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  14. <description>Universe News Network is an independent online financial news service. Key employees of our company are professionals in the field of business, finance and stock markets. Our writing team works diligently to cover breaking financial news stories and provide unique analysis of important financial events that you can’t find anywhere else.</description>
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  31. <title>VUKA Group announces full agenda for Johannesburg edition of C&#038;I Energy + Storage Summit 2025</title>
  32. <link>https://www.universenewsnetwork.com/2025/09/15/vuka-group-announces-full-agenda-for-johannesburg-edition-of-ci-energy-storage-summit-2025/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=vuka-group-announces-full-agenda-for-johannesburg-edition-of-ci-energy-storage-summit-2025</link>
  33. <comments>https://www.universenewsnetwork.com/2025/09/15/vuka-group-announces-full-agenda-for-johannesburg-edition-of-ci-energy-storage-summit-2025/#respond</comments>
  34. <dc:creator><![CDATA[News Desk]]></dc:creator>
  35. <pubDate>Mon, 15 Sep 2025 15:48:09 +0000</pubDate>
  36. <category><![CDATA[Events]]></category>
  37. <category><![CDATA[Energy]]></category>
  38. <category><![CDATA[C&I Energy]]></category>
  39. <category><![CDATA[C&I Energy + Storage Summit 2025]]></category>
  40. <category><![CDATA[Storage Summit 2025]]></category>
  41. <category><![CDATA[VUKA Group]]></category>
  42. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.universenewsnetwork.com/?p=19111</guid>
  43.  
  44. <description><![CDATA[VUKA Group has released the detailed agenda for the upcoming C&#38;I Energy + Storage Summit, scheduled for 4-5&#8230;]]></description>
  45. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p data-start="265" data-end="545">VUKA Group has released the detailed agenda for the upcoming C&amp;I Energy + Storage Summit, scheduled for 4-5 November 2025 at The Maslow Hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg.</p>
  46. <p data-start="547" data-end="791">The summit is designed to provide commercial and industrial (C&amp;I) leaders with practical strategies to strengthen energy resilience, cut costs and respond to ongoing market reforms in the context of South Africa’s shifting energy environment.</p>
  47. <p>“We are once again working with the Energy Intensive Users Group to bring the most relevant information to commercial and industrial companies who are wanting to understand the changing power landscape, explore embedded generation options and get practical insights into the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and its impact on South African industry,” says Chanelle Hingston, Group Director, Power &amp; Energy, VUKA Group.</p>
  48. <p><strong>Programme highlights</strong></p>
  49. <p>The programme kicks off with powerful keynote sessions on Day 1. To take note of is a welcome address by Murendeni Matshinyatsimbi, Chairman of the Energy Intensive Users Group (EIUG) and a panel discussion which focuses on Resilient operations – water &amp; energy in an integrated risk framework. This cross-sector panel explores how businesses in water-intensive and energy-dependent industries are building operational resilience by integrating water and energy risk into a unified framework. As resource insecurity grows, driven by climate variability, regulatory pressure and infrastructure constraints, companies must move beyond siloed approaches. The discussion will surface practical insights from mining, agri-processing and manufacturing leaders on aligning sustainability goals with risk management strategies that protect both water and energy assets.</p>
  50. <p>A Project Spotlight session showcases transformative C&amp;I energy projects across South Africa, focusing on business models, technologies and replicability. The day includes a Sector Q&amp;A on leadership in energy storage, exploring battery systems, ROI and financing models like PPAs and leasing. Masterclasses delve into building bankable PPA portfolios for EPCs and wheeling mechanisms for flexible financing.</p>
  51. <p>Day 2 begins with a bang as the panel on Market design in flux examines sector unbundling, wheeling and opportunities for C&amp;I players. Masterclasses cover energy efficiency as a “first fuel,” battery lifecycle management, circular economy pathways for storage and carbon markets including the impact of CBAM on South African exports. Additional sessions address time-of-use tariffs for cost certainty and the role of traders and aggregators in a liberalised market.</p>
  52. <p><strong>Advisory board</strong></p>
  53. <p>The programme was developed with input from an esteemed advisory board, including Fanele Mondi, CEO of the Energy Intensive Users Group of South Africa (EIUG); Liana Braxton, Managing Director of SoSimple Energy; Pitso Sekhoto, Middle Manager at the National Transmission Company of South Africa; Duduzile Makhathini, Energy Manager at Goldfields; and Maudene van Rooyen, Specialist: Power and Sustainable Solutions at Standard Bank, amoung others. Their expertise ensures the content is practical and forward-looking.</p>
  54. ]]></content:encoded>
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  57. </item>
  58. <item>
  59. <title>Pastor Alph Lukau’s Foundation Advances UN Sustainable Development Goals Across Africa</title>
  60. <link>https://www.universenewsnetwork.com/2025/09/13/pastor-alph-lukaus-foundation-advances-un-sustainable-development-goals-across-africa/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=pastor-alph-lukaus-foundation-advances-un-sustainable-development-goals-across-africa</link>
  61. <comments>https://www.universenewsnetwork.com/2025/09/13/pastor-alph-lukaus-foundation-advances-un-sustainable-development-goals-across-africa/#respond</comments>
  62. <dc:creator><![CDATA[News Desk]]></dc:creator>
  63. <pubDate>Sat, 13 Sep 2025 13:26:51 +0000</pubDate>
  64. <category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
  65. <category><![CDATA[Charity]]></category>
  66. <category><![CDATA[Pastor Alph Lukau Foundation]]></category>
  67. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.universenewsnetwork.com/?p=19105</guid>
  68.  
