Legrand UK & Ireland has saved over a tonne of CO2 in a single month with the installation of a solar photovoltaic (PV) panel array on the roof of its West Bromwich site, near Birmingham. The panels were installed and commissioned in October 2023 and, before the end of November, had
Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, has successfully completed the front-end engineering design (FEED) stage for key onshore elements of the East Coast Cluster (ECC) – Net Zero Teesside Power (NZT Power) and the Northern Endurance Partnership (NEP) – in the industrial heartland of Teesside. NZT Power, a joint venture between
Prologis Europe is pleased to share its latest success in rooftop solar. Prologis wins 10 German renewable energy contracts Prologis Europe has been successful in winning ten on-roof solar contracts as part of the German government’s latest Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) tender. Prologis was one of the largest bidders
Banks Renewables is expecting to invest over £100 million to develop Pond Energy Park, which will see a section of an industrial park near Bathgate re-designed into a two-hectare battery site. Plans are expected to be submitted later this year and Pond Battery Storage will have an export capacity of
SOLAR & STORAGE LIVE Stand N3… A gull wing solar parking structure at Solar & Storage Live is set to demonstrate how organisations can provide their own green electricity to meet the growing demand for EV charging points. SIG Building Solutions, exhibiting at the show for the first time, is
Shell Energy UK Limited (“Shell”) has signed an agreement with Norsk Hydro ASA (“Hydro”), a global leader in aluminium and renewable energy, to help decarbonise its UK operations. The three-year agreement will cover the annual supply of 144 gigawatt hours of natural gas and 56 gigawatt hours of renewable electricity
By Steven Dale Sometimes there are straws in the wind which can make you reassess the way the future of a particular technology or trend is likely to shape up. I have come across some of them recently in this corner of the North of Scotland. Over the course of
GLP recently announced the completion of a major solar photovoltaic roof installation at G-Park Zevenaar. G-Park Zevenaar is a 133,000 SQM logistics complex, and represents a major development in renewable energy by GLP Europe. G-Park Zevenaar is a significant solar PV project for the Netherlands. The logistics complex will house
Yorkshire Water has signed 15-year agreements with SGN Commercial Services and Centrica Energy Trading that will see biomethane gas to grid plants introduced at its Knostrop and Blackburn Meadows wastewater treatment works. Biogas is produced as a by-product of Yorkshire Water’s sewage wastewater treatment processes and can be upgraded to
GLP, the leading global investment manager and business builder in logistics, digital infrastructure, renewable energy and related technologies, and Syzygy, Europe’s leading consultancy in renewable energy, energy storage and electric vehicle infrastructure projects, have completed work on G-Park Zevenaar. Syzygy has supported GLP for the past three years to establish
Legrand UK & Ireland has saved over a tonne of CO2 in a single month with the installation of a solar photovoltaic (PV) panel array on the roof of its West Bromwich site, near Birmingham. The panels were installed and commissioned in October 2023 and, before the end of November, had saved 1,087kg of CO2 emissions. This emissions reduction represents a significant milestone on Legrand’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) roadmap with this installation’s annual CO2 savings projected to be in the region of 29 tonnes. The West Bromwich site serves as Legrand’s National Distribution Centre, housing a variety of Legrand products and components prior to shipping. The site is now home to 330 PV panels, each with the capacity to generate 500w as part of a 165kWP system. Legrand’s latest CSR roadmap is the fifth the company has put into practice. The environmental part of the roadmap focuses on reducing the carbon emissions generated by Legrand and its supply chain, phasing out single-use plastics and increasing the use of recycled materials. The PV installation is just one of many ways Legrand is cutting carbon. Others include procuring more sustainable components and materials for the products it manufactures and designing those products to be as energy efficient as possible in order to help lower the emissions of its customers. Pascal Stutz, CEO of Legrand UK & Ireland, said: “We are really happy with the carbon saving the PV panels have delivered for us. We’re always looking at ways to reduce our impact on the planet and a big part of that involves switching to renewable energy. As a major UK manufacturer, we understand that we have a responsibility to the environment and that means doing everything we can to lower our carbon footprint while making it easier for our customers to reduce their own Scope 3 emissions.” For the third year running, Legrand has been the recipient of the Platinum EcoVadis medal, meaning that its practices are in line with the most ambitious objective of the Paris Agreement – namely, limiting the global increase in temperatures to 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels and achieving carbon neutrality. Pascal continued: “The health of the planet is something we take very seriously and we are dedicated to our environmental commitments. The solar power system at West Bromwich is a significant step forward and we’re looking forward to continuing our progress by making further carbon reductions in the coming months and years.” For more on Legrand’s environmental commitments, see Legrand.