In The Spotlight
Linz Electric SpA, a key subsidiary of the Pedrollo Group, has acquired a 60% stake in Germany’s KW Generator GmbH (KWG), marking a pivotal milestone in its ambitious international growth strategy.
With an annual turnover of €500mn, the group is now a formidable player in the global energy transition, addressing the evolving demands of sustainable and reliable power solutions.
The transaction builds on a nearly two-decade partnership between Linz Electric and KWG, merging Italian innovation with German engineering precision to create a European powerhouse in the energy sector.
By combining their complementary alternator ranges, the two companies have established one of the most comprehensive product portfolios globally, serving a wide array of applications.
These range from traditional generator sets to advanced energy transition support systems, as well as specialised solutions for mobile refrigeration, earthmoving equipment, and machinery requiring continuous, reliable, and flexible power.
This strategic alignment positions Linz Electric and KWG to tackle pressing global energy challenges, particularly as the reliability of power supply becomes increasingly critical amid growing concerns over blackouts and grid instability.
KWG brings to the partnership its advanced product lines and deep-rooted relationships with leading original equipment manufacturer (OEM) customers in demanding sectors, including material handling, heavy-duty environments, and mobile refrigeration.
These industries require robust, high-performance power solutions capable of operating in extreme conditions, and KWG’s expertise enhances the partnership’s ability to meet these needs.
Linz Electric’s well-established global distribution network within the Pedrollo Group, along with its direct subsidiary in the United States, plays a key role in opening up new markets and customer segments for KWG..
Growing customer base
This infrastructure opens new markets and customer segments for KWG, enabling the partnership to expand its reach and deliver innovative power solutions to a broader audience.
The acquisition underscores Linz Electric’s rising prominence in a rapidly transforming energy market, where innovation, sustainability, and strategic alliances are critical drivers of industrial value and long-term competitiveness.
By integrating KWG’s capabilities, Linz Electric strengthens its ability to deliver cutting-edge solutions that address the complexities of modern energy demands.
The partnership also aligns with the Pedrollo Group’s broader mission to drive progress across its core business areas.
With a diversified portfolio spanning water management, applied technology, and now a reinforced presence in energy, the group solidifies its reputation as an authoritative and innovative leader in international markets.
This move positions the Pedrollo Group as a key contributor to the global energy transition, offering solutions that support sustainable development and energy resilience worldwide.
As part of the Pedrollo Group, Linz Electric benefits from the Group’s financial stability and global reach, which amplify the strategic value of this partnership.
The acquisition not only enhances the energy business area but also reinforces the Group’s commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration across its operations in Italy, the United States, Spain, Germany, and beyond.
By uniting Linz Electric’s and KWG’s expertise, vision, and industrial strengths, this partnership is poised to deliver concrete, scalable solutions to meet the evolving needs of the global energy sector, ensuring reliability and sustainability for future generations.
Giulio Pedrollo, CEO of the Pedrollo Group and founder of Linz Electric, said," After years of collaboration, I am excited about the opportunities this transaction offers: the partnership between Linz Electric and KWG is a clear example of how international cooperation between companies that share values, vision and expertise can generate new opportunities for growth and development. Together, we are ready to face the great challenges of global energy transformation. We will continue to invest with determination in innovation, quality and customer service, while keeping our production roots firmly anchored in our home territories. For us, this project represents a concrete testimony to the value of European manufacturing excellence, capable of competing and innovating on an international scale.''
Michael Werner, CEO and shareholder of KWG, added, "With Linz as our majority partner, we are confident in our ability to address the competitive landscape and capitalize on new growth opportunities. This partnership demonstrates our commitment to providing superior products and services to our customers."
Vaisala, a measurement technology company, has contributed its advanced CO2 sensors to an exhibit at the 2025 Biennale Architettura in Venice, Italy.
The Belgian Pavilion’s exhibition, Building Biospheres, curated by landscape architect Bas Smets and commissioned by the Flanders Architecture Institute, explores the use of trees to create a comfortable indoor climate.
“Climate change and the recent crises that we have faced, are forcing us to rethink the relationship between architecture and nature,” Smets said. “Historically and traditionally, architecture has isolated itself from the natural world, recreating an indoor climate with heating, ventilation and mechanical tools. As humans we prefer the conditions of a sub-tropical climate, so our project will investigate and demonstrate what happens when sub-tropical plants such as the camphor tree are used to manage the indoor environment.”
