Engie Solutions, a part of global energy player Engie Group, is providing technology-based facilities management solutions to Group 42 (G42), a key artificial intelligence and cloud computing company, to help improve safety and efficiency within the new high throughput Covid-19 detection laboratory in Masdar City.

An international leader in providing zero-carbon energy and innovative integrated facilities management solutions, Engie Solutions will also be providing the manpower required to operate them.
 
The hitech laboratory, which is one of only few in the world to reach biosafety level (BSL) 3, is capable of conducting thousands of Covid-19 tests per day, and is the first in the world of such scale to be operational outside of China.

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, said the statement.
 
As per the deal, Engie Solutions will provide the laboratory with bespoke smart building and technology services, which will reduce the number of people on-ground, thereby decreasing safety risks for laboratory personnel.

The company will also incorporate wireless IoT (Internet of Things) 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, said the statement.
 
These services, as well as the manpower required to operate them, are provided as part of Engie Solution’s commitment to the safety and wellbeing of the UAE community, it added.
 
Executive VP Ian Harfield said: "We have a long-standing partnership with G42, 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."

"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," he stated.
 
G42 Healthcare CEO Ashish Koshy 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," he added.-TradeArabia News Service