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BANGALORE, India, March 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Enate, a UK based Robotic Process Orchestration solutions solutions company, has announced a strategic partnership with Tech Mahindra, a leading provider of digital transformation, consulting, and business re-engineering services and solutions. Together, Enate and Tech Mahindra will help global enterprises scale up their automation journey efficiently through Enate’s proprietary Robotic Process Orchestration (RPO) technology.

Founded in 2017 by Kit Cox, who is also Enate’s Global CEO, Enate’s RPO offers a Lite BPM, Workflow and Workforce management platform to help increase efficiencies and streamline operations between human employees and future-of-work technologies such as RPA bots, OCR platforms, NLP/AI/ML technologies, etc. This partnership will enable customers to scale their intelligent automation ecosystem by increasing human-bot workforce efficiency across different automation technology providers.

George Mundassery, Global Head – Automation and Artificial Intelligence, Tech Mahindra, said “We are witnessing demand from many of our customers for a solution that orchestrates workflows across different automation technologies, facilitates human-bot governance and provides end-to-end automation. This partnership is in line with our NXT.NOW framework and together with Enate’s innovative RPO (recruitment process outsourcing) platform we will enable digital transformation and meet the evolving needs of the customer.”

Uday Jose, MD – Enate India, said: “With Tech Mahindra’s expertise in running large, multi-geo transformation programs, and Enate’s technology to support & simplify enterprise-scale automation, we are excited that this will drive the next wave of value creation and savings that businesses now looking for beyond RPA. Enate’s orchestration technology scales the intelligent automation ecosystem by leveraging lite workflow, bpm, and hybrid workforce management capabilities purpose-built for human and digital efficiency and integration.”

About Enate

Enate is a UK- headquartered Robotic Process Orchestration SaaS platform with an APAC office in India. Enate combines Lite BPM, Workflow, and Workforce management capabilities to bind together all human team members and/or automation technologies into one framework.

The platform is deployable within weeks and enables the delivery of services from multiple locations. Enate was named a Hot Vendor 2019 by HFS Research and includes brands like Mizuho, a global banking major in its clients, amongst other names such as Capgemini, Capita, and one of the Big Four’s.

Paris, FRANCE – March 29, 2021 — A specially formed consortium of GE Renewable Energy’s Grid Solutions and Sembcorp Marine today announced they have been awarded the full contract to supply a state-of-the-art high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission system for Sofia, one of the world’s largest offshore wind farm projects. Once operational, Sofia, located in the North Sea 195 kilometers off the coast of the North East of England, will be able to generate enough wind energy to meet the electricity needs of almost 1.2 million average UK homes.

The HVDC transmission system represents Sofia’s second largest contract and will include the design, manufacture, installation, commissioning and maintenance of the offshore converter platform and the onshore converter station, including all ancillary equipment. Construction of the wind farm is set to begin onshore at its Teesside converter station site this year, with offshore construction expected to get underway in 2023. Teesside, an ideal location to serve the vast offshore wind potential of the North Sea, will also be the future home of GE Renewable Energy’s new blade manufacturing plant.

GE’s Grid Solutions will be leading the consortium for the engineering, procurement, construction and installation of the system’s two HVDC converter stations capable of transmitting 1,320 megawatts (MW) of power at 320 kilovolts (kV). The offshore converter station will be the most powerful ever built and will be installed 220 kilometers from shore, which will also make it the most remote.

The selection of the consortium is positive news for the UK as a significant percentage of all the primary HVDC equipment will be manufactured at GE’s Grid Solutions’ Stafford facilities in the West Midlands, which employ more than 1,000 workers.

Sven Utermöhlen, Chief Operating Officer Wind Offshore Global of RWE Renewables said: “Signing this contract with the consortium of GE’s Grid Solutions and Sembcorp Marine for the supply of Sofia’s HVDC electrical system reflects RWE’s strong commitment to innovation and to pushing the boundaries of what is capable within the sector. The 1.4GW Sofia project is our first to use the HVDC technology, which was selected to maximize the wind farm’s export capacity from a location so far from shore. We are delighted to be working with such a strong pairing on the delivery of this flagship project located on the remote Dogger Bank, in the middle of the North Sea.”

The project will be based on GE Grid’s latest HVDC technology, which utilizes its second-generation voltage source convertor valve, and will also feature the first application of its state-of-the-art eLumina™ HVDC Control System. eLumina is the industry’s first HVDC solution to use a digital measurement system fully based on International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 61850, an important international standard defining communication protocols for intelligent electronic devices at electrical substations.

“As the HVDC consortium leader for the Sofia Offshore Wind Farm, we are excited to move ahead with this project,” said Raj Iyer, Grid Integration Leader at GE’s Grid Solutions. “The award of Sofia and operational success of DolWin3 offshore wind HVDC last year are evidence that GE’s Voltage Source Converter technology is now well established, and that GE has the ability to commercially deliver on this latest and most advanced HVDC technology.”

Construction of the offshore converter platform will start this year and will be designed, built, installed and commissioned by Sembcorp Marine. Located at the heart of the wind farm, it will comprise a 17,000-ton topside and a jacket foundation structure piled into the seabed. The onshore converter station will convert the electricity generated by the wind farm to 400 kV alternating current (AC), before it enters the UK national grid.

Samuel Wong, Head of Sembcorp Marine Offshore Platforms said: “Sembcorp Marine is excited to work on this mega-project with GE Renewable Energy’s Grid Solutions to support RWE Renewables’ Sofia Offshore Wind Farm project to augment its supply of wind energy in the UK. We are grateful to RWE for its vote of confidence in Sembcorp Marine’s capabilities and outstanding track record of delivering offshore platforms to major field developments in Europe and Asia.”

For more information about Sofia visit: www.sofiawindfarm.com

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About Sofia Offshore Wind Farm
Sofia is the largest project in RWE Renewable’s current development portfolio with a generating capacity of up to 1.4 gigawatts (GW). The wind farm site is located 195 km off the coast of the North East of England and on the shallow central area of the North Sea known as Dogger Bank. Once operational, Sofia will be able to generate enough green energy to meet the electricity needs of almost 1.2 million average UK homes.

About GE’s Grid Solutions
Grid Solutions, a GE Renewable Energy business, serves customers globally with over 13,000 employees. Grid Solutions provides power utilities and industries worldwide with equipment, systems and services to bring power reliably and efficiently from the point of generation to end power consumers. Grid Solutions is focused on addressing the challenges of the energy transition by enabling the safe and reliable connection of renewable and distributed energy resources to the grid. For more about GE’s Grid Solutions, visit www.gegridsolutions.com.

About Sembcorp Marine
Sembcorp Marine provides innovative engineering solutions to the global offshore, marine and energy industries. Headquartered in Singapore, the Group has close to 60 years of track record in the design and construction of rigs, floaters, offshore platforms and specialised vessels, as well as in the repair, upgrading and conversion of different ship types. Sembcorp Marine’s solutions focus on the following areas: Renewables; Process; Gas; Ocean Living and Advanced Drilling Rigs.

Sembcorp Marine’s customers include major energy companies, owners of floating production units, shipping companies and cruise and ferry operators. They are supported by four commercial units: Rigs & Floaters; Repairs & Upgrades; Offshore Platforms and Specialised Shipbuilding. Sembcorp Marine operates shipyards and other facilities in Singapore, Indonesia, the United Kingdom, Norway and Brazil. Discover more at www.sembmarine.com.

Newbury Park, CA — Designworks, a BMW Group company, announced today a collaboration with leading pleasure boat manufacturer, Sea Ray, to develop a new sleek, sophisticated design language for the brand.  The first new, redesigned model – the all-new Sundancer 370 Outboard – will be uveiled during a live Facebook event today at 12:00 p.m. EST.  The official release of this new product is in conjunction with the 45^th anniversary of the Sundancer series.

“Sea Ray has a rich history as a leading boat manufacturer for more than 60 years,” said Johannes Lampela, Director of Industrial Design at Designworks. “The Sea Ray look is very recognizable, and our goal working together was to further strengthen that design DNA by bringing forward the most iconic features through a modern design execution. What emerged is a modern yet classic aesthetic that is being used to inspire the next generation of Sea Ray boats.”

“Our goal was to define the foundation for bold and pure design expression,” said Charlie Foss, Sea Ray Design Director. “Working together with Designworks, we were able to produce a fresh set of design principles that pay homage to our brand’s past while indicating the future, resulting in a look that is undeniably Sea Ray. An output of the collaboration was the definition of four key design characteristics to inform Sea Ray models moving forward: sleek, confident, athletic, and distinctive.”

Sleekness is recognized through a long, lean, and naturally flowing s-sheer line integrated into the side of the boat. Confidence is evident through a strong character jaw line, and athleticism is conveyed with purposeful yet beautiful angles and surfaces illustrating power and movement. Finally, distinctiveness is imparted through the characteristic Sea Ray hull-side emblem and center line that draws the eye in and creates a feeling of speed.

Next to consulting clients in many mobility related industries, Designworks works across the portfolio of the BMW Group from luxury and premium cars to motorcycles and digital experiences. The Designworks and Sea Ray team worked through a rigorous process of multiple workshops and collaboration sessions, diving deep into consumer insights, design trends and brand heritage.

“Automotive-inspired design is part of the Sea Ray history, dating back to collaboration with Harley Earl Associates in the early 1960s. It was important that we partnered with a group that has a comprehensive understanding of future mobility and the ability to develop concepts with a view to future contexts,” said Foss.

Sea Ray’s new design language will be unveiled during a virtual reveal of the Sundancer 370 on Facebook, today at 12:00 p.m. EST. Initially, the new model is available for order in North America, with international availability timing to follow.

Click here to RSVP for the live virtual reveal of the Sundancer 370 Outboard. For an early glimpse of the new Sundancer 370 design, click here .  

For more information about Designworks, visit BMWGroupDesignworks.com . For more information about Sea Ray, and to view the complete lineup, visit SeaRay.com .

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About Designworks

Designworks, a BMW Group Company is both, the innovation studio for the BMW Group and a global creative consultancy. The teams in the studios in Los Angeles, Munich and Shanghai work at the intersection of design, technology and innovation to unlock brand potentials and foster business growth for companies worldwide. Designworks leverages the power of BMW Group’s culture of innovation and cutting edge design to advance the goals of its external clients, including John Deere, Brunswick, Siemens, Corsair, HP, and Microsoft, whilst bringing outside perspectives and impulses to the BMW Group. www.bmwgroupdesignworks.com

About Sea Ray

Headquartered in Knoxville, Tenn., Sea Ray is the world’s leading creator of superior quality pleasure boats. For more than 60 years, Sea Ray has pushed the limits of performance and craftsmanship to elevate the boating experience. Each Sea Ray is designed to make every moment exceptional, supporting boaters’ unique lifestyles with a customized balance of unparalleled comfort and performance and world-class technology throughout. Learn more about the Sea Ray Experience at SeaRay.com .

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Paris – GE Renewable Energy announced today that its Haliade-X 12 MW prototype, the world’s most powerful wind turbine in operation today, has received a full type certificate from DNV GL, the world’s largest independent certification body. This full type certification, which follows a provisional type certification announced in June, provides independent verification that the new turbines will operate safely, reliably and according to design specifications. It is a key step in enabling customers to obtain financing when purchasing the turbines.

