sHq_LoGiNz – Page 891

Resilient Utility Systems: Lessons and Strategies for Storm Preparedness and Recovery

Posted on October 29, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

The increased frequency and severity of storms including hurricanes, microbursts, and torrential rains all hold the possibility of severe damage to utility assets and loss of power. Each storm event is unique, but they all require safe and rapid restoration of power while meeting the utility’s goal of restoring stability across impacted communities.

We spoke with Sean Mauldin, Leidos Director of Distribution Engineering, to understand what utilities can learn from severe storm events, how to make systems more resilient, and how to plan for future events. Answers have been edited for clarity and length.

Each storm is different and presents distinct challenges for utilities. What are some key lessons from past severe weather events that utilities can apply to prepare for future storms?

When preparing for a severe weather event, utilities can benefit from reviewing past storms. What occurred during previous similar weather events? Were the impacts in line with expectations based on past infrastructure improvements? Does the possibility exist for a similar impact during future severe weather? Did recent smart grid enhancements increase identification and restoration efforts and reduce the outage footprint?

By evaluating both failed components as well as the successful performance of hardened assets, utilities can effectively use the knowledge gained from previous events to potentially reduce impacts to the power grid for future events.

Budgets are often top of mind for utilities. When considering the rise in storm frequency and severity, what information supports a utility’s approach to capital spend planning?

System resiliency planning has shifted in recent years. Historically, most severe weather events were treated as singular occurrences, and repair costs were recouped through rates. However, the steady increase in both the number of storm events and their severity has caused utilities to treat these events as inevitable costs. The cost of capital repair and replacement following a storm event can be up to ten times higher than replacements conducted as part of a targeted program. Several factors contribute to the increased costs of post-storm repairs, including the rapid deployment of crews and equipment to assess, repair, and restore power; the repair and replacement of damaged grid components; and the procurement and deployment of emergency power generation equipment. Furthermore, utilities face revenue losses from unbilled kilowatt-hours during outages, further compounding the overall costs associated with asset damage.

By reducing the impact of storm damage to a power system’s assets, utilities can reduce the repair costs that they’ve built into their budgets. As utilities develop capital spend plans that improve day-to-day reliability and incorporate hardening strategies, they can use historical storm damage data to inform their approach to damage prevention. A data-driven assessment of the most vulnerable parts of the power system will allow a utility to maximize their capital spending planning.

The frequency of severe weather events is increasing. How can utilities use root cause analysis of failed components to help guide their standards development?

With the increase of severe weather and the heightened risk of damage to the grid, it is vital that utilities obtain accurate data on what failed, and whether future loss can be prevented through design changes. Considering the frequency of storm damage recovery, utilities must maximize the value of every storm recovery dollar. By performing root cause analysis of storm-related component failures, utilities can gain critical insight into design improvements and how to mitigate damage in the future. Critical to this effort are timely and accurate outage investigations and data collection in the field — conducted separately from recovery efforts and performed by non-restoration crews.

Effective tools for conducting post-storm analysis are increasingly available. What is your guidance for utilities on using these data to drive innovation?

Operating in our current data-driven environment, utilities run the same risk as all businesses — data entropy. It’s easy to utilize new tools to collect vast amounts of information about an event, but parsing significance from these data is a different matter. Data collection is just the first step, but analyzing and interpreting those findings into actionable solutions is key to reducing future risks. Leidos’ deep capabilities in data science can be applied to develop innovative approaches to preparing for future storm events. We may not be able to stop the storm, but we can help utilities reduce the financial and public impact.

Posted in UncategorizedTagged 3BL

HOLDCO ASSET MANAGEMENT RELEASES PRESENTATION PREVIOUSLY PROVIDED TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF COLUMBIA BANKING SYSTEM, INC. ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2025

Posted on October 29, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Today, HoldCo Asset Management, LP (“HoldCo”), a Florida-based investment firm managing approximately $2.6 billion in regulatory assets under management, released a follow-up presentation to the Board of Directors of Columbia Banking System, Inc., attaching a copy of the presentation previously provided to the Board of Directors on September 14, 2025 entitled “Failed Gambles Borne Solely By Owners – Protective Covenants Needed.”

The presentation may be found at the following link:

https://holdcoam.co/COLB

In the presentation, HoldCo disclosed that it owns common stock of Columbia Banking System, Inc. (NASDAQ Global Select Market: COLB) and consequently has an economic interest in the price of these securities.

About HoldCo Asset Management, LP

HoldCo Asset Management, LP is an investment adviser located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. HoldCo was founded by Vik Ghei and Misha Zaitzeff. HoldCo currently has approximately $2.6 billion of regulatory assets under management.

Disclaimer

As of the publication date of this report, a fund managed by HoldCo has a long position in Columbia Banking System, Inc. through ownership of its common stock. HoldCo may change its views about its investment positions in Columbia Banking System, Inc. at any time, for any reason or no reason, and at any time may change the form or substance of any of its related or unrelated investment positions. If it does so, it will not be under obligation to inform anyone and does not intend to do so unless required by law.

All content in this press release and referenced presentations represent the opinions of HoldCo and are for discussion and general information purposes only. HoldCo has obtained all information herein from publicly available sources, and such information is presented “as is,” without warranty of any kind whether express or implied. All data and other information are not warranted as to completeness or accuracy and reflect HoldCo’s views as of this date, all of which are accordingly subject to change without notice.

This document is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as, a marketing or solicitation vehicle for HoldCo or any fund managed by HoldCo, and it is not investment advice, an investment recommendation, or an offer to buy or sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities, including without limitation any interests in a fund managed by and/or associated with HoldCo. Any offer or solicitation may only be made pursuant to a private placement memorandum, agreement of limited partnership, or similar or related documents, which will only be provided to qualified offerees and should be reviewed carefully and in their entirety by any such offerees prior to making or considering a decision to invest in any HoldCo managed fund.

The information contained in this document may include, or incorporate by reference, forward-looking statements, which would include any statements that are not statements of historical fact. These forward-looking statements may turn out to be wrong and can be affected by inaccurate assumptions or by known or unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will materialize or that actual results will not be materially different than those presented.

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SOURCE HOLDCO ASSET MANAGEMENT

Posted in UncategorizedTagged PR Newswire

HOLDCO ASSET MANAGEMENT RELEASES PRESENTATION PREVIOUSLY PROVIDED TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF COLUMBIA BANKING SYSTEM, INC. ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2025

Posted on October 29, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

The presentation may be found at the following link:

https://holdcoam.co/COLB

About HoldCo Asset Management, LP

Disclaimer

SOURCE HOLDCO ASSET MANAGEMENT

Posted in UncategorizedTagged PR Newswire

Global Initiative To Demonstrate Operational Excellence in Nigeria for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Patients

Posted on October 29, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

Originally published by The Clinton Health Access Initiative

ABUJA, NIGERIA, October 29, 2025 /3BL/ Recently, the Innovative Cancer Medicines (ICM) initiative announced the enrollment of the first Nigerian patient in a pioneering demonstration project to provide an immunotherapy drug used to treat cancer. The goal of the initiative is to develop an approach that explores sustainable and effective administration of innovative immuno-oncology therapies in low- and middle-income countries.

The ICM initiative is a collaboration between the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) and the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI), along with Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) and Roche, working with the National Hospital in Abuja, an oncology center in Nigeria recognized for its excellence.

Low- and middle-income countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, have historically faced challenges in accessing cancer treatments that have been available in high-income countries for decades. Yet Africa is one of the most affected regions globally, with the number of cancer deaths on the continent expected to double by 2040.¹ Among the various cancers affecting the region, colorectal cancer represents a particular concern and is the focus of this initiative. In Nigeria alone, colorectal cancer accounts for approximately 6.4% of all cancers and is responsible for nearly 5,900 deaths a year.²

“This demonstration project will show to the world that we have institutions in Nigeria that are ready, with the right investments, to introduce and sustainably provide innovative diagnostics and medications,” said Dr. Abubakar Bello, Chief Consultant, Clinical and Radiation Oncologist, National Hospital Abuja and the project’s Principal Investigator.

“This milestone shows that Nigerian healthcare institutions can deliver world-class cancer care,” said Dr. Adekunle Iziaq Salako, Hon. Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Nigeria. “This demonstration project will provide critical evidence on how advanced immunotherapy can be integrated into our health system.”

“This project demonstrates that with the right partnerships and health systems investments, cutting-edge cancer treatments can be delivered with the same operational excellence found anywhere in the world,” said Dr. Olufunke Fasawe, CHAI Vice President of Integration, Country Director, Nigeria.

Over the next two years, the ICM partnership will support the National Hospital Abuja’s demonstration project in Nigeria which features nivolumab, an immunotherapy agent that is already approved by drug regulators in other countries to address cancers of public health significance. The demonstration project will report on its progress which includes health systems-strengthening investments required to scale up the program.

