Day: May 30, 2023

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Chris McCloskey Joins Duck Creek as Chief Operating Officer

Boston, May 30, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Duck Creek Technologies, the intelligent solutions provider defining the future of Property and Casualty (P&C) and general insurance, today announces the addition of Chris McCloskey to its leadership team as Chief Operating Officer. McCloskey will be instrumental in driving key strategy, operational and transformation initiatives across the entire business, particularly within our customer and professional services organizations.

McCloskey joins Duck Creek from Datto, where he was most recently Chief Customer Officer for the cybersecurity and business continuity company. At Datto, McCloskey was responsible for building a new customer success organization that significantly improved technical implementation, customer satisfaction and retention, and partner health. Before joining Datto, McCloskey grew through sales and customer-facing leadership roles to become COO, Americas at London-based Finastra, a multi-billion-dollar financial services software company.

“We are delighted to welcome Chris to Duck Creek’s leadership team; he will help us continue to better focus on increasing lifetime value and enable our customers to be more successful,” said Mike Jackowski, CEO of Duck Creek. “Chris is incredibly accomplished in growing and leading large teams through transformation, and having him as a strategic customer-facing leader is the perfect match to advance our vision.”

McCloskey Chris earned his MBA from the Stern School of Business at New York University and his bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Gettysburg College.

About Duck Creek Technologies

Duck Creek Technologies is the intelligent solutions provider defining the future of the property and casualty (P&C) and general insurance industry. We are the platform upon which modern insurance systems are built, enabling the industry to capitalize on the power of the cloud to run agile, intelligent, and evergreen operations. Authenticity, purpose, and transparency are core to Duck Creek, and we believe insurance should be there for individuals and businesses when, where, and how they need it most. Our market-leading solutions are available on a standalone basis or as a full suite, and all are available via Duck Creek OnDemand. Visit www.duckcreek.com to learn more. Follow Duck Creek on our social channels for the latest information – LinkedIn and Twitter.

Carley Bunch
Duck Creek Technologies
2019626091
carley.bunch@duckcreek.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8847565

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Hitachi Energy signs agreements with ENOWA and Saudi Electricity Company to design and develop the first phase of visionary NEOM region transmission system

Collaboration to accelerate the development of NEOM in Saudi Arabia with up to 9 gigawatts of power transmission capacity

Zurich, Switzerland, May 30, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hitachi Energy, a global technology leader advancing a sustainable energy future for all, has signed agreements under the supervision and management of the Ministry of Energy with the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) and with ENOWA. The agreements include the supply of three high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission systems to end customer ENOWA, the utility company for NEOM in Northwest Saudi Arabia. Built with sustainability in mind, NEOM is among Saudi Arabia’s Giga-Projects1 reshaping the future of development. The three HVDC links will have a total power capacity of up to 9 gigawatts (GW).

The agreements include an order from ENOWA’s engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) partner, the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) awarded to Hitachi Energy and its consortium partner, Saudi Services for Electro Mechanical Works (SSEM), to provide one of the world’s first 3 GW, 525 kilovolt (kV) HVDC Light® transmission system connecting Oxagon, NEOM’s regional development, with the larger Yanbu area more than 650 kilometers away in Western Saudi Arabia.

Hitachi Energy’s scope of supply includes design, engineering, procurement of HVDC technology and commissioning of the HVDC Light converter stations. Whilst SSEM – a leading Saudi EPC specialized in power, water and industrial projects – will design and supply the AC equipment portion and perform the construction and the installation. The converter stations convert the power from AC to DC then back to AC for integration into the receiving grid. The converters will be sourced by and supplied to Saudi Electricity Company, who were contracted in 2022 by ENOWA to act as their EPCM to build this first HVDC system for NEOM.

Further to this, Hitachi Energy and ENOWA have signed an early works and capacity reservation agreement for two additional HVDC projects, each rated up to 3 GW. Under this agreement, both companies commit to having the resources and capacity necessary to implement these two HVDC systems. As part of a new scalable and modular regional network design that is targeted to seamlessly integrate future renewables and energy storage technologies in the NEOM Energy System, making it unique in terms of size and complexity. The co-operation will also explore opportunities to develop local competencies in the Kingdom, including ways to sustainably assemble the necessary HVDC Light components locally.

