Engie Solutions, which specializes in energy and integrated facilities management solutions around the world, is providing Abu Dhabi-based artificial intelligence and cloud computing company Group 42 (G42) , with technology-based facilities management solutions to improve safety and efficiency within the new COVID-19 detection laboratory in Masdar City, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The state-of-the-art laboratory, which is one of only a few in the world to reach Biosafety Level (BSL) 3, is capable of conducting thousands of COVID-19 tests per day. It plays an essential role in combatting the virus by accelerating the identification and diagnosis of suspected cases, enabling a rapid response to the outbreak.
Engie Solutions will provide the laboratory with smart building and technology services, which will reduce the number of people on-ground, thereby decreasing safety risks for laboratory personnel. The company said it will incorporate wireless IoT sensor technology to control various functions, including energy management, air quality and health, comfort, and safety. It will also offer a condition based monitoring service, which provides live monitoring and alerts for both asset and environmental conditions. Over time, collected asset information will facilitate data-driven decisions with regards to asset maintenance strategy, replacement, and running costs.
Under the terms of the agreement, Engie Solutions will also provide the manpower required to operate these services and solutions.
“Engie Solutions and G42 have a long-standing partnership, and when we learnt about the development of the new COVID-19 detection laboratory we were keen to contribute our solutions and expertise towards overcoming the pandemic,” said Ian Harfield, EVP at Engie Solutions. “Smart technology solutions can have a significant positive impact on highly controlled facilities such as laboratories, by enhancing the environment and increasing safety for personnel – something that is especially important in times such as these.”
Ashish Koshy, CEO of G42 Healthcare, said: “This laboratory has a significant role to play in the UAE’s efforts to halt the spread of COVID-19, by providing the most reliable PCR tests. This suite of customized solutions provided by our partner, ENGIE Solutions, will enable us to continue to process tests at the same rate while limiting the staff on-ground, therefore increasing their safety, enabling more social distancing with more staff staying at home, and contributing to the overall safety of the UAE during this unprecedented outbreak.”
