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Minister Vandal announces investments in clean energy projects to help reduce diesel use in Nunavut

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RANKIN INLET, NU, July 29, 2024 /CNW/ – Indigenous-led clean energy projects play an important role in reducing the use of costly and polluting diesel for electricity and heating in Northern and Arctic communities and support local jobs and economic development.

Today, the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs and David Kakuktinniq, President of Sakku Investments Corporation, announced over $19 million in federal funding for three clean energy projects that will increase renewable energy generation in Rankin Inlet, Baker Lake, and Naujaat, Nunavut.

Funding will support the construction of a 1.0 + megawatt solar and battery energy storage facility in Naujaat, which currently relies entirely on diesel to meet its electricity needs. This new facility will supply 30% of the community’s electricity demand with locally-produced renewable energy. The project name “Ikayuut” was chosen by the Hamlet Council of Naujaat. It comes from the Inuktitut word “Ikayuuti,” meaning “help, support, or resources,” and speaks to how the project will help support Naujaat’s power grid. Construction is set to start in the summer of 2024.

The federal government is also providing funding for early-stage work on three solar installations on buildings owned by Sakku Properties Ltd., a subsidiary of Sakku Investments Corporation, in Rankin Inlet. The systems will result in 300kW of installed generation capacity, which would reduce diesel and greenhouse gas emissions by more than 56,000 litres and 178,000 kilograms each year. The systems are expected to generate solar power for the community by 2025.

Funding is also being provided for the Baker Lake and Rankin Inlet Wind Energy Development Projects to undertake research and development of wind energy generation to reduce the communities’ reliance on diesel. They will incorporate traditional Inuit knowledge into community input-driven wildlife studies for wind development in northern Canada while supporting local labour, capacity building, training and economic development.

These Inuit-led clean energy initiatives are foundational to Nunavut’s energy transition. Canada is working directly with Indigenous communities to advance self-determination while building a low-emission energy future and creating economic prosperity, security and more resilient communities.

Quotes

“Sakku is pleased to partner with the Government of Canada to deliver renewable energy infrastructure projects for the Kivalliq region. Investing in a clean energy future for Nunavut is critical as our region grows and we shift away from burning fossil fuels, which is vital to protecting our lands, waters and communities for generations to come.” 

David Kakuktinniq
President and CEO of Sakku Investments Corporation

“As the Regional Inuit Association promoting the interests and rights of the Inuit of the Kivalliq, we are pleased to support Sakku Investments in advancing these important energy projects. It is critical that we fight climate change, build infrastructure that supports economic growth, and change the legacy of diesel fuel that is shipped through sensitive Arctic waters. I’d like to thank the Government of Canada for partnering with us to ensure energy infrastructure in Nunavut is a priority. Let’s continue to build a stronger, greener future.” 

Kono Tattuinee
President of the Kivalliq Inuit Association

“It is great to be back in the Kivalliq Region to announce support for new community-led clean energy initiatives. They are crucial to tackling climate change and growing a clean energy economy in the North. These Inuit-led and delivered initiatives will reduce pollution, save money, and create good jobs in Nunavut.”

The Honourable Dan Vandal, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Northern Affairs and Minister responsible for CanNor

“In Nunavut and across the country, clean energy presents an enormous economic opportunity that will also help people save money on their energy bills and keep the air clean. Supplying people in Rankin Inlet, Baker Lake, and Naujaat with clean energy will make a real difference in their lives and help fight climate change.”

The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

“Helping advance Indigenous-led climate action projects, such as the Ikayuut Solar and Energy Storage Project, is critical to building a low-carbon economy and will help reduce the use of diesel in Canada’s Northern and Arctic regions. This project will be a shining example to other communities seeking to implement solar energy technologies and other renewable energy projects in the North and beyond.”

