With retrofitting buildings, a key part of the construction industry’s journey to a greener future, UK Construction Week Birmingham has announced a one-day takeover of its Net Zero talks by the National Retrofit Hub (NRH). The sessions are a must for architects, contractors and anyone who works in local authorities,
Commissioned study will aid the energy transition of industrial and commercial gas users across Wales and the south west of England Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, has been selected by Wales & West Utilities (WWU) to support its industrial and commercial (I&C) gas users to switch to low carbon solutions
The Royal Institue of British Architects (RIBA) has today (18 September) announced the shortlist for the Neave Brown Award for Housing 2024. Given in honour of modernist architect and social housing pioneer, Neave Brown (1926-2018), the annual Award recognises the UK’s best new affordable housing. From projects that positively
Leading workwear and safety footwear brand TROJAN has launched its most inclusive range of safety shoes to date, including unisex work trainers that offer ‘true female fit’. The new TROJAN footwear range, available exclusively from Arco, has been designed in a modern style, reflecting the growing shift in consumer preferences
A brand-new play area in Oakham has been officially opened by Florence, one of the people who will be having fun in the new facilities most over the coming months and years. The new play area is located at the front of Oakham Pastures, Davidsons Homes’ collection of new homes
Above and below ground temporary works specialist, Altrad RMD Kwikform, has launched a ground breaking new solution to reduce the effects of thermal loading – the Tubeshor Active Thermal Compensator (ATC). The Tubeshor hybrid hydraulic shoring system is used for propping waler beams or capping beams of large excavations. It
A planning application has been submitted to the London Borough of Tower Hamlets for the redevelopment of a portion of the iconic 350-year-old Truman Brewery site on Brick Lane. The ambitious plans, managed by Grow Places, aim to transform the area with 35,000 square metres of new and refurbished buildings,
AWS’s planned investments are estimated to contribute £14 billion to the UK’s total GDP over the next five years. Amazon Web Services (AWS) plans to invest £8 billion over the next five years (2024-2028) building, operating, and maintaining data centres in the UK. This investment is part of the company’s
Works have commenced on Plot 3 of the mixed-use industrial scheme, Matrix 49, in Avonmouth, Bristol. Delivered by McLaren Construction Midlands and North, on behalf of clients BGO Wire PropCo Ltd and Equation Properties, the £21.6million 13-acre plot will be situated on the 65-acre site of Matrix 49, continuing the
New site at Port Glasgow will deliver grid scale battery energy storage driving its renewable energy ambitions in Scotland Renewable energy storage specialist Apatura has secured planning permission for a major new Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Port Glasgow, Inverclyde with a capacity of 700 megawatts (MW). This is
With retrofitting buildings, a key part of the construction industry’s journey to a greener future, UK Construction Week Birmingham has announced a one-day takeover of its Net Zero talks by the National Retrofit Hub (NRH). The sessions are a must for architects, contractors and anyone who works in local authorities, housing associations or government. The NRH, a non-profit organisation that brings together the entire retrofit community to share knowledge, collaborate on solutions, and turn ideas into action, will curate all the Net Zero Hub content on Wednesday 2nd October. The programme of talks covers a range of topics, from leveraging data to retrofitting heritage buildings, and will feature contributions from a wealth of experts in the retrofit sphere: Sara Edmonds, National Retrofit Hub Co-Director, commented: “Retrofitting isn’t just about upgrading buildings; it’s about enhancing the quality of life for the people who live and work in them. We’ve put together sessions at UK Construction Week that are packed with practical insights and real-world examples, crucial for anyone involved in the built environment. Whether you’re looking to get up to speed on EPC reform or learn how to tackle retrofitting heritage buildings, we’re here to share the knowledge and tools you need to drive meaningful change.” Sam Patel, Divisional Director – Construction, commented: “The topic of retrofit is front and centre in the Net Zero debate for the construction industry, so it made perfect sense for us to handover the second day content to the team at the National Retrofit Hub; there promises to be some invaluable insight and thought-provoking debate throughout the day.” Officially opened by architect and Channel 4 presenter, George Clarke, the show will be home to a plethora of educational, insightful, and interactive areas including the Main Stage, Digital Construction Hub, Live Demo Theatre, Skills & Training Hub, and Culture Change Hub; all highlighting the most pressing topics across the sector. With this year’s theme of ‘Growth’, UKCW Birmingham will examine a wide range of topics over three days of insight, innovation, and inspiration across its number of hubs and areas. To find out more and register for UKCW Birmingham for free, visit https://ukcw-birmingham-2024.reg.buzz/cabpr Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Commissioned study will aid the energy transition of industrial and commercial gas users across Wales and the south west of England Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, has been selected by Wales & West Utilities (WWU) to support its industrial and commercial (I&C) gas users to switch to low carbon solutions like hydrogen. Costain will lead a study examining how WWU’s I&C customers – many of whom are connected to the natural gas network – could transition to a lower carbon network through a hydrogen blend or conversion. Many I&C customers are considered hard-to-decarbonise due to the high temperatures and energy demands needed to carry out their operations, which cannot be met through electrification alone. Research into the role of hydrogen, and the potential for blending solutions in the gas network, is a key part of providing the evidence to drive forward the UK’s net zero ambitions and reaching national targets of generating 10GW of hydrogen production capacity by 2030. Qualitative and quantitative data will be collected to establish the market’s current level of understanding around hydrogen refuelling plans and users’ preferred means of decarbonisation, such as through the deployment of Carbon Capture, Usage and Storage solutions or utilising a hydrogen network. The research will also geographically map users and help WWU understand which customers will need additional support to ensure that the transition to hydrogen blending does not impact their operations. Laura Hughes, energy sector director at Costain, commented: “To make decarbonisation of the UK a reality, a mix of clean fuels will be required to meet increasing energy demands. Integrating hydrogen into our gas network, either through blending or full conversion, will be instrumental in providing clean, reliable energy for 2050 and beyond. “Through this important study, Wales & West Utilities will have a good understanding of market requirements which will help accelerate the UK’s decarbonisation mission. With our long track record of delivering pioneering and innovative solutions to reduce carbon emissions, we are well placed to provide to WWU with the insights they need to implement viable fuel switching plans for their customers.” Matthew Hindle, head of net zero and sustainability at Wales and West Utilities added: “The energy system transition means changes for everyone who uses energy – including industrial and commercial businesses of all sizes, many of whom rely on the gas network today and could use hydrogen in the future. “At WWU we’re committed to doing all we can to improve understanding and help our customers across Wales and the south west of England implement sustainable transition plans. We look forward to working with the Costain team to help us support our customers and better understand their needs.” Costain is providing a range of support to WWU’s decarbonisation activity, including conducting a separate study exploring how hydrogen refuelling stations can be integrated into the UK’s existing gas network. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Royal Institue of British Architects (RIBA) has today (18 September) announced the shortlist for the Neave Brown Award for Housing 2024. Given in honour of modernist architect and social housing pioneer, Neave Brown (1926-2018), the annual Award recognises the UK’s best new affordable housing. From projects that positively prioritise green space (Unity Place, Dover Court), to transforming vacant sites to improve communities (North Gate Social Housing, Chowdhury Walk), this year’s shortlisted projects demonstrate social housing that blends quality design, community regeneration, and meaningful social value. Each project seeks to help address pressing issues facing local residents while providing a hopeful blueprint for future social housing, where thoughtful and innovative architecture creates accessible, quality spaces in which communities can thrive. The four shortlisted projects are: A sculptural infill development heralding the beginnings of an ambitious programme of new generation council housing by Hackney Council. A carefully implemented reimagining of a 1960s Modernist estate, the architects have created a new series of welcoming spaces throughout the site, while converting disused garages into 70 new, bespoke, low-carbon homes. A longstanding vacant brownfield site transformed into a new residential landmark, designed to suit the needs of primarily older residents. 31 one or two bed flats for 100% social rent. A neighbourhood transformation providing 235 social rented homes, a community hub and new outdoor areas. Jury Chair and 2023 Neave Brown Award for Housing winner, Astrid Smitham, said: “At a time when the UK sets out to build 1.5 million new homes, this shortlist shows the importance of great partnerships between clients and architects in delivering housing of the very highest standard, that everyone deserves. From a new generation of council homes in Hackney and low-carbon homes in Islington, to a residential landmark in Glasgow designed for older residents and an ambitious masterplan in Brent, these projects show how the next wave of UK home building can help individuals and communities to thrive.” RIBA President, Muyiwa Oki, said: “This year’s shortlist reaffirms that creating social housing should not be seen as a limitation to architects, but a great opportunity. Each brief has taken run-down or underused spaces and created outstanding projects that serve the needs of residents and the wider community. These schemes thoughtfully balance the environment, community, and quality, reinforcing the reality that when designing social housing, good design need not compromise on any of the three. The Neave Brown Award for Housing 2024 jury comprised: Astrid Smith (Chair), Founder of Apparata Architects, winners of Neave Brown Award for Housing 2023 for A House for Artists; Bob Allies, Partner, Allies and Morrison andRIBA Awards Group Member; and Zoe Brown, daughter of Neave Brown. The Neave Brown Award for Housing 2024 shortlist is selected from winners of 2024 RIBA Awards. The winner will be announced at the RIBA Stirling Prize ceremony on Wednesday 16 October 2024 at The Roundhouse in London. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading workwear and safety footwear brand TROJAN has launched its most inclusive range of safety shoes to date, including unisex work trainers that offer ‘true female fit’. The new TROJAN footwear range, available exclusively from Arco, has been designed in a modern style, reflecting the growing shift in consumer preferences from traditional safety boots and shoes to more stylish, casual trainers and hiker boots. Along with specific men’s and women’s options, the new collection includes unisex trainers that have been moulded on the contours of women’s feet in sizes 3-6, offering a true female fit. This makes it easier for a business to kit out their whole team with the same level of comfort, support and protection. The range includes five new styles, all made with lightweight materials and offering enhanced comfort and performance features such as improved footbeds. All five options meet the latest safety footwear standard (EN ISO 20345:2022), providing slip resistance and steel or composite toe protection and midsoles. The non-metallic styles incorporate advanced midsole materials to provide superior protection. Trojan products are tested in Arco’s own Product Assurance laboratory, the first UK testing lab able to carry out UKAS-accredited testing against impacts, compression, midsole perforation, slip resistance and electrical resistance of safety footwear certified to the revised standard. To help businesses achieve their sustainability goals, all styles in the new TROJAN footwear range incorporate recycled materials in the linings, laces and footbeds, with 45 per cent Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certified uppers. Becky Casson, buying director at Arco, said “Arco is committed to leading the way in innovative and inclusive workplace solutions. This new Trojan footwear range not only modernises our footwear offerings but also reinforces our dedication to providing more inclusive workwear options. “We believe that every worker deserves footwear that fits well, looks great, and performs under pressure, and this collection delivers just that.” The TROJAN range is available exclusively from Arco. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A brand-new play area in Oakham has been officially opened by Florence, one of the people who will be having fun in the new facilities most over the coming months and years. The new play area is located at the front of Oakham Pastures, Davidsons Homes’ collection of new homes off Uppingham Road, surrounded by lush trees and pretty greenery. Florence was invited to cut the ribbon the brand-new play area, declaring it officially open for children and families to enjoy from now on. Rachel Harris, mother to Florence, said: “We were so touched that Florence was invited to open the play area at Oakham. Not only was it a lovely surprise for her, Davidsons Homes also bought her a little rucksack and necklace which she is now wearing with pride! “We have been staying at Oakham Pastures with my parents, so have had a front-row seat watching the play area be created, and Florence was so excited to be able to go out there and enjoy playing on the equipment. “The outlook from my parents’ house is truly special, and we have absolutely loved living with the open-plan spaces and the void which joins the bottom floor with the top one. It’s not overlooked and has a large garden – in fact we’d like to stay here forever! “The homes have got real character, they feel like a great blend of Georgian design and elements of local style too. There are a lot of swallows here, which is evidently a sign of a happy place – and Oakham Pastures certainly feels it.” Simon Tyler, Sales Director for Davidsons Homes, said: “The most important people we have to impress with our play areas and sections of open spaces are the children and families who will actually use them – which is why we were delighted to welcome Florence to officially launch our play area at Oakham Pastures. “We hope her and her friends enjoy playing here for many years to come!” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Above and below ground temporary works specialist, Altrad RMD Kwikform, has launched a ground breaking new solution to reduce the effects of thermal loading – the Tubeshor Active Thermal Compensator (ATC). The Tubeshor hybrid hydraulic shoring system is used for propping waler beams or capping beams of large excavations. It comes in a range of diameters to cater for all duties of shoring requirement. An evolution of Tubeshor, the ATC is a revolutionary patent protected Tubeshor accessory that can reduce thermal loading by up to 90% compared to a mechanically locked off prop. Prop installation and pre-loading on site is carried out in the same way as for any standard proprietary prop, so no special operative skills are needed. What’s more, as Tubeshor ATC Units are assembled directly into the prop makeup, standard prop end-fittings such as Swivel Units and Spherical Bearers can be used, and props can be installed into the excavation in the usual manner. The Tubeshor ATC contains a 450 tonne hydraulic cylinder coupled to a bladder accumulator which is pressurised to suit the individual prop design geo-load before dispatch. Most of the time, the pressure in the accumulator exceeds that in the hydraulic system and normal prop stiffness results. When higher temperature forces excessive prop thermal expansion, the compressed nitrogen in the accumulator comes into play and results in a phase of reduced prop stiffness. This means that a further increase in prop length resulting from thermal expansion does not result in the usual increase in prop load. Ian Fryer, Global Product Innovation Director at Altrad RMD Kwikform, explains: “Once the props have been installed, their confined nature means that temperature changes bring about changes in the axial prop load with axial loads increasing as temperatures rise and decreasing as they fall. “Historically design for thermal loading has not been such an issue in the UK due to the relatively even climate. However, Consulting Engineers are now interpreting industry standards differently, meaning an increased contribution from solar gain also has to be taken into account, which, when combined with seasonal and daily variations can produce a design thermal range in excess of 35 ̊C. “Using this temperature range, thermal loading can account for 50% of the axial load capacity of the props, so half of the steel in the excavation is there purely to take account of thermal loading. The resulting need for larger or more props can sap scheme efficiency, push up the equipment cost, and take up valuable excavation space. “What’s more, installation may require heavier plant and more labour to assemble the equipment, incur greater costs for transportation and result in a larger carbon footprint. Our revolutionary new Tubeshor Active Thermal Compensator helps to mitigate these factors, reducing thermal loading by up to 90% compared to a mechanically locked off prop, while offering a raft of additional benefits.” Key features and benefits To find out more about the Tubeshor Active Thermal Compensator, go to https://www.rmdkwikform.com/gb/products/tubeshoratc/ or email info@rmdkwikform.com. For more on Altrad RMD Kwikform, please visit www.rmdkwikform.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A planning application has been submitted to the London Borough of Tower Hamlets for the redevelopment of a portion of the iconic 350-year-old Truman Brewery site on Brick Lane. The ambitious plans, managed by Grow Places, aim to transform the area with 35,000 square metres of new and refurbished buildings, offering job and training opportunities, affordable housing, and an enhanced public realm. The proposal follows extensive community engagement, with three rounds of pre-planning public consultations. The redevelopment will take place in phases, focusing on eight distinct blocks. Notably, this scheme is separate from a previously approved development for Brick Lane and Woodseer Street. The Truman Brewery, known for housing a diverse range of businesses, from creative industries and galleries to independent shops and restaurants, will see the replacement of vacant, underused buildings with vibrant new structures. The proposed buildings will host a variety of community and commercial spaces, including areas for exhibitions, events, a creative hub, microbrewery, food markets, and affordable workspaces. Mixed-tenure housing, aimed at providing affordable options for local families, will also be part of the plan. The primary development site is located east of Brick Lane, bordered by Buxton Street and Spital Street. It will feature five refurbished or new buildings and two public yards—Chimney Yard and Cooperage Yard. Currently, much of this area is used for parking and occasional events. Two additional plots, Ely’s Yard and a derelict building on Grey Eagle Street, are located within the Truman Brewery estate, adding up to a total of eight development sites. A relocation strategy is in place for tenants affected by the removal of existing structures. This includes plans for the Banglatown Cash and Carry, Backyard Market, and various workspace tenants. The development aims to reduce daily vehicle movements by 30%, while increasing the site’s biodiversity by introducing more greenery and wildlife, which will create stronger ties to nearby Allen Gardens park. Tom Larsson, founder of Grow Places, expressed his excitement: “We are proud to work with the Truman Brewery and the local community in Brick Lane, Spitalfields, and Banglatown. Together, we are evolving the site in a sustainable and authentic way, ensuring that the Truman Brewery remains a vibrant hub for locals, workers, and visitors alike.” Amr Assaad, director of Buckley Gray Yeoman, the architects behind the masterplan, added: “Brick Lane holds a special place in the hearts of many Londoners. Our proposals aim to transform this largely detached brownfield site into a space that future generations will cherish, adding a new chapter to the Brick Lane story.” The redevelopment promises to revitalise the historic site, preserving its legacy while adapting it for modern needs. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
AWS’s planned investments are estimated to contribute £14 billion to the UK’s total GDP over the next five years. Amazon Web Services (AWS) plans to invest £8 billion over the next five years (2024-2028) building, operating, and maintaining data centres in the UK. This investment is part of the company’s long-term commitment to supporting growth and productivity across the country, and is estimated to contribute £14 billion to the UK’s total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) through to 2028, and support an average of more than 14,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs on an annual basis at local UK businesses. These positions all form part of the AWS data centre supply chain, ranging from construction, facility maintenance, engineering, telecommunications, and other jobs within the broader local economy. Increasing investment in the UK AWS first launched an AWS Region in the UK in December 2016, and over the last few years, the company has continued to expand the Region to include three Availability Zones (AZ), two WaveLength Zones, two Edge Locations, and a Regional Edge Cache. In fact, since the start of the decade (2020-2023), AWS has invested over £3 billion in the UK to help meet the growing needs of its customers. This investment is estimated to have supported an average of more than 6,000 FTE jobs at local businesses. Combined with today’s announcement, this will bring AWS’s total planned investment in the UK from 2020-2028 to more than £11 billion. Today, organisations of all sizes and across all industries are using AWS – from the fastest growing startups, to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), the largest enterprises, public sector organisations, educational institutions, and government agencies. Customers like AstraZeneca, Cancer Research UK, Deliveroo, easyJet, EDF, Genomics England, Just Eat, Monzo, Natural History Museum, NatWest Group, Sainsbury’s, Swindon Borough Council, The Very Group, UK Biobank, and Zilch are using AWS to lower costs, become more agile, and innovate faster. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said: “This £8 billion Amazon Web Services investment marks the start of the economic revival and shows Britain is a place to do business. I welcome the announcement as part of the Government’s mission to boost growth, unlock investment and make every part of Britain better off.” Technology Secretary, Peter Kyle, said: “Today’s announcement reflects the growing strength of the UK’s digital economy with a key player like Amazon Web Services committing to growing and expanding on our shores. As Technology Secretary, I am committed to supporting digital advancement so that it can improve lives and livelihoods for the better. From increasing compute power to providing access to AI – it is vital that innovators have the infrastructure they need to grow our digital economy and drive breakthroughs.” Tanuja Randery, Vice President and Managing Director, Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) at AWS, said: “The next few years could be among the most pivotal for the UK’s digital and economic future, as organisations of all sizes across the country increasingly embrace technologies like cloud computing and AI to help them accelerate innovation, increase productivity, and compete on the global stage. We’re proud to announce our plans to invest £8 billion in digital and AI infrastructure over the next five years to help meet the growing needs of our customers and partners, and support the transformation of the UK’s digital economy.” Helping the UK take full advantage of the growing benefits of cloud computing and artificial intelligence The total economic impact of cloud computing in the UK accounted for over £42 billion in 2023, according to independent analysis by Telecom Advisory Services. That’s equivalent to 1.6% of GDP, or larger than the UK’s automotive manufacturing sector. To better understand the current and potential impact of cloud computing and AI in the UK, AWS commissioned independent consultancy, Public First, to undertake new quantitative research on how UK businesses are using – and plan to use – cloud computing. As part of this, Public First polled over 2,000 senior business decision-makers and constructed new economic modelling on the connections between digital technology and business productivity. Cloud computing is an important enabling technology for UK growth Cloud computing has enabled startups, small businesses and public sector bodies to have access to the same technologies as the largest enterprises, which has helped them to drive innovation faster, reduce costs, and compete on a global stage. According to Public First’s polling, 84% of respondents who are AWS customers think that their business has saved money as a result of investing in cloud infrastructure, with an average cost saving of 28% compared to using on-premises infrastructure. On average, respondents said that using AWS reduces the time it takes to deploy new software by over a quarter (27%). In addition, 82% of AWS customers think that cloud computing has made it possible for them to take their business global, while 85% agree that the use of cloud computing has made it easier to compete with larger companies. Cloud computing has not only reduced costs and increased innovation, it also helps businesses and the public sector to improve their energy efficiency and sustainability too. The polling revealed that more than three quarters (78%) of AWS users say they have reduced their energy consumption and improved their sustainability as a result of using the cloud. How technology can bring more value to the UK economy As part of the research, Public First gave each company who responded a digital intensity score based on the extent to which they were using and benefiting from cloud computing and other digital technologies. There was a clear correlation between companies’ overall level of digital intensity and their average revenue growth last year. Digital Leaders – companies in the top 20% of digital intensity – were four times more likely to have seen strong revenue growth above 5% in the last year. To help the UK take full advantage of the growing economic benefits of technologies including cloud computing and AI, more companies will need to adopt these tools – not just
Works have commenced on Plot 3 of the mixed-use industrial scheme, Matrix 49, in Avonmouth, Bristol. Delivered by McLaren Construction Midlands and North, on behalf of clients BGO Wire PropCo Ltd and Equation Properties, the £21.6million 13-acre plot will be situated on the 65-acre site of Matrix 49, continuing the transformation of the current site into prime industrial, logistics and office space. Bounded to the south by Holloway Road, and to the east by Lanson Roberts Road, the development is situated in a prime location next to the M49 motorway and mainline railway line to the north. Once complete, the units and office space will provide speculative future clients with sustainable premises, for businesses working towards net zero targets. Planned works include procuring the infrastructure and warehouse unit together with a 219,660 sq. ft warehouse, alongside the construction of 11,365 sq. ft of office space, a control tower and a gatehouse. McLaren Construction is also providing associated external works, hard standings, car, HGV and motorcycle parking with over 200 spaces, road landscaping, loading docks, level access and drainage. Key complex aspects of the build include a rhine diversion and a suspended ground floor slab. Archaeological investigation works have now completed on Plot 3, as have clearance works to remove existing topsoil and vegetation, infill and divert existing rhines, and import clean, inert and tested material to the site, which were laid in layers to raise the existing levels. Works are expected to take 42 weeks in total and once complete, Plot 3 is on target to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating. McLaren Construction Midlands and North have been working closely with the ecological site team to ensure the protection of the water vole population which have been located in the Redwick Common and Cranmoor Rhines. Gary Cramp, managing director of McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “We’re pleased to be working alongside our client and associated contractors to deliver the next phase of this vital sustainable industrial scheme in Avonmouth. “The development includes unique elements which the team are well equipped for, and we have also identified challenges with the ground conditions and water management which we are fully prepared for as part of our strategy. Once complete, the units and office space will provide speculative future clients with sustainable premises, for eco-conscious businesses working towards their net zero targets.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
New site at Port Glasgow will deliver grid scale battery energy storage driving its renewable energy ambitions in Scotland Renewable energy storage specialist Apatura has secured planning permission for a major new Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Port Glasgow, Inverclyde with a capacity of 700 megawatts (MW). This is the largest planning consent for a stand-alone BESS in Scotland to date and the biggest ever secured by Apatura Energy, marking a significant milestone in the company’s relentless mission to deliver sustainable energy solutions that fast-track the path to net zero. It is also the fourth consent in less than 12 months, and Apatura Energy expects more to follow soon. Andrew Philpott, Chief Development Officer, Apatura stated: “We are delighted that Ministers have supported this critically important scheme and the local Council – Inverclyde – lodged no objections. Our focus on Scotland is central to our vision to harness its renewable energy potential. This latest planning consent is not only the largest consent for a stand-alone Battery Scheme in Scotland, but it also positions us at the forefront of delivering resilient energy infrastructure. This is also a central goal of the NGESO Beyond 2023 report which highlighted the vital role of BESS in Scotland.” The Auchentiber BESS, which will comprise of a battery electricity storage facility and associated infrastructure and the planting of new native species trees to improve biodiversity, was approved by the Energy Consents Unit on 11 September 2024. When it comes online it will make a substantial contribution to the Scottish Government’s goal of generating 50% of Scotland’s overall energy consumption from renewable sources, and by 2050 to have decarbonised its energy system almost completely. It is therefore critical to meeting the UK Government’s commitment to achieving Net Zero as set out in the Climate Change Act 2008 (2050 Target Amendment) Order 2019. Apatura worked closely with the Energy Consents Unit and Inverclyde Council to achieve this success which will not only bring grid resilience but will also create local job opportunities and a Community Benefit Fund. Direct employment opportunities are expected during the construction, operational and decommissioning phases, as well as indirect job creation throughout the supply chain and related services. BESS is advanced technology systems designed to store electrical energy during periods of high generation and low demand which can then be exported back into the grid network during periods of high demand. According to the Decision Letter not only did Scottish Ministers acknowledge that Apatura Energy conducted good practice community engagement, but the ‘Grid scale battery energy storage provides a means to store the electricity generated from the wind, solar etc at times when electricity generation outstrips demand or when the capacity of a constrained electricity grid is insufficient to supply the generated electricity to consumers. On this basis battery energy storage makes an indirect but significant contribution to renewable energy generation targets and greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets, by effectively increasing the productivity of renewable generators elsewhere on the grid. This is a significant factor weighing in favour of the development.’ It went on to state the proposal ‘will contribute to sustainable development, providing for greater and more efficient use of renewable energy generation in the electricity system, and in this regard, it will contribute to greenhouse gas emissions reduction ambitions.’ “Our BESS plays a crucial role in modern energy management, especially in the context of renewable energy integration and grid stability. It is central to our goal of enhancing the renewable energy infrastructure in Scotland and follows on from a number of recent successful planning consents. This scheme will help deliver stable energy prices, leading to reduced bills, taking the pressure off households while at the same time increasing energy security. We are determined to deliver reliable, clean energy to communities across the country and this latest planning consent does just that,” concluded Philpott. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals