Bureau Veritas, a global leader in Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) services, has announced the acquisition of The APP Group, a leading provider of assurance, compliance, and project management services in Australia. This strategic move will bolster Bureau Veritas’ position in the Asia-Pacific region and enhance its capabilities in the infrastructure and building sectors. The APP Group brings a wealth of experience and a strong track record in delivering high-quality services to clients across Australia. By combining the expertise of both companies, Bureau Veritas will be able to offer a comprehensive suite of services, including asset management, construction supervision, and independent verification and certification. This acquisition aligns with Bureau Veritas’ LEAP | 28 strategy, which aims to expand the company’s leadership in the Buildings and Infrastructure sector. By diversifying its portfolio and investing in attractive regional markets, Bureau Veritas is well-positioned to capitalize on future growth opportunities. Hinda Gharbi, Chief Executive Officer of Bureau Veritas, commented: “When closed, The APP Group acquisition will mark a significant milestone in our LEAP | 28 growth strategy for the Buildings & Infrastructure business in Asia Pacific. This move will not only strengthen our position in the Australian market but will also provide us…
Shearwater Geoservices, a leading provider of geophysical and geotechnical services to the global energy industry, has secured a significant deep-water ocean-bottom node (OBN) survey contract in West Africa. This one-month survey, scheduled to commence in Q4 2024, will utilize the advanced capabilities of the SW Tasman vessel, which can deploy both seismic sources and dual remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) for node deployment in a single operation. The project will introduce Shearwater’s proprietary Pearl node technology to the West African region. This compact and high-endurance node system has proven its reliability and effectiveness in numerous operations worldwide. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and experienced teams, Shearwater is committed to delivering high-quality data and innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of the offshore industry. Shearwater CEO Irene Waage Basili said: “This project demonstrates yet another operational advantage of our Pearl/Tasman OBN platform. Following its successful mobilisation in India in early 2024 and the recently announced Angola projects through late Q2 2025, this award showcases the platform’s growing impact in complex offshore environments. “By combining the Pearl node and our unique multi-function SW Tasman vessel, we enhance survey efficiency and unlock the potential of deep-water OBN surveys in environments where cost barriers historically have been too…
The Swedish government has announced the rejection of 13 applications for offshore wind farm projects in the Baltic Sea, south of the Sea of Åland. The decision was made due to concerns about potential impacts on national defense. Despite the potential for clean energy generation and the inclusion of precautionary measures in the project proposals, the government prioritized national security interests. Climate and Environment Minister Romina Pourmokhtari stated that the government carefully considered expert opinions and public input before making its decision. Defense Minister Pål Jonson emphasized the importance of national security in light of the current geopolitical situation. As a result of this decision, Hexicon’s joint venture company, Freja Offshore, will terminate work on its Cirrus and Dyning projects in Sweden. However, the company remains committed to its other projects, including the Mareld wind farm, which is currently under review by the Swedish government. This development highlights the complex interplay between energy transition goals and national security concerns. While renewable energy projects are essential for a sustainable future, governments must also consider broader geopolitical factors when making decisions about critical infrastructure.
Latin America, blessed with abundant wind resources, is poised to become a global leader in renewable energy. However, realizing this potential requires a comprehensive approach to address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. A new project aims to guide policymakers and stakeholders across the region, offering insights and strategies rooted in local experiences and best practices. By overcoming barriers and fostering collaboration, Latin American countries can accelerate their transition to a sustainable energy future. Key recommendations of the project include streamlining permitting processes, prioritizing public interest and equitable benefit-sharing, and building trust through early and continuous engagement with local communities. By focusing on these areas, Latin American governments can create an enabling environment for wind energy development, attracting investment, and driving economic growth.
The UK Ministry of Defence has announced a £40 million investment in a new satellite, named Juno, to enhance the country’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. The satellite, developed by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd., is expected to launch in 2027 and will provide high-resolution imagery of the Earth’s surface. This advanced technology will support a range of military operations, including monitoring adversary activities and contributing to global security efforts. Juno will join Tyche, the UK Space Command’s first satellite, which successfully launched in August 2023. Together, these satellites will form part of a constellation that will deliver critical information to support UK defense and security interests. The investment in Juno is expected to create around 200 skilled jobs in the UK space sector, boosting the nation’s economy and strengthening its position as a global leader in space technology. Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry Maria Eagle said:“The contract for Juno shows the UK’s commitment to grow one of the most innovative and attractive space economies in the world and keep our competitive edge in space science and technology. Juno will not only support Armed Forces personnel deployed globally, but also support highly skilled jobs, delivering on the government’s growth…
The World Bank, established in 1944, is a vital international financial institution dedicated to reducing poverty and promoting sustainable economic development. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the World Bank comprises two main institutions: the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA). The World Bank provides financial and technical assistance to developing countries, enabling them to implement projects that foster economic growth, improve infrastructure, and enhance social services. By leveraging its extensive network and resources, the institution aims to create a more equitable world where all individuals have access to opportunities that can improve their quality of life. The World Bank’s mission is to eradicate extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity. Over the decades, the institution has evolved significantly, adapting its strategies to meet the changing needs of its member countries. It operates on the principle of collective action, bringing together governments, civil society, and the private sector to address complex development challenges.