The Biennale di Venezia, established in 1895, is one of the world’s oldest cultural festivals, featuring around 30 permanent national pavilions. This year’s Biennale Architettura aims to eliminate waste, recycle materials, and regenerate natural systems, showcasing how the built environment can harmonise with nature.
In November 2024, a prototype of Building Biospheres was constructed at Ghent University’s Faculty of Bioscience Engineering. Professor Kathy Steppe and her team set up a greenhouse facility, monitoring sub-tropical trees with TreeWatch technology. The plants and monitoring equipment were later relocated to the Belgian Pavilion in Venice. Key environmental factors measured include light, temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide, which significantly affect indoor comfort and well-being.
Advancing technology
“In order to maintain optimal conditions inside buildings, it is usually necessary to implement some form of heating, ventilation and/or air conditioning, but this can be very costly, both financially and from a carbon footprint perspective,” Prof. Steppe explained. “Plants actively interact with and help regulate their local climate through processes such as photosynthesis and transpiration. This means, for example, that the CO2 produced by humans, other organisms and natural processes can be taken up by plants during photosynthesis, helping to prevent excessive indoor CO2 build-up.”
Indoor CO2 levels impact comfort and performance. Well-ventilated spaces typically have 450–1,000 ppm CO2, but levels above this can cause drowsiness, while concentrations exceeding 2,000 ppm may lead to headaches, poor concentration, and other symptoms. Extremely high levels can even be fatal.
The International Energy Agency notes that buildings account for 30% of global energy consumption and 26% of energy-related emissions. The Building Biospheres exhibit investigates how plants can reduce reliance on energy-intensive building management systems, challenging conventional architectural practices.
Vaisala’s participation aligns with its sustainability goals.
“We were delighted to be invited to participate in this highly respected event,” said Pekka Ravila, Vaisala’s vice president, Industrial Measurements EMEA. “Not just because it highlights the performance of our CO2 sensors, but mostly because this represents a very exciting opportunity to help create a paradigm shift in the way that buildings are designed and managed. If we can achieve that, the potential beneficial impacts on climate change will be enormous.”
Also read: Vaisala highlights its newest solutions

Brady has launched a dedicated online hub focused on Electrical Identification. (Image source: Brady)
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Following the global digital transformation trend, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and Microsoft have joined hands together to transform utility sector
HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO, DEWA had an official meeting with Naim Yazbeck, general manager of Microsoft UAE, to delve into new opportunities for collaboration in digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), and cloud computing in the utilities sector.
The main agenda of meeting was how Microsoft’s innovative technologies can advocate DEWA’s innovation-led projects and help achieve its sustainability goals. Both parties discussed improving operational efficiency and building next-generation infrastructure alongwith the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative.
Gen AI tools
HE Al Tayer said, “Our collaboration with Microsoft is instrumental in transforming DEWA to become the world’s first AI-native utility, leveraging artificial intelligence across all core operations. By integrating AI and cloud-based solutions, we aim to enhance our renewable energy capabilities, drive operational excellence and provide world-class services in line with Dubai’s vision for sustainability and innovation.”
Yazbeck acknowledging the Microsoft’s support for the UAE’s digital future stated, “Our work with energy leaders like DEWA enables us to co-develop transformative solutions that redefine energy management, advance sustainability goals and build intelligent, resilient infrastructure across Dubai.”
DEWA is already employing Microsoft’s generative AI tools, like the Microsoft Power Platform and the Microsoft 365 Copilot. These have helped DEWA improve internal productivity, service quality, and satisfaction for both customers as well as employees.
DEWA has been an initial investor in AI since 2017 and wasfirst among the utilities globally to adopt Microsoft’s Copilot platform.
This new partnership reflects Dubai’s focus on innovation, sustainability, and technology-driven growth in the energy sector.
Also read: Middle East Energy 2025 closes with record turnout
The watertech company Kumulus Water, which turns air into potable water, has raised US$3.5mn in seed money.
