Belfast-based medical tech company Axial3D has raised $18.2 million in equity funding to expand its AI-powered 3D medical imaging solutions globally. Key investors include 57 Stars, Whiterock, and Innovate UK, with 57 Stars becoming the largest shareholder through a $10 million investment.

Founded in 2015, Axial3D specializes in creating patient-specific 3D imaging for surgical planning, robotics, and custom medical devices. With a team of 60, the firm’s technology is poised to revolutionize personalized healthcare by offering scalable and precise solutions to hospitals and medical device companies.

CEO Roger Johnston emphasized the potential to impact millions of patients worldwide by making patient-specific surgery a global standard. Investors highlighted Axial3D’s role in advancing accessible and precise care solutions in the med-tech sector.

Amprion, one of Germany’s four major TSOs, has launched a tender for a 250MW decentralized grid booster project, featuring battery energy storage systems (BESS) at five substations. The project is part of Germany's Network Development Plan (NEP) 2023-2037/45, aiming to stabilize the grid, optimize power line usage, and save billions in operational costs annually.

📅 Key Dates:

Tender Opened: November 21, 2024

Submission Deadline: April 3, 2025

Contracts Awarded: Summer 2025

Operational Target: 2026

📌 Highlights:

Scope: Construction and operation of 250MW grid-supporting energy storage.

Hitachi Energy has signed contracts worth over €2 billion with Germany’s Amprion to deliver four HVDC converter stations for the V48 and V49 links, supporting Germany’s clean energy transition. These high-voltage systems, part of the Korridor B project, will transport 4 GW of renewable energy from the North Sea coast to the Ruhr region, powering 4 million people.

The converters, operating at 525 kV, are set to be operational by 2030, with potential future capacity expansion to 8 GW. This collaboration plays a vital role in Germany’s grid modernization and decarbonization efforts.

Photo Credit: Amprion

Iberdrola has signed a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Schwenk Zement to supply 1,500 GWh of certified green electricity from the 315 MW Windanker offshore wind farm in Germany. This partnership will enable Schwenk to meet approximately 20% of its electricity needs from renewable sources, marking a significant step in its sustainability efforts.

The Windanker offshore wind farm, located 38 kilometers northeast of Rügen Island in the Baltic Sea, features 21 Siemens Gamesa 15 MW turbines and is expected to connect to the grid in 2026. This collaboration reflects Schwenk’s commitment to reducing CO2 emissions and increasing the share of renewable energy in its operations.

Mercedes-Benz has introduced three groundbreaking technologies aimed at boosting efficiency, range, and sustainability in its future electric vehicles (EVs).

• SolarSkin: An ultra-thin solar paint that captures sunlight to generate energy. It could power up to 7,456 miles annually under ideal conditions, covering most daily commutes in sunny cities like Los Angeles.

• CellBalancer: A cell-level battery management system that ensures consistent 800V output, simplifies manufacturing, and allows for easier repairs and upgrades.

• InDrive Brake: A compact, motor-integrated braking system that eliminates rust, reduces weight, and cuts down on brake dust emissions.

While still in development, these innovations promise to revolutionize EV performance, sustainability, and maintenance.