The process of certifying the Haliade-X involved a series of tests on a 12 MW prototype located in Rotterdam, a port city in the Netherlands, and tests of the turbine’s 107 meter blades at the UK’s Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult in Blyth and the Massachusetts Wind Technology Testing Center in Boston.

Vincent Schellings, Chief Technology Officer for Offshore Wind at GE Renewable Energy, said “This is a key milestone for us as it gives our customers the ability to obtain financing when purchasing the Haliade-X. Our continued goal is to provide them the technology they need to drive the global growth of offshore wind as it becomes an ever more affordable and reliable source of renewable energy.”

“At DNV GL we predict that offshore wind will generate almost 9% of electricity globally by 2050. One of the driving factors are bigger and better wind turbines with lower LCOE like GE’s Haliade-X”, says Kim Sandgaard-Mørk, Executive Vice President for Renewables Certification at DNV GL. “And we are very happy to see that those turbines are designed to meet highest safety and performance standards.”

Launched in 2018, GE’s Haliade-X offshore wind platform is helping to drive down offshore wind’s levelized cost of energy (LCOE) and is making offshore wind energy a more affordable source of renewable energy. One GE Haliade-X 12 MW offshore wind turbine can generate up to 67 GWh* of gross annual energy production, providing enough clean energy to power 16,000* European households and save up to 42,000 metric tons of CO2, which is the equivalent of the emissions generated by 9,000 vehicles** in one year.

The Haliade-X technology has been selected as the preferred wind turbine for the 120 MW Skipjack and 1,100 MW Ocean Wind projects in the US.

GE Renewable Energy recently announced that the prototype has been optimized and is now operating at a 13 MW power output. Testing will continue and the company expects to obtain a type certificate for the Haliade-X at 13 MW in the first half of 2021. The Haliade-X 13 MW offshore wind turbine will be used in the first two phases of UK’s Dogger Bank Wind Farm, with a total of 190 units to be installed starting in 2023. This will mark the first installation of the world’s most powerful wind turbine in operation to date at what will be the world’s biggest offshore wind farm.

The Haliade-X prototype located in Rotterdam, operating at 13 MW, set a new world record in October 2020 by generating 312 MWh of continuous power in one day.

* Gross performance based on wind conditions on a typical German North Sea site
** According to EPA Greenhouse gas equivalencies calculator

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About GE Renewable Energy
GE Renewable Energy is a $15 billion business which combines one of the broadest portfolios in the renewable energy industry to provide end-to-end solutions for our customers demanding reliable and affordable green power. Combining onshore and offshore wind, blades, hydro, storage, utility-scale solar, and grid solutions as well as hybrid renewables and digital services offerings, GE Renewable Energy has installed more than 400+ gigawatts of clean renewable energy and equipped more than 90 percent of utilities worldwide with its grid solutions. With nearly 40,000 employees present in more than 80 countries, GE Renewable Energy creates value for customers seeking to power the world with affordable, reliable and sustainable green electrons.

Follow us at www.ge.com/renewableenergy, on www.linkedin.com/company/gerenewableenergy, or on www.twitter.com/GErenewables

About DNV GL
DNV GL is a global quality assurance and risk management company. Driven by our purpose of safeguarding life, property and the environment, we enable our customers to advance the safety and sustainability of their business. We provide classification, technical assurance, software and independent expert advisory services to the maritime, oil & gas, power and renewables industries. We also provide certification, supply chain and data management services to customers across a wide range of industries. Operating in more than 100 countries, our experts are dedicated to helping customers make the world safer, smarter and greener. DNV GL delivers world-renowned testing, certification and advisory services to the energy value chain including renewables and energy management. Our expertise spans onshore and offshore wind power, solar, conventional generation, transmission and distribution, smart grids, and sustainable energy use, as well as energy markets and regulations. Our experts support customers around the globe in delivering a safe, reliable, efficient, and sustainable energy supply.

Baghdad, Iraq/Washington DC, USA : With growing demand for electricity, especially to meet the requirements during peak summer, the Government of Iraq is accelerating its focus on strengthening the nation’s power infrastructure through two new agreements signed with GE.

A long-term partner committed to meeting the future electricity needs of the nation, GE signed the agreements, valued at over US$1.2 billion, with the Iraqi Ministry of Electricity to execute the power sector projects that will secure reliable power supply across the country.

Accordingly, GE Gas Power will undertake contracts valued at US$500 million for the upgrade and maintenance of key power plants in the country, which are mission-critical to sustain the power supply of over 6,000 MW and scale up operational efficiency. Further, GE’s Grid Solutions, having secured a contract valued at US$727 million in a landmark agreement, will reinforce Iraq’s transmission network and interconnection with the electricity grid of Jordan.

In addition to delivering the scope of services, GE will also work with multiple export credit agencies to facilitate the discussion of financing over US$1 billion for the projects.

In the presence of HE Mustafa Al Khadimi, Prime Minister of Iraq, senior officials of the Iraqi and US governments, the agreements were signed by HE Majid Al-Emara, Iraq’s Minister of Electricity and Michael Eshoo, Vice President & CFO, GE Gas Power.

A clear action plan for successful power generation

HE Majid Al-Emara, Iraq’s Minister of Electricity, said: “Our primary focus is to deliver uninterrupted electricity, especially during summer months, to meet the needs of our people and industry. To achieve this, we have already rolled out a clear action plan. Bringing world-class technology, especially to upgrade our power plants, and to ensure their seamless operation is a critical part of this strategy. The new agreements with GE, a leader in power technology, is an ideal fit for our requirements, and builds on the strong partnership we have with the company to deliver more power for the nation.”

Scott Strazik, CEO for GE Gas Power, said: “GE has a long history in Iraq, and we continue to deliver on our promise to the nation and its people. In recent years, we have further accelerated our project execution to scale up and rebuild the country’s electricity infrastructure. As demand for power increases in tune with a growing population and to support industries and developmental projects, identifying gaps and addressing them is our focal area. We are thankful to the Iraqi government for their confidence in our capabilities to deliver power where and when needed. The new agreements will contribute to a more reliable and stronger power infrastructure, which is the top priority of the government.”

Heiner Markhoff, Vice President and CEO of Grid Solutions at GE Renewable Energy, said: “This agreement is about more than electricity generation. It is about putting in place the necessary grid infrastructure and a sustainable approach to progress that will allow Iraq to truly drive forward positive change throughout the nation. We are incredibly proud to be able to continue to support the growth of a reliable and sustainable electricity infrastructure in Iraq. This partnership will be able to bring power to millions of people and enable economic development in the country.”

Upgrades, maintenance and service
The service agreement is a mission-critical Maintenance & Upgrade Program between the Ministry of Electricity and GE Gas Power to execute the maintenance program across multiple sites in Iraq. GE will deploy its latest technology at the sites to be identified by the Ministry such as parts, repairs and services for power plants in Basra, Mosul, Baghdad and Karbala among others, which will maintain the supply of over 6,000 MW of power. This builds on 1.575 GW of new capacity that GE added since December 2019, and the sustained delivery of 4.325 GW to meet peak summer demand.

The reinforcement of Iraq’s transmission network
The agreement signed by GE’s Grid Solutions with the Ministry of Electricity will reinforce Iraq’s transmission network and interconnection with the electricity grid of Jordan, which will contribute significantly to decongesting the grid and securing reliable power supply. GE will execute the design, supply, installation testing and commissioning of high voltage substations and specific overhead transmission lines. This is a key initiative that will reinforce the smooth operations and delivery of uninterrupted power of the national grid across Iraq, including the liberated areas, which were adversely impacted during the strife supporting their reconstruction.

Committed partner in the progress of Iraq
GE is a committed partner in further strengthening the country’s energy infrastructure to meet the needs of the future. Building on its presence in the country for over 50 years, GE not only partners on short-term power generation to meet the peak summer demand but also on large-scale projects that will generate substantial power to meet residential and industrial needs. GE has also helped secure over US$2.4 billion in financing for energy sector projects in collaboration with export credit agencies, commercial banks and other organizations. With more than 300 employees, including FieldCore, a GE company, in Iraq currently, nearly 95 percent of them Iraqi professionals, GE’s teams are deployed in the toughest locations, bringing power where it is needed most.

About GE:
GE (NYSE:GE) drives the world forward by tackling its biggest challenges. By combining world-class engineering with software and analytics, GE helps the world work more efficiently, reliably, and safely. For more than 125 years, GE has invented the future of industry, and today it leads new paradigms in additive manufacturing, materials science, and data analytics. GE people are global, diverse, and dedicated, operating with the highest integrity and passion to fulfill GE’s mission and deliver for our customers. www.ge.com

About GE Gas Power:
GE Gas Power is a world leader in natural gas power technology, services and solutions. Through relentless innovation and continuous partnership with our customers, we are providing more advanced, cleaner and efficient power that people depend on today and building the energy technologies of the future. With the world’s largest installed base of gas turbines and more than 200 million operating hours across GE’s installed fleet, we offer advanced technology and a level of experience that’s unmatched in the industry to build, operate and maintain leading gas power plants. For more information, please visit www.ge.com/power/gas and follow GE’s gas power businesses on Twitter and LinkedIn.

About GE’s Grid Solutions:
Grid Solutions, a GE Renewable Energy business, serves customers globally with over 15,000 employees in approximately 80 countries. Grid Solutions helps enable utilities and industry to effectively manage electricity from the point of generation to the point of consumption, helping to maximize the reliability, efficiency and resilience of the grid. www.gegridsolutions.com

SAN RAMON, Calif. – GE Digital today unveiled the latest updates to its industry-leading digital plant software portfolio: Proficy Plant Applications, Proficy Operations Hub, Proficy Historian, and Proficy CSense. This mission-critical software accelerates digitization for industrial organizations by supporting the digital worker as part of infrastructure modernization, enterprise visibility and scalability, and continuous improvement of operations.

“Building from our rich heritage of technology, experience and deep, long-term customer partnerships, GE Digital has invested heavily to deliver new innovations such as a modern and mobile user experience; our single, seamless MES for process, discrete and mixed manufacturing environments; and instant upgrades across an enterprise,” said Richard Kenedi, General Manager Manufacturing and Digital Plant for GE Digital. “As one of the world’s largest manufacturers, GE understands the importance of a digital foundation for continuous improvement and Lean to bring truly transformative results to our business and our global manufacturing and digital plant customers.”

“The COVID-19 pandemic greatly accelerated the need for solutions that support the new normal, as social distancing, remote operations, and supply chain issues have completely upended plants and factories,” according to Craig Resnick, Vice President at ARC Advisory Group. “This requires deploying MES, HMI/SCADA, historian, and analytics solutions capable of visualizing operations, analyzing data, and optimizing production, then providing that smart information in real time to the appropriate personnel regardless of their location so they can respond quickly and correctly without any detriment to performance.

GE Digital’s software upgrades address these new normal requirements directly and will help to further enable organizations to deploy their new digital workforce.”

Key developments

Proficy Plant Applications is the industry’s first Manufacturing Execution System (MES) that seamlessly spans process, discrete and mixed manufacturing environments, allowing manufacturers to efficiently deploy one MES across their enterprise rather than multiple, disparate solutions – reducing costs and time while increasing consistency and collaboration. Based on 25+ years of development, this proven MES maximizes overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), improves production scheduling, and ensures product quality by leveraging real-time production data.

