By T N Ashok NEW DELHI: As the war in Iran deepens and flames spread across West Asia’s energy corridors, India finds itself confronting an uncomfortable truth: its economic vulnerabilities are once again tied to oil tankers navigating distant waters. Rising crude prices, disrupted shipping lanes, soaring aviation fuel costs, fears over fertiliser imports, and […]
Nigeria’s equities market has moved into a stronger expansion cycle as abundant domestic liquidity, expectations of looser monetary conditions and a widening valuation rerating continue to draw investors into listed banks, industrial counters, consumer goods companies and exchange-traded funds. Analysts at PAC Research have linked the rally on the Nigerian Exchange to four main forces: expanding local liquidity, expectations that monetary policy will normalise further, renewed […]
Washington’s fragile ceasefire with Tehran moved close to collapse after President Donald Trump rejected Iran’s latest response to a US peace proposal and described the arrangement as being on “massive life support”. Trump’s remarks on Monday marked one of the sharpest public assessments of the 10-week conflict, which has already disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, lifted energy prices and strained diplomacy across the Gulf. Speaking […]
Alphabet is preparing its first yen-denominated bond sale as the Google parent broadens its financing base to support a sharp increase in artificial intelligence spending, underscoring how the world’s largest technology groups are moving beyond domestic debt markets to fund the infrastructure race. A term sheet shows the planned multi-tranche offering may include notes with maturities of three, five, seven, 10, 15, 20, 30 and 40 years, […]
BDC intends to further deploy HVO-powered energy solutions across its data centres in Asia Pacific and beyond
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 May 2026 – Bridge Data Centres (BDC), a Singapore-headquartered hyperscale data centre provider, and EcoCeres, a global leader in the innovation and commercialisation of renewable fuels and green molecules, have successfully completed their inaugural Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO)-powered backup fuel pilot in Asia Pacific at BDC’s data centre campuses. HVO is a next-generation renewable fuel derived from 100% waste-based feedstock and serves as a high-quality drop-in substitute for conventional fossil diesel. It requires no modifications to existing backup generators and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90 per cent.
The pilot covered the full range of emergency backup power scenarios, including generator startup, load transfer and sustained operations under data centre conditions, with all performance and emissions targets met. In addition, BDC has completed large-scale HVO testing across multiple locations. Building on the success of the pilot, BDC intends to further deploy HVO-powered solutions across its data centre campus in Asia Pacific and beyond.
Eric Fan, CEO of Bridge Data Centres, said: “Sustainability is core to BDC’s strategy. As AI workloads continue to scale across the region, we are committed to advancing innovative clean energy solutions that reduce our carbon footprint while meeting the performance and reliability requirements of our hyperscale customers. The success of our inaugural pilot in Asia Pacific demonstrates that HVO-powered backup fuel is a feasible and replicable concept for other high-growth data centre markets.”
Matti Lievonen, CEO of EcoCeres, said: “Decarbonising data centres is one of the most urgent and technically demanding challenges in the net zero transition, and we are proud to partner with Bridge Data Centres to demonstrate that HVO is ready to perform at scale in real-world operations. By proving that waste based renewable fuels can meet stringent reliability and performance requirements in existing diesel backup systems, this pilot offers a practical way for operators to significantly reduce emissions while maintaining the highest standards of reliability.”
The milestone comes after BDC and EcoCeres signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly pilot and promote HVO adoption in data centre operations.
BDC and EcoCeres will collaborate further to develop common standards and practical guidelines to support broader HVO adoption across the data centre industry.
The partnership is part of BDC’s wider push to advance clean energy solutions for data centres, which includes developing Singapore’s first floating hydrogen power generation solution tailored for next-generation AI data centres. Hashtag: #BridgeDataCentres, #RenewableEnergy, #HydrotreatedVegetableOil
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Bridge Data Centres
Bridge Data Centres (BDC) is a Singapore-headquartered hyperscale data centre provider delivering high-performance, next-ready infrastructure across Asia Pacific. Backed by Bain Capital, BDC operates in Malaysia, Thailand, India, and other high-growth markets, with the capability to deliver up to 3 gigawatts (GW) of capacity globally by 2030 through partnerships with sister platforms in Europe and the United States.
EcoCeres
EcoCeres, a pure-play renewable fuels producer, is a global leader pioneering in-house vertically-integrated technologies to decarbonise and defossilise hard-to-abate industries.