– The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

Quick facts

The federal government is investing $18.45 million toward a solar and energy storage facility in Naujaat, including:$6.5 million through the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities Program;$5.9 million through Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Low Carbon Economy Fund;$1,050,000 under Natural Resources Canada’s (NRCan’s) Indigenous Off-Diesel Initiative; and$5 million through the Indigenous Community Infrastructure Fund, delivered by Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) and administered by Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated.Through CIRNAC’s Northern REACHE Program, the Government of Canada is investing $220,000 in the early project development work for solar photovoltaic installations on three Sakku Properties Ltd buildings, a subsidiary of Sakku Investments Corporation, in Rankin Inlet.The Northern REACHE program supports Indigenous and northern communities’ transition away from diesel fuel for electricity and heating by promoting and funding renewable energy technologies such as solar, wind, hydroelectricity, and biomass heating. To date, Northern REACHE has supported a total of 222 clean energy projects in the North with an investment of over $102 million, including 47 projects in Nunavut.NRCan is providing 1,313,282$ in funding for the Baker Lake and Rankin Inlet Wind Energy Development Projects under the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities Program (CERRC).The CERRC program provides funding for renewable energy and capacity-building projects to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels for heating and electricity in Indigenous, rural and remote communities across Canada. Supporting Indigenous leadership and collaborating on solutions to reduce reliance on fossil fuels in Northern communities for First Nations, Inuit and Métis is central to advancing the reconciliation journey and self-determination.Launched in 2019 and developed with Indigenous representatives and six territorial and provincial governments, Canada’s Arctic and Northern Policy Framework is a long-term vision for the Arctic and the North, reflecting the priorities and perspectives of the Arctic and northern people.

Associated links

Sakku Investments Corporation
Kivalliq Inuit Association
Low Carbon Economy Fund
Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities Program
Indigenous Off-Diesel Initiative

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SOURCE Indigenous Services Canada

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IMTEX, Tooltech & Digital Manufacturing 2025: An exhibition of India’s manufacturing prowess

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Indian Machine Tool Manufacturers’ Association (IMTMA) to Organise the 22nd Edition of IMTEX

Over 1,100 Exhibitors from 23 Countries Set to Showcase Cutting-Edge Manufacturing Technologies Across 90,000 Square Metres

BENGALURU, India, Dec. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — India’s manufacturing ecosystem is undergoing rapid changes with the onset of new and emerging technologies to meet domestic and global needs. A technology enthusiast’s quench gets satisfied when he sees and experiences an innovative and revolutionary technology. IMTEX is where every technology enthusiast will have something to see, experience, and carry. 

Being a part of IMTEX is an amazing experience, as the exhibition creates a welcoming atmosphere for its visitors, showcasing the machine tool industry in a grand light. Every business visitor who attends IMTEX considers it a privilege to do business, and importantly, it is one of those top-notch exhibitions that showcases a new and confident India.

Organized by Indian Machine Tool Manufacturers’ Association (IMTMA), IMTEX, Tooltech & Digital Manufacturing 2025 will be held at Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) in Bengaluru, Karnataka, from 23 to 29 January 2025.

IMTEX 2025 is very special as it is set to surpass all its previous editions, occupying 90,000 square meters of space in eight halls. Over 1,100 exhibitors from 23 countries showcasing new products and technologies in the form of live machines are expected to participate. Countries like Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Spain, Taiwan, and the United States of America have separate pavilions. IMTMA anticipates participation from around 2,000 trade delegations representing various user industries.

Tooltech, focusing on tools and dies, and Digital Manufacturing, showcasing Industry 4.0 and additive manufacturing advancements, will be held as concurrent shows. International Seminar on Machining Technologies, to be held on 24 and 25 January, will throw light on the emerging technologies in metal cutting technologies. International experts from various countries will deliberate upon the innovations and global best practices. 

The exhibition will have interesting parallel events, such as i2 Academia Square comprising Academia Pavilion with institutions presenting innovative projects undertaken by students, helping bridge the gap between academic and industrial circles. Manufacturing Technology Quiz Contest along with TechTalk will be added attractions.  

