Hithium and Solarpro partner to Launch Eastern Europe’s Largest Battery Energy Storage System

Hithium, a leading manufacturer of stationary battery storage solutions, and Solarpro, a prominent European energy generation and storage provider, today announced the successful deployment of the largest battery energy storage system (BESS) project in Eastern Europe to date. Located in Razlog, Southwestern Bulgaria, the 55MWh solar plus storage project signifies a major milestone in the region’s transition towards renewable energy. Hithium supplied 16 of their Hithium ∞ Block 3.44MWh containers, each known for their liquid-cooled design, long lifespan, and commitment to safety and reliability. As Kelson Li, Hithium Senior Director of Sales of DACH, Northern & Eastern Europe said: “We are honored to partner with Solarpro. By providing comprehensive technical and after-sales support throughout the project lifecycle, we aim to foster local expertise and expand the network in Europe. We believe our collaboration with Solarpro will help to accelerate the renewable energy transition and make a positive impact in the region.” Krasen Mateev, CEO of Solarpro adds: “As strategic partners in this landmark project, we are excited to collaborate with Hithium in bringing this significant BESS utility to operation. This undertaking reflects Solarpro’s dedication to advance renewable energy infrastructure in Eastern Europe, ensuring a sustainable energy future for generations to…

Ciel & Terre Leads Construction of Europe’s Largest Floating Solar Project

Ciel & Terre, a global leader in floating solar solutions, announces significant progress on the Ilots Blandin project – Europe’s largest floating solar power plant currently under construction. Located in Haute-Marne, France, the Ilots Blandin project is a testament to Ciel & Terre’s expertise and commitment to advancing renewable energy solutions. Initiated by Q ENERGY in 2019, the project will boast a combined capacity of 74.3 MWp – 72.3 MWp floating and 2 MWp ground-mounted (built by Perpetum Energy). Spread across a 127-hectare former gravel pit, the Ilots Blandin project cleverly utilizes a previously exploited site. This innovative approach optimizes land usage while maximizing solar energy production. Ciel & Terre acts as a single point of contact for developers and EPCs (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) companies, offering a comprehensive solution encompassing: For Ilots Blandin, Ciel & Terre has successfully completed the anchoring process using a hybrid bank and bottom anchor solution, ensuring optimal stability for the floating structure. Ciel & Terre’s efficient project management strategies are evident in their rapid progress. To meet tight deadlines, they: Vincent Pinchou, Ciel & Terre EMEA Project Manager, highlights a key benefit of standardization: “In terms of design, we have an electrical configuration of…

Marqeta Expands European Footprint with New Warsaw Office

Global modern card issuing platform Marqeta today announced the opening of a new office in Warsaw, Poland. This strategic expansion underscores Marqeta’s commitment to accelerating its card program management capabilities across Europe. Marqeta has been processing transactions in Europe since 2019. The Warsaw office will serve as a springboard for further growth, leveraging Polish talent to deliver Marqeta’s comprehensive card program management services to a wider European audience. Marqeta’s card program management solutions encompass a full suite of capabilities, including industry-leading risk and compliance services, dispute management, card fulfillment, cardholder web components, and robust cardholder support options. This expansion strengthens Marqeta’s position as a leading provider of modern card issuing solutions, enabling European companies to navigate the complexities of card program development and operation.

French CO2 Capture Project Takes Major Step with EU Backing

Air Liquide and Dunkerque LNG have received a significant boost for their carbon capture and storage project, D’Artagnan. The European Commission has pledged over €160 million in funding as part of the Connecting Europe Facility for Energy (CEF-E) program. D’Artagnan is a key element of the wider “Cap Décarbonation” initiative, aiming to slash CO2 emissions by 1.5 million tonnes annually in the Dunkirk industrial basin. The project involves: This new terminal, jointly operated by Air Liquide and Dunkerque LNG, will liquefy CO2 for shipment to permanent North Sea storage sites. The design allows other regional industries to join the project, with a potential future capacity of up to 4 million tonnes per year – equivalent to over 5% of French industrial greenhouse gas emissions. Emilie Mouren-Renouard, member of Air Liquide’s Executive Committee and Chief Executive Officer of the Europe Industries Hub, said: “Today is the first time that a CO2 infrastructure project in France receives support from the European Union. Together with our partner Dunkerque LNG we are delighted with this major milestone! Decarbonizing industry will be pivotal to achieving the European Union objective of reducing emissions by 55% by 2030. This is why we are involved in the D’Artagnan…

Canadian Firm to Lead Refurbishment of Romanian Nuclear Power Plant

Romania’s nuclear operator, SN Nuclearelectrica S.A. (SNN), has signed a significant agreement with Canadian Nuclear Partners S.A. (CNPSA) to ensure the successful refurbishment of Unit 1 at the Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant. The Framework Agreement, valued at approximately €240 million (£208 million), will see CNPSA establish a dedicated Project Management Organization (PMO) to oversee the entire refurbishment process. This includes providing expertise in project management, technical assistance, consulting, and training specific to CANDU reactors – the technology used at Cernavoda. The project aims to extend the operational lifespan of Unit 1 by 30 years, securing a reliable and clean energy source for Romania beyond 2029. This collaboration leverages Canada’s proven track record in delivering CANDU refurbishment projects on time and within budget. “The world is watching as Ontario continues to deliver multi-billion-dollar CANDU nuclear refurbishment projects on time and on budget” said Ontario Minister Todd Smith. “We’re ready to support our allies, leveraging all that experience and expertise to support the refurbishment of Cernavoda NPP Unit 1 so it can continue to deliver reliable and clean energy for generations to come, and provide continued energy security.” “With increasing geopolitical volatility, it is clear that countries around the world are looking…

Dstny’s Cloud Communication Platform Wins IT Project of the Year Award in Belgium

