May 4, 2023 – Page 2 – L' Observateur Burundi

May 4, 2023

Hitachi Energy, the partner of choice for largest-ever HVDC wind energy project in U.S.

The SunZia Transmission Project, enabled by HVDC Light®, links New Mexico’s wind farms to Arizona’s grid, increasing renewable energy to the Western States.

Zurich, Switzerland, May 04, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Zurich, Switzerland, May 4, 2023 – Hitachi Energy, a global technology leader that is advancing a sustainable energy future for all, has been selected by Pattern Energy to supply its high-voltage direct current (HVDC) and other advanced technologies for the SunZia Transmission Project. It will connect the 3,500-megawatt (MW) SunZia Wind project in New Mexico to the power grid in Arizona and Southern California, which will be among the world’s largest transmission links delivering renewable energy.

Hitachi Energy’s HVDC Light^® technology will efficiently transfer and integrate huge volumes of wind power over more than 885 kilometers (550 miles) into the regional power grid. This will significantly increase the availability of sustainable energy for homes and businesses throughout the region.

When complete, SunZia Wind will have a total power capacity of 3,500 MW, enough clean, renewable electricity to provide power to approximately three million Americans.¹ The HVDC link will efficiently transmit up to 3,000 MW of this power west to Arizona. The HVDC Light^® system will be the largest voltage source converter (VSC) installation in the United States, one of the largest worldwide, and one of the country’s longest HVDC connections.

“We are proud to be advancing a sustainable energy future for all in the southwestern United States, enabling Pattern Energy to integrate emission-free electricity into the regional grid serving Arizona and Southern California,” said Niklas Persson, Managing Director of Hitachi Energy’s Grid Integration business. “Our market-leading HVDC technologies combined with our execution expertise makes us the partner of choice to help the U.S. achieve its carbon-neutral targets by efficiently and reliably maximizing its renewable energy resources.”

“Our collaboration with Hitachi Energy is an important milestone for the SunZia Transmission Project and will enable us to harness and carry this great energy potential to the areas where there is a high demand for renewable energy,” said Hunter Armistead, CEO of Pattern Energy. “The use of HVDC technology will enhance power grid reliability and resilience and play a vital role in delivering clean energy and deploying a sustainable energy system in the U.S.”

The SunZia Transmission project is a 3,000 MW HVDC link between Corona, New Mexico and Pinal County, Arizona. Hitachi Energy has already started work on designing and engineering the two HVDC Light^® converter stations, one at either end of the link. The transmitting station converts the power from AC to DC for transport in the overhead lines, then back to AC for integration into the receiving grid.

Hitachi Energy has partnered with Quanta Services, Inc. (Quanta) to provide a turnkey project solution for the SunZia project, including managing the HVDC construction and building installation at the associated project sites. Quanta is an industry leader providing specialized infrastructure solutions to the utility, renewable energy, communications, pipeline, and energy industries. The collaboration with Quanta is designed to leverage the core competencies of the two companies to deliver a best-in-class solution for the project. The HVDC converter stations are expected to be in-service by the end of 2025 to support final testing and commissioning of the SunZia Wind facilities in 2026.

To find the optimal solution that considers the impact of the new facility on the existing grid, a system study and a comprehensive interconnection and system impact analysis were conducted by Hitachi Energy´s expert consultants.

Hitachi Energy will also supply ‘alternating current (AC) chopper’ technology to help restore power if the power flow on the DC line or in the AC grid in Arizona is temporarily interrupted by weather and other contingency events.

Hitachi Energy has delivered more than half of the HVDC projects in North America. These include the Pacific Intertie transmission system, which transfers electricity from the Pacific Northwest to Los Angeles, the Quebec-New England link, which was the first large-scale multi-terminal HVDC transmission system in the world, and the Maritime link, which connects the Islands of Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, supporting the integration of renewable energy sources and improving grid stability. The company has also recently announced new HVDC projects including Champlain Hudson Power Express, the Châteauguay converter station modernization with Hydro Quebec, and the InterMountain Power Project.²

Note to editors

Hitachi Energy’s HVDC solution combines world-leading expertise in HVDC converter valves, the MACH digital control platform³ converter power transformers and high-voltage switchgear, as well as in system studies, design and engineering, supply, installation supervision and commissioning.

