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SGT25 draw together 400+ European power grid technical professionals for a review of the latest grid transformation projects

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Recent research carried out by Smart Grid Forums with over 100 European power grid professionals revealed growing concern that eroding supply chain reliability, workforce stability, and OT cybersecurity are inhibiting grid transformation projects, delaying renewables integration, and impacting Europe’s future energy security.

THE HAGUE CONFERENCE CENTRE, The Netherlands, Nov. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Recent research carried out by Smart Grid Forums with over 100 European power grid professionals revealed growing concern that eroding supply chain reliability, workforce stability, and OT cybersecurity are inhibiting grid transformation projects, delaying renewables integration, and impacting Europe’s future energy security.

Driving grid modernisation in the context of geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and workforce uncertainty to guarantee future energy security in Europe

It is with this in mind that Smart Grid Forums launch their 6th annual SGT25 conference, with an extended day of strategic plenary sessions addressing the big picture issues impacting the sector, followed by a technical programme show casing the best of the grid modernisation projects across TSO and DSO organizations.

“European utilities have never been under more pressure to deliver grid transformation whilst navigating the complexities of global supply chain disruptions, workforce uncertainties, and a more geopolitically malicious cyber threat landscape” said Mandana White, CEO of Smart Grid Forums. “It is at times like these that utilities must come together to gain clarity on the big picture, compare their experiences, and unify to tackle the path ahead with innovative new strategies and greater energy and conviction than ever before. Delivering to the energy transition is not a matter of If but one of How.”

At SGT25 utility senior managers will come together with their technical teams for three days of strategic and technical discussions, in order to get onto the same page, and move in the same direction at greater pace than ever before. The programme consists of:

1-Day Infrastructure Investment Briefing – a series of utility panel discussions addressing technology investment priorities and the implications for utility technical teams and the supplier ecosystem2-Day Technical Case-Study Conference – implementation focused programme reviewing the successes, setbacks, and future roadmaps of utility project leaders and product specifiers in six core domains: Digital Substations, Operational Systems, Smart Meter Infrastructure, OT Cybersecurity, Big Data, and Asset ManagementInnovation Excellence Awards Ceremony – attended by all participants, and evening of recognition and reward in support of utility innovationRoundtable Discussions – private senior management roundtable discussions as well as public technical roundtable discussions, facilitating high impact information exchange and networkingExhibition & Live Demo Labs – a display of leading smart grid product and service suppliers with deep expertise and experience in the grid sector

100+ Utility Speakers Scheduled Including:

