In The Spotlight
Gregg Herrin, Bentley Systems vice president for water, pens a piece on how digital twins can ensure sustainable practices and help conserve water. This is the first in a three-part series of his op-ed, which has been slightly edited for brevity. Read on.
When thinking about climate change, it is both accurate and enlightening to view the global environmental challenge as, primarily, a water crisis.
Climate change impacts water in several ways: regional droughts, dried-up lakes and riverbeds, torrential rain storms and floods, diminished water quality due to chemical or wastewater runoff, and overall concerns about water security.
These broad and multifaceted water problems are detrimental both to human health and our ecosystem.
As climate change continues to impact our natural resources and weather patterns, the need for sustainable and energy-efficient solutions for water management has never been direr.
Data-driven sustainability
Infrastructure digital twins offer some novel pathways for responding to the current global challenges related to water management.
Technologies such as smart meters, real-time data and predictive analytics, Internet of Things (IoT), AI, and digital twins can assist in water management projects through better monitoring and prediction, as well as improved decision-making capabilities, resulting in less water waste and protection against contamination of water supplies.
While other infrastructure areas, such as transportation and energy, have begun utilising digital twins more broadly, adoption has been somewhat slower in water management.
This slower adoption is often due to the complexity of water systems, the need for extensive data integration, and the traditionally conservative nature of the water management sector when it comes to adopting new technologies.
However, there are several key factors that are encouraging a more open stance toward the adoption of new technologies, including digital twins.
These include increasing regulatory and environmental pressures, ageing infrastructure with the need for modernisation, advancements in data collection and analytics, and increased focus on resilience and sustainability.
Proven success from early adopters of digital twin solutions is also helping drive confidence in the technology’s potential.

A major selling point of the HYPR Energy solution is its sustainability. (Image source: Positive Zero)
In a conversation with Technical Review Middle East, Stanislav Betin, the general manager of HYPR Energy, a Positive Zero company, provided an in-depth overview of their innovative mobile battery system designed to power construction sites. A key focus was how these batteries are powered by renewable energy.
Betin explained the evolution of their electric power unit (EGPU), starting with a 175 kWh battery and upgrading to a 423 kWh battery mounted on a trailer. As he noted, "It's very mobile. We can bring it anywhere. We can mobilise the site within three to four hours." This mobility is a crucial advantage, allowing the system to be quickly deployed at construction sites.
A major selling point of the HYPR Energy solution is its sustainability. Betin emphasised that the system is "zero noise emitting, zero CO2 emitting" and often cheaper than traditional diesel generators. He explained how the company leverages its access to solar infrastructure, stating, "We also couple this product with our access to solar infrastructure across Dubai. We have 500+ different projects, and we are using the credits from those projects, which are accumulated over time. And we use those credits about the batteries. So we try to have this like a circular economy, omitting CO2 emission at every possible stage."
A data-driven approach
The real-time monitoring and fleet management capabilities of the system were also highlighted. As Betin noted, "Every element of our system, either the charger, battery, a port, even a truck, is IoT connected. So we see the real time location, and we also see all the key parameters for that specific element, like the state of charge and state of health." This data-driven approach allows the company to optimise operations and predict maintenance needs.
Betin acknowledged that the company faces some challenges in scaling up and quickly introducing their mobile battery system to the market. As he explained, "The challenge currently is the speed at which we should introduce the batteries to the market.”
Whenever peak power is required, the battery can sustain up to 250 kilowatt output
He noted that the temporary nature of construction sites requires frequent demobilisation and remobilisation of the battery systems, which adds complexity compared to more permanent solar installations. Betin said the company is working to address this by targeting clients with longer-term construction projects, up to 28 months, to provide more consistent service.
Despite these challenges, Betin expressed confidence in the company's ability to scale up, stating their plans to expand the battery fleet significantly this year, with new batches arriving in the coming weeks. He emphasised the strong demand they are seeing, driven by the booming construction sector and companies' focus on sustainability targets.
The 49th Middle East Energy trade show will run from 7-9 April across 16 DWTC halls – two more than the previous edition. The additional space will include a host of new features, including a sixth product sector – Battery & eMobility – and a dedicated hall for exhibitors within the battery and eMobility space.
“Middle East Energy has always been at the forefront of innovation, and 2025 is no exception,” said Mark Ring, group exhibition director for the energy portfolio at Informa Markets.
With our expanded footprint, showcasing regional and global market-leading products and services, the addition of The Battery Show, and a strong line-up of conferences, Middle East Energy 2025 is set to redefine how we address the region’s energy needs and promises to power the future, connect innovators, and drive meaningful change across the entire spectrum of the global energy landscape from a single location.
The event will be held under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Energy & Infrastructure, reinforcing it as a cornerstone of innovation and collaboration in the energy industry, and underlining its commitment to fostering collaboration, driving advancements, and supporting the Middle East and Africa’s energy transition.
Battery show debuts with entire hall takeover
Spanning an entire hall, this 13-year-old global platform – The Battery Show will showcase game-changing battery technology and powerful solutions. Bringing together engineers, business leaders, industry leading companies, and disruptors.
The Battery Show Conference will dive into crucial topics such as the impact of electrification on the automotive sector, advanced materials for electric vehicle manufacturing, and alternative battery technologies, offering attendees a rare chance to connect with industry thought leaders.
The exhibition’s expansive knowledge programme will host six CPD-accredited, free-to-attend conferences. They are: The Middle East Energy Leadership Summit; the Technical Seminar; Intersolar & ees Middle East Conference; Global Innovation Forum; Africa Business Leaders Forum; and The Battery Show Conference.
The 2025 event has also accrued an impressive line-up of major sponsors, including Alfanar, The Riyadh Cables Group, Baudouin, MEMF, Bahra Electric, Ducab, Su-Kam, Al Ojaimi, LTC Group, Eastman, Riello UPS, Jeddah Cables Company, and AquaVolt Solutions.
To find out more about Middle East Energy, visit: www.middleeast-energy.com
To register for Middle East Energy, visit: https://middleeast-energy.me/4jduIT1

Further upgrades include the installation of GE Vernova’s Advanced Gas Path. (Image source: GE Vernova)
The Iraqi Ministry of Electricity (MoE) and GE Vernova Inc. have completed a series of critical upgrades across multiple power plants, significantly improving Iraq’s power generation capacity and grid stability.
The modernisation efforts, which target 46 gas turbines across 12 facilities, are expected to add up to 500 megawatts (MW) to the national grid by summer 2025, supporting Iraq’s energy transition goals.
Several plants, including those in Ninawa, Al Diwaniyah, Hilla, Karbala, Shat Al Basra, Najibiya, Samawa, Dhiqar, Al Khairat, and Al Haidariya, have already switched from heavy fuel oil (HFO) to natural gas, increasing capacity by approximately 260 MW.
The remaining plants are set for completion by mid-2025, with an anticipated additional 250 MW boost.
Long-term vision
Further upgrades include the installation of GE Vernova’s Advanced Gas Path (AGP) technology on 9E gas turbines at Al-Quds and Dhiqar power plants, as well as MXLII upgrades on 13E2 gas turbines at Al Mansouriya.
These enhancements are expected to increase power output by up to 6% without additional fuel consumption.
As part of a broader services and maintenance agreement with the MoE, GE Vernova has also completed major overhauls at several power plants, including Qayyarah, Diwaniyah, Al-Haydariyah, and Baghdad South, covering a combined capacity of 3.7 gigawatts.
These initiatives aim to improve the long-term reliability and efficiency of Iraq’s electricity infrastructure.
Ziyad Ali Fadhil, Iraq’s Minister of Electricity, said, “These diverse and comprehensive projects significantly advance our goals of expanding electricity generation and enhancing energy reliability, particularly during peak demand periods. The projects also focus on improving power plant efficiency and increasing output without increased fuel consumption, leading to less carbon emissions per amount of fuel consumed. Collaborating with reputed international companies like GE Vernova is critical to achieving the Ministry's objectives and bolstering the nation's power sector.”
Joseph Anis, president & CEO, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Gas Power at GE Vernova, said, "We are proud of this ongoing collaboration to support the Ministry of Electricity’s strategic objectives of enhancing power generation efficiency across Iraq and accelerating the nation’s energy transition efforts. The timely completion of these projects is integral to GE Vernova's commitment to modernise Iraq's energy infrastructure and support the delivery of more efficient and more sustainable energy solutions.”
As climate change intensifies water scarcity, pollution, and extreme weather events, the need for smarter water management has never been more pressing.
Gregg Herrin, Bentley Systems vice president for water, in his third piece, explains how digital twins offer a transformative solution, enabling utilities and governments to optimise water resources, enhance sustainability, and safeguard communities. With aging infrastructure and rising environmental challenges, adopting these technologies now is not just an opportunity—it is an urgent necessity.
The examples shown earlier illustrate what’s possible when digital twins are used to address water issues at the source. Even as these problems become more severe, technology is continuing to adapt and evolve.
By leveraging digital twins, the water management sector can optimise source water management, improve sustainability, and enhance overall water security, ensuring that utilities can meet the demands of their customers while protecting and sustaining vital water resources.
Climate urgency
Urban planners, governmental leaders, and other stakeholders are also at a crossroads. As climate change results in more damaging storms, droughts, and depleted or polluted water supplies, delivering clean water to support both people and the environment, along with elevating agriculture while preserving natural habitats, will become an even greater challenge.
We have not only an opportunity but also an ethical obligation to leverage technology toward these goals, transforming the water management sector in a way that is both climate change-proof and sustainable.
The time to implement these solutions is now, before it’s too late. With increasing pressure from climate change, aging infrastructure, and regulatory and environmental requirements, the opportunity to fundamentally change the way we manage water for the better, by using digital solutions, is tangible and present.
Digital twins provide the predictive and real-time capabilities to respond to these dynamic conditions—and the beneficiaries of these digitally driven decisions are not only today’s communities, but those of the future.
In a previous post, we looked at how digital twins can ensure sustainable practices and help conserve water. Advanced technologies like smart meters, real-time data analytics, IoT, AI, and digital twins are transforming water management by enhancing monitoring, improving predictive capabilities, and enabling more informed decision-making. These innovations help minimise water waste and safeguard supplies from contamination.
We also highlighted a few case studies in this regard. The Sacramento Regional Sanitation Department began upgrading its water management infrastructure in 2010 to address California’s chronic water shortages. The EchoWater Project, a US$2.1bn initiative managed by Project Controls Cubed (PC3), aimed to meet new discharge standards and provide high-quality recycled water for local agriculture.

A50 underscores the company’s commitment to meeting evolving customer needs by providing more choices and improved operational capabilities. (Image source: Volvo)
Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) has announced a comprehensive update to its globally recognised articulated hauler lineup, marking the most extensive product portfolio renewal in decades.
The revamped range now includes models from A25 to A60, featuring significant technological advancements aimed at improving efficiency, safety, and adaptability for future drivetrain developments. A notable addition to the lineup is the all-new A50 model, which expands customer options in the demanding hauler segment.
A new range from A25 to A60
A pioneer in the articulated hauler industry since introducing ‘Gravel Charlie’ in 1966, Volvo CE is rolling out its latest lineup in a phased global release throughout 2025. This upgrade represents a significant technological leap, incorporating a new electronic system and an in-house developed transmission that delivers fuel efficiency improvements of up to 15%, depending on the model and application. Designed with adaptability in mind, the new haulers are constructed to integrate seamlessly with future drivetrains.
Introducing the A50 model
One of the most exciting highlights of the launch is the debut of the A50 model, which enhances Volvo CE’s offering in the hauler segment. Available in selected markets, the A50 underscores the company’s commitment to meeting evolving customer needs by providing more choices and improved operational capabilities. The updated haulers are engineered to lower the total cost of ownership while ensuring maximum safety and productivity, especially when combined with Volvo CE’s digital solutions such as Haul Assist with onboard weighing.
Melker Jernberg, president of Volvo CE, emphasised the company’s legacy of innovation,“For nearly 60 years we have been leading the way with our range of articulated haulers and now with today’s launch of a new range of outstanding products, including one completely new model, we prove that there are no limits to our capacity for innovation. Our customers know to expect a first-class operation when they get into one of our haulers, but that experience has just got even better with a host of cutting-edge features designed with our customers in mind.”
A circular approach to sustainability
The new range is designed to be among the most fuel-efficient hauling solutions on the market, incorporating sustainability-focused elements such as low-carbon emission steel made from recycled materials. This steel, produced using fossil-free electricity and biogas, is being integrated into the serial production of haulers at Volvo CE’s Braås site. Given that steel is a major component in Volvo CE’s products and is traditionally a significant source of carbon emissions, this material circularity initiative aligns with the company’s broader sustainability strategy to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.
A step towards the future
With over 35% of its total range renewed in the past 12 months, Volvo CE is taking a decisive step towards shaping the future of construction equipment. This latest product overhaul continues the company’s long-standing tradition of setting industry benchmarks for innovation and operational excellence, just as it did in 1966. By integrating cutting-edge features and sustainable manufacturing practices, Volvo CE reinforces its leadership in the articulated hauler segment and its commitment to meeting the challenges of tomorrow’s construction industry.
Also read: Volvo CE adopts low-carbon steel
Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Karim Badawi, spoke at the ministerial session of African Mining Indaba, held in Cape Town from 3–6 February 2025
The session, themed “Forging a United African Mining Front: Collaboration for Sustainable Development,” brought together key leaders, including South Africa’s Minister of Mineral Resources and Petroleum, Gwede Mantashe; the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Minister of Mines, Kizito Pakabomba Kapinga Mulume; and Zambia’s Minister of Mines and Mineral Development, Paul Kabuswe. The discussion was moderated by Marit Kitao, Director of the African Mineral Development Centre.
Badawi outlined Egypt’s progress in modernising its mining sector, emphasising that reforms are beginning to yield tangible results. He highlighted the country’s vast mineral potential and the government’s commitment to attracting investment through its new programme, which aligns with Egypt Vision 2030. The goal is to position Egypt as a key player in the global mining industry.
Modernisation
He also underscored Egypt’s dedication to fostering sustainable partnerships in the mining sector. He pointed to the recent finalisation of an updated Mineral Exploitation Agreement Model as evidence of efforts to enhance the investment climate. This new framework, he noted, is designed to create mutual benefits for stakeholders while supporting comprehensive modernisation strategies.
Further, Badawi detailed ongoing efforts to develop strategies for value-added mining industries and for managing the environmental and social impacts of mining activities. He also outlined the country’s strategy for maximising critical minerals to support the energy transition.
He announced plans for the Egyptian Digital Mining Platform, modeled after the Egyptian Upstream Gateway (EUG), which will offer detailed geological data and facilitate transparent investor engagement with the Egyptian Mineral Resources Authority.

The company's global presence includes manufacturing facilities in Belgium. (Image source: Convergent)
We're not just a group that created the best lithium silicate hardeners in 2000, we're first and foremost a research team for the protection of concrete surfaces in general.
It’s the most preferred and specified brand by design builders, architects and owners and it continues to set the standard by which all others follow.
Over the past 25 years, we have continued to develop our lithium-based products to bring you a complete range from hardeners to solid & transparent colours, to finishing products as well as lithium-based detergents.
Finishing a concrete surface is a piece of patience and knowledge!
That’s why we have around the world 50 distributors, who are expert in concrete surfaces with more than 100 million sqm experience.
With our research department, we have developed other hardeners, other pigments, other finishing products, other waterproofing products based on different silicates such as sodium, potassium, fluorine, but also hardeners based on colloidal silica, repair mortars that you can colour, but also a range polyaspartic products.
