Energy & Technology

SINGAPORE: Quantified Energy (QE), a Singapore-based deep-tech company at the forefront of drone and AI-enabled solar inspection technology, announced its Series A fundraise led by Vertex Ventures Southeast Asia & India today. Founded in 2021 as a spin-off from the Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore (SERIS) at the National University of Singapore, QE developed an autonomous drone electroluminescence (EL) mapping solution and provides inspection services for utility-scale and commercial solar systems. The global solar market is experiencing rapid growth, with BloombergNEF projecting up to 4.5 TW of new solar PV capacity to be installed between now and 2030. Large-scale systems remain the key driver of this expansion. By enabling precise and non-destructive in-situ diagnostics for solar power systems at unprecedented throughput, QE empowers solar asset owners and financiers to reduce the risk of premature degradation and improve safety. This, in turn, helps optimise asset performance throughout a solar PV system’s lifespan, leading to higher energy yield and improved return on investment. “Quantified Energy’s founders are solar researchers from Asia and Europe who came together in Singapore with a shared mission to make every PV module count throughout its lifetime”, said Dr. Yan Wang, CEO of Quantified Energy. “With this new round of funding, we will be rolling out our second-generation drone EL inspection solution globally. Any partner operating a DJI M300/M350 drone can plug in QE’s EL payload and subscribe to our ‘pay-per-use’ model—instantly unlocking the ability to perform high-throughput EL inspections for clients. Through this approach, we contribute to safeguarding the exponential growth of the solar PV industry.” The company has deployed its solutions across Asia, Europe, Oceania, and the Middle East. Last year, QE completed the world’s largest EL inspection, covering over one million PV modules at a single site within three weeks. Recently, QE signed a Memorandum of Understanding with TÜV Rheinland at Intersolar Europe 2025 in Munich, Germany, to drive the adoption of drone based EL mapping in key European markets such as Spain and Portugal. This follows multiple successful pilot projects between the two companies across the region. With this latest funding round, QE will accelerate its global business development efforts and double down on product innovations to cater to the needs of the fast-growing solar industry. “Solar power is a cornerstone of the global renewable energy transition. Quantified Energy’s unique capabilities are well-positioned to transform how solar assets are managed and financed. We are excited to work with Quantified Energy to bring their innovations to the global solar market,” said Puiyan Leung, Partner of Vertex Ventures Southeast Asia and India.

BEIJING: Chinese aerospace firm LandSpace Technology has achieved a significant milestone in the commercial space race with the successful launch of its enhanced methane-powered Zhuque-2E Y2 rocket, placing six satellites into orbit on Saturday from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northwest China. The lift-off, which occurred at 12:12 p.m. local time (04:12 GMT), marked the fifth flight for the Zhuque-2 rocket series and the latest demonstration of China’s private sector capabilities in low-cost, cleaner launch solutions. Beijing-based LandSpace, founded in 2015, was the first globally to successfully deploy a methane-liquid oxygen (methalox) rocket in July 2023—outpacing US aerospace giants such as SpaceX and Blue Origin. The Zhuque-2E series reflects the firm’s growing emphasis on reusable technologies. Unlike traditional hydrocarbon-fuelled launch vehicles, methalox propulsion offers significant environmental and safety advantages, and is increasingly viewed as essential for next-generation, reusable rocket systems. LandSpace has steadily improved the Zhuque-2’s payload capacity to meet the rising demand of China’s commercial satellite sector. Saturday’s mission carried six satellites developed predominantly by Changsha-based Spacety (Changsha Tianyi Space Science and Technology Research Institute), a key player in China’s satellite manufacturing industry. Li Xiaoming, Vice-President of Spacety, outlined during a livestream hosted by LandSpace that the payload included a radar satellite, two multispectral satellites, and three scientific experiment satellites, ranging from 20kg to 300kg in mass. The radar satellite, capable of penetrating clouds and operating under all-weather conditions day or night, offers precision imaging at millimetre-level surface shifts. Such capabilities are essential for applications in urban development, transport infrastructure, and energy sector monitoring. The scientific satellites will contribute to China’s deep-space exploration programmes, while the multispectral satellites will support environmental monitoring and mineral resource identification. This latest launch also marked LandSpace’s first implementation of a propulsion enhancement involving the cryogenic chilling of both liquid oxygen and methane below their respective boiling points, resulting in greater thrust and performance. LandSpace is currently developing reusable rocket technologies, with founder and CEO Zhang Changwu confirming plans for a test launch in the second half of 2025. The company’s innovations align with industry trends established by SpaceX, whose reusable launch systems have drastically reduced costs and accelerated mission frequencies. The commercial space sector in China has expanded rapidly since 2014, following policy reforms that welcomed private capital. LandSpace has been one of the leading and best-funded players, having raised significant investment from notable backers including HongShan (formerly Sequoia Capital China), Country Garden’s investment arm, and the China SME Development Fund. In December 2023, LandSpace secured 900 million yuan (approximately USD 120 million) from a state-owned fund focused on advanced manufacturing, following an earlier 1.2 billion yuan round in 2020, according to Chinese corporate filings. While Spacety has previously faced scrutiny—sanctioned by the US Treasury in 2023 for alleged links to Russian military operations, allegations the company has denied—it continues to play a central role in China’s commercial satellite development landscape. With technical upgrades now in place and reusable technologies on the horizon, LandSpace is poised to strengthen its position in the competitive global launch services market. -Reuters

US semiconductor giant Nvidia Corporation is reportedly moving ahead with plans to establish a research and development (R&D) centre in Shanghai, according to the Financial Times, as the company adapts to increasingly restrictive export controls imposed by Washington. The proposed R&D hub aims to support Nvidia’s efforts in navigating the growing complexities of the Chinese market, particularly in light of escalating US regulations that prevent the company from selling some of its most advanced artificial intelligence (AI) chips to China. These restrictions have opened the door for domestic competitors, most notably Huawei Technologies Co, to capture greater market share. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is said to have discussed the initiative with Shanghai’s mayor during a visit to the city last month, sources familiar with the matter told the Financial Times. The Shanghai-based facility would focus on “researching the specific demands of Chinese customers and the complex technical requirements needed to satisfy Washington’s curbs.” Core chip design and production activities would remain outside China to comply with US regulations concerning intellectual property and technology transfers. Nvidia and Shanghai authorities have not issued official comments in response to media queries. Huang also visited Beijing last month, where he met Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng. According to state-run news agency Xinhua, Huang expressed optimism about China’s economic prospects and signalled Nvidia’s intent to deepen its engagement with the Chinese market. He reaffirmed the company’s willingness to play a constructive role in facilitating trade ties between the United States and China. This strategic move comes at a time of broader economic uncertainty in China. Domestic consumer confidence remains fragile, and a protracted crisis in the property sector continues to weigh heavily on overall economic growth. In response, Chinese President Xi Jinping has reiterated calls for technological self-reliance, emphasising the need to strengthen basic research and accelerate breakthroughs in critical technologies, including semiconductors and AI. The Biden administration has in recent years tightened export controls on high-end chip technologies to China, citing concerns that they could be used to bolster Beijing’s military capabilities and undermine the US’s leadership in AI. As geopolitical tensions persist and market conditions evolve, Nvidia’s decision to enhance its R&D footprint in Shanghai reflects a pragmatic approach to maintaining relevance and competitiveness in a market that remains central to the global tech landscape. -Taipei Times

HONG KONG: Equinix, Inc. (Nasdaq: EQIX), the world’s digital infrastructure company®, unlocks Indonesia’s burgeoning digital opportunities by inaugurating its first International Business Exchange™ (IBX®) data center in Jakarta under the joint venture with PT Astra International Tbk (“Astra”). This high-performance data center, called JK1, provides access to more than 50 global and local network service providers and internet exchanges, forming a robust ecosystem to support businesses expanding in Indonesia. With its digital economy projected to reach US$130 billion by 20251, Indonesia needs foundational digital infrastructure to bolster connectivity and support emerging technologies like AI. By leveraging Equinix’s cloud-dense and highly secure platform, businesses in Indonesia can deploy data networks and services rapidly and at scale with a global footprint and extensive digital ecosystem, Equinix is well poised to empower local and global enterprises with a robust digital foundation to grow, innovate and interconnect. Meutya Hafid, Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs (KOMDIGI), Republic