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…
A joint venture between Jacobs (NYSE:J) and VolkerStevin, known as C2V, has been appointed as the Construction Delivery Partner (CDP) for United Utilities, one of the UK’s largest water companies. This significant win marks the start of a major collaboration to deliver United Utilities’ most ambitious capital investment program to date. C2V will provide a comprehensive suite of services, encompassing project management, design, construction, and commissioning for complex capital projects. These projects will span various areas of water infrastructure, including water and wastewater treatment plants, pumping stations, reservoirs, bioresources, and energy solutions. The appointment of C2V forms part of a wider specialist framework established by United Utilities. All participating organisations will work collaboratively with United Utilities to deliver their planned £3 billion capital program from 2025 to 2030. An optional five-year extension is also possible, extending the program to 2035. “The water sector is facing unprecedented environmental challenges. This framework positions United Utilities to deliver its largest ever program to advance environmental performance and critical water services in North West England,” said Jacobs Senior Vice President Kate Kenny. “With our 20+ years’ experience working in the region, we can further contribute vital water and wastewater infrastructure solutions that deliver stronger, greener…
Construction is officially underway on America’s next nuclear power plant, marking a significant milestone in the country’s clean energy journey. Bechtel, a global leader in engineering and construction, celebrated the groundbreaking of the Natrium Demonstration Project alongside its partner, TerraPower. The Natrium Demonstration Project, located in Kemmerer, Wyoming, is the first-of-its-kind in the United States. This innovative project is part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program, signifying a commitment to exploring and deploying next-generation nuclear technology. The Natrium reactor utilizes a groundbreaking sodium-based cooling system, a departure from traditional water-cooled reactors. This technology offers a clean, baseload operation capable of generating 345 megawatts of power, with the potential to flexibly scale up to 500 megawatts – enough to meet the energy needs of approximately 400,000 homes. “The Natrium reactor’s innovative design will launch a new approach to nuclear plant construction that is designed to be safer, cleaner, faster, and more efficient than many energy source alternatives.” “Working together, the combination of advanced technology and streamlined constructability has the potential to diversify the U.S. power generation industry. The option of deploying smaller advanced nuclear plants that can work in concert with other clean energy sources will help…
The National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) has taken a significant step towards improving the design of major infrastructure projects in the UK. Their Design Group has published new guidance outlining a structured process for developing and implementing project-specific design principles. This guidance builds upon the NIC Design Group’s existing high-level design principles focusing on climate, people, places, and value. The new document goes a step further by providing a framework for applying these principles to each stage of a project’s lifecycle. The guidance emphasises the importance of tailoring design principles to each specific project. It outlines a structured process that ensures project leaders consider a wide range of factors, from climate resilience to positive community impact. The document also highlights the importance of early and sustained commitment to design principles. It recommends that: Case Studies and Industry Support The new guidance is accompanied by case studies showcasing successful implementation of design principles in ongoing projects like the Lower Thames Crossing, Tideway, and Sizewell C. This practical insight demonstrates the value of this approach. The Infrastructure Projects Authority (IPA) has welcomed the new guidance. The UK government’s National Infrastructure Strategy, published in 2020, emphasised the importance of good design in major infrastructure…
The Nemetschek Group, a leading global software provider for the AEC/O and media industries, participated in a Series A funding round for SmartPM Technologies, Inc., a leading innovator in automated project controls for construction. The investment is a continuation of the business relationship with SmartPM. Already last year, the Nemetschek Group announced an investment. “What excites us about SmartPM is how it helps construction executives and site teams solve operational problems by helping them understand the root cause and potential solutions for scheduling issues. This simple and easily adoptable solution delivers value without changing established schedule workflows. We are very much looking forward to continuing our collaboration with the SmartPM team, especially under the guidance of their exceptional leadership,” says Matt Wheelis, SVP Strategy, Build & Construct at the Nemetschek Group. Wheelis is part of the board of SmartPM. SmartPM is developing schedule controls software, specialising in data-driven tools and analytics for the commercial construction industry. By leveraging AI and machine learning, SmartPM delivers comprehensive insights, enabling clients to optimise project performance, mitigate risks, and ensure timely, cost-effective project completion. “The follow-on investment by the Nemetschek Group is a great sign of trust for us”, says Michael Pink, CEO of…
Portland General Electric (PGE) (NYSE: POR) announced a significant collaboration for the development of the North Plains Connector, a groundbreaking high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) transmission line project. PGE has signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding with Grid United and ALLETE, Inc. (NYSE: ALE) to co-develop the North Plains Connector. This approximately 415-mile HVDC line will connect electric grids across vast distances, spanning from Bismarck, North Dakota to Colstrip, Montana. The North Plains Connector represents a first-of-its-kind achievement in the United States, facilitating HVDC transmission connections between three distinct regional electric energy markets: the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, the Western Interconnection, and the Southwest Power Pool. This enhanced connectivity will enable greater resource sharing and flexibility across multiple time zones. Shared Vision for a Sustainable Future “The North Plains Connector is a key step in serving the growing needs of customers with safe, reliable, clean energy through joint collaboration,” said Maria Pope, PGE President and CEO. “Additional transmission capacity will provide access to renewable energy over a wider and diverse geographic area, helping to deliver economic and environmental benefits.” This project represents one of several initiatives undertaken by PGE to address nationwide transmission congestion through regional collaboration. The North Plains Connector will…
Carver Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq: CARV) (“Carver”), the holding company for Carver Federal Savings Bank, a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and Minority Depository Institution (MDI), announced a $25 million revolving loan facility with NY Green Bank. This collaboration empowers Carver to leverage critical funding for clean energy and building electrification projects in historically underserved communities. “Partnering with NY Green Bank allows us to address financial barriers and advance clean energy initiatives,” said Craig C. MacKay, Carver’s Interim President and CEO. The loan facility will support Carver in financing a range of sustainability initiatives: “NY Green Bank is proud to support Carver, whose commitment to serving diverse middle-income neighborhoods is well aligned with the energy benefit goals of the Community Decarbonization Fund,” remarked David Davenport, Managing Director at NY Green Bank. “By providing mission-driven lenders like Carver with low-cost capital that supports sustainable infrastructure, we aim to advance New York State’s greenhouse gas reduction goals.” Mr. MacKay added, “It is vital that we invest in initiatives that aim to mitigate the impact of climate change and contribute to a more sustainable future for the next generation of New Yorkers. Our partnership with NY Green Bank is a notable step toward…
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…
The burgeoning green hydrogen industry is powered by a key component: the electrolyzer. A recent report by IDTechEx, “Green Hydrogen Production & Electrolyzer Market 2024-2034,” sheds light on the various business models employed by electrolyzer manufacturers (OEMs) to navigate this evolving market. Green hydrogen production relies on electrolyzers, which come in four main varieties: alkaline water (AWE), proton exchange membrane (PEM), anion exchange membrane (AEM), and solid oxide (SOEC). These systems convert renewable electricity into clean-burning hydrogen gas. Each technology boasts unique characteristics and caters to specific applications. The core electrolyzer stack (often manufactured by OEMs) integrates with other components (balance of plant, BOP) to form a complete hydrogen production system. The IDTechEx report explores the various strategies adopted by OEMs to deploy their systems in commercial projects. Here’s a breakdown of some key business models: Beyond these individual approaches, the report highlights the growing trend of collaboration within the industry. Electrolyzer OEMs are increasingly participating in project development consortiums. These involve collaboration among multiple entities, potentially even competitors, to share the risks and rewards of large-scale projects. This approach leverages combined expertise and financial resources, enabling projects that might be difficult for individual companies to undertake. A select few…
GivePower, a renowned non-profit tackling global water and electricity access issues, has inaugurated two new solar-powered water systems in Kenya. This initiative marks their eighth collaboration with ServiceNow, a leading digital workflow company. The first system, located in Migadini, Mombasa County, was funded by ServiceNow. This project represents GivePower’s fourth Solar Water Farm in Mombasa County, complementing their four existing electrification projects in the region. The second system, situated in Makindu, was also donated by ServiceNow, with additional support from Silfab Solar who provided the solar panels. These additions bring the total number of GivePower Solar Water Farms in Kenya to 12, collectively providing clean, safe drinking water to nearly 1 million Kenyans daily. The launch ceremony, graced by the presence of His Excellency Archbishop Hubertus van Megen, Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya and South Sudan, and Ms. Emily Achieng Okelo, CECM of Mombasa County, highlighted the significance of this project. Ms. Achieng Okelo emphasized the importance of the Solar Water Farm: “This Solar Water Farm represents a monumental step forward in our efforts to ensure sustainable and clean water access for our residents. It embodies our commitment to leveraging renewable energy solutions to enhance water security and resilience against climate…