“We are delighted to strengthen our collaboration with ENOWA and Saudi Electricity Company in order to power one of the most visionary development projects of all time,” said Niklas Persson, Managing Director of Hitachi Energy’s Grid Integration business. “As the world progresses towards a more sustainable future, our expertise and HVDC technologies are true enablers of the electrification of the global energy system and the transition to renewables.”

“By securing the first capacities for such an important part of our future grid in only one year since the decision to use this technology, we show ENOWA’s commitment to supporting Saudi Vision 2030 in collaboration with Saudi Electricity Company and Hitachi Energy,” said Thorsten Schwarz, Executive Director of Grid Technology & Projects, Energy of ENOWA.

ENOWA, NEOM’s energy and water company, produces and delivers clean and sustainable energy for industrial and commercial applications. The company benefits from NEOM’s greenfield site and strategic location in the northwestern part of Saudi Arabia, with abundant solar and wind resources. ENOWA will act as a catalyst and incubator for developing new, sustainable energy and water businesses while creating a robust economic sector regionally.

ENOWA seeks by its commitment to renewable energy and efficient water management, to become a global reference for industry leaders and setting a benchmark for sustainable economic circular systems around the world. Formed in 2022, ENOWA is the principal shareholder in the world’s largest green hydrogen production plant set to be commissioned in 2026 and will enable NEOM to be a global green hydrogen hub.

NEOM will be powered by 100 percent clean energy, through renewable solar, wind and green hydrogen-based energy. The region is designed to be a blueprint for sustainable urban living with minimal impact on the environment and enhanced livability.

Note to editors:
Hitachi Energy’s HVDC solution combines world-leading expertise in HVDC converter valves; the MACH™ digital control platform2, converter power transformers and high-voltage switchgear; as well as system studies, design and engineering, supply, installation supervision and commissioning.

HVDC Light is a voltage source converter technology developed by Hitachi Energy, which was launched over 25 years ago. It is the preferred technology for many grid applications, including interconnecting countries, integrating renewables and “power-from-shore” connections to offshore production facilities. HVDC Light’s defining features include uniquely compact converter stations and exceptionally low electrical losses.

Hitachi Energy pioneered commercial HVDC technology almost 70 years ago and has delivered more than half of the world’s HVDC projects.

Hitachi Energy’s consulting services assist energy customers in pinpointing their challenges and suggesting customized solutions tailored to their unique requirements. Our consultants operate independently, with a product and system-agnostic approach, possessing in-depth knowledge of global technologies, standards, and local grid codes.

1 Saudi’s Giga-Projects
2 Modular Advanced Control for HVDC (MACH™)

See also:
Hitachi Energy to supply the first ever large-scale HVDC interconnection in the Middle East and North Africa (2022)
Hitachi Energy and Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Authority sign contract to upgrade high-voltage direct current transmission system (2023)

ENOWA website

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About Hitachi Energy
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 40,000 people in 90 countries and generate business volumes of over $10 billion USD.
https://www.hitachienergy.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/hitachienergy
https://twitter.com/HitachiEnergy

About Hitachi, Ltd.

Hitachi drives Social Innovation Business, creating a sustainable society through the use of data and technology. We solve customers’ and society’s challenges with Lumada solutions leveraging IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products. Hitachi operates under the business structure of “Digital Systems & Services” – supporting our customers’ digital transformation; “Green Energy & Mobility” – contributing to a decarbonized society through energy and railway systems, and “Connective Industries” – connecting products through digital technology to provide solutions in various industries. Driven by Digital, Green, and Innovation, we aim for growth through co-creation with our customers. The company’s consolidated revenues for fiscal year 2022 (ended March 31, 2023) totaled 10,881.1 billion yen, with 696 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 320,000 employees worldwide. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company’s website at https://www.hitachi.com.

Attachment

Jocelyn Chang
Hitachi Energy
jocelyn.chang@hitachienergy.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8848737

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Malawi ends corruption trial against ex-president

Malawi authorities have ended a corruption trial against former President Bakili Muluzi.

Mr Muluzi served two five-year terms as president between 1994 and 2004 but he was charged five years after he left office.

He and his former personal secretary, Lyness Whiskey, were charged with abuse of public funds amounting to 1.7bn kwacha ($1.7m; £1.37m).

On Monday, the Malawi High Court said it had freed Mr Muluzi from all charges following a decision by the country’s head of public prosecutions to discontinue the case.

Mr Muluzi has always protested his innocence, saying the case was political persecution by the government of his successor, Bingu Mutharika, with whom they fell out.

There had been no real progress on the case under the administrations of successive presidents who enjoyed a good relationship with Mr Muluzi.

The trial has been adjourned several times for a range of reasons including an initial prosecutor deciding to recuse himself and Mr Muluzi’s treatment for spinal problems.

Source: BBC

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Another hitch in Malawi preacher extradition case

A Malawi magistrate’s court has failed to start hearing witness testimony at the extradition case of well-known Christian preacher Shepherd Bushiri.

He and his wife Mary are facing extradition to South Africa to face money-laundering and fraud charges.

The Malawian couple were arrested in South Africa in 2019 but jumped bail. They were arrested in Malawi in 2020 at the request of South Africa.

The pair deny any wrongdoing and are challenging moves to extradite them.

When the case resumed in the capital, Lilongwe, on Tuesday defence lawyer Wapona Kita objected to a witness from South Africa testifying on procedural grounds.

Magistrate Madalitso Chimwaza gave each side 14 days to resolve the issue – 28 days in total. The case has been adjourned to 10 July.

Source: BBC

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Africa’s first Petroleum Hub: Ekuba’s anxiety and PHDC’s assurance!

Accra, For three and half decades, Madam Ekuba Ackah, mother of four has been a fishmonger.

Over the years, she has been getting the variety of fishes for her business and personal consumption from the sea and nearby wetlands in her native Egbazo, a community in the Jomoro District of the Western Region.

Her favourite for business any day is catfish, however, many of her high-income clients prefer delicacies such as tilapia, shrimps, crabs and tympanotonus fuscata, locally known as ‘Apoofee’, all sourced from the Amanzule Wetlands and the Domunli Lagoon Complex.

According to the National Geographic Society, a wetland is an area of land that is either covered by water or saturated with water-which can come from a river, a lake or even sea water. Besides being major sources of a variety of fisheries resources, wetlands provide an ecology that serves as shelter, feeding grounds, and spawning areas for many species of freshwater and marine origin.

‘The Amanzule wetlands and Domunli Lagoon Complex are the only reliable sources I turn to during the lean season when the fishermen are unable to get fish from the sea, and they are fresh and tasty,’ says Ekuba, with a grin, which immediately faded into a look of despair.

‘I’ve heard that government wants to build some factory or something for petrol business around here and if they take over the land, what will we do? I didn’t go to school, so I learned to sell fish from the women in my family and this is how I survive,’ she explains her sudden change in mood to the GNA.

Vivo Energy Ghana promotes responsible waste management

Source: Ghana News Agency

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Agorkedzi: Another tidal waves destruction leaves one dead

Agorkedzi (VR) One person has been confirmed dead at Agorkedzi in the Volta Region after another tidal wave hit the community.

The disturbance also rendered several residents homeless.

Mr Raphael Agbanavor, the Assemblymember of the Area, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that, the deceased Mr Kwasi Kwakume, about 60 years old, went on a normal fishing expedition with two others at 0435hrs on Sunday, where he got drowned after their boat capsized due to the violent nature of the sea.

He said a report had since been lodged at the Anloga Police station whilst the body of the deceased had been recovered and deposited at Keta Hospital mortuary.

Mr Agbanavor stated that they were yet to receive any form of support from the National Disaster Management Organization.

