By Stephen Grant, Managing Director, ENGIE Impact B2B Implementation Solutions

Energy security, referring to the uninterrupted availability of affordable energy sources, has become a paramount concern in recent years. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and weaponisation of its energy highlighted the inherent vulnerabilities of energy supply chains. In the immediate aftermath of the war’s outbreak, Europe took measures to avoid supply disruptions, ease market pressures, and save energy.

Countries and regions around the world are now accelerating their clean energy transition through structural reforms of the energy system. This involves diversifying import routes and sources, filling gas storage tanks, and investing in infrastructure to reduce dependency on single suppliers. Additionally, they are promoting the import of renewable and low-carbon energy carriers as part of the broader goal to decarbonise the energy system while enhancing energy efficiency to reduce overall demand.

Energy supply security is not only a national issue but is also a critical concern for industries that depend on gas as their main energy source, such as the pharmaceutical sector. Given its specialised nature, stringent regulatory requirements, and reliance on continuous operation for the manufacture of critical products, this industry faces heightened risks. For pharmaceutical companies, maintaining a stable and secure energy supply is essential to ensuring the quality and safety of life-saving medications.

Strategies for Enhancing Energy Security

To enhance the energy security of an organisation, efforts should be directed towards minimising reliance on external energy sources like gas while maximising the utilisation of local, renewable energy and electrifying operations. The main strategies include:

• Reducing energy consumption: Introducing energy efficiency measures is the first step to lowering dependence on fossil fuels. From behavioral changes to technologies that minimise energy use, such as LED lighting or heat pumps that recover and reuse waste heat, reducing demand is a ‘no-regret’ option. Energy management systems that take an end-to-end approach can have a substantial impact on demand, integrating advanced monitoring, control, and optimisation technologies to manage and reduce energy consumption across the entire production process, from energy and material sourcing to product delivery.
• Electrification: When paired with a reliable renewable or low-carbon energy supply, electrification is synonymous with decarbonisation, as it significantly reduces the need for fossil fuels to power equipment and transport vehicles. As technologies advance, an increasing number of industrial processes can be powered by electricity.
• On-site renewable energy solutions: This may involve installing solar panels on facility rooftops, utilising biomass boilers, and exploring geothermal energy options. Solutions must consider the geographic (availability of underground heat sources) and operational conditions of the relevant sites. On-site biogas and biomass are less common in the pharma sector as companies don’t have sufficient waste products to valorise.

These measures have the dual impact of not only promoting energy security but also enhancing energy efficiency and carbon emissions reduction. An additional driver of security is replacing aging assets, such as gas boilers, with efficient electrical boilers that can be powered by green energy.

Challenges and Financial Considerations

While the urgency and benefits of undertaking measures to improve energy security are clear, the journey is not without its challenges.

• The cost of implementing decarbonisation solutions is one of the main reasons companies delay their efforts, as it typically involves substantial upfront capital.
• Physical space constraints could make it impractical to implement on-site solutions like solar panels or biomass boilers. An on-site biomass solution, for instance, needs space to store the biomass.
• Integrating new technologies into existing production processes is another big hurdle. Suppose the decision has been made to use a heat exchanger for heat recovery. This means interfering with the existing production system and potentially modifying it. Some clients view this as a risk to ongoing operations.
• Cultural resistance from on-site engineering teams is another common obstacle. These teams are accustomed to operating their existing reliable systems. They might resist the introduction of innovative technologies, or even resent external teams interfering with methods that have been successful for many years.

The question is how to overcome these obstacles. Looking at the financial aspect, there are two approaches to consider when analysing how to make energy security projects feasible: internal carbon pricing (ICP) and as-a-service models.

Companies that prioritise reducing their carbon footprint and are willing to accept the cost can usher carbon projects through their internal commitment process by setting up an ICP mechanism, paving the way to implement reduction projects. They can assign a cost to carbon, such as $100 per ton, which is then factored into their long-term financial analysis. This approach often improves the business case for investing in low-carbon technologies by quantifying the economic benefits of reducing emissions.

