DUBAI, UAE, 21 May 2025: Netherlands-headquartered Aalberts Hydronic Flow Control, which provides dynamic pressure maintenance solutions, and UAE-headquartered FJ Group conducted a technical seminar in Dubai to highlight hydronic flow solutions, with a special emphasis on data centre cooling and conditioning.

Speaking on the occasion, Raphael Khlat, President, FJ Group, said his company is happy to be associated with Aalberts. Saying that the stakes are extremely high, especially in the case of data centres, he highlighted the need for an astute, smart way of doing business. He pointed that FJ, through its DCServe division, not only sells cooling towers, heat exchangers and valves but also collaborates with engineers to install them in the best way possible and works with developers on O&M aspects. Partnering with Aalberts in its efforts, he said, gives FJ the confidence that installations won’t fail, owing to good workmanship. “Today, all of us can go ahead and build better,” he said.

DCServe, through playing a video during the seminar, echoed Khlat’s words by emphasising its focus on providing deep-retrofit solutions, wherein the objective is to convert underperforming systems to good systems. DCServe said it has a strong focus on full cooling tower overhauls, and extending the lifespan and restoring efficiency. Our commissioning services go beyond handover, the company said.

Speaking after FJ Group, Koert Munnik, Chief Commercial Officer, Aalberts Hydronic Flow Control, said his organisation offers packaged hydronic solutions, with the objective of making life easier for designers and installers. Munnik, pointing out that Aalberts is also in the semiconductors business, said it is the building sector that remains the largest area of focus for the company. In that, offering complete, engineered data centre solutions is a key aspect, he added.

Highlighting the incremental momentum of data centre developments in the Middle East, he said PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness) has become quite the buzzword. “A big driver for data centres is energy efficiency,” he said. “We need to reduce the carbon footprint. Intense heat is a challenge. We need to address this, and hydronic cooling is the solution.”

Munnik said the growth of the data centre market in the UAE has been nothing short of phenomenal. “It has grown from an AED 13 billion market to an AED 35 billion market in five years,” he said. This, he added, translates to tremendous growth opportunities in the liquid cooling market.

As a company, Aalberts, he said, has a massive opportunity and can serve the needs of data centre owners and designers through providing sustainability solutions, cost certainty, reduced build cost, complete design support, supply chain predictability, and quality and backup service “We do system conditioning, we remove air, and we take care of dirt separation and hydronic balancing,” Munnik said.

Highlighting the company’s core ability to supply engineered-to-order skids, Sean Blandford, Managing Director, UK, Ireland, Nordics and Middle East, Aalberts Hydronic Flow Control, said that from a design point of view, one of the key elements is scalability. Making sure the design can be scaled up is important to match the needs of those data centre owners that would like to extend their pre-existing facilities. One of the design challenges is to overcome some of the old methodologies and update them, he said. “Modular prefab solutions,” he said, “are mission-critical for data centres”.

The Aalberts, FJ collaboration

Senior officials from the two companies hold court on the spirit of cooperation between he two companies…

ROSEMONT, Illinois, USA, 21 May 2025: Food Safety Magazine, the organiser of the 27th edition of the Food Safety Summit held from 11 to 15 May 2025 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois, announced in a Press Release that the event drew more than 4,700 professionals from across the global food safety industry. The organiser said the event welcomed 1,210 in-person delegates and 3,546 virtual attendees, providing a hybrid platform for engagement on global food safety priorities.

According to Food Safety Magazine, the 2025 edition featured 160 exhibiting companies – an increase of 28% from 2024 – highlighting innovation across the food safety supply chain.

Stacy Atchison, Publisher, Food Safety Magazine, stated: “We extend our deepest gratitude to our exhibitors, sponsors, speakers and partners for their unwavering support of the Summit and the broader food safety community. A special thank you to our Educational Advisory Board for developing stellar content that fostered knowledge exchange, collaboration and strategic thinking around today’s most critical food safety issues.”

