The Gas Turbine Intelligent Controller utilizes a combination of digital twin technology, thermodynamic sciences, and complex AI algorithms to enable real-time, autonomous optimization of turbine performance. By recovering capacity losses typically caused by equipment degradation and environmental factors, the system ensures more stable combustion and higher generation output. The implementation of this intelligent turbine controller has also delivered tangible fuel savings, resulting in annual operating expenditure (OPEX) savings of approximately AED 8.72 million. These efficiencies are critical for managing the environmental impact of high-volume power generation, as evidenced by a reduction of carbon emissions by around 28,530 tonnes and nitrogen oxides (NOx) by 22.9 tonnes per year.

Strategic Infrastructure Optimization and Innovation

The project’s success is anchored in DEWA’s broader strategic vision to leverage AI for the advancement of water and energy infrastructure. Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA, stated: “Under the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, we continue to leverage Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies, particularly AI, to advance energy and water infrastructure and support DEWA’s transformation into the world’s first fully AI-native utility. This project demonstrates the ability of DEWA’s workforce to develop pioneering solutions that elevate operational performance and further strengthen the organization’s global leadership in innovation and sustainability.” The achievement underscores the organization’s focus on reducing fuel consumption and minimizing the environmental footprint of its large-scale operations.

The GTIC system received a seven-star rating at the International Best Practice Competition, where it was formally recognized as a global best practice in technology-driven power generation. Nasser Lootah, Executive Vice President of Generation (Power and Water) at DEWA, explained that the integration of machine learning and thermodynamic sciences allows for more accurate and rapid operational decision-making. By providing real-time intelligent monitoring, the solution improves the management and reliability of critical power assets. This model of innovation not only reinforces Dubai’s status as a global hub for sustainability but also provides a scalable framework for utility providers worldwide seeking to optimize existing infrastructure through advanced digital solutions.

The ETC identifies three distinct technological categories that each require tailored financial and policy interventions: shallow geothermal for building climate control, conventional hydrothermal systems utilizing naturally occurring hot water, and next-generation geothermal leveraging advanced drilling techniques. The next three to five years are considered a critical window for proving the commercial viability of next-generation systems, which are increasingly attracting interest from sectors with high constant power requirements, such as AI and data centres. Despite the maturity of some of these technologies, the report suggests that they remain largely untapped even in regions where the underlying economics are already favorable.

Scaling Shallow and Hydrothermal Technologies

Shallow geothermal applications, including ground source heat pumps, are identified as one of the most immediate opportunities for large-scale deployment. In colder geographic regions, the ETC estimates that deployment could expand by four to six times by 2050. Such a transition would significantly reduce pressure on national electricity grids by approximately 10-20% during peak demand periods. Furthermore, the adoption of these systems at scale is projected to save consumers in the United States almost $80 billion annually, highlighting the significant economic advantages of utilizing the geothermal energy potential for residential and commercial heating.

Conventional hydrothermal technology, while limited by specific geographical requirements, continues to offer a reliable source of baseload heat, cooling, and 24-hour electricity where suitable underground water resources are accessible. Adair Turner, Co-Chair of the Energy Transitions Commission, observed: “It’s several different technologies, which are modest in some countries and potentially transformative in others. Yet even where the economics already work and the technology is ready, geothermal remains largely untapped.” This highlights the discrepancy between technical readiness and actual market penetration, often caused by a lack of coordinated drilling support and regulatory clarity.

Policy Reforms and Investor Interest

To accelerate the transition, the report calls for a suite of tailored policies including direct grants, low-cost financing options, and comprehensive regulatory reforms. These measures are designed to mitigate the high upfront risks associated with drilling and exploration, which currently deter private investment. The growing demand for carbon-free, constant electricity from the technology sector is acting as a new catalyst for next-generation geothermal development. This interest is driven by the need for reliable energy to support the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure and large-scale data centres.

The path toward commercial viability for next-generation systems involves adapting techniques from other extractive industries to access deep heat in a wider variety of locations. By implementing the suggested policy changes, governments can provide the stability required for long-term investment in these advanced drilling projects. The transition to a more supportive policy environment is essential for ensuring that geothermal energy can fulfill its role as a stable and scalable component of the global low-carbon power mix, providing a necessary complement to intermittent renewable sources like wind and solar.