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, has successfully completed the front-end engineering design (FEED) stage for key onshore elements of the East Coast Cluster (ECC) – Net Zero Teesside Power (NZT Power) and the Northern Endurance Partnership (NEP) – in the industrial heartland of Teesside. NZT Power, a joint venture between bp and Equinor, aims to be the world’s first commercial scale gas-fired power station with carbon capture technology and could generate up to 860 megawatts of low carbon power – equivalent to the electricity requirements of around 1.3 million UK homes. The NEP, a joint venture between bp, Equinor, and TotalEnergies, is the CO2 transportation and storage provider for the East Coast Cluster. The front-end engineering design (FEED) phase commenced in April 2022 and has seen Costain planning new systems for both NZT Power and NEP in an integrated programme of activity. The completed FEED design for NZT Power includes natural gas supply pipework and a high voltage 275kV power network. For NEP, design work focused on the onshore CO2 gathering network. When finished, the c.12km of 22” pipeline will have an initial capacity to transport around 4m tonnes of CO2 per annum to be securely stored under the North Sea. The Teesside onshore NEP infrastructure will serve the Teesside-based carbon capture projects – Net Zero Teesside Power, H2Teesside and Teesside Hydrogen CO2 Capture – that were selected for first connection to the ECC by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) in March 2023 as part of the cluster sequencing process for CCUS. To support this selection, Costain is currently updating the FEED design, due for completion Q2 2024, in readiness for detailed design. Net Zero Teesside Power and the Northern Endurance Partnership aim to take Final Investment Decisions in September 2024, and aim for first commercial operations from 2027. Laura Hughes, energy sector director at Costain, said: “This is an exciting and complex project and one that will leave an enormous legacy for the region. It won’t be long before Teesside will benefit from a world-leading, integrated decarbonisation system, with the East Coast Cluster bringing the UK closer to its net zero goals. “We have designed a CO2 gathering network that is the first in the world to be a wholly above-ground network. This presented interesting design and engineering challenges when considering the properties of CO2 and its ability to liquify at certain temperatures and pressures. However, extensive flow assurance simulations and data modelling has given us a better understanding of the dynamics of CO2 and its behaviours to successfully complete the design for a safe, resilient and efficient network.” Data-led innovation The Costain FEED team, operating out of Teesside and Manchester with partners px Group, used a variety of techniques and technologies to design the routing for the new carbon capture network. Key to the success was creating a new geographic information system (GIS) to act as a single source of truth to capture asset information and data from a variety of sources and stakeholders. This included extensive use of laser scanning, topographical information, and ground investigations in order to document, for the first-time, the above-and-below ground assets at the site location. Hughes added: “The digital footprint that has been generated for the area is pioneering. This is the first time that the assets, spanning across many decades, have been collectively documented, enabling us to design the integrated network accurately and safely. Not only does this knowledge help the many different stakeholders to work together effectively, but this digital footprint will be a legacy for the local industry and asset owners beyond completion of the project and first commercial operations in 2027.” Costain is a recognised leader in energy engineering, construction, and infrastructure. The infrastructure solutions company has been involved in carbon capture projects since the 1960s, and provides end-to-end services throughout the project lifecycle, from conducting feasibility studies to tunnelling and executing full EPCm programmes. Ian Hunter, managing director, NZT Power, said: “Net Zero Teesside Power has an important role to play in helping the UK reach net zero, and could generate up to 860 megawatts of low carbon power – equivalent to the electricity requirements of around 1.3 million UK homes. With Final Investment Decision fast approaching in September this year, we are delighted that Costain has completed the FEED stage which is an important milestone on our journey to deliver this world-first project.” Chris Daykin, general manager, NEP, said: “The Northern Endurance Partnership’s onshore CO2 pipelines are essential to connect carbon intensive projects across Teesside to offshore storage and will play an important role in helping the region achieve net zero. Completion of the design of the onshore Teesside CO2 gathering network by Costain is a crucial milestone as we work towards Final Investment Decision in September this year.