and insufficient electricity supply have raised concerns about the project’s timeline. Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte has assured that the government is taking steps to resolve these issues and expedite the project’s progress. The government is working closely with various agencies to streamline the regulatory process and ensure that the necessary infrastructure is in place. Arvydas Paukstys, a major shareholder of Teltonika, the company spearheading the project, expressed disappointment over the delays but remains optimistic about the project’s long-term prospects. He emphasized the importance of the project for Lithuania’s economic growth and technological advancement. The project, originally slated for completion in 2028, is now expected to be delayed by two to three years. Despite the setbacks, the Lithuanian government and Teltonika remain committed to the project and are working diligently to overcome the challenges. The successful implementation of this high-tech industrial park…
Trinity Business School (TBS) is leading a new EU-funded project, TechConnect, aimed at redefining the relationship between humans and technology. The €3 million initiative brings together a consortium of nine organizations from four countries to explore how digital technologies can complement human skills and drive innovation. The TechConnect project will focus on developing a new Human-Tech Skill Complementarity (HTSC) Index, which will measure the interaction between human skills and digital tools across various industries. By understanding this dynamic, the project aims to identify strategies for maximizing the benefits of technology while minimizing potential risks. Prof. Na Fu, who leads the TechConnect project, emphasized the importance of addressing the question of how technology will impact the future of work. “As digital transformation accelerates, it’s crucial to explore how AI and automation can complement human skills, rather than replace them,” Fu said. The consortium will conduct research, develop innovative tools, and collaborate with industry partners to ensure that the findings of the project are translated into practical applications. By fostering a deeper understanding of the relationship between humans and technology, TechConnect aims to contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive digital future.
A consortium of Spanish companies and research institutions, including AIMPLAS, Pikolinos, Evatalking, and the Footwear Technology Centre of La Rioja (CTCR), is working on an innovative project to recycle leather waste from the footwear industry. The ECOFAP project aims to develop a new 3D printing material based on recycled natural leather. By reducing the particle size of leather scraps to 10 microns, the consortium seeks to create a versatile material suitable for various applications in fashion, textiles, and footwear. This groundbreaking approach not only reduces waste but also minimizes the environmental impact of the footwear industry. The use of 3D printing technology allows for greater customization and flexibility in design, opening up new possibilities for sustainable and innovative products. The consortium is working to combine micronized leather with various polymers to create a filament suitable for 3D printing. This innovative material can be used to produce components such as soles and heels, reducing the demand for virgin materials and minimizing waste. The ECOFAP project is funded by the Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities and Next Generation funds of the European Union.
Copenhagen Offshore Partners (COP) has announced a significant milestone in the development of the 96MW Jeonnam 1 Offshore Wind Project in Korea. The project has achieved first power, marking a crucial step towards Korea’s energy independence and net-zero goals. COP, in partnership with CIP (Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners) and SK Innovation E&S, has been instrumental in driving the development of the Jeonnam 1 project. As the exclusive offshore wind development partner for CIP, COP has led the project from inception to construction, working closely with local communities and stakeholders to ensure its successful implementation. Construction on Jeonnam 1 commenced in early 2023, with turbine installation beginning in September 2024. The project is expected to reach full commercial operation in the first quarter of 2025, generating clean energy for approximately 60,000 households. Jesper Krarup Holst, COP Partner, Head of APAC, and Chief Operating Officer of the Jeonnam 1, 2, and 3 portfolio, expressed his satisfaction with the project’s progress and thanked the team for their hard work and dedication. COP is actively involved in developing a multi-gigawatt offshore wind portfolio in Korea, including the Jeonnam 2 and Jeonnam 3 projects, as well as the 1.5 GW Haewoori floating offshore wind project. These…
Fusion for Energy (F4E), the European organization managing Europe’s contribution to the ITER project, has secured a significant contract with the b.NEXT consortium. This collaboration extends the successful partnership between F4E and the consortium, leveraging their expertise in delivering key infrastructure for the world’s largest fusion experiment. The ITER project aims to demonstrate the feasibility of fusion as a clean and limitless energy source by building a tokamak fusion device. F4E plays a crucial role by contributing nearly half the project’s construction cost and overseeing the delivery of crucial infrastructure. The new contract, expected to run until 2030 with the possibility of extension, builds on the consortium’s previous successful collaboration. It utilizes their proven track record in engineering, project management, and the application of cutting-edge digital technologies for automation. Under this agreement, b.NEXT will provide a range of services, including consulting, design, nuclear safety management, construction support, and project management. This comprehensive approach ensures the successful completion of civil and mechanical works at the ITER construction site. This continued partnership is an example of successful international collaboration. With thirty-three nations contributing to ITER, F4E’s collaboration with b.NEXT demonstrates Europe’s commitment to the project’s success. The involvement of the consortium in…
Neoen, a leading global independent renewable energy producer, has announced that it has been awarded seven new solar and agrisolar projects totaling 164 MWp in France’s latest tender. This significant win solidifies Neoen’s position as a major player in the French renewable energy market. With this latest success, Neoen has secured a total of over 2.5 GW of capacity in France. The newly awarded projects are expected to be commissioned between 2026 and 2029, with one project, Tourneuve, scheduled for 2032 due to necessary grid upgrades. Neoen’s commitment to sustainable development is evident in its focus on agrisolar projects, which combine solar energy generation with agricultural activities. Four of the seven projects awarded are agrivoltaic sites, demonstrating the company’s dedication to innovative solutions that maximize land use and minimize environmental impact. By working closely with local communities and authorities, Neoen ensures that its projects are well-integrated into the local landscape and contribute to the region’s economic and environmental goals. This latest achievement underscores Neoen’s strong track record in developing and operating renewable energy projects. The company remains committed to driving the transition to a low-carbon future and delivering sustainable energy solutions. Over half of Neoen’s solar projects in France features…
Finnish venture capital firm Maki.vc has launched its third fund, securing €100 million to invest in pre-seed and seed-stage startups across the Nordics and Northern Europe. This new fund, categorized as an Article 8 (light green) fund, emphasizes environmental and social considerations alongside financial returns, aligning with Maki.vc’s focus on fostering positive societal impact through its investments. The fund boasts the backing of over 50 experienced limited partners, including founders of prominent tech companies like Skype, Wise, and Supercell. This network brings valuable expertise in scaling and commercializing technology startups. Maki.vc prioritizes the Nordic region due to its strong public investment landscape, deep tech expertise, and track record for launching successful startups. The firm has already made its first investments from the new fund, including Distance Technologies (glasses-free mixed reality), QMill (quantum algorithms for industry), and Ever Cars (online electric vehicle marketplace). Founded in 2018, Maki.vc specializes in deep tech and brand-driven companies. They favor ventures demonstrating scientific advancements, strong intellectual property, and a deep understanding of customer needs. Typically, Maki.vc invests between €300,000 and €3 million in pre-seed or seed-stage companies, allocating two-thirds of the new fund for follow-on investments to support the ongoing growth of their portfolio companies….