Food Safety Magazine said the keynote address was delivered by Dr. Jason Evans, Dean, The College of Food Innovation and Technology, Johnson & Wales University, under the title Surmountable Challenges: Leadership When Nothing is Easy. Dr. Evans offered actionable insights on team leadership, performance and engagement, the organiser added.

Food Safety Magazine said it also honoured Joe Corby with the 2025 Distinguished Service Award, recognising his decades of leadership, mentorship and advocacy across the state and national levels.

The organiser reported that during the Food Safety Summit Gives Back networking reception, a $7,100 donation was presented to Sandra Eskin, CEO, Stop Foodborne Illness, to support the nonprofit’s mission of foodborne illness prevention.

Food Safety Magazine noted that the concluding day featured a Town Hall discussion with representatives from the FDA, USDA, CDC and AFDO, moderated by Gillian Kelleher, CEO, Kelleher Consultants LLC; Chair, Educational Advisory Board, which emphasised science-led and inter-agency collaboration. The organizer said the Town Hall is available to watch on demand at this link.

Food Safety Magazine said the exhibit hall hosted key sponsors including Platinum Sponsor NomadX, Silver Sponsors Instant Recall and DNV, and Bronze Sponsors including bioMérieux, Deibel Laboratories, Food Radar, NSF, SGS, Trustwell, VAI and Zebra Technologies.

The organiser said that the educational programming covered a range of timely topics, including AI in food safety, allergen management, outbreak investigation and sustainable development goals. Food Safety Magazine said eight sessions were live-streamed and are now available on demand for one year via https://www.food-safety.com/events/category/422.

Food Safety Magazine confirmed that the next edition will take place from 11 to 14 May 2026 at the same venue in Rosemont, Illinois. The event is owned and produced by Food Safety Magazine and BNP Media.

DUBAI, UAE, 21 May 2025: Daikin UAE announced in a Press Release that it has entered into a strategic partnership with Al Shola, a UAE-based provider of temporary cooling and equipment rental services. According to Daikin, the partnership will focus on delivering scalable and energy-efficient rental cooling solutions tailored to the needs of the Gulf region.

Daikin stated that the collaboration will combine its HVAC-R manufacturing capabilities with Al Shola’s operational experience and extensive service network. The company said that this end-to-end offering will cover system supply, on-site installation and ongoing maintenance.

Daikin highlighted that the demand for temporary cooling across the Gulf region is on the rise, driven by growth in infrastructure projects, large-scale events and increased requirements in sectors such as construction, energy, healthcare and culture. The company noted that in this context, the ability to provide fast, efficient and reliable cooling systems has become increasingly essential.

“This partnership brings together two industry leaders with complementary strengths,” said Mohanad Al Mashaikh, Head of Solutions, Daikin UAE. “Daikin’s commitment to sustainable innovation, paired with Al Shola’s local expertise and service reach, will enable us to deliver exceptional value to our customers,” he added.

Vinayakumar Nair, General Manager, Al Shola, elaborated that the collaboration is geared toward delivering scalable, reliable and environmentally conscious cooling systems for both short- and long-term rental needs. “This initiative supports Daikin’s strategic goal to expand its presence in the rental solutions sector and reinforces its role in contributing to the UAE’s continued infrastructure and economic development,” he added.

SCHAFFHAUSEN, Switzerland, 21 May 2025: GF announced through a Press Release that its Board has appointed Thomas Hary as President of GF Piping Systems, effective 1 June 2025. The company said Hary succeeds Andreas Müller, who held the position on an interim basis in addition to his responsibilities as CEO of GF.

According to GF, Hary, a 44-year-old German citizen, has been with the company since 2005. GF stated that he started his career in strategic planning at GF Machining Solutions before joining GF Piping Systems in 2011. The company said that in early 2014, he was appointed CFO of the Business Unit Americas and later transitioned to GF Casting Solutions as CFO in 2016.

GF added that from 1 October 2019 until December 2023, Hary served as CFO of GF Piping Systems before assuming the role of Head of the Business Unit Industry/Utility within the same division. Hary holds a Master of Science degree in Business Administration and Economics from the University of Mannheim in Germany, GF stated.

GF said that with experience spanning three divisions and several leadership roles, Hary brings broad market and product knowledge to his new role. The company added that he has played a key role in advancing global cooperation across its international and regional operations.

Hary will join the GF Executive Committee, which is led by CEO Andreas Müller, GF said. Other committee members include CFO Mads Joergensen and the Division Presidents Michael Rauterkus (GF Building Flow Solutions), Carlos Vasto (GF Casting Solutions, currently under strategic review), and Ivan Filisetti (GF Machining Solutions, currently in the divestment process), the company noted.

HOUSTON, Texas, USA, 20 May 2025: Wolong Electric America announced through a Press Release the availability of its EMR-Bulldozer Series, a ferrite-assisted synchronous reluctance integrated drive motor, which it describes as engineered for high efficiency and robust performance in demanding HVAC environments.

According to Wolong Electric America, the EMR-Bulldozer achieves efficiency levels equivalent to IE5 standards. The company stated that the motors are designed for use in pumps, fans, compressors and conveyors, delivering energy savings and high power density.

Wolong Electric America noted that the EMR-Bulldozer features an integrated drive system supporting a wide variable speed range, including an extended constant power range above rated speed. The company said the motors are said to be available in NEMA frames (184T to 286T), with 4 or 6 pole configurations, horsepower ratings from 3 to 50 HP and speeds of 1200 or 1800 RPM. According to Wolong Electric America, they operate at 480 V and are certified by UL, cUL and CSA.

The company reported that the motors are 3–5% more efficient than traditional induction motors across a 25–100% load range in VFD applications. According to Wolong Electric America, this is enabled by a rotor design that uses ferrite compound permanent magnets, which the company said reduce energy losses by 40% and contribute to quieter operation. The cooler-running design also lowers core, stator and bearing temperatures, extending service life and reducing maintenance, the company added.

Wolong Electric America confirmed that the EMR-Bulldozer is a drop-in replacement for standard induction motors, requiring no mechanical modifications for retrofit installations.

The company stated that the motors are built for harsh industrial environments, offering TEFC (Totally Enclosed Fan Cooled) and IP55 protection for dust and water resistance, and are rated for operation at altitudes up to 3300 feet and temperatures up to 60°C. An integrated top-mount VFD with DFC control is also included to improve reliability and reduce component count, the company said.

Wolong Electric America added that the EMR-Bulldozer motors achieve near-unity power factor, which allows for the use of smaller, more cost-efficient VFDs due to reduced motor current. The motors are also equipped with Class F non-hygroscopic and anti-fungus insulation for added durability, the company said.

According to Wolong Electric America, the EMR-Bulldozer’s low rotor losses contribute to high power density, enabling it to match or exceed the performance of larger IE2 motors while occupying a smaller footprint.

DUBAI, UAE, 20 May 2025: Emirates Green Building Council (EGBC) announced its partnership with Climate Neutral Real Estate Gulf Region (CNRE), a public-private partnership between the Dutch Government and knowledge institutes, technology companies and technology providers, to further champion key issues related to environmental sustainability in the region. Making the announcement through a Press Release, EGBC said the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed recently in Dubai seeks to leverage EGBC and CNRE’s respective networks to promote a host of good practices in the region and internationally, including Near Zero and Net Zero buildings and communities, resilience in the built environment for new buildings and retrofits and research and education in areas of sustainability in the built environment.

EGBC said that the signing of the MoU was marked by a welcome note by Habiba Al Marashi, Co-Founder, Vice Chair and Treasurer, Emirates Green Building Council; opening remarks by H.E. Dr. Carel Richter, Consul General, Kingdom of the Netherlands in Dubai and the Northern Emirates; and an introduction by Andre Vreman, Chairman, Climate Neutral Real Estate. A round table discussion on “Towards Climate Neutral Real Estate in the UAE – Opportunities and Challenges” moderated by Abdullatif AlBitawi, CEO, Emirates Green Building Council, further advocated the urgent need to prioritise environmental sustainability in the region, EGBC said.

