Latest news with #Oliveira
Al Etihad
2 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
World Utilities Congress 2025: Exhibitors and speakers show how innovation is powering the future of utilities
30 May 2025 00:16 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)Exhibitors and speakers at the World Utilities Congress 2025 offered Aletihad insights into breakthrough technologies and bold strategies redefining the future of Technology Innovation Institute (TII) has introduced Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) drone-mounted technology that has been used in detection of underground water leaks at depths up to 40 metres without the need to dig Lead Researcher Luciano Oliveira said: 'The origin of TII SAR began with a clear and urgent challenge: how can we see what's happening beneath the surface accurately, efficiently and at scale?'TII's drone-based SAR differs from conventional satellites with its low altitude - a flexible way of operating and deeper ground penetration.'We integrated SAR into UAV platforms, allowing for high-resolution subsurface imaging,' he how it works, Oliveira added: 'TII SAR sees underground using radar waves. When water leaks, it changes the soil's properties, much like how a cloth darkens when wet. With AI, we can distinguish actual leaks from natural moisture and detect issues long before they reach the surface.'He highlighted the system's precision: 'We combined long-wavelength radar with drone flexibility. It is capable of identifying buried features, including moisture anomalies and underground structures.'After field testing, Oliveira said the tool 'performed well in detecting subsurface changes across different environmental conditions.'This technology reduces non-revenue water loss and boosts infrastructure efficiency.'Presenting the breakthrough at the World Utilities Congress, Oliveira said: 'We are not just unveiling a new tool; we are presenting a strategic solution to global challenges around infrastructure resilience and water security.'François Xavier Boul, Managing Director for ENGIE's Renewables and Batteries division in the MENA region, highlighted the company's focus on developing large-scale solar PV, battery storage systems and low-carbon desalination to help decarbonise critical infrastructure and support national transition the Congress, ENGIE highlighted its full project lifecycle capabilities: 'We are developing, financing, constructing, owning and operating power and water projects. We bring the most advanced technologies and secure projects from the early stages,' he said ENGIE's current projects include photovoltaic (PV), wind and battery storage projects, as well as advanced reverse osmosis (RO) desalination technologies.'Batteries are evolving fast - similar to how PV progressed a decade ago,' he is also exploring high-efficiency gas turbines with lower carbon footprints to support decarbonisation goals.'We are offering decarbonised solutions throughout the energy chain,' Boul said. 'That is the future.'He also highlighted the shifting trends in the energy sector in Abu Dhabi.'Abu Dhabi has been a pioneer. There has always been a strong focus on energy efficiency, and the grid here is among the most efficient in the world. With more renewables and nuclear coming online, Abu Dhabi continues to lead the energy transition.'He pointed to rising investments in grid stability and battery storage, including ENGIE's recent 800 MWh bid: 'We're seeing more battery deployment as part of building the energy systems of the future.'Boul added: 'The future is decarbonised. ENGIE's 2045 net zero target is one of the world's most ambitious - and we are on track, pushing boundaries to deliver innovative, low-carbon solutions.'Charles-Edouard Mellagui, CEO of the Cable Business Unit at Ducab, explained the company's vital role in clean energy: 'Without our cables, this transition cannot happen. You can build capacities, but you cannot use them unless power is transmitted.'Ducab aligns with the UAE's 2030 energy vision.'We are part of the UAE's mission to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030 - from 4,000 to 12,000 gigawatts,' he said, but warned, 'Copper is limited. That is why circular economy and innovation are crucial.'He highlighted rising energy demand driven by AI: 'A Chat GPT query consumes 3MWh compared to 0.3 for a Google search. That's 10 times more power. This is a megatrend.'On grid reliability, he said: 'Solar and wind are intermittent. We need storage and intelligence to avoid waste… That is the power of interconnectivity.'Mellagui continued: 'Our focus is on sustainable solutions, not just products… What if there's no copper left? That's why recycling is our future.'Factories emit CO2, but that CO2 can become a resource… It is not waste; it is opportunity,' he added.'Sustainability, interconnectivity, smart energy, storage and carbon capture - these are the pillars shaping the future of energy.'Speaking at the World Utilities Congress 2025, Oxana Dankova, Partner and Global Lead of Energy Networks at BCG, outlined how technology and consumer behaviour are reshaping energy systems.'The concept of flexibility today is about solving two key challenges,' she said.'First, matching supply and demand in time. Second, maintaining the grid's stability as we scale volatile renewables.'She stressed the importance of digital solutions: 'AI is essential. We need to simulate and react in real time... and no human can do that manually.'On storage, she said: 'Storage helps shift generation to meet demand, and it can inject power instantly to stabilise the grid.'Noting the infrastructure hurdles, Dankova said: 'We need to build five to six times more grid… That creates huge pressure on supply chains and skilled labour.'She added: 'Hydrogen could be a long-term storage solution… But the cost of electrolysers must drop.' Turning to the future, she noted: 'Abu Dhabi has the land, sun and ambition… Consumer flexibility - like when we charge EVs - will help us avoid overburdening the grid.'
Time of India
2 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
Solar storms are killing SpaceX's Starlink satellites and making them re-enter Earth sooner; says NASA
Source: A recent NASA-led study, highlighted by New Scientist, reveals that this accelerated re-entry is caused by increased solar activity during the solar maximum—a period of intense solar storms and radiation. These storms heat and expand Earth's upper atmosphere, increasing atmospheric drag on satellites and hastening their descent. This shift poses new challenges for satellite operators, especially those managing large constellations, as space weather increasingly influences satellite lifespans and orbital dynamics. The Sun also has an about 11-year cycle characterised by varying degrees of activity. At its peak, known as the solar maximum, solar storms intensify and become more intense. The last solar maximum was achieved in late 2024 when the Sun was most active in more than a decade. The Sun releases powerful outbursts of charged particles and electromagnetic radiation during this time, causing geomagnetic storms on Earth. These storms have long-range impacts beyond the northern lights. They disrupt the upper atmosphere of Earth and greatly enhance atmospheric drag, which is now being recognised as an essential factor speeding up the re-entry of satellites. NASA scientist explains geomagnetic storms speeding up satellite re-entry Dr. Denny Oliveira, a scientist at NASA who conducted the research, confirmed that satellites in LEO are re-entering the Earth's atmosphere much more rapidly during geomagnetic storms. "We found that when we have geomagnetic storms, satellites re-enter faster than expected [without solar activity]," Oliveira said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Lifetime Office 2024 License for Thane [Order] prime software Undo Usually, a decommissioned Starlink satellite can sit in orbit for about 15 days before atmospheric drag pulls it down. But over the past few months, that timeframe has been significantly reduced. In one reported incident, 37 Starlink satellites re-entered Earth's atmosphere just five days after launch—well short of the expected orbital lifetime. This hastened decay presents special challenges for massive satellite constellations like SpaceX 's Starlink initiative. Already more than 7,000 Starlink satellites occupy space, with tens of thousands more planned for launch, the impacts of heightened solar activity may become amplified operational challenges and risk. NASA has followed 523 Starlink satellite re-entries from 2020 to 2024—a figure set to increase dramatically. "For the first time ever, we are experiencing so many satellites re-entering at once," Oliveira commented. "Soon, we'll be observing satellites re-entering on a daily basis." Environmental scientists warn of long-term effects from satellite re-entry Although the removal of malfunctioning satellites through a quick de-orbiting can decrease space debris in the short term, it poses another group of problems. When satellites re-enter, not everything is totally burned away. Pieces from heavier materials will survive and penetrate lower atmospheric layers. Environmental scientists are also sounding the alarm over the possible chemical effect. Satellite combustion emits substances such as aluminum oxide, which may build up in the mesosphere and potentially affect atmospheric chemistry and climate control over a period of time. Aside from the environmental concerns, more satellite activity also raises the threat of collisions in orbit. With more satellites being launched into comparable orbital lanes, the room for mistake closes in. There was one reported incident in 2019 when the European Space Agency performed a maneuver to move one of its Earth-monitoring satellites out of the way of an imminent collision with a Starlink satellite. Space agencies and industry players are now being called upon to create more resilient traffic management systems and to take space weather forecasting into account in operational planning. Also Read | Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore emerge stronger following recovery from Starliner mission extended until March
NDTV
3 days ago
- Science
- NDTV
Solar Eruptions Are Killing Off SpaceX's Starlink Satellites, NASA Study Reveals