“Immunotherapy is playing a revolutionary role in the fight against cancer,” said Sean Parker, Founder and Chairman of PICI. “It’s an ethical imperative that access to these lifesaving treatments not be limited to a privileged few. Our goal with ICM is to demonstrate the feasibility of using best-in-class treatments in clinics in low-resource areas and to inspire a bold, multitiered, access-oriented global approach in the fight against cancer. Two decades ago, partners around the world came together to ensure treatment for HIV for millions of people across sub-Saharan Africa. We hope this project inspires a similarly bold, multitiered global approach in the fight against cancer.”

“At Bristol Myers Squibb, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to benefit from medicines and innovations, regardless of geography or circumstance,” said Jasmine Greenamyer, Vice President of Global Purpose and Patient Experience at Bristol Myers Squibb. “Our involvement in the ICM initiative reflects our commitment to co-develop operational excellence and effective administration of innovative immuno-oncology therapies in countries like Nigeria. We are proud to collaborate and accelerate progress for patients and communities.”

“Where you live should not dictate your health, yet we know millions continue to face obstacles to health care,” said Roberto Taboada, Network Lead Anglophone West Africa, Roche Diagnostics, General Manager, Roche Nigeria. “At Roche, we believe that collaboration and cross-sector partnerships are what’s needed to increase access to innovation. The ICM partnership is a great example of the public and private sectors each playing a crucial role to spur and scale innovation. We are excited to see the meaningful difference that this brings to patients in Nigeria, and beyond.”

About the organizations:

The Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI): www.clintonhealthaccess.org

The Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI): www.parkerici.org

Roche: www.roche.com

Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS): www.bms.com

¹The Lancet Oncology Commission
²World Health Organization. International Agency for Research on Cancer. https://gco.iarc.fr/today/data/factsheets/populations/566-nigeria-fact-sheets.pdfAccessed 10 September 2025.

Posted in UncategorizedTagged 3BL

KIA AMERICA REVEALS CUSTOM 2027 CAMOUFLAGE TELLURIDE

Posted on October 29, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

Camouflage Telluride¹ takes to the roads less traveled ahead of Los Angeles Auto Show global debut

Custom wrap reveals all-new Telluride’s Opposites United form language while hiding in plain sight
Developed by Kia Design Center America (KDCA), wrap is inspired by Telluride design sketches
Colors and intersecting lines play important role in camouflage design
Real world off-road trek is testament to all-new Telluride’s capabilities

IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — With the global debut of the upcoming all-new 2027 Kia Telluride only weeks away, Kia America today is revealing more of the brand’s flagship SUV. Cleverly disguised in a unique full-body wrap, the custom pre-production model is seen being put through a grueling off-road trek, illustrating the SUV’s capabilities while coyly hiding its production sheet metal, which will be unveiled November 20 at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The new images and video of the camouflage Telluride follow the dramatic studio-based teaser images that were released October 22.

“Designing a wrap for Telluride is far different than designing the vehicle beneath the vinyl,” said Tom Kearns, Vice President and Senior Chief Designer, KDCA. “We looked at the many different patterns used by carmakers to obscure the shape of vehicles in development and decided to approach the project from a different angle. We determined that hiding the all-new Telluride in plain sight could be done in a way that is both eye-catching and thought-provoking.”

Leaning into the hundreds of sketches that precluded the final form, the wrap’s design uses intersecting outlines of the vehicle from different angles to obscure the profile, curves and angles beneath it. Close inspection reveals the many approaches the team examined before finally landing on what will be shown (uncamouflaged) at the Los Angeles Auto show in November. “This wrap also ties the beginning and end of the design process together, which is Opposites United in itself,” Kearns continued.

The Opposites United design philosophy takes inspiration from the contrasts found in nature and humanity and was introduced by Karim Habib, Executive Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design, Kia Corporation in 2021. At the center of the design philosophy is a visual identity evoking positive forces and natural energy, with contrasting combinations of sharp stylistic elements and sculptural shapes. ‘Opposites United’ is based on five key design principles: ‘Bold for Nature’, ‘Joy for Reason’, ‘Power to Progress’, ‘Technology for Life’, and ‘Tension for Serenity’.

“Stylistically, inspiration for the wrap was derived from Keith Haring and Mr. Doodle (Sam Cox). Both artists create complex patterns expressed via simple lines,” said Kearns. “We worked on reducing the Telluride’s design sketches to simple lines, overlapping sketches and silhouettes to create what ultimately became the defining motif for the wrap.”

Aside from the lines, color also played an important role in the camouflage design. “We tried many color combinations and gradations before landing on what you see today,” said Kearns. “Ultimately, warm-to-cool color shifts starting with orange at the front and ending with purple at the rear.” Orange worked well with the amber DRLs up front and its opposing color – purple – was used to contrast at the rear.

