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Vertiv Issues Updated Guidance for Data Centres During Extreme Heat

Summer in the northern hemisphere just started, but already
devastating heatwaves have washed over much of the U.S., Mexico, Canada, Europe and Asia.
Widespread wildfires in Canada have triggered air quality alerts across that country and much of
the eastern half of the U.S. Similar extreme heat events across Asia have caused widespread
power outages, and Europe continues to break heat records as the fastest-warming continent.
The data centre cooling experts at Vertiv (NYSE: VRT), a global provider of critical digital
infrastructure and continuity solutions, today issued updated guidance for managing the extreme
heat.
Climate change has made the past eight years the hottest on record, but with an El Niño
weather pattern compounding the issue this year, many forecasts anticipate record-breaking
temperatures in 2023. The sizzling outdoor temperatures and their aftermath create significant
challenges for data centre operators who already wage a daily battle with the heat produced
within their facilities. There are steps organizations can take to mitigate the risks associated with
extreme heat. These include:

1. Clean or change air filters: The eerie orange haze that engulfed New York City was a
powerful visual representation of one of the most immediate and severe impacts of
climate change. For data centre operators, it should serve as a reminder to clean or
change air filters in their data centre thermal management systems and HVAC systems.
Those filters help to protect sensitive electronics from particulates in the air, including
smoke from faraway wildfires.

2. Accelerate planned maintenance and service: Extreme heat and poor air quality tax
more than data centre infrastructure systems. Electricity providers often struggle to meet
the surge in demand that comes with higher temperatures, and outages are common.
Such events are not the time to learn about problems with an uninterruptible power
supply (UPS) system or cooling unit. Cleaning condenser coils and maintaining
refrigerant charge levels are examples of proactive maintenance that can help to prevent
unexpected failures.

3. Activate available efficiency tools: Many modern UPS systems are equipped with high-
efficiency eco-modes that can reduce the amount of power the system draws from the
grid. Heatwaves like those we’ve seen recently push the grid to its limits, meaning any
reductions in demand can be the difference between uninterrupted service and a
devastating outage

4. Leverage alternative energy sources: Not all data centers have access to viable
alternative energy, but those that do should leverage off-grid power sources. These
could include on- or off-site solar arrays or other alternate sources, such as off-site wind
farms and lithium-ion batteries, to enable peak shifting or shaving. Use of generators is
discouraged during heat waves unless an outage occurs. Diesel generators produce
more greenhouse gas and emissions associated with climate change than backup
options that use alternative energy. In fact, organizations should postpone planned
generator testing when temperatures are spiking.

“These heatwaves are becoming more common and more extreme, placing intense pressure on
utility providers and data centre operators globally,” said John Niemann, senior vice president
for the global thermal management business for Vertiv. “Organizations must match that intensity
with their response, proactively preparing for the associated strain not just on their own power
and cooling systems, but on the grid as well. Prioritizing preventive maintenance service and
collaborating with electricity providers to manage demand can help reduce the likelihood of any
sort of heat-related equipment failure.”
“Again this year, parts of Europe are experiencing record-setting heat, and in our business we
specifically see the impact on data centres. Prioritizing thermal redundancy and partnering with
a service provider with widespread local presence and first-class restoration capabilities can
make the difference in data centre availability,” said Flora Cavinato, global service portfolio
director. “Swift response times and proactive maintenance programs can help organizations to
sustain their business operations while effectively optimizing their critical infrastructure.

.”The recommendations issued today supplement previous guidance from Vertiv, which included:
– Run as many cooling units as possible to reduce the load on each individual unit, and
save energy through teamwork controls
– Consider different types of cooling systems, including liquid cooling, closed-loop chilled
water cooling, and evaporative free cooling systems, all of which are designed for high-
temperature environments.
– Use predictive modelling for thermal impacts rather than historic data. As extreme heat
events increase in frequency, historic metrics often fall short of capturing modern risks.

 

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Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi meets with CEOs of leading Norwegian companies

H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, has met with a group of CEOs from leading Norwegian companies, as part of their participation in the UAE-Norway Investment Forum, held alongside his official visit to the Kingdom of Norway.

During the meeting, H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed underscored the UAE leadership’s commitment to strengthening economic cooperation with its international partners.

He highlighted that investment in innovation and knowledge is a cornerstone for achieving sustainable development, noting that enhancing collaboration with Norwegian companies across key sectors will open new avenues for mutual economic growth between the two countries.

The UAE-Norway Investment Forum, taking place in Oslo, aimed to highlight available investment opportunities and strengthen trade relations between the UAE and Norway, fostering shared interests and supporting innovation and knowledge-based economic visions.