Giulio Carone, CEO – AretiMihkel Härm, CEO – ElektrileviTorsten Röglin, Managing Director – Stadtwerke FrankfurtThomas Reithofer, Head of Grid, Member of Executive Board – CKWFazila Ahmad, Global Head of Data & AI Acceleration – EDP GroupRene Kuczkowski, Head of the Strategy & International Cooperation Office – ENEA OperatorEsa Äärynen, Head of Strategic Grid Planning – Helen Electricity NetworksRonan McKeown, Future Networks Director – NIE NetworksTadej Šinkovec, Head of Advanced Analytics – Elektro LjubljanaAndreas Reisenauer, VP Digital Infrastructure – Elia GroupTomasz Rodziewicz, Head of Innovation & New Technologies – TAURON DystrybucjaJonas van den Bogaard, Open Source Office Lead – AllianderSander Jansen, Product Owner Virtual Stations – AllianderJoep van Genuchten, Data Architect – AllianderDavide Della Giustina, Chief Business Transformation Officer, Smart Infrastructures – AretiYamshid Farhat, Head of Technology & AI – BKWJan Petráček, Chief Transformation Officer – ČEZ DistribuceAlexander Harsch, Head of Cyber Resilience – E.ONSam Julian, Chief Cloud Engineer – E.ONMatthias Merchlewitz, Consultant, Resilience & Cyber Range E – E.ONVincent Audebert, IoT & Telecom Expert – EDFSherif Hussein, Project Manager – EDFPeter Jensen, Chair of the IEC Technical Committee 13 – EDFDan Wilson, Asset Analytics Manager – Electricity North WestUros Stiplovsek, Programmer – Elektro CeljeTadej Šinkovec, Head of Advanced Analytics – Elektro LjubljanaHenrik Hagberg, Head of Price and Revenue Management – EllevioŁukasz Kasperski, Coordinator for Measurement Systems and Energy Quality – ENEA OperatorPrzemysław Starzyński, Head of the Office of Innovation Initiatives – ENEA OperatorClément Devun, IT/OT Cybersecurity Lead Architect – EnedisMaman Idi Cheffou, Project Manager – EnedisLudovic Pontnau, OT Cybersecurity Expert – EnedisFatoumata Sangare, Industrial Information System Compliance Specialist – EnedisSławomir Noske , Senior Innovation Expert – ENERGA-OPERATORFedder Skovgaard, Business Architect – EnerginetCarsten Strunge, Chief Engineer & Business Architect Grid Control Systems – EnerginetHelder Barbosa, Cybersecurity Project Manager – E-REDESJose Esperanca, Data Management Lead – E-REDESChisimdiri Anyaogu, Engineer, Asset Performance – ESBKamal Radi, Senior Specialist, Power Systems Planning, SCADA and Energy Management Systems – ESBMarkus Virtanen, Lead Data Scientist – FingridPeter Kellens, Expert Assets & Grid Architecture Electricity – FluviusDan Smidsrød, Systems Engineer Process Control – Glitre NettKristin Tukun, Data Scientist – Glitre NettJoris van Rooij, Data Analyst -Göteborg EnergiMika Loukkalahti, Leading Expert – Helen Electricity NetworksInigo Ferrero, Protection & Control Standardization Manager – IberdrolaBirkir Heimisson, Specialist in Digital Development – LandsnetPaul Thomson, Power System Engineering Modelling – National GridStanislav Kalynych, IT/OT Security Analyst – Northland PowerNicolas Bihannic, Expert in Orange Future Networks Community – OrangeWalter Schaffer, Head of Competence Center Electricity – Salzburg NetzDaniel Lafferty, Design Lead, Protection & Control – SP Energy NetworksAdrian Ferguson, Lead OT Project Manager – SSEN TransmissionMohseen Mohemmed, Lead Protection Automation and Control Engineer – SSEN TransmissionDeepa Shaji Kumar, Innovation Development Project Manager – SSEN TransmissionAlex Stuart, Head of Data Management – SSEN TransmissionRannveig Løken, Head of Protection Department – StatnettSvein Olsen, Enterprise Information Architect – StatnettNuran Cihangir Martin, Grid Strategist – StedinMachtelt Eggink, Technical Innovation Manager – StedinLeon Kuiper, Lead Data Scientist – StedinMarcel Neu, Project Manager, Meter Asset Management & Lead NextGen SIO – StedinJan Nienhuis, Security Expert – StedinBas van den Berge, Head of Asset System Policy & Technical Innovation – StedinSjors van der Heijden, Strategist, Grid Automation – StedinGiuseppe Martinelli, Domain Architect Business, Power System Data – Svenska kraftnätAnna Rådman, Senior Vice President Business Intelligence – Svenska KraftnätErik Wejander, Project Leader Digital Substation – Svenska kraftnätMichael Knuchel, Head of Substation Automation Systems Engineering – SwissgridMariusz Jurczyk, Board Advisor for AMI – TAURON DystrybucjaMuhammad Babar, Leadership Team, Asset Data Management – TennetRemko Logemann, Maintenance Strategist – TennetMatija Naglič, Business Developer, System Operations – TennetEmir Ozdurmus, Asset Specialist, High Voltage Control & SCADA Systems – TennetJan Vorrink, Senior Advisor International Affairs, Future Design, System Operation – TennetBogdan Leu, Project Manager – TranselectricaMohammed Radi, Network Data Modelling Engineer (CIM) – UK Power NetworksVincent Gliniewicz, Senior Data Strategist – VattenfallÍvar Hrafn Ágústsson, Control System Specialist – VeiturJoyce van de Garde, Director Telecommunications – Westenergie