Subtle map coordinates along the lower edges of the front doors are an Easter egg. 37.9375^°N, 107.8123° W place the camouflage Telluride in the SUV’s namesake Colorado town.

The high-action video, shot on location in the rugged Alabama Hills in the high desert of central California, presented a stunning backdrop for the boldly wrapped 2027 Kia Telluride. With the jagged peaks of the Sierra Nevada looming in the distance, the Alabama Hills are a formation of rounded rocks and eroded hills shaped by geologic uplifting that took place 100 million years ago.

“Pictures of camouflaged development vehicles are commonplace, especially for automotive enthusiasts. And they typically depict the vehicle parked or driving on the highway,” said Russell Wager, Vice President, Marketing, Kia America. “But we wanted to do something special with this pre-production Telluride. Placing it in an environment that really pushed the boundaries gave us the opportunity to show just how capable the all-new Telluride is.”

The camouflage Telluride was put through its paces in the action-packed video montage tackling formidable obstacles as it journeys down the road less traveled. Steep inclines, sandy washes, water crossings, and rocky outcroppings present an extreme overlanding adventure highlighting Telluride’s off-road capabilities.

2027 Kia Telluride Camouflage

Kia America – about us

Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys. Kia is recognized as one of the TIME World’s Most Sustainable Companies of 2024. Kia serves as the “Official Automotive Partner” of the NBA and WNBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles sold through a network of nearly 800 dealers in the U.S., including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America*.

For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com. To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert

* Select trims of the 2025 all-electric EV6 and EV9 all-electric three-row SUV, Sportage (excludes HEV and PHEV models), Sorento (excludes HEV and PHEV models), and Telluride are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

¹ Custom 2027 Telluride not for sale.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kia-america-reveals-custom-2027-camouflage-telluride-302597905.html

SOURCE Kia America

Posted in UncategorizedTagged PR Newswire

Delta Debuts AI Data Center Microgrid Solution at Energy Taiwan 2025 to Advance Power-hungry Artificial Intelligence

Posted on October 29, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

Comprehensive portfolio of seamlessly integrated smart energy solutions and services for a wide range of industries also on display

TAIPEI, Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Delta, a global leader in power management and smart green solutions, introduced today at Energy Taiwan 2025 its AI Data Center Microgrid Solution, which is engineered to deliver diverse on-site energy sources and respond to rapid load changes, helping not only to safeguard power quality under high-intensity AI workloads. In line with the shift toward high-voltage DC in AI data centers, the solution includes Delta’s new Solid-State Transformers (SST), which boast up to 98.5% efficiency. The comprehensive portfolio of Delta’s energy solutions and services offers multi-source, distributed, bi-directional smart-grid applications across AI data centers, energy-intensive industrial sites, utility-scale deployments, megawatt (MW) charging infrastructure, and energy advisory services.

Eton Lee, Vice President and General Manager of Delta’s Power & Energy Solutions Business Group, said, “In the AI era, power is mission-critical infrastructure. In the past, connecting hyper-scale data centers to the grid took years—but with the accelerating AI race, Delta’s AI data center microgrid solutions dramatically shorten deployment timelines, offering a demand-responsive strategy to enhance competitiveness while fulfilling customers’ requirements for power quality and stability. With decades of expertise in energy infrastructure, Delta is focused on helping customers building sustainable competitiveness while navigating the current energy transition.”

AI Data Center Microgrid Solution

Delta’s microgrid solution centers on an energy storage system and microgrid controller, integrating renewables, generator sets, and hydrogen fuel cells and other sources. The architecture is engineered to orchestrate diverse resources and respond to 100% step-load changes at millisecond scales while maintaining tight voltage regulation. Through unified hardware and software design, it supports complex site conditions and leverages plant-grade modeling and simulation to optimize power flows. In line with the shift toward high-voltage DC in AI data centers, the solution incorporates an SST as the DC-coupling core, achieving up to 98.5% efficiency, thereby streamlining AC to DC conversion and reducing the number of stages and losses.

Energy-Intensive Energy Solution for C&I

To address rising electricity costs and sustainability requirements, Delta delivers an AI-enabled energy solution for industrial and commercial campuses. At its core is the Delta C Series all-in-one C&I energy storage system, a fully liquid-cooled design that integrates a power conditioning system, battery modules, and controllers. Each cabinet provides 125 kW / 261 kWh, enabling rapid deployment and modular expansion. The lineup includes C-type (pairs with the DH60C hybrid PV inverter for PV-plus-storage) and C+-type (supports DC-coupled PV arrays). Combined with AC Gen5 chargers and AI-based scheduling, the system helps enterprises reduce demand-charge exposure and avoid contract overrun penalties during peak periods. In addition, Delta’s Energy-as-a-Service advisory—covering green-power procurement, energy diagnostics, and decarbonization planning—turns sustainability commitments into auditable performance.