IMTMA will be holding the ‘Engagement with Overseas Buyers’ on 25 and 26 January, as part of the buyer-seller meet promoting exports of the Indian machine tool industry. Further, the Jagruti-IMTMA Youth Programme, an initiative to raise awareness about the latest advancements in the manufacturing industry, would help students stay updated with technological developments.

Two new seminars will be organized in IMTEX 2025 for the first time.

IMTMA, along with ACMA (Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India), will be holding an Auto Components Industry Transformation Summit on 26 January. The seminar is expected to further buttress machine tool and auto component industry relations.

JMTBA Seminar on Export Controls for Japanese Machine Tools will be held at IMTMA Technology Centre in Bengaluru on 27 January 2025. The seminar will help strengthen business relations between India and Japan.

Engineering at its best

The kind of innovation that exists in industry at every level, small, medium, or large, finds its place in IMTEX. The exhibition has consistently showcased advancements in technologies, from traditional machines to cutting-edge CNC and digital manufacturing solutions, giving a first-hand view of the capabilities and potentials of technologies that are on display.

This results in facilitating technology transfer and collaborations and encourages foreign investments, driving innovation and development in the Indian and Asian machine tool and manufacturing industries.

In this edition, exhibitors are expected to display cutting-edge technologies that are vital in addressing the need for quality and precision manufacturing in every industry sector, according to Mr. Jibak Dasgupta, Director General & CEO, IMTMA. There is renewed enthusiasm among exhibitors and visitors to forge relations, enhance opportunities, and advance manufacturing to new levels, he adds.

For more information about IMTMA, please visit: https://www.imtma.in/

About IMTEX, Tooltech & Digital Manufacturing 2025

IMTEX, Tooltech & Digital Manufacturing 2025, organized by the Indian Machine Tool Manufacturers’ Association (IMTMA), is one of India’s premier exhibitions showcasing the country’s manufacturing prowess. Scheduled from 23–29 January 2025 at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), Bengaluru, the event will feature over 1,100 exhibitors from 23 countries, across 90,000 square meters in eight halls. The exhibition will highlight cutting-edge technologies in machine tools, automation, and digital manufacturing, alongside concurrent events such as the Tooltech and Digital Manufacturing shows, international seminars, and buyer-seller meet programs. IMTEX serves as a global platform for technology exchange, fostering business collaborations, innovation, and export opportunities within the machine tool and manufacturing sectors.

For more information about IMTEX, please visit: https://www.imtex.in/

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/imtex-tooltech–digital-manufacturing-2025-an-exhibition-of-indias-manufacturing-prowess-302339242.html

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World’s Largest Modular Student Residence Opens in Hong Kong CIMC Sets Benchmark for Construction Efficiency and Sustainability

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News Lead: The opening of the world’s largest modular student residence has attracted widespread attention from public. The project was completed two years ahead of schedule, showcasing groundbreaking efficiency and advanced construction technology in educational infrastructure.

SHENZHEN, China, Dec. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — A Benchmark in Global Educational Infrastructure

Recently, the City University of Hong Kong (CityU) held an opening and naming ceremony for the Lee Shau Kee Student Residence Village (hereinafter referred to as “the Residence Village”).

Recognized as the world’s largest modular student residence (calculated by the number of bed spaces), the Residential Village was built in partnership with main contractor Gammon Construction Limited and module supplier CIMC Modular Building Systems (CIMC MBS), a subsidiary of CIMC Group.

The Residential Village was opened in the third quarter of 2024 after commencing the construction work in 2022. Utilizing CIMC volumetric modular construction technology, completion was achieved two years ahead of the original schedule, setting a new benchmark for efficient construction speed and advanced technology in the field of global educational infrastructure.

The Residence Village covers a total construction area of approximately 48,000 square meters, consisting of six buildings ranging from 13 to 18 stories. The overall building complex involves over 1,300 modules and provides more than 2,000 bed-spaces for CityU’s undergraduate and graduate students.

In addition to hostel rooms, there are communal rooms, corridors, rest rooms and plant rooms constructed using the CIMC modular construction technology.

During the construction process, innovative MiMEP (Multi-trade Integrated Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing) technology was adopted. The pre-assembled MEP cassettes were integrated and installed in the CIMC factory within the modules before being transported to the site for installation. This approach reduced overall installation time by 50%.

Up to 90% of the aluminum cladding system was also prefabricated and installed in the factory, including the projecting horizontal and vertical fins. The aluminum feature fins were designed to conceal all the external pipe works providing an attractive appearance whilst also providing access for future maintenance.

In addition, CIMC Modular utilizes its self-developed digital systems, such as project management cockpit and quality digital monitoring systems, to provide a “smart brain” for project construction. Through these systems, multiple production processes are monitored, achieving full digital management and process traceability for module production, transportation, and installation, thereby providing strong support for quality project delivery.

Modular Construction Technology Is Addressing Hong Kong’s Urban Development Challenges

For a long time, Hong Kong has faced multiple challenges, including restricted land resources, diversified construction demands, and an urgent desire for efficient and environmentally friendly building methods. Traditional construction methods have gradually revealed issues such as long construction periods, significant noise pollution, and excessive construction waste, making it difficult to meet Hong Kong’s rapidly evolving needs. The emergence of volumetric modular construction technology has brought new hope to address these challenges.

Off-site volumetric modular construction technology adopts the concept of ” factory assembly followed by on-site installation,” transfers 90% of on-site construction processes to a controlled factory environment. In this method, free-standing integrated modules (completed with finishes, fixtures, and fittings) are manufactured and assembled in a factory, buildings can be substantially completed off-site.

This significantly reduces construction time and minimizes the impact of weather conditions and site constraints, while also providing a great degree of production quality control, and can improve construction productivity, cost-effectiveness, safety, and sustainability.

In the construction of the Residence Village, this on-site installation method resulted in a 75% reduction in construction noise and a 68% decrease in construction waste. By using low-carbon concrete and rebar as building materials and replacing diesel generators on-site with grid-powered facilities, the project also significantly reduced the carbon footprint generated during its construction period. These figures clearly reflect the substantial environmental benefits of this technology, effectively minimizing its impact on the surrounding environment and residents’ lives and providing a successful example of green construction for global building projects.

It is worth noting that the successful implementation of the Residence Village project is an important milestone in promoting the development of volumetric modular construction technology in Hong Kong, offering valuable experiences for construction projects in Hong Kong and the worldwide, guiding the industry toward a more efficient, environmentally friendly, and intelligent future.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/worlds-largest-modular-student-residence-opens-in-hong-kong–cimc-sets-benchmark-for-construction-efficiency-and-sustainability-302339243.html

SOURCE CIMC

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India’s Thriving Tech Hub Fuels Kimberly-Clark’s Digital Transformation

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Kimberly-Clark Expanding Investments in India

BENGALURU, India, Dec. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Kimberly-Clark, a global leader in essential personal and family care products, continues to increase its commitment to India through its Global Digital Technology Center (GDTC) in Bengaluru.

Established in 2018 with an initial investment of $2.5 million, the Bengaluru GDTC has seen remarkable growth, expanding its size by eight times in just five years. The center focuses on key areas and digital capabilities such as Data and Analytics, Artificial Intelligence (AI) including Generative AI, Machine Learning (ML), Cloud Transformation, Global Digital Operations & Automation, Digital Sales and Marketing, and Digital Supply Chain – all of which help drive efficiencies and improve customer experiences. Over the next three years, the GDTC plans to continue its expansion, focusing on advancing AI/ML capabilities and developing innovative digital solutions to boost operational efficiency and customer engagement. These capabilities further enhance Kimberly-Clark’s ability to deliver on its global Powering Care strategy – shared earlier this year – and, in turn, strengthen its longstanding commitment to consumer-centricity.

