Day: March 21, 2022

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Hitachi Energy to provide advanced grid connection for the world’s largest eucalyptus pulp mill in Brazil Innovative solution will enable surplus renewable electricity to be transferred into the national power grid

Innovative solution will enable surplus renewable electricity to be transferred into the national power grid

Zurich, Switzerland, March 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hitachi Energy, the global technology and market leader in power grids, announced today that it has won an order from Suzano, the world’s leading eucalyptus pulp producer and one of Latin America’s largest paper producers, to design and deliver a complete grid connection solution for the company’s new pulp mill in Brazil.

Suzano’s new factory will be the world’s largest single-line eucalyptus pulp mill and Brazil’s first pulp production facility to be fossil fuel free when completed in the second half of 2024. It will have an annual production capacity of 2.5 million tons and will increase Suzano’s output by 20 percent. About half of the electricity generated will be transferred to the national power grid, enough to supply around 2.3 million people for one month.

The two companies have worked closely together on grid solutions for Suzano’s fleet of mills over the past 20 years. In this spirit of collaboration and co-creation, Hitachi Energy has contributed its pioneering technologies and its unique system integration capabilities, engineering expertise and extensive experience of local grid code requirements. This enables Hitachi Energy to design and supply complete solutions with exceptional levels of reliability, that are fundamental for these types of application.

“We are honored and delighted to be working with Suzano again on this landmark project that sets a new benchmark in sustainable pulp production and shares its emission-free electricity with society at large,” said Niklas Persson, Managing Director of Hitachi Energy’s Grid Integration business. “This is another example of how our solutions are advancing the world’s energy system to be more sustainable, flexible and secure.”

“The construction of the new factory is the biggest investment in Suzano’s history, so it is vital that the grid connection through which we generate additional revenue from our surplus energy operates at outstanding levels of reliability and availability,” said Mauricio Miranda, Engineering Director at Suzano. “We chose Hitachi Energy as our technology partner based on more than 20 years of successful collaboration and consistent delivery of innovative, reliable solutions and exceptional project execution.”

Hitachi Energy will supply a state-of-the-art grid connection solution to enable the surplus renewable power to be transferred reliably, safely and securely into the national power grid. The solution’s compact footprint is based on advanced gas-insulated switchgear and offers excellent performance in terms of efficiency and availability, while minimizing the total lifecycle cost and CO2 footprint.

To secure reliability and availability, key elements of the grid connection, such as the transformers will be equipped with Hitachi Energy’s digital monitoring systems to provide real-time data and performance insights and enable predictive maintenance. Hitachi Energy will provide a complete solution across the value chain, from system studies and grid code compliance to design and engineering, supply and installation and commissioning.

Hitachi Energy is the world’s leading provider of grid connections and power quality solutions, with an installed base of more than 10,000 projects worldwide, over 800 of which connect renewable energy sources to the grid.

About Hitachi Energy Ltd.

Hitachi Energy is a global technology leader that is advancing a sustainable energy future for all. We serve customers in the utility, industry and infrastructure sectors with innovative solutions and services across the value chain. Together with customers and partners, we pioneer technologies and enable the digital transformation required to accelerate the energy transition towards a carbon-neutral future. We are advancing the world’s energy system to become more sustainable, flexible and secure whilst balancing social, environmental and economic value. Hitachi Energy has a proven track record and unparalleled installed base in more than 140 countries. Headquartered in Switzerland, we employ around 38,000 people in 90 countries and generate business volumes of approximately $10 billion USD.

About Hitachi, Ltd.

Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, contributes to a sustainable society with a higher quality of life by driving innovation through data and technology as the Social Innovation Business. Hitachi is focused on strengthening its contribution to the Environment, the Resilience of business and social infrastructure as well as comprehensive programs to enhance Security & Safety. Hitachi resolves the issues faced by customers and society across six domains: IT, Energy, Mobility, Industry, Smart Life and Automotive Systems through its proprietary Lumada solutions. The company’s consolidated revenues for fiscal year 2020 (ended March 31, 2021) totaled 8,729.1 billion yen ($78.6 billion), with 871 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 350,000 employees worldwide. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company’s website at https://www.hitachi.com.

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Rebecca Bleasdale
Hitachi Energy Ltd.
+41 78643 2613
rebecca.bleasdale@hitachienergy.com
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Laos reports 1,137 new Covid-19 cases, four more fatalities

Laos has logged 1,137 new Covid-19 infections and four new deaths attributed to Covid-19 over the previous 24 hours.

Director General of the Department of Communicable Diseases Control, Ministry of Health Dr Rattanaxay Phetsouvanh told a press conference this morning that the newly confirmed infections were detected among 3,085 people tested for Covid-19 yesterday.

The new confirmed infections included 1,100 domestic transmissions and 37 imported cases. Vientiane reported the highest daily number of Covid-19 infections with 521 followed by Savannakhet 248, Xieng Khuang 45, Oudomxay and Khammuan, 37 each.

Sunday witnessed 153 patients discharged from hospitals nationwide.

Since late March 2020, the total caseload in the country has reached 154,094 including 2,280 active cases and 649 deaths.

As of Mar 21, over 5.5 million people, representing 75.08% of population in the country, have been vaccinated with at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, according to the Centre of Information and Education for Health, Ministry of Health.

Meanwhile, the number of people fully vaccinated against Covid-19 currently stands at 4.4 million people, accounting for 60.16% of the population, and those given a booster has shared 14.8% of the population.

Source: Lao News Agency

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New oil refinery expected to produce 100 million litres of fuel a year

Newly built Yodngeum Power Mix Fuel factory in Yodngeum village, Pek district, Xieng Khuang province is expected to produce 100 million litres of oil on an annual basis.

Minister of Industry and Commerce Khampheng Xaysompheng visited the factory last week.

Commenced in September 2021, the construction of the over 30-billion-kip factory is now fully completed and the factory is expected to begin its production soon, according to Vice President of Yodngeum Power Mix Fuel Processing Factory Uthan Tailithi.

With a storage capacity of 2.4 million litres of oil, the factory can process 100 million litres of petroleum products per year by mixing finished diesel with semi finished oil and some chemical in ratios of 60%, 39% and 1% respectively.

The company will also import gasoline to supply in the province and neighboring provinces through the Lao State Fuel Enterprise.

Source: Lao News Agency

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Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 Oscars

Final preparations are underway for the 94th Academy Awards and a long awaited return to Hollywood’s glamorous normalcy after a muted ceremony and ratings low last year. Here’s everything you need to know about the 2022 Oscars, including where to watch the live show, who’s expected to win and what the big controversies are this year.

When are the Oscars?

The Oscars will be held on Sunday, March 27, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The ceremony is set to begin at 8 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live on ABC.

Who is hosting the 2022 Oscars?

Regina Hall, Amy Schumer and Wanda Sykes are taking the stage to co-host the ceremony, which has been without an emcee for the past three years. Producer Will Packer said each woman brings something different to the show.

Who is presenting?

Show producers will continue adding names throughout the week, but at the moment stars expected to hand out awards Oscar night include Bill Murray, Lady Gaga, Kevin Costner, Samuel L. Jackson, Zoë Kravitz, Anthony Hopkins, Lily James, Daniel Kaluuya, Mila Kunis, John Leguizamo, Simu Liu, Rami Malek, Lupita Nyong’o, Rosie Perez, Chris Rock, Naomi Scott, Wesley Snipes, Uma Thurman, John Travolta, Yuh-jung Youn, Ruth E. Carter, Halle Bailey, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Jamie Lee Curtis, Woody Harrelson, Shawn Mendes, Tyler Perry, Tracee Ellis Ross, Stephanie Beatriz, DJ Khaled, Jennifer Garner, H.E.R., Tiffany Haddish, Tony Hawk, Elliot Page, Kelly Slater and Shaun White.

Which movies are nominated for best picture at the 2022 Oscars?

The 10 movies competing for best picture this year are: “Belfast”; “CODA”; “Don’t Look Up”; “Drive My Car”; “Dune”; “King Richard”; “Licorice Pizza”; “Nightmare Alley”; “The Power of the Dog”; “West Side Story.” Here’s the full list of 2022 Oscar nominations. (( https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2022 ))

What were the most surprising Oscar snubs?

There were a lot of surprises Oscar nominations morning.

Some exclusions that stood out include Denis Villeneuve, whose “Dune” got the second most nominations (10) behind “The Power of the Dog” (12) including best picture, but who failed to get a directing nomination for himself.

The best actress category was especially brutal this year, leaving out Lady Gaga for “House of Gucci,” Jennifer Hudson for “Respect,” Caitriona Balfe for “Belfast” and Renate Reinsve for “The Worst Person in the World.”

What are the predictions for the winners on Oscar night?

“The Power of the Dog” is the presumed frontrunner for best picture and best director, for Jane Campion, but there is also the possibility that “CODA” will take best picture, especially after it won at the Producer’s Guild Awards. Either way, it’ll be the first time a streaming service has won best picture. Other likely winners include Will Smith for best actor (“King Richard”), Jessica Chastain for best actress (“The Eyes of Tammy Faye”), Troy Kotsur for best supporting actor (“CODA”) and Ariana DeBose for best supporting actress (“West Side Story”).

What else can we expect from the Oscars?

Organizers have promised that they will keep the broadcast to three hours and Packer (whose films include crowd pleasers like “Girls Trip”) wants to make it as entertaining as possible while still honoring the nominees and winners.

“The show will flow, not unlike a movie, in that there will be different themes and a different feel and different energy throughout the night,” Packer said in an interview with IndieWire. “It will not feel or look or sound like one show for three hours. It’s taking you through the course of this cinematic journey.”

Best song nominees like Beyoncé, Van Morrison and Billie Eilish are also in talks to perform.

Are there any controversies this year?

The Oscars are so high profile that every year someone is upset about something (especially when changes are involved) but this year the biggest controversy is over the decision to present some awards before the live broadcast begins and edit them into the show later. The eight awards are for shorts (live action, animated and documentary), editing, score, hair and makeup, sound and production design. The decision has its defenders, but also an army of high-profile detractors, including Campion, Villeneuve, Steven Spielberg, Chastain and Penelope Cruz.

Source: Voice of America

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LSB, UNFPA further strengthen production, use of vital statistic data in Laos

Timely and updated vital statistics data on births, deaths, marriages, divorces is a prerequisite to socio-economic planning and informed decision making.

Individuals having their vital events recorded can secure legal identity, enabling them to exercise their civil rights.

To harness vital statistics in Laos, the United Nations Population (UNFPA) and the Lao Statistic Bureau (LSB) convened stakeholders for strengthened collaboration in producing updated vital statistics aligned with international standards.

The meeting was chaired by Head of LSB Phonsaly Souksavath, the co-chair, Ms. Mariam A. KHAN, UNFPA Representative to the Lao PDR.

In her opening remarks, Head of LSB Phonsaly Souksavath emphasized the importance of vital statistics, “civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS) system in Laos is not comprehensive yet. So, there is a need to establish a quality CRVS system aligned with the international standards to fully support planning and decision-making, especially the 9th NSEDP as well as sectoral and provincial plans.”

This consultation meeting was a first step taken following the dissemination of the results of the regional situational assessment of national vital statistics commissioned by the UNFPA regional office in Asia Pacific during 2021.

The UN Resident Coordinator ai, reiterated the UN’s whole-of-system approach of support to the development of Laos’ Civil Registration and Vital Statistics, “the realization of the shared vision to get everyone in the picture will depend on : 1) Universal registration in all the provinces; 2) Full legal documents; and 3) Comprehensive vital statistics based on civil registrations. The United Nations in the Lao PDR stands ready to work closely together with different line ministries to implement the comprehensive, multi-sectoral national CRVS strategy 2016 -2025,” she said.

Civil Registration and Legal identity through registration of birth, marriage, divorce and death impact governance, health, political representation, social protection, legal identity, and economic inclusion.

UNFPA leads the coordination of UN support on CRVS to the Government. Recently, UNFPA facilitated the participation of Lao Statistics Bureau (LSB) and concerned ministries in 2nd Ministerial Conference on Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) in Asia and the Pacific to mark the mid-point in the Asia-Pacific CRVS Decade (2015 – 2024) and the shared vision of “getting everyone in the picture”.

UNFPA Representative to the Lao PDR Mariam A. Khan said “UNFPA takes a life-course approach to civil registration and vital statistics that begins with birth, continues through to death, and includes marriage and divorce; combined with a Population Data Systems Approach to CRVS strengthening. The holistic approach of integrated population data systems, includes CRVS, household surveys and censuses.”She further added that “this technical cooperation on CRVS work will inform the preparation of 5th PHC 2025, LSIS III where the gaps are and how we can fill the gaps through upcoming PHC and LSIS III to support the Government to have a better plan and programme to improve the CRVS.”

Source: Lao News Agency

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Paris Olympics Sets $26 Rate For 1 Million Tickets

One million tickets for the 2024 Paris Olympics will be sold for $26.50 (24 euros) each with availability for all 32 sports, organizers said Monday.

The Paris proposal to the International Olympic Committee sets the basic price lower than that of the 2012 London Olympics, where the tickets cost more than $31.

“This is something important for us,” Paris organizing committee president Tony Estanguet said. “This is a very strong promise to offer accessibility of everyone to Olympic sports.”

A centralized global sales program unveiled by Paris Olympics organizers calls for pricing nearly half of the 10 million total tickets at no more than $55 (50 euros).

For the 2024 Paralympics, prices start at $15.60 (15 euros), and about half of the 3.4 million tickets will cost no more than $27.50 (25 euros).

Paris aims to raise $1.22 billion (1.1 billion euros) in revenue — about 30% of its budget — from ticket sales, Estanguet said.

Hitting that target would lift ticket income for Paris above the $1 billion raised by London from more than 8 million tickets sold.

Tokyo organizers aimed for $800 million from ticket sales before the COVID-19 pandemic prevented fans from attending nearly all the events at the 2020 Games, which were postponed to 2021.

Fans wanting to secure tickets for Paris events can start toward the end of this year in a process overhauled to include buyers worldwide. Previously, tickets were sold in the host country and a network of agents worldwide handled sales elsewhere.

Estanguet said the new system should “limit the frustration” of people who previously specified their preferred tickets with no guarantee of getting them.

Instead, a two-month registration period will let prospective buyers sign up for a lottery that will allocate the winners a time slot next February of several hours to choose the tickets they want for multiple sports sessions.

“We can then guarantee that if you buy those tickets, you will receive them,” Estanguet said.

Single tickets for events will go on sale in May 2023, and a third sales phase will start toward the end of next year.

Estanguet said a new ticketing portal managed by French companies would also offer a resale platform.

Asked if discussions were made about limiting portal access for residents of Russia and Belarus because of the invasion of Ukraine, Estanguet said no decision was needed for several months.

Source: Voice of America