New features in Version 8.1 include:

• Core process, discrete, and mixed manufacturing enhancements such as loT-based discrete work order execution, non-conformance tracking, and in-process work order editor
• Instantaneous upgrades with Docker containerization technology
• Expanded native HTML5 content to include Production Schedule for executing process orders and Waste Management

“Proficy Plant Applications 8.1 is taking us to the next phase of our migration to a single shop floor MES,” said Robert Amos, Senior Director, Technical Product Management for GE Aviation. “We are currently setting up the integration to our Oracle ERP which will make this a truly enterprise application. Key features like the expanded Non-Conformance capabilities will allow us to further consolidate our quality applications, which in turn allows us to achieve our goal of minimizing the number of applications on the shop floor. In addition, the continued evolution and new web displays will allow our shop floor employees to work more efficiently and with better quality in their jobs. We are in the middle of a complete redesign of our Supply Chain to modernize our platforms and consolidate those applications, and Proficy Plant Applications will be a pillar in that system.”

Proficy Operations Hub, a modern centralized environment for rapidly building industrial applications for mobile and Web-based intelligence, allows organizations to gain a foundation for insights into operations and productivity, supporting Lean and other continuous improvement initiatives. New features include:

• Real-time workflow task lists on assets with context and scalability, performance and security enhancements
• Faster, low code / no code implementation and quick time to value
• Advanced Historian Trend Analysis app for data analysis in asset model context
• Seamless integration of Proficy Plant Applications content
• Support for English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, German, Russian and Czech

Proficy Historian provides best-in-class industrial time-series and Alarm & Events data collection for onpremise and cloud-based storage and analysis. Updates in the new version 8.1 include Remote Collector Management for large, enterprise-distributed system management and reduced costs with Historian ETL (Extract, Transfer, Load) for sophisticated file-oriented data transmission for Enterprise Historian. Additionally, GE Digital released Proficy Historian for Linux Version 2.3 for improved data collection at edge devices, delivering distributed data management to support IoT.

Proficy CSense improves asset and process performance by uniquely providing five analytics capabilities in one closed-loop software solution: analysis, monitoring, prediction, simulation, and optimization and control of setpoints. Used around the world, this industrial analytics software turns raw data into realtime value with a Process Digital Twin. Proficy CSense provides AI and machine learning to enable process engineers to combine data across industrial data sources and rapidly identify problems, discover root causes, predict future performance, and automate actions to continuously improve quality, utilization, productivity, and delivery. The new version 7.0 allows engineers to analyze larger datasets with increased memory limitations, and features improved connectivity, model predictive control, interoperability, and security

GE Digital’s industrial plant software solutions are generally available. More information can be found here.

WALTHAM, Mass – Raytheon Technologies Corporation (NYSE: RTX) announced the successful completion of the all-stock merger of equals transaction between Raytheon Company and United Technologies Corporation on April 3, 2020, following the completion by United Technologies of its previously announced spin-offs of its Carrier and Otis businesses. Headquartered in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon Technologies is one of the largest aerospace and defense companies in the world with approximately $74 billion in pro forma 2019 net sales and a global team of 195,000 employees, including 60,000 engineers and scientists.

Raytheon Company (NYSE:RTN) shares ceased trading prior to the market open on April 3, 2020, and each share of Raytheon common stock has been converted in the merger into the right to receive 2.3348 shares of United Technologies common stock (previously traded on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “UTX”). Upon closing of the merger, United Technologies’ name has changed to “Raytheon Technologies Corporation,” and its shares of common stock will begin trading today on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “RTX.” United Technologies shareowners will continue to hold their shares of United Technologies common stock, which now constitute shares of common stock of Raytheon Technologies Corporation.

Raytheon Technologies has a large, talented workforce to address the rapidly evolving needs of customers globally. The combined company expects to introduce breakthrough technologies at an accelerated pace across high-value areas such as hypersonics, directed energy, avionics and cybersecurity. In addition, Raytheon Technologies has a strong balance sheet and cash flows to support critical business initiatives, including company and customer-funded R&D.

“Raytheon Technologies brings together two companies with combined strengths and capabilities that make us uniquely equipped to support our customers and partners during this unprecedented time. We will also play our part in the war on the COVID-19 pandemic, including doing everything we can to keep our employees around the globe safe and well,” said Greg Hayes, CEO of Raytheon Technologies. “As we move forward, Raytheon Technologies will define the future of aerospace and defense through our focus on innovation, our world-class people and our financial and operational strength to create long-term value for our customers and shareowners.”

“Today, we introduce Raytheon Technologies as an innovation powerhouse that will deliver advanced technologies that push the boundaries of known science,” said Tom Kennedy, Executive Chairman of Raytheon Technologies. “Our platform-agnostic, diversified portfolio brings together the best of commercial and military technology, enabling the creation of new opportunities across aerospace and defense for decades to come.”

Structure and Leadership

Raytheon Technologies has four market-leading segments focused on high-priority areas for customers. (Note: 2019 net sales are prior to intercompany eliminations)

• Collins Aerospace Systems specializes in aerostructures, avionics, interiors, mechanical systems, mission systems and power controls that serve customers across the commercial, regional, business aviation and military sectors. The segment is led by President Stephen Timm, headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, with approximately $26 billion in 2019 net sales.
• Pratt & Whitney designs, manufactures and services the world’s most advanced aircraft engines and auxiliary power systems for commercial, military and business aircraft. The segment is led by President Chris Calio, headquartered in East Hartford, Connecticut, with approximately $21 billion in 2019 net sales.
• Raytheon Intelligence & Space specializes in developing advanced sensors, training, and cyber and software solutions — delivering the disruptive technologies its customers need to succeed in any domain, against any challenge. The segment is led by President Roy Azevedo, headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, with approximately $15 billion in pro forma 2019 net sales.
• Raytheon Missiles & Defense provides the industry’s most advanced end-to-end solutions to detect, track and engage threats. The segment is led by President Wes Kremer, headquartered in Tucson, Arizona, with approximately $16 billion in pro forma 2019 net sales.

Raytheon Technologies’ executive leadership team is comprised of Tom Kennedy, Executive Chairman, Greg Hayes, Chief Executive Officer, and Toby O’Brien, Chief Financial Officer. Additional leadership biographies are available on the company’s website.

Raytheon Technologies Investor Call

Raytheon Technologies intends to hold an investor call to discuss United Technologies and Raytheon Q1 results on May 7, 2020 at 8:30am. The call details will be provided prior to the results announcement, and the call will be webcast on the Raytheon Technologies investor relations website.

About Raytheon Technologies

Raytheon Technologies Corporation is an aerospace and defense company that provides advanced systems and services for commercial, military and government customers worldwide. It comprises four industry-leading businesses – Collins Aerospace Systems, Pratt & Whitney, Raytheon Intelligence & Space and Raytheon Missiles & Defense. Its 195,000 employees enable the company to operate at the edge of known science as they imagine and deliver solutions that push the boundaries in quantum physics, electric propulsion, directed energy, hypersonics, avionics and cybersecurity. The company, formed through the combination of Raytheon Company and the United Technologies Corporation aerospace businesses, is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts.

BOSTON, Mass —GE (NYSE:GE) announced today it has signed a definitive agreement to sell its Lighting business to Savant Systems, Inc., an industry leader in the professional smart home space. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.

GE Chairman and CEO H. Lawrence Culp, Jr., said, “Today’s transaction is another important step in the transformation of GE into a more focused industrial company. Our GE Lighting colleagues will join a fast-growing leader in home automation that shares their passion for bringing the future to light. Together with Savant, GE Lighting will continue its legacy of innovation, while we at GE will continue to advance the infrastructure technologies that are core to our company and draw on the roots of our founder, Thomas Edison.”

Savant Founder and CEO Robert Madonna said, “Savant’s mission from the start has been to create the number one smart home brand in the world, and I am confident that the acquisition of GE Lighting has moved us significantly toward that ultimate goal. We are committed to ensuring that GE Lighting’s long history of industry leadership continues, while bringing exceptional value and reliability to retail partners and consumers as the number one intelligent lighting company worldwide. Never before has connectivity, security, intelligent lighting and entertainment, all enjoyed within the comforts of home, been more top of mind with consumers.”

For nearly 130 years, GE Lighting has been at the forefront of every major lighting innovation, from the dawn of incandescent bulbs to industry-first LED and smart solutions along with the world’s first voice-embedded lighting product. Today, GE Lighting’s portfolio includes leading home lighting and innovative smart home solutions. GE Lighting will remain headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, and its more than 700 employees will transfer to Savant upon completion of the transaction.

The proposed transaction will bring together this legacy and expertise with Savant’s best-in-class smart home solutions and renowned culture of innovation, creating a union of trusted and recognizable premium brands in the lighting and connected home technology markets.

Savant, with award-winning products and solutions that span lighting, security, climate, whole-house entertainment including smart speakers, energy management and beyond, is one of the fastest-growing smart home companies and is committed to supporting innovation in the lamp space, helping retailers grow point of sale year over year. While the acquisition of GE Lighting will broaden the market reach of both companies, the Savant brand remains steadfastly committed to the professional installation channel for the home, and it will continue to invest heavily in the development of the most advanced products, solutions and services for this market.

The proposed transaction includes a long-term licensing agreement for use of the GE brand. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close in mid-2020. UBS Investment Bank acted as lead financial advisor to GE.

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This document contains forward-looking statements – that is, statements related to future events that by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain. For details on the uncertainties that may cause our actual future results to be materially different than those expressed in our forward-looking statements, see https://www.ge.com/investor-relations/important-forward-looking-statement-information, as well as our annual report on Form 10-K. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements.

About GE

GE (NYSE:GE) rises to the challenge of building a world that works. For more than 125 years, GE has invented the future of industry, and today the company’s dedicated team, leading technology, and global reach and capabilities help the world work more efficiently, reliably, and safely.  GE’s people are diverse and dedicated, operating with the highest level of integrity and focus to fulfill GE’s mission and deliver for its customers. www.ge.com.

GE’s Investor Relations website at www.ge.com/investor and our corporate blog at www.ge.com/reports and @GE_Reports on Twitter, as well as GE’s Facebook page and Twitter accounts, contain a significant amount of information about GE, including financial and other information for investors. GE encourages investors to visit these websites from time to time, as information is updated and new information is posted.

About Savant 

Savant Systems, Inc., a Massachusetts-based company, is a recognized leader in home control and automation, and one of the fastest-growing smart home companies in the luxury and mid-markets. Savant’s powerful Pro technology brings together all of the vital pillars of the connected home – climate, lighting, entertainment, security and energy – together in a single application interface for the homeowner. This comprehensive whole-home control system, available through iOS and Android, delivers the premiere experience in all of home automation and is available through Magnolia Design Centers and Savant’s global network of Authorized Integrators. Learn more at www.savant.com.

NISKAYUNA, NY – With digging abilities that might make a groundhog jealous, a multidisciplinary team at GE Research, the central technology development arm of the General Electric Company (GE), has been awarded a 15- month, $2.5 million project through the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA) Underminer program, to demonstrate the feasibility of a robot that can rapidly and efficiently bore tactical tunnels in support of critical military operations. Click here to see a video demonstration.

