As well as being granted permission to proceed with London’s £27bn Crossrail 2 project, the latest construction news highlights the sheer number of green lights given to construction projects, not solely in London, but across the North of England. With landmark projects such as HS3, expansion to the M62 and
Increased woes have been reported on the matter of the potential of the UK exiting the European Union; SSE has stated that the move may put its business at risk should a perceived period of legislative and, or regulatory uncertainty pursue. Of course, in the short term SEE has reported
Recent energy news reports an end of an era, with the last coal-fired power station now switching off, not only signalling the end of its own power generation, but of all coal-fired power generation in Scotland. Longannet Power Station, the last of its kind in Scotland, has been the third
Great success has been highlighted for Thames Water, with the organisation’s retail division successfully increasing the size of its Scottish customer base by greater than 100% over the previous year. The present number of sites, sitting at 1,300 in total, serves to foreshadow the organisations ambition to improve its presence
Most recently, it has been highlighted that a number of very influential solar industry executives have pointed the figure at the government for the development of an “ideologically driven campaign” against their specific industry, citing this campaign to have played a pivotal role in its current state of crisis. The
For this year’s World Water Day, customers are to be encouraged to selected water saving products where possible. In accordance with this Bristan is urging installers to, in turn, urge their own customers to make the best choices for sustainable water usage where possible. Though by no means compulsory, it
Confident that Horizon will be able to adhere to the previously stated timeline for construction at Wylfa, Alan Raymant, Chief Operating Officer, has openly expressed his views to the Welsh Affairs committee, pushing some of the key doubts associated with EDF’s Somerset project aside and clarifying his confidence. The Hinkley
It has recently been highlighted by Ofgem that DNOs should follow in the footsteps of Western Power Distribution in a bid to develop the operational capacities of their grids. The call-out to other DNOs has been made after recognition for Western Power Distribution’s move towards maximising the capacity it has
There are a number of drainage myths which have been circulating as to what is, or isn’t suitable for going down the drain. Some of these myths are founded on a bedrock of understanding as to what may or may not clog or damage drains, however, to simplify things for
We’ll start this post with a positive – across the whole, UK energy consumption in industry (and as a whole, including domestic use) is falling year on year. The latest report from the Department of Energy & Climate Change (which you can read in full here) paints a broadly positive
As well as being granted permission to proceed with London’s £27bn Crossrail 2 project, the latest construction news highlights the sheer number of green lights given to construction projects, not solely in London, but across the North of England. With landmark projects such as HS3, expansion to the M62 and improvements made to both the A69 and A66 all given the green light, optimism is rife for the benefits the improved infrastructure of these schemes will bring. Additionally, a study as to the feasibility for a Trans-Pennine tunnel between Manchester and Sheffield was also given the go ahead for further investigation. Of course, the budget is, by very essence only a plan for development, yet with this plan clearly highlighting government dedication to improved infrastructure, the industry of tomorrow is one of great hope. And while direct benefits of the projects are some time down the line, with projects such as Crossrail 2 planned to be completed by approximately 2030, the industry is optimistically excited due to the volume of work the schemes will generate between now and then, with a vast number of construction jobs to be created in accordance. Yet, despite a forecast rise in the availability of construction jobs, key to remind ourselves of is the availability of skilled workers in the industry. Firstly urging a focus on the availability of such skills onto and into the future, Clare Watson, Chair for the North West of the National Federation of Builders highlighted that: “Improving transport and infrastructure will not only improve business prospects, it will increase social mobility and widen the opportunities available in construction for the next generation. With aforementioned plans already reported by the CITB to provide much-needed support in the training of tomorrow’s construction workforce, a clear effort is being made to shorten the skill gap, yet, with some 22,500 construction jobs to be created in the North West, even further emphasis throughout the sector is urged.
Increased woes have been reported on the matter of the potential of the UK exiting the European Union; SSE has stated that the move may put its business at risk should a perceived period of legislative and, or regulatory uncertainty pursue. Of course, in the short term SEE has reported that there would not be a direct risk to the provision of its service to customers, and it is expected that the industry giant will be able to continue investing back into its business and infrastructure as planned, regardless of the decision made on the EU referendum. Yet, in the longer term, the effects of drawn out regulatory and legislative changes may cause a degree of risk for SEE, as it most likely would also effect other key industry organisations. As for predictions over the course of the year, SSE has predicted a similar degree of success this year as was achieved in the last, perhaps a nod to the potential uncertainty of the market as a whole, yet also maintaining a positive outlook on being able to turn a meaningful profit in various areas of the business this year. Specifically, those profits pertaining to networks operating are expected to see a degree of increase, with wholesale operating profits expected to maintain, and those retail operations expected to see a reduction due to reduced energy-supply customers. Key areas attributed to the mixed predictions on profits can be attributed to the challenges faced by dropping prices for commodities, as well as increased competition within the retail market. However, Gregor Alexander, Finance Director of SEE commented towards a more positive outlook, saying: “Nevertheless, completion of the CMA investigation and the UK government’s consultation on the future of the electricity capacity market imply progress towards a more settled regulatory and policy framework.” With this in place, a far more positive outlook could be perceived for next year, and we can only expect predictions for the year to follow suit.
Recent energy news reports an end of an era, with the last coal-fired power station now switching off, not only signalling the end of its own power generation, but of all coal-fired power generation in Scotland. Longannet Power Station, the last of its kind in Scotland, has been the third most prominent coal-fired plant in Europe, and has been in operation ever since 1969, yet, in a recent move, Scottish Power has elected to close the plant. Nodding to the esteemed history and success of the plant, there is a degree of recognition as to the contributions made by the Longannet plant in delivering a substantial amount of electricity to the grid thus far, however, with recent shifts in the coal-power industry, the move comes as no surprise due to the waning popularity and viability of coal as a power source. Hugh Finley, Generation Director of Scottish Power commented: “Coal has long been the dominant force in Scotland’s electricity generation fleet, but the closure of Longannet signals the end of an era. For the first time in more than a century no power produced in Scotland will come from burning coal.” Of course, mixed emotions can be expected on the announcement, with one side of the argument considering the loss of a primary power source and commercial success in Scotland, while the other heralding a move away from coal power as a positive move from an environmental perspective. A certain portion of assuredly good news, however, has been Scottish Power’s dedication to ensuring that the change impacts those who have worked at the plant as little as possible. Of those employed at the plant, Scottish Power has decided to relocate a number of its employees, whilst also offering a combination of early retirement and redundancy packages to others. As for the future of the plant, no considerable plans have been confirmed as of yet, but it is expected that the company will present one over the course of the year.
Great success has been highlighted for Thames Water, with the organisation’s retail division successfully increasing the size of its Scottish customer base by greater than 100% over the previous year. The present number of sites, sitting at 1,300 in total, serves to foreshadow the organisations ambition to improve its presence in England’s non-household retail market sector. The present client network highlights an over-achievement on the company’s part, actually surpassing those targets initially set out for the company to increase its client base twofold only, up to 1,200 sites. Of course, the news is surely of a positive note for Thames Water, with the results highlighting the quality of the service on offer to the market. With 2016 predicted to be one of the best year’s for Thames Water yet, it is expected that the company will be able to continue this trend of growth over the course of the year, primarily in terms of the number of clients being handled by the organisation. Additionally, the level of service provided is also expected to be maintained across the increasing network, with Thames Water displaying a commitment to sustaining the “unparalleled service to clients” onto and into the future. Thames Water Commercial Services has also stated that it believes the success achieved in Scotland to be attributed to the increased importance being perceived in managing your water supply as has historically been seen in the gas and electricity industries – industries whereby customers are often changing provider in accordance with new pricing and external factors on a very regular basis. Having operated in the Scottish market for just under three years, the notable success of the company already in tapping into the potential of this market is noted. The English market, however, is due to open as of April 2017, with some 1.2m non-household customers based primarily, or entirely in England to then select their preferred supplier of water and wastewater services.
Most recently, it has been highlighted that a number of very influential solar industry executives have pointed the figure at the government for the development of an “ideologically driven campaign” against their specific industry, citing this campaign to have played a pivotal role in its current state of crisis. The comments, quick to follow the withdrawal of a solar power company with Elon Musk, the billionaire inventor’s backing, from the UK – this being the fourth of such organisations to shut up shop over the past few weeks. As a result, the voices of executives representing solar power companies have become increasingly critical of the government’s role ahead of the planned consultation for a 87% cut to small-scale solar subsidy levels; a move which has not been received all too well as jobs have been cut industry-wide already. As such, the Solar Trade Association has made clear its warning that the new plans could actually lead to the loss of some 27,000 jobs, as well as actually increasing the average customer’s bills by £1 by 2019 – a figure which actually sits on top of the £9 cited to be added to customer energy bills by the solar industry. And of course, with nations such as Germany having been heralded as pioneering a clear way forward for the development of renewables and solar energy projects, it really is of no surprise that businesses have taken the recent news items so harshly. Some of those keen to present their thoughts on this key industry topic include professionals at Trina, the world’s most prominent manufacturer of solar panels, Lark Energy, and Howard Johns, the Solar Trade Association’s previous chairman, and also the founder of Southern Solar. One of the key areas focused upon includes the very way in which solar industries are referred to by the government, which some individuals feel may be taking people away from the benefits that can be seen in the industry. As such, Lark Energy’s Managing Director, Jonathan Selwyn commented: “When the government talks about nuclear and fracking [shale gas] it’s all about investment in energy security and jobs. When it takes about renewables – not just solar – it talks about the costs to hardworking British families.”