For more information please contact:

Mandana White, CEO – Smart Grid Forums

Smart Grid Forums Ltd

PO Box 80711, London, N19 9HJ, United Kingdom

T: +44 (0)20 8057 1700 | registration@smartgrid-forums.com

Smart Grid Forums is an independent conference production company serving the smart grid technical community. We monitor the market, conduct in-depth interviews with technical decision makers and translate this information into techno-commercial conferences that empower participants to accelerate their implementation plans and deliver exceptional results to their organisations. Our events are peer-to-peer exchanges. They are immersive, exhaustive and action oriented. We place the utility voice centre-stage and uncover the implementation insights that will enable you to benchmark your own digitisation strategy, fine-tune your own implementation plan, and deliver exceptional results to your own organisation.

Media Contact

Mandana White, Smart Grid Forums, 44 020 8057 1700, registration@smartgrid-forums.com, www.smartgrid-forums.com

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/sgt25-draw-together-400-european-power-grid-technical-professionals-for-a-review-of-the-latest-grid-transformation-projects-302297512.html

SOURCE Smart Grid Forums

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VibeBeats Launches AI-Powered Music Streaming Service for Businesses globally

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Vibebeats AI gives cafés, gyms, retailers, bars and hotels fully licensed, AI-curated streaming music for business from any phone, tablet or browser — no hardware, no lock-in contracts, no licensing paperwork — from A$29 a month with a 7-day free trial.

BRISBANE, Australia, July 24, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — VibeBeats Launches AI-Powered Music Streaming Service for Businesses globally

VibeBeats gives venues fully licensed, AI-curated Music at a fraction of the cost — one app, one licence, one platform.

Vibebeats AI gives cafés, gyms, retailers, bars and hotels fully licensed, AI-curated streaming music for business from any phone, tablet or browser — no hardware, no lock-in contracts, no licensing paperwork — from A$29 a month with a 7-day free trial.

Most venues playing music through consumer apps are doing it on the wrong licence. VibeBeats, an Australian-built, AI-powered streaming music for business platform, has launched across Australia and worldwide to fix that — turning any phone, tablet or browser into a fully licensed venue sound system in under five minutes. One agreement covers commercial performance rights across OneMusic and APRA AMCOS in Australia, and ASCAP, BMI, PRS and other rights bodies internationally — the same platform serving a café in Melbourne or a gym in London.

The “Spotify for business” that actually exists

Every month, thousands of venue owners worldwide search for “Spotify for business” — a product that doesn’t exist. Consumer streaming accounts are licensed for personal use only, leaving businesses that play them exposed under copyright law in Australia and virtually every other market. VibeBeats fills that gap: a business music streaming service where the commercial music rights are handled under one agreement — no separate music licence for business paperwork to manage.

“The number one thing we see is venue owners assuming it’s fine to play their personal Spotify account in the café — most don’t realise a licence fee even applies,” said Damien King, founder of VibeBeats. “It’s not bad intent. Licensing is complex, and when you’re running a small business there are a hundred competing priorities. VibeBeats solves it with one app, one licence, one platform.”

What VibeBeats delivers

Fully Licensed for Commercial Use — one agreement covers the rights that would otherwise involve OneMusic, APRA AMCOS, ASCAP, BMI, PRS and more.No Hardware Required — any phone, tablet or browser becomes the venue sound system — set up in under five minutes.AI-Curated Background Music for Business — stations matched to venue type and time of day, from morning coffee trade to peak gym floor to late-night bar.Smart Scheduling — playlists by daypart, with music that keeps running through connection drops.Multi-Venue Dashboard — manage every location from a single account.Simple Pricing — from A$29 per month per venue with a 7-day free trial — no lock-in contracts.

