Batteries were being charged where people eat and work. Armorgard’s VoltHub, a purpose-built ventilated unit, now gives civil engineers at Galldris a dedicated place to store and charge them on site. Galldris Group has moved lithium-ion battery charging out of canteens and offices at Sizewell C and into Armorgard‘s VoltHub, a purpose-built, ventilated unit with integrated fire suppression. As a major UK civil engineering contractor, delivering complex, often critical infrastructure projects, Galldris manages a large volume of power tools and battery-powered equipment on busy, high-risk sites. Before VoltHub, batteries were being charged in canteens and offices which put a fire hazard in the rooms where people eat and work, while trailing cables added trip hazards of their own. Furthermore, there was no purpose-built, lithium-ion-specific storage or segregation and nothing in place to deal with thermal runaway if a battery did fail. Chargers were regularly misplaced, meaning batteries weren’t always charged properly. This set-up presented a serious risk as well as a major compliance issue, prompting calls from Galldris’ own health and safety team to urgently address the situation with a scalable solution. From Hinkley Point C to Sizewell C Galldris were drawn to Armorgard as a lithium-ion battery storage and charging partner having seen its technology in action at a Safety Forum led by the Sizewell C health and safety team. The principal contractor was also encouraging a safer charging setup. In particular, it saw  Armorgard’s flagship VoltHub unit as the right solution ahead of new Class-L fire-safety standards coming into force, and wanted a unit that could connect directly to the site’s fire alarm system. The selection was further reinforced by the direct experience of Julian Beard, Galldris Group’s Health and Safety Manager on the Sizewell C project, who had used VoltHub while part of the safety team in the intake tunnels at Hinkley Point C How VoltHub works on site VoltHub is a ventilated unit, purposefully-developed for storing and charging lithium-ion batteries on site, with integrated fire suppression that deals with battery-related incidents while high-performance ventilation stops heat building up inside. The batteries themselves are held in lockable storage, which gives the site clear accountability for who has what. Offering further risk mitigation, an integrated fire alarm connection means VoltHub becomes part of the site’s emergency systems, and its IP-rated construction is built for demanding site conditions. For added portability, it’s easy to move so teams can set up safe charging wherever and whenever they need it. Commenting on choosing VoltHub, Julian Beard, Health and Safety Manager for Galldris Group on the Sizewell C project, said: “Introducing VoltHub across the site was one of the first initiatives I implemented, especially after seeing the benefits it offered when I worked on Hinkley Point C, including easy storage, improved fire safety, no trailing cables, and desks and tables free from clutter. This enables people to eat and work in peace, without constant beeping in the background. Since using the VoltHub station at SZC, we have reduced damage and product loss, as it has enabled operatives to take responsibility for their own equipment.” The results Charging at Galldris is now organised and centralised, and health and safety teams and site management have greater confidence in how batteries are stored and charged. Galldris reports stronger compliance with the new Sizewell C fire-safety standards (a closer fit with what tier-one contractors require) and the company says this has helped it to be seen as a leader across the project and the wider business. Matt Partridge, Head of Product Development at Armorgard, said: “Charging batteries in canteens and offices puts a fire risk in the rooms where people eat and take their breaks. VoltHub gives site teams a dedicated place to do it instead, with ventilation to stop heat building up and fire suppression in case a battery does fail. “Julian first used VoltHub at Hinkley Point C, and he chose it again as one of his first initiatives at Sizewell C. That means a lot to us because it’s a decision made by someone who has seen the unit working on a live site, and we’re also pleased to hear it has reduced damage and product loss at Galldris. When operatives have a secure place to charge their own equipment, they take more responsibility for it.” To find out more about VoltHub or to arrange a demonstration, contact the Armorgard team on 023 9238 0280 or visit https://www.armorgard.co.uk/products/battery-charging-units/volthub/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Charles Wilson (CW) Plant is making the switch to cleaner, portable power and invested in over 40 Instagrid battery power units to support customers in combating rising fuel prices and help meet increasingly stringent sustainability targets. With an estimated 70% of event and festival organisers looking to cut fuel consumption, CW Plant Hire has worked alongside long-standing supplier Seddon’s Plant and Engineer to future proof their portable power offering. Paula Godfrey, Systems and Sales Development Trainer, at CW Plant Hire said: “We initially trialled Instagrid’s 230v and 110v portable power supplies on