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Irish Examiner
25-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
How innovation is transforming Ireland's gas network
'Innovation is embedded across our operations, from governance to how we manage and maintain the network,' says head of Network Services John Memery. 'But innovation is driven not just by technology, it's about leadership, processes and people on the ground.' Memery joined the organisation as an apprentice in 1982, shortly before the pipeline to bring natural gas from Cork to Dublin had been completed. Today, he leads a department of over 100 people across three core teams: service delivery (siteworks), operations support and emergency response. During his 43 years with the organisation, he has witnessed first-hand how Gas Networks Ireland has embraced innovation, from replacing cast iron pipes with polyethylene to the repurposing of the network for the future onboarding of green hydrogen. He has also seen some very significant changes in the way customers use gas. 'One of biggest things we did was the replacement of cast iron to polyethylene pipes,' he says. 'That was hugely significant. We had a lot of problems with cast iron pipes. For example, if there was ground movement during cold weather, there was no flexibility in the pipes, so they could break causing gas leaks. We had been doing some piecemeal work replacing the cast iron pipes with polyethylene, but that was just a few kilometres a year. In 2005, we adopted a new strategy to renew the entire network, and we gave ourselves five years to do it. We completed it on time and by 2010 we had all the cast iron pipes in Cork, Limerick, Waterford and Dublin replaced. 'All of those callouts as a result of cast iron pipes ended,' he continues. 'We weren't digging up paths and roads repairing leaks any more and we now have one of the safest and most resilient gas networks in the whole of Europe. It also stands to our good for the integration of hydrogen on the network.' Gas Networks Ireland operates a structured, disciplined approach to innovation which is overseen by a cross-business Innovation Steering Group which includes external experts and dedicated teams focused on applying smart technologies to real-world challenges. Supported by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), the organisation has established an innovation fund of €5.3 million comprising a strategic innovation fund (SIF) of €1.5 million with the remaining €3.8 million devoted to a network-based innovation fund (NBIF) aimed at furthering best practice in running gas networks. 'Through the SIF, Gas Networks Ireland is contributing €1.2 million to co-fund the €2.7 million Innovation Challenge in collaboration with Research Ireland, who are contributing the remaining €1.5 million,' says Memery. 'Research teams are being invited to develop breakthrough technologies in areas like renewable gas, energy system integration and artificial intelligence (AI) that will support Ireland's transition to a low-carbon energy future.' The challenge has two overarching themes. The Energy System Integration Challenge seeks to support the development of solutions to accelerate the optimisation and integration of the energy system in Ireland's transition to a low carbon economy. The Biomethane and Biohydrogen Challenge aims to support the development of solutions which improve the efficiency, efficacy and commercial viability of biomethane and biohydrogen production, including extraction and utilisation of byproducts. Innovation isn't just about big future ideas. It's about finding better ways to serve customers today and staying ready for tomorrow. Successful teams from eligible research bodies in Ireland will be awarded up to €200,000 and will work through a series of phases to develop their idea. An overall prize award of €1 million will be available to the team that demonstrates the highest potential for transformative impact. 'Overall, 30 projects have received funding from the NBIF,' says Memery. 'Eight projects have been completed and 22 are ongoing.' One of those 22 projects deals with high volume gas escapes (HVGE), he explains. When a pipeline is damaged, more often than not by third-party activity, it can result in a high-volume gas escape (HVGE), leading to an uncontrolled release of gas. The project is developing potential new tools to increase the efficiency with which these can be fixed and reducing the associated risks. The current method of sealing off a leak involves ground excavations and the application of special equipment to squeeze the pipe until the flow of gas stops. A new tool under investigation will involve placing a device into the damaged pipe which will expand due to the pressure of the gas and create a seal internally which will allow excavations to take place for a permanent repair. 'That would bring huge reputational, financial, environmental and safety benefits,' Memery adds. Another project is looking at alternatives to chromatography to analyse the composition and quality of the gas on the network. This is important because of the introduction of biomethane at present and hydrogen in the near future. The introduction of biomethane will also alter the calorific value of the gas being delivered to customers. Another project is seeking to develop sensors which can be placed in pipes to measure the different types and mixes of gas present at any given time. 'It is really important to know the calorific value for billing,' Memery notes. Satellite based monitoring of the gas transmission network is also being investigated. At present, monitoring the ground conditions above the network is done either by driving along the route in urban areas like Dublin or by flying over it using helicopters – both quite costly. The use of low earth orbit satellite imagery would both reduce costs and improve monitoring frequency, Memery notes. Communication with deaf and hard of hearing customers is also under investigation. 'This project explores how technology can be used to enable immediate contact with hard of hearing customers through text messages and so on if there is a potential gas escape,' he says. 