Utility-Scale deployments

For utility-scale deployments, the Delta U Series—a 5-MWh-class, all-in-one ESS—integrates liquid-cooled power electronics and batteries in a 20-ft container, shortening site construction and commissioning timelines. To absorb surplus renewables, Delta also provides high-efficiency power supplies for electrolyzers and SOEC (solid oxide electrolysis) solutions that convert green electricity into hydrogen, subject to operating conditions.

MW-Class Heavy-Duty Charging & AI-Driven Charger Health Platform

As heavy-duty transport electrifies, operators must address both megawatt-class charging and day-to-day O&M. Delta’s DC fast-charging systems deliver up to 1 MW, enabling heavy trucks to recharge in about 30 minutes, reducing dwell time and sustaining operations. On the operations side, Delta’s Charger Health Management Platform applies AI for real-time monitoring, FOTA updates, and automated alerts—tracking charging success rate, station utilization, availability, and other KPIs to improve site reliability and service quality.

Energy Taiwan 2025 will be held from Oct. 29 to Oct. 31 at the Nangang Exhibition Center. Visit booth #M0319a to experience how Delta is shaping the future of energy conservation and resilience in diverse scenarios with its smart, sustainable solutions.

About Delta

Delta, founded in 1971, and listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange (code:2308), is a global leader in switching power supplies and thermal management products with a thriving portfolio of IoT-based smart energy-saving systems and solutions in the fields of industrial automation, building automation, telecom power, data center infrastructure, EV charging, renewable energy, energy storage and display, to nurture the development of smart manufacturing and sustainable cities. As a world-class corporate citizen guided by its mission statement, “To provide innovative, clean and energy-efficient solutions for a better tomorrow,” Delta leverages its core competence in high-efficiency power electronics and its ESG-embedded business model to address key environmental issues, such as climate change. Delta serves customers through its sales offices, R&D centers and manufacturing facilities spread over close to 200 locations across 5 continents.

Throughout its history, Delta has received various global awards and recognition for its business achievements, innovative technologies and dedication to ESG. Since 2011, Delta has been listed on the Dow Jones Best-in-Class World Index (formerly the DJSI World Index of Dow Jones Sustainability™ Indices) for 14 consecutive years. Delta has also won CDP with double A List for 4 times for its substantial contribution to climate change and water security issues and has been named Supplier Engagement Leader for its continuous development of a sustainable value chain for 8 consecutive years

For detailed information about Delta, please visit: www.deltaww.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/delta-debuts-ai-data-center-microgrid-solution-at-energy-taiwan-2025-to-advance-power-hungry-artificial-intelligence-302598199.html

SOURCE Delta Electronics

Posted in UncategorizedTagged PR Newswire

Third International Conference on Fashion and Sustainability yields significant outcomes

Posted on October 29, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

BEIJING, Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from chinadaily.com.cn:

The third International Conference on Fashion and Sustainability (ICFS 2025) commenced at Wuhan Textile University (WTU) on Oct 27 and will continue through Oct 29.

The event brought together leading scholars and industry pioneers from countries including China, Italy, and the United Kingdom. Participants delved into the transformative effects of technology on design, production, and education, with a focus on key topics such as “Material Innovation”, “Smart Wearables”, and “Sustainable Design”.

Professor Xu Weilin, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Party secretary of WTU, emphasized the importance of advanced technologies such as new textile materials, eco-friendly dyeing techniques, and plant-based dyes in enhancing fashion design. He discussed how integrating sustainable techniques with waste textiles is crucial for building a green industry ecosystem.

Professor Savvas Vassiliadis from the University of West Attica, Greece, addressed the challenges that smart textiles and energy harvesting technologies present to fashion design.

Professor Raul Fangueiro from the University of Minho, Portugal, focused on redefining the value of natural waste. He shared how to convert agricultural by-products, such as banana and pineapple leaves, as well as marine waste algae, into high-value fiber materials using biological and physical technologies.

Professor Patsy Perry from Manchester Metropolitan University, UK, explored the challenges of sustainability and craftsmanship within luxury brands.

Professor Tao Hui, head of the School of Fashion at WTU, highlighted the importance of transcending regional boundaries in fashion education to develop a curriculum with a diverse cultural perspective.

The conference provided a comprehensive platform featuring high-level dialogues, academic discussions, cultural experiences, and exhibitions of innovative achievements. Key highlights included a special “Belt and Road” forum focused on collaboration, three parallel sessions, and a sustainable design education workshop.

