Both companies have explored technological synergies. (Image source: Danfoss)

Danfoss has announced the acquisition of Palladio Compressors, marking a major expansion of its compressor portfolio, which already spans applications from light commercial comfort to large-scale process cooling, heating, and refrigeration.

Over the past two years, both companies have explored technological synergies, particularly in high-lift heat pumps. By integrating Palladio’s screw compressor technology with Danfoss’ existing solutions, the company aims to deliver more advanced and competitive high-temperature systems.

Fabio Klein, Divisional President, Danfoss Commercial Compressors, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Palladio Compressors and its talented team into the Danfoss family. This acquisition broadens our technological capabilities and reinforces our commitment to decarbonization across industries. Palladio's advanced technology complements our portfolio, enhancing our compressor solutions for industrial heat pumps and large commercial and industrial refrigeration.”

New range

The Palladio range introduces advanced screw technology to the Danfoss line-up, addressing the market gap for non-captive screw compressors. This positions Danfoss to better support customers entering new markets with compressors that use natural and low-GWP refrigerants, especially in medium energy intensity applications.

The new Danfoss Screw range will see expanded investment in research, development, production, and sales capacity, ensuring a strong global market presence. Integrating this technology alongside Danfoss’ valves, controls, heat exchangers, and sensors reinforces the company’s commitment to delivering greener, more efficient solutions worldwide.

David Candio, CEO, Palladio Compressors, commented, “Joining Danfoss is a transformative opportunity for Palladio Compressors. Together, we can leverage our combined expertise to drive innovation and expand our global reach. We are committed to providing increased options and seamless business continuity for our customers.”

Since 1 October 2025, Palladio Compressors became part of the Danfoss Commercial Compressors division. The acquisition aligns with Danfoss’ strategic growth plans, which include hiring additional R&D specialists, engineers, and technicians to support innovation and facility expansion.

Women remain underrepresented in senior leadership

A new report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) reveals that women make up 32% of full-time employees in the renewables sector, a figure that has remained unchanged since the agency’s first gender analysis in 2019.

Although the proportion is higher than in other energy industries, the findings show that meaningful progress towards gender equality in the sector has stalled.

The second edition of Renewable Energy: A Gender Perspective offers IRENA’s most comprehensive assessment yet of women’s participation in the renewable energy workforce and the barriers they continue to face.

The report warns that without stronger action to improve representation, the global energy transition risks being neither fair nor sustainable, potentially leading to labour shortages and limited diversity in leadership and decision-making.

Women remain underrepresented in senior leadership, holding only 19% of such positions. They make up 45% of administrative roles but just 28% of jobs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Representation is lowest at 22% in technical trades such as installation, machinery operation, and electrical work, which require vocational or technical training.

Gender disparity

“Advancing gender equality in the renewable energy sector depends on robust data, targeted policy interventions and active collaboration of all stakeholders. Our analysis is the only of its kind to fill this knowledge gap. Unfortunately, despite performing better than in fossil fuel industries, little progress has been made. The sector still has a lot of work to do. To realise the energy transition’s full potential, women must be recognised as equal partners and leaders in shaping the renewables-based future,” said IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera.

Systemic barriers continue to hinder women’s advancement at every career stage, from gender bias and cultural stereotypes to the challenge of balancing professional and caregiving responsibilities. Discriminatory practices and glass ceilings further limit their access to leadership roles.

In non-governmental organisations focused on off-grid and community-based projects, women represent around 35% of employees, suggesting significant potential for expanding their leadership and influence in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of universal energy access.

The study also identifies disparities between organisational types: women make up only 25% of the workforce in private enterprises compared with 48% in NGOs and 37% in government or non-commercial institutions.

The report calls for coordinated action across all levels. Governments should enforce non-discrimination laws, ensure equal pay, and integrate gender equality into climate and energy policies. Employers are urged to adopt flexible work arrangements, transparent recruitment, mentorship programmes, and safe workplaces. Educational institutions, trade unions, and civil society must also help dismantle stereotypes, expand opportunities, and promote accountability.

Thomas Loffler, senior vice president – ADIPEC, dmg events and Abdulmunim Al Kindy, chairman, ADIPEC 2025. (Image source: dmg events)

Global leaders will convene in Abu Dhabi for ADIPEC 2025 to shape the transformation of energy systems under the theme ‘Energy. Intelligence. Impact.’

Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and hosted by ADNOC, ADIPEC 2025 will be held at the ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi from 3-6 November. Against the backdrop of surging artificial intelligence (AI) energy demands, new economic powerhouses and a global transformation of energy systems, the event will provide a forum to deliver the solutions that will power the future. Foremost international energy, tech and investment CEOs and government ministers from around the globe will be among the 1,800+ speakers leading discussions on buidling resilience, scaling innovation and unlocking the huge opportunity of the energy transformation.

Bringing together more than 205,000 attendees from 172 countries ADIPEC 2025 will span 17 halls – featuring 30 country pavilions, four specialised industry areas, and 2,250 exhibitors – creating a nexus for cross-sector collaboration.

Participating government ministers include His Excellency Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy, UAE; His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Minister of Energy, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Doug Burgum, Secretary of the Interior, United States of America; His Excellency Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi, Minister of State for Energy Affairs, Qatar; and His Excellency Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer, Federal Minister for Economy, Energy and Tourism, Austria.

ADIPEC Exhibition: showcasing Abu Dhabi's AI leadership

The exhibition will bring together the entire energy ecosystem – from producers, policymakers and technology pioneers to investors, innovators and industrial consumers. 

The expanded AI Zone will position Abu Dhabi as the epicentre of the global AI-energy nexus, with a live showcase of how AI is transforming energy systems, enabling smarter infrastructure, and driving sustainable progress at scale.

New for 2025 is the Low Carbon & Chemicals Expo, reflecting Abu Dhabi’s leadership in pioneering low-carbon innovation and showcasing breakthrough advances in hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, carbon capture, energy storage, chemicals and clean energy.

Abdulmunim Al Kindy, chairman, ADIPEC 2025, said, “Meeting the world’s growing demand for energy requires an intelligent and pragmatic approach that embraces all viable sources and technologies, to drive long-term socioeconomic growth. ADIPEC 2025 will convene the AI-energy nexus to unlock the solutions, partnerships and investments needed to build a sector that is resilient, inclusive and equipped for the next era of progress.

Enhanced conference programme

In 2025, ADIPEC will present an enhanced conference programme with two streams – the Strategic Conference and the Technical Conference – featuring more than 380 sessions. The Strategic Conference will bring together the world’s most influential leaders, policymakers and innovators across 10 programmes to address the sector’s most pressing challenges, foster meaningful dialogue and incentivise cross-sector collaboration. It will introduce five new focus areas – Emerging Economies, Natural Gas & LNG, Downstream & Chemical, Diversity, Leadership & Development, and AI & Digitalisation.

The Technical Conference, chaired by Haitham Al Jenaibi, SVP Gas and Growth in Upstream at ADNOC, remains the world’s largest of its kind. Organised under two programmes – the Technical Conference by SPE and the Downstream Technical Conference by ADIPEC – it will feature more than 1,100 experts.

Thomas Loffler, senior vice president – ADIPEC, dmg events, said, “ADIPEC 2025 is more than a gathering – it’s where ambition becomes action and ideas become measurable impact. In today’s complex world, progress depends on harnessing all technologies – from artificial intelligence to advanced low-carbon solutions – and uniting every part of the energy ecosystem. By bringing together diverse perspectives from across geographies and industries, ADIPEC will help shape a resilient, inclusive and high-growth future where energy security and sustainability advance together.”

Kent’s responsibilities include verifying engineering design compliance with international standards

Kent has been appointed by ACWA Power as Owner’s Engineer for the Yanbu Green Hydrogen Hub, a major green hydrogen and ammonia export facility in Saudi Arabia.

The project, set to become one of the world’s largest, forms a key part of the Kingdom’s clean energy strategy under Vision 2030.

Located in Yanbu on the Red Sea, the hub will integrate the full green hydrogen value chain, including renewable power generation, desalination plants, ammonia production lines, and an export terminal.

Once operational, it will produce up to 400,000 tonnes of renewable hydrogen annually, converted into more than 2.2 million tonnes of green ammonia for global markets. With over 4 gigawatts of electrolysis capacity planned, the facility will be nearly double the size of the NEOM Green Hydrogen Project.

In its role, Kent will act as ACWA Power’s technical representative during the front-end engineering design (FEED) phase, carried out through a Joint Venture between Técnicas Reunidas and Sinopec. The company will provide independent oversight to ensure the project is safe, efficient, and technically robust.

Kent’s responsibilities include verifying engineering design compliance with international standards, reviewing safety and constructability, managing technical interfaces across workstreams, and advising on risk and design optimisation. The team will also support ACWA Power in preparing for the transition to the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) phase.

Kent’s appointment strengthens its growing portfolio of energy transition projects in the Middle East and highlights its commitment to advancing decarbonised energy systems globally.