May 4, 2023 – Page 2 – Reunion Wire

May 4, 2023

Hitachi Energy, the partner of choice for largest-ever HVDC wind energy project in U.S.

The SunZia Transmission Project, enabled by HVDC Light®, links New Mexico’s wind farms to Arizona’s grid, increasing renewable energy to the Western States.

Zurich, Switzerland, May 04, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Zurich, Switzerland, May 4, 2023 – Hitachi Energy, a global technology leader that is advancing a sustainable energy future for all, has been selected by Pattern Energy to supply its high-voltage direct current (HVDC) and other advanced technologies for the SunZia Transmission Project. It will connect the 3,500-megawatt (MW) SunZia Wind project in New Mexico to the power grid in Arizona and Southern California, which will be among the world’s largest transmission links delivering renewable energy.

Hitachi Energy’s HVDC Light^® technology will efficiently transfer and integrate huge volumes of wind power over more than 885 kilometers (550 miles) into the regional power grid. This will significantly increase the availability of sustainable energy for homes and businesses throughout the region.

When complete, SunZia Wind will have a total power capacity of 3,500 MW, enough clean, renewable electricity to provide power to approximately three million Americans.¹ The HVDC link will efficiently transmit up to 3,000 MW of this power west to Arizona. The HVDC Light^® system will be the largest voltage source converter (VSC) installation in the United States, one of the largest worldwide, and one of the country’s longest HVDC connections.

“We are proud to be advancing a sustainable energy future for all in the southwestern United States, enabling Pattern Energy to integrate emission-free electricity into the regional grid serving Arizona and Southern California,” said Niklas Persson, Managing Director of Hitachi Energy’s Grid Integration business. “Our market-leading HVDC technologies combined with our execution expertise makes us the partner of choice to help the U.S. achieve its carbon-neutral targets by efficiently and reliably maximizing its renewable energy resources.”

“Our collaboration with Hitachi Energy is an important milestone for the SunZia Transmission Project and will enable us to harness and carry this great energy potential to the areas where there is a high demand for renewable energy,” said Hunter Armistead, CEO of Pattern Energy. “The use of HVDC technology will enhance power grid reliability and resilience and play a vital role in delivering clean energy and deploying a sustainable energy system in the U.S.”

The SunZia Transmission project is a 3,000 MW HVDC link between Corona, New Mexico and Pinal County, Arizona. Hitachi Energy has already started work on designing and engineering the two HVDC Light^® converter stations, one at either end of the link. The transmitting station converts the power from AC to DC for transport in the overhead lines, then back to AC for integration into the receiving grid.

Hitachi Energy has partnered with Quanta Services, Inc. (Quanta) to provide a turnkey project solution for the SunZia project, including managing the HVDC construction and building installation at the associated project sites. Quanta is an industry leader providing specialized infrastructure solutions to the utility, renewable energy, communications, pipeline, and energy industries. The collaboration with Quanta is designed to leverage the core competencies of the two companies to deliver a best-in-class solution for the project. The HVDC converter stations are expected to be in-service by the end of 2025 to support final testing and commissioning of the SunZia Wind facilities in 2026.

To find the optimal solution that considers the impact of the new facility on the existing grid, a system study and a comprehensive interconnection and system impact analysis were conducted by Hitachi Energy´s expert consultants.

Hitachi Energy will also supply ‘alternating current (AC) chopper’ technology to help restore power if the power flow on the DC line or in the AC grid in Arizona is temporarily interrupted by weather and other contingency events.

Hitachi Energy has delivered more than half of the HVDC projects in North America. These include the Pacific Intertie transmission system, which transfers electricity from the Pacific Northwest to Los Angeles, the Quebec-New England link, which was the first large-scale multi-terminal HVDC transmission system in the world, and the Maritime link, which connects the Islands of Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, supporting the integration of renewable energy sources and improving grid stability. The company has also recently announced new HVDC projects including Champlain Hudson Power Express, the Châteauguay converter station modernization with Hydro Quebec, and the InterMountain Power Project.²

Note to editors

Hitachi Energy’s HVDC solution combines world-leading expertise in HVDC converter valves, the MACH digital control platform³ converter power transformers and high-voltage switchgear, as well as in system studies, design and engineering, supply, installation supervision and commissioning.