The principal objective of DARPA Underminer program is to enable the rapid construction of underground tunnels in support of various military battlefield operations. These operations could include supporting rescue missions or rapidly resupplying critical munitions to the front lines. GE’s project is one of three new projects the program is funding to demonstrate the feasibility of new capabilities with robotics, sensing and other component technologies that exceed current commercial drilling capabilities.

The inspiration for GE’s approach actually has its roots in the graduate and doctoral research of project leader Deepak Trivedi in the mechanical engineering program at Penn State University. Trivedi’s doctoral work, one of the earliest in soft robotics, was to create and demonstrate a robot inspired by biological examples of soft structures such as octopus arms and elephant trunks. The idea was creating a robot that had the dexterity to make sharp turns, squeeze through confined or small spaces and adaptability to pick up and move objects of vastly different sizes and shapes. Trivedi, a mechanical engineer, says the earthworm-like design integrates some of these characteristics with a great ability to dig and move quickly underground.

“It turns out earthworms are probably the most prolific tunnel makers on the planet,” Trivedi said. Tree roots can penetrate through highly compacted soils and soft rock by generating high pressures through tissue growth. “We have designed a prototype that is several feet long, with hydraulic artificial muscles that mimics the agility of earthworms moving through soil and with the force of tree roots penetrating through soft rock.”

Trivedi explains that earthworms rely on muscular structure filled with fluid, called the “hydrostatic skeleton.” When they move, some sections of their structure radially expand to enlarge the tunnel while anchoring the worm, while others become longer to create movement and penetrate further into the soil.

What Trivedi and the GE Robotics Team have designed is a robot using powerful artificial muscles that moves in the same fashion. The robot is capable of adaptively changing its gait depending on soil conditions, making it versatile. Another advantage of this approach is that the robot can create tunnels without the need for bringing any material to the surface, giving it advantages of efficiency and stealth. But Trivedi says that designing a powerful robot that moves with force is only one part of the challenge. The other is enabling it to autonomously and knowingly navigate its way around obstacles to reach the desired target location without the benefit of GPS.

Trivedi said, “Because these tunneling systems are underground, we need to be able to build in autonomous and sensing capabilities that enable our robot to move and tunnel in the right places. Fortunately, we’re able to pull in controls, AI and sensing experts from across the Lab to help us integrate these new capabilities.”

The GE Research team already has designed a prototype and performed some initial lab scale demonstrations of the robot tunneling through dirt. The goal of the project is to demonstrate a robot that can move at a speed of 10 cm/sec and dig a tunnel that is 500 meters in length and at least 10 cm in diameter.

Trivedi says the technologies being developed on this project will not only help advance tunneling technologies, but also advanced inspection and repair capabilities using robots.

“The soft robot design we’re creating will have many more degrees of freedom in movement than conventional robots with joints, Trivedi says. “One of the reasons, octopuses, for example, can squeeze through such small spaces is that they have no bones. The same thing applies for soft robots, which can be very advantageous when you want to reach small places like the inside of a jet engine or power turbine to inspect and make intricate repairs.”

GE has developed and field-tested new snake-like robots for jet engine inspection and repair. These highly flexible robots allow access to confined and cluttered environments at different length scales – from millimeters up to several meters, thereby enabling many maintenance operations to be performed in-situ, without requiring expensive teardown and reassembly of industrial assets.

About GE Research
GE Research is GE’s innovation powerhouse where research meets reality. We are a world-class team of scientific, engineering and marketing minds working at the intersection of physics and markets, physical and digital technologies, and across a broad set of industries to deliver world-changing innovations and capabilities for our customers. To learn more, visit our website at https://www.ge.com/research/.

Paris, FRANCE — GE Renewable Energy’s Grid Solutions business (NYSE:GE) announced today that its chief technology officer Vera Silva will represent GE as vice-president of innovation at T&D Europe.

T&D Europe is the European association of the electricity transmission and distribution equipment and services industry. The companies represented by T&D Europe account for a production worth more than 25 billion euros and employ more than 200,000 people in Europe.

Ms. Silva succeeds Schneider Electric’s Yann Fromont, T&D Europe’s new president, and is the first woman on the non-profit association’s executive committee since its founding 12 years ago.

In her role as vice president and member of the executive committee, Ms. Silva will drive the innovation agenda for the grid of the future and represent T&D Europe in external discussions with political institutions and relevant stakeholders in the T&D industry arena. Her responsibilities will cover areas such as digital platforms, cybersecurity, renewables integration and new flexibility sources.

“We are delighted to have Vera Silva join us as the new vice-president for innovation and look forward to working with her in future-proofing Europe electricity network,” said Diederik Peereboom, Secretary General at T&D Europe.

At GE, Ms. Silva leads a Grid Solutions team of 3,400 engineers in more than 20 countries around the world. Under her leadership, the engineering team is responsible for researching, designing and producing world-class products and solutions for customers around the globe.

“Innovation in the transmission and distribution world will be key to accelerating the energy transition. I feel very honored by the trust of T&D Europe in my ability to drive its innovation agenda in cooperation with key stakeholders. Teamwork will be essential to building the grid of the future, and I am fully committed to taking on an active role,” said Ms. Silva.

With more than 20 years of experience, Ms. Silva is a respected industry leader and author of four books and more than 40 published scientific papers. She was recognized as “Engineer of the Year” in 2016 by the IEEE Power and Energy Society and received the ESIG annual achievement award in 2016 for her contribution in the field of renewables integration to power systems.

Ms. Silva has a PhD in electrical and electronic engineering from Imperial College London and master’s and bachelor’s degrees in electrical engineering and computer science from the University of Porto, Portugal. Originally from Portugal, she is based in Paris and has been living in England and France for the best part of 15 years. She is fluent in Portuguese, English, French and Spanish.

About GE’s Grid Solutions
Grid Solutions, a GE Renewable Energy business, serves customers globally with over 15,000 employees in approximately 80 countries. Grid Solutions helps enable utilities and industry to effectively manage electricity from the point of generation to the point of consumption, helping to maximize the reliability, efficiency and resilience of the grid. For more about GE Renewable Energy’s Grid Solutions business, visit www.gegridsolutions.com

23 January, Davos, Switzerland – Batteries will be a major driver in reducing the carbon footprint of the transport and power sectors through the use of electric vehicles and renewable energy. To help companies and governments, the Global Battery Alliance designed 10 guiding principles for the creation of a sustainable battery chain by 2030.

These principles are intended as the first step in a responsible, sustainable battery value chain as set out in the Global Battery Alliance’s “A Vision for a Sustainable Battery Value Chain in 2030”. Implementing commitments will be based on existing standards such as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)’s Due Diligence Guidance and economically viable considerations for a circular and low carbon economy.

At the Annual Meeting 2020, 42 organizations, including businesses from mining, chemicals, battery, automotive and energy industries, representing annual revenue of close to a trillion dollars, along with international organizations and global NGOs, have agreed on the 10 guiding principles.

They include maximizing the productivity of batteries, enabling a productive and safe second life use, circular recovery of battery materials, ensuring transparency of greenhouse gas emissions and their progressive reduction, prioritizing energy efficiency measures and increasing the use of renewable energy, fostering battery-enabled renewable energy integration, high quality job creation and skills development, eliminating child and forced labour, protecting public health and the environment and supporting responsible trade and anti-corruption practices, local value creation and economic diversification.

“We all need batteries to power the clean revolution. However, we must ensure violations of human rights do not occur anywhere in the value chain, that local communities benefit and that battery production is sustainable. These guiding principles are an important first step to build a value chain that can deliver on this promise while supporting societies and economies at the same time”, said Dominic Waughray, Managing Director, World Economic Forum.

Organizations supporting the realization of a battery value chain that meets these principles include AB Volvo, African Development Bank, Amara Raja Batteries , Analog Devices, Audi, BASF, Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW), Cadenza Innovation, China EV100, Clarios, ClimateWorks Foundation, Enel, Envision Group, Eurasian Resources Group (ERG), Everledger, Fairphone, Fundacion Chile, Good Shepherd International Foundation, Greentech Capital Advisors, Groupe Renault, Honda, IMPACT, International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), International Justice Mission (IJM), Johnson Matthey, International Lead Association (ILA), Leaseplan, Office of the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), OPTEL Group, Pact, Pure Earth, Responsible Battery Coalition, SGS, SK Innovation, Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile SA (SQM), The Faraday Institution, The World Bank Group, Trafigura, Transport & Environment (T&E), Umicore, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the Volkswagen Group and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD). To realize the full ambition of these principles, the Global Battery Alliance is actively seeking the endorsement of additional organizations to ensure full participation throughout the battery value chain.

This alignment among key players in the battery market establishes the basis for a transparent accountability system. It will guide the development of a global digital battery information disclosure system referred to as the “Battery Passport”, which is designed to enable a transparent value chain, for example, with respect to human rights and the environmental footprint.

What the signatories say

“Je suis ravi d’annoncer que le Gouvernement de la République Démocratique du Congo soutient la Global Battery Alliance et ses dix principes directeurs. J’invite les membres de mon gouvernement à travailler avec l’Alliance afin d’établir une chaîne de valeur durable du cobalt. C’est indispensable pour permettre la transition énergétique.” Felix Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

“Amara Raja is fully committed to support the transition to a carbon neutral energy footprint across the globe and recognizes that advanced battery technologies have a critical role to play to enable and accelerate this transition. Amara Raja is delighted to be part of the Global Battery Alliance efforts to drive the transition and endorses the ‘Principles and Commitments to Realize the 2030 Vision’. The principles and commitments as articulated by the GBA provide a framework for implementation of a scalable and sustainable approach for faster adoption of smart energy solutions for a greener future.” Vijayanand Kumar Samudrala, Chief Executive Officer, Amara Raja Batteries

“Analog Devices strongly believes that technology is one of the key enablers for a sustainable, circular and ultimately regenerative economy. Batteries will play a key part in enabling this shift as the world accelerates towards renewable energy sources. It is vital that the value chain forming around batteries is both sustainable and just across the entire lifecycle of the battery, from extraction and formation to second life and recycling. At Analog Devices, we support the work of the Global Battery Alliance and fully endorse the 10 principles for a sustainable value chain.” Vincent Roche, Chief Executive Officer, Analog Devices

“For Audi, batteries are key on our way to carbon neutral mobility. To ensure that this technology is thoroughly sustainable, we welcome and support the GBA initiative and our common principles. We believe in the power of joint collaboration across all stakeholders in the entire value chain of batteries and therefore encourage others to join the GBA as well. Audi is striving for a reliable “sustainability performance seal”, carried out by robust stakeholder engagement, which stands as a global reference for clean and ethically produced batteries.” Hildegard Wortmann, Member of the Board of Management, Sales and Marketing, Audi

“These guiding principles are a milestone for the Global Battery Alliance to promote a sustainable and responsible battery value chain. As a founding member of the alliance, BASF welcomes a joint vision and concrete actions, such as the planned battery passport.” Martin Brudermüller, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF and Co-Chair of the Global Battery Alliance