A central component of the new framework is the adoption of a single two-sided Contract for Difference (CfD) support mechanism. Under this model, developers will submit bids with their own strike prices, ensuring long-term revenue certainty. If market prices fall below the strike price, the producer receives a top-up; conversely, if market prices exceed the threshold, the producer repays the surplus to the state. This mechanism is designed to attract private investment while protecting public finances from windfall profits. Additionally, the government has eliminated a separate support regime for power purchase agreements (PPAs), requiring all bidders to compete under a unified set of rules while retaining the freedom to sign private contracts after the award.

Strategic Alignment With the Net-Zero Industry Act

In a first for the national energy sector, the upcoming offshore wind auction fully incorporates the requirements of the European Union’s Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA). The revised tender introduces mandatory prequalification criteria focused on supply chain resilience, cybersecurity, and environmental sustainability. Most notably, the rules specify that at least 75 percent of the project’s wind turbines must not be manufactured or assembled in China. These measures are intended to reduce strategic dependence on single-country suppliers and bolster Europe’s internal clean energy manufacturing base.

The government has also implemented restrictions on critical components and permanent magnets sourced from China. These provisions serve to strengthen the security of strategic energy infrastructure while encouraging responsible business conduct within the supply chain. By simplifying administrative requirements and lowering financial barriers, officials expect the streamlined framework to deliver more competitive bids. The government remains focused on minimizing costs for electricity consumers while ensuring that the infrastructure meets the highest standards of operational security and environmental responsibility.

Grid Integration and Next Steps for Relaunch

As part of the broader energy package, the Council of Ministers has set October 1, 2031, as the firm deadline for commissioning the first phase of the Princess Elisabeth Energy Island (MOG II). This artificial energy island is a critical piece of infrastructure that will serve as a hub connecting future offshore wind farms in the zone to Belgium’s onshore electricity grid. The alignment of the auction timeline with the MOG II commissioning date provides developers with the necessary clarity regarding grid connection availability, which was a significant point of contention in previous tender rounds.

Before the PEZ 1 auction can be officially reopened, the amended Royal Decree must undergo a review by the Council of State and be formally notified to the European Commission under state aid rules. Once these procedural steps are finalized, the Belgian government intends to relaunch the tender as soon as possible. This updated regulatory environment is expected to reinvigorate investor interest in the Belgian North Sea, supporting the country’s long-term decarbonization goals and its transition toward a more resilient and self-sufficient energy system.

Solar PV to Become Second-Largest Renewable Source

Solar PV is expected to account for the largest share of new electricity supply expansion. The IEA projects global solar PV generation to rise by around 600 TWh in 2026, matching the record growth achieved in 2025. This milestone will allow solar PV to overtake wind power and become the world’s second-largest renewable electricity source behind hydropower in 2026, with similar growth projected for 2027.

Regional Growth Trends and Energy Security

The growing share of renewable energy generation has helped diversify electricity supplies and significantly improved energy security, even as global markets faced higher generation costs linked to Middle East tensions early this year. Although additional LNG supplies, particularly from North America, helped ease market pressures, higher gas prices prompted several countries in Asia and Europe to switch part of their generation from natural gas to coal.

Overall global electricity consumption is projected to increase from 28,600 TWh in 2025 to 30,700 TWh by 2027. Global electricity demand is expected to grow by 3.6% in 2026 and 3.8% in 2027, up from the 3% growth recorded in 2025. Consumption across major global power markets shows steady expansion:

• China’s demand is projected to grow by 5.5% in 2026, supported by manufacturing and EV charging.
• India’s demand is expected to rebound by 7% after a subdued 1.6% in 2025.
• US and European Union electricity demand is forecast to grow by around 2%, driven by electrification, cooling needs, and data centers.