Dstny, a leading provider of cloud-based business communication solutions, has been awarded the prestigious Computable Award for “IT Project of the Year.” The award recognises Dstny’s innovative all-in-one platform implemented at Standaard Boekhandel, a major Belgian bookstore chain. The Computable Awards, presented during the ICT trade fair Cybersec Europe, celebrate excellence across various IT categories. Dstny stood out in the competitive “IT Project of the Year” category, impressing the jury with their comprehensive solution for Standaard Boekhandel. Prior to Dstny’s involvement, Standaard Boekhandel faced inefficiencies in their communication system, using different providers for mobile and fixed telephony. This led to: Dstny’s cloud platform addressed these issues by providing a centralized solution for all communication needs. Key benefits include: “Dstny’s cloud platform for business communications is used by 653 employees across all branches of Standaard Boekhandel. The project, completed in 2023, has led to higher customer satisfaction, cost-effective implementation and maintenance, and improved efficiency and productivity through better collaboration,” said Christopher De Wachter, Lead System and Network Administrator at Standaard Boekhandel. Thomas Wouters, Sales Director Dstny Belgium: “We are honored to receive this prestigious award. Our collaboration with Standaard Boekhandel demonstrates how essential integrated communication solutions are for modern businesses. This…

Azercell brings “Safe Internet” Project to Nakhchivan

Azercell, a leading mobile operator in Azerbaijan, has partnered with GID CSR Consulting and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic’s Ministry of Education to launch the “Safe Internet” project in Nakhchivan city. The project aims to educate students and parents about safe internet practices. An inaugural session was held for students and cadets, equipping them with valuable knowledge to navigate the online world. The program, delivered by professional trainers from GID CSR Consulting, covers a range of critical topics, including: “Safe Internet” aims to reach over 300 students and 100 parents in Nakhchivan. This initiative builds upon Azercell’s ongoing commitment to internet safety education. Since 2016, their educational projects have benefitted more than 1500 internet users of various age groups. Azercell’s involvement in “Safe Internet” reflects their dedication to promoting responsible digital citizenship. By equipping young people and their families with the knowledge to navigate the online world safely, Azercell is helping to create a more secure and positive digital environment in Azerbaijan.

NCC streamlines Supplier Management with Ivalua’s Spend Management Platform

Nordic construction company NCC Sweden has announced its selection of Ivalua‘s spend management platform. This partnership signifies NCC’s commitment to digitizing and enhancing its supplier management capabilities. NCC, renowned for its expertise in complex construction projects, boasts a workforce of 12,200 employees and SEK 57 billion in revenue (2023). Listed on Nasdaq Stockholm, NCC is a key player across various construction sectors, including building and infrastructure contracting, asphalt and stone materials production, and commercial property development. To optimize its supplier landscape, NCC sought a comprehensive solution. Ivalua’s platform addresses NCC’s specific needs in supplier relationship management, onboarding, risk, and performance management. This implementation will empower NCC with greater control over supplier operations while enabling valuable data-driven insights for effective risk monitoring and mitigation. “We selected Ivalua due to its ability to effectively meet our complex requirements with its unified, flexible platform and proven track record in the construction industry. For us, ensuring a healthy supplier base is not just a matter of compliance with laws and regulations; it’s also the foundation of a competitive supply chain. With this, NCC will be able to enhance our efforts in this prioritized area,” says Emma Papakosta, Head of Purchasing Development & Digitalization, NCC…

Deloitte and Basware join forces to streamline E-Invoicing for global businesses

Professional services firm Deloitte and cloud-based procurement provider Basware have announced a strategic alliance to revolutionize touchless invoice processing for global clients. This partnership leverages their combined expertise to accelerate automation and drive finance transformation initiatives. E-invoicing is rapidly gaining traction within finance departments, aligning with the growing trend of electronic reporting mandated by local governments and tax authorities. Accounting teams will need to adapt to comply with specific legislation governing the sending and receiving of electronic invoices. These regulations aim to eliminate paper-based processes and reporting, with the EU and other regions moving towards a standardized approach and centralized government databases for data comparison. The Deloitte and Basware alliance focuses on addressing key challenges, opportunities, and regulatory requirements within the finance domain. It combines Basware’s industry-leading AP automation solutions with Deloitte’s extensive network of finance, procurement, and tax specialists, creating significant value for clients. This partnership will also equip businesses with the latest trends and best practices in finance transformation through the integration of AP automation services. Finance teams in large corporations, often processing and paying thousands of invoices weekly, face significant challenges including late supplier payments, duplicate invoices, and even fraudulent activity. According to an Ardent Partners’ Performance…

Savills expands Croatian footprint with DDG Group Partnership

Savills, a leading international real estate advisor, has announced a strategic partnership with DDG Group in Croatia. This association strengthens Savills’ presence in Europe and expands its service offerings in the Croatian market. DDG Group brings a wealth of experience to the table. Renowned for its expertise in advisory, project development, and construction management, the company serves both residential and commercial clients. With a team of 15 real estate experts, engineers, and architects, DDG Group operates offices in Rijeka and Zagreb, Croatia’s capital. Under the agreement, DDG Group becomes Savills’ commercial associate for all of Croatia, while also acting as the residential associate for Northern Croatia. Savills will continue its longstanding partnership with Dream Estates Croatia, retaining them as the residential associate for the southern Croatian coast. Optimism for the Croatian Market James Sparrow, CEO, Savills UK & EMEA, comments: “We are delighted that DDG Group will be our associate in Croatia with immediate effect, alongside our established associate Dream Estates Croatia. We see particularly strong opportunities for our hotels and international residential teams to work together. With Croatia having joined the Schengen area and adopted the Euro last year we anticipate the country will see significant growth over the…