the recommendation of our trusted partners at Seddon, and the feedback was excellent. Combined with our desire to invest in products that are both sustainable and future-proof, the decision to invest was an easy one. “Instagrid products make tools and equipment portable, are operationally quieter and more sustainable. These benefits are reflected in the exceptional uptake we have already seen from our events customers, with some taking up to 10 Instagrid units to manage large power needs through the build and breakdown stages of event settings.” Depending on size and output, small diesel generator typically costs more up front than an Instagrid unit – but the savings quickly stack up. When comparing Instagrid and traditional generators over a 4-year period, Instagrid is proven time and time again to save up to 85% when compared with comparable sized combustion generators. The savings come from minimal maintenance – and low re-charging costs, with data from Instagrid demonstrating a typical recharge of their 2.1 kWh portable power units costing on average 50p (based on current UK energy prices) from a mains power supply, providing long term efficiency and value. At current fuel prices and based on average use – the total cost of ownership savings is typically seen within the first year. The portability of battery powered generators is an additional benefit to the events sector, removing the need for cable runs and mitigating delays on tight build and breakdown schedules while also supporting a quieter working environment and being suitable for indoor use. Matt Silvester, Instagrid Sales Director for UK & Ireland said: “Once you remove the need for wet fuel, refuelling trips, two-person generator moves, cable runs, extraction fans, plant nappies and spill kits the ROI on battery power is evident. However, it is the versatility of Instagrid units that are the market differentiator when it comes to power. “A recent example is a customer that needed silent power for floor screeding with no mains supply and generators were ruled out. Instagrid powered both the lighting and equipment through the night with no delay, noise or emissions. “We are pleased to be supporting both Seddon’s and CW Plant Hire in the adoption of battery power and are thrilled to see the increased uptake of events customers, who can already see the benefits and versatility Instagrid units bring to site.” Seddon and Instagrid have provided training to the team at CW Plant Hire to support them in taking Instagrid units to customer sites for live demonstrations, including guidance on maintenance, visual inspections, recharging and IoT tracking, which can locate the unit within three metres, even when switched off or out of charge. Instagrid’s ONE and GO units won Product of the Year at the 2026 European Rental Awards, and more than 60,000 Instagrid units have been sold globally. Both the Instagrid GO and the Carbon8 T3 are available from hire providers across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Adaptogen Capital, a specialist investment firm at the forefront of the energy transition, is pleased to announce the next phase of its European growth strategy, as it targets €1bn of investment opportunities by 2030 across European Battery Energy Storage (BESS) markets. Highlights: Adaptogen Capital today sets out its continued expansion into continental Europe, having built a pipeline of Belgian opportunities through its operating platform MVA Energy, that address grid congestion and the integration of growing  renewable generation, alongside a parallel German pipeline. The firm’s approach is structured around project-specific capital commitments at FID, allowing infrastructure investors the opportunity to back firm connection projects with low grid fees once development and permitting risk has been substantially reduced. Investor appetite for European battery energy storage is strengthening as power market volatility, geopolitical and inflation concerns, rising renewable penetration and growing grid constraints reinforce the role of storage as critical energy infrastructure. With relatively few specialist BESS managers operating at scale across the region, Adaptogen believes its project-led approach is well aligned with the needs of infrastructure investors seeking exposure to the central asset class in the next phase of the energy transition.  Adaptogen’s European ambitions build directly on its UK experience. The firm’s original fund closed in 2023 and has since been fully deployed to develop, construct and operate grid-scale BESS assets through its Varco Energy platform, with 350MW on track to be operational by 2028 and a further 275MW in development. Battery energy storage is increasingly recognised across Europe as critical infrastructure for balancing intermittent renewable generation and easing grid congestion. Adaptogen’s disciplined, project-led approach to capital deployment is intended to support that transition as it extends its strategy beyond the UK. James Mills, Managing Director, Adaptogen Capital, commented: “Across Europe, grids are under growing pressure from the pace of renewable build-out, and that is creating a clear investment case for well-located, grid scale battery  storage with firm connections, backed by sensibly structured revenue and debt facilities. We have spent the past three years building a pipeline that targets that opportunity, and our approach of committing capital once projects have reached final investment decision allows infrastructure investors to back assets where development risk has already been substantially reduced. Our experience delivering and operating storage assets in the UK through Varco Energy gives us a strong foundation as we extend that model into continental Europe.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Millions of square metres of warehouse roof space across the UK could be used to generate renewable energy, but complex lease arrangements and divided responsibilities between landlords and occupiers continue to slow progress. Independent logistics operator Europa Worldwide Group (EWG) has partnered with its landlord, Prologis, to install a 600 kWp rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) system at its £30 million Dartford site. Expected to generate 541,800 kWh of renewable electricity annually, it is Europa’s first rooftop solar installation and could save the business approximately £80,000 in the first year, based on current electricity rates. In its first month of operation, over 40 per cent of the site’s consumption came from solar energy. The project shows what landlords and occupiers can achieve when they work together, while highlighting the practical barriers that must be overcome for rooftop solar to be adopted more widely across the UK warehouse sector. At a time when the UK must increase renewable energy generation while managing growing pressure on land, warehouse rooftops offer an opportunity to make better use of existing commercial buildings. Around 140 large-scale solar farm schemes were reported to be under construction across the UK in August, with further projects competing for land. Warehouse rooftops offer untapped capacity Analysis by the UK Warehousing Association (UKWA) suggests that existing warehouse rooftops could provide 17.3 GW of solar generating capacity. However, research examining more than 300 warehouse rooftops found that just five per cent had solar installed. Europa has explored opportunities to install solar at Dartford for several years. The site is its European road freight hub and is also home to the company’s specialist 3PL services, creating substantial daytime energy demand. However, the number of parties involved, and the complexity of the process presented significant barriers. UKWA has identified grid connection delays, structural considerations, insurance requirements, lease restrictions and a lack of alignment between landlords and tenants as persistent obstacles. Tom Jenkins, Central Services Director at Europa Worldwide Group, said: “We have wanted to utilise solar panels on our Dartford headquarters and transit hub for a long time. The environmental and commercial case is compelling, particularly for a large logistics facility with substantial daytime energy demand, but there are way too many barriers. Warehouse occupiers may not own their buildings, while landlords, energy providers, network operators and legal teams all need to be involved. The process can quickly become lengthy and difficult to navigate, even when every party supports the principle of renewable energy. Our partnership with Prologis has enabled us to overcome those challenges. It shows what can be achieved when landlords and occupiers work closely together, but the wider process needs to become much easier if rooftop solar is to reach its full potential across the logistics sector.” Partnership removes cost and contractual barriers The installation was led by Jon Margetts, Head of Health & Safety and Facilities, at Europa – and delivered through a 30-year Power Purchase Agreement with Prologis. This removes the upfront capital expenditure that would otherwise have been required and allows Europa to purchase renewable electricity generated at the site. Through Prologis Essentials, the property company has provided a turnkey solution, with its energy specialists managing each stage of the project. This has included assessing the site’s energy profile, determining the appropriate system size and overseeing design, approvals, procurement, installation and commissioning. The agreement runs alongside Europa’s property lease and does not create dilapidation or exit charges should the company leave the building before the solar term ends, removing two potential barriers for the occupier. Paul Weston, Regional Head of Prologis UK, said: “This project demonstrates how landlords can play a practical role in helping customers progress their sustainability ambitions. By removing the upfront investment and managing the technical, contractual and delivery process, we have helped make renewable energy commercially and operationally accessible to Europa. Through Prologis Essentials, we are investing in solutions that help our customers improve energy resilience, reduce emissions and unlock the value of renewable energy across our logistics portfolio.” As Prologis’ 48th rooftop solar installation in the UK, the project supports the company’s wider environmental, social and governance commitments to increase on-site renewable energy generation. Clare Bottle, CEO of the UKWA, said “Europa’s experience chimes with what we hear from other UKWA members. The appetite to invest in rooftop solar exists, and the potential commercial, environmental and energy-security benefits are clear, but there are still too many practical and contractual barriers. The Europa and Prologis partnership is a strong example of how a landlord-led model can remove some of those obstacles. We need to see more collaboration of this kind, alongside solar-ready new warehouse developments, faster grid connections and tax incentives for connection fees” Europa’s 26,368 square metre Dartford site opened in 2015 on the former site of Littlebrook Power Station, which was decommissioned the same year. The solar PV system is expected to provide locally generated renewable electricity for the next 30 years, supporting Europa’s efforts to reduce its environmental impact. Europa was recently awarded the EcoVadis Committed badge, with a sustainability score of 48. The business is also certified to ISO 14001 and ISO 50001, supporting its work to track and improve environmental performance. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Multi-award-winning civil and structural engineering consultancy Will Rudd has supported the delivery of a major solar car port installation at Scottish Water’s headquarters in Stepps, Glasgow. The project has seen more than 1 MW of solar PV installed across eight canopies, covering approximately 243 parking bays and incorporating around 2,250 solar panels.  Once operational, the installation is expected to generate around 1 GWh of electricity each year, providing roughly one third of the site’s power and saving approximately 160 tonnes of carbon annually. Delivered within a live, high-traffic environment, the project presented a number of engineering challenges, including how to manage drainage across the existing car park while integrating the new structures with the site’s existing infrastructure. The initial proposal involved an underground drainage solution, but a detailed assessment of the existing site levels and surface water flows identified an opportunity to make greater use of the infrastructure already in place.  Will Rudd developed a solution that incorporated the existing drainage network and sustainable drainage features, requiring just one new drainage connection to serve the proposed glass-reinforced polyester switch room. This reduced the need for extensive underground drainage works while providing an effective approach to surface water management, and reducing project costs. Will Rudd was appointed by OCS to provide civil and structural engineering services for the project, with its involvement beginning with a detailed review of existing information, site inspections and surveys of the proposed development area. The consultancy was responsible for the design of the foundations, substructures and drainage infrastructure, as well as swept path analysis to assess vehicle access and manoeuvrability around the new structures. Will Rudd also provided Structural Engineers Registration certification for the third-party canopy structures, prepared structural design submissions and supported the building warrant application process. Throughout construction, the team provided ongoing civil and structural engineering support, responding to site queries and resolving technical challenges to support delivery within the live site environment. Steven Williams, Assistant Engineer at Will Rudd, said: “Projects such as this demonstrate how engineering can help organisations make practical use of existing sites to support their transition towards more sustainable energy. “Working within an operational car park presented a number of challenges, particularly around drainage, access and the integration of the new structures with the existing site. By taking a detailed approach to the existing infrastructure, we were able to develop solutions that supported the installation while minimising disruption and unnecessary additional works. “It’s a great example of how careful civil and structural engineering can help deliver renewable energy infrastructure that works effectively within an existing environment.” The project forms part of Will Rudd’s growing work in the renewable energy and infrastructure sectors. The consultancy is currently working with OCS on a number of projects across the UK, including structural assessments of non-traditional housing stock in Scotland to support the installation of Tesla Powerwall energy storage systems, alongside surveys and feasibility assessments for solar PV installations across DWP buildings in England and Scotland. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Natural Power has strengthened its position as one of Scotland’s leading providers of renewable energy services after securing a contract with ScottishPower Renewables (SPR) to support five onshore windfarms across southern Scotland. The new five-year contract sees Natural Power appointed to provide operations and maintenance services at Ewe Hill 1, Ewe Hill 2, Hagshaw Hill 2 and Wether Hill, while its existing contract at Black Law Windfarm has also been extended. The award forms part of ScottishPower Renewables’ latest operations and maintenance framework, representing a record investment of £102.9m in the UK’s onshore wind supply chain and reinforcing the important role that local businesses play in supporting the country’s clean energy infrastructure. Matthew Kelly, Director of Operations and Asset Management at Natural Power, said: “We’re delighted to have strengthened our long-standing relationship with ScottishPower Renewables through this latest contract award. It reflects the confidence in our people, our operational expertise and our ability to safely deliver high-quality services across its onshore wind portfolio. “As a business headquartered in south-west Scotland, we’re particularly proud that this investment supports skilled jobs within local communities while helping maintain the reliable operation of renewable energy assets that are making an important contribution to Scotland’s clean energy ambitions. “We’ve invested in expanding our teams in both Dumfries and Lanark to support the contract, creating new opportunities for skilled engineers and strengthening our operational capability for the future. We look forward to continuing to work closely with ScottishPower Renewables and continuing to support the production of reliable, clean energy.” Headquartered in Dumfries and Galloway, Natural Power has expanded its local operational teams to deliver the contract, creating new engineering roles alongside employees who transferred into the business under TUPE. The company has employed an additional 23 dedicated staff across its Dumfries and Lanark operations, supporting the delivery of services across the five windfarms. The project team in Dumfries comprises ten employees, including wind turbine technicians, a lead technician and a logistics coordinator. In Lanark, the business has further strengthened its capabilities with a team of 13 employees, including newly created leadership positions to support contract delivery and future growth. The investment demonstrates Natural Power’s continued commitment to developing skilled employment opportunities within Scotland while ensuring experienced, locally based teams are supporting critical renewable energy infrastructure. Natural Power has been providing technical and operational services to the renewable energy sector for almost three decades and supports wind, solar and battery storage assets throughout the UK and internationally. The latest contract further strengthens the company’s operations and maintenance portfolio while reinforcing its commitment to supporting Scotland’s growing renewable energy industry through local expertise, long-term investment and highly skilled engineering teams. Find out more about operations and asset management at Natural Power here: Renewables Operations & Asset Management | Natural Power Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

ScottishPower has awarded contracts totalling a record £102.9million to companies spanning the country in the latest round of support for Britain’s supply chain. Businesses based in the north and south of Scotland, the outskirts of London and in Northern Ireland share the bumper investment, which will create engineering jobs and boost local economies throughout the country. The contracts, which equate to the highest award of its kind to date, will cover the operation and maintenance of 24 of ScottishPower Renewables’ onshore windfarms for the next five years, ensuring they continue to power the country with clean, green energy. ScottishPower Renewables’ Onshore Construction and Operations Director Ross Galbraith said: “Transitioning the country to a cleaner, greener future has so many benefits beyond the environment, and our support for the supply chain throughout the UK is clear evidence of this. “By continuing to invest in our assets, we are giving businesses in the supply chain the confidence to make their own investments, and that results in jobs and other benefits for local communities.” Three of the four companies extend existing relationships with SPR, having already completed successful contracts on a number of windfarms, and the new contracts have allowed them to grow further. Ross Galbraith added: “All of these companies have proven track records in the wind energy sector, and we are proud to be able to build on existing relationships and cultivate new ones which we look forward to being able to grow in the years ahead.” New supplier – Gael Energy Ltd – is based in Invergordon, in the Highlands, and is already experienced in operating windfarms. This played a significant role in the company’s selection, alongside its ability to secure local resources within the area. Gael Energy Founder and Managing Director Hamish Campbell said: “We are delighted to have been awarded this Operations & Maintenance contract and to be supporting another renewable energy project here in the Highlands. “As a business headquartered in the heart of the Highlands, we’ve always believed that having a strong local presence is fundamental to the way we operate. Being close to our customers allows us to respond quickly, build lasting relationships, and invest in the communities where we work. “This contract is another important milestone for Gael Energy, strengthening our growing portfolio of windfarm O&M agreements and reinforcing our commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable services across the region. It also represents another step in our continued growth throughout the Highlands, creating opportunities for our team while supporting the long-term success of Scotland’s renewable energy sector. “We look forward to working closely with ScottishPower Renewables to ensure the wind farm continues to operate safely, efficiently and reliably for years to come.” Everun Limited is headquartered in Belfast and has been working with SPR on its Irish-based assets for the last five years. Having secured major works contracts for a number of SPR sites in Scotland in 2024, Everun has continued to invest, establishing facilities in Glasgow and recruiting a dedicated team.   This tender sees Everun adding to the five SPR Northern Ireland/Ireland sites already under O&M, with three new sites covering 97 WTG’s and 15 staff directly supporting its Scotland operations.    Everun Managing Director Michael Thompson reflected on a long and deepening relationship with SPR, saying: “The partnership between SPR and Everun has been built over a number of years, setting clear objectives for continuous improvement via investment in staff and infrastructure. “We are delighted to be expanding our operations and look forward to delivering consistent services for SPR into the future.”   RES, the world’s largest independent renewable energy company, officially opened its new logistics hub in Bellshill, Lanarkshire, earlier this month. The hub acts as the operational base for a major five-year O&M contract with ScottishPower Renewables covering 15 windfarms, providing logistics support, component refurbishment and specialist technical resource across the portfolio. The contract has created 32 direct jobs, including 16 technicians, taking RES’ total headcount on the contract to close to 100.  Simon Deacon, Regional O&M Director, Northern Europe at RES, said: “This contract reflects the long-term, technical partnership we’ve built with ScottishPower Renewables. Our growing team at Bellshill gives us the local capability to support this expanded portfolio safely and efficiently.”  Natural Power is based in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. They’ve expanded their SPR portfolio by securing four more windfarms as part of this process, employing 23 people across the sites. Matthew Kelly, Director of Operations and Asset Management at Natural Power, said: “We’re delighted to have strengthened our long-standing relationship with ScottishPower Renewables through this latest contract award. It reflects the confidence in our people, our operational expertise and our ability to safely deliver high-quality services across its onshore wind portfolio. “As a business headquartered in south-west Scotland, we’re particularly proud that this investment supports skilled jobs within local communities while helping maintain the reliable operation of renewable energy assets that are making an important contribution to Scotland’s clean energy ambitions. “We’ve invested in expanding our teams in both Dumfries and Lanark to support the contract, creating new opportunities for skilled engineers and strengthening our operational capability for the future. We look forward to continuing to work closely with ScottishPower Renewables and continuing to support the production of reliable, clean energy.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Savills Earth Capital Advisory (SECA) has advised Caerphilly County Borough Council (Cyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol Caerffili) on the sale of Cwm Ifor Solar Farm, a fully consented 20MW solar project located near Caerphilly, South Wales, to Fuse Energy, one of the UK’s fastest-growing energy suppliers, for an undisclosed sum. The project is expected to connect to the grid in December 2026, with the potential to generate enough clean energy to power approximately 6,000 homes annually. Cllr Amanda McConnell, Caerphilly Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, says, “This agreement is an important step in tackling the climate emergency and increasing renewable energy in Caerphilly. The Cwm Ifor Solar Farm could power around 6,000 homes with clean electricity, while supporting a more flexible and resilient energy system. We’re pleased to be working with Fuse Energy to bring this project forward and deliver lasting environmental and economic benefits for our communities.” Henry Grant, Director, Savills Earth Capital Advisory, comments, “We’re pleased to have supported the Local Authority with this transaction. Investor appetite for solar remains strong as these projects continue to play a critical role in accelerating the UK’s transition to a low carbon energy system.” The acquisition expands Fuse Energy’s growing renewable portfolio with a current 1GW pipeline across solar and wind projects. It follows the company’s strategy to integrate generation, infrastructure, and supply under one roof, aimed at reducing costs passed onto the consumer and improving energy system efficiency. Fuse Energy plans to develop Cwm Ifor using in-house engineering, procurement and construction. A previous solar project was recently completed by the company at a 30% lower cost per MW peak than industry average. The Cwm Ifor Solar Farm project marks a significant step in scaling Fuse Energy’s renewable generation portfolio and advancing a lower-cost energy system in the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals