Floating tidal energy platform 'could be game-changer for coastal communities'

A new floating tidal energy platform could bring “viable clean energy” to small coastal communities, its creators have claimed. Edinburgh-based Sustainable Marine Energy (SME) is testing its new multi-turbine Plat-1 platform in the water at Connel, near Oban in western Scotland. Using four Schottel turbines with a total rating of 280kW, SME said the easy-deployment system could be a “game-changer” for coastal communities with limited infrastructure around the world. The structure’s design makes it easy and cheap to transport and install, said SME. The company said local, readily available equipment can perform “all tasks” on the platform, and it can lift the turbines from the water for easy maintenance, also reducing the depth of water required for launching and installation. The autonomously-controlled unit was installed in just five hours, and generated power within two days. Built in Scotland between July and October with grant funding from the Scottish government, the platform will be taken apart and transported to the Philippines, where it will form part of a commercial demonstration project as a replacement for diesel power in tidal areas.

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Comfort Systems USA Announces Acquisition

Business Wire | February 01, 2024

Comfort Systems USA, Inc. today announced that it has closed its previously announced transaction to acquire Summit Industrial Construction, LLC (“Summit”) headquartered in Houston, Texas. As previously disclosed, Summit is a specialty industrial mechanical contractor offering engineering, design-assist and turnkey, direct hire construction services of modular systems serving the advanced technology, power, and industrial sectors. Summit’s capabilities encompass a wide range of modular and site-based construction, including process piping, equipment setting, large pipe rack trestles, and related steel erection and specialty concrete work. Summit is a trusted supplier to some of the world’s largest advanced technology, power and industrial companies and is currently deployed on several major chip fabrication projects. Initially, Summit is expected to contribute annualized revenues of approximately $375 million to $400 million, and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization of $35 million to $40 million. In light of the amortization expense, Summit is expected to make a neutral to slightly accretive contribution to earnings per share in 2024 and 2025. Brian Lane, Comfort Systems USA’s Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We are delighted to announce the closing of our agreement to acquire Summit, an extremely capable provider of modular and other complex mechanical services. Summit brings a stellar reputation as a modular technology leader in growing end markets, including multiple ongoing and large semiconductor projects. We are happy to welcome Summit’s wonderful leadership team and excellent production and craft workers across many states, and we are confident Summit will continue to innovate and grow as a part of our network of world-class contracting companies. We are grateful that Summit has chosen to become part of Comfort Systems USA.”

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