HVDC Light^® is a voltage source converter technology developed by Hitachi Energy. 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.

1 https://sunzia.net/impact/
2 Hitachi Energy HVDC references North America
3 Modular Advanced Control for HVDC (MACH)

HVDC website:
https://www.hitachienergy.com/offering/product-and-system/hvdc

– END –

About Hitachi Energy Ltd.
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 approximately $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 with data and technology. We will solve customers’ and society’s challenges with Lumada solutions leveraging IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products, under the business structure of Digital Systems & Services, Green Energy & Mobility, Connective Industries and Automotive Systems. Driven by green, digital, and innovation, we aim for growth through collaboration with our customers. The company’s consolidated revenues for fiscal year 2021 (ended March 31, 2022) totaled 10,264.6 billion yen ($84,136 million USD), with 853 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 370,000 employees worldwide. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company’s website at https://www.hitachi.com.

Attachments

Jocelyn Chang
Hitachi Energy
jocelyn.chang@hitachienergy.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8832144

May 4, 2023

FEMA GRAS status for Sweegen’s sweet protein brazzein technology

Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., May 04, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Global sweetness and flavor innovator, Sweegen has announced that its highly sought-after sweet protein Ultratia brazzein technology received the Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status from the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA).

“Our customers and the industry have eagerly anticipated our brazzein FEMA GRAS status, and now we are excited to offer it as the star sweet protein in our Sweetensify Flavors Collection,” said Luca Giannone, SVP of Sales. “We’re pleased to demonstrate our Ultratia brazzein in the newly launched Sweetensify Flavors Collection at the IFT First trade show in Chicago July 17-19, 2023.”

Brands are encouraged to visit Sweegen’s food and beverage application team at IFT First, the Sweegen booth, located at the South Building — S1619 — IFT, for a sensory experience and learn how it can easily fit into their food and beverage products.

Sweegen is the first to attain FEMA GRAS status and to produce brazzein commercially globally. The designation is important because it allows manufacturers to use Sweegen’s Sweetensify Flavors confidently, including the novel sweet protein brazzein in their product formulations.

Brazzein’s unique characteristics make it special, and its commercialization and scaling have been challenging until now. Brazzein is a rare sweet protein that originates from the fruit of the West African climbing plant, oubli. To produce brazzein sustainably, Sweegen uses a proprietary precision fermentation process, which creates clean high-purity ingredients.

“This important milestone in food and beverage creation symbolizes Sweegen delivering on its promise to brands for opening doors to scalable state-of-the-art technology for creating better-for-everyone food and beverages,” said Hadi Omrani, VP of technical and regulatory affairs. “The FEMA GRAS status is a testament to the safety of brazzein as a flavor modifier that our customers can trust to explore new and exciting taste-modulating solutions.”

Sweetensify Flavors for taste modulation improves and modulates a variety of taste attributes, which can help brands push the boundaries of healthier product innovation. Brazzein’s exceptional formulation qualities inspired Sweegen to launch Sweentisify Flavors in April 2023. It is the newest flavor tool starring its novel sweet protein Ultratia brazzein, which also features thaumatin II and other unique proteins.

“Sweegen’s product development teams have discovered remarkable synergies between Sweetensify Flavors and our Signature Stevia systems,” said Casey McCormick, VP of global innovation.

Sweet proteins like brazzein have an affinity for different taste receptors on the tongue, especially the receptor known as T1R3, which is associated with both umami and sweetness perception. Leveraging this unique attribute, Sweetensify Flavors will enable product developers to maintain the quality of characteristic flavors and sweetness while reducing the amount of sugar they use in products.

“Sweegen’s Ultratia brazzein has received great feedback from our customers during the initial formulations phase and tastings,” said Casey McCormick, VP of global innovation. “Now, the timing of the FEMA GRAS status perfectly coincides with the launch of Sweegen’s Sweetensify Flavors, which offers the best sensory experience in better-for-everyone products.”

Sweegen recently attained FEMA GRAS status for thaumatin II, a sweet protein complementary to brazzein. With the addition of brazzein, Sweegen continues to expand its portfolio of safe and effective taste modulating flavors that can help food and beverage manufacturers meet the demand for healthier and delicious products to align with consumers’ holistic approaches to wellness.

About Sweegen

Sweegen provides sweet-taste solutions for food and beverage manufacturers around the world.
We are on a mission to reduce sugar and artificial sweeteners in the global diet. Partnering with customers, we create delicious zero-sugar products that consumers love. With the best modern sweeteners in our portfolio, such as Bestevia® Rebs B, D, E, I, M, and N, and sweet proteins brazzein and thaumatin, along with our deep knowledge of flavor modulators and texturants, Sweegen delivers market-leading solutions that customers want, and consumers prefer. Well. Into the Future.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1996. Sweegen’s actual results may differ from the estimates, assumptions, and other illustrative material contained herein, and consequently, a reader should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, illustrative information regarding Sweegen’s bottom-up assumed market potential, assumed hit rate, and the resulting revenue based on these model inputs. These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the expected results.

Industry, Market, and Other Data
In this press release, we rely on and refer to information and statistics regarding market participants in the sectors in which Sweegen competes and other data. We obtained this information and statistics from our own internal estimates and third-party sources, including reports by market research firms and company filings. We do not expressly refer to these sources. All of this information involves a number of assumptions and limitations, and the sources of such information cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of such information. The industry in which Sweegen operates is subject to a high degree of uncertainty and risk due to a variety of important factors, any of which could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in the estimates made by Sweegen or third parties.

Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements, including, among other statements, statements regarding the future prospects for Reb M stevia leaf sweetener, brazzein, and thaumatin. These statements are based on current expectations, but are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and beyond Sweegen’s control.

Relevant risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements and therefore should be carefully considered. Sweegen assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events or developments.

Attachments

Ana Arakelian, Head of Public Relations and Communications
Sweegen
+1.949.709.0583
ana.arakelian@sweegen.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8831913

May 4, 2023

Traditional rulers to take part in decision making process – Chieftaincy Minister

Mr Stephen Asamoah Boateng, the minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, has hinted of plans by the ministry to amend parts of the Chieftaincy Act, to allow for Chiefs and Queen mothers to participate in the country’s decision-making process.

According to him, traditional rulers played a pivotal role in the shaping of national discourses and cohesion, hence the need to include them in the formulation of policies and programs towards national development and cohesion.

Mr Asamoah Boateng gave the hint at the final funeral rights of the late Paramount Chief of Adele traditional Area, Nana Opoku Anto III, at Tutukpene in the Nkwanta South district of the Oti region.

The minister commended the chiefs and people for maintaining peace in the area over the years and pledged his ministry’s continuous collaboration with the chiefs and queens of the area to ensure development.

He said his outfit was aware of the processes begun by the late chief to get all his sub-chiefs gazetted before his demise and promised the ministry’s commitment in ensuring that the process continued.

Source: Ghana News Agency

May 4, 2023

Amazigh New Year Becomes Official National Holiday in Morocco

Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has approved the celebration of the Amazigh New Year as an official national holiday.

King Mohammed VI has instructed to add the Amazigh New Year to the list of national holidays in Morocco.

In a statement from the Royal Court, Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has approved the celebration of the Amazigh New Year as an official national holiday.

Instructions were sent to the Head of the Government Aziz Akhannouch, to take the necessary steps to implement the decision.

This move reflects the king’s ‘commitment to the Berber language, a fundamental part of Morocco’s authentic identity and a shared asset for all Moroccans,’ the statement explains.

The constitutional recognition of the Amazigh language as an official language of the country, alongside Arabic, further underscores the significance of this decision. It’s a historic step that’s expected to deepen national unity and further promote the country’s diverse cultural heritage.

Activists in Morocco have long been campaigning for the Amazigh New Year to be recognized as an official national holiday. The Amazigh New Year, also known as ‘Yennayer,’ marks the beginning of the agricultural calendar and is celebrated by the country’s Amazigh people, who make up around 40% of the population.

While the Moroccan government recognized the holiday, it was not an official national holiday with paid time off work. Activists argued that granting the holiday official status would be a significant

step towards recognizing and celebrating the country’s diverse cultural heritage.

The campaign had gained momentum in recent years, with many Moroccans expressing support for the idea on social media.

Source: Ghana News Agency

May 4, 2023

GHANASCO Headmaster did not convert toilets to dormitories-Associations

Old Ghanascans (Old Students of Ghana Senior High School) Association (OGA) and Parents Association of the School have said the Headmaster of the school did not convert toilets to dormitories for students.

This was in a joint statement issued by OGA and Parents Association of the School after a meeting to deliberate on the matter.

The statement said ‘ long before the Headmaster assumed office on the 1st of November, 2022, the alleged toilet cubicles had ceased to be toilets and were used by members of Cabral and Gbanzaba Houses as box rooms and also a store room for keeping the working tools of the Houses.’

It said ‘The Old Students recount that some of their colleague students, who were seniors isolated to that facility for the purposes of observing their private studies and assumed that those mattresses found in the video footage cannot be concluded that the facility is officially designated as a dormitory.’

It said ‘This historical fact can be confirmed by Old Students of Ghanasco, who completed between the periods of 1978 and now.’

It said ‘The old students again noted that the toilet seaters were removed as far back as the late 70s and the drains of the facility were sealed off with mortar just to prevent students from using it as toilets.’

The statement said ‘The Parents Association indicated in the joint meeting that during a recent meeting held in January, 2023 no complaint of inadequate dormitories was received from the School Management or any parent, especially regarding the use of toilet cubicles as dormitories.’

It said ‘These two Associations observed that even though the school is challenged with toilet facilities and acute water shortage within the Kukuo enclave, steps are being considered by these two key stakeholders to remedy these challenges.’

It said ‘The news of the conversion of the toilet into dormitories has not only negatively affected the image of the school, but also led to the unfortunate interdiction of the hardworking Headmaster and his Senior House Master.’

The statement said ‘This unprovoked and malicious reportage has indeed affected the morale of the entire community of Ghanasco particularly students, who are preparing to write their final year examinations this year.’

It said ‘In our estimation, the reporter was just not ethical but also unprofessional regarding this particular story.’

‘We, therefore, unreservedly condemn his actions and call on him to retract and render an unqualified apology to the entire Ghanasco community not excluding the School Management, Old Students, Parent Association, students, staff, and the entire Kukuo Community.’

It said ‘We, therefore, praise the swift response of the Minister of Education for directing the Ghana Education Service to act within the shortest possible time to deal with the reportage by forming a fact-finding Committee to deal with the matter.’

Source: Ghana News Agency

May 4, 2023

White House to meet Microsoft, Google CEOs on AI dangers

The White House will host CEOs of top artificial intelligence companies, including Alphabet Inc’s Google and Microsoft, on Thursday to discuss risks and safeguards as the technology catches the attention of governments and lawmakers globally.

Generative artificial intelligence has become a buzzword this year, with apps such as ChatGPT capturing the public’s fancy, sparking a rush among companies to launch similar products they believe will change the nature of work.

Millions of users have begun testing such tools, which supporters say can make medical diagnoses, write screenplays, create legal briefs and debug software, leading to growing concern about how the technology could lead to privacy violations, skew employment decisions, and power scams and misinformation campaigns.

‘We aim to have a frank discussion about the risks we see in current and near-term AI development,’ said a senior administration official, speaking on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter. ‘Our North Star here is this idea that if we’re going to seize these benefits, we have to start by managing the risks.’

Thursday’s meeting, will include Google’s Sundar Pichai, Microsoft’s Satya Nadella, OpenAI’s Sam Altman and Anthropic’s Dario Amodei along with Vice President Kamala Harris and administration officials including Biden’s Chief of Staff Jeff Zients, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, Director of the National Economic Council Lael Brainard and Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo.

Ahead of the meeting, the administration announced a $140 million investment from the National Science Foundation to launch seven new AI research institutes and said the White House’s Office of Management and Budget would release policy guidance on the use of AI by the federal government.

Source: Ghana News Agency