While the Bengaluru GDTC is driving Kimberly-Clark’s technological advancements, it’s also contributing to India’s broader tech and innovation ecosystem. By collaborating with local startups, academic institutions, and industry partners, the center aims to foster cutting-edge solutions.

“Our Bengaluru GDTC is a testament to Kimberly-Clark’s deep-rooted commitment to innovation and the immense breadth of Indian talent,” said Zack Hicks, Chief Digital and Technology Officer, Kimberly-Clark. “In just five years, the center has evolved into a key growth engine for our digital strategies, delivering AI-powered commercial and supply chain solutions, and pioneering advancements in modern manufacturing. Looking ahead, we remain focused on further investing in India, leveraging the country’s outstanding talent and technological expertise to shape the future of Kimberly-Clark and pioneer industry-leading innovation in our core categories.”

The integration of data and advanced analytics is at the core of the Bengaluru GDTC’s success. By leveraging AI/ML algorithms built on their enterprise data lake, the team is also optimizing sales predictions, refining pricing strategies for e-commerce, and automating routine tasks such as order entry and invoice processing. In 2024, efforts in Gen AI platforms originating from the GDTC improved the employee productivity by up to 25%, and the development of AI-powered sales and revenue analytics drove a 10% improvement in sales execution across regions like Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. These innovations not only streamline operations and reduce costs but also boost accuracy and efficiency.

One of the center’s major achievements is the development of Maestro, an AI-powered supply chain orchestration platform that has delivered more than $20 million in global savings for Kimberly-Clark. Another transformative innovation is the Warehouse Automation Platform, which seamlessly integrates warehouse robotics with supply chain systems, reducing new solution deployment timelines from 18 months to 4 months, and generating savings exceeding $50 million. The GDTC’s collaborative efforts have also resulted in the creation of Procuree 3.0, an inhouse Source-to-Pay chatbot powered by Generative AI that enhances Kimberly-Clark’s procurement processes across 42 countries and 14 languages.

Recently, the GDTC held its third Digital Hackathon under the theme ‘UNLOKC 2024,’ bringing together Kimberly-Clark employees and technology partners to develop digital solutions that contribute to business opportunities in areas such as supply chain, marketing, and finance. Over 130 innovative ideas were submitted within four weeks, and the 7 project finalists were awarded by the Digital Technology global leadership team during the Hackathon’s final event in Bangalore. These finalists will receive support to develop their projects in the near future.

As Kimberly-Clark’s largest technology hub, the Bengaluru GDTC is positioned to remain a critical driver of growth and innovation on a global scale. With plans to continue attracting top-tier talent and expanding its technological capabilities, the center is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the company and its global tech ecosystem.

About Kimberly-Clark:

Kimberly-Clark (NYSE: KMB) and its trusted brands are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 175 countries. Fueled by ingenuity, creativity, and an understanding of people’s most essential needs, we create products that help individuals experience more of what’s important to them. Our portfolio of brands, including Huggies, Kleenex, Scott, Kotex, Cottonelle, Poise, Depend, Andrex, Pull-Ups, GoodNites, Intimus, Plenitud, Sweety, Softex, Viva and WypAll, hold No. 1 or No. 2 share positions in approximately 70 countries. We use sustainable practices that support a healthy planet, build strong communities, and ensure our business thrives for decades to come. We are proud to be recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies(R) by Ethisphere for the sixth year in a row and one of Fortune’s Most Innovative Companies in America in 2024. To keep up with the latest news and to learn more about the company’s 150-year history of innovation, visit the Kimberly-Clark website.

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2587797/Kimberly_Clark.jpg

 

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/indias-thriving-tech-hub-fuels-kimberly-clarks-digital-transformation-302339247.html

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