The European Commission has approved the Reform Agendas of Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, following positive opinions from EU Member States. These ambitious reform plans outline the socio-economic and fundamental reforms that the five Western Balkan governments will undertake to spur growth and align with the EU. This crucial step enables the disbursement of funds from the EU’s €6 billion Reform and Growth Facility, which will be made upon completion of agreed reform steps. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: “I’m impressed by the work of our Western Balkan partners on their Reform Agendas. It shows that they are committed to the success of the Growth Plan. It’s our roadmap to bring the economies of the Western Balkans closer to ours. And to give their companies the access and the means to compete on our Single Market. Everyone benefits, and it’s a big leap forward towards the European Union”. The Reform Agendas focus on key areas such as rule of law, governance, digital and green transitions, human capital development, and the business environment. Each beneficiary country has also proposed a list of indicative investments to be funded under the Facility, which are aimed at unlocking socio-economic growth. The Commission…
The European Commission has selected 85 innovative net-zero projects to receive €4.8 billion in grants from the Innovation Fund. This significant investment aims to accelerate the deployment of cutting-edge clean technologies across Europe. For the first time, projects of various scales, from large-scale infrastructure to smaller-scale pilots, and with a focus on cleantech manufacturing, have been awarded funding under the 2023 call for proposals. This marks the largest funding round to date for the Innovation Fund, bringing the total amount of support to €12 billion. The selected projects span 18 countries and cover a wide range of sectors, including energy-intensive industries, renewable energy, energy storage, industrial carbon management, net-zero mobility, and buildings. These projects are expected to enter into operation before 2030 and reduce emissions by approximately 476 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent over their first ten years of operation. The EU’s Innovation Fund is a key tool in supporting the bloc’s ambitious climate goals. By investing in groundbreaking technologies, the EU aims to strengthen its industrial base, create jobs, and foster economic growth. The selected projects are expected to contribute to the following EU policy objectives: The selected projects were evaluated based on their potential to reduce greenhouse gas…
The Ugandan government has taken significant steps to enhance the effectiveness of public investment management. The Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, in collaboration with the Public Investment Management (PIM) Centre of Excellence, organized a conference to discuss strategies for improving project execution. The conference highlighted the importance of public investment in driving Uganda’s development and building essential infrastructure, human capital, and institutions. The Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury, Ramathan Ggoobi, emphasized the need for government investments to be worthwhile and contribute to national development. “Government is taking seriously the PIM process,” said Ggoobi, adding that the Finance Ministry has developed a framework for tracking project implementation. He said the framework standardizes and provides strategic direction by facilitating a culture of accountability, transparency and continuous improvement during project execution. “To implement this framework, the Office of the Head of Project Execution is to be created to use the framework in collaboration with other M&E players such as OPM, OP and responsible departments in the Ministry.” The government has recognized the importance of the PIM process and has taken steps to improve its effectiveness. The Finance Ministry has developed a framework for tracking project implementation, standardizing procedures and facilitating…
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev got acquainted with the presentation of projects for the production of electricity from solid waste. Uzbekistan generates 14 million tons of waste annually. However, only 4-5 percent of it is recycled. More than 7 million tons of greenhouse gases and 43 thousand tons of toxic leachates generated at waste landfills are emitted into the atmosphere and penetrate the soil. By recycling waste, it is possible to both reduce its impact on nature and make a profit. For this purpose, the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change, together with foreign investors, has developed a number of projects. It is planned to build 8 waste incineration plants and process landfill gas at the Akhangaran landfill, investing about $1 billion 300 million. For example, two plants will be built in Andijan and Tashkent provinces through direct investment of $350 million by the Chinese company “CAMC Engineering”. They will process 4 thousand tons of waste per day and generate 630 million kilowatt-hours of electricity per year. Another Chinese company, “Shanghai SUS Environment|, has also shown interest in this area. It plans to invest $310 million in direct investments and build two plants in Samarkand and Kashkadarya regions. They will…