Companies more concerned about reducing cost can use an as-a-service model, which eases the financial burden by shifting the upfront cost to the service provider. In this case, the energy solutions provider finances the initial capital investment for new technologies and then charges the client a service fee. This approach not only reduces the upfront cost for clients but also aligns the incentives of both parties towards achieving energy savings, carbon reductions, and energy security.

Key Success Factors

The financial side of implementation is only one aspect of a broader strategy to achieve the means to energy security. We can identify three additional factors that are instrumental to the successful implementation of energy security and decarbonisation projects:

• Stakeholder engagement: This may be the linchpin to rolling out energy security measures. On-site engineering teams, for instance, often hold the budget of the local site. So, even if the corporate team is onboard with the solutions, the local teams must pay for them. Ensuring all stakeholders, from leadership to on-site engineering teams, are engaged and aligned with the project’s goals and understand its benefits, is paramount. Otherwise, the project could become difficult, if it’s not derailed altogether.
• Centralised project management: A strategic approach with central control and governance helps standardise processes and technologies across different sites. Centralisation that industrialises the procurement, installation, and commissioning of technology accelerates the overall program.
• Comprehensive agreements: Establishing master service agreements at the corporate level facilitates smoother implementation across multiple locations. These agreements provide a strategic framework that supports consistent and cohesive project execution, avoiding the complexities of negotiating individual contracts in different countries.

Building Resilience to Energy Risks

The pharmaceutical supply chain is complex and global. A breakdown of energy security at any point of this chain can have cascading effects, potentially disrupting the production and availability of essential products. The dependence on energy imports due to limited domestic energy resources, viewed in the light of potential disruptions to energy supply routes due to ongoing geopolitical complexities, has thus raised concerns about energy security in Europe, Asia, and beyond.

An appropriate response to this potential threat is within our grasp, as it dovetails with measures to accelerate the energy transition. Building energy resilience entails diversifying energy sources to reduce dependency on any single supply, improving energy efficiency to reduce overall energy needs, and enhancing local energy production to bolster self-sufficiency. Pharma companies can achieve these measures by forging strategic partnerships with service providers that merge consulting capabilities with the capability to implement the required solutions, thereby facilitating their transition to a more secure and sustainable future.

Global Director for AI/ML Solutions, Mona Nia Tecnotree

The digital transformation of the healthcare industry continues to gain momentum. This shift can be attributed to the rapid advancement of widely applied technologies such as 5G networks, cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and big data.

Moreover, integrating 5G networks with cloud-based healthcare platforms and AI is driving the emergence of intelligent eHealth technology, projected to reach $208 billion by 2030, according to recent reports. Recent research by Grand View Research emphasises that the synergy between 5G and AI is pivotal in transforming healthcare by enabling faster data exchange, reducing latency, and improving the reliability of health solutions. This collaboration aims to revolutionise the healthcare sector by facilitating hyper-personalisation, optimised care, enhanced sales and services, and streamlined operations. Leading venture firms actively invest in healthcare start-ups using AI, fostering a rapidly growing ecosystem of innovative advancements.

As AI and 5G continue to make waves through all industries, healthcare needs to adapt to changes quickly. However, with operational, security, and data privacy concerns, healthcare organisations remain wary. As such, they must analyse their current and future needs to understand how AI and 5G technologies can help fulfil them and establish a comprehensive plan to guarantee its efficient and secure implementation in their practices.

Recent research by the International Data Corporation (IDC) emphasises that the synergy between 5G and AI could potentially reduce operational costs by up to 20% and improve patient outcomes by enabling more accurate diagnostics and personalised treatments.

5G Integration in eHealth

5G technology stands at the forefront of healthcare reform with its superior data speed and dramatically reduced latency. Tailored to concurrently accommodate multiple connected devices such as sensors, wearables and medical equipment, 5G is truly indispensable in healthcare, allowing IoT devices to seamlessly transmit accurate data for healthcare providers.