Pricing and availability

VibeBeats is available now from $29AUD/$20US per month per venue, and globally, with a 7-day free trial at vibebeats.ai. Purpose-built stations are available for cafés, gyms, retail and in-store environments, bars and hotels.

About VibeBeats

VibeBeats is an AI-powered commercial music streaming platform for businesses, offering direct-licensed music for cafés, restaurants, bars, retail stores, gyms and hotels. One agreement covers commercial performance rights that would otherwise involve PROs, OneMusic, APRA AMCOS, ASCAP, BMI, PRS and more. Australian-built and available globally, VibeBeats AI streams to any device with no proprietary hardware required. Learn more at vibebeats.ai.

VibeBeats is not affiliated with Spotify.

Media Contact

Damien King, Vibebeats AI, 61 0408009067, hello@vibebeats.ai, https://vibebeats.ai

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/vibebeats-launches-ai-powered-music-streaming-service-for-businesses-globally-302832010.html

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Inside information: Valmet initiates a strategic review to evaluate a potential separation of its two segments

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Valmet Oyj’s stock exchange release (inside information) on July 24, 2026 at 9.01a.m. EEST 

ESPOO, Finland, July 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Board of Directors of Valmet Oyj (“Valmet” or the “Company”) has decided to initiate a strategic review to evaluate a potential separation of its two core businesses, Biomaterial Solutions and Services, and Process Performance Solutions, into two standalone publicly listed companies. The review will focus on assessing whether a separation of the two businesses and their operation as separately listed companies on Nasdaq Helsinki would create additional value for shareholders compared with the current combined structure.

Both Valmet’s core businesses report as separate segments and they have grown into large, mostly independent profitable businesses, each with strong market positions and scale that allow them to succeed independently. With the recent completion of the Severn acquisition taking Process Performance Solutions to approximately EUR 1.7 billion in annual net sales and the renewed operating model now firmly in place, the Board believes this is the right time to assess whether a separation would unlock shareholder value by enabling each business to better realise its full potential.

The Board also notes that the two core businesses operate relatively independently as they serve mainly different customer industries, exhibit distinct business drivers, and have different capital allocation profiles. Biomaterial Solutions and Services is a global technology and lifecycle services business focused on the pulp, board, paper, tissue and energy industries, where its competitive advantage is anchored in a vast installed base, advanced technology, global presence, strong customer references and global services penetration. Process Performance Solutions is a mission-critical automation and flow control business serving a diversified set of industries. Over the past decade, it has evolved from a business primarily focused on pulp and paper into a diversified industrial platform, with close to 70 percent of net sales generated from other industries today.

Based on the Board’s initial assessment, a separation would allow each business to pursue sustainable profitable growth opportunities more independently and efficiently, with the potential for sharper management focus, greater agility, more tailored capital allocation, and more flexible access to external capital to support both organic and inorganic growth. The Board will also assess whether, if implemented, a separation would improve transparency, simplify governance, and allow capital markets to better recognize the full value of both businesses.

Pekka Vauramo, Chair of the Board, said:
“The Board continuously evaluates how to create the greatest long-term value for Valmet’s shareholders. Today, Valmet consists of two strong businesses with distinct markets, growth opportunities and capital allocation needs. Through this review, we will assess whether they can create more value as independent companies than they can together. We will only proceed with a separation if we conclude after detailed analysis that separation is clearly in the best interests of our shareholders.” 

