The generator set offers 2.6 MW (3250 kVA) for emergency standby and demand response. (Image source: Caterpillar)

Caterpillar has introduced the Cat G3520 Fast Response natural-gas generator set designed for 50 Hz applications, providing top-tier load acceptance and transient response for critical operations while utilising fuel that reduces emissions.

The Cat G3520 Fast Response generator set is well-suited for various applications, including hospitals, data centres, retail complexes, schools, government buildings, universities, and industrial and research facilities.

Now available at Cat dealers globally, this generator set offers 2.6 MW (3250 kVA) for emergency standby and demand response. It is engineered to meet the ISO8528-5 G2 standard, enabling it to start and accept load within 10 seconds from a cold start and handle a 100% block load.

New features

This new addition to Caterpillar’s lineup of natural-gas power solutions enhances their fast-response capabilities. Caterpillar also offers 60 Hz standby power nodes ranging from 750 kW to 2.5 MW, certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for both emergency and non-emergency applications.

The Cat G3520 Fast Response features the EMCP 4 control system, which provides comprehensive control, protection, and monitoring of the engine and generator set. Its Ethernet communication capabilities ensure seamless integration with building management systems. Additional features include a gas train, package-mounted radiators, and simplified wiring for easier installation.

For superior performance, the generator set can be configured with the Cat Energy Control System (ECS), an integrated suite of scalable controllers that manage energy needs from a single generator to full-site microgrid solutions, optimising multiple power sources for resilience, emissions, and cost-efficiency.

“As our global customers look for mission-critical power that can also help meet their sustainability goals, the Cat G3520 Fast Response generator set provides a high-performance, natural-gas option that helps reduce their greenhouse gas emissions when compared with traditional backup solutions,” said Melissa Busen, vice president for Caterpillar’s Electric Power Division.

AESG's initial focus in Australia will be on developing its Environment and Sustainability services. (Image source: AESG)

AESG, a global consultancy firm, has expanded its reach by opening a new office in Sydney, which will serve as its headquarters for the Australasian markets.

The Sydney office will collaborate closely with AESG's Singapore office to enhance the firm's value proposition for clients across the Asia Pacific region. This expansion represents a significant milestone for AESG, which has rapidly grown over 14 years to become one of the largest privately-held consultancies in the region. With offices in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, and Singapore, AESG continues to serve clients in the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.

AESG’s momentum in Australia will be spearheaded by Devan Valenti who has been brought on as Director of Sustainability for the country. He brings over a decade of expertise in sustainability across three continents and has been pivotal in advancing ESG practices within the property sector.

“Today, we proudly extend the reach of our world-class service portfolio into Australia. The nation’s ambitious decarbonisation strategy and emissions reduction targets for 2035 aligns perfectly with our mission as a business to drive the net zero and sustainability agenda in our sectors. I am excited by this unique opportunity for our team to rise to the exciting and challenging opportunities in the Australasian market, at a very exciting period in the nation’s development.” said Saeed Al Abbar, CEO at AESG.

“By placing our industry experts on the ground, with their years of international experience yearned from working on some of the world’s most demanding development undertakings, we hope to infuse the market with global best practices and fresh perspectives. By the same measure, I am confident that the talented professionals we hire locally will not only provide local know how within the Australian market but also inject significant value back into our organisation, and the clients we serve across markets,” added Al Abbar.

By appointing Devan Valenti, who played a key role in developing the Green Star Buildings Rating now widely adopted by Australian property developers, as Director of Sustainability in Australia, and Brent Ridgard, formerly National Director of Environmental Assessment & Planning at a leading Australian firm, to lead its Environmental Division in the Middle East, AESG has shown its ability to attract top talent from various regions.

AESG's initial focus in Australia will be on developing its Environment and Sustainability and Specialist Engineering services to guide developers towards energy-efficient, net-zero solutions and address complex engineering challenges. Key service offerings for Australian clients include Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD), Façade Engineering, Fire and Life Safety, ESG Advisory, Carbon and Net Zero Consultancy, Green Building Certifications, Low Carbon Engineering, Ecological Surveys, and Environmental & Social Impact Assessment. AESG has delivered these services on globally renowned projects such as The Red Sea International Airport, ICD Brookfield Place, NEOM, Masdar City MC2, and the NHS Trust Net Zero Roadmap.

This partnership looks to develop a 52-storey tower that will feature 294 luxurious apartments. (Image source: DAMAC Properties)

DAMAC Properties has signed a contract with Modern Building Contracting Co. (MBCC), one of the leading construction companies in the UAE. This partnership looks to develop a 52-storey tower that will feature 294 luxurious apartments.