For this year’s World Water Day, customers are to be encouraged to selected water saving products where possible. In accordance with this Bristan is urging installers to, in turn, urge their own customers to make the best choices for sustainable water usage where possible. Though by no means compulsory, it is hoped for installers and customers alike to get on board with the notion and focus more wholly upon the amount of water we use, and consume on a daily basis. Situated on March 22nd, World Water Day is a United Nations initiative which dates all the way back to 1993, primarily to highlight the importance of sustainable water use and focusing the attention of customers on the world water crisis; a key part of this incorporating circa 783m people still yet unable to source safe drinking water. Of course, the day will also include other initiatives as part of World Water Day, such as a focus on water safety concerns across other continents, but, effectively Bristan would like to highlight the importance of each and every person making a difference where they can – effectively, locally, at home, through sustained individual water usage. As Bristan’s Marketing Manager, Hayley Holland comments: “As perhaps one of the least-considered natural resources, it is all too easy to turn on the tap and forget about the consequences.” In accordance with this, by no means a rule of thumb, but individuals have pinpointed a lack of consideration for the amount of water we use on a daily base, almost taking the supply of the vital resource for granted. And while many of the problems to do with water shortages are seen abroad, it is also there case that certain pockets of the UK are still reeling from one of the worst droughts they have experienced in the past decades; this, then highlighting the severe importance of making a difference locally, today.
Confident that Horizon will be able to adhere to the previously stated timeline for construction at Wylfa, Alan Raymant, Chief Operating Officer, has openly expressed his views to the Welsh Affairs committee, pushing some of the key doubts associated with EDF’s Somerset project aside and clarifying his confidence. The Hinkley Point project came under scrutiny following the reported resignation of Thomas Piquemal, its Finance Director after an apparent quarrel over the decision made by EDF to continue on with a decision on a final investment next month. His reasons, as might be expected, highlighted his views that this decision may place the company in a position of severe financial concern. However, regardless of the delays being incurred on EDF’s project, Alan Raymant is adamant that this will have no bearing on the timetable arranged for Horizon, highlighting that, while the Hinkley Point project is of great import, it is not, however in a position where the two projects’ success are tied together. He commented, “We observe with interest and look to learn from that project but we’re not dependent upon it.” Highlighting one of the key differentiators between the project at Wylfa, as opposed to Hinkley Point, Alan Raymant explained that the Horizon plant is set to utilise highly advanced boiling water reactor technology, which is a technology already to have a tried-and-tested success rate as reported in Japanese plants. Construction for the project is expected to commence by the year 2018, however this date remains an estimation and depends upon the Office for Nuclear Regulation’s design assessment as well as the forming of an agreement on the strike price with the government itself. Yet, once again maintaining optimism, the company is confident that an arrangement will successfully be made with the government and so, the project will see no hitched in this department either. Of course, with keen backing from Hitachi, which bought Horizon in 2012, the company’s commitment to the project and its completion is also notable, with there still being room for discussion for additional investors to chip in to the £10bn project.
It has recently been highlighted by Ofgem that DNOs should follow in the footsteps of Western Power Distribution in a bid to develop the operational capacities of their grids. The call-out to other DNOs has been made after recognition for Western Power Distribution’s move towards maximising the capacity it has within its grids through the provision of flexible connections to renewable developers. As of right now, Western Power Distribution has queued approximately 7.6GW of generators, which some 4.8GW of that comprising of solar panel schemes set to improve the ratio between renewable and non-renewable energy sources – something which is widely regarded as a positive step forward in ensuring the sustainable future of the market. Most specifically, Ofgem nodded to Western Power Distribution’s reconfiguration of subsections of the grid to allow for connections to be made far more swiftly, as well as how the organisation has been pioneering the usage of flexible connections, such that generators commit to cutting their output during period of considerable demand without any form of compensation to then be reconnected. Additionally, as a result of the increasing size of the renewable energy market, Ofgem has also called for DNOs to also look into new methods through which they may be able to deliver further capacity and improve the speed of connections; this is primarily to be through the use of funding in price controls. Presently, Ofgem has also been assessing schemes put forward by DNOs to facilitate investment. Dermot Nolan, Chief Executive of Ofgem commented: “We want DNOs to take creative approaches to speeding up renewable connections,” then adding that such organisations should also be looking to enable earlier investment into expanding capacity where necessary, allowing for a minimisation of energy bills across the board. Additionally, it has been stated that Ofgem has also issued a consultation to collate feedback from renewable generators on how well they feel that DNOs are actually communicating with potential network customers.