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Prologis Europe is pleased to share its latest success in rooftop solar. Prologis wins 10 German renewable energy contracts Prologis Europe has been successful in winning ten on-roof solar contracts as part of the German government’s latest Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) tender. Prologis was one of the largest bidders of the 88-contract auction, winning a contract for every bid submitted. The German government is accelerating the deployment of rooftop solar, announcing increased auction capacity from 650MW in 2023 to 900MW in 2024. Prologis Europe operates approximately 3.15 million square metres of logistics real estate within Germany, with a total generation of 25MW of rooftop solar. These 10 contracts will add more than 16MW to Prologis’ solar portfolio, supplying energy to more than 11,000 German households per year. It expects to be able to assist the German government in reducing their CO2 emissions annually by approximately 13,300 tonnes. Prologis Europe works with the public sectors in its 12 European markets to support the needs of local communities and businesses. These rooftop solar efforts increase capabilities of municipalities and local governments to generate clean, renewable energy locally, creating a more resilient and dependable source of energy as well as meeting sustainability goals. According to Sean Greany, head of Energy, Prologis Europe, “We’re proud of our efforts into solar energy production and battery storage, which provide our customers and communities with increased access to clean, renewable energy as they transition from fossil fuel. Since the installation of our first solar panel in 2005, we have been pushing the boundaries in our industry—leveraging our scale, global presence and local expertise to help expand the generation of solar power and support the transition to renewable energy.” Community Solar in Europe Community solar is still fairly new in Europe but is surely gaining traction. Governments and communities are looking for sources of clean, renewable energy at affordable rates. Industrial real estate, with large roofs on which to place solar panels, can be a tremendous source of solar power. The Spanish government, for instance, are prioritising clean, renewable energy within Spain. It has a goal to ensure 74% of electricity is generated from renewable sources by 2030, and 100% by 2050. Prologis Europe is working with one of its customers on a rooftop solar project in Madrid through its Prologis European Logistics Fund (PELF). In line with its clean energy strategy, it is part of Prologis Europe’s intent to be the largest community solar investor in Spain in 2024 and beyond, by expanding the size of this rooftop solar project and others in the pipeline. With these new contracts in Germany, Prologis Europe continues to expand the areas where it is partnering with government agencies to help support the transition to clean energy. Prologis achieves 500MW Solar Milestone Rooftop solar and storage installations on Prologis Inc’s global portfolio can now generate 500 megawatts of energy—a significant milestone that puts the company halfway to its 1GW by 2025 goal. Apart from providing customers with clean power and potential cost savings through the Prologis Essential programme, its energy generation also feeds directly into local electrical grids in select regions, provides emissions-reduction and grid resilience benefits to local communities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Banks Renewables is expecting to invest over £100 million to develop Pond Energy Park, which will see a section of an industrial park near Bathgate re-designed into a two-hectare battery site. Plans are expected to be submitted later this year and Pond Battery Storage will have an export capacity of 200 megawatts over two hours. When fully charged, this project will be enough to supply the average demands of 600,000 homes for that two hour period – more homes than Edinburgh and Glasgow combined. The new site is set to deliver opportunities for local businesses in areas like construction, groundworks, civils and remediation; with Banks’ flagship ‘Connect2Renewables’ initiative prioritising local businesses as much as possible when awarding contracts on their sites. The responsible developer is renowned for its onshore wind projects in South Lanarkshire – including the construction of the UK’s tallest and most efficient onshore wind turbines at its Kype Muir Extension site near Strathaven. Gordon Thomson, projects director at Banks Renewables said: “The proposed Pond Battery Storage project in West Lothian marks a very exciting time for us here at Banks Renewables. “Battery storage projects like this are becoming increasingly important in Scotland’s push for net zero. When it’s not sunny or windy, battery energy storage can allow us to dip into the reserves by using pre-generated energy in the batteries to supply to the national grid and reducing our reliance on energy derived from imported fossil fuels.” The first in-person consultation events will occur on 12 October, from 2pm – 7pm, at the Jim Walker Partnership Centre in Bathgate. Here, members of the community will be invited to give their thoughts, help shape the proposals and highlight key local priorities which could be addressed using community benefits. Battery storage, or battery energy storage systems (BESS), are devices that store and enable energy from renewables, like solar and wind farms. Natural fluctuations in weather conditions mean that renewable electricity generation can often be out of step with demand and batteries can address this by storing surplus generation when demand is low and releasing it when demand is higher – maximising the efficiency of renewable energy. Batteries are set to play a huge role in the country’s push for net zero, reducing the reliance on large fossil fuelled power stations. If approved, the site will be based at Pond Industrial Estate on Whitburn Road to the south-east of Bathgate. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SOLAR & STORAGE LIVE Stand N3… A gull wing solar parking structure at Solar & Storage Live is set to demonstrate how organisations can provide their own green electricity to meet the growing demand for EV charging points. SIG Building Solutions, exhibiting at the show for the first time, is erecting the galvanised steel structure, one of a number of canopy designs the group manufactures, on Stand N3. Over 250 exhibitors will gather at Solar & Storage Live 2023, October 17-19, at the NEC and the event is expected to draw over 20,000 attendees. It is the UK’s largest renewable energy exhibition celebrating technologies at the forefront of the transition to a greener energy system. SIG Building Solutions entered the solar car parking structure market late last year with a range of designs developed to help private and public sector organisations, which have large parking facilities, to capitalise on the opportunities the structures provide for capturing solar energy and reducing their carbon footprint. SIG works in conjunction with the solar system provider to provide the structure element. “After an exciting first year during which the interest in our solar canopy support structures has been phenomenal, we are excited to be at Solar & Storage Live,” says SIG Building Solution’s business development manager Guy Chilvers. “Our canopies have been designed for ease of installation, so erecting our pre-built gull wing version at the NEC will not pose a challenge.” Half of the gull wing structure at Solar & Storage Live will be painted to illustrate the possibility of applying customer brand colours and the other half will be left galvanised. Sustainable, intelligent lighting specialist IBond LED is providing the lighting technology. “With countries around the world banning the sale of fossil-fuelled vehicles in the years to come, customers and employees will increasingly travel in EVs. Solar car parks will keep them moving by providing charging capacity. At SIG Building solutions we have set out to work in conjunction with the client’s PV solar panel provider to help them generate their own clean electricity using their parking spaces,” adds Guy Chilvers. During its first year, SIG Building Solutions has worked with clients including a local authority, a motor manufacturer, leisure centre and business park to manufacture and supply structures for circa 500 solar parking spaces. SIG’s three basic styles include double gull wing, double mono and single row structures to support PV panels. The canopy specification depends on the client’s requirements and on-site analysis. SIG’s investment has resulted in a range of unique structures that require less steel, so reducing cost, and can be installed efficiently to minimise disruption to car parking during construction. The use of Z600 galvanised steel maximises the life of the structure and minimises maintenance over its lifetime. Its low weight reduces the cost of foundations. The structures are manufactured at SIG facilities in the UK from UK held steel, enabling quick project turnaround. The SIG Building Solutions’ canopies are watertight. No steel sheet is required on the canopy support structure, the PV panels (manufactured by others) form the canopy using SIG’s mounting solution. New product launch at Solar & Storage Live Join SIG Building Solutions at Stand N3 at 10.30 on Tuesday, October 17, for the launch of its new solar panel ground mounting structures. More details to be announced. SIG Building Solutions SIG Building Solutions group businesses produced over two million metres of profiled steel sheeting in 2022. Building Solutions is part of SIG plc, a leading supplier of specialist insulation and sustainable building products and solutions with an emphasis on expertise and service. SIG plc has 6,800 employees, 432 sites and 250,000 product lines and is committed to supporting customers make tangible steps towards a greener future. For more information, contact Guy Chilvers, SIG Building Solutions, on 07528 777513 Email: GuyChilvers@SIGbuildingsolutions.co.uk www.sigbuildingsolutions.co.uk www.ledibond.