Participants reached valuable consensus that offer new insights and paths forward for the green transformation of the apparel industry.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/third-international-conference-on-fashion-and-sustainability-yields-significant-outcomes-302598161.html

SOURCE chinadaily.com.cn

Posted in UncategorizedTagged PR Newswire

Under the supervision of the Ministry of Energy, Saudi Electricity Company and EDF power solutions win a 600 MW solar PV power project in Samtah and sign the Power Purchase Agreement with the Principal Buyer

Posted on October 29, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

Consortium formed by Saudi Electricity company and EDF power solutions signs 25-year Power Purchase Agreement for the Samtah solar project in the frame of the Round 6 launched by the Saudi Power Procurement company (SPPC)
Consortium will develop, finance and operate the Samtah solar PV project with a capacity of 600 megawatts (MW)
Project is expected to power 100 thousand households per year and avoid over 1.1 million tons of CO2 annually

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Under the supervision of the Ministry of Energy, the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) and EDF power solutions’ consortium signed a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC) for the development of the Samtah Solar PV Power Project, marking a new milestone in Saudi Arabia’s renewable energy journey under Round 6 of the National Renewable Energy Program.

The signing ceremony took place in Riyadh in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman binAbdulaziz Al Saud, Minister of Energy and Bernard Fontana, Chairman and CEO of the EDF Group. The agreement was signed by Eng. Khalid bin Salem AlGhamdi, CEO of the Saudi Electricity Company; Mazin Al-Bahkali, CEO of the Saudi Power Procurement Company; and Omar Al-Daweesh, CEO KSA, EDF Group and EDF power solutions.

Located in the Jazan Province, approximately 35 kilometers southwest of Jazan city and 15 kilometers north of Samtah, the project will be developed, financed, built, owned, and operated by a consortium formed by SEC and EDF power solutions. Once operational in the first quarter of 2028, the 600 MW Samtah Solar Power Project will supply clean electricity to more than 100,000 homes each year and is expected to avoid over 1.1 million tons of carbon-dioxide emissions annually. The project represents a strategic milestone in the Kingdom’s renewable energy transition, supporting the national target of producing around 50 percent of electricity from renewable sources by 2030. It underscores the leadership of the Ministry of Energy and SEC’s role as a national enabler of the energy transition, as well as EDF power solutions as international clean energy developer —driving sustainability, localization, and innovation across the power sector.

As part of the consortium’s commitment to local value creation, a significant portion of the project’s materials, equipment, and services will be sourced from Saudi companies during the construction phase, stimulating local industries, creating job opportunities, and building national capabilities.

Eng. Khalid bin Salem AlGhamdi, CEO of Saudi Electricity Company, said: “
The award of the Samtah Solar Power Project marks a defining milestone for Saudi Electricity Company as we embark on our first large-scale solar photovoltaic venture. Guided by the vision and leadership of His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Minister of Energy, this achievement reflects our strategic commitment to expanding renewable generation, accelerating decarbonization, and contributing to the Kingdom’s energy transformation goals under Vision 2030.

Expanding into renewable opportunities reinforces our ambition to build a balanced and future-ready energy portfolio that delivers sustainable growth and long-term shareholder value. It also underscores SEC’s pivotal role at the heart of the Kingdom’s power sector transformation advancing renewable energy while maintaining reliable, high-quality service across the Kingdom.”

Omar Al-Daweesh, CEO KSA, EDF Group & EDF Power Solutions, added
: “The award of the Samtah Solar Project marks another significant milestone in EDF’s longstanding partnership with the Ministry of Energy and the Saudi Power Procurement Company. Leveraging EDF’s extensive technical expertise and deep local knowledge, this project underscores our commitment to advancing Saudi Arabia’s clean energy ambitions while maintaining high environmental and social standards. With this achievement, EDF’s renewable energy capacity in the Kingdom now reaches 4,100 MW—further strengthening our contribution to local value creation, sustainable development, and the realization of Saudi’s Vision 2030 plan for a cleaner, more prosperous future for all.”

The signing of this agreement reaffirms the Kingdom’s leadership in sustainable energy development and its determination to build a diversified, low-carbon, and high-efficiency energy future.

Key figures of the projects:

Samtah Solar PV plant

600 MW Solar PV Plant
Located in the Jazan Province
1,115,000 tons of CO₂ avoided
100,000 homes powered with clean electricity per year

About Saudi Electricity Company (SEC)

The Saudi Electricity Company is the Kingdom’s leading provider of electrical power and a key enabler of the national energy transformation. Through pioneering projects in renewable energy, digital innovation, and grid modernization, SEC supports Vision 2030’s objectives to build a sustainable, efficient, and reliable energy sector that powers the Kingdom’s economic and environmental goals.

www.se.com.sa

About EDF power solutions

Bringing together the businesses of EDF Renewables and EDF Group International Division, EDF power solutions is an international energy player which develops, builds and operates renewable and low-carbon energy production facilities as well as flexible power and electricity transmission solutions.