Bpifrance led the seed funding through France 2030 SGPI and the Île-de-France Region, with participation from other international regional and investors, including Plus VC, MENA's most active VC, Khalys Venture, Flat6Labs, Europe's leading bottled water group Spadel, and several family offices and founders from Europe and North Africa.
Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid founded Kumulus in 2021. The company creates and produces atmospheric water generators, which use air humidity to produce safe drinking water without having any pre-existing electrical or water infrastructure.
Across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, the company's technologies are currently in use in hotels, schools, and remote settlements.
With this financing, Kumulus will debut the Kumulus Boks, a new range of industrial-grade, cutting-edge Atmospheric Water Generators (AWG) that supply pure drinking water straight from air humidity, as well as expand operations in Tunisia, France, and Spain, and prepare for market entry into Saudi Arabia.
Producing water locally
“We’re deeply grateful to our existing and new investors for their trust and continued support,” said Iheb Triki, CEO and co-founder of Kumulus Water. “Their involvement is a strong vote of confidence in our technology and our vision. At Kumulus, we believe access to clean drinking water should not depend on existing infrastructure. With this funding, we’re taking a major step toward making clean water accessible, sustainable, and decentralised—especially for the communities that need it most.”
“This funding allows us to scale not just production, but impact,” said Mohamed Ali Abid, co-founder and CTO of Kumulus Water. “We have spent the past few years refining a technology that can operate reliably in some of the harshest and most water-stressed environments. Now, we are ready to deploy it at scale and bring truly off-grid, sustainable water access to more communities across the region and beyond.”
Hasan Haider, founder and managing partner at +VC, said, “Kumulus is building a scalable, climate-resilient solution to one of the most critical regional and global challenges-access to clean drinking water. At +VC, we invest in founders who are not only mission-driven, solving real-world problems but also executing with commercially scalable solutions. Kumulus fits that profile and is well-positioned for both regional and global growth. We’re excited to support their journey as they scale meaningful impact, making them stand out in the climate-tech space.”
“We believe the world needs complementary solutions to address the growing challenge of drinking water scarcity,” added Clément Yvorra, global business development manager at Spadel. “What convinced us is Kumulus’ ability to produce water locally, without packaging or transportation, offering a truly sustainable alternative.”
The International Code Council (ICC), a global authority on building safety and construction standards, will take part in the 7th edition of Big 5 Construct Egypt, held from 17-19 June 2025 at the Egypt International Exhibition Center.
Mohammed Amer, managing director – ICC MENA, will present a session titled “Highlighting the Impact of ICC on Innovative Building Practices in the MENA.”
His address will explore ICC’s expanding role in the region, with a focus on its International Codes (I-Codes) and the wider ICC Family of Solutions.
Using real-world case studies, Amer will demonstrate how ICC works with governments, developers, and industry experts to promote international best practices throughout the MENA construction ecosystem.
In Egypt, ICC plays a vital role in advocating for modern regulatory frameworks, encouraging safer, more sustainable infrastructure. Through strategic partnerships and capacity-building initiatives, the organisation continues to support the country’s construction growth, while aligning it with global standards.
Bringing together more than 350 exhibitors from over 20 countries, Big 5 Construct Egypt showcases cutting-edge innovations driving regional construction forward.
Held under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Prime Minister of Egypt, and supported by the Egyptian Armed Forces Engineering Authority, the event serves as a key platform for shaping the built environment in North Africa.
Speaking about ICC’s participation, Amer stated, “At ICC, our mission is to support governments and industry stakeholders in implementing internationally recognised codes and standards that enhance safety, resilience, and sustainability. In Egypt and across the GCC, our efforts have played a key role in advancing building regulatory modernisation, integrating smart technologies, and strengthening the professional capacity needed to apply best practices effectively.”
Also read: A low-carbon future for the GCC construction industry?
Power Metallic Mines Inc., a prominent exploration and development company, has been granted the exploration licence for the Jabal Baudan project in Saudi Arabia’s Jabal Sayid Mineralised Belt.
Power Metallic is now one of the few foreign companies to secure mining concessions in the Kingdom, following a successful bid in a competitive licensing process.
CEO Terry Lynch, said, "We are honoured to have been awarded the Jabal Baudan exploration license, marking a pivotal step in our strategy to expand our portfolio into one of the world's most promising mineral belts. This achievement underscores our commitment to advancing mineral exploration globally and highlights our ability to secure high-value assets in competitive jurisdictions."