-wam

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At the Indonesia International Book Fair 2024, TRENDS inaugurates 10th global office, releases four books

As part of its Asian research tour, partnership with Aletihad News Center, and
primary sponsorship of the Indonesia International Book Fair 2024, TRENDS
Research & Advisory inaugurated its office in Jakarta, marking its 10th location
worldwide. It also released four books in Indonesian.
The inauguration event was attended by ambassadors of the UAE, Bahrain, and
Jordan to Indonesia, chairpersons of the UAE and Indonesian Publishers’
Associations, the Director of TRENDS’ Jakarta office, and a group of researchers
and academics.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS
Research & Advisory, stated that TRENDS’ international offices—set to reach 15
by the end of 2024—aim to enhance the Center’s research efforts and deepen its
role in disseminating knowledge, thus serving as a global knowledge bridge.
He emphasized, “At TRENDS, we believe in the importance of cooperation
between think tanks and prioritize this endeavor. We believe the TRENDS office in
Jakarta will enhance the exchange of knowledge and ideas between think tanks in
Asia and the Middle East, opening new horizons for collaboration in various
fields.”

Four books in Indonesian
As part of the Jakarta office’s inaugural activities, four books were released in
Indonesian, including the 11th and 12th books of the Muslim Brotherhood
Encyclopedia and Global Trends in AI and Automation and the Future of
Competition between Man and Machine: An Analytical Forward-looking Vision.

Hostility to Arab states
The 11th book of the Muslim Brotherhood Encyclopedia, The Concept of the State
According to the Muslim Brotherhood, highlights its hostile stance toward Arab
states since its inception. The group views them as an obstacle to its ascent to
power. It opposed the modern principles upon which these states were built,
considering them incompatible with the group’s unique interpretation of Islam,
which it claimed to embody exclusively.

Exclusion of nonconformists
The 12th book, The Muslim Brotherhood: Rejection of Tolerance and Exclusion of
Nonconformists, examines the Muslim Brotherhood’s stance towards
nonconformists, individuals, and entities. The book reveals the group’s binary view
of the world, categorizing others as allies or adversaries. It ties these relationships
to the Brotherhood’s internal power struggles and self-serving interests.

Global Trends in AI
The third book, Global Trends in AI, explores significant developments in AI and
its impact on various aspects of life, including the economy, society, and
governance. It also offers a comprehensive analysis of technological advancements
in AI, its applications across sectors, the ethical and social challenges it presents,
and its future trajectory.

Automation

The fourth book, Automation and the Future of Competition between Man and
Machine: An Analytical Forward-looking Vision, addresses the growing challenges
faced by the human workforce in the face of widespread automation and AI
applications. The book concludes that while automation presents a significant
challenge to the labor market, it simultaneously creates new opportunities. It
emphasizes the importance of preparing for this shift through skills development,
continuous education, and adopting economic and social policies that support the
workforce.

Prominent pavilion and active presence
The TRENDS’ pavilion at the Indonesia International Book Fair has attracted
numerous visitors, including academic researchers and officials, such as the
ambassadors of the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, and Turkey. Additionally,
chairpersons of Arab and Indonesian publishers’ associations, authors, publishers,
and students visited the pavilion. All were impressed with and praised TRENDS’ diverse, valuable publications. They also commended TRENDS’ active
international presence and ability to address global developments with rigorous
analytical research.
Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali honored the esteemed guests, including
ambassadors of the UAE and Bahrain to Indonesia, Wedha Startesti Yudha,
Chairperson of the Indonesia International Book Fair Committee, Arys Hilman
Nugraha, Chairman of the Indonesian Publishers Association, and others,
presenting them with TRENDS’ publications and commemorative shields.
Additionally, he awarded TRENDS’ Research Medal to Ni Made Ayu Martini
Indonesian Deputy Minister of Marketing, Tourism and Creative Economy
It is worth noting that during its current Asian research tour, TRENDS announced
the launch of the TRENDS Research Medal, awarded to individuals who make
significant contributions to the development of scientific research and promote collaboration with TRENDS in strengthening a culture of research across various fields.

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US determined to prevent full-scale war in Middle East, Joe Biden tells UNGA79

US President Joe Biden highlighted the US Administration’s determination to prevent a wider war that engulfs the entire Middle East region, noting that a diplomatic solution “remains the only path to lasting security to allow the residents from both countries to return to their homes on the border safely”.

In remarks he made today before the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79), the US President said, “Full-scale war is not in anyone’s interest,” adding that a diplomatic solution is still possible.

He also touched on “the rise of violence against innocent Palestinians on the West Bank”, and the need to “set the conditions for a better future”, which he said featured “a two-state solution, where the world — where Israel enjoys security and peace and full recognition and normalised relations with all its neighbours, where Palestinians live in security, dignity, and self-determination in a state of their own”.

President Biden underscored the ceasefire and hostage deal put forth by Qatar and Egypt, which the UN Security Council endorsed. He said, “Now is the time for the parties to finalise its terms, bring the hostages home,” adding that this would help ease the suffering in Gaza, and end the war.

-WAM

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