tag

 AAGE International has highlighted the importance of reliability, technical support, and lifecycle value when businesses evaluate batteries and power backup solutions for critical applications. With extensive experience in the battery industry across the Middle East, AAGE International managing director Selvakumaran Selvaraj said the true cost of a battery extends far beyond its initial purchase price. In critical environments such as hospitals, data centres, fire alarm systems, telecom networks, and industrial facilities, Selvaraj emphasised that reliable backup power is essential to maintaining business continuity. “A battery is only noticed when it stops working. That is why businesses should look beyond the initial price and consider the reliability and long-term performance of the solution,” Selvaraj pointed out. He emphasised that companies should evaluate whether a battery will perform reliably when it is needed most, whether dependable technical support is available locally, whether replacement units can be supplied quickly when required, and what the total cost of ownership will be over the battery's entire service life rather than focusing solely on the purchase price. “The cheapest battery can often become the most expensive decision,” noted Selvaraj, adding that premature failure, downtime, replacement costs, and operational disruptions can significantly increase the overall cost of a power backup system. “Price matters. Reliability matters more,” he stressed. Selvaraj added: “At AAGE International, the company's approach is built around providing dependable power backup solutions and supporting customers throughout the life of their systems. Power is a promise. And promises should never fail.” 

Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa) and Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) have officially launched the Umm Al Houl 3 primary substation to supply Qatar Free Zones authority. The milestone underscores the ongoing partnership between both entities to advance national power infrastructure and enhance energy reliability across Qatar's free zones.The newly commissioned 132/11 kV substation, with a total capacity of 80 MVA, significantly enhances grid reliability and ensures a stable and efficient power supply to support the growing energy demands of both new and existing investors in sectors such as logistics, manufacturing, and emerging technologies.Located in Al Wakra area, it also supports Qatar's wider transmission network serving major industrial and service hubs.Developed under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between QFZ and Kahramaa in 2021, the project underscores their ongoing collaboration to strengthen Qatar's investment environment through world-class, sustainable infrastructure that supports expanding business and logistics activities across the free zones.Umm Al Houl 3 Substation enhances the efficiency and stability of Qatar's electricity transmission network and expands capacity to meet future urban and industrial demand. Equipped with advanced digital systems for monitoring and control, as well as modern protection technologies, it strengthens grid reliability and reduces outages. The substation's design and operations follow the highest environmental standards, reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainability in line with Kahramaa's future-ready vision.Director of Kahramaa's Technical Affairs Sector, Ahmed Nasser al-Naser, said: "The inauguration of Umm Al Houl 3 Substation embodies Kahramaa's strategic vision to lead the electricity and water sector through innovative projects that ensure service continuity and excellence. This facility supports the needs of Qatar's growing economic and service sectors and reflects our ongoing commitment to advancing sustainable infrastructure in line with the country's national development plans."Acting Chief Zones Development at QFZ, Abdulla al-Rewaily, commented: "The inauguration of the Umm Al Houl 3 Substation is a key milestone in the ongoing development of Umm Alhoul Free Zone as a strategic base for advanced industry and maritime operations. Robust, future-ready infrastructure remains central to QFZ's mission to create a globally competitive environment where businesses can grow, innovate, and connect. Our collaboration with Kahramaa reflects the strength of national partnerships in enabling sustainable growth and advancing the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030."Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) remains focused on expanding and modernising the infrastructure that underpins its dynamic industrial ecosystem. Through ongoing collaboration with leading national partners such as Kahramaa, QFZ continues to enhance the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of the free zones' operating environment to meet the needs of existing and future investors.