Grid Flexibility and System Reliability

Weather conditions remain a key uncertainty for electricity markets. A stronger-than-expected El Niño event could increase electricity consumption through higher cooling needs while reducing hydropower and wind generation in some regions, temporarily raising dependence on fossil fuel generation. At the same time, the ongoing expansion of renewable energy is making negative wholesale electricity prices more frequent in certain markets, highlighting the growing need for grid flexibility, battery energy storage, and demand response to maintain energy security and reliable electricity systems.

The document highlights that the combined installed capacity of wind and solar power is projected to exceed 2.8 billion kW by the end of the decade, with annual generation from these sources surpassing 4 trillion kWh. This roadmap for renewable energy development also specifies that the total scale of renewable energy used for non-power purposes will increase 2.5-fold compared to 2025 levels, reaching an equivalent of 150 million tonnes of standard coal. To support this growth, the plan mandates the addition of more than 300 million kW of new reliable peak power capacity, while the scale of newly commenced offshore wind power projects nationwide is expected to reach 100 million kW.

Diversification of the Energy Mix and Ecological Integration

China’s 2030 targets extend beyond wind and solar to include a diversified portfolio of hydropower, biomass, geothermal, and marine energy. Conventional hydropower installed capacity is expected to reach 410 million kW by 2030, as the country balances development with ecological protection and the requirements of flood control, irrigation, and navigation. Furthermore, the plan sets specific targets for emerging sectors, including 15 million kW of solar thermal power, 400,000 kW of marine energy capacity, and approximately 160 million kW of pumped storage power capacity. Officials noted that the objective is to create an electricity generation mix featuring “half non-fossil fuels, nearly half renewable energy, and 30 percent new energy sources.”

The policy differentiates between “renewable energy,” which encompasses all naturally replenishing sources including hydropower, and “new energy,” which refers to all renewable sources excluding hydropower. This distinction is central to the country’s strategy of ensuring a reliable and sustainable energy substitution. The NEA emphasized that the transition will prioritize quality and reliability to ensure that green power can effectively replace fossil-fuel-based generation while maintaining grid stability across the national power system.

International Cooperation and Standardization

In addition to domestic expansion, the plan emphasizes China’s role in global energy transition through international cooperation and the alignment of technical standards. The document states that China will actively facilitate the free flow of high-quality green technologies and products in the global market. The government intends to support various institutions and enterprises in deepening their involvement in the development of international standards and certification systems. By advancing the internationalization of its renewable energy technologies and management norms, China aims to promote the mutual recognition of certification results across global markets.

The document further outlines China’s commitment to participating in global governance regarding green and low-carbon development. Adhering to the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, the country will tailor its cooperation with partner nations to local conditions, focusing on energy transition and green energy technologies. This collaborative approach is designed to address the challenges of climate change collectively while supporting a global transition toward green and low-carbon energy. By fostering these international alignments, China seeks to ensure that its domestic industrial advancements contribute to a broader international low-carbon economy.

Koji Tanaka, an associate professor at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, stated that the primary objective of the project is to demonstrate the fundamental systems required for a future large-scale solar power station. Under this conceptual framework, specialized equipment would collect sunlight in orbit, convert it into electrical energy, and utilize wireless power transmission to deliver that energy to specific receiving stations located on the ground.

Technical Precision in Wireless Power Transmission

A distinct advantage of this space-based solar power system is its potential flexibility. Unlike traditional ground-based solar arrays that are fixed in one location, a satellite-based system could theoretically redirect its energy beam to various receiving sites, provided they are equipped with the necessary charging infrastructure. However, achieving the required accuracy for such a beam remains a formidable engineering hurdle.

Tanaka noted that the precision required is equivalent to hitting a target only 3 centimeters wide from a distance of 1 kilometer. To address this, researchers are leveraging phased-array antenna technology. This method, which allows for the electronic control of radio wave direction, is already utilized in radar systems and is being adapted to ensure the energy beam remains locked onto its terrestrial target. This satellite experiment will be crucial in determining if such high-level precision can be maintained in the harsh environment of space.

Evaluating Environmental and Atmospheric Impacts

Beyond the mechanical alignment of the beam, the research team must also account for how the Earth’s atmosphere and the space environment interact with the energy transmission. A key component of the upcoming study involves observing how ionospheric plasma might influence the stability and efficiency of the beam. Tanaka emphasized that the project must thoroughly evaluate the reciprocal effects between the transmission technology and its surroundings before any commercial application can be considered.

The construction of the flight model marks a transition from theoretical research to practical testing. The data gathered from this mission will provide essential insights into beam control and transmission accuracy, helping to define the future of space solar power technology. As the project moves toward launch, the results will help determine the commercial viability of a permanent solar power station in orbit.

The Path Toward Commercial Implementation

While the engineering milestones are critical, the broader implementation of space-based solar power faces non-technical requirements. Establishing international frameworks to govern orbital activities and securing consistent, long-term development funding are essential steps for the industry. Japan’s role in this emerging sector of renewable energy innovation will depend on continued technical success, international cooperation, and the ability to attract the investment necessary for large-scale deployment.

Applications involving extreme torques call for reliable and high-performance safety brakes. This is especially true when the environment presents additional challenges, such as in harbors or on the open sea. With new models in the ROBA-stop® S and ROBA-stop M® series mayr® power transmission now opens up the braking torque range above 1,000 Nm in the maritime sector as well. These brakes are also capable of absorbing peak loads with extreme friction work in emergencies, even under demanding conditions. 

Applications involving extreme torques call for reliable and high-performance safety brakes. This is especially true when the environment presents additional challenges, such as in harbors or on the open sea. With new models in the ROBA-stop® S and ROBA-stop M® series mayr® power transmission now opens up the braking torque range above 1,000 Nm in the maritime sector as well.

Large-scale applications such as harbor cranes, jack-up vessels, or anchor winches are particularly common in maritime environments. In such cases, loads and braking torques are correspondingly high. This also presents new challenges for the safety brakes. Especially when additional aggravating factors come into play, such as the omnipresent saltwater. In such environments, reliable XL brakes are required that can hold positions precisely despite all adversities and, when needed, reliably handle the enormous friction work involved.

With two new sizes in the proven ROBA-stop® S and ROBA-stop M® series, mayr® power transmission now offers new solutions for these extreme-duty applications. The ROBA-stop M® safety brakes are used in harbor or construction cranes, as well as in hoists or overhead traveling cranes in factory halls at various positions: specifically in the slewing, travel, and hoist drives, usually at the free shaft end. In normal operation, they frequently function as holding brakes. Only at a speed of zero does the brake engage and hold the load securely. The brakes are also designed to absorb peak loads with extreme friction work. This is the case, for example, when downward-moving loads must be braked from full speed in the event of an EMERGENCY STOP or power failure. New to the lineup is the ROBA-stop M® 2000, which achieves a braking torque of 3,500 Nm in the holding brake version and up to 2,500 Nm as a dynamic brake. The brake is available in two protection ratings: Protection rating IP54 for all conventional applications in which exposure to dust and water is not a major factor. For outdoor applications such as large construction cranes, where such conditions are the norm, protection rating IP66 is the better choice. It is achieved through a fully enclosed and sealed design.

The electromagnetic ROBA-stop M® safety brake operates according to the fail-safe principle, meaning it is failure-proof. In the de-energized state including during a power failure or EMERGENCY STOP it is engaged. When power is applied, a magnetic field builds up in the brake. The armature disk is attracted to the coil carrier against the spring pressure. This releases the rotor, which means the brake is released. The motor can rotate freely. A further advantage for safety-critical applications: Even in the event of damage to the brake caused, for example, by a line breakage or failure of the magnetic coil the braking torque is maintained.

Seawater Brake for Tough Conditions

If even more protection is required for example, when maritime conditions and seawater come into play protection rating IP67 in combination with high-performance corrosion protection is the better choice. This applies to harbor crane installations or deck winches and cranes on ships. mayr® has had the ROBA-stop® S in its product range for some time now for such applications. In addition to the high protection rating, the brake is provided with a special seawater primer depending on customer requirements, and also meets the highest corrosion protection classes per DIN EN ISO 12944 when the customer applies a corresponding topcoat. With the ROBA-stop® S in the new size 11, which delivers up to 1,200 Nm dynamic braking torque as standard, an additional model for high loads is now available in the series.

The ROBA-stop® S is specifically designed for the demanding conditions of maritime applications. With protection rating IP67 and high corrosion protection, it withstands the stresses caused by saltwater, heavy seas, and storms, and ensures reliable safety on deck or in harbor installations.

Easy Installation for Safe Operation

In difficult installation positions, criteria such as easy installation and handling as well as long maintenance intervals are particularly important, in addition to protection against external influences. Thanks to their reliable and sturdy design, the safety brakes are easy to handle and can be installed quickly and easily. The high-quality friction material of the brake linings with high wear resistance also substantially reduces the number of inspections necessary, and therefore the failure times. If the friction linings wear down, the maintenance effort is minimal: For the ROBA-stop® S series, only the air gap needs to be re-adjusted, or the rotor with the friction linings replaced at the end of the service lifetime. This is even easier with the new size 11 than before: The rotor is accessible from the rear of the brake, even when the brake is installed. This facilitates service and maintenance under extreme conditions and minimizes risks for the crew and equipment.

“We have been present on the market with our robust motor brakes for a comparatively long time, including in extreme applications,” says Andreas Merz, Product Manager at mayr® power transmission. “Our ROBA-stop® went into series production in 1986, so we have already been able to gather extensive experience. However, we are seeing significant developments in the course of electrification. Electric drives are becoming more compact and power-dense, but they also need to handle significantly more torque than before. That is why we are moving into the range well above 1,000 Newton meters with our new brake models. With our new XL brakes, we too are now serving a market segment in which the options available to the user are rather limited.”

mayr® power transmission at SMM 2026 in Hamburg: Hall A4, Booth 326. 

www.mayr.com

The agreement, finalized on July 15, was signed by Miłosz Motyka, Minister of Energy, alongside Tauron CEO Grzegorz Lot and Vice President Michal Orlowski. The initiative aligns with a broader governmental mandate to ensure that the rapid growth of variable renewable energy is supported by a resilient and responsive power system. “There can be no safe energy transformation without modern energy storage. Poland’s energy security today requires not only new sources of energy generation but also the ability to store it effectively,” stated Minister Motyka. “Therefore, we consider the development of large-scale energy storage facilities to be one of the priorities in building a modern, flexible, and resilient power system.”

Development Timeline and Economic Impact

The Rożnów II project is currently in its preparatory stage, having completed basic engineering design in 2025. This technical foundation is now being utilized to draw up environmental impact assessments and proceed with hydrological and geological studies. A critical milestone was reached in November 2025 when the national Transmission System Operator (TSO), PSE, granted power grid connection conditions for the site. Tauron has already secured the majority of the land required for the development and anticipates obtaining a final environmental permit and investment siting decision by 2027. If the current timeline holds, construction is slated to begin in 2028, with the facility reaching full operational status by 2034.

Beyond its primary role in balancing grid fluctuations, the project is expected to deliver significant domestic economic benefits and environmental safeguards. Tauron estimates that approximately 80 percent of the project’s total value could remain within the Polish economy through the engagement of local engineering teams, contractors, and suppliers. Furthermore, the facility will provide enhanced flood protection for the surrounding region by allowing Lake Rożnowskie to absorb up to 10 percent of the Dunajec River’s flood wave flow during extreme weather events. This multi-functional approach to infrastructure highlights the strategic value of pumped-storage energy projects in addressing both energy and climate resilience.

Scaling National Storage Capacity

Poland’s current pumped-storage capacity of 1,767 MW—comprising 1,383 MW from pure pumped-storage plants and 383 MW from mixed facilities—is increasingly viewed as insufficient to handle the complexities of a modernizing grid. To address this gap, the Polish government announced plans in 2023 to develop an additional 5.5 to 6 GW of pumped-storage capacity. Rożnów II is one of several large-scale developments aimed at reaching this target by the early 2030s.