As a major player in the energy transition worldwide, EDF power solutions deploys, within EDF, competitive, responsible and value-creating projects. In 25 countries, our teams show their commitment to local stakeholders every day, adding their expertise and capacity for innovation to the fight against climate change.

EDF power solutions operates 31GW of gross installed power capacity worldwide. Leveraging on its technological and commercial skills as well as local knowledge, EDF power solutions develops innovative offers, to support the move towards decarbonisation and develop more efficient electrical systems.

EDF power solutions offer a large range of technologies to produce low carbon electricity (wind power, solar, hydraulics, biomass), increase power system flexibility (battery storage, PSP, low carbon thermal hybrid solution etc.) and to reduce our customers’ carbon footprint (electrical mobility, hydrogen, offgrid)

Contacts:
For more information: www.ksa.edf.com
Follow us on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/edfmiddleeast

About Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC)

The Saudi Power Procurement Company is the principal offtaker for electricity projects in the Kingdom and a key player in implementing the National Renewable Energy Program under the supervision of the Ministry of Energy. SPPC works to ensure a balanced and sustainable energy mix that supports the Kingdom’s long-term economic and environmental objectives.

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2808022/EDF_Group___Samtah.jpg

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SOURCE EDF power solutions

Posted in UncategorizedTagged PR Newswire

Mazda Presents World Premiere of Two Vision Models at Japan Mobility Show 2025

Posted on October 29, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

HIROSHIMA, Japan, Oct. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — During the press conference at the Japan Mobility Show 2025*1 today, Mazda Motor Corporation (Mazda) unveiled two vision models, the MAZDA VISION X-COUPE and the MAZDA VISION X-COMPACT (‘X’ pronounced as ‘cross’), both embodying the Company’s theme for this year’s exhibition: “The Joy of Driving Fuels a Sustainable Tomorrow” for 2035.

The MAZDA VISION X-COUPE is a sports coupe that embodies the further evolution of’KODO-Soul of Motion’ design language. It is powered by a plug-in hybrid system integrating a two-rotor rotary turbo engine with a motor and battery. With an output of 510 PS, the vehicle offers a driving range of 160 km in motor-only mode and up to 800 km when operating in combination with the engine. Furthermore, by combining carbon-neutral fuel derived from microalgae with Mazda’s proprietary CO2 capture technology, “Mazda Mobile Carbon Capture,” the vehicle contributes to reducing atmospheric CO2 the more it is driven.

The MAZDA VISION X-COMPACT is a model designed to deepen the bond between people and cars through the fusion of a human sensory digital model and empathetic Al. Acting like a close companion, it is capable of engaging in natural conversation and suggesting destinations, helping expand the driver’s world. This represents Mazda’s vision for the future of smart mobility, where vehicles and people form an emotional connection, much like a heartfelt relationship.

Furthermore, the All-New MAZDA CX-5 (European specification) *2, is on display to the general public for the first time ever. Featuring a spacious interior, refined KODO design, and enhanced Jimba-ittai (oneness between driver and car) driving dynamics, this model represents the evolution of a best-selling vehicle that has sold over 4.5 million units*3 across more than 100 countries and regions. This latest model is designed with MAZDA E/E ARCHITECTURE+, the new electrical and electronic architecture offering an evolved driving experience.

Masahiro Moro, Representative Director, President and CEO of Mazda, stated: “The phrase, ‘The joy of driving fuels a sustainable tomorrow,’ expresses not only Mazda’s fundamental spirit, but also the core of its future challenges. Under the shared global mission of achieving carbon neutrality, Mazda believes that the joy of driving can be a force for positive change for society and the planet. We remain committed to fulfilling the desire of those who love cars and wish to continue driving as long as possible.”

Mazda will continue to evolve the ‘Joy of Driving’ based on the value of ‘Radically Human,’ and will aim to deliver the ‘Joy of Living’ by creating exciting mobility experiences in our customers’ daily lives.