Strategic location in a mineral-rich region
The Jabal Baudan property, spanning over 200 sq km, is the largest of seven exploration packages offered in the Jabal Sayid belt.
Located approximately 150 km south of Jeddah along the western Red Sea coastal plain, the site is highly prospective for copper, gold, and zinc mineralisation.
The region is renowned for its volcanic massive sulphide (VMS) deposits, including the world-class Jabal Sayid Mine and the promising Umm ad Damar deposit.
Situated in rugged mountainous terrain intersected by wadi systems draining to the Red Sea, Jabal Baudan is underlain by late Proterozoic volcanic, volcaniclastic, and sedimentary rocks, intruded by younger plutonic rocks ranging from gabbro to granite.
This geological setting mirrors that of the nearby Umm Hiljan deposit, indicating strong potential for VMS-style mineralisation.
Historical exploration by BRGM, Riofinex, and USGS between 1966 and 1985 identified siliceous volcanic rocks and “ironstone,” suggesting mineralising systems conducive to VMS deposits.
Exploration strategy and support
Power Metallic plans to utilise historical aeromagnetic survey data to refine its exploration approach and pinpoint priority target areas.
The project is supported by Saudi Arabia’s Exploration Enablement Program (EEP), a US$182mn initiative designed to stimulate and de-risk mineral exploration investments.
The EEP offers up to US$2mn per exploration licence, with a cap of 15 licences per company, fostering knowledge exchange and growth.
This support will enable Power Metallic to enhance its geological understanding of Jabal Baudan and prioritise high-potential zones for advanced exploration.
"The Jabal Baudan site is located at the heart of the most prospective region of Saudi Arabia. It is easily reachable by world quality infrastructure and initial samples have confirmed strong potential for a large range of minerals" Dr Remi Piet, senior partner at Embellie Advisory.
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Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) has commenced hot metal production at pilot reduction cells for its next-generation aluminium smelting technology, known as EX.
The pilot programme, taking place at EGA’s Al Taweelah site, marks a major step toward scaling up the EX technology for full industrial deployment.
It lays the groundwork for EGA’s future expansion in low-carbon primary aluminium production, while also reinforcing the company’s standing as a leading provider of smelting technology to the global aluminium sector.
In addition to testing the technology’s operational readiness, the pilot will serve as a proving ground for the most advanced Industry 4.0 applications in aluminium manufacturing.
Cutting emissions
EGA will integrate its existing digital use cases into the EX cells and is also developing cutting-edge capabilities that leverage artificial intelligence and advanced data analytics to enhance operational performance.
EGA has been developing its own aluminium smelting technologies in the UAE for over 35 years.
Since the 1990s, the company has used its proprietary technology for every smelter expansion and has successfully retrofitted all older production lines.
In 2016, EGA became the first UAE industrial company to license its core process technology internationally through a landmark agreement with Aluminium Bahrain, which used EGA’s technology for its Potline 6 expansion.
EX is the 10th generation of EGA’s in-house smelting technology, with pilot cell construction beginning in late 2024.
Designed to increase output while reducing energy consumption and emissions, EX offers improved productivity per sqm compared to the company’s DX+ Ultra platform.
Depending on the variant, EX is expected to cut greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 5% to 12% per tonne of aluminium produced.
EGA’s DX+ Ultra is already considered among the most energy-efficient smelting technologies in the global market.
The company launched its digital transformation in 2021 to improve cost-efficiency, responsiveness, safety, and sustainability.
Since then, EGA has implemented more than 80 Industry 4.0 applications, generating roughly US$100mn in value. In January 2025, EGA became the first aluminium company globally, and the first industrial firm in the UAE, to be named an Industry 4.0 Global Lighthouse by the World Economic Forum.
Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, chief executive officer of EGA, said, “First hot metal from these EX Technology reduction cells is a key milestone for both our technology leadership and future growth at EGA. Our goal is to expand our primary aluminium production with the most advanced and smart aluminium smelting technology, to build the smelter of the future and to create further value for EGA through smelting technology partnerships around the world."