'Innovation isn't just about big future ideas. It's about finding better ways to serve customers today and staying ready for tomorrow.' While constant innovation and transformation are hallmarks of Gas Networks Ireland, the organisation is not afraid to look to its past as it seeks to progress into the future. That includes the reintroduction of its apprenticeship programme some 10 years ago. 'We hadn't had an apprenticeship programme since 1982/3 when I joined,' says Memery. 'It's great to have them again. They have brought new energy to the business and almost all of them have stayed with us. We ensure that they get broad experience of the business, and we put them on emergency call outs once they qualify one week a month. That means they are on call 24 hours a day and have to be on site within an hour of receiving the call from the customer. That's blue light standard and we achieved 99.7 per cent performance against that last year with an average response time of 28 minutes for the 14,000 publicly reported gas escapes. Our highest priority is safety, and we are very proud of our performance in that regard.' Gasworks by John Kindness is located on Sir John Rogerson's Quay in Dublin. Changes witnessed by Memery and his colleagues over the years have been immortalised on Dublin's Sir John Rogerson's Quay with the Gasworks sculpture by artist John Kindness. That heritage is very important to Memery who emphasises the critical role played by people in the continuing evolution and transformation of Ireland's gas network. 'Technology is essential but in the end it's people who respond, repair and reassure. We've modernised everything from our systems to our processes, but what matters most hasn't changed, showing up when people need us and doing the job right.' For more information, visit
Globe and Mail
23-06-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
A Scorching Start to Summer '25
MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, June 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Alectra Utilities is urging customers to be mindful of their energy consumption to manage summertime electricity bills in response to a prolonged heatwave affecting Southern Ontario. Keeping cool can get costly, but there are ways to conserve electricity in homes and businesses. 'Our system's peak demand is climbing daily due to the sustained high temperatures persisting overnight,' stated Jim Butler, Vice President, Centralized Operations, Network Services, Alectra Utilities. 'These conditions are increasing electricity demand, particularly in the late afternoons when temperatures peak.' As the heatwave intensifies, electricity usage has surged due to air conditioners and cooling systems operating at full capacity. Yesterday, Alectra's system load peaked at 4,893 megawatts (MW). As of 10:30 a.m. this morning, the system load had already reached 4,855 MW (one MW equals one million watts) and climbing. We anticipate further increases in power consumption as the heatwave continues into Tuesday and Wednesday. With extreme heat events becoming more frequent, investing in renewing aging equipment and installing new infrastructure remains crucial to meet the growing grid demand. For more information on Alectra's capital construction investments, please visit: Alectra Utilities offers the following conservation tips to help reduce electricity consumption and manage summertime electricity bills: Make use of a programmable thermostat to regulate temperature. Use ceiling and portable fans to circulate air. If possible, hang clothes outside instead of using a dryer. Use curtains or blinds to shade windows on hot sunny days. If using an air conditioner, keep doors and windows closed. This is especially important for small retail shops and restaurants with street-level entrances. For more information about how you can save energy this summer and avoid higher bills, visit About Alectra Utilities Serving more than one million homes and businesses in Ontario's Greater Golden Horseshoe area, Alectra Utilities is now the largest municipally-owned electric utility in Canada, based on the total number of customers served. We contribute to the economic growth and vibrancy of the 17 communities we serve by investing in essential energy infrastructure, delivering a safe and reliable supply of electricity, and providing innovative energy solutions. Our mission is to be an energy ally, helping our customers and the communities we serve to discover the possibilities of tomorrow's energy future. X: Facebook: LinkedIn: Bluesky: Media Contact
Time of India
24-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Nokia reports net profit drop, says 'not immune' to tariff wars
Finnish telecoms equipment maker Nokia on Thursday reported a net loss of 60 million euros ($68 million) for the first quarter, citing the tariff wars and "rapidly evolving global trade landscape". The company said tariffs imposed by the United States could result in "some short-term disruption". "We are not immune to the rapidly evolving global trade landscape. However based on early customer feedback, I believe our markets should prove to be relatively resilient", Justin Hotard President and CEO of Nokia said in a statement. "Based on what we see today, we currently expect a EUR 20 to 30 million impact to our comparable operating profit in the second quarter from the current tariffs", Hotard said. US President Donald Trump implemented a tariff of 10 percent on global imports this month, but he paused plans for higher duties on dozens of countries, including a 20 percent duty for goods from EU nations. Nokia also reported net sales of 4.4 billion euros ($4.9 billion), down one percent compared to a year ago. It had posted a net profit of 438 million euros in the first quarter of last year. The company said it expects its Network Infrastructure and Cloud and Network Services divisions to see sales growth this year, while Mobile Networks to hold steady. Alongside its first quarter report, it announced a contract extension with US operator T-Mobile on Thursday, saying it continued "to see positive signs of stabilisation" in its Mobile Networks business. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . Master Value & Valuation with ET! Learn to invest smartly & decode financials. Limited seats at 33% off – Enroll now!
New Straits Times
24-04-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Nokia reports net profit drop, says 'not immune' to tariff wars
HELSINKI: Finnish telecoms equipment maker Nokia on Thursday reported a net loss of €60 million (US$68 million) for the first quarter, citing the tariff wars and "rapidly evolving global trade landscape". The company said tariffs imposed by the United States could result in "some short-term disruption". "We are not immune to the rapidly evolving global trade landscape. However, based on early customer feedback, I believe our markets should prove to be relatively resilient," Justin Hotard, president and chief executive officer of Nokia, said in a statement. "Based on what we see today, we currently expect a €20 million to €30 million impact to our comparable operating profit in the second quarter from the current tariffs," Hotard said. US President Donald Trump implemented a tariff of 10 per cent on global imports this month, but he paused plans for higher duties on dozens of countries, including a 20 per cent duty for goods from EU nations. Nokia also reported net sales of €4.4 billion (US$4.9 billion), down one per cent compared to a year ago. It had posted a net profit of €438 million in the first quarter of last year. The company said it expects its Network Infrastructure and Cloud and Network Services divisions to see sales growth this year, while Mobile Networks is expected to hold steady. Alongside its first quarter report, it announced a contract extension with US operator T-Mobile on Thursday, saying it continued "to see positive signs of stabilisation" in its Mobile Networks business.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Rakuten Mobile and Cloudflare Partner to Deliver Managed Security Services Across Japan
Rakuten Mobile becomes Japan's first MSSP partner with Cloudflare to empower corporate clients with Zero Trust security solutions TOKYO, April 24, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Rakuten Mobile Inc., Japan's newest and most modern mobile network, and Cloudflare, Inc. (NYSE: NET), the leading connectivity cloud company, today announced a strategic partnership to deliver Zero Trust as a managed service to its corporate clients. Through the new Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) partnership, Rakuten Mobile and Cloudflare will support Japanese corporate clients' security measures and accelerate safe, seamless digital transformations. Starting today, Rakuten Mobile will offer Cloudflare's Zero Trust and Network Services as a managed service, protecting corporate devices and data in remote work and cloud environments, providing them with a one-stop solution from implementation to operation. Hybrid work complexities and a dynamic threat landscape are challenging Japanese businesses. In the first quarter of 2025, Cloudflare's security measures prevented an average of 385 million cyber threats in Japan every single day, with the top targeted industries being Retail, Gaming and Gambling, Information Technology and Services, and Telecommunications. Cloudflare and Rakuten Mobile have identified a need among small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to make Zero Trust network security more accessible — seeing first-hand how IT managers and decision-makers in mid-sized companies have been underserved by traditional enterprise cybersecurity offerings. While these businesses are just as vulnerable to cyber threats as their larger peers, they often lack access to the appropriate level of cybersecurity resources. Zero Trust is a security framework based on the principle of "never trust, always verify," requiring continuous authentication for all access and promoting a secure network environment. Cloudflare's Zero Trust supports security measures for a wide range of organizations, from corporations and enterprises to governments, protecting them from cyber threats. Implementing thorough access authentication and strengthening data protection, both inside and outside the network, helps prevent unauthorized access and secure internal and external communications. This cybersecurity model enables flexible work styles like remote work, while regular network and system monitoring and log management eases the burden of security operations. Today, companies across Japan can add Cloudflare cybersecurity to their existing services from Rakuten Mobile, without needing in-house security expertise. Through this partnership, Rakuten Mobile is enabled as an authorized Managed Security Service Provider to manage the provision of, access to, and use of Cloudflare Zero Trust and Network Security services in a fully managed environment. Rakuten Mobile enables corporate clients to easily set up their network environment and security measures in a one-stop shop, providing the service in a package with Rakuten Mobile's ultra-high-speed Internet service, KOSOKU Access, including expert setup, configuration, and ongoing maintenance support. The companies' cloud-native networks operate within a single platform, to deliver highly efficient managed security services. "We believe Cloudflare is the only company offering a broad range of network security and SASE services through a unified platform built on our own infrastructure, delivering the most comprehensive set of managed solutions. Service providers like Rakuten Mobile are fundamental to extending critical security protections and we are thrilled to be partnering to protect businesses in Japan," said Tom Evans, Chief Partner Officer at Cloudflare. "As demand for managed security services grows, Cloudflare's connectivity cloud platform is set to enable partners to deliver cost-effective, scalable cybersecurity. By combining Cloudflare's global infrastructure and operational efficiencies with Rakuten Mobile's regional expertise, we're empowering businesses in Japan to strengthen their security posture while controlling costs." "Rakuten Mobile is thrilled to partner with Cloudflare to offer enhanced security services to our corporate clients in Japan," said Kazuhiro Suzuki, Co-CEO of Rakuten Mobile. "By combining Cloudflare's solutions with our comprehensive network services and support, we will empower our clients' digital transformation with a one-stop solution for network and security. Through this initiative, we aim to deliver a secure and reliable infrastructure environment for our corporate clients." Corporate clients can now add Cloudflare Zero Trust and Network Security to their existing services with Rakuten Mobile. To learn more about the new partnership and Managed Security Services packages, please check out the resources below: Cloudflare Official Site Cloudflare Partnerships Rakuten Mobile Official Site Rakuten Mobile Zero Trust Security About Rakuten Mobile Rakuten Mobile, Inc. is a Rakuten Group company responsible for mobile communications, centered on its mobile network operator (MNO) business. Through continuous innovation and the deployment of advanced technology, Rakuten Mobile aims to redefine expectations in the mobile communications industry in order to provide appealing and convenient services for diverse customer needs. Rakuten Mobile Notes *1 A Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) is an organization that provides network security services to companies. It supports network and security operations, easing the burden on resource-constrained IT teams. Rakuten Mobile will provide this service as Cloudflare's MSSP partner to corporate clients with less than 1,000 employees.*2 High-speed communication is delivered to clients' locations through direct fiber optic connections*Product names, service names, and other names mentioned in this press release are generally trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Trademarks such as TM and ® may be omitted when trademarks are listed in this press release. About Cloudflare Cloudflare, Inc. (NYSE: NET) is the leading connectivity cloud company on a mission to help build a better Internet. It empowers organizations to make their employees, applications and networks faster and more secure everywhere, while reducing complexity and cost. Cloudflare's connectivity cloud delivers the most full-featured, unified platform of cloud-native products and developer tools, so any organization can gain the control they need to work, develop, and accelerate their business. Powered by one of the world's largest and most interconnected networks, Cloudflare blocks billions of threats online for its customers every day. It is trusted by millions of organizations – from the largest brands to entrepreneurs and small businesses to nonprofits, humanitarian groups, and governments across the globe. Learn more about Cloudflare's connectivity cloud at Learn more about the latest Internet trends and insights at Follow us: Blog | X | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram Cloudflare Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which statements involve substantial risks and uncertainties. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as "may," "will," "should," "expect," "explore," "plan," "anticipate," "could," "intend," "target," "project," "contemplate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential," or "continue," or the negative of these words, or other similar terms or expressions that concern Cloudflare's expectations, strategy, plans, or intentions. However, not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Forward-looking statements expressed or implied in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the capabilities and effectiveness of Cloudflare's Zero Trust and Network Security solutions and Cloudflare's other products and technology, the benefits to Cloudflare's customers from using Cloudflare's Zero Trust and Network Security solutions and Cloudflare's other products and technology, Cloudflare's partnership with Rakuten Mobile and the potential resulting benefits to current and potential Cloudflare customers, the potential opportunity for Cloudflare to attract additional customers and to expand sales to existing customers through Cloudflare's partnership with Rakuten Mobile, Cloudflare's technological development, future operations, growth, initiatives, or strategies, and comments made by Cloudflare's Chief Partner Officer and others. Actual results could differ materially from those stated or implied in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including but not limited to, risks detailed in Cloudflare's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including Cloudflare's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 20, 2025, as well as other filings that Cloudflare may make from time to time with the SEC. The forward-looking statements made in this press release relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made. Cloudflare undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements made in this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release or to reflect new information or the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. Cloudflare may not actually achieve the plans, intentions, or expectations disclosed in Cloudflare's forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on Cloudflare's forward-looking statements. © 2025 Cloudflare, Inc. All rights reserved. Cloudflare, the Cloudflare logo, and other Cloudflare marks are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Cloudflare, Inc. in the U.S. and other jurisdictions. All other marks and names referenced herein may be trademarks of their respective owners. View source version on Contacts Cloudflare, VallurupalliVice President, Head of Global Communicationspress@