HVDC Light^® is a voltage source converter technology developed by Hitachi Energy. It is the preferred technology for many grid applications, including interconnecting countries, integrating renewables and “power-from-shore” connections to offshore production facilities. HVDC Light’s defining features include uniquely compact converter stations and exceptionally low electrical losses.

Hitachi Energy pioneered commercial HVDC technology almost 70 years ago and has delivered more than half of the world’s HVDC projects.

1 https://sunzia.net/impact/
2 Hitachi Energy HVDC references North America
3 Modular Advanced Control for HVDC (MACH)

HVDC website:
https://www.hitachienergy.com/offering/product-and-system/hvdc

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About Hitachi Energy Ltd.
Hitachi Energy is a global technology leader that is advancing a sustainable energy future for all. We serve customers in the utility, industry and infrastructure sectors with innovative solutions and services across the value chain. Together with customers and partners, we pioneer technologies and enable the digital transformation required to accelerate the energy transition towards a carbon-neutral future. We are advancing the world’s energy system to become more sustainable, flexible and secure whilst balancing social, environmental and economic value. Hitachi Energy has a proven track record and unparalleled installed base in more than 140 countries. Headquartered in Switzerland, we employ around 40,000 people in 90 countries and generate business volumes of approximately $10 billion USD.
https://www.hitachienergy.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/hitachienergy
https://twitter.com/HitachiEnergy

About Hitachi, Ltd.
Hitachi drives Social Innovation Business, creating a sustainable society with data and technology. We will solve customers’ and society’s challenges with Lumada solutions leveraging IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products, under the business structure of Digital Systems & Services, Green Energy & Mobility, Connective Industries and Automotive Systems. Driven by green, digital, and innovation, we aim for growth through collaboration with our customers. The company’s consolidated revenues for fiscal year 2021 (ended March 31, 2022) totaled 10,264.6 billion yen ($84,136 million USD), with 853 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 370,000 employees worldwide. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company’s website at https://www.hitachi.com.

Attachments

Jocelyn Chang
Hitachi Energy
jocelyn.chang@hitachienergy.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8832144

May 4, 2023

FEMA GRAS status for Sweegen’s sweet protein brazzein technology

Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., May 04, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Global sweetness and flavor innovator, Sweegen has announced that its highly sought-after sweet protein Ultratia brazzein technology received the Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status from the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA).

“Our customers and the industry have eagerly anticipated our brazzein FEMA GRAS status, and now we are excited to offer it as the star sweet protein in our Sweetensify Flavors Collection,” said Luca Giannone, SVP of Sales. “We’re pleased to demonstrate our Ultratia brazzein in the newly launched Sweetensify Flavors Collection at the IFT First trade show in Chicago July 17-19, 2023.”

Brands are encouraged to visit Sweegen’s food and beverage application team at IFT First, the Sweegen booth, located at the South Building — S1619 — IFT, for a sensory experience and learn how it can easily fit into their food and beverage products.

Sweegen is the first to attain FEMA GRAS status and to produce brazzein commercially globally. The designation is important because it allows manufacturers to use Sweegen’s Sweetensify Flavors confidently, including the novel sweet protein brazzein in their product formulations.

Brazzein’s unique characteristics make it special, and its commercialization and scaling have been challenging until now. Brazzein is a rare sweet protein that originates from the fruit of the West African climbing plant, oubli. To produce brazzein sustainably, Sweegen uses a proprietary precision fermentation process, which creates clean high-purity ingredients.

“This important milestone in food and beverage creation symbolizes Sweegen delivering on its promise to brands for opening doors to scalable state-of-the-art technology for creating better-for-everyone food and beverages,” said Hadi Omrani, VP of technical and regulatory affairs. “The FEMA GRAS status is a testament to the safety of brazzein as a flavor modifier that our customers can trust to explore new and exciting taste-modulating solutions.”

Sweetensify Flavors for taste modulation improves and modulates a variety of taste attributes, which can help brands push the boundaries of healthier product innovation. Brazzein’s exceptional formulation qualities inspired Sweegen to launch Sweentisify Flavors in April 2023. It is the newest flavor tool starring its novel sweet protein Ultratia brazzein, which also features thaumatin II and other unique proteins.

“Sweegen’s product development teams have discovered remarkable synergies between Sweetensify Flavors and our Signature Stevia systems,” said Casey McCormick, VP of global innovation.