Also read: EGA signs agreements to produce gallium in the UAE

Grandweld recently decided to generate a major portion of its energy through solar power. (Image source: Grandweld Shipyards)
Jamal S. Abki, general manager of Grandweld Shipyards, speaks to Technical Review Middle East on the company's latest updates. Read on:
Grandweld recently decided to generate a major portion of its energy through solar power. What drove this shift?
We believe that sustainability should not be treated as just a passing trend but a long-term strategic priority. Our decision to shift to solar power was driven by a deep commitment to align with the UAE’s forward-thinking environmental vision, particularly the Dubai Clean Energy 2050 and Dubai Net Zero Emissions Strategy 2050. Today, we generate 50% of our total energy needs through our solar power project, which has a current production capacity of 569 kWp, supporting both our ship building operations and our offices.
By becoming the first shipbuilder in the region to adopt solar power at this scale, we aim not only to reduce our carbon footprint but also to demonstrate that sustainable shipbuilding is both achievable and scalable. Our goal is to become a 100% green shipyard by the end of this year, with Phase Two of the project expected to conclude soon and set to increase total capacity to 1.3 MW.
The Grandweld shipyard's solar rooftop
What are some of the most transformative technologies currently being adopted at Grandweld?
The integration of advanced technologies has significantly enhanced the efficiency and precision of our operations. Having an in-house facility allows us to maintain full control over quality and timelines.
We have adopted high-precision tools like Computer Numerical Control (CNC) technology into our shipbuilding and repair processes, including a state-of-the-art 4-axis CNC lathe machines, which enables us to produce complex, high-precision components tailored to client specifications, whether for small-batch production or high-volume orders.
Additionally, the use of Optical Emission Spectrometers (OES) technology enhances quality control and operational efficiency, especially in raw material or sample identification.
We further offer specialised 4-stroke engine services and refurbish marine alternators through precise rewinding techniques that extend their operational life. Moreover, our vessels, such as the recently delivered FNSA 7, are equipped with real-time remote monitoring systems and full digitalisation packages. These technologies support predictive maintenance and continuous performance tracking, helping reduce downtime and improve overall vessel reliability.
Jamal Abki, general manager of Grandweld Shipyards
Can you tell us more about your foray into military vessel construction and how you see this segment evolving in terms of scalability and innovation?
With the Middle East military vehicles market estimated at US$34.25bn in 2025 and expected to reach US$46.49bn by 2030, at a CAGR of 6.3%, our transition into the defence sector has been both timely and impactful. We have secured US$65.8mn across 15 shipbuilding projects within the GCC and successfully delivered 12 vessels, underscoring our position as a trusted partner for both commercial and defence clients.
Our initial military supplies, including a 45m Fast Attack Craft and a 17m Interceptor Vessel, met stringent defence standards and showcased our technical expertise, highlighted by the Interceptor’s surface drive propulsion system and the Fast Attack Craft’s precision performance.
A military vessel built by Grandweld
Building on this momentum, we made a strong statement at NAVDEX 2025 with the unveiling of two advanced naval security platforms. One was the FA-400 Offshore Patrol Vessel, co-developed with ADSB and EDGE for ISR, zone surveillance, and rapid-strike operations. The other one was a 21-meter high-speed, lightweight Patrol Vessel designed for coastal defence.
Defence clients are now increasingly demanding modular vessel designs that allow multi-mission reconfiguration, integrated sensor suites, and hybrid propulsion systems. Our future roadmap includes expanding our defence portfolio with vessels offering enhanced automation and mission flexibility, ensuring Grandweld remains at the forefront of naval innovation amidst an evolving geopolitical landscape.
How is Grandweld contributing to designing vessels that support regional trade and sustainability goals?
From aluminium-hull crew boats that offer low-emission, high-speed personnel transfers to offshore patrol vessels designed for secure navigation in high-traffic zones, every vessel is purpose-built to optimise performance and minimise environmental impact.
To further align with the UAE’s green economy vision, we are also investing in next-generation shipbuilding technologies that promote sustainability and efficiency. Our focus includes integrating energy-efficient propulsion systems, advanced automation, and modular designs that not only reduce waste but also increase vessel versatility. These innovations support both economic resilience and environmental stewardship, enabling our clients to meet rigorous operational demands while advancing sustainability goals.