“We are excited to partner with MBCC on this landmark project. Their proven track record and dedication to excellence align perfectly with our vision for this development. This 52-storey tower will not only enhance the skyline but also set new benchmarks in luxury living,” said Mohammed Tahaineh, general manager of projects at DAMAC.

Under this contract, MBCC will be responsible for the main works package, which encompasses the full construction of the tower and the parking block. Renowned for their proficiency in handling large-scale projects in Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, and Lebanon, MBCC brings extensive experience and a solid reputation for quality and dependability to this ambitious venture.

Construction is already well underway, with shoring and piling complete, and the focus now shifting to the basement substructure, paving the way for subsequent phases of development.

The 52-storey tower is slated for completion by Q2 2027. This timeline underscores the careful planning and coordination needed to execute a project of this magnitude, ensuring that every aspect meets the highest standards of quality and excellence.

In line with DAMAC’s dedication to innovation and sustainability, the project will utilise advanced construction technologies, including prefabricated bathroom pods. These units will streamline the construction process, boost efficiency, and ensure uniform quality throughout all apartments.

Strategically located between Port Rashid and Dubai's Drydocks World, DAMAC Harbour Lights offers spacious 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments that blend maritime heritage with contemporary seafront living.

Construction technology. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Pranav Jaswani, technology analyst at IDTechEx, digs Into the electric excavator industry. 

The construction machinery sector is still in the nascent phase of electrification, having introduced the first small electric machine in 2015. Nevertheless, IDTechEx's latest report, "Electric Vehicles in Construction 2024-2044: Technologies, Players, Forecasts," underscores significant advancements in today's electric machines, which are more robust and efficient compared to those from less than a decade ago.

Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) globally are accelerating the development of electric machinery, and IDTechEx predicts that the industry will expand to a value exceeding US$126bn by 2044.

Performance improvements

The initial electric machines introduced were mini-excavators, chosen for their smaller size and lighter workloads, making them suitable for testing construction electrification. Initially, there were concerns among construction companies about whether these electric machines could meet the job site's demands and perform on par with diesel engines.

According to IDTechEx's latest report, electric mini-excavators have now developed to a stage where they can match diesel machines on nearly all key metrics. Electric vehicles (EVs) now offer comparable or even superior power compared to their diesel counterparts, with models from Kato and Wacker Neuson generating 30-60% more digging force than a typical diesel machine of the same size. There have also been significant advancements in runtime. While the first electric machines could operate for only 4 to 6 hours on a single charge, newer models can now run for up to 8 hours (a full workday) as a standard. Continued battery development has significantly contributed to this improvement, and IDTechEx anticipates runtimes will soon extend to 9 to 10 hours.

Electric construction machines are increasingly focusing on larger excavators and loaders. Initially dominated by mini-excavators, the market has shifted towards developing larger machines, such as excavators and wheel loaders, which accounted for 35% of all equipment sales in 2023 and are significant greenhouse gas emitters. Electrifying these machines is crucial for the industry's decarbonization.

From 2019 to 2023, the size of new electric machine models has grown substantially. Previously, 3-tonne mini-excavators were the pinnacle of electric technology, but now multiple OEMs produce large excavators over 20 tonnes, with the Chinese OEM Know-How even producing a 52-tonne electric excavator in 2023. Wheel loaders have also seen similar growth, with 20-tonne models becoming standard.

This growth in machine size has driven the need for larger and more advanced battery systems. Battery sizes have increased dramatically, from around 30 kWh in 2018 to over 500 kWh in 2023. The Know-How 52-tonne excavator features a massive 700 kWh battery, estimated to cost US$210,000 and weigh over 3.5 tonnes.

The future

Many of the larger electric construction machines now on the market have achieved performance levels comparable to their diesel counterparts. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have moved beyond merely matching diesel performance and are now focusing on expanding their electric vehicle (EV) portfolios to include larger and more varied equipment. Chinese OEMs are leading this trend, having developed bigger excavators and wheel loaders, and are also pushing forward with the electrification of mobile cranes that weigh hundreds of tonnes.

The future of the electric construction industry heavily depends on advancements in battery technology. Currently, OEMs face higher battery costs compared to the automotive industry, but scaling up EV production and establishing dedicated supply chains are expected to reduce these costs. Enhancing the efficiency of existing battery technologies and introducing more advanced lithium-ion and future battery innovations will allow for a broader range of machines to be electrified and improve their overall performance.

According to IDTechEx’s new report, "Electric Vehicles in Construction 2024-2044: Technologies, Players, Forecasts," the electric construction machine industry is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21%, reaching a market value of US$126bn by 2044.