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Latest news from the metal industry

Challenging times for the German valve industry
The valve industry can look back on a challenging year in 2024. As a driving force for innovations and trend topics, Valve World Expo 2024 could set the course for future growth.
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Swiss manufacturer focuses on expansion
A Swiss manufacturer of butterfly valves for hydropower plants is building a new production hall in the Graubünden municipality of Serneus. The expansion will enable the production and assembly of butterfly valves with a nominal width of up to six meters directly on site.
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These are the winners of the Valve Stars Awards 2024
The Valve Stars Awards ceremony took place at VALVE WORLD EXPO 2024 as part of the Valve World Expo Forum. In cooperation with Messe Düsseldorf, the trade magazine “IAD - Industriearmaturen & Dichtungstechnik” honors the best products of the year with the award.
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ZVEI study confirms semiconductor industry as a profitable investment
Investments in the semiconductor industry pay off for the state - this is shown by the current ZVEI study "From chips to opportunities: The importance and profitability of microelectronics funding". According to study author Tanjeff Schadt, Partner at Strategy&, PwC's global strategy consultancy, subsidies for microelectronics bring an impressive return of 30 to 40 per cent.
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Hype around generative AI has subsided, according to study
Two years after the launch of ChatGPT, a recent study provides new insights into the use and acceptance of generative AI in Germany. Researchers from the Bavarian Research Institute for Digital Transformation (bidt) at the Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities have come to a clear conclusion.
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H2 Balance Shows Hydrogen Market Growing with Government Support
The EWI - Institute of Energy Economics at the University of Cologne has published the H2 Balance 2024. Commissioned by E.on, the report shows that the German hydrogen economy is growing. However, this growth is only happening with state support. Particularly, the IPCEI funding decisions are proving to be important drivers for hydrogen expansion.
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Ransomware attacks increasingly aim to destroy instead of encrypt
Cyber criminals are changing their tactics: instead of encrypting data, they are increasingly focussing on deleting it completely - an alarming trend that significantly increases the risk of companies losing important information.
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Breakthrough for German Hydrogen Network: €24 Billion Financing Secured
A major milestone for German hydrogen infrastructure has been reached with KfW providing €24 billion for the national hydrogen core network (Kernnetz) development. The loan, signed on November 26, secures funding for the amortization account that bridges the initial cost gap between investments and network charges.
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Krohne sponsors the NAMUR Annual General Meeting 2025
The sponsor of the NAMUR Annual General Meeting 2025 has been announced. Krohne will play a key role in shaping the programme for next year's annual meeting of the interest group.
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Tobias Schlichtmann becomes new Chairman of the Executive Board
NAMUR has a new Chairman of the Board in Tobias Schlichtmann. He succeeds Felix Hanisch, who stepped down after a total of seven years at the helm of the interest group. There have also been extensive changes to the rest of the NAMUR Executive Board.
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EU Hydrogen Bank Doubles Funding Volume
The European Hydrogen Bank reports significant growth: Around 2 billion euros are available for its second auction round – more than double the amount of the first tender. This increase was made possible by Spain, Lithuania, and Austria joining the "Auctions-as-Service" mechanism.
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NAMUR publishes update of NE 167
NAMUR Recommendation NE 167 ‘Common Technical Terms of Delivery for Valves, Control Valves and PCT Field Devices’ has been revised in terms of content and editing. It contains significant updates and additions that further advance the standardisation and quality assurance of valves, control valves and PCT field devices in the process industry.
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EU Supports Major Hydrogen Project on German-Polish Border
The European Union is supporting an ambitious German-Polish hydrogen project in Western Pomerania. PNE AG is planning to produce up to one gigawatt of green hydrogen for both countries in the region. The EU Commission has now approved funding of 190,000 euros through its executive agency CINEA for initial feasibility studies.
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ZVEI's "Digital Ecosystems & Smart Services" (DESS) platform launched
With the new Digital Ecosystems & Smart Services (DESS) platform, the ZVEI is providing decisive impetus for the digital transformation of the industry. The aim of the initiative is to strengthen dialogue between companies and drive forward the integration of IT and OT.
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Two valve manufacturers focus on new production
Expansion is essential for many companies these days. For example, two manufacturers of industrial valves have recently invested in new production facilities. One of them is even located in India.
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Hydrogen Infrastructure in Europe Needed Even at Low Demand
A recent study by the Fraunhofer Excellence Cluster Integrated Energy Systems (CINES) shows that Europe must build extensive hydrogen infrastructure - even at low demand. European domestic production could cover up to 90 percent of the demand. The research forecasts a demand between 700 and 2,800 terawatt hours.
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Autumn slump in German mechanical engineering
The German mechanical and plant engineering industry is facing a turbulent autumn. All key indicators, including economic expectations, sales forecasts and capacity utilisation, point to a continued deterioration in the industry. This is shown by the latest mechanical engineering barometer from PwC Germany.
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German companies invest 10 billion euros in cybersecurity for the first time
Germany is responding to the growing threat of cyberattacks with a record investment in cybersecurity: for the first time, more than 10 billion euros are being invested in protection against digital risks.
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EU Awards Grants from Innovation Fund for Net-Zero Projects
As part of the Innovation Fund, the EU is supporting numerous projects. The European Commission has selected 85 net-zero projects for funding. With a record sum of €4.8 billion, the projects are expected to achieve massive CO2 savings by 2030.
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BNetzA Approves Germany's H2 Core Network Infrastructure
The Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur) has approved the construction of Germany's hydrogen core network. 25 network operators plan to build a 9,040-kilometer network by 2032. The costs amount to 18.9 billion euros.
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International valve manufacturers decide to co-operate
Two leading companies in the international fittings industry, Bray International and Aquestia, have entered into a strategic partnership for the coming years. The aim of the co-operation is to jointly exploit their respective strengths in distribution and sales.
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75% of Germans are in favour of an EU-wide PFAS ban
The perpetual chemicals PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances) could be banned in Europe in the coming years. However, environmentalists, politicians and industry representatives are arguing about a possible ban. The population in Germany, on the other hand, has a clear opinion on the subject.
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VCI, ZVEI and NAMUR have launched the Process-X data room initiative
The German Chemical Industry Association (VCI), the German Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers' Association (ZVEI) and NAMUR have jointly announced the launch of Process-X. This initiative aims to promote solutions that support the sustainable use of data rooms in the process industry.
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ZVEI lowers business expectations for the electrical and digital industry
The ZVEI has once again lowered its annual forecast following a recent survey of its members. The German Electrical and Digital Manufacturers' Association now expects production to decline by 7% in 2024, compared to a 2% drop at the beginning of the year.
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European Hydrogen Infrastructure: Ruhr Region Initiative Calls for Implementation
A group of stakeholders from the Ruhr region has published a strategy paper on European hydrogen supply. The document emphasizes the importance of rapid implementation of the European Hydrogen Backbone (EHB), a concept for a Europe-wide hydrogen network.
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