“An efficient, transparent, sustainable global value chain is vital to ensuring that the battery industry continues to meet unprecedented demand in an innovative and socially responsible manner. The guidelines put forth by the Global Battery Alliance provide a thoughtful and actionable approach for ensuring that. By bolstering the role that energy storage plays in combatting climate change while lifting underserved populations up out of energy poverty, the GBA’s efforts can benefit our whole society.” Christina Lampe-Onnerud, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Cadenza Innovation

“The 10 principles of the Global Battery Alliance have far-reaching significance for the development of the global battery industry, and will play a guiding role in the orderly and sustainable development of the battery value chain. As a think tank and exchange platform for China’s electric vehicle industry, China EV100 has been committed to conducting research and cross-industry exchanges on the entire value chain and recycling of the battery industry for the past six years. We are willing to work with GBA to help the energy transition and decarbonization of the transportation industry along with the sustainable development of the electric vehicle and battery value chain.” Liu Xiaoshi, Executive Deputy Secretary-General, China EV100

“When combined with zero-carbon electricity from sources like wind and solar, batteries can cleanly power our vehicles, homes and businesses, reducing climate pollution and advancing sustainable development. As an organization dedicated to ending the climate crisis, the ClimateWorks Foundation supports the work of the GBA and applauds its efforts to improve battery supply chain sustainability in the mining and extraction industries and ensure greater transparency and traceability.” Charlotte Pera, President and Chief Executive Officer, ClimateWorks Foundation

“We support these principles as they are fully aligned with our strategy and with commitments we have already made to the environment, society, human and labour rights. The collaboration of the whole value chain to sustainably supply battery storage systems is key to accelerate the energy transition. As the world’s leading private operator of renewables and networks, we have implemented tangible actions to foster a circular and sustainable value chain that is respectful of human rights.” Francesco Starace, Chief Executive Officer, ENEL

“As we convene for the 50th anniversary Davos meeting, the launch of the 10 key principles will help bring the Alliance one step closer to unlocking the potential of batteries to power sustainable development. We are aiming to ensure that the vast benefits to the global economy never come at the cost of the most vulnerable communities. A key focus for ERG is working with all Alliance members to eradicate child labour within the battery value chain.” Benedikt Sobotka, Chief Executive Officer of Eurasian Resources Group and Co-chair of the Global Battery Alliance

“At Everledger, we believe technology is one of the greatest platforms for change towards a low carbon economy. We not only support the principles of the GBA, but also enable the global battery value chain to achieve ever increasing levels of transparency for sustainability efforts.” Leanne Kemp, Chief Executive Officer, Everledger

“It is time we as an industry make a joint effort in cleaning up our battery supply chains. We welcome the GBA principles as an important step towards this.” Monique Lempers, Director Impact Innovation, Fairphone

“As non-corporate members of the Global Battery Alliance, we endorse the GBA principles for the development of an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable battery value chain. Aligning our diverse global collaboration platform around the principles – placing the Sustainable Development Goals and the critical connectivity of human rights and development at the heart of the value chain – is an important step forward for the GBA. We are committed to monitoring and implementing joint programmes to deliver concrete progress against the principles, and developing clear and transparent measuring tools, as we continue to support this critical effort.” Joint statement from Cristina Duranti, Director, Good Shepherd International Foundation; Joanne Lebert, Executive Director, IMPACT; Gary A. Haugen, Chief Executive Officer, International Justice Mission; Karen Hayes, Vice-President, Mines to Markets, Pact; Charlotte Petri Gornitzka, Assistant Secretary-General and UNICEF Deputy Executive Director, Partnerships, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)

“We fully endorse the Global Battery Alliance’s bid to develop a responsible and sustainable battery value chain. The world is going to need many more batteries using different chemistries and technologies as demand for energy storage continues to grow and we are encouraged that the 10 guiding principles make reference to lead-based batteries that will continue to play a significant role in achieving the UN sustainability goal to provide access to clean and affordable energy for all. The GBA’s aim to foster the creation of a sustainable battery value chain by 2030 is fully aligned with lead battery industry’s material stewardship initiative and our own guiding principles.” Andy Bush, Managing Director, International Lead Association

“Johnson Matthey is very pleased to support the 10 principles of the GBA, which underpin our company’s vision to build a cleaner, healthier world. This a key milestone for the battery community as we align to deliver common objectives that will power a sustainable energy transition in a way that safeguards and benefits the whole supply chain and the planet. JM is fully committed to working together with the GBA on these critically important efforts.” Robert MacLeod, Chief Executive Officer, Johnson Matthey

“Electric vehicles and the batteries that power them are central to the fight against climate change. LeasePlan therefore fully supports the work of the Global Battery Alliance to ensure we have safe, clean and ethically produced batteries. Collectively, we are determined to build a 100% sustainable battery value chain and ensure the industry maintains its social licence to operate.” Tex Gunning, Chief Executive Officer, LeasePlan

“We welcome the adoption of GBA principles that explicitly refer to the need for human rights standards in the battery supply chain. To effectively address child labour and other human rights issues, formalization of artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sites is key. The GBA is ideally positioned to pool knowledge and resources to develop ASM formalization standards that can be implemented in the DRC.” Michael Posner, Director of the NYU Stern Center for Business and Human Rights and Dorothée Baumann-Pauly, Director of the Geneva Center for Business and Human Rights

“At OPTEL, we are proud to use our traceability expertise to contribute to the achievement of the GBA principles towards a sustainable battery value chain. This project fits perfectly with our mission of using innovative technologies to create a more sustainable world and we recognize all the organizations jointly involved in this effort.” Louis Roy, President, OPTEL GROUP

“The Global Battery Alliance is moving the needle with respect to batteries. Health problems from battery recycling (especially lead-acid batteries) are ridiculously enormous. We need to avoid a similar problem with lithium batteries, as their boom continues. GBA is the group that can make this happen.” Richard Fuller, President, Pure Earth

“Batteries are becoming a significantly more important part of our energy infrastructure, economy and national security. A key part of sustaining our growing, battery-reliant energy infrastructure is to conserve human and natural resources. We at the Responsible Battery Coalition are proud to join with our fellow members of the Global Battery Alliance in supporting these principles and working together in creating a sustainable, humane and circular battery value chain.” Steve Christensen, Executive Director, Responsible Battery Coalition

“SK Innovation fully supports the 10 guiding principles and the GBA’s ambition to build sustainable global battery value chain by 2030. This vision and timeframe dovetails with SK Innovation’s ‘Green Balance 2030’ initiative, which will accelerate our transition to a low carbon economy. Moreover, we believe accurate measurement is the very first step in building momentum and credibility for a sustainable value chain. SK group-wide socio-environmental impact assessments demonstrate that our growing battery business is leading the way with our decarbonization efforts.” Jun Kim, President and Chief Executive Officer, SK Innovation

“In the last 25 years SQM has been operating and optimizing its sustainable production process for lithium. SQM takes its responsibility seriously in protecting the environment and ensuring the well-being of its neighbouring communities. As a key element to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement, today we are taking another step, making a public and transparent commitment to the principles of the Global Battery Alliance of the World Economic Forum to ensure sustainable supply of lithium. SQM is proud to endorse the GBA principles of the World Economic Forum. As a leading lithium producer, we believe this is major step towards realizing a sustainable battery supply chain.” Ricardo Ramos, Chief Executive Officer, SQM

“We must diligently work together and support governments like that of the DRC in their efforts to address shortcomings in the Lithium-ion value chain. These challenges cannot be wished away. The adoption of the Global Battery Alliance principles provides a welcome foundation in pursuit of the responsible sourcing of materials such as cobalt, which are essential for the transition to low carbon economies.” Jeremy Weir, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Trafigura

“Rechargeable Batteries are the best technology to achieve zero emissions mobility and underpin climate neutral economy of the future. The Global Battery Alliance should accelerate the transition to sustainably sourced and produced batteries by enabling full traceability along the supply chain and implementing the Battery Passport. GBA’s members include the world’s largest mining and smelting companies so it is in their power to guarantee responsible, safe and inclusive extraction of battery metals in developing countries.” Julia Poliscanova, Director, Transport & Environment’s Clean Vehicles and E-Mobility Director

“I am very pleased that after over two years of intense work among many key stakeholders of the battery value chain we have reached consensus on 10 challenging principles. In particular, the principles call for ‘immediately and urgently eliminating child and forced labour’ from the batteries. Indeed, we cannot accept that the pursuit of climate neutrality should in any way involve child labour. Therefore (along with the immediate elimination of child labour) I am prepared to pledge significant funds to support the work of a consortium of NGOs in order to ensure that children are out of the mines and I invite other members of the Global Battery Alliance to join me for the creation of this fund.” Marc Grynberg, Chief Executive Officer, Umicore

“At Volkswagen, our sustainability and social responsibility requirements go well beyond production and cover the entire value chain. We do not tolerate any infringements of environmental and social standards – this applies to the entire supply chain. That’s why we support the GBA and are committed to the 10 principles that were agreed today as a building block to safeguard human rights and economic development consistent with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.” Ralf Pfitzner, Head of Sustainability, Volkswagen Group

Sustainable batteries are a must for our society to thrive within planet boundaries. WBCSD welcomes the 10 principles for a sustainable value chain that protects human rights and accelerate the transition to carbon neutrality, and will continue to support the Global Battery Alliance members in their action towards the vision for a sustainable battery value chain by 2030”, Maria Mendiluce, World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)

São Paulo – GE Renewable Energy announced today that it has been selected by Rio Energy for the production, delivery, installation and commissioning of 30 Cypress onshore wind turbines, operating in a range from 4.8 MW to 5.1 MW. This is the second contract signed by GE and Rio Energy in Brazil, and GE’s second Cypress announcement in the country.
The turbines will be installed at Rio Energy’s Serra da Babilonia wind farm — located near the municipalities of Morro do Chapéu, Ourolândia, and Várzea Nova (at the State of Bahia) — and will add approximately 150 MW to the wind farm complex, which currently has 223.25 MW of installed capacity. The turbines will be the first Cypress units manufactured and delivered in Brazil, and are expected to be installed in the last quarter of 2020.
Vikas Anand, GE Renewable Energy’s CEO for Onshore Wind, Americas, said: “We are delighted that Rio Energy has selected GE’s Cypress platform for the Serra da Babilonia wind farm in Brazil. Rio Energy has been key to supporting Brazil’s renewable energy goals, and we are proud to work with them to help provide renewable, sustainable energy across the region”.
Several key components of these Cypress units will be manufactured in Brazil, including assembly at GE’s facility in Camaçari (BA) and blades produced by LM Wind Power in the Port of Suape (PE). Announced last year, GE’s Cypress is the most powerful onshore wind turbine in operation today. It enables significant Annual Energy Production (AEP) improvements, increased efficiency in serviceability, and ultimately more value for customers.
Marcos Meireles, Rio Energy’s CEO, said “We are very excited to install the first GE’s Cypress wind turbines in Brazil. This agreement reinforces our commitment to help grow Brazil’s installed base, by investing not only in adding new turbines, but also introducing a new technology to advance onshore wind in Brazil.”
The contract also includes a ten-year operation and maintenance (O&M) agreement for all equipment supplied by GE at the wind farm, with the potential to extend to 20 years.
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About GE Renewable Energy
GE Renewable Energy is a $15 billion business which combines one of the broadest portfolios in the renewable energy industry to provide end-to-end solutions for our customers demanding reliable and affordable green power. Combining onshore and offshore wind, blades, hydro, storage, utility-scale solar, and grid solutions as well as hybrid renewables and digital services offerings, GE Renewable Energy has installed more than 400+ gigawatts of clean renewable energy and equipped more than 90 percent of utilities worldwide with its grid solutions. With nearly 40,000 employees present in more than 80 countries, GE Renewable Energy creates value for customers seeking to power the world with affordable, reliable and sustainable green electrons.
Follow us at www.ge.com/renewableenergy, on www.twitter.com/GErenewables or on www.linkedin.com/company/gerenewableenergy.
About Rio Energy
Rio Energy is a platform for the development, construction, and operation of power generation assets in Brazil. The company currently owns a portfolio of 830MW of wind power plants in commercial operation and under or near construction and a greenfield project pipeline over 2GW. Rio Energy is committed to a sustainable future, applying the highest quality standards, while creating both social and economic value for local communities and stakeholders. For more information, please access www.rioenergyllc.com

NEW JERSEY – Subject to final agreed and signed contract and all required project approvals, Ørsted will deploy Haliade-X 12 MW wind turbines on the two offshore wind farms constituting Ørsted’s Mid-Atlantic cluster:

Skipjack (120 MW) off the coast of Maryland. Expected commissioning: 2022.
Ocean Wind (1,100 MW) off the coast of New Jersey. Expected commissioning: 2024.
In the US alone, seven states on the east coast have committed to building a total of 20 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2035, emphasising the need for a broad and diverse supplier base.

