February 16, 2022

Hitachi Energy brings 5G connectivity to mission-critical industrial and utility operations

Integration of 5G in TRO600 series routers enables a fast, secure, and reliable hybrid wireless network for superior operational efficiency.

Zurich, Switzerland, Feb. 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

Hitachi Energy has today announced the launch of its new TRO600 series wireless routers with 5G capability, which are purpose-built to help industrial and utility customers achieve high reliability and resiliency in mission-critical operations.

With the integration of 5G technology, Hitachi Energy’s TRO600 series routers enable a scalable, flexible and secure, hybrid wireless communication architecture. A hybrid network seamlessly combines the best of public and private cellular with broadband mesh, all managed through a single network management system. This approach unifies communications to all devices, ensuring fast, secure, and reliable connectivity for each operational need.

“At Hitachi Energy, we are proud to pioneer 5G-enabled communication devices for industrial and utility customers, ensuring connectivity where and when it matters most,” said Massimo Danieli, Managing Director of Hitachi Energy’s Grid Automation business. He added, “5G is essential on our path to decentralize and decarbonize the energy system and to accelerate the energy transition. With 5G, businesses can further expand a data-driven approach to efficiently manage their energy demand and balance the load on the grid.”

“5G delivers significant connectivity performance improvements for the growing number of mobile, remote, and outdoor applications and complex use cases within industry, transportation, smart cities, and public safety,” said Chantal Polsonetti, Vice President, Advisory Services at ARC Advisory Services. “Given its history and leadership in building and managing power and communication networks, Hitachi Energy is well-positioned to help industrial companies harness the power of 5G as they pursue digital transformation,” she added.

Integrating 5G connectivity in the TRO600 series ensures optimal efficiency for multiple customer use cases across smart cities, oil and gas, mining, manufacturing, and utility applications. The high throughput supported is expected to drive greater adoption of virtual and augmented reality and video applications to aid operational efficiency and optimize processes. Meanwhile, the ultra-reliable low latency communications (URLLC) allow for greater digitalization of operational infrastructure and scalability of mission-critical control applications.

Why hybrid networks matter

Hitachi Energy’s hybrid connectivity solutions can provide a combination of interoperable technologies on a single communication network, enabling applications for edge devices, mobile devices, and field networks, spanning environments from dense urban to ultra-rural. A hybrid system can ensure seamless industrial communications even when specific connectivity options may be unavailable or hampered. In addition to the hybrid wireless architecture, Hitachi Energy’s TRO600 series provides robust mission-critical wired backhaul through a selection of gigabit ethernet and fiber interfaces.

As the number of devices and applications requiring real-time connectivity grows exponentially, 5G offers unparalleled speed, security, and reliability, enabling businesses to support this growth. It is expected to play a vital role in scaling massive Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and mission-critical applications for utilities and other essential industries, where reliable connectivity can increase personnel safety, future-proof the adoption of applications, and provide superior operational efficiency.

Wireless Networks | Hitachi Energy

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 38,000 people in 90 countries and generate business volumes of approximately $10 billion USD.

About Hitachi, Ltd.

Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, contributes to a sustainable society with a higher quality of life by driving innovation through data and technology as the Social Innovation Business. Hitachi is focused on strengthening its contribution to the Environment, the Resilience of business and social infrastructure as well as comprehensive programs to enhance Security & Safety. Hitachi resolves the issues faced by customers and society across six domains: IT, Energy, Mobility, Industry, Smart Life and Automotive Systems through its proprietary Lumada solutions. The company’s consolidated revenues for fiscal year 2020 (ended March 31, 2021) totaled 8,729.1 billion yen ($78.6 billion), with 871 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 350,000 employees worldwide. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company’s website at https://www.hitachi.com.

Attachment

Tropos 5G for Industrial Communications

Rebecca Bleasdale
Hitachi Energy Ltd.
+41 78643 2613
rebecca.bleasdale@hitachienergy.com

February 16, 2022

Queclink Unveils Network Solutions to Help Connect Every IoT Device

SHANGHAI, Feb. 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Queclink (Stock: 300590. SZ), a world-leading supplier of IoT devices and technologies, today announces the launch of its network solutions, helping customers and partners build secure and reliable connectivity for new possibilities.

Queclink’s Wireless Industrial Router Series

According to Statista, the global number of connected IoT devices is estimated to triple from 8.74 billion in 2020 to more than 25.4 billion active endpoints in 2030. Every object can be connected virtually in the world of IoT.

Queclink’s network solutions are suitable for a range of user cases, such as industrial automation – intelligent factory, energy, transportation and retail. They also work for various smart city solutions, including street lamp monitoring, public security, enterprise networks and remote site connectivity. The wireless router series combines high-speed cellular connectivity, industrial interfaces and Queclink’s unique IoT telematics knowledge.

“The global demand expands. It’s time to deliver our network solutions that help establish stable and private cellular connectivity for IoT,” says Edwin Peng, Queclink’s Senior Vice President. “This kind of connectivity is easy to deploy in a data-massive environment. We have been proactive in IoT that truly has initiated ‘Industrial 4.0’, at the core of which is to leverage big data for delicacy management. The automotive industry is typical of forerunners.”

One of the leading automotive companies in China has upgraded the factory digital transformation program and recently chosen Queclink’s industrial router series to empower the first test field. With a secure and reliable network, it is possible to collect numerous data, conduct edge computing – analyze and store data locally and privately, and make data-driven decisions accordingly.

The already off-the-shelf WR100 and WR200 series are both 4G LTE wireless industrial routers. Queclink has invested the WR300 series (5G version) in the Chinese market and will closely follow the migration from 4G to 5G and promote the WR300 series overseas.

About Queclink

Since 2009 Queclink Wireless Solutions has been “Driving Smarter IoT”.

Queclink is a pure play IoT hardware designer and manufacturer working with many well-known industrial and consumer companies to bring innovative IoT solutions to market. Its business units span transportation, asset and mobility, networks and agriculture. With 42 million IoT products delivered to over 140 countries, Queclink inspires data-driven solutions for its worldwide customers.

For more information, visit our website, LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook or contact sales@queclink.com.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1747789/image1.jpg

February 16, 2022

Malawi: Tropical Storm ANA – Department of Disaster Management Affairs – Situation Report – 2 (As of 15 February 2022)

SITUATION OVERVIEW

• On 26th January 2022 the State President, Dr.Lazarus Chakwera, declared a State of National Disaster following the Tropical Storm ANA which caused heavy flooding in few districts in the country, especially in the Southern Region due to heavy rainfall and strong winds.

• 16 districts and two cities have been impacted with approximately 994,967 people affected by the floods. Close to 190,429 are displaced and sheltering in IDP sites.

• The Department has set up an Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) at Blantyre District Council offices on 25 January, where government officers and partners are operating from as they respond to tropical storm ANA.

• The EOC has been strategically set up in Blantyre in order to enhance coordination of response activities as it a central point to all the affected districts. Cluster leads, co-leads and members are currently operating from the EOC as they respond to the needs of the affected people. The EOC will be based in Lilongwe from Monday 14th February and 2 sub EOCs opening up in Chikwawa and Nsanje

• An inter-agency assessment team concluded the assessment on 1st February and presented their report to the EOC. The report will be published by 14th February 2022.

• Chikwawa and Nsanje show that close to 495,967 people were affected with over 128,461 displaced in 61 IDP sites throughout the two districts.

• The search and rescue team has been demobilized, following a successful rescue operations in Chikwawa and Nsanje. However, a total of 32,935 households were displaced and being hosted in camps. Over half of the displaced households are in Chikwawa and Nsanje. With the flooded areas drying up now, some displaced households have started returning to their original homes. These households need support with a return-home package.

Source: Government of Malawi

February 16, 2022

UNICEF Malawi Humanitarian Situation Report (Tropical Storm Ana) as of 15 February 2022

Highlights

As of 15 February, 221,127 households (995,072 people) have been affected by the Tropical Storm ANA related floods and heavy winds, with about 33,000 displaced and seeking temporary shelter in approximately 178 displacement sites.

Teaching and learning is compromised for 398,908 learners (201,135 boys; 197,773 girls) in 476 schools affected by tropical storm ANA. Support is needed to restore quality learning, protection, and support the well-being of the affected learners.

A total of 53,962 latrines collapsed, 337 boreholes, 206 water taps, and eight gravity-fed water schemes are damaged. As a result, there is low sanitation coverage, limited access to safe water and poor hygienic practices. Safe water supply, sanitation and hygiene services are immediately needed to address water, sanitation, and hygiene issues.

UNICEF has so far reached an estimated population of 88,000 people including 44,880 in six highly affected districts with safe water. Additional funding is urgently required to continue providing the muchneeded safe water and to reach all the people that are in need.

A total of 10,200 children under five, were screened for malnutrition with UNICEF support during the reporting week of which 675 were malnourished and were referred for appropriate treatment.

The United Nations will soon launch a joint appeal that includes input from UNICEF. In the meantime, to respond to immediate needs, UNICEF is requesting US $7,680,000 to meet the needs of children and women in the affected areas.

Tropical Storm ANA Situation in numbers as of 15 February 2022

221,127 households (more than 995,072 people) affected by Tropical Storm ANA induced floods and storms

32,935 households (190,429 people) displaced in 178 displacement sites

46 deaths

18 missing

206 injuries

89 Camps require mobile clinics

122,000 people in displacement sites require mosquito nets

398,908 learners in 476 schools affected

Source: MALAWI moderate tropical storm ANA snapshot-2, Department of Disaster Management Affair ,10 February 2022

Situation Overview

Tropical storm ANA which made landfall on the Mozambique coast on Monday, 24 January, and thereafter headed for Malawi, caused heavy flooding in several districts in Malawi, especially in the southern part of the country. According to the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services, while ANA is in the category of a tropical storm, it recorded more than 250 mm rainfall within 24 hours in several weather stations compared to 2019 Cyclone IDAI which recorded rainfall amounts of 150 mm within 24 hours.

As of 15 February, there are over 220,000 households (more than 940,000 people) affected in 15 districts, with over 30,000 households (approximately 200,000 people) displaced and seeking temporary shelter in 178 displacement sites. The people displaced are being accommodated in sites established in schools, churches, mosques, health facilities, police units and open spaces. There is urgent need for temporary shelter, non-food items (NFIs), and support with camp management and coordination.

A total of 53,962 latrines collapsed, 337 boreholes, 206 water taps, and 20 gravity-fed water schemes are damaged. The floods caused an overflow of pit latrines contaminating water sources in communities. Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services in schools are affected causing risks to students resuming classes. The presence of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in some schools used as displacement sites also puts pressure on already inadequate latrines in school premises. Safe water supply, sanitation and hygiene services are immediately needed to address water, sanitation, and hygiene issues. Furthermore, there is a need for the rehabilitation of household toilets to avoid infectious and waterborne diseases.

Availability of food at the household level is critically compromised as most of the affected population lost nearly all their food reserves. The situation is critical for people that are living in displacement sites as they lost almost all their household items including food. Furthermore, the households that are hosting their displaced relatives are under high pressure to provide the essential items with a high demand for food. Also, the implementation of an ongoing food distribution programme and of regular social protection programmes including the Social Cash Transfers Programme (SCTP) is at risk of being compromised in the most affected districts. Inaccessibility of the affected areas for data collection will make it difficult to undertake retargeting, validation, and payment activities. SCTP passbooks, national identity cards and sim cards are lost or damaged, thus delaying identification processes. The increased risk of food insecurity amongst the affected population has the potential of resulting in increased acute malnutrition among the more vulnerable, including children and women.

Forty-seven health facilities have infrastructural damage, power cuts, loss of drugs, damage of medical equipment, fridges, vaccines, and other supplies. Cold chain remote temperature monitoring devices in 160 health facilities are damaged and not able to send temperature readings to the control centre at the Ministry of Health. This raises concern that the affected districts could have lost substantial amounts of COVID-19 vaccine doses and other routine vaccines. Access to medical care is limited because of damaged roads and bridges among other challenges. Affected people are at risk of cholera and other disease outbreaks such as measles, eye infections, typhoid, skin conditions and malaria. Poor sanitation conditions in the sites and the presence of stagnant pools of water provide a conducive breeding environment for mosquitoes that might increase incidences of malaria and lead to other waterborne diseases such as cholera and diarrhoea. In addition, there is congestion in some camps that may facilitate the transmission of infectious diseases which may culminate into disease outbreaks, including COVID-19. There are over 21,000 pregnant women who are internally displaced and residing in camps who will require delivery kits. There is an urgent need to ensure that affected people including children, women, adolescent girls, and new-borns access quality life-saving and high-impact maternal and neonatal health services safely and equitably.

A total of 476 schools in 22 education districts were affected, disrupting access to education for 398,908 learners (201,135 boys; 197,773 girls). Classroom blocks, teacher houses, latrines, administration blocks, libraries, dormitories, kitchens, feeding shelters and boreholes are some of the infrastructures damaged. The influx of IDPs in some schools is further disrupting teaching and learning processes.

Poor road access is negatively impacting the movement of supplies into the affected areas. Key roads, bridges and culverts across the affected districts are hardly accessible or at risk of further damage as the rains persist. Sections of seven main tarmac roads, ten secondary roads and numerous tertiary and district roads are washed away, making most of the affected areas, including evacuation camps, inaccessible by road. Transport capacities need to be increased to sustain the humanitarian supply chain.

Power transmission lines (132KV and 66KV), distribution infrastructure (poles, broken jumpers, and conductors), and generation stations are damaged, leading to reduced power generation from 385.8 MW to 194 MW. The country is undergoing significant electricity disruptions compromising the delivery of socioeconomic services.

Source: UN Children’s Fund

February 16, 2022

Malawi: Tropical Storm Ana Response – Flash Update No. 3 | 16th February 2022

HIGHLIGHTS

• Food and non-food items being delivered to affected populations across the districts.

• UN and partners are supporting the life-saving emergency flood response.

• Main Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) is in Lilongwe and 2 sub-EOCs are in Chikwawa and Nsanje.

• Initial reports as of 15th February indicate worsening flooding impacts in Salima district and a team from DoDMA has deployed for an initial assessment.

• Flash Appeal proposals are being developed by clusters towards a US$30M resource envelope.

• HCT meeting scheduled for Wednesday 16th February to consider the draft Flash Appeal and the National Response Plan.

SITUATION

• Tropical Storm Ana caused heavy flooding in a number of districts in Malawi, especially in the Southern Region due to a lot of heavy rainfall and strong winds. Malawi President declared a State of National Disaster on 26th January 2022.

• According to the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services, while the 2019 Cyclone Idai was a tropical cyclone, Ana is not a cyclone. Rather, it is a moderate tropical storm, yet Idai had rainfall amounts of 150 mm within 24 hrs while Ana had 250 mm and above rainfall recorded within 24 hrs.

• Displaced persons are seeking shelter in evacuation centres, schools, churches, hospitals, shelters, and made-up camp sites. Chikwawa, Nsanje, Phalombe and Mulanje and are the most affected districts.

• The damage includes:

o Blown-off house roofs; loss of livestock; collapsed houses, toilets, and brick fences; damaged road network, bridges, culverts, and other road structures; loss of household items; and damaged public and private infrastructure, including schools, health facilities and churches.

o Destroyed teaching and learning materials; crops washed away, logging of crops from the strong winds, damage on power plant causing power supply disruptions; and contamination of water sources.

• Initial reports as of 15th February indicate worsening flooding impacts in Salima district and a team from DoDMA has deployed for an initial assessment.

Source: UN Country Team in Malawi

February 16, 2022

Pregnant women’s needs grow as Tropical Storm Ana wreaks havoc in southern Malawi

NSANJE DISTRICT, Malawi – “The prospect of another cyclone was scary,” said Monica, who lives in Mbenje in Malawi’s Nsanje District. “We lived through the same experience with Cyclone Idai and then Cyclone Kenneth. We had to rebuild from scratch.”

Word had spread through the village during the day that a powerful cyclone had hit neighbouring Mozambique, and on that Sunday evening two weeks ago the weather suddenly changed. For almost six hours, torrential rain and strong winds pummelled Mbenje; Tropical Storm Ana had made landfall in Malawi.

“I looked outside and saw the water levels rising. From previous experiences, I knew we had to move to safety,” said Monica, who is six months pregnant. “I alerted my husband who quickly gathered the kids.”

Monica and her family trudged through the rain and mud all night to Nyambese camp, one of 27 temporary disaster sites that have sprung up across Nsanje, and which are now sheltering people affected by the storm.

The following day, Monica and her husband made the five-kilometre trek back to their village to see whether they could salvage anything from their home. Their worst fears were confirmed. There was now a deep pool of water filled with rubble where their house had once stood, the food grain was gone and their animals had been washed away. “After seeing the destruction, I knew Nyambese camp would be our home until the flood water subsided,” Monica said wearily.

Lives and homes destroyed

Tropical Storm Ana has left a trail of destruction in its wake in Malawi, particularly in the hardest-hit southern districts of Nsanje, Phalombe, Mulanje and Chikwawa. Flooding has cut off roads, hampering relief efforts, while damage to the country’s electricity infrastructure is causing frequent power outages.

In Nsanje District, more than 55,000 people are now living in temporary camps. Among them are Monica, who is expecting her third child in May, and approximately 1,500 pregnant women. Forced to share latrines, and with little privacy, women and girls are at increased risk of physical and sexual violence in a country where one in three women are subjected to gender-based violence.

Restricted mobility due to floodwaters and electricity blackouts are affecting the delivery of sexual and reproductive health care; the majority of health facilities in Nsanje district – 21 out of 24 – are struggling to provide services. Three newborns have already died in the district when incubators were left inoperable due to a lack of power. Fuel for the generator at the district hospital, as well as supplies including lifesaving maternal health medicines, are running low.

Restoring sexual and reproductive health services

UNFPA and partners were on the ground within days of the disaster. To date 6,600 dignity kits containing basic hygiene items such as menstrual pads, soap and underwear, have been distributed to women and girls in Nsanje and Chikwawa. Repairs to the generator at Nsanje District Hospital have been completed, restoring power to the facility. Plans are also underway to deliver reproductive health kits containing medical and non-medical supplies, maternal health medicines and contraceptives to affected communities in the two districts.

“Our immediate priority is to restore quality sexual and reproductive health and protection services in the aftermath of the disaster,” said Young Hong, UNFPA Representative in Malawi. “As extreme weather events become more frequent in the region, UNFPA’s support to the recovery must focus on strengthening systems and building the resilience of affected communities, particularly women and girls.”

For Monica, the road ahead will be challenging. She faces the prospect of rebuilding both her home and her life again. But for now her most pressing concern is her unborn child. “I lost everything, even my health passport,” she says, cupping her face in her shaking hands. “I was supposed to go to an antenatal clinic this week, but travelling to the health centre is not possible. The roads are bad and still flooded.”

Source: United Nations Population Fund