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Shell Energy UK Limited (“Shell”) has signed an agreement with Norsk Hydro ASA (“Hydro”), a global leader in aluminium and renewable energy, to help decarbonise its UK operations. The three-year agreement will cover the annual supply of 144 gigawatt hours of natural gas and 56 gigawatt hours of renewable electricity to the company’s UK sites. As part of the deal, Shell Energy will supply electricity backed by Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGO) certificates* generated from the Rhyl Flats Windfarm.[1] Situated 8km off the coast of Llandudno, the 25-turbine site has 90MW of installed capacity. The ability to provide 100% renewable electricity demonstrates Shell Energy’s ability to help its customers decarbonise their operations and accelerate their transition towards net-zero emissions. Hydro is headquartered in Norway, with operations around the world in a broad range of markets including aluminium production, energy, metal recycling, renewables and battery manufacturing. In the UK, its primary activities include extrusion, fabrication, recycling, die manufacturing, surface treatment and thermal break. Hydro is intent on leading the way towards a more sustainable future and creating more viable societies by turning natural resources into products and solutions in innovative and efficient ways. Its product portfolio continues to evolve, with sustainable offerings that are significantly less carbon intensive (per kg) to produce than the primary global average of virgin aluminium,[2] while the company is also working hard to accelerate its transition to net-zero emissions. Lars Lysbakken, Energy Portfolio Manager at Hydro, commented: “While extensive research and development is helping to significantly lower the carbon intensity of our products, looking for new and innovative solutions to help decarbonise our wider operations is considered a board-level priority. “When it came to finding the perfect energy partner, we wanted to identify a long-term collaborator that could support our transition to net-zero. Shell Energy demonstrated extensive understanding of our business, our sector, and our ambitious decarbonisation roadmap. “The ability to provide REGO certificates from the Rhyl Flats Offshore Wind Farm was another important part of the agreement. While we’re committed to using less energy, it’s positive to know that our operations will now be powered entirely by asset-specific renewable electricity.” In 2022 alone, Shell invested $4.3 billion in low-carbon energy solutions,[3] and has already reduced its own Scope 1 and 2 absolute emissions by 30%.[4] To help to transform the energy system, the company is focused on driving a shift towards renewable electricity;[5] developing low and zero-carbon alternatives to traditional fuels (including biofuels, hydrogen, and other low- and zero-carbon gases); working with its customers to decarbonise their use of energy; and addressing any remaining emissions from conventional fuels with solutions such as carbon capture and storage and carbon credits.[6] Greg Kavanagh, Head of Industrial and Commercial Sales at Shell Energy added: “Rather than a transactional agreement, we see our contracts as long-term strategic collaborations that provide Shell Energy with the opportunity to accelerate customer progress in reaching net-zero emissions. “In the case of Hydro, we were able to offer a solution that perfectly aligned to its sustainability ambitions. We’re looking forward to working closely with the company to offer our knowledge, guidance and support over the longer term.” To find out more about Shell Energy, visit uk.shellenergy.com. [1] Main site for the first 12 months of the contract. More information can be found here: https://coflein.gov.uk/en/site/240657/ [2] https://www.hydro.com/en-GB/aluminium/products/low-carbon-and-recycled-aluminium/ [3] https://reports.shell.com/energy-transition-progress-report/2022/financial-framework/investing-in-net-zero.html [4] https://reports.shell.com/energy-transition-progress-report/2022/our-performance/absolute-emissions-progress.html#:~:text=In%202022%2C%20our%20total%20combined,with%202016%2C%20the%20reference%20year [5] https://reports.shell.com/energy-transition-progress-report/2022/decarbonising-our-portfolio/transforming-the-energy-system.html#:~:text=provide%20more%20electricity%20to%20customers,their%20use%20of%20energy%3B%20 [6] https://reports.shell.com/energy-transition-progress-report/2022/decarbonising-our-portfolio/transforming-the-energy-system.html Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
By Steven Dale Sometimes there are straws in the wind which can make you reassess the way the future of a particular technology or trend is likely to shape up. I have come across some of them recently in this corner of the North of Scotland. Over the course of carrying out energy performance certification in my area, I have noted an increase – small, but significant – in the number of homeowners with solar PV panels who are buying and installing solar batteries rather than exporting their excess electricity production to the National Grid. Now there are arguments both for and against this kind of considerable investment in the energy future and, at first glance, it just does not seem at the moment that solar batteries are worth the substantial financial outlay that they require. But as electricity rates remain high – more than double what can be made by supplying to the Grid using the Smart Export Guarantee – does it make sense to store excess energy for later personal consumption? Are battery adopters simply future-proofing their homes? For now, the numbers are on the side of those solar panel users who export their excess generation for a financial return of around 15p per kWh. More than 1.2 million UK households have panels on their roofs but the number using batteries is only around 10,000. This is understandable, since the average cost of a battery is prohibitive for many at between £4,000 and £8,000, and most people will have to buy two over the lifespan of their system. In a typical home, it could take more than 20 years to break even. But what the early adopters are perhaps seeing in advance of everyone else is that the cost of solar batteries is decreasing at the same time as energy prices rise, meaning that, in the foreseeable future, saving the electricity they generate may well become profitable. A recent study by academics in Finland suggested that battery prices would need to drop to about one-third of their current levels for them to be a viable investment for residential power systems. Looking to the future, this is perhaps not inconceivable. There is growing optimism not only for the UK battery manufacturing industry, but also for production world-wide. By 2030, according to the Faraday Institution, around 100 GWh of supply will be needed in the UK to satisfy the demand for batteries for private cars, commercial vehicles, heavy goods vehicles, buses, micro-mobility and grid storage. This demand is equivalent to five gigafactories, with each plant running at a capacity of 20 GWh per annum. By 2040, demand rises to nearly 200 GWh and the equivalent of ten gigafactories. As production gathers pace, prices will almost certainly fall. Depending on circumstances, batteries could make sense for homeowners, and certainly in my part of the country increasing numbers of people are betting on them. But, like all nascent technologies, solar advances are fast-moving and what may seem like the most attractive option now may be less so a few years down the line. Whatever develops, though, it’s pretty certain that green energy will be better than what went before. Steven Dale is a Surveyor in the Peterhead office of DM Hall Chartered Surveyors.
GLP recently announced the completion of a major solar photovoltaic roof installation at G-Park Zevenaar. G-Park Zevenaar is a 133,000 SQM logistics complex, and represents a major development in renewable energy by GLP Europe. G-Park Zevenaar is a significant solar PV project for the Netherlands. The logistics complex will house a vast roof-mounted solar PV system with a total installed capacity of 16.2MWp. It covers an area the size of 21 football pitches and will save 4,629 tonnes of CO2 in the first year and an anticipated 78,227 tonnes of CO2 across a 25-year period. G-Park Zevenaar is located at the business park 7Poort, located in the established and strong logistics region of Arnhem – Nijmegen which is ranked 5th in the Dutch Logistics Hotspot Ranking 2022. The site is located closely to the German border and along the main transport corridors connecting Rotterdam and Amsterdam to the European markets. G-Park Zevenaar has been constructed to BREEAM Excellent principles and the use of PV has enabled the project to be certified as BREEAM Excellent. In addition, the energy generated will be exported to the grid and part of it will be diverted to the tenant for on-site consumption. Throughout the installation and construction process, measures have been taken to protect indigenous birds and plants, benefiting local nature. Philippe Hendriks, Country Director, Netherlands, GLP Europe, commented: “Embedding renewable energy generation, including solar PV, is critical for investors, developers, landlords and occupiers to achieve their net zero targets and future-proof assets. GLP is actively committed to this change in the logistics sector. The economic benefits that customers will enjoy through the cost savings in energy reduction will be just one of many attractions this project will offer to future occupiers. ” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Yorkshire Water has signed 15-year agreements with SGN Commercial Services and Centrica Energy Trading that will see biomethane gas to grid plants introduced at its Knostrop and Blackburn Meadows wastewater treatment works. Biogas is produced as a by-product of Yorkshire Water’s sewage wastewater treatment processes and can be upgraded to separate methane from the other component gases. This upgraded biogas is called ‘biomethane’ or ‘renewable natural gas’. As part of the deal, biomethane gas to grid plants will be designed, developed and operated at the two sites. The biomethane will then be injected into the local gas network via underground pipelines and used as a renewable fuel, either in vehicles, homes or industry. Once operational, the plants shall produce roughly 125GWh of biomethane annually, enough to heat more than 10,000 homes. Tom Hall, head of bioresources at Yorkshire Water, said: “We’re excited to be working alongside SGN Commercial Services and Centrica Energy Trading to make best use of the biogas Yorkshire Water produces through sewage treatment. “We already benefit from biogas-fuelled renewable energy generation, but this project demonstrates our commitment to using markets to improve our operational efficiency, reduce customer bills and facilitate carbon emissions reductions in the wider economy.” It is hoped the biomethane gas to grid plants will be operational at Knostrop and Blackburn Meadows in early 2025. SGN’s business development director Marcus Hunt said: “SGN is committed to delivering a greener gas grid and continuing to be at the forefront of providing heat to UK homes and businesses. “We’re delighted to announce this partnership with Yorkshire Water – it adds to our ambition to increase biomethane injection into the gas network to provide local customers with green gas and support decarbonisation plans.” Kristian Gjerløv-Juel, director for renewable energy trading and optimisation at Centrica Energy Trading commented: “This agreement marks an important milestone for Centrica’s biomethane activities in the UK. Having recently expanded our capabilities to handle trading, nomination, and transportation of green gas in the UK market, we’re working to accelerate biomethane production across Europe and using our capabilities to help businesses deliver on their green procurement strategies and reduce emissions.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
GLP, the leading global investment manager and business builder in logistics, digital infrastructure, renewable energy and related technologies, and Syzygy, Europe’s leading consultancy in renewable energy, energy storage and electric vehicle infrastructure projects, have completed work on G-Park Zevenaar. Syzygy has supported GLP for the past three years to establish the company’s pan-European solar PV strategy, as well as the tactics to make its portfolio more sustainable through embedded renewable energy generation. G-Park Zevenaar is a 133,000 SQM logistics complex and represents a major investment in renewable energy by GLP Europe. The site is one of four in the company’s PV programme. G-Park Zevenaar, located at the business park 7Poort, close to the German border near the Rhine River, is a hugely significant embedded solar PV project in the Netherlands. The business park houses a vast roof-mounted solar PV system with a total installed capacity of 16.2MWp. It covers an area the size of 21 football pitches and saving 4,629 tonnes of CO2 per year and an anticipated 78,227 tonnes of CO2 across a 25-year lifespan. The impressive development was installed by solar deployment leaders Ecorus BV and is set to achieve BREEAM Excellent certification. At nearly 11.5 hectares, G-Park Zevenaar is now the second largest solar PV installation on a logistics building in the Netherlands, and among the top 20 largest installations in Europe. The project was granted the SDE++ subsidy – a government-funded incentive to stimulate sustainable energy production and facilitate the wider energy transition. In addition, the energy generated will be exported to the grid and part of it will be diverted to the tenant for on-site consumption. This will improve revenue potential and deliver the benefit of Guarantee of Origin (GoOs) to both the landlord and occupiers. Stefano Fissolo, Senior Director for Renewables at GLP Europe, commented: “Through our collaborative partnership with Syzygy, GLP is set firmly on its path to achieve its net zero goals through the development of one of Europe’s largest PV installations. The economic benefits that customers will enjoy through the cost savings in energy reduction will be just one of many attractions this project will offer to future occupiers. This is only the start of our ambitious European renewables programme; we’re excited to roll out further projects and utilise the latest technologies to maintain our industry-leading position in sustainability.” John Macdonald-Brown, CEO of Syzygy, commented: “It has been an incredible journey to get to this point with our friends at GLP. This started in March 2020 as we all went into lockdown with a deep dive research project to support the development of a pan-European renewable energy strategy for Natali Cooper and Nick Cook at GLP. These projects do not happen overnight and we can only praise the extraordinary work our European research Director, Cecile Bousquet who has led this initiative since we started. We are just the supporting cast. We cannot thank GLP enough for their drive and commitment to actually ‘getting things done’ and showing real leadership in this space. GLP has had their customers at the heart of this strategy throughout – it is impossible to deliver decarbonisation, at scale and in a commercially sustainable way, without genuine collaboration with your customers. GLP’s plans from here are impressive and there is much more coming down the line which is really exciting. Zevenaar is the second Netherlands project to have been delivered, but its scale is quite extraordinary – the size of 20 football pitches, generating enough power to supply 3,000 homes or to drive over 4.5m emission—free miles in an electric vehicle!” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
