Award Winning Fit Out Specialist Selects NFU Mutual’s Manchester Office Scheme For New Manchester HQ Award winning fit out specialist, Overbury, has selected NFU Mutual’s flagship Chancery Place office building in the central business district, as its new Manchester HQ. Overbury is one of the UK’s leading fit out specialists, operating nationally on
Everton has appointed OCS, a global leader in facilities management, to provide integrated facilities management services at the Club’s new stadium. OCS, who currently have around 8,000 clients across the UK, Europe, the Asian-Pacific and Middle East regions, have signed a five-year agreement for facilities management solutions for Everton Stadium,
Metal rainscreen specialist, Spanwall Façades, has delivered its latest cladding project in partnership with Alucraft, which demonstrates the application of MMC and offsite principles to façade design and construction. Fifteen George’s Quay is a prime commercial building overlooking the River Liffey in Dublin which has been transformed by developers IPUT
McLaughlin & Harvey have been awarded the main construction works at a major new green transport initiative in Dundee. McLaughlin & Harvey have been awarded the main construction works at a major new green transport initiative in Dundee. Councillors accepted their £11.1m bid for the main contract works on Friday.
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has announced that it will receive the support of the Bloomberg Philanthropies Digital Accelerator Program to enable the storage, preservation, and accessibility of digital items within its world-class architectural collections. The RIBA collections – one of the largest and most wide-ranging architectural collections
As part of National Highways’ National Emergency Area Retrofit (NEAR) programme, WJ Group has helped install 22 new refuge bays between junctions 21a and 26 of the M6 using its latest coloured surfacing product. The NEAR scheme introduced by National Highways aims to reduce the distance between emergency refuge bays
Resonance, one of the UK’s leading social impact investors, has announced that Gloucestershire Pension Fund (GPF) has invested £30m into its National Homelessness Property Fund 2 (NHPF2). £20m of this investment will be invested directly into immediately buying and refurbishing around 90 properties in Gloucestershire, helping the region cut the
Barhale has secured its place on Yorkshire Water’s Complex Non-Infrastructure Framework to support delivery of the water company’s capital investment programme through the forthcoming Asset Management Plan 8 (AMP8) period from April 2025 to 2030. The civil engineering, infrastructure and tunnelling specialist has been appointed to Lot 1 of the
The UK construction sector is set to undergo a significant transformation with the launch of a specialised AI training programme. The AI Construction Training (ACT) modules offer free live sessions designed to equip professionals with the skills necessary to lead AI-driven initiatives, bridging the gap between technological innovation and practical
Soaring levels of renewable generation and a significant rise in electricity imports saw gas-fired output fall to its lowest level in 20 years in 2024. That was the main headline from a new report on on power generation in the British energy market by Montel Analytics. The study showed that
Award Winning Fit Out Specialist Selects NFU Mutual’s Manchester Office Scheme For New Manchester HQ Award winning fit out specialist, Overbury, has selected NFU Mutual’s flagship Chancery Place office building in the central business district, as its new Manchester HQ. Overbury is one of the UK’s leading fit out specialists, operating nationally on office, higher education and science facilities projects. The move will see them relocate from their existing premises at The Zenith Building, to 6,843 sq ft on the 13th floor of Chancery Place, signing a new 10-year lease. NFU Mutual has invested heavily into Chancery Place to create an enhanced occupier experience including a newly refurbished reception and common areas in addition to a communal roof top terrace. Plans are also in place to deliver significantly improved end-of-journey facilities in the basement area in the coming months. Alex Pocock, Asset Manager at NFU Mutual, said: “We are thrilled that Overbury has chosen Chancery Place as its new Manchester base. Securing an occupier of this calibre is a testament to the quality of the recent refurbishment works, and we are actively making further improvements to the building to enhance the existing amenity provision.” Mark Garner, Office Agent at CBRE said: “We are delighted to welcome Overbury to Chancery Place, who will benefit from one of the best, unrestricted views of Manchester City Centre from their floor. We’re very much looking forward to seeing what they do with the space.” David Vaal, Managing Director from Overbury commented “Having been at our existing offices for the last 18 years, this move comes at a pivotal moment in Overbury’s growth in the region, and as Managing Director for the business I’m proud to play a part in it. Our collaborative approach has been the foundation in securing repeat business, while also continuing to attract new clients through the high-quality work we deliver. “The new office environment we’re creating will inspire and motivate our team, providing a space that supports creativity and enables them to give exceptional service to our clients. Over the last 20 years, we’ve earned the reputation as the leading fit out specialist in the region, and our talented team will continue to uphold that status; always putting our clients first and collaborating with our consultant partners to build long lasting relationships.” CBRE, OBI and Colliers act as leasing agents for NFU Mutual on Chancery Place and Knight Frank acted for Overbury. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Everton has appointed OCS, a global leader in facilities management, to provide integrated facilities management services at the Club’s new stadium. OCS, who currently have around 8,000 clients across the UK, Europe, the Asian-Pacific and Middle East regions, have signed a five-year agreement for facilities management solutions for Everton Stadium, including waste management, cleaning and security. Everton will make the move from Goodison Park to their new home at Bramley-Moore Dock in 2025, and the partnership will see that OCS – with a 120,000-strong global workforce and a proven track record in football stadia and events – will manage and maintain the stadium to ensure it is safe, secure and operates efficiently. When fully operational, OCS will deploy a team of up to 200 locally recruited people at Everton Stadium for matchday and core operations. Richard Kenyon, Chief Commercial and Communications Officer at Everton, said: “We are pleased to welcome OCS as provider of facilities management at our new home. “OCS, which becomes an Official Supplier of Everton Stadium, has a large global client base and a strong track record in facilities management which makes them an excellent partner for us. “From our very early meetings, it was clear that they are not only committed to the highest of standards but were also very keen to make a significant impact in our community and this is reflected by the commitments they have made to Everton in the Community over the course of the agreement. “We’re excited to work alongside OCS to bring these community initiatives to life over the coming years and to see them play their part in delivering exceptional fan and visitor experiences in our new home.” Bruce McDonnell, OCS Private Sector Managing Director at OCS, said: “We are delighted to partner with Everton. “We have seamless operations in some of the most iconic football stadiums in the UK and we have a proven track record in ensuring the safety and satisfaction of fans, players, and staff alike. “We know that Everton’s new stadium won’t just be a football stadium, it will be a destination – for music, conferences and other events alike.” McDonnell added: “We want to embark on a transformative journey together with Everton. “We want to build something exceptional together, where innovation, community, and operational excellence converge. The future of Everton’s soft services starts here, with us!” OCS will work closely with Everton to design and deliver a tailored facilities management solution using advanced technologies to increase safety and streamline efficiencies. This will include a new search and screen process. Cleaning operations will also benefit from technology such as cleaning robots to maximise productivity and support the maintenance of a clean environment. In addition to the facilities management services, OCS will work closely with the Everton’s ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) strategies and Everton in the Community (EitC)programme. OCS will deliver a full Carbon Impact Assessment to the club and will incorporate sustainable practices into the operation of the new stadium, aligning with Everton on its commitment to reduce its carbon footprint. OCS will also create ESG champion roles to ensure social value commitments are met. OCS’s ESG champions help deliver the business’ commitments around social value, helping benefit local communities with a strong footprint based on recruitment, training and development. EitC provides life-changing opportunities, particularly for young people, aiming to give them a fresh start in life and opportunities to grow and develop. OCS will collaborate with EitC to create employment opportunities for local residents, particularly targeting vulnerable individuals. The partnership aims to recruit approximately 200 staff members for match days, with a focus on sustainable long-term employment and skill development. Additionally, the facilities management provider will participate in community recruitment events to ensure ongoing engagement and support for local job seekers beyond initial hiring needs. Jonny Young, Sector Managing Director, OCS said: “Everton in the Community is at the forefront of Football Club Social Value within the English football leagues. “We are operating hand in glove throughout the recruitment, onboarding, and training of colleagues to improve the lives and communities associated in and around Everton Football Club. “We are committed to recruiting locally, providing opportunities for all.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Metal rainscreen specialist, Spanwall Façades, has delivered its latest cladding project in partnership with Alucraft, which demonstrates the application of MMC and offsite principles to façade design and construction. Fifteen George’s Quay is a prime commercial building overlooking the River Liffey in Dublin which has been transformed by developers IPUT Real Estate into more than 70,000sqft of highly sustainable, LEED Platinum-rated office space. The redevelopment has expanded the building with the addition of two new upper floors, a new landscaped roof garden and terraces, a riverfront café, and the entire façade was replaced. The main contractor was Structure Tone and the consultants were Arup. The new envelope successfully blends stone, metalwork and floor-to-ceiling glazing with panoramic views. The bespoke rainscreen system met the aesthetic vision of architects Burke-Kennedy Doyle, whilst ensuring long-term durability, low maintenance, and high weather performance. Spanwall’s aluminium cladding was polyester powder coated in two shades of bronze and used to striking effect in vertical and horizontal rectilinear configurations which complement the stonework. Working closely with façade contractor Alucraft, Spanwall manufactured the bespoke rainscreen panels and pre-assembled the units using the latest digital design technology and offsite manufacturing techniques to reduce work on site. The building is sited in a highly constrained location with limited access for deliveries and material storage. Spanwall maximised assembly of the metal cladding sections in its factory, to reduce work on site and speed up the installation process. Spanwall produced 230 pre-assembled rainscreen units, using over 6,000 individual components and more than 10,000m of CNC-routed metal profiling for the project. The large cladding sub-assemblies were fixed with a generic hook and carrier system for ease of installation by Alucraft and were delivered to site in precise sequencing, reducing waste, material storage, and vehicle movements. Spanwall’s use of advanced digital design and smart manufacturing processes combined with the high level of pre-assembly ensured a level of quality control and precision that would have been difficult to achieve on site. The offsite methodology was critical to overcoming the logistical challenges of the site, enabling Spanwall and Alucraft to implement a just-in-time delivery system that ensured fast and efficient installation with minimal disruption to neighbouring buildings. Ronnie Mills, Managing Director of Alucraft, said, “Working with Spanwall on this project is a great example of how close collaboration between the cladding manufacturer and the specialist façade contractor can lead to outstanding project delivery and new methodologies.” “Spanwall’s expertise in metal fabrication, combined with our façade design experience, enabled us to successfully address the site challenges, the complexities of the architectural design, and deliver the project on time and to the very highest standards.” David Clark, Managing Director of Spanwall, said, “Our ongoing investment in digital design and smart manufacturing technology allowed us to produce dimensionally accurate rainscreen sub-assemblies in a controlled factory environment. This solution simplified work on site and maximised efficiency for our project partners, Alucraft.” “By embracing advanced manufacturing methodologies and digital technology, we can significantly improve both the quality and speed of metal cladding installations. We look forward to collaborating with Alucraft on future façade projects, both in the UK and Ireland.” Spanwall created digital twins of every component for this cladding package. This allowed the design to be validated digitally before proceeding into manufacture and facilitated online simulation of the metal folding process. Spanwall was then able to pre-configure all connection points for the individual cladding components to ensure seamless final assembly in the factory once every part had been manufactured and painted. The bespoke rainscreen façade for Fifteen George’s Quay has enhanced the aesthetic appeal of this landmark commercial building and has provided a robust, low-maintenance façade solution that meets the stringent performance requirements for a waterside location. www.spanwall.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
McLaughlin & Harvey have been awarded the main construction works at a major new green transport initiative in Dundee. McLaughlin & Harvey have been awarded the main construction works at a major new green transport initiative in Dundee. Councillors accepted their £11.1m bid for the main contract works on Friday. McLaughlin & Harvey have already undertaken the enabling works at the Bell Street multi-storey car park and will continue transforming it into a Green Transport Hub. The main works project, delivered as part of SCAPE Scotland’s framework, will include installing 350 electrical vehicle charging points supported by a solar panel array on the roof, a battery storage system, car share spaces, and an e-bike hire service. When completed, the existing ground floor of the car park will be fully pedestrianised and include information points and meeting spaces. Framework Director at McLaughlin & Harvey, Chris Boyle commented, “We are delighted to continue our relationship with Dundee City Council at the new Green Transport Hub. This project has harnessed collaborative engagement through the SCAPE framework to fast track the design and construction processes to deliver to the Council’s objectives and timescales. The regeneration of the Bell Street area and re-purposing the existing carpark into a 21st century sustainable transport hub for the city centre will help deliver a greener city, providing active travel options for the communities of Dundee”. Convener of Fair Work, Economic Growth and Infrastructure Cllr Steven Rome from Dundee City Council said: “This project represents an ambitious redevelopment of the car park into a pioneering green transport hub which is designed to help change people’s travel habits for the future. “It will make a significant contribution towards our goal of creating a greener city made up of strong communities where people feel empowered and safe, and where we are tackling climate change to reach our target of net zero emissions by 2045. “The hub will accommodate infrastructure to provide people with access to sustainable transport options that improve connectivity and make the city centre greener, safer, and a more attractive place to live, work and visit.” The area surrounding the car park will include enhanced landscaping with active travel routes designed to accommodate future active travel connections and development. The Green Transport Hub & Spokes initiative was allocated £14.4 million from the previous UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund. £1.6 million for the main works came from Transport Scotland’s Active Travel Infrastructure Fund. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has announced that it will receive the support of the Bloomberg Philanthropies Digital Accelerator Program to enable the storage, preservation, and accessibility of digital items within its world-class architectural collections. The RIBA collections – one of the largest and most wide-ranging architectural collections in the world – represent a unique body of knowledge spanning thousands of architects, hundreds of years and dozens of nations. It includes everything from 15th century books, manuscripts and drawings to models and photographs documenting architecture around the world today. However new items received into the collections are increasingly in born-digital formats, in particular Computer-aided design (CAD) drawings and digital photographs—reflecting the pervasiveness of digital technology and design within today’s architecture profession. With Bloomberg Philanthropies’ support, RIBA will develop and implement a state-of-the-art Digital Archive Management System, allowing RIBA to significantly advance its capacity to securely store, manage and protect its growing collection of born-digital items. The project will also support the transfer of existing born-digital materials currently held in unsuitable storage conditions, safeguarding their integrity and ensuring they remain accessible for future generations. This initiative will aid RIBA’s ambitious long-term plans, as part of its House of Architecture transformation programme, to digitise and catalogue its physical collections to make them more widely accessible online. Digitisation will also contribute to preserving the content of vulnerable physical items that are at risk of deterioration. As well as enhancing its own organisational expertise and knowledge of best practices in digital preservation, RIBA has pledged to share the insights and learnings it gathers with the broader UK cultural sector and the architectural profession in order to drive digital innovation and collaboration. Oliver-Urquhart Irvine, Executive Director of Architecture Programmes & Collections at RIBA, said: “This transformative support from Bloomberg Philanthropies will future proof our architectural collections, ensuring they remain accessible and relevant in an increasingly digital age. By investing in cutting-edge technology and expertise, we are safeguarding our invaluable records of architectural heritage for generations to come while contributing to the broader digital preservation community. “The RIBA Collections house some of the world’s most significant records of architectural design and history, spanning centuries of global innovation. This project represents a critical step in modernising how RIBA manages its collections and enhances their accessibility for diverse audiences.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
As part of National Highways’ National Emergency Area Retrofit (NEAR) programme, WJ Group has helped install 22 new refuge bays between junctions 21a and 26 of the M6 using its latest coloured surfacing product. The NEAR scheme introduced by National Highways aims to reduce the distance between emergency refuge bays along smart motorways to provide vehicles and drivers with a safe space to pull over. Having secured £390m from the government during the second Road Investment Strategy rollout, an additional 150 bays are being added across the network. A critical part of the installation process is ensuring that the new bays have high friction levels to reduce stopping distances and help drivers come to a stop after travelling at a significant speed. Without this, vehicles may skid when braking. With emergency refuge bays playing an important role in ensuring motorists’ safety in situations such as breakdowns, the speed at which they can be installed and maintained is critical in reducing downtime. However, traditional methods for installing approved surfacing solutions can take up to two days per bay to complete as well as requiring workers and vehicles to be on the site for an extended period. In turn, this leads to environmental, safety and cost implications. To counteract these issues, National Highways asked the Smart Motorway Project Alliance (SMPA) to create a new solution. To achieve this, WJ Group developed RapidGrip. Combining pigment, aggregate and binder, this solution means that only a one coat application is required, eliminating the need for a sweeper truck and two curing periods. Created with the support of the SMPA members, it allowed two bays to be completed per shift via a single truck. As a result, WJ Group was able to retrofit all 22 bays across 14 shifts and achieve an average of 78 pendulum test value – the measurement to determine friction levels of a surface –helping drivers safely pull over while travelling along one of the busiest sections of the M6. Martin Webb, Innovation Director at WJ Group said: “When drivers find themselves in the position where they need to pull over on the motorway, they require a safe and dedicated space to do so. With our RapidGrip solution, National Highways is ensuring that drivers are at less risk of skidding when coming to a stop. “Innovations such as RapidGrip mean that the installation and retrofit of these bays can be carried out with minimal disruption to the public and ensure workers are not on the road for an extended period, while maximising the safety of road users.” For more information about WJ Group, please visit: https://www.wj.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Resonance, one of the UK’s leading social impact investors, has announced that Gloucestershire Pension Fund (GPF) has invested £30m into its National Homelessness Property Fund 2 (NHPF2). £20m of this investment will be invested directly into immediately buying and refurbishing around 90 properties in Gloucestershire, helping the region cut the number of households in unsuitable temporary accommodation. Known as homelessness property funds, the model operates by attracting capital from institutional investors, such as pension funds, to acquire properties, refurbish them to a high standard, improve their energy efficiency and lease them to expert housing partners, including homelessness charities and housing associations. Tenants are provided with stable, affordable accommodation in safe areas in the heart of local communities. They will also receive support with their health, wellbeing and in seeking employment and training opportunities. This support will be provided by Developing Health and Independence (DHI), who will lease the properties from the fund. Chris Cullen, Head of Homelessness Property Funds at Resonance, said: “There are over 117,000 households living in temporary accommodation across England, including over 130,000 dependent children, and this number continues to rise. “We are very grateful for Gloucestershire Pension Fund’s place-based investment into National Homelessness Property Fund 2, which illustrates the difference that local government pension funds can make to the area in which their members live. He continued: “It will enable us to provide much needed homes in Gloucestershire for some of those households that are in temporary accommodation and that don’t have a place to call home.” Across all of Gloucestershire Local Authorities there were, as of March 2024, 315 households in Temporary Accommodation, including nearly 200 in Gloucester City alone. This news comes as many councils grapple with mounting financial pressures, with £2.29bn spent a year on providing emergency temporary accommodation to homeless households, an increase of 29% from the previous twelve months.[1] Rosie Phillips, CEO at DHI, commented:“As a social inclusion charity, the provision of safe affordable housing is of paramount importance. Housing is the single biggest cost pressure on struggling individuals and families and lack of affordable housing causes stress, inequality and poor health. “Without a secure place to live, progress in other aspects of life will be poor. A safe place to call home provides people with a platform on which to build their lives.” She went on to add: “It is great to be able to work in partnership with Resonance on this initiative, which aligns with our approach of helping people to achieve their potential from the foundations up, while improving health and wellbeing and reducing inequalities and disadvantage in communities.” NHPF2 operates across England and, including this investment, has to date raised c£129m, and purchased over 350 homes, housing almost 500 tenants who were facing a housing crisis. This latest £30m investment will help provide homes for potentially 750 individuals and families over the lifetime of the fund. Institutional investors into the fund include other pension funds, such as Greater Manchester Pension Fund, and several local authorities. [1] https://www.crisis.org.uk/about-us/media-centre/council-spending-on-emergency-accommodation-tops-22bn/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Barhale has secured its place on Yorkshire Water’s Complex Non-Infrastructure Framework to support delivery of the water company’s capital investment programme through the forthcoming Asset Management Plan 8 (AMP8) period from April 2025 to 2030. The civil engineering, infrastructure and tunnelling specialist has been appointed to Lot 1 of the AMP8 framework, for complex works, with Yorkshire Water retaining the option to extend for up to a further five years through the AMP9 period. Delivery of the £850M lot will cover both water and wastewater sites with projects typically ranging from £1m to £35m although with no upper limit. Project scope includes, although is not limited to: pre-construction survey and investigation; design and construction management; design and build based on client’s concept design; and site works (construction, civils, process, mechanical, electrical, controls and instrumentation). Services will include, design, construction, civil engineering, and process works, (encompassing mechanical, electrical, instrumentation and telemetry). The framework will require strong programme management, progress and performance reporting, quality management and commissioning. Mark Wood, Regional Director (Yorkshire) at Barhale, is looking forward to building on the relationship his team established through AMP7 and to working with Yorkshire Water on its largest-ever capital investment programme. “There is a very large and exciting plan for the next five years and beyond,” he said. “It will help to improve water quality and network resilience, reduce carbon footprint and enhance bio-diversity and deliver a better customer experience across the region. “The programme will continue Yorkshire Water’s focus on value, innovation and improved environmental performance. It will build on the legacy established in AMP7 of delivering large-scale improvements to existing infrastructure alongside groundbreaking projects – such as Clifton Wetlands where we were proud to play our part in the creation of a sustainable and low-carbon, nature-based solution that replaced a conventional wastewater treatment facility. “The long contract term will allow Barhale to continue to grow as a business and to invest in our team. Our graduate programme will have a strong base to build on and as we move into the full design and build sector for civil and mechanical and electrical projects and provides us with the opportunity to become a full multi-disciplinary principle contractor construction business.” Rachael Fox, head of programme delivery at Yorkshire Water, said: “We’re looking forward to working with our chosen partners as we embark on an ambitious investment programme from 2025. There’s a big challenge ahead – not only to meet new regulatory requirements, but to meet customer expectations too – and effective collaboration will be key to our success.” Barhale is joined on the Non-Infrastructure Framework Lot 1 framework by Ward and Burke Construction Ltd, Tilbury Douglas Construction Limited, Mott MacDonald Bentley Ltd, Galliford Try Construction Limited, Kier Integrated Services Ltd, and Glanua Ltd. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The UK construction sector is set to undergo a significant transformation with the launch of a specialised AI training programme. The AI Construction Training (ACT) modules offer free live sessions designed to equip professionals with the skills necessary to lead AI-driven initiatives, bridging the gap between technological innovation and practical application within the industry. The modules form part of the Innovate UK BridgeAI ‘AI in construction: Skills for the future’ Programme, which is being developed and implemented by Trilateral Research. The Importance of AI in Construction Facing challenges such as labour shortages, increasing project complexities, and sustainability demands, the construction industry can significantly benefit from artificial intelligence (AI). AI enhances efficiency, predicts risks, and supports sustainable practices, transforming how construction projects are designed and executed. This programme ensures SME managers are equipped to adopt AI effectively, enabling them to drive innovation and improve their organisations’ competitiveness. About the Training Modules ACT comprises four comprehensive modules, each addressing a key aspect of AI adoption and implementation in construction: Data and AI: Understanding the fundamentals | Attendees will gain a strong foundation in AI and data, exploring their transformative potential and relevance to the construction industry. AI business cases: Securing buy-in | Attendees will learn how to build compelling business cases for AI adoption, convincing stakeholders of its value and aligning with organisational goals. AI project management: Ensuring success | Attendees will discover strategies to manage AI projects effectively, from planning to execution, ensuring they deliver measurable results. Responsible AI: Establishing standards | Attendees will develop an understanding of the ethical and regulatory considerations for AI, establishing robust governance frameworks to ensure responsible implementation. Programme Highlights Expert Endorsements “These modules are a timely and essential resource for SME managers looking to embrace the future of construction,” said Sara El-Hanfy, Head of AI & Machine Learning, Innovate UK. “By offering practical tools and knowledge, we aim to empower construction professionals to drive meaningful change through AI.” Launch Details The first cohort of ACT will run throughout February and March 2025, with registrations now open. The fully online format ensures accessibility for professionals across the UK, allowing participants to enhance their skills without disrupting their work commitments. How to Register Spaces are limited to maintain a high-quality learning experience. For more information and to secure your place, visit https://aiconstructiontraining.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Soaring levels of renewable generation and a significant rise in electricity imports saw gas-fired output fall to its lowest level in 20 years in 2024. That was the main headline from a new report on on power generation in the British energy market by Montel Analytics. The study showed that GB gas-fired output totalled 72.6TWh in 2024 – down on the 86.8TWh recorded the previous year – and a significant drop on the 111.4TWh generated in 2022. The decrease in demand for gas was attributed to a rise in renewables output, which totalled 118.1TWh in 2024 – up on the 116.9TWh recorded in 2023. On average, renewable generation (including biomass) increased by 0.14GW to reach 13.5GW, which meant renewables contributed 45% to the overall GB power generation mix. Wind generation was the major contributor to renewable output with a 70% share. Based on historic data, average wind generation also reached a record high of 9.43GW, which was 0.39GW higher than the previous year. This record would have been even higher if wind generation had not needed to be curtailed due to constraints in the capacity of the transmission system during periods of high wind generation. Electricity imports were also a key reason for the record low gas-fired output. GB interconnectors saw average net imports of 3.8GW last year, a 40% increase compared to 2023 and the highest level on record in the last ten years. The top two major contributors to this total were France (2.2GW), and Norway (1.1GW). Gas prices began last year by declining through January and February, continuing a downward trajectory seen during Q4 2023, before generally following an upward trend throughout the remainder of the year. The subsequent uptick in prices was influenced by several factors, including intermittent production outages in Norway, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, supply disruptions to Ukraine due to the ongoing war with Russia, and occasional cold spells during winter. Despite these increases, the average gas price for the year fell by 16% from 2023 levels to £28.63/MWh. In a similar fashion, the profile of wholesale day-ahead electricity prices followed that of gas prices but dropped to a greater extent due to the increase in renewable output, falling by 23% year-on-year to an average of £72.58/MWh. The rise of renewables led to 139 hours of negative prices in GB – the highest level since 2019 when negative prices were first observed. The 2024 figure is significantly higher than the 86 hours recorded in 2023 and the 91 hours observed in 2020, when low demand during Covid lockdowns was a significant contributory factor. Phil Hewitt, Director at Montel Analytics said: “Last year gas prices were lower on average than in 2023, despite rising again from March onwards. These increases were recorded despite reduced demand for gas-fired generation, with total output at its lowest level for at least 20 years as a result of very high levels of renewable generation and a significant rise in electricity imports through the interconnectors, particularly from France and Norway. Renewable output would have been higher because almost 10% of potential wind output could not be used because of transmission system constraints. Meanwhile, the importance of electricity transfer though the interconnectors has been accentuated following Ofgem’s recent approval of five major new undersea energy links, which will further strengthen connections between Britain and Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and Ireland”. “The initial decline in gas prices was driven by elevated wind generation as a consequence of storms Isha and Jocelyn in the early part of 2024, although prices generally rose during the rest of the year. At this time of year, gas price spikes are not uncommon as additional gas reserves are often needed to meet higher-than-usual demand during periods of cold, calm weather. The recent cold snap sparked a media frenzy recently when British Gas owner Centrica announced that the UK had less than a week of gas reserves in store although National Gas, which owns the UK gas network, has insisted that storage levels remain healthy.” The Montel study also highlighted the demise of coal in Britain after 142 years, with the last coal station at Ratcliffe-on-Soar closing at the end of September. The report also showed that nuclear power generation dropped to a record low of 38.2TWh, largely due to outages and delayed restarts which reduced the output of most units in the nuclear fleet Renewables were the dominant contributor to Britain’s fuel mix in 2024, accounting for 44.8% of the total. Gas-fired generation accounted for 27.5%, with nuclear (14.5%), imports (12.6%) and coal (0.6%) accounting for the rest. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
