> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://newsletters.qs.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # 🌆 Infra Futures #14 - URL: https://newsletters.qs.com/infra-futures-14/ - Published: 2024-10-28T11:30:56.000Z - Updated: 2024-11-01T08:49:39.000Z - Description: HolonIQ's Infra Newsletter covers the latest developments in energy infrastructure, transport infrastructure, buildings, and social infrastructure and highlights the week's top skills and infrastructure deals. - Author: QS - Tags: Green Skills **Happy Monday 👋** Cuba's [outdated power grid](https://english.elpais.com/international/2024-10-21/cubas-obsolete-electricity-infrastructure-is-keeping-the-country-in-the-dark.html?ref=newsletters.qs.com), reliant on fossil fuels and lacking investment, is causing frequent blackouts, significantly impacting residents' daily lives and severely prolonging the country's transition to cleaner energy generation sources. Meanwhile, a major $17B highway project [connecting Iraq and Turkey](https://www.worldhighways.com/wh8/news/design-us17-billion-iraq-turkey-highway%5C?ref=newsletters.qs.com) is in the design phase, aiming to enhance regional infrastructure. In Saudi Arabia, construction is underway for the Mukaab, a [colossal skyscraper](https://www.dezeen.com/2024/10/22/worlds-largest-building-saudi-arabia-mukaab-supertall/?ref=newsletters.qs.com#:~:text=Designed%20by%20AtkinsR%C3%A9alis%2C%20the%20Mukaab,the%20tallest%20in%20the%20city.) designed as a supertall cube, marking a bold architectural endeavor. A Coalition in Australia pledged [$5B for a Housing Infrastructure](https://councilmagazine.com.au/coalition-commits-5b-for-housing-infrastructure/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) Program, which is expected to facilitate the development of up to 500,000 new homes. On the financial front, Ambuja Cements Ltd., part of the Adani Group, acquired Orient Cement Ltd. for [$963M](https://finance.yahoo.com/news/adani-conglomerate-acquires-orient-cement-035511949.html?ref=newsletters.qs.com) to bolster India's infrastructure development. ## 🏗️Energy Infrastructure **⚡ Cuba's Outdated Power Grid Causes Frequent Blackouts.** Cuba's aging electricity infrastructure, heavily dependent on fossil fuels and suffering from [insufficient investment for upgrades](https://english.elpais.com/international/2024-10-21/cubas-obsolete-electricity-infrastructure-is-keeping-the-country-in-the-dark.html?ref=newsletters.qs.com), is leading to frequent blackouts across the country, with the recent outage leading to significant inconvenience for residents. **🔋 Renault and The Mobility House Launch V2G Project in France.** Renault and The Mobility House are enabling vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charging in France with the Renault 5 electric vehicle. The V2G function will be [introduced in the UK in 2025](https://www.electrive.com/2024/10/22/renault-and-the-mobility-house-launch-v2g-project-in-france/?ref=newsletters.qs.com). **🔋 Stortford Interiors Installs Solar-Powered EV Charging Points.** Stortford Interiors, a firm in Bishop's Stortford, installed two 24/7 electric vehicle charging points that [use solar-powered](https://www.bishopsstortfordindependent.co.uk/news/charge-your-vehicle-with-green-energy-thanks-to-stortford-in-9388540/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) green energy, benefiting the local community. ## 🚘Transport Infrastructure **🛣️ $17B Iraq-Turkey Highway Design Underway.** Design preparations are underway for a significant [$17B highway](https://www.worldhighways.com/wh8/news/design-us17-billion-iraq-turkey-highway?ref=newsletters.qs.com) project connecting Iraq and Turkey. This extensive 1,200km highway will link the port of Faw near Basra, Iraq, with the port of Mersin in Turkey. **🚧 California Invests Billions in Infrastructure Upgrades.** California [approved $3.8B](https://timesofsandiego.com/life/2024/10/21/california-invests-nearly-4-billion-to-improve-states-rail-corridors-bridges-roadways-and-pathways/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) in funding to improve its infrastructure, including rail corridors, bridges, roadways, and pathways. Projects in San Diego include highway improvements and repairs. **🚗 China Expands Infrastructure for Intelligent Connected Vehicles Nationwide.** China is expanding the application of ['vehicle-road-cloud' integration](https://news.cgtn.com/news/2024-10-20/China-expanding-infrastructure-for-intelligent-connected-vehicles-1xRefpHNSmc/p.html?ref=newsletters.qs.com) for intelligent connected vehicles nationwide. The 2024 World Intelligent Connected Vehicles Conference in Beijing showcased these efforts. ## 🏛️ Buildings **🏙️ Saudi Arabia Constructs Massive 'Mukaab' Skyscraper.** Saudi Arabia is constructing a [gigantic skyscraper](https://www.dezeen.com/2024/10/22/worlds-largest-building-saudi-arabia-mukaab-supertall/?ref=newsletters.qs.com#:~:text=Designed%20by%20AtkinsR%C3%A9alis%2C%20the%20Mukaab,the%20tallest%20in%20the%20city.), a 400-meter-tall cube-shaped structure designed by AtkinsRéalis called the Mukaab, which will become the world's largest building upon completion. **🏗️ Construction Material Companies Collaborate with White House on Decarbonization.** Several major [cement and aggregate producers ](https://www.constructionbriefing.com/news/construction-material-companies-working-with-white-house-on-decarbonisation/8039802.article?ref=newsletters.qs.com)are working with the Federal Buy Clean Initiative and the Industrial Demonstrations Program aims on initiatives to reduce carbon emissions. ## 🏫Social Infrastructure **🏠 Coalition Pledges $5B for Housing Infrastructure Program.** The Coalition committed $5B for a new Housing Infrastructure Program, which is expected to unlock the development of up to [500,000 new homes](https://councilmagazine.com.au/coalition-commits-5b-for-housing-infrastructure/?ref=newsletters.qs.com). The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) has welcomed this investment pledge. **🏫 Andhra Pradesh Minister Seeks Funds for School Infrastructure.** Minister Lokesh of Andhra Pradesh sought $810M for school infrastructure and the inclusion of [1,514 schools](https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2024/Oct/24/minister-lokesh-seeks-rs-6762-crore-for-school-infrastructure-in-andhra-pradesh?ref=newsletters.qs.com) under the PM SHRI Scheme. ## **🛠️** Skills and Workforce *HolonIQ is now tracking reskilling and upskilling initiatives critical in bridging workforce gaps. Impact industries are rapidly evolving, fueled by technological advancements, decarbonization, geopolitical dynamics, and socio-economic factors. To that extent, these sectors require considerable workforce/professional development initiatives to enhance workers' capabilities, boost economic growth, and promote social well-being. Read on for this week’s insights.* [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f1/d4/f1d411df-6f49-4c75-a302-f8c9e9f59495/content/images/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-25-102758-1.png)](https://www.greenskills.org/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) HolonIQ has launched the [Green Skills Map](http://greenskills.org/?ref=newsletters.qs.com), an open-source framework initiated for the purpose of cataloging, evaluating, and contextualizing the different components of the rapidly expanding field of green jobs. This comprehensive taxonomy will serve as a resource for understanding the full spectrum and complexity of green skills required across various sectors, thereby enabling a cohesive approach toward achieving net zero and decarbonizing the global economy. Green Skills Map spans 11 areas, 54 sub-areas, and 243 green skills clusters. A snippet of the map covering four areas has been included above. Explore the full map on [greenskills.org](http://greenskills.org/?ref=newsletters.qs.com). ## **💰** Infra Deals **🏗️ Adani Conglomerate Acquires Orient Cement for $963M.** Ambuja Cements Ltd., part of the Adani Group, acquired Orient Cement Ltd. [for $963M](https://finance.yahoo.com/news/adani-conglomerate-acquires-orient-cement-035511949.html?ref=newsletters.qs.com) as they continue to acquire cement makers to support India's infrastructure development. **🚆 Parsons Acquires Transportation Engineering Firm for $230M.** Parsons, a company involved in infrastructure projects, has acquired a transportation engineering firm [for $230M](https://washingtontechnology.com/companies/2024/10/parsons-acquires-transportation-engineering-company-230m/400407/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) as part of its expansion efforts in regions with significant infrastructure spending. **🤖 Fischer Group. Acquires Construction Robot Pioneer.** The Fischer Group, a company in the construction industry, [acquired](https://www.worldhighways.com/wh8/news/construction-robot-deal-fischer?ref=newsletters.qs.com) a pioneer in construction robots. **⚡ KEBA Acquires EnerCharge to Expand Charging Solutions Portfolio.** KEBA, a European provider of charging solutions, is [acquiring](https://evertiq.com/news/56620?ref=newsletters.qs.com) EnerCharge to expand its portfolio with DC charging solutions for the (semi-)public sector, strengthening its position as a full-range provider in the market. --- **Thank you for reading. Have a great week ahead!** Have some feedback or suggestions? Let us know at hello@holoniq.com [ ](https://newsletters.qs.com/psychedelic-mental-health-treatments-south-asia-health-tech-100-2/)