A new £6.8 million planetarium is set to open its doors in Nottinghamshire later this month. The facility, located at the Sherwood Observatory, will offer visitors a unique opportunity to explore the cosmos and learn about space and science. The planetarium will feature a 10-meter hemispherical screen and advanced projection technology, allowing visitors to embark on virtual tours of the solar system and beyond. It will also be accessible to individuals with disabilities, ensuring inclusivity for all. The project was made possible through funding from the UK Government, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Garfield Weston Foundation, the Wolfson Foundation, and other donors. Pick Everard, a multi-disciplinary consultancy firm, managed the project and cost services, while G F Tomlinson handled the construction phase. The project team worked collaboratively to ensure the successful delivery of this state-of-the-art facility. Nick Hanson, associate cost manager at Pick Everard, said: “This is an exciting project that is contributing positively to the local area with a world leading science and education facility. “The Sherwood Observatory is of huge historical significance and draws on our expertise of delivering high quality visitor attractions, with protected elements sensitively treated and managed through robust stakeholder management plans. Jason Ainsworth,…
The Uttar Pradesh government has secured a significant Rs 3,903 crore funding from the World Bank to boost agricultural productivity and rural enterprise. The project, titled “Uttar Pradesh Agricultural Growth and Rural Enterprise Ecosystem Strengthening,” aims to transform the state’s agricultural sector and contribute to its goal of becoming a trillion-dollar economy by 2030. Key components of the project include supporting high-value crop clusters, improving the fisheries ecosystem, and developing a digital agriculture platform. This platform will empower farmers with real-time data and insights, enabling them to make informed decisions and optimize their practices. Auguste Tano Kouamé, World Bank’s Country Director for India, expressed strong support for the initiative, highlighting the institution’s commitment to assisting Uttar Pradesh in implementing this transformative project. The World Bank’s board of executive directors is expected to review and consider approval by mid-December 2024. This six-year project has the potential to revolutionize agriculture in Uttar Pradesh, creating a robust framework that supports farmers and enhances their productivity through innovative solutions and strategic partnerships.
Veolia, a global leader in environmental solutions, has secured a significant contract to develop Africa’s largest seawater desalination plant in Morocco. The project, located in Rabat, will provide drinking water to nearly 9.3 million people. With over 40 years of experience in seawater desalination, Veolia will be responsible for the construction, financing, and operation of the plant for a period of 35 years. The plant will have a capacity to produce 822,000 cubic meters of drinking water per day, addressing the region’s water scarcity challenges. Morocco has been facing significant water shortages due to declining rainfall in recent years. This desalination project is a key component of the country’s National Water Plan, which aims to invest US$40 billion in the water sector to ensure water security for its population. By leveraging its expertise in desalination technologies, Veolia will contribute to Morocco’s sustainable water management and help alleviate water stress in the region. This project reinforces Veolia’s commitment to providing essential services and promoting sustainable development worldwide. Estelle Brachlianoff, CEO of Veolia, said: “We are fully aware of the urgency of the situation and proud to contribute to this major project, which will strengthen the country’s water resilience.”
Talaat Moustafa Group (TMG) has announced record sales of EGP 470 billion (approximately $9.4 billion) as of November 6th, 2024. This represents a significant surge compared to the EGP 108 billion recorded during the same period last year. The group’s “SouthMed” project on Egypt’s North Coast has been a major driver of growth, generating sales of approximately EGP 280 billion ($5.6 billion). Additionally, the “Benan” project in Saudi Arabia, launched in May 2024, has already surpassed its initial year-one sales target, reaching EGP 53 billion. TMG’s strong performance can be attributed to its strategic focus on large-scale, mixed-use developments and its ability to meet the evolving needs of its customers. The group’s commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability has enabled it to maintain its leadership position in the Egyptian real estate market. “SouthMed” is a prime example of TMG’s commitment to delivering world-class developments. The project offers a range of residential, commercial, and leisure amenities, including luxury villas, beachfront residences, and a world-class marina. TMG’s strategic partnership with international hotel management companies ensures year-round occupancy and strong rental income. Benan City, a new smart residential city in Riyadh, is another significant milestone for TMG. This ambitious project will span 10…
Latvia has taken a significant step towards a greener future with the commissioning of its first utility-scale battery energy storage system (BESS). The 10MW/20MWh BESS, located in Targale, Ventspils region, is integrated with the 58.8MW Targale Wind Park. Developed by Utilitas Wind, a subsidiary of Estonian energy company Utilitas, the BESS project is a €7 million investment. The system comprises six containerized BESS units, inverters, transformers, and a distribution point container. Hoymiles, a Chinese solar inverter manufacturer, provided the BESS enclosures and power conversion system inverters. The BESS will enable the storage of excess wind energy generated during periods of high production and its subsequent release to the grid during peak demand or low renewable generation. This will contribute to grid stability and enhance the overall reliability of the power supply. The opening event was attended by guests and dignitaries including Latvia’s climate and energy minister Kaspars Melnis, who said that hybrid energy parks that combine different clean energy technologies like wind and batteries “will become common practice in the future, ensuring a stable, minimally weather-dependent energy supply.” Melnis said the project set a high bar for wind farms in the country and noted their importance in the context of…
Ocean Sun, a Norwegian floating solar company, has secured NOK 4 million (approximately $359,000) from the Research Council of Norway and Brazil’s Finep agency to advance a 250 kWp floating solar pilot project near Rio de Janeiro in 2025. The project aims to develop and deploy Ocean Sun’s innovative membrane-based floating photovoltaic (PV) technology in collaboration with Brazilian partners UAPÊ Energias Solares and Sansuy S.A. Indústria de Plásticos. This partnership will allow the company to explore new fixation designs and materials engineering to enhance the performance and durability of its floating solar systems. Ocean Sun’s CEO, Kristian Tørvold, said: “This funding will enable us to push the boundaries of floating solar technology and allow us to build our first installation in South America, a strategically important market with our good partner Uapê.” The pilot project will demonstrate the viability and resilience of Ocean Sun’s membrane-based technology in Brazil’s coastal environment. This technology offers several advantages, including low material usage, simple installation, efficient water cooling, and robustness in challenging water conditions. This latest funding follows Ocean Sun’s recent acquisition of funding from Innovation Norway to advance key technology areas, including a freshwater collection system. The company has also strengthened its leadership team with…
The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine has announced plans to adopt 643 European and international standards in the field of environmental protection. This move is supported by the OSCE Support Program for Ukraine and aims to align Ukraine’s environmental regulations with European standards. Ukraine’s membership in CEN-CENELEC, the European Committee for Standardization, has necessitated the adoption of these standards to facilitate the country’s integration into the European Union. By harmonizing its national standards with European norms, Ukraine aims to enhance its environmental monitoring capabilities and improve its overall environmental performance. The implementation of these standards will require a systematic approach, including the modernization of laboratories and the training of personnel. This will enable Ukraine to effectively monitor environmental conditions, assess the impact of human activities, and develop effective environmental policies. This initiative is a significant step towards Ukraine’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental protection. By adopting international best practices, Ukraine can improve its environmental performance, enhance its international reputation, and contribute to global efforts to address climate change and environmental degradation.
Codelco, Chile’s state-owned copper mining company, has submitted an environmental permit application for a $650 million project aimed at enhancing water sustainability at its Andina mine. The project involves redirecting water from the mine’s Ovejeria tailings to the concentrator plant, located approximately 70 kilometers away. This innovative approach will improve water efficiency and reduce the mine’s environmental impact. “This project will enhance the availability of water resources by implementing a sustainable alternative that addresses the region’s water scarcity situation. This allows us to continue reducing our environmental footprint and to confront the consequences of climate change,” explained Lindor Quiroga Bugueño, General Manager of Codelco Andina. As global demand for sustainable mining practices grows and water resources become increasingly scarce, Codelco is committed to operating responsibly. The Andina mine, located in central Chile, has been particularly affected by prolonged drought conditions. The project is expected to create up to 1,650 jobs and take approximately 36 months to complete.
Ulster University (UU) has announced plans for a groundbreaking indoor sports arena on its Londonderry campus. This ambitious project, funded by the PeacePlus program, will transform the local sporting landscape and provide a world-class facility for students and the wider community. The new arena, spanning approximately 15,000 square meters, will accommodate a range of sports, including rugby, soccer, and Gaelic games. It will also serve as a venue for community events, concerts, and other cultural activities. Prof Cathy Gormley-Heenan, UU’s provost, said it was exciting to be able to take the project forward. “This facility will be quite literally game-changing in terms of enhancing sporting and community facilities in the city and we are delighted to be expanding our offering for both our students and our neighbours in Derry-Londonderry,” she said. The PeacePlus program, a joint initiative of the European Union, the UK government, the Irish government, and Stormont, has awarded over €77 million to various projects across the island of Ireland. The funding for the UU project will enable the university to deliver a world-class facility that will benefit generations to come. Gina McIntyre of the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) said the projects “will provide places where people…
SP Energy has received approval for a crucial substation project that forms part of a larger £1.6 billion initiative to create an underwater “superhighway” for offshore energy in the UK. The 400 kilovolt (kV) Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) substation, to be located in Branxton, will serve as a vital link in the Eastern Link project, connecting the Torness and County Durham sites via a 176km subsea cable. While the project is expected to significantly boost the UK’s renewable energy capacity, it has also faced opposition from local communities concerned about the cumulative impact of energy infrastructure in the area. Despite these concerns, the East Lothian Council approved the application, recognizing the project’s importance in transitioning to a low-carbon future. The substation is expected to take up to five years to construct and will require significant infrastructure development, including underground cables connecting the substation to the converter station and landfall sites. The approval of this substation marks a significant milestone for the Eastern Link project and highlights the growing importance of offshore wind energy in the UK’s energy mix.