Solar eruptions are impacting the lifespan of satellites in Earth's orbit, especially large constellations like SpaceX's Starlink. According to a report by New Scientist, the sun's 11-year activity cycle, known as the solar maximum, peaked in late 2024, causing increased geomagnetic storms. The study, led by NASA scientist Denny Oliveira, found that these storms cause satellites to re-enter the Earth's atmosphere faster than expected, reducing their lifespan by up to 10 days. "We found that when we have geomagnetic storms, satellites re-enter faster than expected [without solar activity]," he said. With over 7,000 Starlink satellites currently in orbit and thousands more planned, the effect is significant. SpaceX aims to have over 30,000 satellites orbiting the Earth in the future. This rapid expansion has led to a notable increase in satellite re-entries, with several occurring each week. According to Mr Oliveira, this is a historic phenomenon, with multiple satellites re-entering simultaneously. "It's the first time in history we have so many satellites re-entering at the same time. Between 2020 and 2024, 523 Starlink satellites were tracked re-entering our atmosphere, where they are designed to entirely burn up. In a few years, we will have satellites re-entering every day," he added. Starlink satellites typically re-enter the Earth's atmosphere at the end of their life, either intentionally or due to atmospheric drag when they fail. However, recent geomagnetic events have accelerated this process. According to NASA scientist Denny Oliveira, 37 Starlink satellites re-entered the atmosphere after just five days, a significant reduction from the typical duration of over 15 days. Potential Benefits: Some experts believe that increased re-entries could help remove dead satellites from orbit, reducing collision risks. However, this also limits the use of satellites in lower orbits and raises concerns about debris surviving atmospheric re-entry. Concerns and Implications: Collision Risks: With thousands of satellites planned for launch, the risk of collisions increases. Starlink satellites are already involved in numerous close encounters, with one instance prompting the European Space Agency to perform an evasive manoeuvre. Atmospheric Impact: The burning of satellites in the atmosphere could alter its chemistry, potentially affecting the climate. Experts warn that the accumulation of aluminium oxide from burning satellites could lead to unforeseen consequences. Astronomical Impact: The brightness of Starlink satellites can interfere with astronomical observations, prompting concerns from the International Astronomical Union and American Astronomical Society.
USA Today
5 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Charles Oliveira: Dustin Poirier sharpest boxer I've faced, beats Max Holloway at UFC 318
Charles Oliveira: Dustin Poirier sharpest boxer I've faced, beats Max Holloway at UFC 318 Charles Oliveira rates UFC 318 headliner Dustin Poirier's striking very highly. Oliveira (35-10 MMA, 23-10 UFC) has fought the lightweight division's elite, from the likes of Islam Makhachev, to Arman Tsarukyan, to Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje. "Do Bronx" was dropped by Poirier in their lightweight title fight at UFC 269, but rallied to submit him in Round 3. Poirier will step into the octagon for a final time when he challenges BMF champion Max Holloway in the UFC 318 main event on July 19 from his home state of Louisiana. Having fought both Poirier (30-9 MMA, 22-8 UFC) and Holloway (26-8 MMA, 22-8 UFC), Oliveira shared his prediction for the fight. "When I fought Holloway, I didn't have the chance to fight because it was too fast because I had an injury," Oliveira told Full Violence in a translated interview. "I think Holloway is a guy who moves a lot, a guy who catches. But man, Dustin Poirier is a guy that I have huge respect for. For me, of all of the guys I've fought, he's the one with the sharpest boxing. He fights more consciously, he has a very heavy hand. He knows how to play the game. He will fight at home practically, so I think Poirier wins." Oliveira will look to reclaim the lightweight title when he takes on Ilia Topuria (16-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) for the vacant belt in the UFC 317 headliner on June 28 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas (ESPN+ pay-per-view, ESPN, ESPN+).
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Police identify 54-year-old CT woman who died after striking guardrail on I-84
A 54-year-old Waterbury woman died after a one car crash Sunday evening on I-84, officials said. State police identified the driver as Everaldo Ferreira De Oliveira. Officials responded to the crash around 11:30 p.m. Sunday near the Exit 23 entrance ramp on I-84 in Waterbury, according to police. Oliveira, who was driving a Honda Odyssey, hit the metal beam guardrail on the right shoulder of the highway, crossed over the Hamilton Avenue intersection, and hit the concrete traffic barrier onto the entrance ramp, state police said. The crash shut down the entrance ramp for several hours overnight and into the early morning hours on Memorial Day. State police said the investigation is active. Anyone with information should contact Trooper Jack Goncalves Jr. at (203) 267-2200. Stephen Underwood can be reached at sunderwood@