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Dubai Holding has become the largest shareholder in Emaar Properties after Investment Corporation of Dubai transferred its entire 22.2723 per cent stake in the Burj Khalifa developer to Emirates Power Investment, a wholly owned Dubai Holding subsidiary. The transaction lifts Dubai Holding’s total ownership in Emaar to 29.73 per cent, giving the group a commanding position in one of the emirate’s most […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai e& and Qualcomm Technologies have deepened their technology partnership with a plan to develop AI-powered autonomous systems for robotics, drones and other physical platforms across the UAE, placing edge computing and intelligent connectivity at the centre of the country’s next phase of industrial digitalisation. Central to the collaboration is a Next-Gen Autonomous Management Platform for Physical AI, designed to combine e&’s connectivity infrastructure […]
Dubai has honoured more than 47 Al Safeer Congress Ambassadors for helping attract international and regional business events, reinforcing the emirate’s drive to turn knowledge exchange into a core pillar of economic growth. The annual gala, organised by Dubai Business Events, the city’s official convention bureau under the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, took place at The Lana, Dorchester Collection, Dubai. The ceremony recognised ambassadors whose […]
Innomotics wins several orders to provide motor and drive technology for eLNG projects, totaling a volume in the higher double-digit million EUR range
Innomotics advances electrification of LNG production with eLNG solutions based on electric drive systems
Significant operational, environmental, and financial benefits compared to conventional turbine-based LNG plants
Enables decarbonization and supports global transition to sustainable energy systems
NUREMBERG, GERMANY – Newsaktuell – 11 May 2026 – Innomotics, a globally leading supplier of electric motor and large drive systems, has won several major orders for electrified LNG projects in Europe, Canada, Middle East and Australia. The total volume for all orders is in the higher double-digit million EUR range.
Innomotics powers the world’s first all-electric eLNG plant in Hammerfest, Norway, for 19 years / Innomotics
Innomotics is driving the transformation of LNG production with its innovative eLNG solutions. By replacing conventional gas turbine-based liquefaction processes with electrified drive systems, LNG operators can significantly increase efficiency, reduce emissions, and lower operating costs.
As global demand for cleaner energy continues to grow, LNG remains a key component of the energy mix. However, traditional LNG production is energy-intensive and associated with high greenhouse gas emissions. eLNG addresses these challenges by using electricity – including renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydropower – to liquefy natural gas, enabling a more sustainable and efficient production process.
The electrification of LNG plants is a key step in reducing reliance on fossil fuels and achieving decarbonization targets. Electric drive systems from Innomotics offer system efficiencies of up to 95%, significantly exceeding the performance of conventional gas turbines. At the same time, operators benefit from reduced maintenance requirements, with systems capable of running up to five years without scheduled shutdowns, and increased plant availability of up to 99.9%.
By integrating high-voltage motors and variable speed drives across the entire LNG value chain – from compression and refrigeration to storage and gas treatment – Innomotics enables a fully electrified production process. When powered by renewable energy, eLNG solutions can eliminate direct CO₂ emissions and reduce annual emissions by up to 500,000 tons, supporting operators in meeting regulatory requirements and sustainability goals.
“Electrification is the foundation for a sustainable future of LNG production. With our eLNG solutions, we enable operators to significantly improve efficiency, reduce emissions, and enhance reliability across the entire process. This not only strengthens competitiveness but also accelerates the transition towards net-zero operations,” says Michael Reichle, CEO of Innomotics.
He adds, “Operators are under increasing pressure to balance sustainability with profitability. Our electric drive systems deliver a compelling business case by lowering lifecycle costs, minimizing downtime, and ensuring maximum operational performance in demanding LNG environments.”
Recently awarded eLNG Projects
Pioneering eLNG success for Hammerfest in Norway:
Hammerfest is home to the world’s first all-electric LNG plant, operational since 2007. Equipped with two 65 MW refrigeration compressor drives, the facility has achieved over 15 years of successful operation with minimal maintenance and an exceptional availability rate of 99.88%. This project set a new standard for reliability and efficiency in the LNG sector, proving the long-term value of electric drive systems in demanding environments
Innovative floating LNG project in Canada:
This project represents the world’s first floating all-electric LNG facility. With four complete drive train systems of 35 MW each powering the main refrigeration compressors, the plant is designed to export three million tons of eLNG per year. The project demonstrates the scalability and flexibility of Innomotics technology, delivering high performance and low emissions in a unique offshore setting
Setting the global benchmark for an LNG plant in Qatar:
This LNG plant features multiple 60 MW and 45 MW trains, each with three refrigeration compressors. As the world’s LNG market leader, Qatar relies on Innomotics systems to deliver maximum availability and operational excellence. This large-scale deployment showcases our ability to support complex, high-capacity facilities with proven reliability and efficiency.
Lowest emissions through renewables at an LNG project in Canada:
The LNG plant is powered by renewable hydropower and features 50 MW LCI eLNG trains. The facility is designed to produce 2.1 million tons of LNG per year with the lowest emissions in the global LNG export industry. This reference highlights the environmental benefits of integrating electric drive technology with renewable energy sources.
Driving sustainability with carbon capture at a CCUS LNG project in Australia:
This project utilizes multiple medium voltage motors and drive systems totalling 297 MW for LNG production, combined with a carbon capture project. This installation demonstrates the compatibility of Innomotics solutions with advanced sustainability initiatives, enabling operators to reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining process efficiency
False ship positions have multiplied around the Strait of Hormuz, with vessels shown inland, clustered at impossible coordinates and moving at implausible speeds as electronic interference intensifies around one of the world’s most sensitive energy corridors. The disruption has emerged alongside renewed attacks and drone activity across the Gulf, sharpening concerns for crews, shipowners, insurers and energy buyers already dealing with curtailed traffic through the waterway. The […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Space42 has selected Skylo Technologies to provide standards-based direct-to-device connectivity through Thuraya-4, advancing plans to merge mobile satellite services with mainstream telecom networks across underserved land, sea and remote industrial zones. The Abu Dhabi-listed space technology company said the partnership will use Skylo’s 3GPP-compliant non-terrestrial network platform with Thuraya-4, Space42’s next-generation geostationary mobile communications satellite. The integration is designed to allow ordinary compatible […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Al-Futtaim Engineering has completed a major mechanical, electrical and plumbing package at Dubai Exhibition Centre, strengthening the venue’s readiness for larger global exhibitions at Expo City Dubai. The company, part of Al-Futtaim Contracting, delivered the MEP scope for the Dubai Exhibition Centre within a nine-month programme, taking the project from site access to final commissioning and operational readiness. The development has secured Building […]
Nairobi became the centre of a sharper debate over Africa’s economic future on Monday as the Africa Forward Summit 2026 opened with agriculture emerging as a test of whether new Africa-France partnerships can move beyond diplomacy into measurable gains for producers. Co-hosted by President William Ruto and President Emmanuel Macron, the two-day gathering brings heads of state, multilateral lenders, business leaders, innovators and civil society groups to […]
Gold prices fell on Monday as President Donald Trump’s rejection of Iran’s latest peace proposal deepened concern that a prolonged squeeze on the Strait of Hormuz will keep energy costs elevated and complicate the fight against inflation. Spot gold dropped 0.8 per cent to $4,678.39 an ounce, while US gold futures for June delivery declined 0.9 per cent to $4,686.20. The fall came despite renewed geopolitical strain, […]
Reliance Jio Platforms has reshaped its planned Mumbai stock market debut into a fresh-share issue, dropping an earlier structure that would have allowed existing investors to sell part of their holdings and turning the offer into a direct capital-raising exercise for the digital and telecom business.
The revised plan would involve the sale of a 2.5 per cent stake through new shares, with the proceeds flowing to Jio Platforms rather than to shareholders seeking exits. The change marks a significant adjustment in what is expected to be one of the largest public offerings in the country’s capital markets, and places long-term growth funding ahead of partial monetisation by early backers.
Jio Platforms, controlled by Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries, owns Reliance Jio Infocomm and houses a broad portfolio of digital services spanning telecom, broadband, cloud, media, payments and consumer technology platforms. Its shareholder base includes Meta, Google, Vista Equity Partners, KKR, Mubadala, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, many of which entered the company during the 2020 fundraising cycle.
Earlier discussions had explored an offer-for-sale structure under which foreign investors could have sold about 8 per cent of their individual holdings, amounting to roughly 2.5 per cent of Jio Platforms. That approach has now been set aside, with investors opting to remain exposed to the business rather than reduce stakes at the listing stage.
The decision strengthens Reliance’s control over the IPO narrative. A fresh issue allows the company to present the listing as a growth-financing event instead of an exit window for private investors. It also limits the risk that the market interprets selling by marquee shareholders as a signal of valuation caution, particularly at a time when global technology listings are being judged closely on profitability, cash generation and regulatory exposure.
Jio Platforms is widely seen as the centrepiece of Reliance Industries’ transition from an energy-heavy conglomerate to a broader consumer, digital and technology group. The telecom arm has become one of the world’s largest mobile operators by users, while its digital ecosystem has helped Reliance build links across retail, entertainment, finance and enterprise services.
The company’s operating performance has supported expectations of a high-profile listing. Jio Platforms reported strong profit growth for the quarter ended March 2026, helped by tariff-led gains, subscriber additions, higher data consumption and expansion in home broadband. Average revenue per user rose to ₹214, reflecting improved monetisation after tariff increases and a better customer mix.
The proposed IPO has been closely watched since Ambani told shareholders that Jio Platforms was being readied for a market debut in the first half of 2026. Preparations gathered pace after listing rules were adjusted to make it easier for very large companies to float a smaller portion of equity while still meeting public-shareholding requirements over time.
A 2.5 per cent offering would keep public float modest at the start, but even that limited stake could translate into a multibillion-dollar transaction if the company commands a valuation close to estimates that have placed Jio Platforms around $180 billion. At that level, the IPO could rank among the largest listings ever seen on domestic exchanges.
The timing remains sensitive. Equity markets have been volatile as investors weigh interest-rate expectations, geopolitical risks, technology valuations and capital flows into emerging markets. Several large companies have adjusted listing timetables as issuers and bankers test demand from institutional and retail investors.
Reliance has assembled a large banking syndicate for the transaction, underlining the scale and complexity of the planned sale. The deal will require careful pricing to balance investor appetite, Reliance’s valuation expectations and the interests of existing shareholders who invested at a premium during the digital fundraising boom.
For Meta and Google, continued ownership preserves access to one of the world’s largest digital consumer markets through partnerships linked to messaging, cloud services, devices and online commerce. For sovereign wealth funds and private equity investors, remaining invested offers exposure to a mature telecom platform with rising cash flows and expanding digital adjacencies.
The IPO will also have implications for Reliance Industries’ own market valuation. Investors have long debated whether separate listings of Jio Platforms and Reliance Retail could unlock value trapped inside the conglomerate structure. A successful Jio debut may narrow the holding-company discount, while a weak listing would raise questions over the pace and pricing of Reliance’s broader demerger and monetisation strategy.
Dubai’s property market is showing early signs of stabilisation nearly 10 weeks into the regional conflict, with April transaction activity edging higher and off-plan sales continuing to dominate despite softer secondary demand. Market data presented during Betterhomes’ May property webinar showed total transactions rising by just under 2 per cent month on month in April, while annual volumes were still 23 per cent lower. The figures suggest […]
Iran has handed Washington its formal response to a US peace proposal, but the exchange has deepened uncertainty over whether a 10-week war can be halted before the Strait of Hormuz crisis inflicts wider damage on energy markets and regional security. The response was delivered through Pakistan, which has emerged as a key mediator between Tehran and Washington. Iran’s position centres on an immediate cessation of hostilities […]
Mubadala Investment Company and Tubacex Group have launched operations at their Abu Dhabi joint venture, bringing a specialised manufacturing platform for advanced Oil Country Tubular Goods into service as the UAE accelerates efforts to localise critical energy supply chains. The venture, operating under the TBX Nexxia brand, is focused on corrosion-resistant alloy tubular products used in demanding oil and gas infrastructure, particularly wells and production systems exposed […]
Saudi Aramco delivered a sharp first-quarter profit rebound, beating market expectations as higher crude prices, stronger sales volumes and improved downstream margins lifted the world’s largest oil company. Net income attributable to shareholders rose to SAR 120.13 billion, or $32.04 billion, for the three months ended March 31, 2026, up 25.6 per cent from a year earlier. Adjusted net income increased to SAR 125.97 billion, or […]
More than 70 days of near-total internet disruption have left millions of Iranians cut off from work, customers, banking tools and relatives abroad, turning a state security measure into a nationwide economic emergency. The shutdown, imposed after a fresh phase of unrest and intensified following military escalation in late February, has become one of the longest and most sweeping digital blackouts recorded in a major economy. Connectivity […]
Germany’s airport operators have warned that a worsening aviation fuel squeeze could force airlines to cut services, push fares higher and leave millions of passengers facing disruption during the summer travel period. Ralph Beisel, chief executive of the German Airports Association, said the pressure on kerosene supplies and prices had become a significant risk for the country’s aviation network. The association has cautioned that smaller airports, thinner […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai UAE and Dutch officials have moved to deepen cooperation in energy, climate adaptation, water management and trade, using a visit by Abdulla Balalaa to the Kingdom of the Netherlands to align bilateral priorities ahead of the 2026 United Nations Water Conference in Abu Dhabi. Balalaa, UAE Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability, held meetings with Dutch government officials responsible for […]
Global oil markets are consuming their emergency cushion at a record pace as the Iran war keeps Persian Gulf flows constrained, turning inventories into the main defence against a supply shock that has already reshaped prices, refining and fuel security across major importing economies. Visible stockpiles fell by about 4.8 million barrels a day between 1 March and 25 April, far above earlier quarterly drawdown peaks, while […]
Cinema star C. Joseph Vijay took office as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister on Sunday after his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam secured outside support from smaller parties, ending decades of dominance by the DMK and AIADMK in one of the country’s most industrialised states.