It empowers healthcare professionals to handle large, high-definition files like clinical visuals, videos, and real-time patient insights. 5G’s capability for network slicing—dedicating specific network segments for certain uses—simplifies the management of such files. In addition, it optimises the performance of each application, thereby removing the strain on medical staff.

However, the implementation of 5G technology shouldn’t be oversimplified. It’s essential to analyse the potential risks and challenges thoroughly. A principal component to consider is regulatory cybersecurity and data privacy. Given that 5G networks are susceptible to cyber attacks, it falls upon healthcare providers to protect data such as patient information.

Organisations should also consider the financial implications of implementing 5G technology, as it involves a considerable investment in infrastructure and equipment. Therefore, they must balance the potential gains against the costs to ensure the viability of the investment.

Recent discussions at Mobile World Congress 2024 highlighted the critical role of regulatory frameworks in ensuring the secure deployment of 5G in healthcare. Experts advocated for robust cybersecurity measures and collaborative efforts between technology providers and healthcare institutions to mitigate potential risks.

Marrying 5G and AI for Improved eHealth Solutions

Despite the challenges, integrating 5G and AI will pave the way for unprecedented growth within the internal medical ecosystem, enhancing healthcare quality and patient results. For example, deploying data to carry out descriptive-predictive-prescriptive analytics and transmitting the acquired insights using 5G can drastically improve the user experience while helping make informed decisions. Such an approach can assist healthcare organisations in identifying promising healthcare use cases like remote patient monitoring, surgical robotics, and telemedicine.

Moreover, AI-facilitated hyper-personalisation, driven by the profusion of data accessible through 5G networks, can evaluate patient histories, genetic profiles, and lifestyle elements alongside real-time vitals to prescribe tailored advice and treatments. AI can also automate scheduling appointments, streamline supply chain management, and enhance transactions such as claims and prior authorisations. AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can deliver real-life support, while patient and customer service applications can provide an enriched experience through increased data accessibility.

AI can also streamline healthcare services by predicting and managing disease outbreaks. Supported by 5G’s capacity for real-time operability, AI systems can instantly analyse patient data, oversee bed availability, and notify medical personnel of potential complications—promoting efficient, effective care delivery.

Finally, AI-empowered fraud detection algorithms operating on 5G networks can analyse copious amounts of data in real time to detect suspicious activities and alert responsible security teams. This can also be applied to security cameras that can detect anomalies in patients’ and visitors’ behaviour and notify appropriate staff members.

A study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR) in 2023 demonstrated that combining AI and 5G in telemedicine significantly improved patient satisfaction and reduced consultation times by 30%.

Shaping an AI Blueprint for 5G eHealth

Integrating AI and 5G technologies can revolutionise disease assessment and surveillance, facilitating more precise diagnostics and tailored treatments. In return, it will drastically improve the standard of care, curbing expenses and boosting efficiency.

Over the next few years, healthcare providers should focus on specific areas where 5G and AI can deliver the most impact. For example, developing telehealth platforms that excel in security, accessibility, and user-friendly interfaces will be paramount. This design aspect is set to thrive, particularly with 5G paving the way for high-definition video consultations, remote patient monitoring, and instant data sharing between patients and healthcare

providers.

The precision and availability of diagnostic applications powered by AI and tele diagnostic services will notably increase in tandem with the widespread adoption of 5G. The strategic emphasis should be on enriching its capabilities, ensuring compatibility with existing systems, and seamlessly integrating the tech into existing healthcare processes.

AI-guided care management systems will also play an integral role in eHealth. There is a need to structure these systems to constantly monitor patient progress, suggest highly personalised treatments, and coordinate care across multiple providers while prioritising patient privacy and data protection.

Finally, when it comes to home health monitoring, emphasis should be placed on creating IoT devices that can integrate seamlessly with AI-driven health platforms and securely transmit data; this will be a critical development within the field.

The synergy between 5G technology and AI will continue revolutionising the healthcare industry, offering more customised, efficient, and cost-friendly solutions. By developing a precise AI blueprint for critical eHealth applications and capitalising on the capabilities of 5G, the benefits will drastically outweigh the challenges.

Running, as one of the most natural forms of recreation, comes with a long list of health benefits such as better cardiovascular health, improved knee and back health, better immunity, improved mood and overall energy, and better sleep.

Summer, despite being considered a nice time for a run due to the sunny weather, is the most hated season in the running community.

Running in the heat takes extra energy and it can take a toll on eye health. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause cataracts, macular degeneration, and pterygium (growth on the eye’s surface), while sweat and sun cream can lead to eye pain and blurred vision.

Nimmi Mistry, professional service optician at Vision Direct, shares insight on how to protect your eyes during summer runs.

Blinded by the lights: UV ray exposure can lead to serious eye damage

Running enthusiasts usually have their summer runs in the morning or evening, as these periods have lower temperatures. Despite the sun being lower then and runners looking down during their runs, indirect sunlight can cause serious eye damage as it reflects from surfaces.

Our eyes have natural protection, as corneas absorb UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C radiation, but they can absorb only half of it. The rest reaches the retina, which is responsible for sharp vision and the macula, and can cause damage such as:

Pterygium or Surfer’s Eye. This condition includes tissue growth in the eye that is directly connected to long-term exposure to UV light and can affect anyone that spends a lot of time outdoors without adequate protection. You can actually see this as a lumpy growth in your eye and although it’s not cancerous, it can cause eye inflammation, lead to dry eye, and cause other eye issues like itching, burning eye pain, or even lead to blurred and double vision. The only treatment for it is surgery.

Cataracts: With age, proteins and fibers in the lens begin to break down, causing changes in the eye tissues. Cataracts are basically little clouds in the eye lens that can cause vision problems and typically start appearing around age 40.  Studies have confirmed that UV rays can trigger the eye damage seen in cataracts, as they harm the proteins in the eyes in the same way. Prolonged exposure to the sun may cause your eyes to deteriorate even before you are 40.

Macular Degeneration: This is another age-related eye condition in which the macula, the part of the eye responsible for seeing sharp details, gets damaged. It’s common in people 65 years and older, and while the direct causes are not completely understood (generally bad habits like smoking, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure), studies have proven that exposure to UV rays increases the risk of developing macular degeneration.

Salt and acid from sweat leads to eye irritations 

Eyebrows are our natural barrier against getting sweat into eyes, but during summer runs they are not enough. The burning feeling of getting sweat mixed with sunscreen in your eyes isn’t just a temporary setback to your running pace.

Sweat that drips from your scalp to your eyes contains salt and acid, and can be potentially harmful. The salt in sweat can cause eye irritations, a burning feeling, blurred vision, or stinging eyes. If the sweat is mixed with sunscreen, the pain can be even sharper.

How to protect your eyes when running in the summer?

Whether you’re running on trails or on roads, you should definitely take care of your eyes, especially if you’re a long distance enthusiast.

1. Wear sunglasses while running: This may seem logical but loads of runners still think running with glasses is uncomfortable. This may be true if they are wearing prescription glasses, but not if they wear specific lightweight sunglasses designed for outdoor activities. Wearing sunglasses is really imperative when it comes to eye protection as they block out 99 to 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
2. Switch to contact lenses: If you’re wearing prescription glasses, seriously consider switching to contact lenses for sports or any summer activities. They will allow you to wear sunglasses, and with contacts, you also get additional UV protection and better peripheral vision. Daily contact lenses are the best choice for beginners, and they don’t have as much protein build-up, making them more comfortable to wear.
3. Wear a running hat: The first choice for eye protection during summer is sunglasses, but if for any reason you can’t wear them, a running hat with additional UPF protection is a must. It will protect you from direct UV rays, but not from indirect UV rays, which again, can be really harmful. A running hat can be a nice addition to sunglasses, as it keeps sweat (combined with sunscreen) from dripping down and impairing your vision.
4. Headbands: Headbands alone can’t protect your eyes from the sun, but it is a good idea to combine them with sunglasses to stop sweat and sunscreen getting into your eyes.