Other major projects in the national pipeline include the 1,050 MW Młoty facility, which offers 4 GWh of storage capacity, and the 1,040 MW Tolkmicko project, which is designed for a storage capacity of up to 12 GWh. Together, these initiatives represent a combined storage potential of approximately 16 GWh. By prioritizing these massive infrastructure builds, Poland aims to create a robust buffer against the intermittency of wind and solar power, ensuring that its energy transformation remains grounded in stability and technological sovereignty.

The demonstration also marked the first successful WhatsApp Direct-to-Cell call in Madagascar. SpaceX Direct-to-Cell is designed to strengthen telecommunications access in isolated geographic locations and preserve the continuity of services when terrestrial infrastructure is temporarily unavailable. Airtel said the capability could offer an important communications resilience layer during emergencies and in hard-to-reach areas.

Regulatory assessment and satellite-network access

The trial was held in Sadabe in the presence of Madagascar’s Minister of Digital Development, Posts and Telecommunications, representatives from the National Bureau for Risk and Disaster Management (BNGRC), and officials from the Communications Technologies Regulatory Authority (ARTEC).

According to Airtel Madagascar, the test supports the SpaceX and Airtel Africa partnership to bring satellite connectivity to African markets. The company is also preparing for a potential commercial rollout of SpaceX Direct-to-Cell, subject to the successful completion of ARTEC’s regulatory evaluation.

Participants demonstrated the service using a standard 4G smartphone connected seamlessly to the satellite network. The connection supported SMS, WhatsApp messaging, WhatsApp voice and video calls, access to streaming platforms, and social media services including YouTube and Facebook.

Supporting resilience, public services and inclusion

Airtel Madagascar said the technology addresses the country’s geographic challenges, particularly in remote regions that can be difficult to reach through conventional mobile infrastructure. Beyond extending connectivity, the solution could maintain telecommunications services during disruptions to terrestrial networks, especially during natural disasters.

This could facilitate communication between communities, authorities, emergency services and field teams. The company also identified potential support for economic activities, public services and field operations requiring reliable communications outside the reach of traditional terrestrial mobile coverage. SpaceX Direct-to-Cell could therefore contribute to greater digital inclusion in Madagascar.

Next steps toward commercial deployment

The demonstration represents an important stage in assessing SpaceX Direct-to-Cell within the Malagasy market. Airtel Madagascar will work with SpaceX and ARTEC to evaluate potential use cases and deployment conditions, while gathering insights to inform decisions about a future commercial launch.

Airtel added that the initiative supports Madagascar’s digital transformation, the expansion of resilient telecommunications infrastructure and the development of a more inclusive digital ecosystem.

Strategic Financing and Global Partnerships

The extensive banking consortium involved in this financial close includes Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, BNP Paribas, Bank of China, and Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank. Additional support was provided by Dubai Islamic Bank, First Abu Dhabi Bank, HSBC, KfW IPEX-Bank, Natixis, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Standard Chartered Bank, and Societe Generale. By coordinating this large-scale consortium, Masdar has demonstrated its capacity to attract significant international investment for critical green infrastructure.

Mazin Khan, the Chief Financial Officer of Masdar, highlighted the importance of this achievement, stating that the successful financial close demonstrates the company’s ability to mobilize global capital for large scale renewable energy infrastructure while supporting long term economic growth and energy security. He further emphasized that the organization is prepared to move forward with the Abu Dhabi Solar Project to deliver “reliable, affordable and clean electricity around the clock.”

Technical Specifications and Operational Timeline

The Abu Dhabi Solar Project is designed to combine 5.2 GW of solar photovoltaic capacity with a 19 GWh battery energy storage system. This integration will allow the facility to supply 1 GW of continuous renewable power, effectively enabling round-the-clock clean electricity generation. Construction activities for the site began in October 2025, and the project is currently on track to reach commercial operations by 2027. To ensure high-quality execution, Sungrow and BYD have been appointed to supply the battery energy storage systems, while JinkoSolar and JA Solar will serve as the preferred module suppliers, each contributing 2.6 GW of solar modules.

This development is a vital component of Masdar’s expanding global renewable energy portfolio, which currently exceeds 65 GW across various sectors including wind and battery storage. The successful advancement of this project supports the company’s strategic objective to increase its total renewable energy capacity to 100 GW by the end of the decade.