  69. <description><![CDATA[By Johannesburg, South Africa — September 2025 In a continent where faith plays a central role in daily&#8230;]]></description>
  70. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>By Johannesburg, South Africa — September 2025</p>
  71. <p>In a continent where faith plays a central role in daily life, one organization is bridging the gap between spiritual guidance and sustainable development. Under the visionary leadership of Dr <a href="https://fox59.com/business/press-releases/ein-presswire/620131650/alph-lukaus-alleluia-ministry-turns-21/" class="broken_link" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Alph Lukau</a>, the AL Foundation has risen as a dynamic force in Africa—transforming lives not only through religious inspiration but through tangible, on-the-ground impact. From community upliftment projects to education and health initiatives, the Foundation is proving that faith-based leadership can drive measurable change and foster hope where it&#8217;s needed most.</p>
  72. <p>The AL Foundation established its operations in 2011 to execute multiple charitable initiatives throughout Southern and Central Africa. The foundation supports multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through its activities which include providing educational assistance to vulnerable children and disaster response services that help eliminate poverty and hunger while ensuring quality education and promoting good health.</p>
  73. <p><strong>Education as a Pathway Out of Poverty</strong></p>
  74. <p>The foundation dedicates its efforts to assist students who lack funds to pay for their education and essential school requirements. The AL Foundation gives complete scholarships to needy students like Kimberly Phumzile Nyathi and Lebogang Sedumedi and other orphaned students who depend on the organization for their school expenses including tuition fees and transportation and school uniforms and food.</p>
  75. <p>The organization supports <strong>SDG 4: Quality Education</strong> through its efforts to provide inclusive and equitable education for all students. The foundation enables these young students to stay in school which helps them escape poverty cycles and social inequalities in their communities.</p>
  76. <p><strong>Food Security and Healthcare: Meeting Immediate Needs</strong></p>
  77. <p>The AL Foundation operates feeding programs in poor communities of Alexandra and Soweto to distribute thousands of meals each month to children and elderly people who struggle with food access.</p>
  78. <p>The organization supports <strong>SDG 2: Zero Hunger </strong>by working to eliminate hunger in Africa which represents a critical humanitarian issue on the continent.</p>
  79. <p>Healthcare is another priority. The foundation operates mobile clinics which offer free medical services and screenings to people who lack access to healthcare particularly children and elderly individuals. The healthcare programs operated by the foundation work to achieve <strong>SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being </strong>by providing essential medical services in areas without government healthcare access.</p>
  80. <p><strong>Responding to Crisis: Disaster Relief in Action</strong></p>
  81. <p>The foundation showed its ability to act swiftly after Cyclone Idai struck in 2019 by sending more than 70 tons of emergency supplies including packages and hygiene supplies to families who became homeless because of the 2022 KwaZulu-N food and medical equipment to Mozambican disaster zones. The AL Foundation sent numerous truckloads of foodatal floods. <img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-19107" src="https://www.universenewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/2.png" alt="" width="877" height="442" srcset="https://www.universenewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/2.png 877w, https://www.universenewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/2-300x151.png 300w, https://www.universenewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/2-768x387.png 768w, https://www.universenewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/2-332x167.png 332w, https://www.universenewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/2-664x335.png 664w, https://www.universenewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/2-688x347.png 688w" sizes="(max-width: 877px) 100vw, 877px" /></p>
  82. <p>The organization&#8217;s quick disaster response efforts are in support of SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities by helping communities develop resilience against growing climate disasters in the area.</p>
  83. <p><strong>Empowering Women and Reducing Inequalities</strong></p>
  84. <p>The AL Foundation dedicates its resources to assist widows and women who face social discrimination. The foundation used International Women&#8217;s Day 2021 to distribute food packages and essential items to 500 widows in Kinshasa Democratic Republic of Congo.</p>
  85. <p>The initiative supports SDG 5: Gender Equality by fighting against institutional discrimination and providing immediate assistance to groups who receive little attention from typical development initiatives.</p>
  86. <p><strong>A Faith-Led Model for Sustainable Development</strong></p>
  87. <p>The philanthropist Dr <a href="https://www.khaleejtimes.com/kt-network/pastor-alph-lukau-visits-the-abrahamic-family-house-in-uae-and-lauds-the-leaders-for-their-vision" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Alph Lukau</a> is a noted Bible scholar and a leading example of <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/rodberger/2023/01/23/purpose-driven-business-models-propel-faith-based-efforts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Faith based Enterpreneurship</a> , leads Alleluia Ministries International describes the foundation&#8217;s activities as religious service through action.</p>
  88. <p>According to Dr <a href="https://nyweekly.com/entrepreneur/alph-lukau-the-rise-of-faith-based-entrepreneurship/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Alph Lukau</a>, faith requires practical action because faith without action remains empty. Our faith finds its authentic expression through serving communities by providing education and healthcare and delivering emergency assistance.</p>
  89. <p>The AL Foundation presents a successful model for faith-based organizations to achieve sustainable development across Africa through its combination of spiritual inspiration and results-driven philanthropic work.</p>
  90. <p>The AL Foundation proves religious organizations can successfully work with the United Nations SDG agenda according to Dr. Mbali Khumalo who studies social development at the University of Pretoria.</p>
  91. <p>Their work includes measurable outcomes and diverse programs that match international development goals.</p>
  92. <p><strong>Looking Ahead</strong></p>
  93. <p>The AL Foundation plans to enter East and Francophone Africa through strategic alliances with governments and NGOs and local churches to increase its reach. The AL Foundation together with other faith-based organizations will help address development gaps which traditional development organizations fail to reach.</p>
  94. <p><strong>Contact</strong>:</p>
  95. <p>For more information on the AL Foundation, visit <a href="http://www.alfoundation.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.alfoundation.com</a></p>
  96. ]]></content:encoded>
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  98. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  99. </item>
  100. <item>
  101. <title>Gastech 2025 kicks off in Milan, uniting global energy leaders for critical strategic dialogues</title>
  102. <link>https://www.universenewsnetwork.com/2025/09/10/gastech-2025-kicks-off-in-milan-uniting-global-energy-leaders-for-critical-strategic-dialogues/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=gastech-2025-kicks-off-in-milan-uniting-global-energy-leaders-for-critical-strategic-dialogues</link>
  103. <comments>https://www.universenewsnetwork.com/2025/09/10/gastech-2025-kicks-off-in-milan-uniting-global-energy-leaders-for-critical-strategic-dialogues/#respond</comments>
  104. <dc:creator><![CDATA[News Desk]]></dc:creator>
  105. <pubDate>Wed, 10 Sep 2025 13:10:53 +0000</pubDate>
  106. <category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
  107. <category><![CDATA[Gastech]]></category>
  108. <category><![CDATA[Gastech 2025]]></category>
  109. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.universenewsnetwork.com/?p=19098</guid>
  110.  
  111. <description><![CDATA[Gastech 2025 hosts over 50,000 participants from more than 150 countries, transforming Milan into the centre of global&#8230;]]></description>
  112. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<ul>
  113. <li data-start="106" data-end="992">Gastech 2025 hosts over 50,000 participants from more than 150 countries, transforming Milan into the centre of global energy discussions focused on supply security, accelerating transition, and driving innovation at scale.</li>
  114. <li data-start="106" data-end="992">Twenty-five ministers from Europe, Africa, and the Middle East join CEOs from Shell, TotalEnergies, Eni, Cheniere Energy, Vitol, Uniper, Snam, and YPF for a week of collaborative debates and future-focused partnerships.</li>
  115. <li data-start="106" data-end="992">Doug Burgum, United States Secretary of the Interior, captured the momentum in his keynote: “Energy advancements have always transformed the world. But now we stand at an inflection point, gathered here at Gastech, where for the first time in history, energy in the form of electricity can directly be converted to intelligence. We need more factories to build more intelligence, and to do that, we dramatically need more energy.”</li>
  116. </ul>
  117. <p data-start="994" data-end="1179">Gastech 2025 has officially opened in Milan, welcoming senior energy policymakers, top executives, innovators, and investors from across the globe.</p>
  118. <p data-start="1181" data-end="1617" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="">Recognised as the world’s largest exhibition and conference dedicated to natural gas, LNG, hydrogen, climate technologies, and AI-driven energy solutions, Gastech 2025 sets the stage for critical discussions shaping the industry’s future. With record-breaking attendance, the international energy community is coming together to address shared priorities, including energy security, market resilience, and sustainable economic growth.</p>
  119. <p>Gastech&#8217;s Opening Ceremony was headlined by Ditte Juul Jørgensen, Director General – Energy, European Commission, who delivered a keynote address on the EU&#8217;s continued efforts to build resilient and sustainable energy systems that can deliver on immediate accessibility needs and long-term decarbonisation goals:</p>