of Indonesia, said: “As Equinix’s first data center in Indonesia, Equinix JK1 is expected to serve as a strategic gateway for global technology companies and startups to expand their investments. Indonesia has the advantage of sufficient water supply and competitive energy access, including the great potential of green energy, which is a key factor in the operational efficiency of data centers. The presence of Equinix JK1 also opens up opportunities for collaboration with national businesses, from large corporations to SMEs, in strengthening the globally connected digital ecosystem.” Ricky Kusmayadi, Deputy Minister for Investment Information Technology, Ministry of Investment / Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), stated: “The launch of Equinix’s first data center in Indonesia underscores our nation’s growing attractiveness for long-term digital investment. This collaboration between global and local partners supports our vision of positioning Indonesia as a regional digital hub. We invite more investors to explore opportunities in Indonesia’s data center industry and take part in building a strong, sustainable digital infrastructure. We also welcome those committed to developing a robust and inclusive data center ecosystem that brings lasting value to businesses and society at large.” Cyrus Adaggra, President of Asia-Pacific, Equinix, commented: “Southeast Asia is a strategic market for Equinix, and our global customers as demonstrated by the impressive lineup of customers already committed to JK1 at its inauguration. Over the past few years, Equinix has been dedicated to expanding our footprint across this vibrant region to serve the rising digital needs of our customers. With our inaugural data center in Indonesia, we’re thrilled to enhance our support for businesses looking to grow in the region, as well as empower local companies eager to make their mark on the global stage.” Haris Izmee, Managing Director of Equinix, Indonesia, said: “E-commerce remains Indonesia’s largest sector in the digital economy, with the industry potentially reaching US$120 billion in 2025. This growth is further accelerated by a remarkable surge in cloud adoption, driving the demand for robust connectivity and scalable, high-performance digital infrastructure. Furthermore, as the nation gears for Indonesia Emas 2045 vision, establishing itself as a key digital hub in Asia will be crucial for long-term economic transformation. The inauguration of JK1 serves as a major milestone for Equinix, and we remain committed to support Indonesia’s broader ambitions for sustained economic growth.” Santosa, Director of Astra, said: “Astra continues to focus on developing digitalization to optimize the reach and quality of digital services that can be accessed by customers and the community without limitations of place and time. The combination of Equinix’s expertise in digital infrastructure and Astra’s extensive experience in the Indonesian market is expected to make JK1, the International Business Exchange (IBX) data center, which was inaugurated today, capable of providing comprehensive solutions to meet the needs of businesses in Indonesia both locally and internationally.” Highlight/Key Facts Equinix JK1 is located in Jakarta’s Central Business District, in close proximity to major internet exchanges in the region, enabling Indonesian businesses to access the rich network of highly connected International Business Exchanges globally. JK1 is an eight-story facility that offers 550 cabinets in the first phase, with a total capacity of 1,600 cabinets and colocation space of 5,300 square meters when fully built. The facility will provide interconnection services, including Equinix Fabric® and Equinix Internet Access®, enabling businesses in Indonesia build their own ecosystems and capitalize on digital opportunities. JK1 incorporates sustainability into its design, leveraging innovative technologies such as Cooling Array and liquid cooling technology, ensuring efficient heat management for high-density and high-performance computer workloads such as AI.  JK1 is designed to achieve an average Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of 1.41 at full load. The facility will be operated efficiently within the globally accepted boundaries of the A1A standards from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). Equinix’s data center in Indonesia is 100% covered by renewables2 through the purchase of renewable energy credits (RECs). Globally, Equinix achieved 96% renewables coverage in 2024. Equinix continues to focus on decarbonizing its global operations and optimizing efficiency across its portfolio. Equinix data centers boast an industry-leading, high average uptime track record of >99.999% globally. Today, the global footprint of Platform Equinix spans 270 data centers across 75 metros and 35 countries. In Asia-Pacific, Equinix currently operates 60 data centers in 16 key metros across Australia, China*, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia and Singapore. The company also announced its market entry into the Philippines and Thailand last year. *Equinix operates five data centers in Shanghai through a strategic partnership.

Saudi Aramco, the world’s largest oil company, has signed agreements with major US companies, potentially amounting to $90 billion (RM385.74 billion). The deals were formalised through Aramco Group Co, covering collaborations across various sectors, including liquefied natural gas, fuels, chemicals, emission-reduction technologies, and artificial intelligence (AI). The agreements were announced following US President Donald Trump’s visit to Riyadh on his first official international trip since resuming office. Trump has been advocating for Gulf states to increase their investments in the United States and purchase more American goods. Among the 34 memorandums of understanding (MOUs) signed, key collaborations include one with Exxon Mobil Corp to evaluate an upgrade to the SAMREF refinery. Additionally, Aramco partnered with Amazon to advance digital transformation and lower-carbon initiatives, and with Nvidia Corp to develop AI infrastructure. This week, Aramco also revealed plans to invest $3.4 billion in its Motiva refinery in Texas, which stands as the largest fuel-making facility in the US. The series of agreements reflect Aramco’s strategy to diversify its energy portfolio and leverage advanced technologies, while also aligning with the US administration’s push for increased economic collaboration. -Bloomberg

Samsung Electronics Co. has announced its acquisition of FlaktGroup Holding GmbH, a German ventilation company, for 1.5 billion euros (approximately US$1.68 billion). This marks Samsung’s most significant takeover in nearly eight years, following its $8 billion acquisition of Harman International in 2017. The South Korean tech giant confirmed the deal with Triton, a European investment firm, to purchase a 100% stake in FlaktGroup. Headquartered in Herne, western Germany, FlaktGroup specialises in energy-efficient heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) solutions for diverse applications, including data centres, airports, museums, and commercial buildings. Roh Tae-moon, acting head of the device division at Samsung Electronics, expressed confidence in the strategic move. “Through the acquisition of FlaktGroup, an applied HVAC specialist, Samsung Electronics has laid the foundation to become a leader in the global HVAC business, offering a full range of solutions to our customers,” he said. “Our commitment is to continue investing in and developing the high-growth HVAC business as a key future growth engine.” The acquisition aligns with Samsung Electronics’ broader strategy to secure growth in emerging sectors, including HVAC, robotics, medical technology, and consumer audio. The global HVAC market is expected to expand significantly from $61 billion in 2024 to $99 billion by 2030, at an annual growth rate of 8%. This surge is driven by increased demand for energy-efficient systems and data centre solutions, propelled by the rise of generative AI, robotics, and autonomous technologies. Samsung aims to strengthen its service and maintenance offerings by integrating its building management systems with FlaktGroup’s HVAC control technologies. This combination is expected to deliver a comprehensive suite of energy management tools, enhancing Samsung’s capacity to serve a broader customer base. The acquisition builds on Samsung’s recent initiatives to expand its HVAC business, particularly in ductless systems for residential and commercial applications. In May 2024, Samsung Electronics formed a joint venture with Lennox International Inc. to strengthen its HVAC presence in North America. By acquiring FlaktGroup, Samsung Electronics takes a decisive step towards establishing itself as a global leader in HVAC solutions, positioning the company to capitalise on the sector’s robust growth and evolving technological landscape. -Yonhap