Martin Neubert, Executive Vice President and CEO of Ørsted Offshore, says:

“We look forward to introducing the next generation offshore wind turbine to the market. For decades, Ørsted has pioneered the introduction of new technology and new suppliers which has been fundamental to drive down the cost of electricity, and today offshore wind is a competitive source of homegrown clean energy that can help countries and states achieve their climate targets while creating long-lasting economic activity. We are delighted to see GE’s long-term commitment to offshore wind and to partner with them on our Mid-Atlantic cluster.”

Jérôme Pécresse, President & CEO of GE Renewable Energy, says:

“We are truly excited to be selected preferred supplier with the most powerful offshore wind turbine on the market by the global market leader. Offshore wind is a high-growth segment for our company, and like Ørsted, we are enthusiastic about the potential of offshore wind, both in the US and globally. As this announcement demonstrates, our significant investment in technology innovation, which leverages all appropriate resources within GE, positions us to help our customers lower the cost of energy produced by clean, abundant, reliable offshore wind. We thank Ørsted for their trust and commitment.”

Following the 30 MW Block Island Wind Farm – America’s first offshore wind farm which was commissioned in 2016 and pioneered the 6 MW Haliade turbine – Skipjack and Ocean Wind will be Ørsted’s second and third offshore wind farms to deploy turbines from GE Renewable Energy. In the US, Ørsted has been awarded the rights to build offshore wind farms to serve the markets of Maryland, New Jersey, Rhode Island, New York, and Connecticut. These wind farms will have a total capacity of approx. 2.9 GW and will be commissioned by 2024.

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About the Haliade-X 12 MW
GE Renewable Energy’s Haliade-X 12 MW wind turbine has a rotor diameter of 220 meters. Each blade on the Haliade-X 12 MW is 107 meters (351 feet) long sweeping a total area of 38.000 square meters (409,000 square feet).

About Ørsted U.S. Offshore Wind
Ørsted U.S. Offshore Wind delivers clean, renewable energy along the U.S. Eastern Seaboard. It operates the Block Island Wind Farm, America’s first offshore wind farm, and has been awarded over 2,900 megawatts of capacity through six projects. It is jointly headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts and Providence, Rhode Island and employs more than 100 people.

About Ørsted
The Ørsted vision is a world that runs entirely on green energy. Ørsted develops, constructs and operates offshore and onshore wind farms, bioenergy plants and provides energy products to its customers. Headquartered in Denmark, Ørsted employs 6,300 people. Ørsted’s shares are listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen (Orsted). In 2018, the group’s revenue was DKK 76.9 billion (EUR 10.3 billion). For more information on Ørsted, visit orsted.com or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter.

About GE Renewable Energy
GE Renewable Energy is a $15 billion business which combines one of the broadest portfolios in the renewable energy industry to provide end-to-end solutions for our customers demanding reliable and affordable green power. Combining onshore and offshore wind, blades, hydro, storage, utility-scale solar, and grid solutions as well as hybrid renewables and digital services offerings, GE Renewable Energy has installed more than 400+ gigawatts of clean renewable energy and equipped more than 90 percent of utilities worldwide with its grid solutions. With nearly 40,000 employees present in more than 80 countries, GE Renewable Energy creates value for customers seeking to power the world with affordable, reliable and sustainable green electrons.
Follow us at www.ge.com/renewableenergy, on www.linkedin.com/company/gerenewableenergy, or on www.twitter.com/GErenewables

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor announced major milestones in the continuing effort to expand apprenticeships in the United States.

This morning, a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) was made public that would establish a process for the U.S. Department of Labor to advance the development of high-quality, industry-recognized apprenticeship programs (IRAPs).

The Department further announced awards totaling $183.8 million to support the development and expansion of apprenticeships for educational institutions partnering with companies that provide a funding match component. The Department will also make available an additional $100 million for efforts to expand apprenticeships and close the skills gap.

Tomorrow, the Department will issue a revised Training and Employment Notice that will subsequently be accompanied by an application for entities seeking to recognize IRAPs.

“The apprenticeship model of earning while learning has worked well in many American industries, and today we open opportunities for apprenticeships to flourish in new sectors of our economy,” U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta said. “With 7.4 million open jobs and job creators searching for skilled job seekers, apprenticeship expansion will continue to close the skills gap and strengthen the greatest workforce in the world – the American workforce.”

There are more than half a million new apprenticeships since January 2017.

Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs

On June 15, 2017, President Trump signed Executive Order 13801 charging the Secretary of Labor to consider establishing guidelines or requirements that qualified entities should or must follow to ensure that apprenticeship programs they recognize meet quality standards.

The Executive Order created a Task Force on Apprenticeship Expansion that included representatives of business, labor, educational institutions, trade associations, and public officials and invited them to offer their recommendations on how to best expand the apprenticeship model in America. The Task Force recommendations were transmitted to the President on May 10, 2018.

Today’s NPRM reflects key recommendations contained in the final report of the Task Force, which noted that the establishment of industry-recognized apprenticeships could provide high-quality apprenticeship programs and opportunities in a market-driven system.

Under the proposed rule, entities such as trade, industry, and employer groups or associations, educational institutions, state and local government entities, non-profit organizations, unions, or a consortium or partnership of these entities could become a Standards Recognition Entity (SRE) that sets standards for training, structure, and curricula for IRAPs in relevant industries or occupational areas. The SREs would be recognized through the U.S. Department of Labor to ensure that its requirements are met, resulting in only high-quality IRAPs. This is a similar relationship to the one that exists between the U.S. Department of Education and higher education accrediting bodies.

The Department would ensure that SREs have the capacity and quality-assurance processes and procedures needed to monitor IRAPs and recognize that IRAPs are high quality. The Department’s criteria for high-quality IRAPs include paid work, work-based learning, mentorship, education and instruction, industry-recognized credentials, safety and supervision, and adhering to equal employment opportunity obligations.

IRAPs represent a new pathway for the expansion of apprenticeships, and the proposal accordingly does not change requirements for Registered Apprenticeship Programs.

A 60-day public comment period commences with the publication of the proposed rule in the Federal Register. The Department invites interested persons to submit comments on the content of the proposed rule by following the transmittal directions contained in the NPRM. View the content of the NPRM.

Apprenticeship Grants

In addition to the proposed rule, the Department is awarding $183.8 million in Scaling Apprenticeship Through Sector-Based Strategies grants to private-public apprenticeship partnerships in information technology, advanced manufacturing, and healthcare. The grants are funded through H-1B visa fees, which are paid to bring foreign workers to America when Americans cannot be found to fill open jobs.

These grants will support the training of more than 85,000 apprentices in new or expanded apprenticeship programs and increase apprenticeship opportunities for all Americans, including veterans, military spouses, and service members transitioning into the civilian workforce; and groups that are underrepresented in apprenticeships such as women, people of color, and Americans transitioning from the justice system to the workforce. Recipients include colleges, universities, and state systems of higher education, in partnership with national industry associations, employers representing an industry sector, and other partners. Industry partners will provide partial matching funds to the institutions to develop in-demand skills as part of these programs.

The 23 academic institutions and consortia receiving grants with their private-sector partners are:

Alabama

Alabama Community College System with the Manufacturing Institute of the National Association of Manufacturers (Advanced Manufacturing)

Arizona

Pima County Community College District and four colleges with the Manufacturing Institute of the National Association of Manufacturers, National Tooling & Machining Association, and National Institute of Metalworking Skills (Advanced Manufacturing)

California

West Los Angeles College and five colleges with the Aerospace Industries Association, Society of Manufacturing Engineers, Institute for American Apprenticeships and 17 firms (Advanced Manufacturing)

Colorado

Colorado Department of Higher Education and Colorado Community College System with Kaiser Permanente, Centura Health, HealthOne/HCA, UCHealth and Colorado Rural Health Center (Healthcare)

Connecticut

Connecticut State Colleges & Universities with Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, Electric Boat, IBM, Sound Manufacturing, and Pratt & Whitney (Advanced Manufacturing)

Florida

Florida International University Board of Trustees and a coalition of urban serving universities with The Society for Human Resource Management Foundation and three firms (Information Technology)

Florida

Miami Dade College and Polk State College with the Computing Technology Industry Association and Kaseya (Information Technology)

Illinois

Illinois Community College Board and City Colleges of Chicago with the Computing Technology Industry Association (Information Technology)

Indiana

Purdue University with five associations and seven firms (Information Technology)

Massachusetts

Trustees of Clark University and six colleges with 13 firms (Information Technology)

Maryland

Community College of Baltimore County with Johns Hopkins Medicine and three hospitals (Healthcare)

Missouri

St. Louis Community College and eight colleges with the National Institute of Metalworking Skills (Advanced Manufacturing)

New Jersey

Bergen Community College and participants from the New Jersey Council of County Colleges with CVS Health and five healthcare entities (Healthcare)

New Jersey

County College of Morris and seven Community Colleges with the German American Chamber of Commerce, Siemens, UPS, and five firms (Advanced Manufacturing)

New York

Research Foundation for the State University of New York and 57 firms (Advanced Manufacturing)

Ohio

Columbus State Community College and 25 colleges and universities with 10 firms (Information Technology)

Ohio

Lorain County Community College with Manufacturing Institute of the National Association of Manufacturers, Ohio Manufacturers Association and National Institute of Metalworking Skills (Advanced Manufacturing)

Ohio

University of Cincinnati and five colleges with Northrup Grumman, IBM, GE Aviation and four firms (Information Technology)

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania College of Technology and New Jersey Institute of Technology with four associations and seven firms (Advanced Manufacturing)

Texas

Dallas County Community College District with the American Hospital Association and nine healthcare entities (Healthcare)

Texas

San Jacinto Community College District and three college districts with IBM, Lockheed Martin, Cerner Corporation, Cisco Systems and Rackspace (Information Technology)

Utah

Weber State University and two colleges with 14 firms (Information Technology)

West Virginia

West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College Education and nine colleges and universities with 17 firms (Information Technology)

The Department is also announcing a new solicitation to award up to $100 million in grant funds authorized by Section 414(c) of the American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act of 1998 (ACWIA) for the Apprenticeships: Closing the Skills Gap grant program.

