Zenas BioPharma Submits Investigational New Drug Application in China for ZB001 for the Treatment of Thyroid Eye Disease

WALTHAM, Mass. and SHANGHAI, China, May 15, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Zenas BioPharma, a global biopharmaceutical company committed to becoming a leader in the development and commercialization of immune-based therapies for patients in need around the world, today announced the submission of an investigational new drug (IND) application to the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for the initiation of a Phase 1/2 clinical study of ZB001 for the treatment of Thyroid Eye Disease (TED). This study is designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary efficacy of ZB001.

“The ZB001 IND submission to the NMPA marks a significant milestone for Zenas,” said Hua Mu, MD, PhD, Chief Executive Officer at Zenas. “There are currently no approved therapies for TED patients in China. Treatment options are limited and often involve high doses of steroids associated with serious side effects or surgical intervention. ZB001 has the potential to change the treatment paradigm for TED patients in China.”

ZB001 is a differentiated humanized monoclonal antibody targeting insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) for the treatment of TED. TED is a debilitating autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and fibrosis within the orbit of the eye, which can cause double vision, pain, and potential blindness. Patients with severe disease often require multiple remedial surgeries to the orbit, eye muscles and eyelids.

Zenas BioPharma licensed the exclusive rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize ZB001 (Viridian VRDN-001) and other compounds targeting IGF-1R in non-oncology indications in the greater area of China from Viridian Therapeutics, Inc. (Viridian) in October 2020. In October 2021, Viridian submitted an IND for VRDN-001 to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and in December 2021 initiated a Phase 1/2 clinical trial to evaluate proof of concept in TED patients in North America.

About Zenas BioPharma

Zenas BioPharma is a global biopharmaceutical company based in the USA and China committed to becoming a leader in the development and commercialization of immune-based therapies for patients in the US, China and around the world. Zenas is rapidly advancing a deep pipeline of innovative therapeutics that continues to grow through our successful business development strategy. Our experienced leadership team and network of business partners drive operational excellence to deliver potentially transformative therapies to improve the lives of those facing autoimmune and rare diseases. For more information about Zenas BioPharma, please visit www.zenasbio.com and follow us on Twitter at @ZenasBioPharma and LinkedIn.

Investor and Media Contact:
Joe Farmer
Zenas BioPharma
IR@zenasbio.com

International Day of Families, Angel Yeast encourages households to bake at home.

YICHANG, China, May 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Angel Yeast (en.angelyeast.com, SH600298), a listed global yeast and yeast extract manufacturer, announced on International Day of Families on May 15 that it will continue its longstanding commitment to support and promote a healthy lifestyle for families around the world. Offering a wide range of yeast products, the company aims to inspire and encourage urban households to bake and cook more at home.

International Day of Families, Angel Yeast encourages households to bake at home.

As one of the missions of International Day of Families is to raise awareness regarding the well-being of families, Angel Yeast hopes to start with gastronomy to create discussions globally on how to lead a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle, according to Xishan Wang, deputy general manager at Angel Yeast.

“In recent years we’ve seen a decrease in home baking as busy modern life and the digital era has created more dining options. Young people especially are unwilling to cook so it raises concerns about food safety, nutrition, pollution from plastic packaging, as well as a lack of bonding and family vibe,” said Wang.

Angel Yeast has been taking a leading role in the family consumption of yeast products in China. It has gradually become a major supplier for the global market. Angel Yeast products are used in the making of bread, naan, baozi (steamed stuffed bun), and many other pasties by millions of families throughout the world.

To help and encourage people to do it themselves, Angel Yeast has printed QR codes on some product packages, which allow people to watch an educational cooking video. There is also a range of food DIY training programs for families organized by Angel Yeast around the world all aiming to create opportunities for families to spend more time together.

In addition, Angel Yeast has stepped up efforts in product innovation to offer more options for nutritious diets for families. Product lines include:

  • Bakery products: Angel Yeast has developed a range of safe, nutritious bread and cake mixes. Additionally, its aluminum-free raising agents have been used widely in China.
  • YE (Yeast Extract) flavoring: YE is a natural flavoring that can add more flavors and reduce the use of salts. With efforts from Angel Yeast, 90% of salt-reduced soy sauce in China adds YE to its ingredients.
  • Health care products: Yeast contains nutritious substances for human beings. Angel Yeast has innovated yeast protein technology to produce health care, medical and cosmetic products.
  • Homebrewing and distilling: Another key product line of Angel Yeast is yeast products for home brewing and distilling of beer, wine, and baijiu(rice liquor).