There are a number of drainage myths which have been circulating as to what is, or isn’t suitable for going down the drain. Some of these myths are founded on a bedrock of understanding as to what may or may not clog or damage drains, however, to simplify things for the average user, Lanes Group has recently published a study to highlight the dos and do nots for drains. In the study, it is explained in a simplified manner that anything beyond human waste, toilet paper and water should not be going down our drains whatsoever. The report, which incorporated involvement of over one thousand adults in the UK, looks to highlight what people think is OK to go down the drains, and convey feedback on the actual suitability of such items. Overall, it was Birmingham which has been reported to have the worst understanding of what can, or cannot go down the drains, sporting a startling 87% of items which are flushed down the drains, actually not being suitable for those drains. Of course, some of this can be attributed to incorrect labelling on products, with items such as “flushable wipes” actually not being suitable for down drains, as well as other common bathroom products such as cotton pads, buds, balls and more. And while it may seem that the very nature of the report is highlighting a concern which many individuals don’t see as important, the relevance comes from the sheer impact of improper drainage use when looking at maintenance and cleaning costs incurred. In total, some £15m is spent each year on cleaning and maintaining drainage networks. Of this, up to ¾ of the blockages caused over the course of the year are actually caused by oils, grease and fat which have then subsequently been emptied down the drains.
We’ll start this post with a positive – across the whole, UK energy consumption in industry (and as a whole, including domestic use) is falling year on year. The latest report from the Department of Energy & Climate Change (which you can read in full here) paints a broadly positive picture for overall industrial energy efficiency. We’re much less reliant on solid fuels, and bioenergy use has grown hugely over the past 10-15 years. On the flipside, though, things don’t necessarily look quite so good elsewhere – particularly electricity and gas. While gas use has fallen it’s still comparatively high, and electricity reliance is equally high but has seen a reduction since the mid-90s. (Source: Department of Energy & Climate Change – Data Tables) However, when we looking even wider at the last 45 years, electricity consumption has actually gone up; consumption has gone from 2.8m tonnes in 1970 to 5.9m tonnes at the end of 2014. With the exception of bioenergy and waste, it’s the only fuel type whose demand / consumption within the industrial sector that’s increased. While the ways in which this electricity is being generated has been improving (e.g. solar, hydroelectric), it’s also important to try and reduce overall consumption – so that, as a sector, we can pick up the downward trend in demand we had seen until the increases from 2010 onwards. How Can We Reduce The Consumption? Renewable forms of energy do mean that there is, from an ecological perspective, ‘good’ and ‘bad’ types of electricity usage; if a site has moved from grid electricity to self-sufficiency through solar or water, but consumption stays the same, then this has a positive impact on the environment. However, quite often (particularly at larger industrial scales) renewable solutions aren’t enough to provide a consistent or reliable impact; there will still need to be a reliance on fossil fuels, even if it’s just as a ‘backup’. So how can we, as businesses within the industrial sector, make an even more positive impact on both the environment and (from a commercial point of view) operating costs? It’s all in energy efficiency; changing where your electricity comes from is one step, but improving how much you use is a new level. Industrial Doors – How Big Can The Impact Be? There are some large-scale changes that can be made in the industrial sector to improve efficiency, such as updating equipment to more efficient machinery. However, as with domestic properties, energy lost through poor insulation can be a huge contributing factor – and improving this area can have a big impact. Industry specialists Attenborough Industrial Doors are one of a number of UK-based manufacturers and suppliers putting a huge emphasis on energy efficiency over the last ten years. This is efficiency in both the power used to operate industrial doors themselves, as well as the financial savings that can be made as a result. The impact that efficiency, modern industrial doors can have are typically two-fold. Firstly, you have the added insulation benefits; when closed, energy consumption will be less when it comes to heating or cooling buildings internally. Regardless of how this electricity or energy is generated (even if it’s 100% renewable) then the reduction in energy required allows for more efficient running, and reduces the risk of needing to fall back on non-renewable backups. The second benefit is similar, but is related to effectiveness and speed of operation. Faster and automatic industrial doors and roller shutters ensure that doors can’t be left open, and are only open for as long as necessary. This is particularly important when it comes to sectors such as medical or food production/distribution where temperature control is absolutely essential. To conclude, how successful are we as an industry in reducing energy consumption and improving the adoption of renewable resources? On the one hand, the use of bioenergy is up significantly – which is a huge achievement. Conversely, though, the overall consumption of electricity has remained high and needs consistent efforts for efficiency to ensure the trend of lower usage is picked up again – making for not just a financially beneficial end-result but also a positive impact on the environment.