Sweet proteins like brazzein have an affinity for different taste receptors on the tongue, especially the receptor known as T1R3, which is associated with both umami and sweetness perception. Leveraging this unique attribute, Sweetensify Flavors will enable product developers to maintain the quality of characteristic flavors and sweetness while reducing the amount of sugar they use in products.

“Sweegen’s Ultratia brazzein has received great feedback from our customers during the initial formulations phase and tastings,” said Casey McCormick, VP of global innovation. “Now, the timing of the FEMA GRAS status perfectly coincides with the launch of Sweegen’s Sweetensify Flavors, which offers the best sensory experience in better-for-everyone products.”

Sweegen recently attained FEMA GRAS status for thaumatin II, a sweet protein complementary to brazzein. With the addition of brazzein, Sweegen continues to expand its portfolio of safe and effective taste modulating flavors that can help food and beverage manufacturers meet the demand for healthier and delicious products to align with consumers’ holistic approaches to wellness.

About Sweegen

Sweegen provides sweet-taste solutions for food and beverage manufacturers around the world.
We are on a mission to reduce sugar and artificial sweeteners in the global diet. Partnering with customers, we create delicious zero-sugar products that consumers love. With the best modern sweeteners in our portfolio, such as Bestevia® Rebs B, D, E, I, M, and N, and sweet proteins brazzein and thaumatin, along with our deep knowledge of flavor modulators and texturants, Sweegen delivers market-leading solutions that customers want, and consumers prefer. Well. Into the Future.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1996. Sweegen’s actual results may differ from the estimates, assumptions, and other illustrative material contained herein, and consequently, a reader should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, illustrative information regarding Sweegen’s bottom-up assumed market potential, assumed hit rate, and the resulting revenue based on these model inputs. These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the expected results.

Industry, Market, and Other Data
In this press release, we rely on and refer to information and statistics regarding market participants in the sectors in which Sweegen competes and other data. We obtained this information and statistics from our own internal estimates and third-party sources, including reports by market research firms and company filings. We do not expressly refer to these sources. All of this information involves a number of assumptions and limitations, and the sources of such information cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of such information. The industry in which Sweegen operates is subject to a high degree of uncertainty and risk due to a variety of important factors, any of which could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in the estimates made by Sweegen or third parties.

Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements, including, among other statements, statements regarding the future prospects for Reb M stevia leaf sweetener, brazzein, and thaumatin. These statements are based on current expectations, but are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and beyond Sweegen’s control.

Relevant risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements and therefore should be carefully considered. Sweegen assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events or developments.

Attachments

Ana Arakelian, Head of Public Relations and Communications
Sweegen
+1.949.709.0583
ana.arakelian@sweegen.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8831913

May 4, 2023

Indonesia Will Share Its Best Experiences To Tourism Sector in Ethiopia: Indonesian Ambassador

Indonesia will share its best experiences to the tourism industry in Ethiopia to benefit from the sector, according to Indonesia’s Ambassador to Ethiopia.

In an exclusive interview with ENA, Indonesia’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Al Busyra Basnur said Ethiopia and Indonesia have huge potentials in tourism industry and sharing of experiences would help to benefit more from the sector.

The Ambassador noted that I focused on how Indonesians can share their experiences and best practices with their friends in Ethiopia, because every time goes to all regional states in Ethiopia, he witnesses the huge potential of tourism destinations in the country.

In its Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda and 10-year Development Plan, Ethiopia has identified the tourism sector as one of the next drivers of the national economy.

To this end, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has made milestones in the development of tourist cites, among which, the Sheger Project in Addis Ababa, can be mentioned.

Efforts are also being intensified to replicate the achievements made in tourist development projects in Addis Ababa to promote Ethiopia’s eco-tourism.

Over the week, it is noted that, the premier has inaugurated the Hallala Kella Resort, part of the ‘Dine for Nation’ of the Koysha project.

The ambassador reiterated that his country will continue to share the experiences with Ethiopia to benefit and develop the tourism sector.

Ambassador said “the good thing is that if you are talking about exchange visit —it is the tourist visit between Ethiopia and Indonesia. The good thing is that because we have the direct flight of Ethiopian Airlines from Addis Ababa to Jakarta three times a week.”

