Inside Energy March 2024

Sector analysis

Unleashing the power of energy storage: energising the future

As we strive for a sustainable energy future, the critical role of energy storage in transitioning to a sustainable and resilient energy system becomes evident. Imagine a world where energy once produced never goes to waste – a world where we harness the power of the sun even at night and the strength of the wind even in calm conditions. The rise of renewable energy sources, coupled with the imperative to decarbonise our energy systems, has pushed energy storage to the forefront of the global energy transition. Recognising the importance of energy storage and adopting effective policies will be crucial for energy storage deployment and integration into the grid, creating a pathway towards more sustainable and efficient energy landscape.

Recent data from the International Energy Agency (IEA) reveals robust growth in the global energy storage market, reaching record installations in 2023. The installed energy storage systems surpassed 50GWh, marking a major milestone in the industry’s expansion. Lithiumion batteries dominate the market, comprising over 80% of new installations. China leads globally, having installed nearly 5GW of grid-scale battery storage in 2022, with an overall capacity of 31.39GW in the newtype energy storage sector by the end of 2023. The US is also a significant player, having commissioned 4GW of grid-scale battery storage capacity throughout the year. The Inflation Reduction Act’s investment tax credit for stand-alone storage initiatives in the US is expected to boost. Also, India’s National Electricity Plan (NEP) for 2022-2032 aims to increase energy storage capacity to 16.13GW/82.37GWh by 2027, reflecting India’s commitment to integrating renewables into the grid and achieving sustainable energy goals.

Malaysia initiated Phase 1 of the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) in July 2023 to accelerate the country’s energy transition, aligning with the 12th Malaysia Plan 2021-2025. The plan aims for Malaysia to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, supporting the National Energy Policy launched in September 2022, with the goal of becoming a low-carbon nation by 2040. In the UK, new laws have been enacted to ensure affordable energy, enhance long-term energy independence, and attract private investment for energy infrastructure. The European Commission aims for 90% of EU electricity to come from renewables by 2040, emphasizing significant investments in expanding and modernizing the power grid to accommodate these changes. The Commission issued recommendations in March 2023 to bolster energy storage deployment across the EU, focusing on regulatory, market, and financing aspects.

COP28, the global climate action summit, witnessed significant progress in renewable energy storage. The Supercharging Battery Storage Initiative, led by the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM), aims to establish sustainable supply chains and enhance grid stability through advanced battery storage solutions. The Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Consortium, composed of 11 countries, pledged to procure 5GW of battery energy storage by 2024, to address global energy poverty. In the Asia Pacific region, the rise in renewables like wind, solar and hydropower have led to a greater need for energy storage. Also, the growing interest in green hydrogen suggests its potential as a long-term energy storage option, indicates strides towards sustainability.

Despite the promising outlook, energy storage faces challenges on the road to widespread adoption. Cost remains a key barrier, with high capital expenditure and lifecycle costs inhibiting investment in storage infrastructure. Scale-up challenges, including material sourcing and manufacturing scalability, underscore the need for innovation and economies of scale. Policy and regulatory frameworks play a pivotal role in incentivising investment and unlocking the full potential of energy storage as a cornerstone of the clean energy transition. The integration of energy storage with renewable energy sources, electric vehicles and smart grid technologies reshapes the energy sector. Energy storage systems optimise renewable energy usage, addressing intermittency issues and enhancing grid stability. Paired with electric vehicle charging infrastructure, energy storage aids grid balancing and promotes the electric transportation. Smart grid technologies optimise energy distribution and consumption, enhancing system resilience. By harnessing the energy storage, nations can reduce reliance on fossil fuels, mitigate greenhouse gases and foster sustainability. This integration leads to a reliable and sustainable energy landscape, driving the transition towards a low-carbon economy and shaping the future of global energy systems.

In conclusion, progress in energy storage technology and policy frameworks worldwide propels the journey towards a sustainable energy future. Despite challenges, collective efforts of governments, organisations and innovators drive progress towards widespread adoption and integration of energy storage solutions into grids. Addressing challenges, embracing innovation and fostering supportive regulatory environments unlock the full potential of energy storage as a cornerstone of the clean energy transition, paving the way for a greener and more effective energy environment for generations to come.

Hazwani Izzati Energy Analyst

hazwani.izzati@the-eic.com

Inside this issue...

This month’s edition of Inside Energy brings readers a study on the energy storage sector globally, AspenTech’s new work on aspenONE, Kongsberg Digital’s partnership with Equinor and much more.

Hazwani Izzati, energy analyst for the Asia Pacific region here at the EIC, is the author of this issue’s sector analysis, opposite. The article delves into the prospects of energy storage developments in Malaysia and worldwide. The delivery of these projects, which is full of challenges, is highly dependent on the adoption of adequate policy frameworks all over the world.

The member’s news section features AspenTech, a global leader in industrial software, and updates it has added to aspenONE, the company’s tool for optimisation solutions. The new set of capabilities will enable customers to develop and implement reliable, impactful sustainability solutions in a quicker manner. Check out this section to find out more about AspenTech and aspenONE.

Spotlight on technology, meanwhile, looks into Kongsberg Digital’s newly established collaboration with Equinor. Both companies will work together on simulation technologies to provide safer and more sustainable offshore operations, which will also include the deployment of four K-Sim Offshore simulators by Kongsberg Digital.

Last but not least, Inside Energy is packed with office notices and local market and project updates from our hubs in Europe, the MENA region, Asia Pacific and the Americas. As usual, business news from our members worldwide is also included.

Léliam de Castro

Head of Marketing and Communications leliam.castro@the-eic.com

INDONESIA

Bitunai Bay Blue Ammonia Project

Operator: Pertamina

Value: US$800m

Pertamina expects the plant to be operational in 2030. The feasibility study for the project is currently underway with basic engineering design and FEED to be carried out in 2024/2025 prior to FID being reached and EPC contracts being awarded.

iFor more information on these and the 14,000 other current and future projects we are tracking please visit EICDataStream

PERU

Horizonte de Verano Green Hydrogen Project (Phase 1)

Operator: Verano Energy Ltd

Value: US$1.2bn

Verano Energy has submitted the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the project. The regulatory process is expected to be completed by Q3 2025 and start-up of the first phase is scheduled for 2027.

Global opportunities

NAMIBIA

Mopane-1X Oil Discovery

Operator: Galp Energia

Value: US$500m

A light oil discovery made at the Mopane-1X exploration well at Block 2813A Petroleum Exploration License 83 (PEL 83) in Namibia’s Orange Basin. This licence is north of Shell’s PEL 39, where the basin opening discoveries at Graff-1, La Rona-1 and Jonker-1 were drilled.

OMAN

Marsa LNG Project

Operator: Total E&P Oman

Value: US$1.2bn

Technip Energies has been selected to carry out EPC activities for the 1 mtpa LNG liquefaction project. The facility is being designed to be modular and flexible in order to fit further trains in the future.

UK

Viking CCS Cluster –Transportation & Storage Project

Operator: Harbour Energy

Value: US$500m

Technip Energies has been awarded the FEED contract for the projects. Technip Energies, supported by its subsidiary Genesis, will provide FEED services for the CO2 transportation system, including the CO2 handling station, onshore and offshore pipeline and a NPAI platform.

US

Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) Project

Operator: Dominion Energy

Value: US$9.8bn

Dominion Energy secured the final two federal approvals required to commence construction on the project, the approval for CVOW’s Construction and Operations Plan (COP) from BOEM and a permit clearing the path for the transmission line issued by the US Army Corps of Engineers.

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RIO DE JANEIRO

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LONDON

DUBAI

KUALA LUMPUR

www.aspentech.com/en

AspenTech introduces new software updates enabling customers to achieve advanced levels of operational excellence

Aspen Technology Inc, a global leader in industrial software, has introduced new performance and sustainability capabilities available in aspenONE®, the company’s portfolio of asset optimisation solutions, spanning design, operations and maintenance. Designed to accelerate customer digitalisation strategies and help customers achieve advanced levels of operational excellence, the new capabilities progress net zero initiatives, empower engineers with enhanced AI, improve asset health and performance, enable customers to achieve an integrated enterprise data management system and more.

New aspenONE updates help customers more quickly develop and implement reliable, impactful sustainability solutions. Updates also enable customers to extract insights based on operational data from across the enterprise, resulting in reduced inefficiencies and improved operational performance. Key among the new updates are an expanded set of models incorporating AI, as well as a number of integrations providing comprehensive access to operational technology (OT) data.

As customers progress toward their net zero goals, the ability to ensure accuracy in their sustainability solutions and tackle complex problems is critical. AspenTech’s modelling capabilities address both these challenges with new and expanded updates including:

• AspenTech’s library of sustainability sample models now contains more than 140 options to drive faster time-tomarket for new processes and technologies. Incorporating industrial AI, the models help overcome execution barriers for sustainability projects, improve economics and support investments.

• New high-fidelity models increase hydrogen and carbon capture model accuracy, extend from design into operations, and recalibrate based on changing process conditions.

• Support for green hydrogen initiatives is now available with out-of-the-box electrolyser models that help ensure safe operations of key equipment.

A holistic data management strategy is the foundation of ensuring a successful digital transformation journey. Customers need flexibility and scalability to access and analyse huge amounts of data being generated throughout their organisations. To further help achieve this, aspenONE now includes new integrations to help customers centrally manage enterprise OT data aggregation.

Rasha Hasaneen, Chief Product and Sustainability Officer at AspenTech said:

AspenTech is committed to innovating with our customers and developing solutions to close the gap between available technology today and what is needed to achieve net zero. Optimising for efficiency and sustainability across operations is critical and these new capabilities make it easier for customers to overcome this challenge.

Kongsberg Digital Inc

www.kongsbergdigital.com

KONGSBERG DIGITAL’S CUTTING-EDGE K-SIM OFFSHORE SIMULATOR

Kongsberg Digital is pleased to unveil a developing collaboration with the Norwegian energy company Equinor, underpinning a stronger safety and sustainability focus in offshore operations. The collaboration will set the benchmark for simulation technology, centred on enhancing personnel skills to protect the environment, prevent offshore incidents and perform holistic crisis management in advanced offshore operations.

Central to this initiative is the deployment of four cuttingedge K-Sim Offshore simulators delivered by Kongsberg Digital. These will be integrated with Kongsberg’s K-Pos Dynamic Positioning systems and NORBIT’s pioneering Oil Spill Detection system, Aptomar.

The tailored configuration will not only enable offshore procedure training for offshore personnel, but also environmental conservation drills, oil spill detection and recovery simulations and all-encompassing safety and crisis management drills for Equinor’s specialised personnel.

The comprehensive simulator suite will be installed at the North Cape Simulator Centre in Honningsvaag, Norway. This is a modern simulator centre, which offers safety courses and emergency training for seafarers and personnel in the oil and gas industry. The investment will enable the training of professionals from Johan Castberg, Norne, Åsgård A and Njord N offshore installations as well as Melkøya onshore plant.

Kongsberg Digital is happy to contribute to the maritime training in the north. North Cape upper secondary school has unique expertise in maritime training and oil spill preparedness in Arctic surroundings. It is important that training takes place in natural and real surroundings in the northern areas.

Together, Kongsberg Digital, the Castberg partnership and the North Cape Simulator Centre are revolutionising offshore training, preparing professionals for the energy sector’s future, with a focus on environmental care and safety.

Kongsberg Digital selected by Equinor to deliver cutting-edge simulation solutions for safety and emergency training in the north of Norway.

© 2024 Kongsberg Digital

New EIC members

NEW PRIMARY MEMBER

Advanced Sensors

8 Meadowbank Road Carrickfergus

Co Antrim BT38 8YF

UK

Contact

Jim Newport, Business Development Manager

Telephone +44 (0)2893 328 922

Email

sales@advancedsensors.co.uk

Web

www.advancedsensors.co.uk

Advanced Sensors is part of PAC, a leading global manufacturer of advanced analytical instruments for laboratories and online process applications.

Explore the new product range and other solutions: www.advancedsensors.co.uk/ products/x-one/

Visit PAC for a wide range of analytical instruments: https://info.paclp.com/processsolutions

Visit sister company, Icon Scientific Ltd, for cutting-edge process analysing solutions: www.iconscientific.com

NEW GLOBAL MEMBER

Aquestia Ltd

7400 East 42nd Place Tulsa Oklahoma USA 74145

Contact Izik Goldenberg, Fire Protection, Oil & Gas Global Segment Manager

Telephone 1-888-OCV-VALV (628-8258)

Email izik.goldenberg@aquestia.com

Web

www.aquestia.com

Aquestia is a world leader in providing optimal solutions for surge protection, water loss reduction and pressure management, by integrating uniquely developed products with innovatively designed software.

Bringing together three strong brands – A.R.I., Dorot and OCV, the company combines decades of experience, a wealth of knowledge and expertise and a wide range of solutions and services.

Aquestia is where liquid flows, serving customers in segments that include fire protection, aviation fuelling, terminal services, oil and gas, waterworks and wastewater systems, irrigation, mining, ballast water, desalination, commercial plumbing and more.

Aquestia – high-quality, reliable products and committed service, for your peace of mind.

NEW PRIMARY MEMBER

Grizpower Sdn Bhd

No 18 & 18-1

Jalan Seri Rejang 3

Taman Sri Rampai

53300 Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia

Contact

Khairul Nizam Bin Md Hussin, Assistant Manager Sales & Services

Telephone +603 4144 3365

Email khairul.nizam@grizpower.com

Web

www.grizpower.com

Grizpower Sdn Bhd specialises in rotating machinery, power transmission and offshore and marine equipment. With over 19 years experience along with a thousand installed bases around Malaysia covering marine, upstream, downstream and the petrochemical industry.

The company combines its huge knowledge and experience of rotating, power transmission and marine equipment along with effective equipment packages to meet customer requirements. To date, Grizpower Sdn Bhd carries the exclusive agencies for Ebara Elliott Energy (previously Elliott Ebara Turbomachinery), Philadelphia Gear Corporation (Timken Group) and Evac Cathelco.