He hinted that the residents had been threatening to demonstrate to compel the government to construct a sea defense wall to protect their lives and property

On Sunday, April 17, a similar disaster happened, with people losing property and leaving residents homeless.

Source: Ghana News Agency

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GLOWA launches project to empower rural women, PWDs

Ho, Global Action for Women Empowerment (GLOWA) has launched its Action for Voice and Inclusive Development project to empower women living in rural communities and persons with disabilities (PWDs).

The project is titled: ‘We Matter! Empowering Rural Women and PWD constituents to take positive actions to participate actively in local governance processes for improved livelihood.’

It would be carried out within a period of 15 months and is being jointly implemented by GLOWA in partnership with Ghana Federation of Disability (GFD), Volta Chapter and Adaklu POWER Women’s Group.

The project is being funded by Flora and Hewlett Foundation through STAR Ghana Foundation under the Action for Voice, Influence, and Inclusive Development (AVID) small grant.

Miss Rosemond Ewoenam Atutonu, Executive Director, GLOWA, speaking to Ghana News Agency after the launch disclosed that the project would be executed in seven communities within the Ho Municipal and the Adaklu District.

She said during the period, the capacity of the beneficiaries would be strengthened to be able to access credible information from rightful sources to become advocates for change.

The Executive Director noted that women participation in governance processes was essential in promoting greater equality, supporting stronger representation and deepen the country’s democracy.

She said the project aimed at increasing the voice of women, making them more vocal when it comes to decision making at the community level and enhancing their contributions in the local governance.

Madam Elikplim Klu, President, Volta Chapter of the Ghana Federation of Disability (GFD) said women and PWDs were vulnerable asset so society must ensure their protection and treat them with care and dignity.

She stressed the need for attitudinal change and that it was time for all to rise to collectively put an end to sexual and gender-based violence.

Madam Klu entreated parents to conduct themselves in a manner justified and morally upright for their children to emulate to become responsible citizens.

She commended GLOWA for the initiative and its efforts at building the capacity for socially excluded and advised society to avoid stigma and discrimination against women and persons with disabilities.

Madam Ivy Bedy, the Project Officer, called on traditional authorities, opinion leaders and society in general to create enabling environment for women to attain leadership positions and bring their potentials to bear.

Togbe Sasraku IV, Chief of Adaklu-Goefe, welcomed the project and assured of his full support, saying collectiveness was key in achieving the change and transformation society has been yearning for.

Source: Ghana News Agency

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Keta Port will be Akufo-Addo’s legacy to the people

Aflao (V/R), Mrs Enyonam Apetorgbor, Chief Executive Officer, Keta Investment Promotion Centre, has appealed to President Akufo-Addo to begin real construction works on the proposed Keta Port as his legacy to the people.

She urged the government to expedite work on the Keta Port project due to its geographical location and strategic importance to the country.

Currently, only a notice board and a container office building can be found at the site earmarked for the project.

Thers is also no physical development goings-on for what will be Ghana’s third commercial port when completed.

The plan for a port at Keta, which had been on the drawing board for long and dear to the chiefs and people of the area, received attention from the current government who for the past three years, initiated processes to see it come to fruition.

The processes included signing an executive instrument that demarcates the area for the port and advertising tenders for feasibility studies for the project.

Mrs Apetorgbor in a release copied to the Ghana News Agency following the President’s recent inauguration of a 70-million-euro Elmina Fishing Harbour in the Central Region said the President should make the barely two years remainder of his tenure count for the people in the Keta area.

‘As you reach the dying embers of your second term, I am appealing to you to leave the Keta enclave an important legacy by constructing this Keta Port which strategic importance to Ghana is in no doubt because of its geographical location.

‘This project promises to be a major economic booster for the entire Volta Region and the entire country by creating jobs for the teeming unemployed youths, generating revenue for the state and easing the pressure on the Tema Port.

‘We the people of Keta will forever remember you, at least for starting this important project,’ the release said.

Source: Ghana News Agency