Vijay was sworn in by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar in Chennai after TVK, which emerged as the single largest party in the 234-member assembly, crossed the majority threshold with backing from allies and smaller groups. The result marks a dramatic transition for a politician who launched his party only two years ago and built his campaign around welfare promises, anti-corruption messaging, youth mobilisation and a direct appeal to voters frustrated with entrenched Dravidian party structures.
TVK won 108 seats, short of the 118 needed for a simple majority, but support from Congress, Left parties, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi and the Indian Union Muslim League gave Vijay the numbers to stake claim to power. The Bharatiya Janata Party said it would neither support nor participate in government formation, leaving the new administration dependent on a coalition arrangement that will test Vijay’s ability to move from mass politics to legislative management.
The swearing-in has wider economic significance because Tamil Nadu is a key manufacturing base for automobiles, electronics, textiles, renewable energy components and iPhone assembly. The state hosts major production networks linked to Apple suppliers, including Foxconn near Chennai, Tata Electronics in Hosur and facilities connected with Pegatron’s operations. Its industrial corridors around Chennai, Sriperumbudur, Hosur, Coimbatore and Tiruchirappalli have made it central to efforts to expand high-value manufacturing supply chains outside China.
Vijay’s first orders signalled an effort to combine welfare politics with a law-and-order pitch. His early decisions included 200 units of free electricity for households, a dedicated anti-drug task force and a separate mechanism for women’s safety. He also moved to seek a white paper on the outgoing government’s finances, a step likely to shape the first phase of political confrontation with the DMK.
The new Chief Minister used his first speech to frame the victory as a social justice mandate, telling supporters that his government would represent ordinary people rather than political dynasties. His language echoed themes that powered TVK’s campaign: dignity for poorer households, jobs for young voters, clean administration and a break from the established rivalry between the DMK and AIADMK.
Tamil Nadu’s business community will be watching how the new government handles investment approvals, land acquisition, labour relations, power subsidies and infrastructure spending. The state has attracted large investments in electronics and electric vehicles while retaining a strong automobile base built over several decades. Any uncertainty in policy execution could affect expansion plans, but a stable administration could strengthen Tamil Nadu’s position as a production hub at a time when global manufacturers are diversifying supply chains.
Vijay’s cabinet includes a mix of TVK loyalists and figures brought in to manage administration, political outreach and coalition discipline. N. Anand, Aadhav Arjuna and other senior party functionaries are expected to play central roles in converting a campaign-driven organisation into a governing machine. The inclusion of experienced political hands will be closely scrutinised because TVK lacks the administrative depth of the DMK and AIADMK.
The DMK, led by M. K. Stalin, now faces a sharp reversal after years in office, while the AIADMK’s weakened position raises questions about the future of the opposition space. Vijay’s rise has disrupted the familiar structure of Tamil Nadu politics, where cinema and politics have long intersected but power has remained largely within parties rooted in the Dravidian movement. His victory shows that celebrity appeal, when tied to welfare messaging and anti-incumbency sentiment, can still reshape electoral arithmetic.
Coalition pressures may emerge quickly. Parties extending support to TVK will expect policy consultation, constituency-level influence and space in governance decisions. Welfare commitments, including subsidised power, will also place pressure on state finances unless matched by revenue growth and investment-led job creation.