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Email

Phone +44 (0)20 7091 8600

Tuesda

NEW PRIMARY MEMBER

Hummel Connector Systems LTDA

R Dervile Gabriel Pereira 280

Tatuí

São Paulo

Brazil

Contact

Carlos Rottmann, General Manager

Telephone +55 15 3322 7000

Email c.rottmann@hummel.com.br

Web

www.hummel.com.br

Hummel Connector Systems Ltd is a company specialising in the development and manufacture of solutions for electrical connectivity, offering a wide range of cable glands, industrial connectors, conduits and high quality enclosures for various applications.

Recognised for its innovation, quality and reliability, Hummel stands out in the market for the excellence of its products and services, meeting the needs of customers in various sectors, including energy, oil and gas, automotive, aerospace, electronics and many others.

With a customer-centric approach and a commitment to excellence, Hummel is a trusted leader in the electrical connection protection market.

Radisson Blu Hotel

Abu Dhabi

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NEW PRIMARY MEMBER

Instrol WLL

PO Box 31483

Building No 62

Zone No 91, Street No 3081

Birkat Al Awamer

Qatar

Contact

Satheesh Kumar, Country Manager

Telephone +974 4441 9968

Email satheesh@instrol.com.qa

Web

www.instrol.com.qa

Instrol is a comprehensive provider of products and services in fire, safety and process instrumentation for the oil and gas industry. Its expertise includes fire and gas detection, process gas and liquid analysis systems, fire fighting and safety equipment, electrical JBs, cable glands, light fittings, mobility and digital enterprise solutions, field services – rentals, AMCs as well as custom engineered solutions and process safety automation.

Established in Qatar in 2007, Instrol has been dedicated to serving the oil and gas and process industries. The company proudly represents globally renowned manufacturers such as Draeger, Micropack, Emerson, Eaton MEDC, Servomex, Hobre Instruments, Mettler Toledo, Bartec, Amphenol and more, ensuring comprehensive coverage of industry needs. Its sales, service and internal support engineers and techs undergo rigorous training to provide tailored products and solutions that consistently exceed client expectations.

In addition to trading and providing onsite services for represented products, Instrol boasts in-house system integration capabilities. This enables it to offer locally engineered sampling systems, process skids, safety automation panels and other bespoke systems and solutions.

NEW PRIMARY MEMBER

KEZAD Group

PO Box 54477

Abu Dhabi

UAE

Contact Jameela Ahli, Director - Commercial & Business Development

Telephone 02 695 2000

Email

jameela.ahli@kezad.ae

Web www.kezadgroup.com

KEZAD Group, a subsidiary of AD Ports Group under its Economic Cities & Free Zones Cluster, is the largest operator of integrated and purpose-built economic zones in the United Arab Emirates. Providing competitive business ecosystems that encourage unprecedented growth, KEZAD Group is a key strategic enabler of Abu Dhabi’s vision for the diversification of its economy.

KEZAD Group’s vital infrastructure and services span 12 economic zones (located in Abu Dhabi City, Al Ain City and Al Dhafra Region) covering a total area of 550 sq km and including more than 40 staff accommodation complexes under its subsidiary KEZAD Communities.

KEZAD Group provides strategic market access, lower operating costs and ease of doing business to more than 2,000 investors from 17 key industrial sectors. KEZAD Group’s ecosystem provides worldclass transportation infrastructure with multimodal connectivity, 100% foreign ownership, 100% repatriation of capital and profit, the potential for duty-free trade within the region and advanced technology platforms.

NEW PRIMARY MEMBER

Majlis Energy

124 City Road

London

EC1V 2NX

UK

Contact

Francis Akpata, Director

Telephone +44 (0)20 7739 2405

Email francis@majlisenergy.com

Web

www.majlisenergy.com

Majlis Energy is a technology based consulting company in the energy market. It provides engineering consulting, sustainability reporting and project management.

The company’s engineering consulting services are focused on asset intensive businesses operating within the hydrocarbon, chemicals, clean energy and fuel, water sectors at any phase of the project lifecycle.

Services include:

• Concept and process engineering.

• Project development.

• Feasibility studies, technical and economic evaluations.

• Project management consulting.

• Key process equipment design.

• Benchmarking against existing technologies.

• Technical due diligence for investors and banks.

Majlis Energy provides sustainability reports using different benchmarks:

GRI, ISSB, CDP, TCFD and SASB. As part of the report it carries out a materiality assessment for companies and stakeholders. It also works with companies to develop circularity in their projects so they can get carbon credits.

Majlis Energy also serves as a project manager for energy projects utilising either Waterfall or Agile methodology.

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NEW PRIMARY MEMBER

NRC Engineering Sdn Bhd

Suite #09-15, Level 09 Centro, No 8 Jalan Batu Tiga Lama 41300 Klang

Selangor

Malaysia

Contact Saipul Nizam Sadiron, Strategic Business & Project Planning Director

Telephone +603 3362 3500

Email saipul@nrc-engineering.com

Web

https://nrc-engineering.com

NRC Engineering, headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, is a technology-driven engineering consultancy that provides comprehensive solutions.

Specialising in consulting, project management, EPC, EPCC, EPCM, EPIC, commissioning and startup assistance, NRC offers endto-end services from concept to commissioning.

Its expertise spans conceptual and feasibility studies, front-end engineering design and detailed design in process, mechanical, piping, civil and structural, electrical and the instrumentation fields. Additionally, NRC offers health, safety and environment risk management and asset integrity and reliability at affordable costs to meet customer requirements. The company’s focus is to provide quality services for the offshore and onshore – upstream, midstream and downstream industries in the oil and gas field.

NEW PRIMARY MEMBER

STRAGO International

PO Box 342001

Office 18806, IFZA

Dubai Silicon Oasis

Dubai

UAE

Contact Omar Aininou, Managing Director

Telephone +971 561 625 277

Email

omar@stragointernational.com

Web

www.stragointernational.com

STRAGO International is a leading consultancy, delivering highly skilled personnel for projects spanning diverse sectors such as energy, renewables and healthcare.

The company’s distinctive blend of global expertise and extensive local knowledge positions it as the go-to resource, empowering it to meet and exceed the dynamic demands of projects worldwide with precision and excellence.

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Member news

AAL Limassol takes to water

In late December, at the CSSC HuangPu WenChong Shipyard in China, the first of AAL Shipping’s next generation 32,000 deadweight (DWT) Super B-Class fleet, the AAL Limassol, was floated out into the water from dry dock and moved to pier.

We planned a construction schedule that would allow all the time needed for every facet of the vessels to be fully tested and realised. We are delighted that everything is proceeding as planned and our customers can expect the first of the fleet to be operational by May 2024.

Yahaya Sanusi, Deputy Head, AAL Transport Engineering Department

This milestone marks the third of four crucial stages in her construction prior to delivery and the most important – the stages comprising steel cutting, keel laying, launching and finally sea trial.

For more information: https://aalshipping.com/

ABB and Gravitricity to collaborate on energy storage systems

ABB has signed an agreement with UK-based gravity energy storage firm Gravitricity to explore how hoist expertise and technologies can accelerate the development and implementation of gravity energy storage systems in former mines. Gravitricity has developed GraviStore, an innovative gravity energy storage system that raises and lowers heavy weights in underground shafts – to offer some of the best characteristics of lithium-ion batteries and pumped hydro storage.

Future GraviStores will store more than 20MWh, providing long-duration storage and rapid power delivery to network-constrained users and operators, distribution networks and major power users.

Unlike batteries, the Gravitricity system can operate for decades without any reduction in performance.

Edinburgh company Gravitricity has already proven the system with a scale demonstrator in Leith and is exploring the potential to deploy its groundbreaking technology in decommissioned mines worldwide.

As a market leader for mine hoists with a large installed base of more than 1,000 hoist solutions worldwide, ABB will collaborate by providing research and development, product development and engineering teams specialising in the design, engineering and operations of mine hoists and mechanical, electrical and control technologies for hoisting.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreement is an important step in ABB’s ambition to further develop its lifecycle service business by collaborating with companies providing adjacent and value-adding technologies.

ABB is a leader in developing worldclass hoisting solutions. As a supplier of complete mine hoist systems, customers can benefit from low lifecycle cost, high reliability and system availability, short project execution time and a single source of supply for complete systems, including service and spare parts.

For more information: www.abb.com

Forward view of AAL Limassol and port side

© 1995-2024

ABB

AIS awarded multimillion contracts in Africa

AIS has been awarded several multimillion contracts over a number of projects based in Africa from key customers in both the SPS (subsea production system) and SURF (subsea, umbilicals, risers and flowlines) sectors. As part of these awards, the company will insulate:

• XT’s – 25

• Manifolds – 8

• Connectors – 145

• PLETS/ILAs – 16

• C25/C55 – 188.5MT

AIS will perform the application services for these projects in multiple locations around the globe throughout 2024 using

www.aisltd.com/range/contratherm/ i

For more information: www.aisltd.com/range/contratherm/

Arup highlights future drivers of change in global goods movement

Arup has launched its Future of Goods Movement report, outlining the key drivers of change in global goods movement and exploring how the sector needs to anticipate and plan for the likely changes and shifts in the future of freight to ensure resilience of the global economy and a more sustainable planet.

The report emphasises how the transition of energy and industrial materials in the context of nations working to achieve net zero targets will have a significant impact on the future of freight.

Energy products made up 36% of global seaborne trade in 2021 and with seaborne trade making up 80% of global freight, this represents a significant portion of the global movement of goods.

Around 80% of the world’s economy, and 77% of global greenhouse gases, are now covered by a national net zero target. The world’s most traded commodities are agricultural, energy and metal products – products which are all directly subject to major transformation as a result of committed efforts to tackle climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The report looks at the systems and networks that underpin goods movements beyond transport. It explores the current race towards supply chain optimisation. Scenarios by McKinsey and Company suggest that just one lengthy shock can wipe out 30% to 50% of annual earnings for businesses. Companies are now starting to think about diversifying their sourcing or manufacturing bases, obtaining a greater degree of transparency across their supply chains and embedding in redundancies – by stockpiling and identifying alternative pathways for sourcing, processing and transporting goods.

Trends in manufacturing are shifting too with an increase in reshoring. The report highlights how two in five UK-based small businesses are considering a switch to UK manufacturers as rising shipping costs bite into margins and threaten growth, according to a survey of 750 firms by logistics platform ShipBob.

This report is part of Arup’s wider efforts across transport and logistics to support increased sustainability in the often invisible networks and systems we all depend on.

For more information: www.arup.com

Atmos announced in top 25 best technology companies to work for in 2023

Best Companies recently recognised the UK’s top companies to work for in 2023, with Atmos being included as a top 25 technology company, top 75 northwest company and a top 100 midsized company to work for in the UK.

We are deeply passionate about technology, innovation and our customers, so we are delighted to end last year with recognition as a top 25 technology company to work for, along with high rankings regionally and nationally.

Dr Jun Zhang, CEO and founder of Atmos

As a leading provider of leak detection, theft detection and pipeline simulation, Atmos is deeply committed to providing the best technology and service to its clients, all of which would be impossible without its dedicated colleagues. The company recognises the importance of investing in employees’ wellbeing and development and this is something it will continue to focus its efforts on.

This recognition summarises a year of success with employee engagement, with Atmos also being awarded places in Best Companies’ top 50 northwest companies, top 50 best mid-sized companies and top 25 technology companies to work for in Q2 2023.

Making the Best Companies lists demonstrates Atmos’ ongoing commitment to employee engagement and creating a better workplace.

Costain to chair study to tackle impacts of climate change

Costain’s Professor Julian Hasinski has been selected to chair NATO’s first ever study into how the group should mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change. The study, led by the NATO Industrial Advisory Group (NIAG), will advise NATO on what operational changes need to occur in response to climate change and what investments are needed to futureproof its assets.

The study is the first of its kind awarded to the NIAG. The study team of 25 defence contractors from the NATO nations, including BAE Systems, Thales and Leonardo, will be led by Professor Hasinski and will meet over the next year.

The team will examine NATO’s assets, platforms and interoperability across maritime, air and land, including aircraft, weapons and radio systems.

The study will use insights generated from all contractors to make recommendations on both mitigation and adaption strategies.

One of the most important recommendations from this study will be how NATO adapts its fuel requirements. NATO currently has a single fuel policy across its land, sea and air assets. However, as nations move towards net zero, the available fuels will change dramatically. Future proofing fuel requirements will therefore be critical. Interim findings will be offered to the CNAD climate conference in April 2024.

For more information: www.costain.com

BPT and Petronas to jointly develop new technology to unlock subsea tiebacks

Buoyant Production Technologies Ltd (BPT), a subsidiary of Crondall Energy Ltd and Petronas Research Sdn Bhd have together embarked on a joint industry project (JIP) to qualify new floating NUI technology for deployment on offshore projects.

The technology qualification process will allow unmanned floaters to be deployed offshore to both power and control subsea developments without the requirement for a long-distance static umbilical. This will transform the feasibility of longer distance oil and gas tieback projects and has the potential to significantly improve project economics and reduce overall emissions.

BPT and Petronas have jointly developed the specification and qualification objectives for the demonstrator project. The engineering phase commenced in the summer of 2023 and the parties expect to commence fabrication in Q1 2024.

The small payload demonstrator unit will be installed at the FABTEST site offshore Falmouth harbour in the UK, in Q4 2024, followed by a comprehensive 12-month testing programme.

The testing phase will demonstrate the performance of the floater and ability to remotely monitor and control this un-manned floating facility in a representative ocean environment.

The project and technology qualification programme will be independently verified by a leading classification society.

We hope that this will mark the start of a long and fruitful collaboration between Petronas and BPT as we work together to deliver the benefits of this technology.

Duncan Peace, MD, BPT

BPT is a wholly owned subsidiary of Crondall Energy Ltd, a specialist independent consultancy focussed on offshore floating production and subsea systems.

BPT was formed with a goal to develop offshore facilities that utilise digital technologies and novel design philosophies to reduce HSSE risks and minimise lifecycle costs.

Its team develops holistic design solutions, configured for reliable operations in the harsh offshore environment and a low manning profile. The company works with key industrial partners and operators to ensure its designs remain at the forefront of current technologies.

For more information: www.crondall-energy.com

© 2024

Buoyant Production Technologies

ECITB unveils six new board members to help steer the organisation

The Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) has announced the appointment of six new board members.

Appointed by Secretary of State for Education Gillian Keegan MP, board members will work under the leadership of Lynda Armstrong OBE, Chair of the ECITB.

The ECITB Board, which is made up of employer representatives and several independent members, sets the strategic direction and monitors performance of the ECITB, with a majority drawn from levy payers.

The new trustees will help steer the ECITB and hold the executive team to account for the delivery of the ECITB’s strategy to grow the engineering construction industry (ECI) skills base. They will also act as ambassadors to champion the ECITB’s work as the statutory skills organisation for the industry in the UK.

The new board members are:

• Mark Riley, Project Controls Lead, Emerging Energy, Phillips 66 Limited

• Helen Higgs, Head of Construction Workforce Capability, EDF Energy

• Andrew Colquhoun, Executive Vice President, Altrad

• Richard Law, Managing Director, Technica Limited

• Mark Fotheringham, Technical Director, Infinity Engineering

• Professor Paul de Leeuw, Director, Energy Transition Institute, Robert Gordon University

The new members are industry figures and together represent the wide range of sectors and regions in which the ECITB operates. They bring to the board a real breadth of expertise and knowledge of the engineering construction industry.

Lynda Armstrong, Chair, ECITB

The ECITB is an arms-length body of the UK government, reporting to its sponsor, the Department for Education (DfE).

The process of appointing six new board members was managed by DfE, with a panel conducting the first and second interviews that was chaired by a representative of the DfE and also included Lynda Armstrong and an independent member.

The panel submitted a list of finalists to Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education Robert Halfon MP for approval and the appointments were also reviewed and approved by Scottish ministers.

Find out more about the ECITB Board and governance structures here www.ecitb.org.uk/the-ecitb-board

For more information: www.ecitb.org.uk

Element invests US$8m into new nuclear division

Element Materials Technology (Element), a leading global provider of testing, inspection, qualification and certification services, has invested US$8m to enhance its Huntsville, Alabama testing facilities. This strategic move strengthens its position in emerging small modular reactor (SMR) nuclear energy testing.

The new large-scale testing chambers at Huntsville will be unmatched globally. The chambers are engineered to simulate the extreme temperatures and pressures of advanced SMR systems currently under development. SMRs operate at higher temperatures and pressure conditions.

The chambers are meticulously designed to test components and systems operating at pressures of up to 1,600 psi and temperatures of up to 800°C, surpassing capabilities found anywhere else in the world.

This substantial investment comes at a time of rapidly accelerating demand for SMR technology. Governments and companies across the globe are increasingly turning to nextgeneration nuclear as a clean, reliable power source. SMRs are under construction or in the licensing stage in Argentina, Canada, China, Russia, South Korea and the US and the UK government recently announced support for SMR reactors.

Spanning 110 acres, Element’s Huntsville site plays a pivotal role as a primary supplier of safetyrelated engineering and test services to nuclear utilities and power plant equipment manufacturers worldwide. It excels in equipment qualification, safety relief valve recertification services and provides services for onsite/offsite snubber inspection, testing and repair services for both new and existing nuclear power plants.

By making this significant investment in a new building and equipment dedicated to SMR testing, Element has firmly positioned itself at the forefront of nuclear technology advancement. Element is paving the way not just for its own nuclear testing services, but for the entire industry to advance innovations that will make this clean form of energy generation even safer and more sustainable.

Sign up for the EICOnline newsletter Visit www.the-eic.com/Forms/NewsletterSignup

Enershare: the power of education

Enershare has a goal of making energy storage accessible and affordable for all, and believes that education is the key to positive change that will empower future generations.

In order to achieve its goals, the company created Enershare Care which has teamed up with Breadline Africa, a charity based in Cape Town. For more than 30 years it has overseen the implementation of in excess of 1,000 infrastructure/classroom units, impacting over 250,000 beneficiaries in under-resourced communities around southern Africa.

Access to any level of education in developing countries can be extremely limited. Prioritising the importance, especially in early years education, is vital as it lays the foundation for a child’s future academic and personal development. During these formative years, children acquire essential skills and knowledge that will shape their learning journey. Early education promotes social interactions, appropriate behaviours and emotional maturity.

Electricity is a fundamental requirement for educational institutions in developed countries as it enables the use of technology, such as computers and internet connectivity, which greatly enhance the learning experience. Without electricity, students and teachers face significant challenges in accessing educational resources and on a more basic level electricity is needed for lighting. Therefore, ensuring a reliable and affordable electricity supply is crucial for the advancement of education in developing countries.

Breadline Africa also understands how nutritious food plays a crucial role in the development and education of young children. It provides preschool meals, community kitchens and distributing food parcel distributions. A well-balanced diet provides essential nutrients that support their physical growth, cognitive function and overall health.

In early 2024 Enershare is launching exchangeable battery systems for communities without mains electricity and for users without bank accounts so that electricity can be accessible and affordable for all.

Enershare wants to help find the next engineers and is developing simple educational experiments that can be taught to demonstrate how renewable technologies work and how the sun not only helps to grow food but can also power their futures.

For more information, please contact adam@enersharepower.co.uk

For more information on Breadline Africa’s amazing work, please visit www.breadlineafrica.org or email operations@breadlineafrica.org

For more information on affordable energy storage please contact adam@enersharepower.co.uk or visit www.enershare.cn i

For more information: www.enersharepower.com

Averroes Capital completes buyout of Glacier Energy

Averroes Capital has announced the buyout of Glacier Energy, a specialist provider of products, services and engineered solutions for energy and industrial markets. Glacier Energy has a distinguished track record of serving its clients across various sectors including onshore and offshore wind, oil and gas, nuclear and chemicals. The business has also been leveraging its engineering and technical capabilities to support low carbon technologies including hydrogen, carbon capture and energy storage.

Glacier Energy’s core capabilities are focused on heat transfer, machining, welding and testing and inspection.

The business is embarking on further growth to take advantage of positive market drivers in the energy landscape, in particular the energy transition, energy security initiatives and decommissioning. These trends are driving investments into both low carbon technologies and existing energy sources.

The buyout of Glacier Energy marks Averroes Capital’s second investment, following its maiden investment in Journey Hospitality. Averroes Capital has also provided Glacier Energy with growth capital to invest in strategic growth initiatives.

The deal has facilitated the exit of Glacier Energy’s existing institutional investors in Maven Capital and Simmons Parallel Energy Fund, who have supported the business since its inception in 2011.

The deal was led by Simon Rowan and Jack Scott, with support from Beatrice Carrara. Simon Rowan and Jack Scott will join the Glacier Energy Board from Averroes Capital.

Averroes Capital invests £15£40m of equity into UK and Ireland headquartered businesses operating across a range of sectors, including business services, industrials, IT and software, healthcare, education and consumer niches. i

For more information: www.glacierenergy.com

Scott Martin, Group CEO at Glacier Energy with Jack Scott, Investment

Hitachi Energy to continue to support Ireland – UK power connection

Hitachi Energy, a global technology leader that is advancing a sustainable energy future for all, has announced that it has signed an eight-year service agreement to provide service solutions to link the electricity grid in Ireland and the UK via submarine cables.

The long-term agreement will provide service solutions for the East West Interconnector (EWIC) high-voltage direct current (HVDC) link that is owned by EirGrid Interconnector Designed Activity Company (EIDAC), Ireland’s grid operator.

The submarine cables run between HVDC converter stations in Ireland and Wales. The 500MW interconnector is approximately 260 kilometres long and supplies enough energy to power 300,000 homes. Hitachi Energy designed and built the link and has been providing service solutions since it first went into operation in 2013.

EnCompass is Hitachi Energy’s portfolio of partnership-oriented service offerings, signalling a stepchange in life cycle thinking. This order underlines Hitachi Energy’s commitment to trusted long-term partnerships and builds on its proven track record of delivering innovative and reliable energy service solutions.

Service for an HVDC system includes a wide range of activities and support, from 24/7 on-call support engineers to planned outages for conditionbased maintenance, health and safety management to cybersecurity, as well as spare parts, installation and training.

Hitachi Energy recognises that the energy transition begins with existing infrastructure and the company is championing the urgency and the pace of change needed to reach net zero. Leveraging its century of experience and expertise, the company’s dedicated teams deliver exceptional service solutions that cover the entire life cycle of assets, ensuring resilient operations.

The company offers expert advice at every stage of the process across the whole portfolio, addressing both present and future needs to help customers achieve a sustainable energy future.

We are building a partnership ecosystem to ensure continued support to the HVDC link throughout its lifetime, delivering cutting-edge digital service with sustainability and customer value at its core.

Niklas Persson, Managing Director, Hitachi Energy’s Grid Integration business

Hitachi Energy pioneered commercial HVDC technology almost 70 years ago and has delivered more than half of the world’s HVDC projects and has the largest installed base of HVDC in the world.

Hitachi Energy is co-creating global and local solutions to solve the global challenge of an inclusive and equitable carbon-neutral future. Hitachi Energy achieves this across industries, geographies and for every step on each customer’s unique journey.

For more information: www.hitachienergy.com

Investment Director (left) and Simon Rowan, Partner (right) at Averroes Capital

One of the two high-voltage direct current converter stations which comprises the East West Interconnector

Sonardyne: delivering subsea synergy in ORE inspections

Bringing together their combined expertise at a technology accelerator event at the ORE Catapult Subsea and Marine testing facility in Blyth, Northumberland, UK, Sonardyne, EIVA and Voyis were able to demonstrate the potential of their ORE inspection solution to industry users, vehicle manufacturers and end clients recently.

Each company brought its own existing technologies which were integrated, on an Atlantas Marine Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), to demonstrate an even more effective solution for underwater surveying.

Sonardyne’s SPRINT-Nav Mini provides robust, reliable navigation for piloting and surveying. It is the world’s smallest hybrid acoustic-inertial navigation system and can be used as an all-inone vessel and marine robot navigation instrument with performance beyond its size. The SPRINT-Nav Mini eliminates the need for separate sensors, such as AHRS, DVL, INS and depth sensors. This results in no further calibration requirements, fewer cables and connectors to manage and it is more cost-effective than the four sensors it replaces.

It will work in the most challenging environments and remains unaffected by steel structures such as wind turbine foundations and provides a continuous stream of positions, orientation, velocities, depth and altitude at up to 200 updates per second.

Voyis’ Discovery Stereo camera provides a powerful platform for a vehicle’s subsea vision needs, delivering stills images, video, IMU data and 3D data with a data-centric DDS architecture. Through edge computing, it integrates with EIVA’s visual simultaneous localisation and mapping (VSLAM) software technology to provide real-time 3D reconstruction, ensuring area coverage mapping and augmented piloting. Mounted on the front of the ROV, the Discovery Stereo provided 4K video stream and high-resolution images for both navigation and inspection throughout the demonstration.

EIVA’s NaviSuite Mobula software package provides a complete topside software solution for the ROV, enabling efficient acquisition of data with the Voyis Discovery Stereo and Sonardyne SPRINT-Nav Mini. This software offers unique capabilities for automating remotely operated subsea inspection and surveying operations.

During the demonstration, NaviSuite VSLAM leveraged the Discovery Stereo system to enable augmented piloting through real-time 3D point cloud images for quality control, while NaviSuite Mobula provided an end-toend software solution for acquisition, processing and delivery of data.

The technology accelerator event at Catapult provided the perfect opportunity to showcase the possibilities in developing this combined subsea inspection solution.

For

Voith continues its growth path in a difficult market environment

The current 2023/24 fiscal year is accompanied by great economic and geopolitical uncertainties. Alongside the war in Ukraine, these include the conflict in the Middle East. Economic factors are also placing a burden on the development of the global economy. The extraordinarily high inflation rates in most countries and the associated restrictive monetary policy by central banks are dampening global economic growth. Growth prospects worldwide are continuing to deteriorate as a result. Voith sees itself well prepared to meet these challenges. The broad sectoral and geographical diversification; the established market position in all three Group Divisions; and a sound balance sheet makes the company resilient. A conscious decision has been made to continue investing, even in times of crisis, in research and development, partnerships and innovations, vocational training and in the ongoing strategic and organisational development of the company. By doing so, Voith is in a good position to continue generating sustainable and profitable growth.

For the 2023/24 fiscal year, Voith expects a stable development in its key performance indicators. In particular, profitability will further improve. With regard to the operating result (EBIT), the company assumes a slight increase. Likewise, growth in the return on capital employed (ROCE) is planned.

The Voith Group is a global technology company. With its broad portfolio of systems, products, services and digital applications, Voith sets standards in the markets of energy, paper, raw materials and transport and automotive. Founded in 1867, Voith has around 22,000 employees, sales of €5.5bn and locations in over 60 countries worldwide and is thus one of the largest family-owned companies in Europe. i For more information: www.voith.com

Sonardyne International

WeConnect Energy

releases largest salary surveys to date

In a significant move for the energy industry, WeConnect Energy has unveiled three new industry reports, focusing on the specialised areas of geoscience, drilling and petroleum. These reports have been sourced from a wide network of technical experts in these sectors.

With a history of conducting in-depth surveys, WeConnect Energy’s 2023 edition stands as its most ambitious and detailed effort yet. Attracting nearly 2,000 participants from around the globe, the survey underscores the company’s commitment to delivering valuable industry insights. The respondents represented a diverse range of professionals, from newcomers to seasoned directors, offering a broad perspective on the industry.

The reports provide a comprehensive resource for professionals, stakeholders and decision-makers, offering detailed insights into industry-specific trends, compensation structures and benefits.

For those involved in geoscience, drilling, or the petroleum sectors, these reports are seen as vital resources, offering the knowledge needed to make well-informed decisions and contribute to the growth of their fields. This latest release highlights WeConnect Energy’s dedication to illuminating these industries with cutting-edge data and analysis.

The reports are available for review on WeConnect Energy’s website.

Social media round up

AEG Power Solutions introduces IGBT industrial UPS system Protect 8 PLUS

We want to use every opportunity to connect with our members, so please follow us on Twitter (@TheEICEnergy) and connect with us on LinkedIn –EIC (Energy Industries Council)

Below you’ll find a selection of some of the exciting EIC activities and useful industry information we’ve shared through our social media channels.

AEG Power Solutions (AEG PS), global provider of power systems and solutions for all types of critical and sustainable applications, has introduced a new range of uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems, which feature a full IGBT architecture and industrial-grade build quality to provide a safe power backup to protect refining and petrochemical industries, transportation infrastructures, manufacturing and other critical businesses against all power disturbances.

The EIC @TheEICEnergy

Book your ticket for Decarb Connect North America with Amanda Duhon, EIC VP & Regional Director. 25% discount for EIC members using code EIC-25 https://t.co/U9iXpLS2r4

Protect 8 PLUS supports a standard threephase input and is available as single-phase or three-phase output

from 10 to 40 kVA, with 216 Vdc or 384 Vdc battery voltage. By the end of the year, it will also support 60 to 120 kVA in both configurations.

The EIC @TheEICEnergy

#Energy Focus explores which sectors are thriving and where the opportunities are going in 2024. Read the full magazine at https://issuu. com/the-eic/docs/energy_focus_winter_2024

EIC (Energy Industries Council)

EIC and organising partners invite you to book your FREE place at this years Energy Exports Conference in Aberdeen, 11-12 June. Register now https://lnkd.in/e_zhefmf

Thanks to its IGBT rectifier, the system offers a high input power factor of up to 0,99 and very low harmonic current rejection on the input side (THDi) which makes it a perfect fit in situations where the UPS is supplied by a generator set or to avoid harmonic perturbations of loads connected to the upstream busbar.

ENERGY EXPORTS CONFERENCE

This results in substantial savings on the sizing of the upstream network. The bi-directional rectifier also enables several battery capacity tests feeding back into the grid without using the

Events calendar LIVE events

5 March Business Presentation

Secondary Steel Masterclass

Marcliffe Hotel and Spa, Aberdeen

5 March LIVE e-vents

Iraq Market & Project Update

Webinar

6 March Business Presentation

EICDataStream/AssetMap training

Online

6 March Business Presentation

North America EICDataStream

Online

6 March Overseas Exhibition

Wind Energy Asia 2024

Taiwan

7 March LIVE e-vents

13 March Business Presentation

Brazil’s Renewable Sector

Edificio RB1, Rio de Janeiro

14 March LIVE e-vents

US Renewables and Energy Transition

Webinar

18-22 March Overseas Delegation

Guyana 2024

Georgetown, Guyana

19 March LIVE e-vents

GCC Energy Market & Project Update

Webinar

20 March Business Presentation

Meet the Energy Players in Philippines

Pasay City, Philippines

20 March Business Presentation

EIC Members – Speedy Networking

Webinar

7 March Corporate Entertainment

EIC Middle East Annual Golf Day

The Els Club, Dubai

7 March LIVE e-vents

Overview of CCS Projects in Brazil

Webinar

8 March Business Presentation

EICDataStream/AssetMap training

Online

20 March Business Presentation

North America EICDataStream

Online

26 March Corporate Entertainment

Meet the Energy Players in Indonesia

Jakarta, Indonesia

11 March Business Presentation

South America EICDataStream

Online

EIC APAC Iftar Networking 2024

Kuala Lumpur

27 March Business Presentation

Anchors & Moorings

Marcliffe Hotel and Spa, Aberdeen

27 March Business Presentation

North America EICDataStream

Online

Tuesday 21 May 2024

2 April LIVE e-vents

Africa Market & Project Update Webinar

3 April Business Presentation

EICDataStream/AssetMap training

Online

4 April LIVE e-vents

UAE

Radisson Blu Hotel Abu Dhabi

EIC Members – Speedy Networking Webinar

4 April Corporate Entertainment

EIC APAC Connect & Chill Kuala Lumpur

16 April Overseas Exhibition

World Future Energy Summit (WFES)

Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre

16 April Business Presentation

Downstream Market Opportunities

São Paulo, Brazil

17 April Business Presentation

EICDataStream/AssetMap training

Online

18 April Business Presentation

Opportunities in the Campos Basin

Edificio RB1, Rio de Janeiro

23 April Business Presentation

Meet the Energy Players in Indonesia

Jakarta, Indonesia

24 April Business Presentation

Cable Protection Systems

Marcliffe Hotel and Spa, Aberdeen

Global Events and Campaigns

Team update

This year I am delighted to announce that I (Jo Campbell) have transitioned to the newly formed Global Events and Campaigns team. This new department underlines the EIC’s commitment to enhancing its events portfolio and furthering its mission to support the energy industry’s supply chain worldwide.

The Global Events and Campaigns team will focus on managing and developing a portfolio of largerscale EIC conferences, managing EIC’s flagship event the Energy Exports Conference, driving these events to new heights and provide valuable insights and networking opportunities to EIC members and stakeholders. The new role also involves elevating EIC’s global campaigns, as the team co-ordinates all aspects of EIC’s events, ensuring a seamless and exceptional experience for attendees, while also designing and overseeing key campaigns across EIC’s overall events calendar, contributing to the organisation’s mission of supporting the global energy supply chain.

I am delighted to introduce our full team:

• Project and Event Producer – Sarah McKenzie Sarah is leading on the Energy Exports Conference (EEC) with the support from the team.

• Project and Event Producer – Hannah Watson Hannah will be supporting EEC, while also focusing on EIC’s portfolio of large-scale global events and the campaigns and processes we will be driving in 2024 and onwards.

• Project and Sponsorship Manager – Louise Donald Louise is Aberdeen based and has previous experience implementing strategies for growth in wedding and event sales.

• Project and Events Executive – Rhona Rollo Rhona previously worked at NZTC in Aberdeen and has experience in delivering campaigns, supporting a busy events schedule and industry knowledge.

The team has kicked off this year by launching EIC’s flagship event the Energy Exports Conference (EEC). This month EIC, along with organising partners unveil the agenda for EEC 2024, the #1 event to identify global energy opportunities and meet key decision makers.

EEC is landing once again in Aberdeen, Scotland on 11-12 June at Aberdeen’s P&J Live.

This year’s conference will underscore the pivotal role of energy exports in bolstering the growth and resilience of the energy sector, alongside the advancement of energy transition technologies and projects. Expected to attract over 4,000 participants, including international operators, developers, contractors, inward delegations and government officials, EEC 2024 is poised to provide extensive networking opportunities and visionary insights into energy exports. The event will host over 60 exhibitors and 100 speakers.

We invite the energy industry to register for free as we come together to be inspired, make new connections, amplify their impact across the energy landscape and be a part of the solution for a sustainable future.

Jo Campbell Director of Global Events and Campaigns jo.campbell@the-eic.com

Jo Campbell

International trade

Seizing the wind of opportunity: UK pavilion and trade mission set to make waves in Japan

Japan’s commitment to offshore wind power as a key component of its decarbonisation strategy has created a dynamic market ripe with opportunities for global collaboration.

As the country aims to deploy substantial offshore wind capacity over the next two decades, the UK’s supply chain companies are gearing up to showcase their expertise and innovative solutions through a dedicated UK pavilion and trade mission organised by the EIC in partnership with the Department for Business & Trade.

The landscape of Japan’s offshore wind market Japan’s ambitious targets of deploying 10GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030 and 30GW to 45GW by 2040 underscore the nation’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. The recent closure of the second round of auctions for four sites totalling at least 1.8GW reflects the increasing interest and participation of major players, including industry giants like BP, Marubeni, Orsted, SSE and RWE.

Additionally, the exploration of floating wind farms in deeper coastal waters adds another layer of potential for growth in the Japanese offshore wind sector.

The importance of UK participation

Wind Expo Japan 2024, the largest wind energy trade show in Japan, provides a prime stage for UK companies to spotlight their latest technologies and cultivate valuable business relationships across the wind power spectrum. The event covers turbines, construction, maintenance and offshore wind technologies.

The co-organised weeklong programme by EIC and DBT enriches the Wind Expo experience. Featuring webinars, business pitch sessions and panel discussions, it offers deeper insights into UK companies’ expertise. The trade mission briefing delivers valuable insights into Japan’s current offshore wind market. This consolidated approach ensures UK participants not only showcase innovations but also engage in meaningful discussions, contributing to the advancement of the offshore wind industry in Japan.

The programme culminates in an exclusive networking reception at the British Embassy in Tokyo creating a unique setting for UK and Japanese companies to connect and set the stage for Wind Expo. With approximately 100 guests expected to attend, this event aims to enhance collaboration and foster meaningful connections in the offshore wind industry.

Conclusion

As Japan accelerates the development of its offshore wind power capabilities, the UK pavilion and trade mission stand as a testament to the collaborative spirit driving the global transition to renewable energy. By showcasing the UK’s supply chain force and innovative solutions, this initiative not only opens doors to new business opportunities but also strengthens the ties between the UK and Japan in the pursuit of a sustainable energy future.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity in 2025 and get in touch with the team today.

Camilla Tew, Director, International Trade camilla.tew@the-eic.com

UK events update

In this month’s UK update I wanted to highlight some key member benefits to ensure organisations are harnessing the power of the EIC.

Members will know our marketing intelligence team well I’m sure, with our original database EICDataStream providing invaluable information for 20+ years. More recently, we’ve added both EICAssetMap and EICSupplyMap to our knowledge bank mapping out existing global energy facilities and energy supply chain companies and their capabilities, respectively.

And then there is EIC Consult. EIC Consult is the EIC’s one-stop-shop, offering a truly bespoke market intelligence service; created to support businesses to gain a better understanding of energy industry sectors, local markets and available business opportunities. We help companies across the global energy supply chain to advance business strategically, exploit growth potential and assist with decision making to set a course for success.

For a limited time only, we are offering all members one FREE DAY of EIC Consult work. Further to this, one week of EIC Consult support is available to members at the heavily discounted price of just £1,000, saving over 40%.

We know many of our members are gearing up for their new financial year and this is a gentle reminder from the UK team to ensure that you take advantage of our bespoke market intelligence service, and in particular our member offer of one free day of EIC Consult services.

If you haven’t already taken advantage of these highly valuable offers, please visit our website where you can read some compelling case studies and find out more. You can also speak to your membership manager or reach out to me and I would be happy to offer an introduction: www.the-eic.com/MarketIntelligence/EICConsult

Continuing on the bespoke theme, did you know that EIC offers an event management service?

We pride ourselves on delivering high quality global industry events to the whole of the energy sector. If you are looking to host an event, run a supplier day, market your event to the right audience, or perhaps simply need some ideas on how to increase your brand awareness, EIC’s event management service – Event Solutions – can help. We aim to simplify the entire event process, helping to support and deliver your perfect event.

Alongside our market intelligence department, we have a dedicated and highly experienced events team in the UK as well as in our international offices, who will work with you to deliver a variety of energy sector events, while also providing a tailored event management service from start to finish, allowing you to focus on your day-to day job. For further information simply email us to find out more: eventsuk@the-eic.com

The UK team’s inbox is open so please do reach out to us if we can support your business in any way; members are at the heart of everything we do.

Kim Stephen, Regional Director, UK kim.stephen@the-eic.com

Forthcoming events

Secondary Steel Masterclass

Tuesday 5 March, Aberdeen

EICDataStream/AssetMap training

Wednesday 20 March, Online

North Sea Decarbonisation Conference

30 April-1 May, London

Kim Stephen

Middle East news

Regional update

Having recently delivered our inaugural in person EIC Connect KSA in collaboration with the Asharqia Chamber, we were delighted to see record numbers of you joining us for an incredible day of networking and insight into one of the biggest markets in the energy sector. We will certainly be looking to repeat this event and welcome any comments that attendees may have. A special thank you to all the speakers, sponsors and attendees for making it such a great success.

Emphasising our commitment to the Kingdom, EICSupplyMap KSA will soon be launched providing an upto-date and verified map of the energy sector supply chain working across the country.

Not resting on our laurels, we have now launched EIC Connect UAE on 21 May in Abu Dhabi and our inaugural EIC Connect Kazakhstan which will take place on 24 September, the latter of which will happen just before KIOGE – Kazakhstan Oil & Gas Conference & Exhibition in Almaty. Hopefully many of you can join us at both events. More details on our website.

Our Annual Golf Day is just about upon us at the Els Club, Dubai on 7 March 2024. Another stellar lineup awaits as our teams battle it out over 18 holes for the coveted EIC trophy. Best of luck to all the participants and we will announce the winner next month.

In the coming weeks you will find me at Net Zero MEA (4-6 March, Dubai) and the New World Green Hydrogen Summit (5-6 March, Dubai). Drop me a note if you’re attending any of these events, where it would be my pleasure to catch up.

Applications are now closed for the eighth EIC Survive & Thrive Insight Report where we are delighted to see a record number of entries. I have already commenced with several interviews and look forward to the publication in July followed by our newly rebranded EIC Regional Awards in October 2024 onboard the illustrious QE2.

The Energy Exports Conference 2024 has now officially been launched, returning to Aberdeen on 11-12 June. This event provides companies access to hundreds of contacts and enables businesses to learn about multiple new export opportunities. This free to attend event is not to be missed.

With the start of the holy month in a weeks time may I take the opportunity to wish all our members Ramadan Kareem from the team here where we wish you and your family a safe and blessed Ramadan.

Ryan McPherson

Regional Director, Middle East, Africa, Russia & CIS ryan.mcpherson@the-eic.com

Regional news

ADNOC board boosts budget allocation for decarbonisation

ADNOC’s board has increased its budget allocation for decarbonisation projects, technology and lower-carbon solutions to US$23bn, up from the previously earmarked amount of US$15bn. The increased allocation will include investments to grow the company’s domestic and international carbon management platforms. The continued focus on decarbonisation underlines the UAE’s long-term commitment to supporting global energy security and enabling a more sustainable future. The company also plans to double its carbon capture and storage capacity target to 10m tonnes per year by 2030, which is equal to removing more than 2m petrol-powered cars from motorways. Last year, ADNOC revised its net zero target to 2045 from 2050 and said it aimed to reach zero methane emissions by the end of this decade.

Namibia’s oil boom

Shell, in collaboration with Namibia’s petroleum authorities, has unearthed over 500m barrels of recoverable oil in Namibia’s Orange Basin. Notably, Shell Namibia Upstream has identified significant reserves, including 200m barrels at Graff-1 and 300m barrels at Jonker-1X. TotalEnergies’ Venus discovery holds an estimated 2bn barrels. Appraisal activities have commenced on the discoveries, showing promising initial results. Despite challenges, including drilling 37 dry wells, progress is evident. Plans are underway to expedite development, although a production timeline remains unspecified. Namibia’s oil and gas industry is in its infancy, with exploration potential in offshore and onshore basins, including the Owambo and Nama basins. The Kavango basin alone may contain up to 30bn barrels. Shell aims to acquire more seismic data, underscoring the country’s commitment to harnessing its petroleum potential.

Forthcoming

Ryan McPherson

Asia Pacific news

Regional update

The start of the year has been marked by notable progress in regional energy initiatives, particularly in the Asia Pacific region. During the first three months, various countries have made significant announcements.

Petronas in Malaysia launched the Malaysia Bid Round 2024, featuring five exploration blocks and five DRO clusters available for investment, with bids due by 1 August 2024. Additionally, the Japanese government initiated a third substantial round of auctions to choose operators for two new offshore wind power zones in the country’s north, with a capacity of 1.05GW. Collectively, these developments suggest a promising outlook for the energy sector in the APAC region for 2024.

Aligned with our globalisation strategy, the 8th global membership meeting (GMM8) of the EIC was our annual gathering of senior management held in Kuala Lumpur for the first time.

Senior management from the five EIC offices travelled to Malaysia for a three-day programme at the Grand Hyatt, Kuala Lumpur. During this event, we focused on discussing and planning strategies for the company’s growth, demonstrating our commitment to realising our vision of becoming the world’s go-to energy supply chain trade association.

In addition, the team successfully hosted a networking event, Meet the Energy Players in Kuala Lumpur, on 29 February 2024. This gathering coincided with the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) Asia, enhancing its significance. This event served as a significant platform for key figures in the energy sector to connect and engage. It provided a rich environment for networking, idea exchange and discussions on industry trends and challenges. The combination of this event with OTC Asia enhanced its impact, making it a notable occasion for fostering collaborations and sharing expertise within the energy industry.

The team in Indonesia is diligently making efforts to introduce the EIC to key industry players within the country. A dinner was organised to celebrate the forthcoming Meet the Energy Players networking event in Indonesia.

This dinner saw the attendance of key industry stakeholders, including SKK Migas, Indonesian Petroleum Association (IPA), IATMI, IAFMI, Indonesia Carbon Capture and Storage Center (ICCSC), MKI, Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) and Meindo Elang Indah.

EIC’s exciting line-up for March 2024

March 2024 is set to be a busy month for us. We will commence with Meet the Energy Players in Indonesia on 7 March. This gathering serves as an ideal venue for networking with influential figures in the energy sector. It’s an excellent chance for attendees to establish new partnerships, explore collaborative opportunities and drive business expansion in Indonesia’s vibrant energy market. In addition, we will be organising an Iftar networking event in Malaysia on 28 March. This unique event provides a chance to mingle with industry leaders while enjoying a delightful Iftar feast.

Azman Nasir, Head of Asia Pacific azman.nasir@the-eic.com

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Petronas announces 2024 licensing round

Petronas has launched its Malaysia Bid Round 2024 (MBR 2024), featuring five exploration blocks and five discovered resources opportunity (DRO) clusters. The offerings include three exploration blocks offshore Peninsular Malaysia, two offshore Sabah and DRO clusters split between these regions. Bid submissions are due by 1 August, with evaluation in August and September. Winners of the production sharing contracts are expected to be announced in October, with contract signings scheduled for December 2024.

Japan launches auction for two offshore wind areas

Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, together with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, has initiated tenders for offshore wind sites in the Sea of Japan, near Aomori Prefecture and off the coast of Yuza in Yamagata Prefecture. The tenders will remain open until 19 July.

Azman Nasir

North and Central America news

Regional update

The EIC Americas region is eager to invite members and non-members to our event in celebration of Women’s International Day. Taking place virtually on 7 March 2024, we will welcome Dr Ibilola Amao PhD, BSc, FIoD, FEI, FNSE & FIM, principal consultant, STEM/TECH specialist and entrepreneur, Lonadek, as moderator of our event, EIC Women’s International Day – Women in Energy: a look through time. Dr Ibilola will be joined by a panel of distinguished women from the confirmed companies, Chart Industries and CCU International for a discussion that delves into the intricacies of women in energy, where they have been, and where they are heading. We look forward to welcoming delegates from around the globe for this noteworthy conversation. To register please visit https://register. gotowebinar.com/register/5460689751615820383

Continuing with information around our agenda of virtual events, we would like to invite all to join the last instalment of our Market Update series. On 14 March 2024, the North and Central America region will welcome EIC’s very own team of analysts as they provide an update around the renewables and energy transition market. With regards to our in-person events, as in the 2023 calendar year, our team will continue to host our most popular North and Central America Business Briefing series and corporate entertainment events throughout 2024 and we will continue to upload these events onto the EIC webpage throughout the year. To receive email notifications of our upcoming regional events contact adriana.romo@the-eic.com

During January I had the pleasure of moderating the panel, Fireside Chat Discussion: LNG & Natural Gas Regulatory Landscape and Industrial Policy Reforms at the 2024 Americas Energy Summit alongside panelists Sentho White, Director for the National Center of Excellence for LNG Safety, United States Department of Transportation (DoT), (PHMSA); Jason Ryu, Detachment Chief, Liquefied Gas Carrier, National Center of Expertise, United States Coast Guard and William Mendenhall, Facility & Container Branch Safety Chief, United States Coast Guard. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my fellow panelists for this great conversation covering topics ranging from the impact of local regulations and permitting reforms on global LNG supply, to training programmes and their impact on the next wave of LNG projects.

Amanda Duhon

VP & Regional Director, North & Central America

amanda.duhon@the-eic.com

Upcoming events

EIC’s Women’s International Day: Women in Energy

Thursday 7 March 2024

Market Update: Renewables & Energy Transition

Thursday 14 March 2024

Business Briefing: Petrofac 2024

Tuesday 12 November 2024

Regional news

Biden orders halt to new LNG export projects

US President Biden has announced a temporary pause in the permitting process of new LNG export facilities while the US Department of Energy (DoE) assesses the economic, social and environmental impacts brought about by additional LNG infrastructure. The pause will affect six major LNG export projects that are still waiting to receive approvals from the DoE, from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), or both. These projects have yet to receive a green light for siting/construction and to gain a licence to export to non-free-trade-agreement (non-FTA) countries, including Europe and most of Asia. The US became the world’s largest LNG exporter in 2023 with an output of 88.9m tonnes per annum (mtpa).

New Jersey to explore options for 3.5GW in offshore wind

PJM Interconnection and the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) have inked a deal paving the way for New Jersey’s second offshore wind transmission tender. This State Agreement Approach (SAA) was submitted to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) on 2 February. The SAA 2.0 empowers New Jersey to launch a PJM study that will assess the feasibility of an open-access transmission facilities network, designed to bolster offshore wind energy delivery.

Amanda Duhon

South America news

Regional update

Starting the year off swiftly, the EIC South America office hosted three consecutive webinars, engaging both members and non-members interested in updates and insights from our analysts and influential figures in Oil and Gas Project Opportunities in Guyana and Offshore Wind in South America, particularly in Brazil and Colombia. These sessions garnered the participation of over 350 attendees and the content is now available on EICTV for all EIC members.

The first Breakfast of the year focused on Offshore O&G Opportunities in Brazil with MISC, AET and Eaglestar which took place in January to a room with over 100 attendees. With 12 assets and two in Brazil, MISC is expecting to receive the FPSO Marechal Duque de Caxias in Brazilian waters in February and its first oil will be produced around July in the Mero 3 field operated by Petrobras. Altogether they spend US$20m yearly in procurement in Brazil. The company plans to register 200 new suppliers by the end of the year and welcomes suppliers with technologies in CCS and ammonia to have more sustainable operations.

Regional news

Petrobras to study OFW/oil production synergies

Petrobras has commenced wind measurements for the development of potential offshore wind projects in the Búzios and Mero fields (Santos Basin). The study is part of the Ventos de Libra project, and is being conducted in partnership with Shell, TotalEnergies, CNPC and CNOOC. Total investment is calculated at US$1.6m and will be mobilised to support the development of scientific advancements in wind analysis, potentially enabling the reduction of risks for the implementation of wind projects in ultra-deepwater. The main objective of the studies is to analyse potential integration between offshore wind structures and oil production projects in the pre-salt region.

Daniel Marinho explained how to access MISC as a supplier – a portal will be available soon to register suppliers. 100 contracts to commission the platform are now underway (60% already contracted). They will create a catalogue of products and services that will need to be tropicalised. During the event they showcased a few areas of the group such as shuttle tankers and shipping with Eaglestar and AET. As part of our initiative to advocate for women in the energy sector, we are conducting a draw at each of our Breakfast and Training events this year to select a female recipient who will be invited as our distinguished guest. In April we expect to host our first Breakfast in São Paulo –stay tuned for more details.

Clarisse Rocha, Director – Americas clarisse.rocha@the-eic.com

Petrobras to develop green hydrogen plant

Petrobras has announced a US$18m (R$90m) investment in a pilot project to produce green hydrogen in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. The research initiative is in partnership with the Senai Institute for Renewable Energy and will feature solar-powered electrolysis at the company’s Alto do Rodrigues 1MWp PV park. The study will help advance analyses regarding the economic viability of producing lowcarbon hydrogen and derivatives in the country.

Clarisse Rocha

Offshore O&G Opportunities in Brazil with MISC, AET and Eaglestar and Clarisse Rocha

Smulders

Sticking to its strengths after a setback

Eric Finé, BD Mgr

How is Smulders thriving?

Smulders has more than 50 years of experience in the engineering, construction, supply and assembly of steel constructions. Through its network of coastal yards and fabrication facilities in the UK and Europe, the company is successfully delivering large orders for some of the region’s most important renewable energy developments, all while refining its methods and learning from its experiences.

The challenge

Even the most established of businesses are prone to shocks and setbacks. Founded in 1979, Belgiumbased Smulders has built a proud reputation around the engineering and design, fabrication and delivery of bottom fixed and floating foundations for offshore wind turbines, offshore high voltage substations and hydrogen production platforms, as well as steel constructions for the civil and industrial sector.

In 2011, the decision was taken to pivot the business into the provision of jackets, a shift which required a huge investment in a new fabrication yard. However, the market soon plummeted, leaving Smulders with a hole in its finances and in a crisis situation – the company needed

to go back to its roots and play to its strengths.

The solution

In the foundations space, Smulders has long held a competitive advantage due to the sheer volume of projects it has executed in the past – historic experience that continues to feed into a culture and way of working that customers buy in to.

Preparedness and proximity are everything. The company opts to have supply chains nearby and actively integrate into the local community when setting up in a new port or city, these bases then serving as launchpads from which to invest and grow.

Planning typically takes 12 months, with 60% of the people used on a project typically working in the prep stages alone. This work centres around visualisation using 3D modelling, as well as ensuring the yards are appropriately equipped to fabricate the foundations, and that the supply chain is ready to deliver on key materials such as steel.

Detailed planning helps to ensure experience from previous projects is not lost, the company constantly updating its handbook and procedures that underpin its approach.

Indeed, since 2011 Smulders has successfully rebuilt its track record, delivering on several projects and journeying on a growth path once again. In the Netherlands, for example, it supplied more than 100 units for a single

project for the first time, the site in question being the Gemini Wind Park which lies 85 kilometres off the Dutch coast.

Rampion Offshore Wind Farm is another notable case study. Comprising 116 turbines on a 70 square kilometre site located off the Sussex coast in the English Channel, the project saw Smulders deliver another 100plus order, the experience of scale gained from Gemini proving invaluable. Meanwhile, off the North East coast of England, the company is in the midst of fulfilling 277 foundation pieces for Dogger Bank, a development which will be able to power six million homes and promises to be the largest of its kind in the world.

Central to the delivery of further projects is Smulders’ site in Newcastle, the company investing a further £50m into the facility to improve its workshops, cranes and access, as well as build a new fabrication hall. The investment coincides with another important project win that will be largely delivered from the Newcastle yard – in joint venture with Sif, Smulders will manufacture 64 transition pieces for the He Dreiht offshore wind project in the German Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the North Sea.

From a revenue perspective, the company is also showing signs it has recovered from the 2011 setback. In 2022, it turned over €470m, a year-on-year growth of around 15% driven by orders for larger units and a scale-up of orders to supply sub-station foundations. And with plans to enter the US market being developed, the crisis of a decade ago appears to be well and truly left behind.

About Smulders

Smulders is an international organisation with more than 50 years of experience in the engineering, construction, supply and assembly of steel constructions. It helps to realise unique and challenging projects in offshore wind and civil and industry. Smulders is a member of the Eiffage Group, a leading figure in the European concessions and public works sector.

Story type

#culture (main category)

#innovation, #optimisation

Benefits

• Improved site in Newcastle, with revamped workshops, cranes and access and a new fabrication hall.

• Increase on revenue, recovering from the 2011 setback.

Key findings

For industry

• Never think you have made it. Look outside and see what has changed. Deal with it immediately.

• Stop increasing turbine size, it’s killing the industry!

For government

• Lift the permitting procedures to UK/European level.

• Put all people together to figure out all territories, so they can agree on new rule and then move forward.

Smulders at a glance:

Key products and services: Engineering and design, fabrication and delivery of foundations for offshore wind turbines, offshore high voltage substations and hydrogen production platforms, as well as steel constructions for the civil and industrial sector.

Main industries served:

• Renewables – 89%

• Others (civil and industry constructions) – 11%

Headquarters: Arendonk, Belgium

Year established: 1979

Number of employees: 1,200

Revenue: £404m

Revenue from exports: 90%

STATS Group

Prioritising people to drive forwards its international strategy

Derek Smart, Director – QHSE & HR

Leigh Howarth, CEO

How is STATS Group thriving?

STATS Group has continued to deliver on its growth strategy. Key to its ongoing plan is to expand in international markets, a task which requires sustained investment in people to ensure its high criticality, high speciality activities are conducted safely and efficiently.

The challenge

As market leaders in the supply of pressurised pipeline isolation, hot tapping and plugging services to the global energy industry, maintaining and building on this position requires STATS Group to continue its growth drive in international markets.

This is easier said than done. Growing internationally very niche products and services is a complex undertaking –much of STATS Group’s work involves conducting safety critical activities on live pipelines with the potential for severe consequences to people, property and the environment.

To carry out these highly specialised tasks in greater volumes, the retainment and recruitment of staff in its key operating regions, and ensuring they are competent to conduct the work safely, is paramount. Sustainable

expansion also requires the development of a functional leadership model to support regional delivery teams.

The solution

Although people development has been a priority theme for the past decade given the continuing importance given to international growth in activities and associated staff numbers, several recent advancements have turbocharged staff development efforts and the employee experience in the past 2-3 years.

Within the context of the pandemic, a strengthened focus on employee health and wellbeing has been established, a process which has involved upskilling leaders and managers in the business to equip them to deal with the ever-changing needs of STATS Group’s employees.

In terms of staff development, there are several schemes that the group operates. For example, the group has launched a new, enhanced graduate development scheme to complement its existing iMechE accredited global graduate development scheme, the latter having seen several of its project and design engineers receiving chartership status.

Meanwhile, a core priority in terms of business continuity revolves around training existing and future leaders via the leadership development scheme. The programme matches participants with existing leaders who act as mentors in support of their development, challenging them with development projects and giving them feedback on performance at regular intervals. The scheme is underpinned by a series of leadership development modules aligned to the standards expected of a STATS

Group leader and is providing a clear pathway for employees to contribute to the growth and success of the business.

Alongside these two programmes is continual personal development, an ongoing process designed by STATS Group to ensure its employees are always enhancing their knowledge and skills, and aligned with the firm’s performance management cycle which aims to monitor and improve employee performance relative to core values and business objectives.

The company’s in-house technical training is central to these people development initiatives and activities. The group’s training school, opened in 2014, has obtained ECITB accreditation – a vital step in demonstrating training to a recognised independent standard. Such was the early impression it made, STATS Group won the ECITB Skills and Training award for SMEs that very year. Several training layers and systems have been worked on since, with the group hiring a dedicated training and competence manager in 2021. Today, each of STAT’s operating regions now has trained trainers and on the job assessors, an approach which has contributed significantly to its regional expansion plans.

All of this has made it easier for STATS Group to recruit and retain staff, not least by showing staff clear routes of development throughout the business. The company’s model is to develop its staff, even recognising the risk they might leave in the future – if they do leave, they will do so with a positive experience and lasting impression to take with them. Indeed, some may go on to become future clients or advocates of the company.

Proof that the approach is working can be seen in the numbers. The average years of experience for the business is 6 years and the average age of employees is 38.5 –figures that are testament to the success of its strategy to develop from within.

About STATS Group

STATS Group are market leaders in the supply of pressurised pipeline isolation, hot tapping and plugging services to the global energy industry. STATS DNV type approved isolation tools provide leak-tight double block and bleed isolation that enables safe and efficient maintenance and repair of onshore, topsides and subsea pipeline infrastructure.

Story type

#people & competence (main category) #scale up

Benefits

• Delivery of jobs, safely and on time.

• Revenue and EBITDA of £59m and £9m respectively (2022).

Key findings

For industry

• Plan ahead – niche businesses have to look internally to solve problems.

• Ensure competence is core to business strategy and meets standard, risk of failure is too high.

For government

• Abandon short-term approach to oil and gas – it’s a long-term investment and transition market.

STATS Group at a glance:

Key products and services: Supply of pressurised pipeline isolation, hot tapping and plugging services to the global energy industry.

Main industries served:

• Oil and gas – 100%

Headquarters: Kintore, UK

Year established: 1998

Number of employees: 340

Revenue: £59m

Revenue from exports: 85%

Tata Steel UK

Supporting energy transition by servicing solar with high quality, British-made steel

How is Tata Steel thriving?

As the largest steel producer in the UK, Tata Steel is one of the country’s most important industrial firms that supplies major sectors such as infrastructure and construction, automotive, packaging and engineering.

With the UK government accelerating with its energy transition push, the company is successfully repositioning itself as the steel supplier for renewable energy projects. This is particularly true in the field of solar, where it is already making significant strides towards its ambition to service up to 70% of national demand.

The challenge

Government policy around energy and sustainability has had a huge impact on large industrial producers such as Tata Steel, with even the smallest of changes having the potential to disrupt strategies and investment plans long into the future.

Prior to the launch of the UK’s energy security strategy in April 2022, the company was working alongside the government’s 10-point plan to net zero, a framework which mandated it to diversify and pivot its product portfolio by 2030.

This is in spite of the fact that Tata Steel currently provides a very small amount of steel to the UK energy sector, creating a situation whereby the firm needed to find ways

to contribute towards the country’s transition to a more sustainable energy system.

The solution

Solar was quickly identified as a promising avenue to explore for the steel producer. The UK is currently working towards a target to install 70GW of ground mounted solar by 2035, and with 55GW of that capacity still to be developed (or 2mn tonnes of steel’s worth), the opportunity for Tata to enter this space is clear for all to see.

While Tata Steel cannot produce the volumes to meet all of this demand, the company is able to position itself as a steel supplier of extremely high quality with a durable product that carries a 25-year warranty. Its hot-dip zinc coating is alloyed with aluminium and magnesium, the product is produced in steel coils and is then slit by a steel service centre into narrower slit widths and then roll formed by fabricators who integrate it into ground mount structures.

Significant time and effort have been invested, along with £1mn in financing, to recruit the necessary skills and build up the capabilities needed to serve the UK solar market. Now, Tata Steel is able to supply products in various sizes and tolerances while also providing a competitive edge over international competitors on lead times due its location.

This strategy is already starting to pay off. To date, 10,000 tonnes has been supplied or is on order for solar farm fabricators, and while this is still a small fraction of the 3mn tonnes of steel it produces each year, the trend is certainly moving in the right direction. Indeed, the company now holds a 15% UK market share for steel

Kamal Rajput, Strategic Business Development Lead

in the solar sector having started from zero just three years ago.

The aim now is to continue building on that momentum. By 2030, Tata Steel is aiming to hold a market share of somewhere between 60% and 70%, a target which can certainly be hit if UK projects are subjected to stricter local content requirements.

Alongside the drive into solar, the company is also exploring the UK’s offshore wind market. Tata Steel already supply structural hollow sections globally for secondary structures in the offshore wind sector. However during the past 12 months it has been developing its own component offering for floating offshore wind installations, signing an cooperation agreement with Renewables UK covering its plans for the Welsh coast. The agreement involves sharing knowledge to understand and explore the production of steel components that could be used in high-tech floating wind foundations and turbines for projects in the Celtic Sea. If successful, it could open an important door for Tata Steel in its bid to widen its involvement in the UK’s energy transition journey.

Rather than stand still, Tata Steel has proactively engaged in the country’s ongoing commitment to net zero by 2050, offering the option to procure critical steel products that can underpin many renewable energy installations on land and at sea. If the UK government commits to local procurement for these projects, the company is wellplaced to play an even more influential role in the future.

About Tata Steel

Tata Steel is one of Europe’s leading steel producers, with steelmaking in the UK and Netherlands, and manufacturing plants across Europe. The company supplies high-quality steel products to the most demanding markets, including construction and infrastructure, automotive, packaging and engineering. Tata Steel works with customers to develop new steel products that give them a competitive edge.

Story type

#diversification (main category)

Benefits

• The company holds a 15% UK market share for steel in the solar sector.

• Tata Steel is also exploring the UK’s offshore wind market.

Key findings

For industry

• Personal and business relationships still count, especially for large decisions. It’s people who matter.

• Be open minded in decisions you make. Don’t close off something if the ‘maths’ don’t work – think longer term growth and value.

For government

• Mandate for local content to support the UK manufacturing economy and targets that all net zero projects must comply to.

Tata Steel at a glance:

Key products and services: Metallic coated steel, cold-rolled steel, hot-rolled steel, electro-plated steel, electrical steel.

Main industries served:

• Oil and gas – 0.3%

• Nuclear power – 0.1%

• Renewables – 0.1%

• Others (auto, construction, packaging, manufactured goods, lifting and excavating) – 99.5%

Headquarters: London, UK

Year established: 1901

Number of employees: 8,000 (UK)

Revenue: £3.5bn

Revenue from exports: 40%

TEXO

Much more than a video streaming solution

Pat McKay, Director

How is TEXO thriving?

TEXO believes in innovation. Rather than being content with the way things are, the Group and its divisions are always looking for ways to improve and offer greater value to customers. TEXO Technologies already knew that its video-streaming platform was a great tool. But the team felt it had much wider applications across multiple sectors. In order to tap into that market, the division took the decision to investigate that growth potential. After listening to customers, testing the waters with different marketing campaigns, developing a new training programme and building a portfolio of successful use cases, the business is gathering financial and reputational momentum.

The challenge

functionality for industrial users, whereas TEXO’s product offered features including remote snapshots from a video stream, live annotation, footage storage and facial recognition redaction. The ability to live stream from a bodycam also offered numerous advantages for energy sector customers, especially around conducting and viewing asset inspections remotely.

The challenge lay in branding this technology properly, getting the right messages out to the market, and building a team that could maximise the product’s potential. Now called ‘Fuse’, this solution was much more than a video streaming solution.

The solution

TEXO built a plan to address these two key challenges: Messaging and building a team.

Expanding TEXO’s technologies across several new markets presented a range of challenges, the most pressing of which was creating market awareness. The division, established in 2022, had two product lines: a remote streaming solution; and a data management platform

order inspection

The original market focus for the technologies relied on meeting survey, inspection and maintenance needs. However, senior leaders in the business saw an opportunity to rebrand both product lines, expand their use cases and demonstrate the considerable value they can bring to customers.

The video platform was identified as a gamechanger. Traditional video streaming solutions offered limited

First, the company undertook a major listening exercise. This involved talking to customers about their own challenges in light of the operational changes they experienced during and after the pandemic period. TEXO used the results of these conversations to build a clear idea of how Fuse could support these customers to work more efficiently, safer and across borders.

Alongside this, TEXO Technologies developed a series of test marketing campaigns and carefully tracked their performance. The firm examined the success of and response to different types of content – for example, using streaming cameras on machinery such as cranes to create a small campaign directed at construction and port services. This revealed what messaging was having an impact, helping the team to focus its efforts and budget in the most productive markets.

Secondly, the division started to look for the perfect

balance of expertise to meet its commercial targets. With a strong management and operational team in place, it was the technical team that needed expanding – and within a short time frame so that the business could capitalise on its opportunities.

To manage this challenge, TEXO Technologies set up its own Graduate-to-Industry training programme, a means of fast-tracking new entrants into the business. This has been extremely successful, and the division is now seeking to roll out the scheme to other businesses and training providers. With a focused marketing strategy and a pipeline of emerging technical talent on stream, TEXO Technologies is now far better placed to bring Fuse to market.

Indeed, the company has already had commercial success in the port services market. In Rotterdam, it successfully supported the installation of a new 1,500-ton J-Lay tower onto McDermott International’s newly converted AMAZON vessel. Partnering with body camera hardware firm Halo, TEXO’s Fuse system was operated live in areas where the client did not want to place people due to heavy lift hazards, offering a much safer means of installing the tower.

Meanwhile, for ORE Catapult, TEXO’s technology has enabled the annotation of live video footage capture by a drone to instruct local technicians working on a wind turbine. Located 200 miles from the client’s base, this has saved considerable time and resource by removing the need to transport more people to the site.

Overall, given the early stage of the business, the signs are extremely encouraging. Having posted healthy but small returns in 2022, TEXO Technologies is on track to double its turnover this financial year, with significant returns coming from its bodycam video streaming solutions – a clear sign that its newly focused commercial strategy is starting to producing a significant return on investment.

About Texo

TEXO is an Aberdeen-based multi-disciplinary industrial services company that provides services in the oil and gas, renewable energy, nuclear energy and marine sectors. The company’s team is made up of engineers, constructors, surveyors, designers, creative thinkers, service-givers and problem solvers. TEXO offers seven distinct services: Engineering & Fabrication, Workspace Solutions, Asset Integrity, Recruitment, Port Services, Livestream and Land & Aerial Surveys. Between them, these services support customers both onshore and offshore to design and complete essential projects on time and on budget. TEXO Group won “Young Business of the Year” at the Courier Business Awards 2019, “Transformation Award” at the EIC Awards 2021 and “Business Transformation” at the Scottish Engineering Awards 2022.

Story type

#digital (main activity) #innovation, #people & competency

Benefits

• TEXO Technologies calculates to turn over £450,000 in 2023.

• ‘Together we are one’ approach enabled £40m in revenues for group.

• Insertion in new market bearing fruits.

Key findings

For industry

• Having a passion and drive is great but it’s not always enough, you can still push in the wrong direction. Listening more and talking less does have its benefits.

• Seriously look at solid technical skills shortages and address them.

For government

• Support businesses that are taking it upon themselves to address skills training (a fund that helps businesses develop training programmes internally).

Texo at a glance:

Key products and services: One-stop shop with services for the whole asset life cycle: engineering & fabrication, workspace solutions, asset integrity, recruitment, port services, livestream and land & aerial surveys.

Main industries served:

• Oil and gas – 50%

• Renewables – 20%

• Others (building, utilities, marine) – 30%

Headquarters: Aberdeen, UK

Year established: 2018

Number of employees: 100 Revenue: £40m

TNF Energy

Overcoming eight challenges through key strategic changes

How is TNF Energy thriving?

Despite being founded only five years ago in 2018, TNF is already making headway as a survey technical support and engineering specialist. With unique expertise in providing professional laser scanning and 3D modelling services, the firm has successfully completed more than 500 surveys, mapping, engineering projects and converting asset to digital twin data.

Having overcome a series of issues through a major change in strategy, the firm is now able to combine its significant suite of the latest technologies; laser scanner, UAV, GNSS & GPS and generate 3D models for clients, accelerating production and uncovering major cost savings.

The challenge

A company that is just half a decade in the making, TNF Energy has had to overcome several challenges as it navigated significant uncertainty in the years following its inception. Broadly, these can be split into eight key categories.

First, the company found it hard to talent familiar with key technologies such as PDMS and S3D software, both owing to geographical and budgetary constraints. Second, the firm also required significant capital to launch as a digitalisation company, investing in key tools such as laser scanners and software licenses.

Thirdly, the firm faced stiff market competition, driving

down potential profit margins, and fourthly it faced the challenge of convincing prospects that its solution was technically sound and commercial sound as a new enterprise.

Budgetary constraints and approval durations proved to be a fifth issue, while the sixth stemmed from the fact that discussions and proof of concepts required to demonstrate the viability of its solutions were lengthy. The seventh challenge then related to considering market share and untapped opportunities, while the eight surrounded contractor concerns of job opportunities being slashed due to displacement by technology.

The solution

Despite the odds being stacked against it on several different fronts, TNF Energy has continued to preserve, adapt and evolve in order to iron out client concerns and gradually build its reputation as a survey technical support and engineering specialist in the market.

In the middle of 2019, the firm embarked on a new market strategy, implementing a dedicated proof on concept (POC) and targeting the operation and maintenance (O&M) department. In addition, the firm introduced a new way of working with full visibility that emphasised the high accuracy through 3D digital twin technologies.

The latter offered several benefits. With digital twin technologies, TNF Energy can mitigate site reworks, accelerate production times, reduce downtime and more for its clients.

Critically, Petronas Sabah (SBA) was one of the earliest beneficiaries of this switch in emphasis, this successful contract paving the way for others to follow suit, providing

follow

Tengku Faiz Tengku Yusoff, CEO

TNF Energy with a proven reputation and significant market credibility.

Where the company had previously experienced several points of friction with its clients relating to hook up and commissioning, prolonged shutdown times, lost injury time, and the lack of availability from 3D models and digital twins, it has adapted specifically to mitigate each and every one of these potential combative challenges.

Today, TNF is now able to combine its significant suite of tools, including laser scanning, UAV, GNSS and GPS, to generate the digital twins that can then be converted into 3D formats with realistic photo image for its clients. Further, the firm is also developing an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm for the detection of corrosion, enabling it to produce accurate inspection, expedite and improvise the corrosion preventative maintenance reports digitally.

These changes have been transformative. Indeed, TNF is now providing its customers with full visibility into the design and construction aspects of projects to improve alignment, relationships, as well as enhancing its execution of projects and restoring assets into digital format, make it more valuable data to all asset owners. Not only has production been accelerated, but the change intact has also provided tremendous cost savings and an expanded project schedule with 0% HSE issue and 0% nonconformance report (NCR).

The figures speak for themselves. Where revenues sat at RM172,800 (USD$38,740) with a profit margin of 22.9% in 2018, this has growth significantly to RM7,997,329 (USD$1,792,922) and 59.35% in 2022. The growth also come along with the increase of manpower resources. TNF started with only 15 personnel in 2018, and now has more than 100 personnel on the field that are always ready to serve the industry.

Indeed, after a bumpy start, the future looks unquestionably bright for TNF Energy with a new branch opened in Bangkok, Thailand and Lumut, Brunei.

About TNF Energy

TNF Energy is a 100% Bumiputera company, focusing on its expertise in providing total solution from survey up to engineering services. As a licensed company with PETRONAS, and with over 12 years of experiences, TNF has served most of the mega players in the oil and gas industry such as PETRONAS, Shell, ExxonMobil, PTTEP and has completed more than 500 surveys and mapping, including engineering, oil and gas projects, non-oil and gas projects, in and outside Malaysia. Throughout the years, TNF has always focused on striving to be at the top on possessing up-to-date technology know how on its field

Story type

#technology

Benefits

#innovation (main category)

• Technology suit for technical & non-technical personnel.

• Production enhanced and accelerated.

• 0% LTI, 0% NCR.

• Commercially attractive product and adaptable to any local market.

• 3D digital available 24/7.

Key findings

For industry

• R&D must be part of the business plan. Small improvement on innovation can bring big changes to the company revenue, profitability, and also sustainability.

• Always seek to improve services or products and avoid comfort zone attitude.

For government

• Embrace technical, commercial, and local content criteria when evaluating any tender or development grant.

TNF Energy at a glance:

Key products and services: Engineering, laser scanning, as-building, underground mapping, soil investigation, artificial intelligence and digital twin.

Main industries served:

• Oil and gas – 60%

• Conventional power – 15%

• Renewables – 10%

• Others – 15%

Headquarters: Petaling Jaya, Malaysia

Year established: 2018

Number of employees: 105

Revenue: £1.5m

Revenue from exports: 20%

Triplefast Middle East

Exploring new markets to de-risk from global shocks

Steve Kettle, Vice President MENA-APAC

How is Triplefast Middle East thriving?

Like many firms entrenched in the oil and gas value chain, Triplefast Middle East faced a challenging period when the price crisis of 2016 reached its peak. Indeed, that event has triggered what has been a volatile and uncertain period ever since, with critical events such as the Covid pandemic and Ukraine war adding several layers of complexity and risk.

However, the decision to pivot towards the clean energy and energy transition markets has proven invaluable, with the company broadening its expertise through a series of acquisitions, which has allowed it to serve both existing and new clients in their own transition journeys.

As a result, Triplefast now stands strong as a US$300m organisation with healthy profit margins and an even more ambitious growth pipeline ahead of it.

The challenge

Triplefast Middle East has a long legacy behind it, with its origins tracing back to the 1950s. Today, it is part of LoneStar Group, a global manufacturer and supplier of high-performance fasteners, sealing, precision-engineered

components, coatings and pipeline packages to the world’s energy markets.

Up until the middle of the last decade, the company predominantly served customers in the oil and gas space. However, when the 2016 price crash hit, the whole value chain suffered, including essential parts suppliers such as Triplefast, who suffered from delayed and non-payments as well as a drying up of its pipeline.

A few years later, the Covid pandemic and crisis in Ukraine brought similar instability to the oil and gas market, a reality which further reinforced the need for the company to turn its attentions to new energy markets.

The solution

Fortunately, Triplefast began exploring energy transition opportunities in the aftermath of the 2016 crisis.

Indeed, the firm had been able to ride the 2016 and Covid waves, keeping most of its staff in place – however, the company’s leadership realised it had to properly reposition the business globally in line with clean energy.

This has involved identifying and filling expertise and resourcing gaps, as well as localising supply chains to get closer to customers wherever possible. Acquisitions have been pivotal. A series of purchases have given Triplefast a larger footprint in key markets such as the UK, Europe, and US, allowing it to fill in some key gaps. As its clients began to pivot into renewables, the firm followed suit,

gradually coming to understand the size and scope of the market.

During this time, the company has also moved into new facilities, consolidated some of its departments, uplifted its manufacturing capability and increased stockholding to better serve customers. Alongside this, it has recruited experts in the clean energy field who understand where this transition would take the company, their added experience bringing credibility to the new-look Triplefast operation.

This is helping the enterprise to secure several longstanding partnerships with large blue-chip clients, including the likes of Shell and new customers such as AirLiquide and AirProducts and Linde. In addition, customers are responding well to satisfaction surveys, while staff retention has also been strong since the pivot towards energy transition markets was made.

In terms of revenue, Triplefast is not far away from achieving the 50-50 split between conventional and clean energy business that it is seeking, with particular success coming from markets such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Crucially, profitability is looking extremely healthy compared to a few short years ago, with the US$30m in profit recorded in 2022 representing a threefold increase on 2020 when Covid struck. And looking ahead, the company seeks to expand its horizons even further, both organically and through acquisitions.

With the business trending in the right direction, it is safe to say that its decision to diversify in 2016 was an extremely wise one.

About Triplefast Middle East

Founded in 2002, Triplefast Middle East was established to act as the Group’s manufacturing and supply centre in the Middle East. As it is known today, Triplefast Middle East supplies fasteners, sealing and gaskets to the Gulf, Middle East, Caspian, Indian subcontinent and surrounding areas.

Story type

#resilience

Benefits

#diversification (main category)

• Diversification plans laid out in 2016 underway.

• Profit of US$30m recorded in 2022.

Key findings

For industry

• Gone are the days of simplicity and where size would allow you to plough on – one must adapt and change but maintain their values.

For government

• Help smaller companies – we are not singular as a market or country, access and support are needed, as we live in a fully global world.

Triplefast Middle East at a glance:

Key products and services: Global manufacturer and supplier of high-performance fasteners, sealing, precision engineered components, coatings and pipeline packages to the world’s energy markets.

Main industries served:

• Oil and gas – 55%

• Renewables – 20%

• Nuclear power – 10%

• Energy Transition – 5%

• Others (industrial) – 10%

Headquarters: Wednesbury, UK

Year established: 2002; 1956 (Group)

Number of employees: 200; 1,350 (Group)

Revenue: £24m

Revenue from exports: 80%

TRS Staffing Solutions

Finding the sweet spot for a bespoke recruitment service

Director,

is TRS Staffing Solutions thriving?

While the covid pandemic caused upheaval and hardship for many companies, it presented TRS Staffing Solutions an opportunity to adapt and reposition itself. Drawing on a recruitment model it had already successfully deployed to several firm in the US, it launched a managed services provider (MSP) division in the form of TRS Workforce Solutions in 2022. Today, it offers bespoke, projectbased services for oil and gas companies seeking to streamline resourcing costs and plug their knowledge gaps.

The challenge

The covid pandemic has fundamentally changed the way organisations work. A conduit for change, it brought about a shift in mindset between employees and contractors amid what was also a highly challenging oil and gas market to operate in. Many people left the industry or shifted their careers towards energy transition and sustainability, leading to a situation that left oil and gas firms facing a shortage of knowledge and talent within their ranks.

For TRS Staffing Solutions, part of the Fortune 500 Fluor Corporation which has 40,000 employees spread around the world, the covid backdrop presented an opportunity. The changing oil and gas labour market forced many

companies to look at the managed service provider (MSP) model, not least because it could help drive cost efficiencies by as much as 5-15% within the first year.

The question for TRS, therefore, was how to manoeuvre itself to plug the gap.

The solution

Indeed, the company has already been providing this type of solution as a bespoke service to major US companies since 2017. When the pandemic hit, and amid the market challenges and movement of people away from the sector, TRS’s leadership soon identified a sweet spot for its offering within the oil and gas arena.

In 2022, it launched a new division under the name of TRS Workforce Solutions delivering cost-efficient, compliant workforce solutions that gives clients visibility and control over their talent needs.

This typically involves managing the contingent worker recruitment program for organisations, along with reporting and tracking, and coordination of the recruitment supply chain and invoice consolidation. For complex engineering projects, TRS Workforce Solutions has developed ONEMSP, a new MSP offering specifically designed for quick deployment with recruitment solutions aligning to project milestones and contingent worker attraction and retention.

The company also offers services via a recruitment process solutions (RPO) model. This involves the handling of all or part of a client’s permanent and direct hiring

How

Darren Rowan,

Business Development

spot

needs – as an RPO provider, TRS Workforce Solutions takes primary responsibility for the entire recruitment process through a dedicated program manager and direct sourcing team.

These new service lines compliment the staffing services TRS already delivers, the difference being that it can now capture a larger share of the market and drive accelerated growth.

Another key feature of this strategy is the firm’s targeting of mid-market clients. Typically, its competitors go after enterprise-wide solutions which are big and expensive, leaving a gap which TRS is seeking to fill.

And it is supremely well-positioned to do so. Already built around a global presence with local expertise spread across key markets around the world, TRS can also lean on the knowledge, experience, and reach of its parent company Fluor. As an EPC contractor, it houses decades of first-hand knowhow with regard to projects and how human resourcing requirements are handled. Indeed, this knowledge inspired the development of the ONEMSP product which provides bespoke solutions to projects with their own goals, timelines and deliverables.

Although the division is relatively new, the TRS Workforce Solutions team is already packed with the experience needed to deliver for clients, with its headcount continuing to grow steadily. Having identified a gap in the market for an MSP to provide project-based recruitment services, momentum is beginning to build.

About TRS Staffing Solutions

TRS Staffing Solutions is a world leading engineering recruitment agency specialising in the recruitment and supply of professional, engineering, technical and field talent. With 23 offices across the globe, they bring local expertise to international markets and have the industry knowledge to help match the right candidate to the right role.

Story type

#resilience

Benefits

#service & solutions (main category)

• Mid-market clients now under TRS Staffing’s radar.

• New divisions ready to support upcoming projects.

Key findings

For industry

• The company must always be moving forward and keeping up with change.

• You must be consultative in solving problems rather than be transactions. This is the way you add value to your client.

TRS Staffing Solutions at a glance:

Key products and services: Recruitment services covering workforce solution, managed services programs, recruitment process outsourcing and temporary worker supply.

Main industries served:

• Oil and gas – 40%

• Conventional power – 2%

• Nuclear power – 2%

• Renewables – 5%

• Energy Transition – 5%

• Others (infrastructure, metals and mining, life sciences, industrial and manufacturing) – 46%

Headquarters: London, UK

Year established: 1984

Number of employees: 256

Revenue: £322m

TS Electrical

Shoring up the supply chain and moving into new markets to remain competitive

Nathan Chiam, Business Development Manager

How is TS Electrical thriving?

Covid-19, for many industries and sectors, has created something of a race to the bottom – competition for business has intensified, with firms slashing prices in order to retain market share.

For TS Electrical, this presented a dilemma. While it recognised the need to do all it could to keep customers on board with affordable prices, it was unwilling to sacrifice on the quality of product and service delivery that had enabled it to entrench itself as a market-leading operator over the course of 30 years. However, by making some changes across its supply chain, moving outside of its comfort zone and making inroads into the oil and gas and energy markets, the company looks to have emerged from a disruptive and difficult period in better health.

The challenge

TS Electrical has built up its reputation over three decades by providing high-quality electrical components and customer service to clients. The company delivers highly customized power and control solutions to suit the needs of its clients, which typically have come from food and drink, edible oil processing, water, healthcare, power generation, rail and chemicals sectors across Malaysia and the ASEAN region.

During this time, its leadership team had seen many

obstacles come and go – however, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in early 2020, the company found itself facing an unprecedented set of challenges.

Profit margins became squeezed when competitors moved to slash prices in order to compete for business. This created a dilemma, whereby TS Electrical knew it couldn’t compromise on the quality of its products, but also recognised the importance of compensating staff fairly in the face of increased competition.

The solution

Several important steps were taken to help the company remain competitive while not compromising on quality for customers and its loyalty to staff.

Firstly, it re-examined its supply chain. Knowing it had to be cost-effective to be competitive, TS Electrical looked across its entire vendor network and made significant changes, negotiating better prices with all suppliers.

The firm has also examined new markets and partnerships to broaden its horizons. For example, it took the decision to diversify by moving into new lines of business – chiefly, it has started exploring opportunities in the oil and gas sector and has also pivoted from dealing with predominantly low voltage businesses to start selling into medium and high voltage products and solutions.

In regard to the oil and gas sector, becoming an EIC member has been a key step and opened doors to knowledge and data on the industry that TS Electrical previously lacked. Furthermore, the company’s leadership started to move outside of their comfort zone, attending several large exhibitions in Europe to understand global trends and see

Story type

what other similar companies are doing or planning. These visits have been influential, opening the firm’s eyes and inspiring it to become more of a part of the global business community.

Knowing that 2020 was a critical year and that standing still was simply not an option, the bold steps taken are starting to pay off, with new green shoots emerging. Despite the significant set of challenges posed by the pandemic, TS Electrical has been able to weather the storm and emerge even stronger on the other side.

The company’s commitment to quality, customer service and staff satisfaction has helped it to maintain its position as a leader in the industry, these values not being sacrificed at any stage of its moves to become more cost competitive and diversify into new areas.

Looking ahead, the aim now is to build more momentum and acquire more clients from numerous industries that operate in the ASEAN region. As the world continues to recover from the pandemic and absorbs other economic shocks, TS Electrical is poised to build further on its legacy of excellence and innovation for years to come, including in the newly opened up oil and gas space. Other than that, assisting customers to meet their ESG goals through energy monitoring and electrically driven boiler systems. Also, digital transformation through operations control and engineering industrial software.

About TS Electrical

TS Electrical design and manufacture low voltage switchboards and control cabinets with IEC61439-2 & IEC60529 accreditation and are registered with various Malaysian authority bodies like the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Works and Energy Commission. Their affiliate companies are in the business of industrial automation, system integration, SCADA, energy management, energy monitoring, software development and developing industrial IoT. This allows them to deliver highly customised to-suit solutions for clients

#culture (main category)

#resilience

Benefits

• Rev Energy offers bespoke support and build client relationships centred around candid conversations and comfort.

• Big increase in revenues.

Key findings

For industry

• Passion for the business, people and the desire to help others succeed are essential criteria to enable the company to grow.

• Help others succeed and create a culture of openness that allows the expression of ideas for improvement, whilst maintaining strict conformance to the values and objectives of the company.

For government

• Rev Energy were able to secure the needed facilities from the financial institutions to run its business with the government’s help on a partial guarantee through SJPP, which provided an alternative solution to collateral requirement needed to secure the necessary loans. The government policy on this has been instrumental on the survival of SME companies such as Rev Energy which has made it viable with the necessary fundings gap.

Rev Energy at a glance:

Key products and services: Comprehensive solutions for valves, actuators, fire protection, sealant and other equipment.

Main industries served:

• Oil and gas - 90%

• Conventional power – 9%

• Energy Transition (CCUS) – 1%

Headquarters: Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia

Year established: 2017

Number of employees: 18

Revenue: £6.2m

Turner & Townsend (UK)

Empowering energy transition projects with a renewed purpose

Eric Wilson, Senior Vice President, Natural Resources

How is Turner & Townsend thriving?

Turner & Townsend is at the leading-edge of global net zero developments. Its purpose and strategy are focused on imparting positive benefit for clients and society alike and it is successfully helping projects and programmes to develop and deliver energy transition strategies that are sustainable and cost effective, while achieving energy security.

The challenge

An independent global consultancy headquartered in the UK, Turner & Townsend employs more than 10,000 people worldwide through a network of 118 offices in 50 countries. Working across the real estate, infrastructure and energy and resources industries, it recognised early the challenge that energy transition presented due to its complexity, pace and scale in an unstable market facing increasing supply chain demands.

The firm is no stranger to challenges, having clients in many complex programmes around the world. Critically, it’s a company committed to driving and assuring the performance of projects and programmes that deliver successful outcomes. Right now, that means a major focus on energy transition.

Turner & Townsend sees the delivery of energy transition infrastructure as a key issue of our time – one that the organisation is working to help overcome through innovative solution developments and by closely working

with clients. At the heart of the challenge is wholescale change, the management of risk and a deep understanding of commercial viability.

The solution

Turner & Townsend’s emphasis on energy transition began with a strategic pivot back in 2020 to align with global targets of reaching net zero by 2050. Recognising energy and resources infrastructure as a fundamental piece of the puzzle and key hurdle to overcome to support both its own and industry-wide sustainability aspirations, the firm began to showcase its expertise more actively as a partner capable of accelerating the delivery of such projects.

Drawing on its global expertise, it invested in a team to develop a clear and executable solution for the delivery of carbon reduction. the company then road tested this with the launch of its own net zero strategy, built upon Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidance and the Science-Based Target Initiative (SBTi).

The drive for change from senior management has been key. The firm’s leadership recognise the responsibility that Turner & Townsend has to society and the environment, placing purpose and people ahead of profit.

For Turner & Townsend, a key objective is finding ways to adapt and impart positive benefit while sustaining current operating levels. The company seeks to be an enabler, not an activist, for change – sentiment that’s embodied by its vision to transform performance for a green, inclusive, and productive world.

its

“Turner & Townsend recognises the complexity of low carbon solutions and understands there is no one size fits all approach. Our implementation strategies are shaped to the specific needs, objectives, and business environments

of our global clients to deliver cost effective, sustainable and secure outcomes” says Jason Martin.

Underpinned by four key pillars of productivity, collaboration, leadership and digital transformation, its new sustainability-focused strategy has already resulted in several major and lasting changes. Within the energy and resources industries, its clients span oil and gas, mining and metals, clean energy, natural gas, and chemicals.

The merits of its strategic shift are clear in several positive projects, the first of these centring around the support of Santos. The Australian energy pioneer had outlined ambitions to become a net zero business by 2040, providing cleaner energy and clean fuels that are affordable and sustainable. To achieve this, Turner & Townsend has been supporting the company’s decarbonisation efforts with multi-disciplined services including procurement, contract services, and project controls including schedule, cost, risk and reporting. The decarbonisation programme includes operational efficiencies, electrification and renewables integration, deployment of carbon capture and storage (CCS) and direct air capture (DAC) technologies. Turner & Townsend has helped the company to progress through its stage gate process and meet investment criteria on several projects.

Elsewhere, the company has supported TenneT, the transmission system operator in the Netherlands and North Germany following their concern that the Covid-19 pandemic was impacting fabrication of the transformer platform topsides needed to connect the energy generated at the Hollandse Kust Zuid offshore wind farm to land, and critically, their forecast completion date. Collaborating with TenneT’s EPCI contractor, it mobilised and led an independent joint task force comprising planning, project controls and quantity surveying specialists at the fabrication site in Dubai, providing assurance that schedule, including onshore testing and commissioning, was on track to meet the project’s Ready For Sail Away (RFSA) date, and all subsequent transportation and installation commitments.

Turner & Townsend has a proven ability to enable the seamless and successful development of energy and resources infrastructure in abundance. For companies looking to follow in similar footsteps and launch or expand sustainable energy projects moving forward, Turner & Townsend now stands as a highly capable partner.

About Turner & Townsend

Turner & Townsend is a global professional services company with over 10,000 people in 50 countries. Collaborating with clients across real estate, infrastructure and natural resources sectors, Turner & Townsend specialise in major programmes, programme management, cost and commercial management, net zero and digital solutions.

Story type

#energy transition (main category)

Benefits

• Thanks to Turner & Townsend’s assistance, major industry players have been supported in journey to net zero.

Turner & Townsend (UK) at a glance:

Key products and services: Global consultancy business in the real estate, infrastructure and natural resources sectors.

Main industries served (within natural resources segment):

• Oil, gas and chemicals – 40%

• Clean energy and decarbonisation – 40%

• Mining – 20%

Headquarters: Leeds, UK

Year established: 1947

Number of employees: 10,000 (Group)

Revenue: £779m (Group)

Turner & Townsend (US)

Training the consultancy experts of tomorrow through a ramped up Graduate Development Program

Finlay McLay, Executive Vice President, Natural Resources

How is Turner & Townsend thriving?

Turner & Townsend is looking to the future. Not only is it turbocharging its commitment to be a net zero business by 2030, but it is also seeking to secure its position as a global market leading consultant for major projects by investing in skills. The company plans to do so with its Graduate Development Program (GDP), an enhanced structured learning environment that, since 2008, is enabling up and coming talent to accelerate their careers. Started 12 years ago and refined in numerous ways ever since, including a formalisation of the scheme in the US, the initiative has provided significant return on investment for both Turner & Townsend and its client base.

The challenge

The energy sector is not immune to a cyclical hire and fire culture. The past decade in particular has thrown up peaks and troughs which have forced firms working across the entire value chain to expand and contract in response to market conditions.

For Turner & Townsend, a reliable and robust pipeline of talent is essential to the long-term sustainability and security of the business. As a revered consultant working across some of the largest infrastructure projects in the world, its value proposition is squarely based around its human expertise. Furthermore, the pandemic period shone a spotlight on the importance of stable and

motivated workforces to the longevity of organisations the world over, with those finding an answer to the Great Resignation having been able to emerge in the strongest position.

The solution

Central to Turner & Townsend’s workforce futureproofing is its Graduate Development Program.

Running for over a decade, its primary purpose is to bring more talent into the marketplace by offering graduates a learning environment that supports them to become a well-rounded consultant and plot out a career path. Indeed, the programme is designed to be: a platform to enhance knowledge and gain first-hand experience; a training schedule to support and capture learning and development needs and achievements; and a learning tool document to track and report the development of capabilities.

Participants are provided with a development path that is not only aligned to the company’s internal competency frameworks, but also supports professional development and qualifications, including RICS, APM, CIOB and ICE. Spanning two years, the GDP covers four broad pillars –project management, controls and performance, cost and commercial management, and data and technology. This content is backed up by internal mentoring and coaching, as well as an abundance of opportunities to gain first-hand exposure to real-life projects (and some of the world’s largest organisations). Once complete, graduates can take on a full-time role within the business. Crucially, the programme is open to any graduate and not limited to those with construction-related qualifications, with Turner & Townsend more interested in individuals’ unique qualities than skills which it knows it can teach through the GDP.

In the US, the company has spent the past five years formalising and entrenching the GDP into its setup. This has involved partnering with major academic institutions such as Colombia, LSU, A&M, UH, Stanford and Perdue, with the first rotation taking place in 2019 and now fully in motion. Today, Turner & Townsend onboards an average of 50 US-based graduates each year.

Across the board, graduate intake at the firm increased by 50% year-on-year over the past 12 months, with overall employee headcount rising by 25% during the same period.

Social mobility and offering opportunities to people from a diverse range of backgrounds has also been a priority within the expansion of the GDP. The broader goal of bringing talent into the sector is one of three key aims of Turner & Townsend’s Making the Difference global fund, which devotes a percentage of profits to turbocharging green innovation, growing social mobility and contributing to international efforts which support the resilience of communities in need.

Employees are also actively involved in supporting their communities. As part of the company’s 75th birthday celebrations, it held its inaugural Global Challenge which saw one in five colleagues virtually walk, run, swim or cycle the distance between all its offices worldwide. The event raised £75,000 for important causes supported across numerous regions.

Alongside investment in people, Turner & Townsend is also accelerating the roll-out of NewLeaf, its long-term commitment to be a net-zero business by 2030. This has involved sustained investment in green technologies across its existing assets and activities and has been central to new office selection and set-up, as well as how the firm approaches the balance between international travel and virtual communication. Meanwhile, the firm’s continued push to digitise projects globally will also support more efficient and ultimately sustainable construction, engineering and asset management practice.

Having emerged from the uncertainties of the pandemic period with a more diverse and purposeful business, Turner & Townsend is helping to build a more sustainable, modern marketplace that has the human capital to thrive in the future.

About Turner & Townsend

Turner & Townsend is a global professional services company with over 10,000 people in 50 countries. Collaborating with clients across real estate, infrastructure and natural resources sectors, Turner & Townsend specialise in major programmes, programme management, cost and commercial management, net zero and digital solutions.

Story type

#innovation

Benefits

#people & competency (main category)

• High job satisfaction rates among GDP participants.

• Since 2018, over 300 employees are enrolled in GDP annually.

Key findings

For industry

• We must take risks in our careers. Be bold in your solution and dream big.

• Invest in your people and let ideas flow freely throughout your generational work force.

Turner & Townsend at a glance:

Key products and services: Global consultancy business in the real estate, infrastructure and natural resources sectors.

Main industries served (within natural resources segment):

• Oil, gas and chemicals – 40%

• Clean energy and decarbonisation – 40%

• Mining – 20%

Headquarters: Leeds, UK.

North America Head Office is in New York.

Year established: 1946

Number of employees: 1,356 (US); 10,000 (Global) Revenue: US$163.1m