  120. <p>&#8220;Looking ahead, fossil fuels will remain a part of the equation, giving stability and security to markets while the clean energy transition accelerates towards climate neutrality in 2050. We need gas in the European energy system, and it will be part of our energy use in the coming decades. The manner with which we implement our legislation – including the methane legislation &#8211; will therefore not hinder trade or impede our energy security.&#8221;</p>
  121. <p>Jørgensen was followed by Secretary Doug Burgum, 55th Secretary of the Interior, United States, who welcomed delegates with a call for collaboration and pragmatism, as nations and businesses around the world navigate a complex energy landscape in pursuit of continued innovation and prosperity:</p>
  122. <p>&#8220;Let&#8217;s imagine what the world would look like when we&#8217;ve got reliable and affordable energy, when we have AI to advance productivity and solve chronic diseases. We stand ready to achieve this future, and look forward to stronger and deeper relationships to make it happen. The partnerships we build at Gastech will echo across generations. Together we can bring peace and prosperity to the whole world.&#8221;</p>
  123. <p>Representing Gastech&#8217;s host country for 2025, H.E. Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, Minister of Environment &amp; Energy Security, Italy, launched the event commenting:</p>
  124. <p>&#8220;Despite the progress of the energy transition, gas will continue to be part of the EU&#8217;s energy mix for decades to come. This is why the Italian government – while working to ensure that clean, safe and reliable technology such as new nuclear power meets future growing energy demand – is at the same time ensuring that gas supplies are boosted and regasification capacity is increased.&#8221;</p>
  125. <p>Following the opening keynotes, Gastech&#8217;s first Ministerial Panel convened senior officials from the United States, European Union, Italy, Nigeria, Hungary, and Türkiye, who discussed the crucial role of energy supply diversification, global cooperation, and resilient infrastructure in shaping an inclusive and balanced transformation. Dialogues focused on the emergence of new LNG markets, Europe&#8217;s pursuit of energy security, and the imperative to harness natural gas not just as a transitional fuel, but as an enabler of lasting growth.</p>
  126. <p>Building on the geopolitical perspectives shared by international ministers, Day One also featured insightful contributions from industry leaders such as Claudio Descalzi, CEO of Eni, who participated in a one-on-one interview on the conference&#8217;s main stage. There, he highlighted the importance of forward-looking portfolios that effectively enable decarbonisation:</p>
  127. <p>&#8220;We want to reduce emissions, but this is not achievable overnight. You cannot do it by losing money or through subsidies and incentives. You have to make it affordable, because that is the economy &#8211; there is no other way.&#8221;</p>
  128. <p>Across the comprehensive Day One agenda, Gastech&#8217;s Strategic Leadership panels featured an impressive line-up of CEOs and executive speakers, as they debated and discussed the evolving position of natural gas and LNG as cornerstones of global energy stability and economic development. Participants included Wael Sawan, CEO of Shell, who discussed the critical relationship between policy and industry:</p>
  129. <p>&#8220;Consistency of the regulatory environment is a priority, making sure that regulation incentivises one area but does not disincentivise others. Everyone is rightly saying that we need to go to lower carbon products, yet we see maximum consumption of everything. We therefore need to broaden the perspective to say not what is good or bad, but to create the right incentives to allow the market to function.&#8221;</p>
  130. <p>Another central theme of Day One was the integration of new innovations, including Artificial Intelligence and climate technologies, into modern energy systems. Throughout dedicated conference streams on Hydrogen, Climatetech, Shipping &amp; Marine, and AI::Energy, leading global experts showcased the impacts of new energy solutions such as methane abatement technologies and AI-driven optimisation, while addressing their impacts on rising energy demand and increased electricity consumption.</p>
  131. <p>With a focus on supporting industry growth and collaboration, Gastech&#8217;s exhibition floor saw more than 1,000 global exhibitors and 20 country pavilions showcase a transformative range of products and services. From hydrogen-ready equipment and next-generation LNG terminals to AI and machine learning platforms, the exhibition underscored Gastech&#8217;s role as the leading meeting place for executives, investors, and innovators to scale new solutions for efficiency and decarbonisation across the value chain.</p>
  132. <p>With contributions throughout Day One from ministers, CEOs, policymakers, and technology leaders, Gastech 2025 has set the stage for a week of strategic dialogue and action. Over the coming days, sessions will explore how to secure supply amidst population growth, deliver balanced pathways to decarbonisation, and sustainably expand the technologies that are defining the future of energy and growth.</p>
  133. ]]></content:encoded>
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  135. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  136. </item>
  137. <item>
  138. <title>Eurasia Packaging Istanbul Fair Turns 30: Shaping the Future of Global Packaging</title>
  139. <link>https://www.universenewsnetwork.com/2025/09/09/eurasia-packaging-istanbul-fair-turns-30-shaping-the-future-of-global-packaging/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=eurasia-packaging-istanbul-fair-turns-30-shaping-the-future-of-global-packaging</link>
  140. <comments>https://www.universenewsnetwork.com/2025/09/09/eurasia-packaging-istanbul-fair-turns-30-shaping-the-future-of-global-packaging/#respond</comments>
  141. <dc:creator><![CDATA[News Desk]]></dc:creator>
  142. <pubDate>Tue, 09 Sep 2025 15:13:29 +0000</pubDate>
  143. <category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
  144. <category><![CDATA[Events]]></category>
  145. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.universenewsnetwork.com/?p=19094</guid>
  146.  
  147. <description><![CDATA[Set to run from 22 to 25 October 2025, the 30th Eurasia Packaging Istanbul Fair will unite packaging&#8230;]]></description>
  148. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p data-start="1641" data-end="1849">Set to run from 22 to 25 October 2025, the 30th Eurasia Packaging Istanbul Fair will unite packaging pioneers, global leaders, and cutting-edge innovations at the Tüyap Fair and Congress Centre in Istanbul.</p>
  149. <p data-start="1851" data-end="2120">As the largest and most diverse packaging industry exhibition connecting Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, the event provides businesses with the ideal environment to forge strategic alliances, showcase innovations, and explore lucrative trade opportunities.</p>
  150. <p><strong>Sustainability Meets Technology at Eurasia Packaging Istanbul</strong></p>
  151. <p>Organized in collaboration with RX Tüyap and the Turkish Packaging Manufacturers Association (ASD), the fair showcases the full spectrum of the packaging industry—from packaging machinery and food &amp; beverage processing technologies to printing systems, automation, recyclable packaging, and eco-friendly materials.</p>
  152. <p>This year, the fair will once again become a dynamic showcase for cutting-edge packaging solutions tailored to key industries, including food, beverage, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, hygiene, and logistics.</p>
  153. <p><strong>1,200+ Exhibitors, nearly 80,000 Visitors: A Game-Changing Industry Meeting Point</strong></p>
  154. <p>As a unique trade platform for business development, investment planning, and industry foresight, the fair will bring together over 1,200 local and international companies and company representatives, presenting their innovative solutions to nearly 80,000 industry professionals from around the world over four days.</p>
  155. <p>With rising demand in areas such as sustainability, digital transformation, and food safety, the packaging industry remains one of Türkiye’s fastest-growing and export-driven sectors. The expansion of e-commerce and heightened environmental awareness are driving innovation and investment across the industry.</p>
  156. <p>Eurasia Packaging Istanbul Fair is ready to host all stakeholders aiming to shape the future today—with solutions that respond to these strategic shifts.</p>
  157. <p><strong>Experience the Future of Packaging at Eurasia Packaging Istanbul 2025</strong></p>
  158. <p>Taking place on <strong>October 22–25, 2025</strong>, at the Tüyap Fair and Congress Center in Istanbul, the fair celebrates its <strong>30th anniversary</strong> as the region’s leading packaging industry event. For four days, industry professionals will have the chance to discover the latest technologies, explore sustainable innovations, and build valuable new connections that will drive the sector forward. Learn more at <a href="https://packagingfair.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>packagingfair.com</strong></a>.</p>
  159. ]]></content:encoded>
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  161. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  162. </item>
  163. <item>
  164. <title>Permutable Unveils Extensive Energy Market Intelligence Suite with 462 Indices Spanning Global Oil, Gas, and LNG Sectors</title>
  165. <link>https://www.universenewsnetwork.com/2025/09/09/permutable-unveils-extensive-energy-market-intelligence-suite-with-462-indices-spanning-global-oil-gas-and-lng-sectors/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=permutable-unveils-extensive-energy-market-intelligence-suite-with-462-indices-spanning-global-oil-gas-and-lng-sectors</link>
  166. <comments>https://www.universenewsnetwork.com/2025/09/09/permutable-unveils-extensive-energy-market-intelligence-suite-with-462-indices-spanning-global-oil-gas-and-lng-sectors/#respond</comments>
  167. <dc:creator><![CDATA[News Desk]]></dc:creator>
  168. <pubDate>Tue, 09 Sep 2025 14:21:33 +0000</pubDate>
  169. <category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
  170. <category><![CDATA[Marketing]]></category>
  171. <category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
  172. <category><![CDATA[Energy Market Intelligence Suite]]></category>
  173. <category><![CDATA[Permutable]]></category>
  174. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.universenewsnetwork.com/?p=19090</guid>
  175.  