According to EGBC, as part of the MoU, CNRE and EGBC will partner to host informative events on green building topics to meet their joint environmental and sustainability objectives. EGBC added that they will work towards enabling real estate to become climate neutral in energy and water supply, while driving asset value and enabling green finance.

Marashi said: “Collaboration is key to driving collective action across industries to achieve a sustainable future for all. At Emirates Green Building Council, we are deeply committed to advocacy to ensure we provide the right platform to drive change, and we are thrilled to partner with Climate Neutral Real Estate Gulf Region (CNRE) in their mission to accelerate net-zero design, construction and operations for real estate assets in desert climates. We look forward to powering our shared vision of sustainable building and environmental impact in the region through this strategic partnership.”

EGBC said that they are devoted to protecting the environment through promoting and encouraging the green building concept within the whole building supply chain, shaping policies for the built environment and facilitating collaborative solutions to promote sustainable practices in the UAE.

BRUSSELS, Belgium, 20 May 2025: Eurovent announced J2 Innovations as Gold Sponsor of the Eurovent Summit for a second consecutive year. Making the announcement through a Press Release, Eurovent said the Summit is from 24 to 26 September 2025 at the Vienna House by Wyndham Diplomat Prague, located near the city centre of Prague, Czechia. All official meetings are scheduled to take place at the hotel, with selected networking events held at off-site venues, Eurovent added.

Eurovent said J2 Innovations is a provider of control and management software specifically designed for HVAC and refrigeration equipment. Eurovent added that J2 Innovations is a wholly owned subsidiary of Siemens and is known for creating the FIN Framework, a software platform for building automation and IoT applications. This platform enables partners to bring new products to market faster while leveraging the latest technology for a competitive advantage, Eurovent said.

In relation to the sponsorship for the Summit, Matteo Pierone, Managing Director, J2 Innovations said: “We are excited to support the Summit as it aligns with our commitment to innovation, sustainability and collaboration in the HVACR industry. Engaging with industry leaders and sharing insights will help drive advancements in technology that benefit our partners, customers and society.”

Eurovent noted that the 2025 Summit will focus on sustainability and circularity in manufacturing. Eurovent stated that the programme will include a series of technical seminars aimed at addressing the challenges and strategies shaping a more environmentally responsible future. Eurovent added that evening networking events will provide opportunities for dialogue and collaboration among HVACR professionals and key stakeholders.

Eurovent stated that attendees can access preferential accommodation rates by booking through this designated hotel reservation link.

For more information on the event or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, Eurovent encouraged interested parties to contact the Summit organisation team via andrea.gasparova@eurovent.eu.

Eurovent said additional updates will be published at www.eurovent-summit.eu and through Eurovent’s official LinkedIn page under the hashtag #ManufacturingForTomorrow.

TORONTO, Canada, 20 May 2025: Winters Instruments announced via an email communique that it has expanded its oxygen cleaning services to its Edmonton and Houston locations. According to the company, the service is now available for pressure instruments intended for use in oxygen-enriched environments.

Winters Instruments explained that oxygen cleaning is a chemical process used to remove both organic and inorganic contaminants such as hydrocarbons, oils and greases. The company added that this process eliminates combustible residues left behind from manufacturing and assembly, preventing recontamination prior to and during final installation.

The company stated that oxygen cleaning improves product purity and supports safety by eliminating flammable substances that could otherwise cause fires or explosions in oxygen-rich applications. Winters Instruments confirmed that it provides Level IV cleaning as standard, with capabilities to deliver other cleaning standards as required.

Winters Instruments said customers seeking more information about the service or wishing to schedule cleaning appointments are encouraged to contact their staff.

Founded in 1953, Winters Instruments describes itself as a global manufacturer of industrial instrumentation, supplying pressure and temperature instruments through a distribution network that spans over 90 countries.