About Angel Yeast

Founded in 1986, Angel Yeast Co., Ltd specializes in the production of yeast and yeast derivatives. Its product range includes baker’s yeast and ingredients, Chinese dim sum and seasoning, savory yeast extract, human health, animal nutrition, plant nutrition, distilled spirits and biofuels, fermentation nutrients, and enzymes. At present, Angel Yeast has 12 international advanced production bases in China, Egypt, and Russia, and provides products and services for more than 160 countries and regions globally.

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International CBI Units Put Extra Focus on Due Diligence Processes Amid Global Risks: CS Global Partners

London, May 13, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Financial Times’ Private Wealth Management (PWM) magazine has hosted a virtual panel discussion on the impact of global risks on countries with Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programmes.

As part of its PWM Perspectives series, the four-part panel discussion shares the views and insights of notable experts from major due diligence investigation agencies including Karen Kelly, director of strategy and development at Exiger; Eddy Leviton, chief operating officer at Fact WorldWide and Heyrick Bond Gunning, chief operating officer at S-RM.

In the last instalment, the panel moderated by Yuri Bender, editor in chief of Professional Wealth Management magazine, discusses how international CBI units are putting extra focus on due diligence processes amid global risks.

Global political risks are unfortunately a reality for many people across the world and investors across a number of jurisdictions are constantly looking for ways to distance themselves from restrictive regimes. This means that suitable safeguards need to be in place to ensure that the verification of applicants from territories deemed to be of higher risk which poses potential difficulties is of the strictest measures.

In response to this, Karen Kelly, director of strategy and development at Exiger says “Any risk needs to be viewed in context – whether its political exposure or jurisdictional risk. Each CBI country has their own risk appetite or threshold.”

“Intelligence agencies are not there to make decisions on behalf of countries as to who should or should not be approved but rather, they provide client countries with the facts and information needed to arm the CBI Units with the details they need to say this person is above or below the risk threshold we have for acceptance. It is important to also keep in mind that CBI Units will also consider the information they get from other sources such as law enforcement agencies.”

In response to Yuri Bender’s question of whether it is necessary to apply a deeper and enhanced due diligence process on high-risk applicants and a lighter version for others, Eddy Leviton, chief operating officer at Fact WorldWide says “We carry out the same stringent levels of investigations and checks for all applicants and dependents. We do not discriminate because when we get an application, we do not know whether that applicant will be high risk or low risk – whether they declare that they are wealthy or if they have managed to scrape enough money to purchase alternative citizenship, we apply the same verification and due diligence process to all applicants. We provide a risk profile to the client to enable them to make the ultimate decision.”

There is never a scenario where a ‘lighter’ version would be applied to an applicant when it comes to due diligence. All applicants undergo the same level of scrutiny, and should an applicant be flagged as high risk, additional due diligence will be applied.

A multi-layered due diligence system is an essential element of any successful CBI programme, as it combines internal government checks with research by specialist third-party due diligence firms and assessments by regional and international bodies. The rigour put around due diligence ensures that individuals of only the highest integrity are successful.

The Caribbean has been under immense pressure over the last few years – with deadly hurricanes increasing in number and tourism decreasing due to the pandemic. This has led some to believe that these jurisdictions sometimes ignore red flags instituted by pan-regional anti-crime bodies because they badly need the money.

Heyrick Bond Gunning, chief operating officer at S-RM says that these Caribbean nations are taking a “longer-term view in terms of the integrity of their programmes.”

“Caribbean nations have realised how vital CBI funds are to their economies and maintaining the integrity of the programmes is essential for the entire region. There’s no point in having a quick win if it will jeopardise their status, which could result in the banks not wanting to do business with them meaning the programmes fall over straight away anyway.

“Caribbean nations are working very hard to fix mistakes made in the past as they are acutely aware of the scrutiny they are under at the moment, and therefore we have not seen any problematic individuals being accepted into these programmes recently.”

When responding to how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the CBI industry and the due diligence which enables its functioning, Gunning adds, “There has been a huge reliance on tourism which has really dropped away over the last couple of years and that has certainly put a lot more pressure on the units.

“It’s important to note that the units have become a lot more focused on their processes and how they run themselves to become as efficient as possible so that they can ensure that they are making the most of opportunities in terms of the applicants presenting themselves, within that there hasn’t been a compromise on the due diligence as they understand how important a part it plays and they want to be able to hold their hands up and say ‘we have external third parties auditing all our applicants at least twice but usually three or four times when you bring in to play the security agencies or Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) to ensure that there isn’t a compromise on due diligence.”