The Department intends to fund up to 30 apprenticeship grants, with awards ranging from $500,000 to $6 million. Grants may be local/regional, statewide, or national in scale, and funding will depend on the proposed geographic scope of the apprenticeship project. Grant funds will be awarded to apprenticeship partnerships of public- and private-sector entities, which together will develop and implement new apprenticeship models or expand existing apprenticeship programs. The full solicitation will be published on grants.gov today.

Training and Employment Notice (TEN)

The Department will also be publishing a revised TEN tomorrow that provides additional information on the policies and procedures that entities are expected to have in place to establish their standards-setting and recognition processes, and to evaluate and recognize apprenticeship programs as high quality. This revised TEN will subsequently be accompanied by the Department’s revised application form. The revised TEN will explain how entities will be able to use that form.

Sydney, Australia – GE Renewable Energy announced today that it has been selected by investors Partners Group and CWP as the wind turbine supplier for the 244 MW Bango wind farm near Yass, New South Wales. The project, which will use 46 of GE’s Cypress onshore wind platform, is a significant milestone for GE and represents the company’s first Cypress-equipped wind farm in Australia and the largest globally to date.

The construction of the project will commence shortly and will be fully commissioned and operational by 2021. The construction phase will create up to 120 regional jobs and once complete the wind farm will deliver five full time jobs. The proposed project capacity is approximately 244 MW, which would generate enough energy for over 100,000 homes* and would save over 600,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions every year.

The Cypress onshore wind platform enables significant Annual Energy Production (AEP) improvements, increased efficiency in serviceability, improved logistics and siting potential, and ultimately more value for customers. The two-piece blade design enables blades to be manufactured at even longer lengths and improving logistics to drive costs down and offer more siting options, in locations that were previously inaccessible.

Steve Oswald, Country Leader GE Renewable Energy Onshore Wind in Australia, commented: “With 1 GW of installed wind capacity and another 600 MW under construction here, GE remains deeply committed to Australia’s energy future, and with the Cypress platform we’re ensuring that we are bringing the very latest technology to this market. This new platform will help lower the cost of energy for Australian households and businesses and will create a significant number of regional jobs throughout the construction phase.”

Announced last year by GE Renewable Energy, the Cypress is the most powerful and efficient wind turbine in operation. So far, the platform has been embraced around the world with orders confirmed in Germany, Turkey and Australia. As the largest order of the platform globally, the Bango wind farm shows clear demand in Australia for the latest and best in wind technology and GE anticipates further interest in the Cypress platform in the market.

* Based on an average NSW household electricity consumption of 7.3 MWh annually

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About GE Renewable Energy
GE Renewable Energy is a $15 billion business which combines one of the broadest portfolios in the renewable energy industry to provide end-to-end solutions for our customers demanding reliable and affordable green power. Combining onshore and offshore wind, blades, hydro, storage, utility-scale solar, and grid solutions as well as hybrid renewables and digital services offerings, GE Renewable Energy has installed more than 400+ gigawatts of clean renewable energy and equipped more than 90 percent of utilities worldwide with its grid solutions. With nearly 40,000 employees present in more than 80 countries, GE Renewable Energy creates value for customers seeking to power the world with affordable, reliable and sustainable green electrons.

Istanbul, Turkey – GE Renewable Energy announces today that it has been selected by Türkerler and RT Enerji to supply equipment for the five Kirazli, Meryem, Sile, Pamukova and Mahmut Sevket onshore wind farms. Forty-nine of GE’s 3 MW onshore wind turbines will be installed in Izmir, Bilecik, Sakarya and Istanbul Turkey. With a total capacity of 158 MW, the project will provide renewable energy to the region, powering the equivalent of 183,000 homes. The scope also includes a 10-year servicing agreement.

RT Enerji and Türkerler said: “GE, RT Enerji and Türkerler have built a strong relationship, and we are very happy to be working together again. We have been heavily engaged in helping Turkey work toward its sustainable energy targets, and this wind farms are yet another step in the right direction. Turkey is ranked among the richest countries in the world in terms of the renewable energy resources — also called the clean energy. As GE, RT Enerji and Türkerler, we invest in clean energy, meaning nature. We are pleased and proud of this investment in order to meet the energy needs of future generations and to minimize the damage to the environment”.

As a part of the agreement, LM Wind Power will produce the 147 blades for the wind turbines at the Bergama site, Izmir, Turkey, where GE has more than 450 employees. The site, which began operations in July 2017, became the fifteenth LM Wind Power factory and the first opened after the company became a GE Renewable Energy business. The site aims to help meet the requirements of the rapidly-growing Turkish wind industry. Towers and generators will also be produced in the country.

Manar al-Moneef, GE Renewable Energy’s Onshore Wind regional leader for MENAT, says: “GE has been one of the early investors in Turkey and continue commitment to create jobs and contribute to the development of high technology in the energy industry. We are delighted to be partnering with Türkerler and RT Enerji again and working on this exciting project. GE’s high-tech 3 MW platform turbines are well suited to Turkey’s wind speeds and landscape. And, with a more than 1.200 MW installed base in the country, GE is proud to be bringing additional renewable, sustainable energy to the region. We look forward to additional opportunities to work with Türkerler and RT Enerji in the future.”

About GE Renewable Energy
GE Renewable Energy is a $15 billion business which combines one of the broadest portfolios in the renewable energy industry to provide end-to-end solutions for our customers demanding reliable and affordable green power. Combining onshore and offshore wind, blades, hydro, storage, utility-scale solar, and grid solutions as well as hybrid renewables and digital services offerings, GE Renewable Energy has installed more than 400+ gigawatts of clean renewable energy and equipped more than 90 percent of utilities worldwide with its grid solutions. With nearly 40,000 employees present in more than 80 countries, GE Renewable Energy creates value for customers seeking to power the world with affordable, reliable and sustainable green electrons.
Follow us at www.ge.com/renewableenergy, on www.linkedin.com/company/gerenewableenergy, or on www.twitter.com/GErenewables

ATLANTA; March 7, 2019 – Building strong momentum in North America and around the world, GE Power (NYSE: GE) announced today that family-owned independent power producer NOVI Energy has selected GE’s record-setting HA gas turbine technology for the Charles City Combined Cycle Plant planned for construction in Charles City County, Virginia.

Two of GE’s 7HA.02s, the world’s largest and most efficient heavy-duty gas turbine, will power the 1,060 MW project in the greater Richmond area that will provide electricity to the grid in the eastern United States. The electricity produced by the plant will be the equivalent needed by more than 750,000 households. Additionally, the project will help support the growing data center industry in Virginia, providing reliable electricity to serve this critical infrastructure. This technology selection will also utilize GE steam turbines, HRSGs and associated balance of plant equipment.

“We are delighted to select GE’s most efficient HA technology for the Charles City Combined Cycle project,” said Anand Gangadharan, President and CEO of NOVI Energy. “Our project will leverage the latest technology to produce highly efficient electricity, while creating jobs in the greater Richmond area in Virginia.”

Once completed, the plant would supply electricity to the PJM regional transmission organization which provides electricity to a large portion of the eastern United States. Expected to be completed by 2022, the plant would also create up to 1,000 jobs during the peak construction phase. Currently, the Charles City project has secured all of the permitting necessary to proceed, and NOVI and their financial sponsor Ares Management are actively moving the project towards commencement of construction.

“NOVI Energy is leading the way with innovative and diverse energy projects across the United States, and we’re extremely excited to partner with the NOVI team on their Charles City project,” said Dave Ross, President of Sales, North America for GE Power.

GE’s HA fleet of gas turbines has surpassed more than 250,000 operating hours and has secured more than 85 orders from 35+ customers across more than 16 countries. Recently, GE announced an award in Taiwan and an order in United Arab Emirates for its HA gas turbine.

GE’s HA technology has been recognized as the cornerstone for two “Top Gas Projects” from POWER Magazine and as a “Best Gas-Fired Project” by Power Engineering, set two world records for efficiency across the 50hz and 60hz segments, and continues to be the fastest growing fleet of gas turbines in the world.

About NOVI Energy
Started in March of 2002, NOVI Energy is a family-owned entrepreneurial company that turns exceptional ideas and innovative technologies into the world’s best energy solutions.

NOVI Energy provides a broad range of services in energy management and energy infrastructure development for governmental, industrial, institutional, commercial, and utility customers located around the world. NOVI Energy is keenly aware of what it takes to bring an energy project from concept to commercial operation, as the NOVI team has successfully developed a number of power projects.

About GE Power
GE Power is a world energy leader providing equipment, solutions and services across the energy value chain from generation to consumption. Operating in more than 180 countries, our technology produces a third of the world’s electricity, equips 90 percent of power transmission utilities worldwide, and our software manages more than forty percent of the world’s energy. Through relentless innovation and continuous partnership with our customers, we are developing the energy technologies of the future and improving the power networks we depend on today. For more information please visit www.ge.com/power, and follow GE Power on Twitter and on LinkedIn.

NAIROBI, KENYA – GE Renewable Energy and GE Energy Financial Services (“GE EFS”) have partnered to provide technology and advisory support for its flagship onshore wind project in Sub-Sahara Africa. Kipeto Energy Plc’s (“Kipeto”) 100-megawatt (MW) wind power project is located south of Nairobi, in Kajiado, Kenya.

GE Renewable Energy will provide 60 of its highly efficient GE 1.7-103 turbines to the Kipeto project, providing power to the equivalent of approximately 40,000 homes in the region. The 100MW Kipeto wind power project will provide clean energy to the national grid as a significant contribution to Kenya’s Vision 2030 and Big Four Agenda. The project is expected to reach commercial operation in 2020.

Peter Wells, GE’s Onshore Wind Regional Director for Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa, said: “GE is incredibly proud to be a part of this exciting endeavor. The Kipeto project is an important step forward in providing affordable, reliable clean energy to the region, and meeting Kenya’s renewable energy goals. We look forward to working with our partners on the journey for years to come.”

The Kipeto wind power project, which reached financial close yesterday, is funded by equity from Actis and a Kenyan company, Craftskills Wind Energy International, alongside senior debt from the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), the United States government’s development finance institution (DFI).

Subha Nagarajan, Managing Director, GE EFS’ Global Capital Advisory, said: “Kipeto represents our ability to identify and connect capital from leading government agencies to emerging markets, and enable construction of GE’s wind projects in new markets. The project lays foundation for cleaner and more reliable energy for the local communities in the future.”

GE Renewable Energy will also provide operations and maintenance services for the wind turbines. The Kipeto project was originally conceived by Craftskills Wind Energy International, with support from GE. AIIM and IFC InfraVentures co-developed the project with Craftskills from 2014 until early 2018, executing a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Kenya Power and Lighting in 2016.

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About GE Renewable Energy
GE Renewable Energy is a $10 billion business with an innovative spirit and entrepreneurial mindset, bringing together one of the broadest energy products and digital services portfolios in the renewable energy industry. Combining onshore and offshore wind, blades, hydro and innovative technologies such as hybrid systems and concentrated solar power, GE Renewable Energy has installed more than 400+ gigawatts capacity globally to make the world work better and cleaner. With more than 22,000 employees present in more than 80 countries, GE Renewable Energy is working on new ways to power the world’s biggest economies and most remote communities.
Follow us at www.ge.com/renewableenergy or on twitter @GErenewables

About GE Energy Financial Services
A strategic GE Capital business, GE Energy Financial Services is a global energy investor with 35+ years managing assets through multiple energy cycles. Drawing on its technical know-how, financial strength and strong risk management, GE Energy Financial Services invests in and provide capital solutions for long-lived and capital-intensive projects and companies that help meet the world’s energy needs. It is headquartered in Connecticut with regional hubs in London, Houston, Washington D.C., Hong Kong and Nairobi.

FARMINGTON, Conn., — United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX) today announced the completion of its acquisition of Rockwell Collins (NYSE: COL) and the company’s intention to separate its commercial businesses, Otis and Carrier (formerly CCS), into independent entities. The separation will result in three global, industry-leading companies:

United Technologies, comprised of Collins Aerospace Systems and Pratt & Whitney, will be the preeminent systems supplier to the aerospace and defense industry; Collins Aerospace was formed through the combination of UTC Aerospace Systems and Rockwell Collins;
Otis, the world’s leading manufacturer of elevators, escalators and moving walkways; and
Carrier, a global provider of HVAC, refrigeration, building automation, fire safety and security products with leadership positions across its portfolio.
“Our decision to separate United Technologies is a pivotal moment in our history and will best position each independent company to drive sustained growth, lead its industry in innovation and customer focus, and maximize value creation,” said United Technologies Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Gregory Hayes. “Our products make modern life possible for billions of people. I’m confident that each company will continue our proud history of performance, excellence and innovation while building an even brighter future. As standalone companies, United Technologies, Otis and Carrier will be ready to solve our customers’ biggest challenges, provide rewarding career opportunities, and contribute positively to communities around the world.”

Overview of Three Leading Companies:
United Technologies (UTC)
United Technologies (NYSE: UTX), comprising Collins Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney, will be the preeminent systems supplier to the high-growth commercial aerospace and defense industry, with a unique portfolio of technologies and scale to invest through economic cycles. Combined sales of the two businesses totaled $39.0 billion in 2017 on a pro forma basis. Collins Aerospace supplies electrical, mechanical and software solutions across all major segments of the aerospace industry and serves commercial and military customers. Pratt & Whitney is a global leader in aircraft propulsion with a growing number of engine programs including the revolutionary Geared TurbofanTM commercial engine and the F135 military engine for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program.

Otis Elevator Company (Otis)
Otis Elevator Company is the world’s leading manufacturer of people-moving products, including elevators, escalators and moving walkways, with significant recurring revenue from long-term maintenance contracts and $12.3 billion in 2017 sales. Founded 165 years ago, Otis has a history of global leadership with products and services offered in nearly every country in the world. Otis, with more than two million elevators under maintenance, has the largest aftermarket service portfolio of any elevator manufacturer. Recent investments include digitally-enabled field service capabilities, positioning Otis for continued growth.

Carrier
Carrier is a leading global provider of innovative HVAC, refrigeration, fire, security and building automation technologies with 2017 sales of $17.8 billion. Supported by the iconic Carrier name, the company’s portfolio includes industry-leading brands such as Carrier, Kidde, Edwards, LenelS2 and Automated Logic. Carrier’s businesses enable modern life, delivering efficiency, safety, security, comfort, productivity and sustainability across a wide range of residential, commercial and industrial applications. Through accelerated innovation, the company has released more than 200 new products over the last two years.

Separation Transaction Details
The proposed separation is expected to be effected through spin-offs of Otis and Carrier that will be tax-free for UTC shareowners for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Each spin-off is subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions, including final approval by UTC’s Board of Directors, receipt of a tax opinion from counsel, the filing and effectiveness of a Form 10 registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and satisfactory completion of financing.

Gregory Hayes will oversee the transition and will continue in his current role as UTC Chairman and CEO following the separation.

The three independent companies will be appropriately capitalized with the financial flexibility to take advantage of future growth opportunities. Each business will be better positioned to pursue a capital allocation strategy more suitable to its respective industry and risk and return profile, and enjoy greater flexibility with an independent equity currency and more appropriately aligned management and employee incentives. UTC’s commitment to strengthening its credit metrics remains unchanged. Each independent company is expected to have a strong balance sheet and to maintain an investment grade credit rating. Any existing or potential liabilities that are not associated with a particular entity will be allocated appropriately to each of the businesses.

Following separation, the three companies together are initially expected to pay a quarterly dividend that is in sum no less than 73.5 cents per share, although each company’s dividend policy will be determined by its respective Board of Directors following the completion of the separation. Until the planned transactions are completed, UTC expects to continue to pay a quarterly dividend of no less than 73.5 cents per share.

One-time transaction costs are expected to include non-U.S. tax expense, debt financing, operational separation activities and other customary items.

The separation is expected to be completed in 2020, with separation activities occurring within the next 18-24 months. There can be no assurances regarding the ultimate timing of the separation or that the separation will be completed.

Creating Collins Aerospace
UTC’s acquisition of Rockwell Collins is one of the largest in aerospace history. It brings together Rockwell Collins and UTC Aerospace Systems to create Collins Aerospace Systems, an industry leader with a global presence of 70,000 employees in 300 sites and $23 billion in annual sales on a 2017 pro forma basis.

United Technologies expects the deal to be accretive to adjusted earnings per share in 2019 and to generate more than $500 million in run-rate pre-tax cost synergies by year four.

“Collins Aerospace brings together two great companies with unmatched expertise in developing electrical, mechanical and software solutions,” said Hayes. “We will have a laser focus on developing innovative solutions for customers and generating strong returns for shareowners.”

Financial Outlook
UTC updates its 2018 outlook to include the acquisition of Rockwell Collins and now anticipates:

Sales of $64.5 to $65.0 billion, up from $64.0 to $64.5 billion;
Adjusted EPS dilution of approximately $0.10 from the acquisition, resulting in adjusted EPS of $7.10 to $7.20, down from $7.20 to $7.30*;
Free cash flow of $4.25 to $4.5 billion, down from $4.5 to $5.0 billion*;
All outlook changes are related to the acquisition of Rockwell Collins. There is no change in the Company’s previously provided 2018 expectations for organic sales growth of approximately 6 percent.*
For 2019, UTC anticipates the acquisition to be $0.15 to $0.20 accretive to adjusted EPS, including the estimated impact of approximately $650 million of incremental intangible amortization associated with the transaction. UTC also expects $500 to $750 million of accretion to free cash flow in 2019 from Rockwell Collins. The weighted average diluted shares outstanding for 2019 is expected to be approximately 872 million shares.

*Note: When we provide expectations for adjusted EPS, organic sales and free cash flow on a forward-looking basis, a reconciliation of the differences between the non-GAAP expectations and the corresponding GAAP measures generally is not available without unreasonable effort. See “Use and Definitions of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below for additional information.

Investor Conference Call
United Technologies will hold a conference call to discuss this announcement beginning at 8:00 a.m. ET, Tuesday, November 27. Participants should call (877) 280-7280 at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start. The presentation will be webcast at www.utc.com and https://edge.media-server.com/m6/p/9obw96jn, and a recording will be archived on the website. A slideshow accompanying the presentation will be posted to www.utc.com prior to the call. A recording will be archived later on the site and will be available for replay by phone from 12 p.m. ET Tuesday, November 27, to midnight Tuesday, December 4. For a replay, dial (404) 537-3406. At the prompt for a conference ID number, enter 4739517.

Advisors on Portfolio Separation
Evercore and Goldman Sachs & Co. are acting as financial advisors and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz is serving as legal advisor to United Technologies.

About United Technologies
United Technologies Corp., based in Farmington, Connecticut, provides high technology products and services to the building and aerospace industries. By combining a passion for science with precision engineering, the company is creating smart, sustainable solutions the world needs. For more information about the company, visit our website at www.utc.com or on Twitter @UTC.

OLATHE, KANSAS – John Deere and Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever announced a new joint effort today to help improve wildlife habitat acres across the country and provide discounts on select models of new John Deere equipment to Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever members.

“John Deere is interested in promoting wildlife habitat and finding innovative ways to help farmers, ranchers and landowners turn marginal, unproductive acres into more profitable wildlife habitat,” Travis Becton, director of sales for John Deere said. This program provides landowners, who are outdoor enthusiasts and members of Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever, an opportunity to reclaim what were once unprofitable acres and to save on their purchase of new John Deere equipment.

Pheasants Forever, Inc., is an organization dedicated to the conservation of pheasants, quail and wildlife through habitat improvements, public awareness, education and land management policies and programs. More than 17 million acres of wildlife habitat have been improved by the group in the past 36 years. The Habitat Organization’s expertise in wildlife habitat improvement is one reason why John Deere joined efforts with them.

“We are thrilled to add John Deere as a partner in our conservation mission,” added Howard Vincent, Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever President and CEO. “Our habitat goals happen with farmers in the driver’s seat of a John Deere planting the best acres to row crops and the environmentally sensitive acres to wildlife habitat.”

“There are many positives that can come from John Deere and Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever working together. We have a large portfolio of equipment and technology that can be used to improve wildlife habitats, keep waterways clean and protect soils while reclaiming what were previously less productive acres,” Becton said.

One example he cited is the use of John Deere Precision Ag technology to help customers more quickly identify less productive areas of a field or parcel of land, so they can target them with conservation practices that will ultimately result in increased wildlife habitat and potentially increase profits.

Customers can have their yield maps and data analyzed by agronomists or wildlife biologists who can provide recommendations for improvement. In fields with areas affected by poor drainage or saline soils that are unable to produce a crop for example, customers can plant the area back to grass, alfalfa or possibly enroll the acres in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP).

As part of the three-year agreement, Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever will recognize John Deere as the “Official Habitat Tractor”. In addition, John Deere will sponsor a Conservation Farmer of the Year Award for local chapter banquets nationwide to recognize and promote conservation practices. During the 2019 National Pheasant Fest and Quail Classic, John Deere will be the presenting sponsor for a Precision Ag Workshop for farmers, precision specialists, agronomists and ag lenders. The workshop will provide information on how to maximize return-on-investment for every acre on the farm while improving wildlife habitat.

The John Deere rewards program will provide Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever members with discounts on select models of new John Deere equipment including compact utility tractors, riding mowers, rotary cutters and other products offered through John Deere Rewards and purchased at authorized and participating John Deere dealers or visit Deere.com/Pheasants for complete details.

John Deere has similar member-benefit programs with other organizations including the American Quarter Horse Association, the American Farm Bureau Federation and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

Deere & Company (NYSE: DE) is a world leader in providing advanced products and services and is committed to the success of customers whose work is linked to the land – those who cultivate, harvest, transform, enrich and build upon the land to meet the world’s dramatically increasing need for food, fuel, shelter and infrastructure. Since 1837, John Deere has delivered innovative products of superior quality built on a tradition of integrity. For more information, visit John Deere at its worldwide website at www.JohnDeere.com.