Thomas Hinnerskov, President and CEO of Valmet, said:
“Both of our businesses are well positioned, with strong customer relationships and market positions, as well as talented employees. The review reflects the strength and maturity of both businesses, which we have built through strong execution, organic growth and strategic investments into sizeable and successful operations with the scale, capabilities and opportunities to create further value both together and, potentially, as independent companies. This review does not change our commitment to our customers or our strategy. It is a priority for us to preserve the strength of our full offering and the value our customers gain from services, automation and technology working together. Throughout the process, our focus remains on serving our customers and delivering value for their success.”

Although the strategic review has been initiated, there is no guarantee that the review will result in any transaction, including a separation. The Board will only execute or recommend changes to the Group’s structure if clear evidence of enhanced shareholder value creation can be attained. Valmet will provide an update on the review latest in connection with the publication of its full-year 2026 results.

Further information, please contact:

For investors: Pekka Rouhiainen, VP, Investor Relations, Valmet, tel. +358 10 672 0020

For media: Valmet Communications, media@valmet.com

VALMET

Katri Hokkanen
CFO

Pekka Rouhiainen
VP, Investor Relations

DISTRIBUTION:
Nasdaq Helsinki
Major media
www.valmet.com

Valmet is a global technology leader in serving process industries. We work with our customers throughout the lifecycle, delivering cutting-edge technologies and services, as well as mission-critical automation and flow control solutions. Backed by more than 225 years of industrial experience and a global team of 18,500 professionals close to customers, we are uniquely positioned to transform industries toward a regenerative tomorrow.

In 2025, Valmet’s net sales totaled approximately EUR 5.2 billion. Our head office is in Espoo, Finland, and we have experts in approximately 40 countries around the world. Valmet’s shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.

Follow us on valmet.com | X | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram |

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Securitas AB Interim Report Q2 2026 | January-June

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STOCKHOLM, July 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — 

APRIL–JUNE 2026

Total sales MSEK 37 843 (38 564)Organic sales growth 0 percent (5)Adjusted organic sales growth, 3 percent*Real sales growth within technology and solutions 5 percent (4)Operating income before amortization MSEK 2 824 (2 798)Operating margin 7.5 percent (7.3)Adjusted operating margin, 7.6 percent (7.5)*Items affecting comparability (IAC) MSEK –46 (–166) Earnings per share, SEK 2.88 (2.56)Earnings per share before IAC, SEK 2.94 (2.79)Cash flow from operating activities 87 percent (106)

JANUARY–JUNE 2026

Total sales MSEK 74 054 (78 170)Organic sales growth 0 percent (4)Adjusted organic sales growth, 2 ­percent*Real sales growth within technology and solutions 4 percent (5)Operating income before amortization MSEK 5 283 (5 323)Operating margin 7.1 percent (6.8)Adjusted operating margin, 7.3 ­percent (7.1)*Items affecting comparability (IAC) MSEK 138 (–243) whereof MSEK 213 (–5) related to divestitures Earnings per share, SEK 5.68 (4.86)Earnings per share before IAC, SEK 5.40 (5.15)Cash flow from operating activities 65 percent (56)Net debt/EBITDA ratio 2.2 (2.4) 

*A new key ratio, operating margin adjusted for the government business within SCIS in the process of being closed down, was added as of the second quarter 2025. A new key ratio, organic sales growth adjusted for the same business, was added as of the third quarter 2025. Refer to note 5 for further information.

Comments from the President and CEO

“Continued profitability improvement”

Organic sales growth in the second quarter, adjusted for the close-down of the SCIS government business, was 3 percent. Organic sales growth in North America was supported by both the Guarding and Technology business units, while active portfolio management had a hampering effect on organic sales growth in Europe. 

Real sales growth in technology and solutions reached 5 percent in the second quarter, supported by good performance in Technology in North America. Commercial activity remained healthy in the global technology business with strong growth in installation order intake and backlog.

We execute on our strategy with the share of technology and solutions increasing across all segments but we are not fully satisfied with the overall growth. We have built a strong and differentiated technology-led offering and we are intensifying our efforts to commercialize the capabilities we have built.

We delivered an improved adjusted operating margin in the second quarter, reaching 7.6 percent (7.5), driven by both the technology and solutions and the security services business lines. Operating income increased 3 percent and earnings per share 7 percent. For the first six months earnings per share increased 11 percent.

Cash generation was good, cor­re­spond­ing to 87 percent (106) of oper­at­ing income in the quarter, and 65 per­cent (56) for the first six months of the year. The net debt to EBITDA ratio was 2.2 (2.4).

THE TRUSTED PARTNER IN INTELLIGENCE-LED SECURITY

Our recently announced 2030 strategy positions Securitas as the trusted partner in intelligence-led security, combining global presence and deep security expertise with advanced data, analytics and technology. By leveraging actionable risk intelligence and a more consultative approach, we aim to move further up the value chain, delivering proactive, insight-driven security and strengthening our role as a strategic advisor to clients. In an increasingly complex risk environment, growing demand for professional security ­ser­vices supports our continued growth and competitive position.

The close-down of the SCIS govern­ment business is progressing accord­ing to plan and is expected to be concluded by year-end. As no further activities remain, the strategic as­sess­­­ment program was concluded in the second quarter of 2026.

The shift toward technology and solutions continues to drive prof­itabil­ity improvements. We are also strength­en­ing the performance of our security services business and, as of the second quarter of 2026, have completed portfolio management actions related to underperforming contracts in Europe. Going forward, portfolio optimization will continue as part of normal business operations, with a sustained focus on contract profitability.

CREATING LONG-TERM SHAREHOLDER VALUE

In conjunction with the launch of our strategy, we have updated the Group’s financial targets for the period through 2030. The revised targets include a new headline target of achieving 10 percent average annual earnings per share growth over a business cycle, alongside targets for cash flow, leverage and dividend policy. With a strong focus on quality and innovation, we are accelerating our transformation and remain confident in our ability to deliver sustainable earnings growth and create long-term shareholder value.

Magnus Ahlqvist
President and CEO

PRESENTATION OF THE INTERIM REPORT

Analysts and media are invited to participate in a telephone ­conference on July 24, 2026, at 9.30 a.m. (CEST) where President and CEO Magnus Ahlqvist and CFO Matteo Dall’Ora will present the report and answer questions. The ­telephone conference will also be audio cast live via Securitas’ website www.securitas.com

To follow the audio cast of the telephone conference via the web, please follow the link
www.securitas.com/en/investors/financial-reports-and-presentations/

A recorded version of the audio cast will be available at www.securitas.com/en/investors/financial-reports-and-presentations/
after the ­telephone conference.

For further information, please contact:
Micaela Sjökvist, Vice President, Investor Relations +46 76 116 7443

ABOUT SECURITAS

Securitas is a world-leading safety and security solutions partner that helps make your world a safer place. Nine decades of deep experience means we see what others miss. By leveraging technology in partnership with our clients, ­combined with an innovative, holistic approach, we’re transforming the security ­industry. With approximately 322 000 employees in 44 markets, we see a ­different world and ­create sustainable value for our clients by protecting what matters most – their people and assets.

Group financial targets

Securitas has the following financial targets:

Average annual earnings per share growth of 10 percent over a business cycle, excluding items affecting comparability and adjusted for changes in exchange rates, with a >10 percent operating margin ambition long-termOperating cash flow of 80–90 percent of operating income before amortizationNet debt to EBITDA below 2.5xDividend policy of 50–60 percent of annual net income over a business cycle, with excess capital returned to shareholders once stra-tegic growth priorities are met

Securitas AB (publ.)
P.O. Box 12307, SE-102 28 Stockholm, Sweden
Visiting address:
Lindhagensplan 70
Telephone: +46 10 470 30 00
Corporate registration number: 556302-7241

www.securitas.com

This is information that Securitas AB is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation.
The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person set out above,
at 8.00 a.m. (CEST) on Friday, July 24, 2026.

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