Proper due diligence practices show a nation’s commitment to ensuring that its programme remains transparent and effective at evaluating potential candidates for citizenship. It is, therefore, a measure of that programme’s integrity.

Increasingly, strict anti-terrorism and anti-money laundering legislation has prompted some governments to exclude applicants of certain nationalities from their programmes or to restrict funds transferred from certain jurisdictions, in order to ensure compliance with international sanctions.

A multi-layered due diligence system, rooted in law and subject to procedural rules and policies, is an essential element of any successful CBI programme, as it combines internal government checks with research by specialist third-party due diligence firms, and assessments by regional and international bodies. Failures in due diligence harm the reputation of a host country and its programme, and these failures often have widespread consequences for the entire industry.

Funds from CBI programmes often provide a vital source of income for some countries, especially in times of crisis – as is often the case for Caribbean countries devastated by hurricanes – these countries value the investment that goes into their economies as it allows them to be economically self-sustainable.

“Caribbean nations are some of the most transparent in terms of reporting on their due diligence processes which has positively impacted their brand and reputation in the international market,” adds Paul Singh, director at CS Global Partners – an international government marketing agency.

“We have been doing ongoing work to help countries realise the importance of protecting and enhancing not only their reputation in the international community but also ensuring that their citizens and applicants know that they are investing in reputable and trusted brands for their businesses and families.”

Professional Wealth Management, from the FT Group, is the premier resource for private banking and mutual fund coverage in Europe, Asia and beyond.

Watch the full four-episode PWM Perspectives series on due diligence here.

Thembi Saleshando
CS Global Partners
+44 (0) 207 318 4343
Thembi.Saleshando@csglobalpartners.com

Zoom Drives Contact Center Expansion with Acquisition of Solvvy

Solvvy Offers Advanced Conversational AI and Automation Capabilities to Accelerate Zoom’s Delivery of Personalized, Effortless Customer Experiences

SAN JOSE, Calif. and BURLINGAME, Calif., May 12, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Zoom Video Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZM) today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Solvvy, a leading conversational AI and automation platform for customer support. Together, Zoom and Solvvy will offer elevated customer service experiences to a global enterprise base and work quickly to capitalize on new opportunities in contact center and customer support.

The recently launched Zoom Contact Center is the first omnichannel contact center platform optimized for video with a robust suite of channels, such as video, voice, SMS, and webchat, in a single, user-friendly experience. Adding Solvvy’s proprietary technology will broaden Zoom Contact Center’s offering with scalable self-service and conversational AI. With Solvvy, Zoom Contact Center customers will benefit from an automated, integrated, and easy-to-deploy contact center that helps answer end-customers’ questions and solve issues faster, improves the overall customer experience, and drives operational savings.

“The nature of customer experience is transforming fundamentally, as enterprises increasingly need to deliver exceptional, personalized, and effortless customer experiences. Solvvy understands this shift and is the ideal platform to enhance our Zoom Contact Center offering,” said Velchamy Sankarlingam, President of Product and Engineering at Zoom. “Solvvy’s differentiated AI and machine learning technology, deeply talented team, and an easy-to-deploy solution will help accelerate our roadmap to creating a concierge-level experience for customers worldwide. Together, we are excited to help businesses of all sizes improve their customer retention, increase operating efficiency, and set new standards for customer service and satisfaction.”

“Zoom is poised to redefine the contact center category with its unique combination of unified communication and customer experience. We could not be more excited to join forces and further scale our unique conversational AI offering,” said Mahesh Ram, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Solvvy. “Zoom’s Contact Center brings the same level of scalability, simplicity, and respect for the end-user, making Zoom the premier communications platform for businesses worldwide. When combined with our modern tech stack, talented team, and AI expertise, we believe we can fundamentally transform the customer experience. The benefits of Zoom’s deep technical expertise, industry-leading platform, and global reach will further scale the impact we have on our customers and serve new ones.”

Zoom Contact Center was born in the cloud and built for scale to support businesses of all types and sizes. More information about Zoom Contact Center can be found on the Zoom blog.

Following the close of the transaction, Zoom will incorporate and expand Solvvy’s capabilities across its Zoom Contact Center platform. Solvvy Founding CEO Mahesh Ram and Co-Founder & CTO Justin Betteridge will be instrumental in driving the combined Advanced Conversational AI and Automation product vision and innovation strategy.

The transaction is expected to close in Q2 FY2023. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

About Zoom

Zoom is for you. Zoom is a space where you can connect to others, share ideas, make plans, and build toward a future limited only by your imagination. Our frictionless communications platform is the only one that started with video as its foundation, and we have set the standard for innovation ever since. That is why we are an intuitive, scalable, and secure choice for individuals, small businesses, and large enterprises alike. Founded in 2011, Zoom is publicly traded (NASDAQ: ZM) and headquartered in San Jose, California. Visit zoom.com and follow @zoom.

About Solvvy

Solvvy is the leading Conversational AI platform for customer support. Solvvy enables fast, personalized resolutions for customers, improves agent productivity, and uncovers valuable insights that empower support leaders and their teams. Our intelligent chatbot and automations have powered over a billion conversations for top brands such as HelloFresh, Vimeo, Under Armour, Stash, and Zwift, improving customer and agent experiences and driving massive operational savings. Solvvy has been recognized as a Gartner Cool Vendor and is a G2 Momentum Leader and Top Software 2022 award winner.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking information related to Zoom and Solvvy and the acquisition of Solvvy by Zoom that involves substantial risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Forward-looking statements in this communication include, among other things, statements regarding the potential benefits of the proposed transaction for Zoom, Solvvy and their respective customers, Zoom’s plans, objectives, expectations and intentions with respect to the proposed transaction, the size of the opportunity for Zoom in contact centers, the financial condition, results of operations and business of Zoom, and the anticipated closing of the proposed transaction. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “project,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “can,” “predict,” “potential,” “target,” “explore,” “continue,” or the negative of these terms, and similar expressions intended to identify forward-looking statements. By their nature, these statements are subject to numerous uncertainties and risks, including factors beyond our control, that could cause actual results, performance or achievement to differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied in the statements, including: risks related to the ability of Zoom to consummate the proposed transaction on a timely basis or at all, Zoom’s ability to successfully integrate Solvvy’s operations and personnel, Zoom’s ability to implement its plan, forecasts and other expectations with respect to Solvvy’s business after the completion of the transaction, the ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the proposed transaction, and continued uncertainty regarding the extent and duration of the impact of COVID-19 and the responses of government and private industry thereto, including the potential effect on Zoom’s user growth rate as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic tapers. Additional risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements described under the caption “Risk Factors” and elsewhere are in Zoom’s most recent filings with the SEC, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2022. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date the statements are made and are based on information available to Zoom at the time those statements are made and/or management’s good faith belief as of that time with respect to future events. Zoom assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date they were made, except as required by law.

Zoom Public Relations
Colleen Rodriguez
Head of Global PR
press@zoom.us

Solvvy Public Relations
Kristin Hege
kristin@conveycommsagency.com

Huawei Hosts Global Rail Summit 2022 in Bangkok

BANGKOK, May 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — The Huawei Global Rail Summit 2022 brought together industry leaders, major stakeholders, key customers, and authoritative organizations to discuss the future of the rail industry in the Asia Pacific region. The Summit looks to invigorate the digital transformation of rail enterprises in the region and globally. Huawei uses the latest ICTs to help cities in Southeast Asia upgrade their infrastructure, creating new momentum for urban development and a digital APAC.

A satellite event to the long-standing Asia Pacific Rail 2022, the Summit was themed Driving Digitalization in Future Rail to Create New Value Together. Asia Pacific Rail is a long-standing event in the region, which has brought together over 25,000 industry leaders over the past 23 years. Huawei also hosted a booth at the event, showcasing some of the company’s cutting-edge portfolio of rail industry solutions.

“As a leading global ICT solution provider, Huawei proposes smart railway and urban rail solutions with a full-service architecture based on diversified connectivity and unified digital platform, enabling rail digitalization and business intelligence.” said Aaron Wang, Huawei’s Senior Vice President for the Asia Pacific Enterprise Business Group.

“We are seeing a rapid increase in the digitalization of rail transport. Both railways and urban rails are shifting away from station-specific systems to using rail cloud infrastructure to interconnect services. There is also a push toward smarter, more integrated systems. We foresee these being rolled out on a large scale in the near future, which is why Huawei is already designing and launching intelligent, comprehensive solutions for the industry,” said Xiang Xi, Vice President of the Huawei Global Transportation Business Unit.

The Huawei Global Rail Summit 2022 followed a packed agenda on innovation, digitalization, and future-proof rail transport.

Li Zhonghao, Director of the China Association of Metros, shared China’s experience in the digital transformation of metro systems. The State Railway of Thailand and CRSC International looked at strategies to reshape connectivity, deploy innovative ICTs, and build robust communication infrastructure for railways.

The Huawei Global Rail Summit also saw the launch of the Future Railway Mobile Communications System (FRMCS) White Paper. Fresh off the press, the paper discusses the latest trends and innovative practices in mobile communications systems for railways and metro systems. Aimed at decision-makers and industry leaders, it sums up some of the most prominent technologies in the field today as well as sharing best practices on deploying top-of-the-line communications solutions.

In addition, Huawei also shared several best practices and showcased its solutions at a booth at the Asia Pacific Rail 2022. One of the highlights was the Urban Rail Wi-Fi 6 Vehicle-to-Ground Communication Network Solution. The solution enables near-real-time data transmission for rail transport. This vehicle-to-ground communication network is a whole new way for trains to share data, ensure safety, and promote efficiency. Trains can communicate with stations and command centers even when traveling at high-speeds, nearly eliminating information transmission delays.

The Summit demonstrated the industry’s consensus on the need to go digital, and to do so quickly. Huawei looks forward to continued cooperation with industry customers and ecosystem partners. Huawei delivers innovative digital infrastructure to help the rail transport industries in the Asia Pacific region and around the world go digital. The company’s low-carbon, smart rail solutions offer improved safety, efficiency, and experience, boosting urban development and creating new value for the industry to create digital city together.

For Huawei FRMCS white paper download:https://e.huawei.com/en/material/wireless/ab9bbc5ad15144bca82e16c6059d823d

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1816685/image_986294_34652236.jpg

HIF Global launches eFuels company in Germany

Armin Schnettler and Thorsten Herdan to lead eFuels expansion in the EMEA region

BERLIN and HOUSTON and SANTIAGO, Chile, May 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — HIF Global, the world’s leading eFuels company, continues its global expansion with the launch of HIF Europe, Middle East and Africa (“HIF EMEA”) headquartered in Berlin, Germany, with Armin Schnettler named as President and Thorsten Herdan as CEO of HIF EMEA.

HIF EMEA will anchor eFuels from HIF Global’s production facilities worldwide to the EMEA region beginning with the operations of the Haru Oni facility in late 2022 in Magallanes, Chile. Furthermore, HIF EMEA will develop eFuel projects in the region for the region.

César Norton, President and CEO of HIF Global said, “We are building a global presence and elite team to fight climate change and accelerate decarbonization. HIF EMEA, under the leadership of Armin Schnettler and Thorsten Herdan, will focus on providing carbon-neutral electricity-based fuels, also known as eFuels, to the EMEA region to speed up decarbonization and improve the security of energy supply.”

Armin Schnettler, President of HIF EMEA, explained, “We need many solutions to support the growing demand for energy worldwide in ways that reduce carbon emissions. When utilizing eFuels, which are produced from renewable electricity, hydrogen, and recycled CO2, we can further decarbonize the transport sector and significantly accelerate the hydrogen economy today in a way that is sustainable, competitive, and secure.”

“Innovative energy solutions and diversification are the heartbeat of the global economy and society. At HIF EMEA, we are preparing for deliveries of eFuels to Europe later in 2022, following the inauguration of the Haru Oni facility under construction today in Magallanes, Chile. The expansion of eFuels into European, Middle Eastern and African markets will bring renewable energy to millions of existing vehicles, ships and airplanes, without any modification to required infrastructure,” said Thorsten Herdan, CEO HIF EMEA.

About HIF EMEA team
Armin Schnettler has more than 30 years of experience in electrical power, energy transition and the hydrogen economy. He has broad industrial experience, including senior management positions at ABB, Siemens, and Siemens Energy. Armin also spent more than 18 years as a research director at RWTH Aachen University, Germany. Armin holds a Dr.-Ing. degree and a professorship in Electrical Engineering.

Thorsten Herdan has a broad experience in industry as well as government business, including senior management positions at industry associations, research associations and renewable foundations. As former Director General Energy in the German Ministry of Economy and Energy and current Chairman of the supervisory board of the first German state-owned fund, Thorsten combines financial experience from an industry, government, and asset management perspective. He holds a Dipl.Ing. Degree Mechanical Engineering from the RWTH University of Aachen.

About HIF Global
HIF Global is the world leading eFuels company, developing projects to convert hydrogen made using low-cost renewable power into carbon neutral liquid eFuels that can be transported and utilized in existing infrastructure. The name HIF represents the mission of the company: to provide Highly Innovative Fuels to make decarbonization of the planet possible. HIF Chile, HIF USA, HIF Australia, and HIF EMEA are wholly owned subsidiaries of HIF Global. HIF Chile is currently constructing the Haru Oni Demonstration Plant in Magallanes, Chile. For more information, visit www.hifglobal.com.

CAUTIONARY INFORMATION ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Information in this press release includes various statements that are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws. All statements other than statements of historical fact are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. Words such as “can,” “expect,” potential,” “to be,” “will,” and similar expressions are used to identify forward-looking statements and convey the uncertainty of future events or outcomes. Forward-looking statements in this press release relate to, among other things, our expectations of our plans, strategies, and objectives, including with respect to the timing and other aspects of the HIF Haru Oni Demonstration Plant. Such statements are based on management’s current expectations and assumptions and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements include (without limitation): our ability to timely obtain or maintain necessary permits to construct and develop the HIF Haru Oni Demonstration Plant; our ability to execute operational objectives on a timely and successful basis; legislative, policy, fiscal and regulatory developments; the outcome of commercial negotiations; our ability to raise financing; consumer preferences or demand; and various economic, business, and competitive factors affecting our business. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this paragraph. HIF Global urges you to carefully review and consider the cautionary statements made in this press release and cautions you not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. HIF Global undertakes no obligation (and expressly disclaims any such obligation) to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Huawei Collaborates with Global Partners and Customers to Build a Low Carbon Society at Intersolar Europe 2022

MUNICH, May 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — At Intersolar Europe 2022, held at Messe München, Germany, Huawei shared its commitment to collaborating with partners and customers and empowering them with innovative FusionSolar Smart PV solutions for a better, greener, and smarter future. Under the theme of “Building a low-carbon smart society”, Huawei invited its global clients and partners to experience the progress and potential of solar power at its exhibition booth. Huawei demonstrated how it combines solar with storage and intelligence to accelerate the deployment of solar power as mainstream energy and enable industries and households to benefit from green electricity.

Intersolar Europe 2022 Huawei Booth

I. FusionSolar Smart PV Solution 6.0+: Safe, Reliable, and with Higher Yields

Huawei’s FusionSolar Smart PV Solution features the Smart String Inverter and has been widely recognized by customers for its delivery of clean solar power by integrating digital and power electronics technologies while promoting the digital and intelligent development of the PV industry.

A. Ensure Safety and Reliability for Power Plants

With increasing power in modules and inverters, safety on the direct current (DC) side has become a challenge for PV plants. After over two years of R&D efforts, Huawei launched the exclusive Smart String-Level Disconnector Technology (SSLD-TECH), achieving active DC disconnection and precise string-level disconnection. Based on an all-scenario design approach with high precision and fast response, SSLD-TECH accurately identifies and reliably cuts off common DC system faults. It can break reverse string connection/reverse current flow and inverter short circuit.

In terms of reliability, according to a report issued by TÜV in March 2022, Huawei’s Smart PV Solution has achieved a 99.999% availability based on the operation data of the 2.2 GW project in Qinghai, China. With durable modules and smart O&M, the world’s largest power plants can run smoothly and efficiently.

Intersolar Europe 2022 Huawei Booth

B. Grid Forming

Developed by Huawei, the intelligent grid connection algorithm enables a PV system to be adapted to various grid scenarios. Specifically, it enables excellent performance in terms of frequency and voltage in a weak grid environment and comprehensively improves PV power plants’ voltage and power control capabilities. When the value of SCR is as low as 1.2, the intelligent grid connection algorithm ensures that the inverter runs at full power without derating and successfully passes through high and low voltage continuously. This supports the stability of the power grid and addresses the global issue of large-scale grid-connected consumption of new energy.

In terms of power grid support, Huawei’s Smart PV & Storage Solution can be used to build a voltage source power station, which is compatible with the power grid. This verified that Grid Forming technology can increase the proportion of new energy access this year, based on the integration of optical storage.

The Grid Forming technology completes technical verification in a weak grid environment, further accelerating PV power generation from “Grid Supporting” to “Grid Forming”, and advancing solar power to become a main energy source.

C.  Increase Power Generation and Make Optimal Investment

Huawei string inverters use multi-channel maximum power point tracking (MPPT) that solves the problem of string mismatch, and the Smart DC System (SDS) to achieve more than 1% increase in power generation through the integration of AI algorithms. In Guangxi, China, the solution increases power generation by 1.69%. Huawei cooperates with more than 10 brands of tracking solar panels to provide users with a better experience. Real-time data from multiple global projects shows that Huawei’s smart PV solutions can significantly increase power generation and help customers shorten their investment payback period.

D. Smart O&M

Smart I-V Curve Diagnosis 4.0 has revolutionized traditional operation and maintenance methods. It is like a “CT scan” offering a complete online full-scale inspection of 100 MW power plants in 20 minutes, and automatically generating diagnosis reports. It can also scan regularly within flexible times, providing a better user experience. In addition, it supports 14 types of fault diagnosis, with a converge rate of more than 80% of main faults. The key indicators of IV detection, the recognition rate, accuracy rate, and recurrence rate are all greater than 90%. This meets the industry’s highest level of CGC appraisal IV classification certification Level 4. In a real-life application, it helped the 30 MW project of a Malaysian customer save 2,000 hours of workload every year.

 II. Smart String ESS: FusionSolar for Optimal Levelized Cost of Energy Storage (LCOS)

Energy storage plays an important role in electricity generation, transmission, distribution, and consumption within the clean energy system. An Energy Storage Solution (ESS) serves as a power reserve and a grid regulator and stabilizers simultaneously, providing valuable resources for peak shaving and frequency regulation.

Intersolar Europe 2022 Huawei Booth

Due to cell mismatch, conventional energy storage solutions are characterized by limited capacity, short service life, complex O&M, and significant safety risk, inhibiting their widespread application. With over ten years of R&D experience in ESS, Huawei integrates digital, power electronics and energy storage technologies in a unique smart string structure to overcome the limitations of lithium batteries. Suitable for peak shaving and frequency regulation, Huawei’s Smart String ESS delivers a flexible and cost-effective solution with higher profit potential.

A. Optimal Investment

Huawei adopts four innovations to boost energy throughput in battery charging and discharging, offering a solution to cell mismatch.

  • The pack-level optimization of Smart String ESS enables independent charging and discharging of cells to prevent mismatch loss.
  • Rack-level optimization improves energy throughput by 15% or reduces the initial configurations by 15% at the same energy throughput by eliminating the risks of circulating currents.
  • With distributed cooling, temperature difference in the container can be controlled within 3°C at a 0.5 C-rate, which extends the battery life by 50%.
  • The all-modular design, efficient and reliable, cuts the levelized cost of energy storage (LCOS) by 20% and generates more revenue.

B.  Simplified O&M

The problem of cell mismatch is intensified during the operation of a PV plant, which requires routine shutdowns for the manual calibration of battery state of charge (SOC). Through Huawei’s exclusive pack-level optimization, automatic SOC calibration is carried out without the need to pause operations. The easy replacement of faulty modules eliminates the need for onsite visits by experts, significantly reducing O&M costs. Pre-installed with battery cells, each container weighs less than 30 tons, making it easy to transport the container.

C. Safety and Reliability

Focusing on the end-to-end safety design, Huawei has implemented four-layer active shutdown and two-level passive isolation of ESS protection ensure all-around system safety.

In response to different business models, Huawei’s Smart String ESS can be deployed flexibly to create value for customers. Huawei energy storage solution achieves the streamlined management of battery discharging with the Smart Rack Controller, ensuring longer, constant power output which is critical to frequency regulation. At the same time, Huawei’s automatic SOC calibration and high availability address the industry challenges for ESS in frequency regulation scenarios, such as high SOC balance frequency and component failures, reducing operating expenses for customers. For peak shaving, the Pack Optimizer and the Smart Rack Controller increase power output by 15% during the life cycle, generating higher revenues for customers.

 III. Commercial & Industrial Smart PV Solution 2.0: FusionSolar for a Sustainable Business

With increasing demand from enterprises to reduce electricity costs and carbon emissions, Huawei launched the 1+3 C&I Smart PV Solution 2.0, including an all-new three-phase inverter (SUN2000-50KTL-M3), a Smart String ESS (LUNA2000-200KWH-2H0), which can be coupled with the 100kW power conditioning system (PCS), and a smart PV optimizer (MERC-1100W/1300W-P). The C&I Smart PV Solution will help industries move into a low-carbon era with optimized electricity costs, active safety, and smart O&M for an enhanced experience.

Intersolar Europe 2022 Huawei Booth

The electricity consumption of enterprises usually peaks in the daytime, and the consumption curve is comparatively consistent with the PV curve. Electricity costs can be significantly reduced by using PV power for self-consumption and selling the remaining power to the grid at feed-in tariff rates. The installation of an ESS further boosts the self-consumption rate to more than 80%, and by taking advantage of critical peak pricing, the production costs can be lowered. These solutions can help customers build a low-carbon environment with improved competitiveness for green development.

A.  Optimal Electricity Cost: As seen from case study comparisons, Huawei’s C&I Smart PV Solution can increase power generation by more than 2% under the same conditions. To address shading issues commonly faced by the C&I sector, Huawei has launched the latest MERC-1100W/1300W-P optimizer, increasing installation volume by up to 30%. When the system capacity is elevated from 175kW to 200kW, 15% increase in installation volume can contribute 25,000 kWh of additional electricity. Thanks to its pack-level optimization, Smart String ESS improves energy throughput by 2%-5% during the service life, which further reduces the electricity cost.

B. Active Safety: The inverter is equipped with an AI-powered arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI), which received the highest Level 4 certification from the CGC, to ensure safety for customers. The AFCI can detect arc fault locations in modules and distinguish noises from electric arcs, effectively eliminating false alarms and omissions. The combination of the leading SSLD-TECH and the AFCI provides dual protection for the system with precise DC fault detection and emergency disconnection. The four layers of ESS protection can prevent safety hazards, system faults and potential failures, drastically improving the system’s safety.

C. Smart O&M: The installation of the optimizer enables module-level management and the real-time monitoring of the power plant operation, cutting O&M costs by 50%. The automatic SOC calibration of the ESS saves personnel site visit and reduces O&M costs.

 IV. Residential Smart PV Solution 3.0: FusionSolar for a Better Life

Following the launch of the “1+3+X” Residential Smart PV Solution 2.0 in 2021, Huawei presented the upgraded “1+4+X” design this year. Featuring a smart energy controller which connects a module controller, an ESS, an EV charger, and a management system, the integrated solution enables a smart power consumption ecosystem. This enhances PV self-consumption rate to 90% from 70% in the previous generation, bringing an all-around clean energy experience to homes with lower electricity costs, active safety, and intelligent assistance.

Intersolar Europe 2022 Huawei Booth

EV Charger (FusionCharge AC AP07/22N-EU): To enable low-carbon living, Huawei has launched a new solar EV charger for residential use with easy indoor and outdoor installation, delivering convenient fast charging.

A. Optimal Electricity Cost: Slimmer and lighter, the brand-new SUN2000-600W-P Smart Module Controller performs well for high-power modules. The flexible design coupled with the optimizer is suitable for any rooftop while supporting shading conditions and multi-directional installation. Power generation can go up by 27%, as seen in a pilot case study. Compact and stylish, Huawei’s Smart String ESS supports modular configurations and delivers high power throughput, allowing customers to enjoy efficient, clean energy.

B. Active Safety: The industry-leading AFCI technology can accurately detect arc faults and disconnect the inverter in 0.5 seconds. Meeting NEC 2017, which is one of the most stringent international safety standards, the smart optimizer supports automatic and manual activation in an emergency to bring the voltage of rooftop modules to zero. This helps to prevent electric shocks with rapid disconnection. The ESS also complies with VDE2510, one of Germany’s strictest standards in system safety. All of these minimize the safety hazards of a residential PV system to give customers peace of mind.

C. Intelligent Assistant: The AI energy management assistant EMMA can offer accurate estimations of PV power generation and household electricity consumption by learning from big data about weather conditions and user habits. It automatically adjusts the system for the best working mode, delivering clean solar power while ensuring comfort.

Intersolar Europe 2022 Huawei Booth

The combination of PV and ESS provides backup power during outages, ensuring the smooth running of important appliances such as security systems, lighting equipment and refrigerators, eliminating customers’ concerns about continuous power supply at home.

V. Smart Micro-grid Solution: Clean and Reliable Power Supply

According to World Bank, 840 million people live in off/unstable grid areas, where electricity from oil is still common. This traditional way of power generation results in high carbon dioxide emissions, high costs, and low efficiency, contributing to the widespread problem of the energy divide. Huawei has launched the Smart Micro-grid Solution to deliver optimal LCOE for 100 MW micro-grid projects with energy storage, providing a clean, safe, and reliable power supply with higher energy output and lower costs.

A. Optimal LCOE and Reliable Power Supply

The solution supports the seamless online transition of medium-voltage off/on-grid changeover and off-grid fault ride-through effectively to avoid power outage loss of US$2 million/MW compared to traditional power generation from oil. The solution delivers optimal power quality, helping to achieve zero-carbon generation and eliminate the energy divide.

B. Reduced System Costs

Compared to traditional power generation from oil, Huawei Smart Micro-grid Solution saves LCOE over 50%. Adopting a 2:1 PV/BESS ratio, the solution can reduce the initial configurations by up to 50%.

C. Active Safety

Equipped with SSLD-TECH, the Smart String Inverter enhances the active safety of power plants. The Smart String ESS features four-layer active shutdown and two-level passive isolation, preventing risks at the first place.

Huawei integrates information and communications technology (ICT), power electronics, and energy storage, and continues to collaborate with customers and business partners worldwide to build a low-carbon environment. The company is focused on achieving its goal of zero carbon and accelerating carbon neutrality for a greener, better future.

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