HAMBURG, Germany, 20 May 2025: STULZ, a Germany-based air conditioning company has announced the release of its CyberAir 3PRO DX GE4(S) range through a Press Release. According to STULZ, the new systems are available immediately for use in data centres and form the latest addition to its GE series of precision air conditioning systems with indirect free cooling.

STULZ stated that the CyberAir 3PRO DX GE4(S) systems are available in three sizes, with cooling capacities ranging from 24kW to 71kW, to accommodate different room volumes and power requirements. A wide array of equipment options is also available to ensure adaptation to specific customer needs, the company added.

As part of its environmental strategy, STULZ confirmed that the new systems are configured to operate with A2L-classified R454C refrigerant. The company highlighted that R454C is non-toxic, flame-retardant, highly energy-efficient and has a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of only 148, meeting the requirements of the F-Gas Regulation 2024/573.

“R454C offers extensive advantages over other commonly used refrigerants,” said Sebastian Maron, Senior Product Manager — Room Cooling, STULZ. He added that the regulation aims to phase down the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in favour of lower-emission alternatives. “We are delighted to be able to offer customers maximum investment security and support the reduction of the CO₂ footprint in data centre cooling through innovative design and sustainable development,” he stated.

STULZ noted that safety remains a central priority in mission-critical environments. The company explained that the CyberAir 3PRO DX GE4(S) features an internal safety design specifically developed for use with low-GWP refrigerants. STULZ said the refrigeration circuit is certified as ‘permanently leakproof’ and that its layout prevents refrigerant accumulation Two explosion-proof gas sensors are placed in the unit housing and control cabinet to continuously monitor gas levels, according to STULZ. In the event of elevated readings, the system shuts down electrical components – excluding the fans – and activates an alarm, the company added.

According to STULZ, the CyberAir 3PRO DX GE4(S) range is also designed for user-friendly operation. The company said it incorporates the E² control system, which features a touchscreen interface and support for communication protocols such as Modbus RTU, BACnet IP, BACnet MS/TP, HTTP and SNMP. These integrations are intended to simplify system integration with building management platforms, STULZ added.

“CyberAir 3PRO DX GE4(S) reflects our continued objective of delivering air conditioning solutions that blend cutting edge technology with modern design, user friendliness, energy efficiency, scalability and reliability,” said Maron. “By supporting the use of R454C refrigerant throughout the range, we’re also helping our customers reduce greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen their environmental credentials,” he added.

STULZ confirmed that additional models in the CyberAir 3PRO DX GE4(S) series are in development.

STULZ encourages interested parties to visit www.stulz.com/products/detail/cyberair-3pro-dx for more information.

BRUSSELS, Belgium, 19 May 2025: The International Energy Agency (IEA) announced through a Press Release that it will host the 10th Annual Global Conference on Energy Efficiency in Brussels from 12 to 13 June 2025. The IEA said the conference will be held in partnership with the Energy Efficiency Movement and will be co-hosted by European Commissioner for Energy and Housing, Dan Jørgensen, and IEA Executive Director, Dr. Fatih Birol.

According to the IEA, the conference will bring together ministers, CEOs and global energy leaders to advance international efforts aimed at improving energy efficiency. The Agency stated that enhancing efficiency remains one of the most effective strategies for securing affordable, sustainable and reliable energy supplies.

The IEA noted that the event will take place at a pivotal time, as countries seek ways to increase industrial competitiveness and reduce energy costs for consumers. The Agency added that the conference is expected to support government efforts to deliver on their COP28 commitment to double the global rate of energy efficiency progress by 2030.

The IEA stated that government representatives from across continents will participate in a ministerial roundtable chaired by Commissioner Jørgensen and Dr. Birol, while an industry roundtable will feature CEOs discussing sector-specific challenges and opportunities.

In the lead-up to the conference, the IEA confirmed that it will publish new analysis, including a report on the role of energy efficiency in boosting competitiveness, alongside updated findings on the social and economic advantages of energy efficiency.

The IEA shared that accredited media will have access to all public sessions and will be provided with interview opportunities and a designated media space on site. The Agency said additional details regarding the conference agenda and media arrangements will be announced shortly.