  176. <description><![CDATA[Permutable, a leading provider of market sentiment solutions, has announced the launch of its advanced energy market intelligence&#8230;]]></description>
  177. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p data-start="345" data-end="644">Permutable, a leading provider of market sentiment solutions, has announced the launch of its advanced energy market intelligence suite, featuring 462 specialised indices designed to deliver comprehensive insights into crude oil, natural gas, and LNG markets worldwide.</p>
  178. <p data-start="646" data-end="949">This newly introduced suite integrates extensive historical datasets with real-time intraday data and advanced AI-powered analytics. It enables users to gain a deeper understanding of the evolving energy landscape by combining market fundamentals, macroeconomic factors, and sentiment-driven insights.</p>
  179. <p data-start="951" data-end="1268">The platform offers unparalleled visibility across the full spectrum of energy market dynamics — from shifts in supply and demand fundamentals to geopolitical influences and changes in market sentiment — equipping stakeholders with the tools needed to make informed decisions in an increasingly complex environment.</p>
  180. <p>“Commodities remain one of the most attractive yet complex asset classes,” said Wilson Chan, CEO and Founder of Permutable. “We’re working to level the playing field not just for funds, but for all institutional stakeholders active in energy markets &#8211; from asset managers and trading houses to risk managers.</p>
  181. <p>The suite of 462 indices tracks trade and export dynamics, inventory levels, analyst forecasts, price commentary, and production data alongside geopolitical tensions, natural disasters, and pipeline developments. Coverage spans Europe, North America, and Asia, providing institutional clients with truly global energy market intelligence and cross-regional arbitrage opportunities.</p>
  182. <p>Key features of the comprehensive energy market intelligence platform include:</p>
  183. <ul>
  184. <li><span role="presentation"><b>Complete Historical Datasets</b>: Full historical coverage across all energy assets enabling comprehensive backtesting and strategy development</span></li>
  185. <li><span role="presentation"><b>Live Intraday Feeds</b>: Real-time data streams providing immediate market response capabilities</span></li>
  186. <li><span role="presentation"><b>Fundamental Analysis</b>: Deep coverage of trade and export dynamics, inventory levels, analyst forecasts, price commentary, and production data</span></li>
  187. <li><span role="presentation"><b>Macro Events Integration</b>: Systematic analysis of geopolitical tensions, natural disasters, pipeline developments, and policy shifts</span></li>
  188. <li><span role="presentation"><b>Geographic Intelligence</b>: Comprehensive coverage across Europe, North America, and Asia with regional specialisation</span></li>
  189. <li><span role="presentation"><b>Leading Indicator Framework</b>: Advanced analytics designed to anticipate market movements before they occur</span></li>
  190. <li><span role="presentation"><b>Breaking News Sentiment</b>: Real-time monitoring of breaking stories, media build-up, and sentiment changes</span></li>
  191. <li><span role="presentation"><b>Price-Impact Sentiment Analysis</b>: sentiment scoring based on actual market price impact rather than simple news volume</span></li>
  192. </ul>
  193. <p>Permutable’s energy intelligence indices integrate seamlessly with existing institutional systems, offering API access for systematic strategies as well as intuitive dashboards for discretionary users. This makes the suite relevant not only to hedge funds, asset managers, trading houses, as well as corporate strategy and risk teams who require timely and actionable energy insights.</p>
  194. <p>By combining comprehensive fundamental analysis with real-time sentiment monitoring and geographic intelligence, the system empowers a wide range of stakeholders to anticipate shifts earlier, time decisions more precisely, and manage risk more effectively in increasingly volatile global energy markets.</p>
  195. <p>The launch comes as institutional demand for sophisticated energy market intelligence continues to grow, driven by increased energy market volatility and the strategic importance of energy assets in institutional portfolios.</p>
  196. <p>Permutable’s energy market intelligence indices are available immediately to qualified institutional clients, with demonstration sessions and trial access available through the company&#8217;s institutional partnerships team.</p>
  197. ]]></content:encoded>
  198. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.universenewsnetwork.com/2025/09/09/permutable-unveils-extensive-energy-market-intelligence-suite-with-462-indices-spanning-global-oil-gas-and-lng-sectors/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  199. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  200. </item>
  201. <item>
  202. <title>Snappi Becomes Greece’s First ECB-Licensed Neobank, Now Open to Customers</title>
  203. <link>https://www.universenewsnetwork.com/2025/09/08/snappi-becomes-greeces-first-ecb-licensed-neobank-now-open-to-customers/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=snappi-becomes-greeces-first-ecb-licensed-neobank-now-open-to-customers</link>
  204. <comments>https://www.universenewsnetwork.com/2025/09/08/snappi-becomes-greeces-first-ecb-licensed-neobank-now-open-to-customers/#respond</comments>
  205. <dc:creator><![CDATA[News Desk]]></dc:creator>
  206. <pubDate>Mon, 08 Sep 2025 10:21:44 +0000</pubDate>
  207. <category><![CDATA[Finance]]></category>
  208. <category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
  209. <category><![CDATA[ECB]]></category>
  210. <category><![CDATA[European Central Bank]]></category>
  211. <category><![CDATA[Snappi]]></category>
  212. <category><![CDATA[SnappiApp]]></category>
  213. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.universenewsnetwork.com/?p=19087</guid>
  214.  
  215. <description><![CDATA[• Fully Digital Banking With Zero Fees and Round-the-Clock Human Support• Backed by Full European Central Bank Licensing&#8230;]]></description>
  216. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p data-start="419" data-end="552">• Fully Digital Banking With Zero Fees and Round-the-Clock Human Support<br data-start="495" data-end="498" />• Backed by Full European Central Bank Licensing</p>
  217. <p data-start="554" data-end="814">Snappi, the first Greek neobank officially licensed by the European Central Bank (ECB), has announced its public launch. The app is now available for download via the App Store and Google Play, with services initially open to all Greek tax residents.</p>
  218. <p data-start="816" data-end="1131">Based in Ioannina, Snappi has been purpose-built as a 100% digital banking solution, removing the need for paperwork and offering a fast, seamless onboarding process. Customers gain access to both virtual and physical debit cards, alongside full 24/7 human support for a smooth banking experience.</p>
  219. <p data-start="1133" data-end="1387">Combining the simplicity, transparency, and flexibility of a modern neobank with the stability and security of a fully regulated EU bank, Snappi introduces a fresh approach to personal finance — one designed around the realities of everyday life.</p>
  220. <p style="font-weight: 400;">Some of Snappi’s key customer benefits:</p>
  221. <ul style="font-weight: 400;">
  222. <li>With a Greek IBAN and integration with national automated clearing house DIAS, Snappi accounts are fully compatible with IRIS payments, and local transfers, making it easy for users to integrate Snappi into their everyday financial lives without friction.</li>
  223. <li>24/7 live customer support, no bot-reliance, no scripts, no outsourcing, making it one of the very few neobanks in Europe to do so.</li>
  224. <li>A market-leading 3% interest rate on deposits up to €1,000, helping users grow their savings risk-free.</li>
  225. <li>Snappi’s commitment to zero fees and full transparency means customers can bank without worrying about hidden costs or fine print. Whether transferring money, withdrawing cash, or managing savings, users can enjoy a straightforward experience with no surprises.</li>
  226. <li>Coming soon: Snappi Pay Later, a flexible e-shopping feature allowing four interest-free payments.</li>
  227. </ul>
  228. <p style="font-weight: 400;">As a fully licensed European Union bank regulated by the European Central Bank, Snappi offers customers the highest standards of security, accountability, and consumer protection.</p>
  229. <p style="font-weight: 400;">While some neobanks operate under lighter regulatory frameworks, Snappi aims to offer the reassurance of a traditional bank, paired with the speed and simplicity of a digital-first experience. This licensing ensures that deposits are safeguarded, services are compliant with EU banking laws, and customers benefit from the same protections as they would with any major European Union institution.</p>
  230. <p style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Gabriella Kindert, CEO of Snappi, commented:</strong></p>
  231. <p style="font-weight: 400;"><em>“At Snappi, we’ve rethought what banking should feel like &#8211; simple, transparent, and built around real life. We’ve created a platform that’s digital-first but grounded in trust, combining the ease of fintech with the stability of a fully licensed European Union bank. Transparency is central to everything we do: no hidden fees, no small print, just clear, fair banking. With strong local roots in Greece and an international outlook, we’re part of a new generation of neobanks designed to be flexible, inclusive, and genuinely helpful day to day.”</em></p>
  232. <p style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Niki M. Chiou, Deputy CEO of Snappi, added:</strong></p>
  233. <p style="font-weight: 400;"><em>“Greece has emerged stronger and wiser from the financial challenges of the past decade while also becoming increasingly digitally advanced. Snappi reflects that resilience and renewal. It is designed to be more inclusive towards young people, under-served regions and those feeling outside the traditional financial system.  Built from the ground-up, powered by technology and based on human values we are here to listen, learn and adapt to our customers in service of their everyday lives.”</em></p>
  234. ]]></content:encoded>
  235. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.universenewsnetwork.com/2025/09/08/snappi-becomes-greeces-first-ecb-licensed-neobank-now-open-to-customers/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  236. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  237. </item>
  238. <item>
  239. <title>How Gastauer’s Customer-First Mindset Built an 84M-User Powerhouse</title>
  240. <link>https://www.universenewsnetwork.com/2025/09/08/how-gastauers-customer-first-mindset-built-an-84m-user-powerhouse/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=how-gastauers-customer-first-mindset-built-an-84m-user-powerhouse</link>
  241. <comments>https://www.universenewsnetwork.com/2025/09/08/how-gastauers-customer-first-mindset-built-an-84m-user-powerhouse/#respond</comments>
  242. <dc:creator><![CDATA[News Desk]]></dc:creator>
  243. <pubDate>Mon, 08 Sep 2025 08:48:09 +0000</pubDate>
  244. <category><![CDATA[Finance]]></category>
  245. <category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
  246. <category><![CDATA[84M-User Powerhouse]]></category>
  247. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.universenewsnetwork.com/?p=19084</guid>
  248.  
  249. <description><![CDATA[In a financial world where speed and innovation often overshadow customer experience, German billionaire Michael Gastauer has taken&#8230;]]></description>
  250. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In a financial world where speed and innovation often overshadow customer experience, German billionaire <a href="http://michaelgastauer.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Michael Gastauer</a> has taken a different route. As the founder and CEO of <a href="http://blackbanx.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Black Banx</a>, Gastauer built his vision on one principle: putting customers at the center of everything.</p>
  251. <p>That focus has transformed Black Banx from a small digital banking platform into a global powerhouse, serving 84 million clients by Q2 2025 and processing over USD 2.9 trillion in transactions in the first half of the year alone.</p>
  252. <p>Rather than competing with traditional banks on legacy products, Gastauer redefined what banking could look like for a diverse, global customer base — spanning individuals, freelancers, startups, and multinational corporations. His approach has positioned Black Banx as one of the fastest-growing digital banks worldwide.</p>
  253. <h3><strong>Prioritizing Services That Matter</strong></h3>
  254. <p>Black Banx’s success is built on a comprehensive suite of services tailored to modern financial needs:</p>
  255. <ul>
  256. <li><strong>Multi-Currency Accounts</strong>: Customers can open accounts in <strong>28 fiat currencies</strong> and <strong>2 major cryptocurrencies</strong> (Bitcoin and Ethereum), enabling seamless global transactions.</li>
  257. <li><strong>Real-Time Cross-Border Payments</strong>: Instant settlements across <strong>180 countries</strong>, removing the delays and high fees common in traditional banking.</li>
  258. <li><strong>Crypto-to-Fiat Flexibility</strong>: Businesses and individuals can move effortlessly between cryptocurrencies and fiat currencies, supporting over <strong>20% of total transactions in crypto</strong>.</li>
  259. <li><strong>Private and Business Banking Solutions</strong>: From high-net-worth individuals to SMEs, Black Banx provides a range of services including tailored accounts, instant settlement options, and crypto-friendly payment gateways.</li>
  260. <li><strong>Secure Digital Infrastructure</strong>: Advanced encryption and multi-factor authentication ensure maximum data and transaction security for its growing client base.</li>
  261. </ul>
  262. <p>By focusing on customer pain points — from slow settlements to limited crypto options — Gastauer built a platform designed around user needs, not institutional priorities.</p>
  263. <h3><strong>Q2 2025: Black Banx’s Growth in Numbers</strong></h3>
  264. <p>The bank’s Q2 2025 results underscore its explosive growth:</p>
  265. <ul>
  266. <li><strong>Customer Base: </strong>Surged to 84 million, up from 69 million at the end of 2024 — a 22% increase in just six months.</li>
  267. <li><strong>Transaction Volume: </strong>Processed USD 2.9 trillion in transactions in H1 2025, with crypto transactions accounting for 20% of the total.</li>
  268. <li><strong>Revenue: </strong>Reported a record USD 4.3 billion in quarterly revenue, driven by both fiat and crypto settlement services.</li>
  269. <li><strong>Profitability: </strong>Achieved a USD 1.6 billion pre-tax profit in Q1 2025, more than double Q1 2024’s USD 639 million.</li>
  270. </ul>
  271. <p>These numbers reflect not only rising demand but also how effectively Black Banx’s customer-centric model resonates with global users.</p>
  272. <h3><strong>The Gastauer Philosophy: Customer-First Innovation</strong></h3>
  273. <p>Michael Gastauer’s leadership philosophy revolves around solving real-world problems for customers rather than pushing products they don’t need. This mindset drives three pillars of Black Banx’s strategy:</p>
  274. <ul>
  275. <li><strong>Speed</strong>: Instant account openings, real-time transfers, and immediate settlement options.</li>
  276. <li><strong>Access</strong>: Financial inclusion for underserved regions, with Black Banx expanding rapidly into <strong>Africa, South Asia, and Latin America</strong>.</li>
  277. <li><strong>Flexibility</strong>: Bridging traditional banking and digital assets, offering clients complete control over their money.</li>
  278. </ul>
  279. <p>This relentless focus on customer experience has allowed Black Banx to serve a diverse client base — from digital nomads and freelancers to multinational enterprises — without compromising speed, security, or innovation.</p>
  280. <h3><strong>Looking Ahead: The Push Toward 100M Clients</strong></h3>
  281. <p>With the goal of reaching <strong>100 million users by year-end 2025</strong>, Black Banx is scaling aggressively. Strategic investments in technology, expanding partnerships, and enhancing crypto-fiat integration are central to this push. As more businesses and individuals demand faster, borderless, and more flexible financial solutions, Black Banx is positioning itself to remain ahead of the curve.</p>
  282. ]]></content:encoded>
  283. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.universenewsnetwork.com/2025/09/08/how-gastauers-customer-first-mindset-built-an-84m-user-powerhouse/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  284. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  285. </item>
  286. <item>
  287. <title>Thessaloniki’s BLINK Tattoo Studio Becomes a Top Destination for European Tattourism</title>
  288. <link>https://www.universenewsnetwork.com/2025/09/05/thessalonikis-blink-tattoo-studio-becomes-a-top-destination-for-european-tattourism/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=thessalonikis-blink-tattoo-studio-becomes-a-top-destination-for-european-tattourism</link>
  289. <comments>https://www.universenewsnetwork.com/2025/09/05/thessalonikis-blink-tattoo-studio-becomes-a-top-destination-for-european-tattourism/#respond</comments>
  290. <dc:creator><![CDATA[News Desk]]></dc:creator>
  291. <pubDate>Fri, 05 Sep 2025 10:21:47 +0000</pubDate>
  292. <category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
  293. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.universenewsnetwork.com/?p=19078</guid>
  294.  