Overview of the MAZDA VISION X-COUPE and MAZDA VISION X-COMPACT

Model	MAZDA VISION X-COUPE	MAZDA VISION X-COMPACT
Overall Length	5,050 mm	3,825 mm
Overall Width	1,995 mm	1,795 mm
Overall Height	1,480 mm	1,470 mm
Wheelbase	3,080 mm	2,515mm

About Mazda North American Operations
Proudly founded in Hiroshima, Japan, Mazda has a history of sophisticated craftsmanship and innovation, and a purpose to enrich life-in-motion for those it serves. By putting humans at the center of everything it does, Mazda aspires to create uplifting experiences with our vehicles and for people. Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, California, and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Colombia through approximately 795 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada Inc. in Richmond Hill, Ontario; operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City; and operations in Colombia are managed by Mazda de Colombia in Bogota, Colombia. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at news.mazdausa.com.

Follow @MazdaUSA on social media: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, and Threads.

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SOURCE Mazda North American Operations

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Tencent’s CarbonX Program 2.0 Identifies 50 Global Finalists in Race to Scale Climate Solutions

Posted on October 29, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

SHENZHEN, China, Oct. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Tencent (0700.HK) today announced the top 50 finalists, coming from 12 countries and regions around the world, for its CarbonX Program 2.0 (CarbonX 2.0), a landmark initiative to accelerate next generation climate technologies and the essential capabilities needed for a net-zero world by 2050.

These innovators, selected from more than 660 applicants across 54 countries and regions, are competing for a share of RMB200 million (approximately US$28 million) in catalytic funding. Winners will also receive technical resources, expert mentorship, and opportunities to pilot their solutions in real-world environments, including in climate vulnerable regions such as Kenya, the Maldives, and Serbia.

Bridging the “Valley of Death” in Climate Innovation

The path from breakthrough discovery to real-world impact is often blocked by what experts call the ‘Valley of Death’ – the critical gap between early-stage innovation and large-scale deployment. Many climate technologies fail to progress due to limited funding, partnerships, and testing environments.

The CarbonX Program was created to close this gap. It does this by building a global ecosystem where scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders work together to accelerate the scaling of climate solutions, offering comprehensive support beyond mere financing.

“The climate crisis is the defining challenge of our time and tackling it demands both bold innovation and collective action across the global ecosystem,” said Davis Lin, Senior Vice President of Tencent. “With CarbonX, we are not only investing in groundbreaking ideas, but also creating the pathways to turn them into real-world solutions. By bridging the gap between research and deployment, we aim to accelerate technologies that can store, transform, and reduce CO₂ emissions at scale, laying the foundation for a truly low-carbon future.”

Scaling Climate Innovation Across Borders

Building on the success of its inaugural program focused on China, CarbonX 2.0 has expanded globally to identify and support promising early-stage climate technologies. The 50 finalists represent a diverse mix of universities, research institutes, and startups working at the forefront of four key areas:

Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR): Supporting pilots in Kenya to accelerate scalable, cost-effective solutions for permanently removing historic CO₂ emissions, with the potential to reduce direct air capture (DAC) costs substantially.
Industrial Decarbonization (CCUS for Steel): Advancing breakthrough approaches to reduce lifecycle emissions in steel production with pilots in Serbia. The focus is on developing cost-effective and scalable industrial carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) solutions for hard-to-abate industries.
Carbon Capture and Utilization
(CarbonXmade): Transforming captured carbon into chemicals, and ultimately into consumer products. This creates a circular value chain that turns waste into consumer goods, with early market adoption supported by brand premiums in China.
Long-Duration Energy Storage (LDES): Providing real-world scenarios in the Maldives to refine and validate emerging technologies, to meet the growing demands of renewable energy expansion – with flow batteries showing strong promise for commercially viable, long-duration storage.

In early 2026, a global panel of multi-disciplinary experts will evaluate and select the winning teams to receive grants and other resources to pilot their technologies in those regions and create measurable impact.

CarbonX Summit 2025: Inspiring Collective Action

The announcement was made at the CarbonX Summit 2025 in Shenzhen, a convening of finalist teams and leaders from business, academia, and policy to explore how innovation ecosystems can accelerate climate action globally. The Summit spotlighted the role of catalytic finance, inclusive deployment, and multilateral collaboration in achieving the Paris Agreement targets.

“Sustainability can only be achieved through innovation,” said Hao Xu, Head of Climate Innovation at Tencent. “By supporting the world’s brightest climate entrepreneurs, we aim to harness technology as a force for good — addressing one of humanity’s most urgent challenges while creating shared value for future generations.”

For more information about CarbonX 2.0, please visit the program website.

Appendix: L
ist of Top 50 Finalists of CarbonX Program 2.0

https://static.www.tencent.com/attachments/ssv/2025/CarbonX%202.0%20Finalists.pdf

For media queries, please contact:

gc@tencent.com

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SOURCE Tencent

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