Facility owners from various industries have relied on our unique chemical strengths to make their concrete and masonry cleaner, safer and more durable:
Aeronautic: Boeing, Airbus
Concrete Highway, Landing Strip, Haven)
Manufacturing: Inditex, Louis Vuitton
Car & Truck factories: Scania, Iveco, VAG, Mercedes
Nuclear Site: Spain
Shopping mole: Lotus Shopping
Grocery stores: Aldi, Metro, Gran Mercado, Carrefour, Atacadao
Water & Soda Production: Coke, Utah Juice
Warehousing: Amazon- E-Mag, Nestlé
Commercial: Ikea, Leroy Merlin, Castorama
Healthcare & Hospital, Universities: Brussel’s, Helsinki
Cold rooms & Freezers: Mc Cain
Perfumes production: Dior
Luxury Stores: Hermes
Pharmaceutical: Pfizer
Museum: Guggenheim
This article was written by Convergent Group SA, which is an international chemicals company based in Belgium, specialising in the manufacture of chemical treatments for concrete surfaces.
The company's global presence includes manufacturing facilities in Belgium and distribution networks serving Europe, Africa, Australia/New Zealand, India, and the Middle East.

AD Ports Group begins managing Luanda’s multipurpose terminal and logistics venture. (Image source: AD Ports)
AD Ports Group, a prominent player in global trade, logistics, and industry has began overseeing the long-term management and development of a major multipurpose terminal and an accompanying logistics venture in collaboration with local partners in Luanda, Angola, marking a significant step in the company’s expansion across sub-Saharan Africa
Partnering with Unicargas and Multiparques, AD Ports Group has commenced operations at the Noatum Ports Luanda Terminal, situated at Angola’s largest port. The Port of Luanda accounts for approximately 76% of the country’s container and general cargo traffic and offers vital maritime connections to neighbouring landlocked nations like the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia.
AD Ports Group holds an 81% stake in the multipurpose terminal joint venture, while it owns 90% of the logistics venture with Unicargas.
The agreement, a 20-year concession with the Luanda Port Authority signed in April 2024, includes an investment commitment of around US$250mn by AD Ports Group through 2026 for the modernization of the terminal and the establishment of Noatum Unicargas Logistics. This joint venture will provide comprehensive logistics, transport, and freight forwarding services to regional, local, and international clients.
With the terminal now operational, Noatum Unicargas Logistics has also begun trading. The logistics business is making substantial investments in new trucks and systems and will be fully integrated into the Noatum Logistics global network, improving Angola’s connectivity to international markets and driving growth in the national economy.
Based on market demand, AD Ports Group’s total investment in this project could increase to USD 380 million over the duration of the concession, which may be extended by an additional decade.
In late 2024, AD Ports Group also secured two agreements with the Angolan government that provide substantial tax and financial advantages to its operating subsidiaries.
These investments are expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, alongside a focus on training and skill development. The planned upgrades will also introduce environmentally sustainable technologies, ensuring lower carbon emissions.
Mohamed Eidha Al Menhali, regional CEO of AD Ports Group, commented, “With the planned upgrade of Luanda’s multipurpose port terminal, and the establishment of an integrated logistics and freight forwarding business leveraging our Group’s global network and reach, AD Ports Group is positioned to capture the growth in Angola’s container volumes, which are forecast to rise on average by 3.3% annually over the next decade. In line with the direction of our wise leadership, this significant investment by our Group and its partners will strengthen the country’s ties with the UAE and bring jobs and economic prosperity to the citizens of Angola.”
Ricardo Daniel Sandão Queirós Viegas de Abreu, minister of transport, Angola, stated, “The Port of Luanda is the main maritime gateway to Angola, a critical hub for regional trade and an economic lifeline for the region. Our strategic partnership with AD Ports Group, part of a broader effort involving multiple stakeholders, will transform the Port of Luanda into an efficient, high-performance multipurpose facility that transforms our logistical capabilities and drives economic growth across central West Africa. This collaboration is a significant milestone in our mission to modernise infrastructure and expand access to global trade, while delivering a prosperous future to Angola and its partners."