  295. <description><![CDATA[Founded by artist Christos Tsintsaris, who lost vision in one eye, BLINK has rapidly grown since 2023, doubling&#8230;]]></description>
  296. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p data-start="6170" data-end="6436">Founded by artist Christos Tsintsaris, who lost vision in one eye, BLINK has rapidly grown since 2023, doubling bookings, building a 25% international client base, and expanding its acclaimed training programme to nurture emerging tattoo talent from across Europe.</p>
  297. <p data-start="6438" data-end="7025"><a href="https://www.blinktattoo.gr" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BLINK Tattoo Studio</a> is helping Thessaloniki earn global recognition as a centre for “tattourism”, attracting clients from the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Scandinavia, and the United States. Fusing sleek design, impeccable hygiene, and an innovative education platform, BLINK has built a reputation for quality and artistry. Since opening, the studio’s bookings have doubled, with demand projected to rise another 50% this year. Backed by over 4,500 five-star Google reviews, BLINK is Greece’s most-reviewed tattoo studio and one of Europe’s leading destinations for fine art tattooing.</p>
  298. <p data-start="7027" data-end="7359">Founded by Christos Tsintsaris, BLINK reflects creativity strengthened by resilience. After losing vision in one eye in 2019, Tsintsaris redefined his approach, focusing on precision, balance, and narrative depth. These principles underpin BLINK’s specialisations in fine line, minimalism, and realistic black-and-grey techniques.</p>
  299. <p data-start="7361" data-end="7545">“I didn’t lose my perspective; I gained focus,” said Tsintsaris. “Tattooing marks life’s turning points. BLINK exists to honour those moments with discipline, ethos, and creativity.”</p>
  300. <h3>Artists and educators collaborate to continue the tradition</h3>
  301. <p>BLINK Tattoo Studio is a bold newcomer to Greece’s body art scene, providing tattoos, piercings, and jewelry alongside professional training for emerging artists. The studio’s distinctive yellow winking-emoji mark has become a shorthand for “seeing differently,” and is even requested as a tattoo by fans. What began as a playful emblem now symbolizes resilience, echoing tattooing’s enduring role as a medium for personal storytelling.</p>
  302. <p>Beyond client work, BLINK is a recognized educational hub. Through BLINK Seminars, Tsintsaris and his team train emerging tattoo, piercing, and PMU (permanent makeup) artists from Greece, the Balkans, and beyond. Group sessions, which are held every two months with 30 participants, combine theory, live demonstration, and hands-on practice. Private training is available year-round, with all participants earning a Certificate of Completion recognized by industry partners in Greece and abroad.</p>
  303. <p><img decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-19080" src="https://www.universenewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/ct-1080x1435-1.jpg" alt="" width="602" height="800" srcset="https://www.universenewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/ct-1080x1435-1.jpg 602w, https://www.universenewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/ct-1080x1435-1-226x300.jpg 226w, https://www.universenewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/ct-1080x1435-1-332x441.jpg 332w" sizes="(max-width: 602px) 100vw, 602px" /></p>
  304. <p>“Our mission is not just to teach craft, it is to shape artists who carry discipline, ethics, and creativity into every piece they create,” says Tsintsaris. This commitment to skill-sharing reflects the apprenticeship traditions that have kept tattooing techniques alive across centuries, evolving without losing their roots.</p>
  305. <h3>Tattourism is a fast growing trend</h3>
  306. <p>BLINK’s client base is around 25% international. The studio’s reputation has also given rise to what Tsintsaris calls “Tattourism”. Clients traveling to Thessaloniki specifically for a tattoo, often making a short holiday of the trip. Moreover, the studio’s piercing department is one of the fastest-growing in Northern Greece, known for impeccable hygiene, premium materials, and a wide jewelry selection.</p>
  307. <p>“They get their tattoo or piercing, enjoy the city’s food and culture, and return with something truly unique that is more often than not the same price or less than they’d pay back home,” he says.</p>
  308. <p>BLINK regularly hosts international guest artists, flash tattoo events, and industry-specific workshops, helping position Thessaloniki as a creative hub for body art. This openness to exchange mirrors tattooing’s long history as a shared cultural practice, passed between communities and continually reimagined.</p>
  309. <p><img decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-19081" src="https://www.universenewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/IMG_8192.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="601" srcset="https://www.universenewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/IMG_8192.jpg 800w, https://www.universenewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/IMG_8192-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.universenewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/IMG_8192-768x577.jpg 768w, https://www.universenewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/IMG_8192-332x249.jpg 332w, https://www.universenewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/IMG_8192-664x499.jpg 664w, https://www.universenewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/IMG_8192-688x517.jpg 688w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></p>
  310. <p>From symbolic skin markings to contemporary fine-line designs, tattooing has always been a way to tell stories on the body. BLINK Tattoo Studio carries that tradition forward with resilience, reinvention, and the belief that the way we choose to see the world creates the world we see.</p>
  311. <h3>
  312. About BLINK Tattoo Studio</h3>
  313. <p>BLINK Tattoo Studio is a Thessaloniki-based destination for tattoos, piercings, and professional training. Founded by Christos Tsintsaris, BLINK blends contemporary aesthetics with rigorous standards and an education ethos that prepares the next generation of artists. The studio regularly hosts guest artists, flash events, and industry workshops, contributing to Thessaloniki’s reputation as a creative hub for body art.</p>
  314. ]]></content:encoded>
  315. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.universenewsnetwork.com/2025/09/05/thessalonikis-blink-tattoo-studio-becomes-a-top-destination-for-european-tattourism/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  316. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  317. </item>
  318. <item>
  319. <title>ELIRE Infra and Partners Awarded £1 Million UK Government Grant to Advance Hydrogen Power Hub Feasibility Study for Sustainable Port Operations</title>
  320. <link>https://www.universenewsnetwork.com/2025/09/04/elire-infra-and-partners-awarded-1-million-uk-government-grant-to-advance-hydrogen-power-hub-feasibility-study-for-sustainable-port-operations/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=elire-infra-and-partners-awarded-1-million-uk-government-grant-to-advance-hydrogen-power-hub-feasibility-study-for-sustainable-port-operations</link>
  321. <comments>https://www.universenewsnetwork.com/2025/09/04/elire-infra-and-partners-awarded-1-million-uk-government-grant-to-advance-hydrogen-power-hub-feasibility-study-for-sustainable-port-operations/#respond</comments>
  322. <dc:creator><![CDATA[News Desk]]></dc:creator>
  323. <pubDate>Thu, 04 Sep 2025 16:18:55 +0000</pubDate>
  324. <category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
  325. <category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
  326. <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
  327. <category><![CDATA[ELIRE Infra]]></category>
  328. <category><![CDATA[Hydrogen Floating Power Hub Feasibility Programme]]></category>
  329. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.universenewsnetwork.com/?p=19075</guid>
  330.  
  331. <description><![CDATA[ELIRE Infra, in partnership with its consortium collaborators, has been awarded £1 million in funding through the Clean&#8230;]]></description>
  332. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<ul>
  333. <li data-start="618" data-end="990">ELIRE Infra, in partnership with its consortium collaborators, has been awarded £1 million in funding through the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC) Round 6. The initiative is delivered by Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, in partnership with the UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE), under the Department for Transport.</li>
  334. <li data-start="992" data-end="1161">The project aims to develop scalable, off-grid hydrogen-powered energy solutions capable of reducing global CO₂ emissions by 500,000 tonnes over the next decade.</li>
  335. </ul>
  336. <p data-start="1163" data-end="1625">ELIRE Infra, a clean infrastructure provider within the ELIRE Group, alongside its consortium partners, has successfully secured £1 million in government funding through the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC) Round 6. The programme forms part of the UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE), an initiative by the Department for Transport, and is managed by Innovate UK, a division of UK Research and Innovation.</p>
  337. <p data-start="1627" data-end="2011">The funding will support an in-depth feasibility study focused on the development of Hydrogen Floating Power Hubs — pioneering, off-grid micro-grids powered by hydrogen. These innovative energy solutions are designed to decarbonise port operations, reduce reliance on traditional fossil fuels, and accelerate the UK’s progress towards achieving its net zero commitments.</p>
  338. <p style="font-weight: 400;">Led by ELIRE Infra, the “Hydrogen Floating Power Hub Feasibility Programme” will run from 13 September 2025 to 31 March 2026, evaluating the technical and commercial viability of deploying floating hydrogen power infrastructures to replace or supplement fossil-fuel-based port energy systems. Subject to a positive investment decision, the project could lead to the launch of the UK’s first fully operational Hydrogen Power Hub by 2028, marking a milestone for maritime decarbonisation and hydrogen innovation.</p>
  339. <p style="font-weight: 400;">Over the next decade, the project aims to deliver scalable solutions capable of cutting 500,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions globally, while improving local air quality and resilience of port energy systems.</p>
  340. <p style="font-weight: 400;">The award is part of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition Round 6, which is investing up to £30 million in pre-deployment trials and feasibility studies to support clean maritime technologies. CMDC6 is a core component of the UK SHORE programme, which aims to establish the UK as a global leader in the design and manufacturing of clean maritime solutions.</p>
  341. <p style="font-weight: 400;">The Consortium: Bringing Together World-Leading Expertise</p>
  342. <p style="font-weight: 400;">The “Hydrogen Floating Powerhub &#8211; Feasibility Program” will be delivered by a consortium led by ELIRE Infra,  involving:</p>
  343. <ul>
  344. <li style="font-weight: 400;">Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult – leading business case development, compression and storage innovation.</li>
  345. <li style="font-weight: 400;">Ricardo UK – advancing the hydrogen balance of plant and power conversion systems.</li>
  346. <li style="font-weight: 400;">Rux Energy UK – pioneering nanoporous hydrogen storage modules.</li>
  347. <li style="font-weight: 400;">Schneider Electric – delivering advanced electrical and automation system designs.</li>
  348. <li style="font-weight: 400;">Triton Anchor Europe  – providing innovative mooring technologies.</li>
  349. <li style="font-weight: 400;">University of Strathclyde  – contributing expertise in naval architecture, structural testing, and DC microgrid systems.</li>
  350. <li style="font-weight: 400;">Sealand Projects  – responsible for transport, installation and maintenance strategies.</li>
  351. </ul>
  352. <p style="font-weight: 400;">Together, the consortium will address the technical, regulatory, and commercial barriers to deployment, with each partner leading defined Work Packages across project management, structural design, hydrogen storage, electrical systems, platform integration, installation, and commissioning.</p>
  353. <p style="font-weight: 400;">The feasibility study will assess a zero-emission, grid-independent shore power solution for maritime applications; the Hydrogen Floating Power Hub, a floating, self-contained, modular microgrid platform that will provide scalable shore power connectivity to large ocean-going vessels and smaller riverine e-vessels.</p>
  354. <p style="font-weight: 400;">Workstreams include:</p>
  355. <ul>
  356. <li style="font-weight: 400;">Development of a low-pressure nanoporous hydrogen storage module (Rux Energy).</li>
  357. <li style="font-weight: 400;">Integration of the hydrogen balance of plant and power conversion systems (Ricardo).</li>
  358. <li style="font-weight: 400;">Design of complex AC/DC electrical architectures with renewable integration (Schneider Electric, University of Strathclyde).</li>
  359. <li style="font-weight: 400;">Platform naval architecture and hydrodynamic testing (University of Strathclyde, ELIRE).</li>
  360. <li style="font-weight: 400;">Innovative anchoring and mooring (Triton Anchor Europe).</li>
  361. <li style="font-weight: 400;">Transportation, installation and operational strategy (Sealand Projects).</li>
  362. </ul>
  363. <p style="font-weight: 400;">The study will also model CAPEX, OPEX, revenue stacks, and certification pathways, moving the concept to investment readiness by Q2 2026.</p>
  364. <p style="font-weight: 400;"><em>“Hydrogen’s power density far exceeds that of traditional industrial batteries,”</em> said <em>Luke Jenkinson, Founder of ELIRE Infra.</em><em> “This allows us to create cleaner, smaller-footprint energy systems that are scalable and modular, ideal for ports with space or grid constraints. We see this as a transformative step for maritime decarbonisation both in the UK and globally.”</em></p>
  365. <p style="font-weight: 400;">ELIRE Infra’s Hydrogen Floating Power Hubs combine hydrogen fuel cells with other renewables such as solar and biofuel-powered microturbines to deliver up to 5MW of clean energy. Their floating, modular design allows deployment in a range of port settings &#8211; from dense urban harbours to remote coastal hubs.</p>
  366. <p style="font-weight: 400;"><em>Chris Carlisle, Project Lead at ELIRE Infra</em><em>, commented: “This is a pivotal moment for maritime decarbonisation. The Hydrogen Floating Power Hub is not just a piece of technology; it’s a whole new energy model for ports. By integrating hydrogen storage, renewable power, and advanced microgrid systems on a floating platform, we are creating a blueprint that can be deployed globally. Working with this exceptional consortium gives us the confidence that we can deliver a commercially viable, safe, and scalable solution that will transform how ports access clean energy.”</em></p>
  367. <p style="font-weight: 400;">The river Thames, one of the UK’s busiest and most strategically located urban waterways, has been identified by ELIRE Infra as a major node in the future hydrogen economy, thanks to its proximity to distribution, logistics, and industrial infrastructure.</p>
  368. <p style="font-weight: 400;">By project completion in March 2026, the consortium expects to deliver:</p>
  369. <ul>
  370. <li style="font-weight: 400;">Detailed design reports for hydrogen and electrical systems ready for regulatory approval.</li>
  371. <li style="font-weight: 400;">Vendor-selected, costed major equipment with mitigation strategies for technical and regulatory risk.</li>
  372. <li style="font-weight: 400;">Platform structural and seakeeping assessments validated through testing and Class Society Approval in Principle.</li>
  373. <li style="font-weight: 400;">A business case that supports investment solicitation and full-scale deployment.</li>
  374. </ul>
  375. <p style="font-weight: 400;">The Hydrogen Floating Powerhub will directly enable 500,000 tonnes of CO₂ reductions over the next decade, improve port air quality, and establish the UK as a global leader in floating clean energy systems.</p>
  376. <p style="font-weight: 400;">Broader impacts include:</p>
  377. <ul>
  378. <li style="font-weight: 400;">Job creation in engineering, fabrication, operations and maintenance.</li>
  379. <li style="font-weight: 400;">Acceleration of hydrogen adoption across logistics and shipping supply chains.</li>
  380. <li style="font-weight: 400;">Replicable models for green corridors and global port electrification.</li>
  381. </ul>
  382. <p style="font-weight: 400;">This project is part of a wider wave of clean maritime innovation enabled by the UK SHORE programme, which has allocated over £230 million since 2022 across more than 247 pioneering projects. These efforts are unlocking regional growth opportunities, promoting new industries and technologies, and strengthening the UK’s global leadership in maritime innovation.</p>
  383. <p style="font-weight: 400;">UK SHORE projects are driving regional development through new technologies and industries, leading the decarbonisation of the UK transport sector, supporting the government’s commitment to global leadership in sustainable shipping, and showcasing the best of UK innovation nationwide.</p>
  384. <p style="font-weight: 400;"><em>“I’m delighted to see ELIRE Infra’s success in CMDC Round 6. Their project is an excellent example of UK led engineering and entrepreneurship within a particularly hard-to-abate transport sector. Hydrogen Floating Power Hub is led by an experienced consortium who’ll be developing zero emission hydrogen technology for port operations &#8211; a pertinent challenge and one that this group is well-placed to address.” said</em><em> James Lovett, Innovation Lead for Future Maritime Technologies at Innovate UK.<br />
  385. </em></p>
  386. <p style="font-weight: 400;"><em>Maritime Minister Mike Kane</em><em> said, “It’s so exciting to see investment in green fuels and technologies spurring on skills, innovation and manufacturing across the UK, delivering on our Plan for Change missions to kickstart economic growth and become a clean energy superpower. We’ve charted a course to net zero shipping by 2050, and this £30 million will be crucial in supporting the green fuels and technologies of the future, so we can clean up sea travel and trade.”<br />
  387. </em></p>
  388. <p style="font-weight: 400;">Maritime is a key sector that must find innovative solutions to reduce its carbon footprint and contribute meaningfully to the UK’s decarbonisation agenda. The UK SHORE programme plays a pivotal role in enabling an industry-led transition to Net Zero while unlocking sustainable economic growth, supporting the UK Government’s Plan for Change.</p>
  389. <p style="font-weight: 400;">ELIRE Infra’s project is one of many UK SHORE demonstration projects showcasing their technologies across the UK in 2025, involving a variety of vessel types and new infrastructure in ports and harbours.</p>
  390. ]]></content:encoded>
  391. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.universenewsnetwork.com/2025/09/04/elire-infra-and-partners-awarded-1-million-uk-government-grant-to-advance-hydrogen-power-hub-feasibility-study-for-sustainable-port-operations/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  392. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  393. </item>
  394. <item>
  395. <title>From High School to College: E-Libraries Supporting Students</title>
  396. <link>https://www.universenewsnetwork.com/2025/09/04/from-high-school-to-college-e-libraries-supporting-students/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=from-high-school-to-college-e-libraries-supporting-students</link>
  397. <comments>https://www.universenewsnetwork.com/2025/09/04/from-high-school-to-college-e-libraries-supporting-students/#respond</comments>
  398. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Rachel Sterry]]></dc:creator>
  399. <pubDate>Thu, 04 Sep 2025 08:00:46 +0000</pubDate>
  400. <category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
  401. <category><![CDATA[Education]]></category>
  402. <category><![CDATA[e-libraries]]></category>
  403. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.universenewsnetwork.com/?p=19072</guid>
  404.  
  405. <description><![CDATA[The leap from high school to college is more than a change of address. It feels like stepping&#8230;]]></description>
  406. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The leap from high school to college is more than a change of address. It feels like stepping into a wider arena where the rules are not as clear. The steady rhythm of familiar classrooms is replaced by sprawling lecture halls and professors who expect initiative. In that transition one quiet ally has been gaining ground: e-libraries. They offer fast access to material that would be hard to dig up in a neighborhood bookstore or even a well-stocked campus library.</span></p>
  407. <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This shift in study style can feel overwhelming at first. Guidance becomes lighter while responsibility grows heavier. At the same time people often find rare and interesting books when they use </span><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/zlibrary/wiki/index/access/" class="broken_link" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Z library</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. What starts as a search for a textbook can end with the discovery of a forgotten essay or a novel that sheds light on a subject in a way no lecture ever could.</span></p>
  408. <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Bridging the Gap Between Two Worlds</span></h2>
  409. <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">High school reading lists lean on safe choices from the canon. College expects more. Independent research is part of the deal and e-libraries make it easier to dive into new waters. A first-year student might begin with Shakespeare yet soon find the need for an obscure commentary written by a professor halfway across the world. What once would have been out of reach now appears a click away.</span></p>
  410. <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The benefits extend far beyond the classroom. Reading outside the expected fields broadens perspective. An engineering student who stumbles across a memoir on migration may see problem-solving in a new light. That kind of crossover builds resilience and imagination. The range of benefits is wide enough to outline clearly:</span></p>
  411. <ul>
  412. <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Access without Borders</span></li>
  413. </ul>
  414. <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Distance does not matter when an e-library is in the picture. A student in a rural town has the same reach as someone studying in a capital city. The availability of countless resources opens up opportunities that once felt limited to a select few. This sense of equality can be a quiet game changer in higher education.</span></p>
  415. <ul>
  416. <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Flexibility in Study Habits</span></li>
  417. </ul>
  418. <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Unlike physical libraries that close their doors at set hours e-libraries never sleep. A biology major can review material at dawn before an exam while an art student browses journals well past midnight. That kind of flexibility helps students shape study routines that actually fit their lives instead of forcing them into rigid timetables.</span></p>
  419. <ul>
  420. <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Building Research Skills</span></li>
  421. </ul>
  422. <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Navigating an e-library is more than hunting down sources. It is training in filtering information and sharpening questions. Students learn how to narrow a search judge the quality of a source and draw connections between fields. These are habits that pay off far beyond the university years.</span></p>
  423. <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Together these traits show how e-libraries are more than tools. They are bridges that help students cross from dependence to independence.</span></p>
  424. <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Growing Independence and Critical Thinking</span></h2>
  425. <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">College often feels like being handed car keys without enough driving lessons. E-libraries ease that ride. By offering thousands of different perspectives they help students learn to weigh arguments test ideas and form opinions. Reading becomes a choice not just an assignment. That shift changes how students see themselves as thinkers.</span></p>
  426. <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Curiosity thrives in that space. Following the trail from one book to the next turns reading into a chain reaction of questions. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Zlib</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> plays a quiet role here by keeping the doors open for exploration. It is less a warehouse of texts than a key that unlocks unexpected connections.</span></p>
  427. <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Beyond the Campus Walls</span></h2>
  428. <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The value of e-libraries does not stop at the classroom door. Commuters can turn a long bus ride into study time. Students juggling part-time jobs can read between shifts. For those who cannot afford stacks of heavy books the ability to carry a whole library on a phone is liberating.</span></p>
  429. <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In the long run these habits shape lifelong readers. What begins as preparation for a course often turns into a love of discovery. The feeling is much like browsing a record store and finding a rare vinyl tucked in the corner. E-libraries give that spark to readers and the habit often lingers well beyond graduation.</span></p>
  430. ]]></content:encoded>
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  432. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  433. </item>
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