The ambassador noted that he initiated programs between Indonesia and Ethiopia in many other sectors in economy, social and cultural that in the tourism sector.

I have seen so many Indonesian people coming to Ethiopia as tourists, the ambassador noted.

He stated that Ethiopia needs to promote its tourism potentials to make best use of the sector for the benefit of the country.

He underlined that Ethiopia, with a population of 120 million people, has to invite more tourists to visit the country.

He also expressed his country’s desire to provide support and encourage tourism developments in Ethiopia.

In this regard, the ambassador invited friends from Ethiopia to visit Indonesia and witness how Indonesia develops the tourism sector.

“I will invite again, a number of Ethiopian friends, engage with the tourism sector to come to Indonesia to share their experiences with Indonesia and Indonesia expertise.”

The Indonesian Embassy has also plans to meet with relevant actors of tourism to discuss on ways promoting tourism.

Diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and Indonesia started in 1961.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

May 4, 2023

Mekelle Dry Port, Terminal Resume Services

Ethiopian Shipping and Logistics Service Enterprise disclosed that Mekelle dry port and terminal has returned to normal service.

The Mekelle dry port and terminal had been out of operation for the last two years due to the conflict in Northern Ethiopia.

It is to be recalled that several economic and social service providing institutions have been resuming services following the peace agreement signed between the government of Ethiopia and TPLF in Pretoria.

Accordingly, Mekelle dry port and terminal has returned to normal service as of today, according to the Ethiopian Shipping and Logistics Services Enterprise.

The Enterprise said “We respectfully inform you that for incoming cargoes whose destination is Mekelle will be able to open operations from the sea port of origin to Mekelle starting from today, May 4, 2023.”

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

May 4, 2023

National Agricultural Science Exhibition to Open This Weekend

Agricultural Science Exhibition, which promotes the role of technology in improving production and productivity, will be open on Sunday May 7, 2023 at the Science Museum in Addis Ababa.

More than 50 exhibitors with best research and innovation works, digitalization of agriculture and modern technologies, among others, will display their works, it was learned.

Briefing the media today, Agriculture Minister Girma Amente said the exhibition aims to promote the role of technologies in transforming the agricultural sector and improving production and productivity in a sustainable manner.

Noting that Ethiopia’s Agriculture needs to transform its backward farming and promote technology and science-led mechanisms at national level, he said the government prioritizes and supports the sector in realizing the nation’s long-term ambitions.

The event will showcase the next directions of implementing digital revolution in the agriculture sector.

According to the minister, the exhibition will also create awareness among farmers and pastoralists, youth, students researchers as well as investors on the role of science and technology to improve production and productivity and realize sustainable development.

The ministry, in collaboration with the Agricultural Transformation Institute, Ethio Telecom, and Government Communication Service organized the exhibition.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

May 4, 2023

Ethiopia Facilitates Evacuation of Citizens of 61 Countries from Sudan through its Border

Tigray Education Bureau announced that regular education has started in six zones of the region.

In an exclusive interview with ENA, Interim Administration Bureau Communication Director Dagnew Aytegeb said that preparations were being made to restart education that had been suspended for three years due to the war in northern Ethiopia and COVID.

Following the peace agreement, efforts have been made to return students to classrooms and to provide crash courses in collaboration with Ministry of Education other education institutions as well as stakeholders, he added.

He also mentioned that consultations were held with teachers, parents and other partners about the creation of conducive conditions for post-war education.

Following medium repair works on schools damaged by the war and encouraging parents to send their children to school as well as registration of students in the region during the period from April 26 to May 2, 2023, classes were resumed in six zones, the communication director stated.

According to him, many students are currently attending classes and they are also happy with the good atmosphere created by the peace agreement in the region.

Mentioning that the first semester will end on July 14, 2023, he said schools will be open six days a week, including Saturdays.

Dagnew stated that remedial program will be given to students from kindergarten to 12th grade and emphasis will be placed on key subjects.

He said that the interim administration will next work with the relevant parties to establish temporary schools for the displaced.

Favorable conditions are being created for students displaced by the war to continue their studies in shelter camps with the support of humanitarian organizations and also to study in nearby schools.

He further revealed that the work of clearing explosives and other explosive devices around schools has been completed in 200 schools.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency