Drax Power has announced a major partnership with Power Minerals Limited (PML) to process pulverised fuel ash (PFA) for use in cement, in a move set to reduce carbon emissions in the construction industry. Under a newly agreed 20-year joint venture, PML will develop and operate a facility near the Drax Power Station in Selby, on land leased from Drax. The facility, expected to be operational by the end of 2026, will process PFA into a supplementary cementitious material (SCM), with a projected annual output of 400,000 tonnes once fully operational. Power Minerals, owned by Czech billionaire Daniel Křetínský—who recently acquired Royal Mail—will construct, own, and run the facility. Drax will supply PFA to the joint venture, as well as provide power and water to support operations. Lee Dawes, Chief Operations Officer at Drax, hailed the agreement as a landmark deal for both the energy and construction sectors. “Cement production is one of the most carbon-intensive industries globally, and through this partnership, we can help cut emissions in UK construction. Drax Power Station has long been vital to the UK’s energy security, and now it will also play a key role in reducing carbon emissions in construction.” Drax sees this joint venture as an opportunity to unlock additional value from its site while supporting the transition to low-carbon building materials. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has flagged “significant national security concerns” over the proposed Aquind interconnector, a privately financed energy project linking the UK and France. The concerns are being addressed through a confidential process led by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). What is the Aquind Interconnector? The Aquind Interconnector is a planned high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cable running between Normandy in France and Lovedean substation near Portsmouth, Hampshire. The 2,000MW project, backed by Aquind Ltd, aims to supply up to 5% of Britain’s electricity needs. However, nearly six years after applying for a development consent order (DCO) in 2019, approval remains pending. In April 2024, the MOD raised security concerns, leading to a six-week extension of the planning process. The General Election further delayed a decision, and the project is now under review as ministers work through classified discussions to assess potential risks. Government’s Confidential Review Process A letter sent by DESNZ in July 2024, shortly after the new government took office, outlined steps to address the MOD’s security concerns. The document, made public on the Planning Inspectorate’s infrastructure website, confirmed that an independent representative with top-level security clearance would be appointed to review the MOD’s classified concerns on behalf of Aquind. Government guidelines indicate that “developed vetting” security clearance is required for individuals with frequent access to top-secret materials. The MOD has the right to make representations on the appointed person’s suitability. Once in place, the representative will be invited to Whitehall to review the MOD’s concerns and provide a written response on Aquind’s behalf. A follow-up letter in September 2024 confirmed that the selection process for this representative was ongoing, with the Attorney General’s Office working alongside DESNZ to finalise the appointment. An Aquind spokesperson has since confirmed that a representative has now been appointed and that the process of reviewing and responding to the MOD’s concerns is underway. Meanwhile, a government spokesperson stated: “The re-determination process remains ongoing, and submissions have been provided by the Ministry of Defence as part of that work.” Local MPs Voice Security Concerns The project has sparked political debate, with three local MPs recently meeting a defence minister to express their concerns over the interconnector’s potential security risks. Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan, Fareham and Waterlooville MP Suella Braverman, and Portsmouth North MP Amanda Martin met with MOD parliamentary under-secretary Luke Pollard to discuss the issue. Braverman, a former home secretary, voiced particular concern over the involvement of Russian-backed entities in the project. She warned: “I am very worried about the prospect of Russian-backed underground cables being constructed in the heart of our naval base in Portsmouth. It will have a serious impact on the UK’s defence.” Aquind’s Legal Threats Against the Government The project’s legal disputes have also escalated. Recent disclosures revealed that Aquind Ltd, through its legal representatives at Herbert Smith Freehills, has threatened DESNZ with legal action over delays to its DCO application. Aquind has also accused the MOD of “abusing the issue of national security” and made several other allegations in a formal letter. With national security at the centre of the debate, the final decision on the Aquind Interconnector remains uncertain, as the government continues to weigh the project’s energy benefits against its potential risks. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Soaring levels of renewable generation and a significant rise in electricity imports saw gas-fired output fall to its lowest level in 20 years in 2024. That was the main headline from a new report on on power generation in the British energy market by Montel Analytics. The study showed that GB gas-fired output totalled 72.6TWh in 2024 – down on the 86.8TWh recorded the previous year – and a significant drop on the 111.4TWh generated in 2022. The decrease in demand for gas was attributed to a rise in renewables output, which totalled 118.1TWh in 2024 – up on the 116.9TWh recorded in 2023. On average, renewable generation (including biomass) increased by 0.14GW to reach 13.5GW, which meant renewables contributed 45% to the overall GB power generation mix.  Wind generation was the major contributor to renewable output with a 70% share. Based on historic data, average wind generation also reached a record high of 9.43GW, which was 0.39GW higher than the previous year. This record would have been even higher if wind generation had not needed to be curtailed due to constraints in the capacity of the transmission system during periods of high wind generation.  Electricity imports were also a key reason for the record low gas-fired output. GB interconnectors saw average net imports of 3.8GW last year, a 40% increase compared to 2023 and the highest level on record in the last ten years. The top two major contributors to this total were France (2.2GW), and Norway (1.1GW). Gas prices began last year by declining through January and February, continuing a downward trajectory seen during Q4 2023, before generally following an upward trend throughout the remainder of the year. The subsequent uptick in prices was influenced by several factors, including intermittent production outages in Norway, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, supply disruptions to Ukraine due to the ongoing war with Russia, and occasional cold spells during winter. Despite these increases, the average gas price for the year fell by 16% from 2023 levels to £28.63/MWh. In a similar fashion, the profile of wholesale day-ahead electricity prices followed that of gas prices but dropped to a greater extent due to the increase in renewable output, falling by 23% year-on-year to an average of £72.58/MWh. The rise of renewables led to 139 hours of negative prices in GB – the highest level since 2019 when negative prices were first observed. The 2024 figure is significantly higher than the 86 hours recorded in 2023 and the 91 hours observed in 2020, when low demand during Covid lockdowns was a significant contributory factor.  Phil Hewitt, Director at Montel Analytics said: “Last year gas prices were lower on average than in 2023, despite rising again from March onwards. These increases were recorded despite reduced demand for gas-fired generation, with total output at its lowest level for at least 20 years as a result of very high levels of renewable generation and a significant rise in electricity imports through the interconnectors, particularly from France and Norway. Renewable output would have been higher because almost 10% of potential wind output could not be used because of transmission system constraints. Meanwhile, the importance of electricity transfer though the interconnectors has been accentuated following Ofgem’s recent approval of five major new undersea energy links, which will further strengthen connections between Britain and Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and Ireland”. “The initial decline in gas prices was driven by elevated wind generation as a consequence of storms Isha and Jocelyn in the early part of 2024, although prices generally rose during the rest of the year. At this time of year, gas price spikes are not uncommon as additional gas reserves are often needed to meet higher-than-usual demand during periods of cold, calm weather. The recent cold snap sparked a media frenzy recently when British Gas owner Centrica announced that the UK had less than a week of gas reserves in store although National Gas, which owns the UK gas network, has insisted that storage levels remain healthy.” The Montel study also highlighted the demise of coal in Britain after 142 years, with the last coal station at Ratcliffe-on-Soar closing at the end of September. The report also showed that nuclear power generation dropped to a record low of 38.2TWh, largely due to outages and delayed restarts which reduced the output of most units in the nuclear fleet Renewables were the dominant contributor to Britain’s fuel mix in 2024, accounting for 44.8% of the total. Gas-fired generation accounted for 27.5%, with nuclear (14.5%), imports (12.6%) and coal (0.6%) accounting for the rest. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Vattenfall IDNO launches a Grid Capacity Insights Platform, designed to streamline the grid connection for commercial and industrial developers in the UK Vattenfall IDNO had launched a Grid Capacity Insights Platform, a cutting-edge tool designed to simplify and accelerate the grid connection process for commercial and industrial developers across the UK. This platform provides developers with detailed data on power availability, grid constraints, and capacity at various voltage levels, enabling smarter site selection and reducing the risk of delays or failed grid applications. “With the UK on its journey to net-zero, we are aiming to remove as many obstacles as we can in the grid connection process,” says Stewart Dawson, Managing Director at Vattenfall IDNO. “Our Grid Capacity Insights Platform enables large-scale developers to navigate the complexities of grid connectivity, accelerating the electrification of energy intensive sectors to support the UK’s transition to sustainable energy.” Leading the transition to net-zero The platform is designed to benefit solar and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project developers, as well as large industrial energy consumers, by offering actionable insights on the most suitable points of connection. Vattenfall IDNO can also suggest practical cable routes and deliver comprehensive reports to streamline the application process. For major project developers, Vattenfall IDNO’s Grid Connections Consultancy service can even be delivered at no charge when Vattenfall adopts the network, helping to reduce the costs of successful grid applications. The Grid Capacity Insights Platform is part of Vattenfall’s broader consultancy service, which guides developers through the entire grid connection process, from feasibility assessments to project delivery. Vattenfall also supports the tendering of contestable works and manages network implementation, helping developers navigate the technical and administrative complexities of grid connectivity. To further ease the process, Vattenfall IDNO can even waive consultancy fees for developers who opt for network adoption, reducing the cost burden for those moving towards electrified infrastructure. This approach provides practical support for developers focused on integrating electric energy solutions into their projects. The platform provides a valuable tool for advancing the UK’s transition towards a decarbonised economy by providing clear data on power availability and grid capacity. It helps developers streamline site selection and grid application processes. The technology reduces the complexities of grid access, empowering developers to progress confidently with their projects and contribute to the nation’s net-zero goals. For further information or to explore the Grid Capacity Insights Platform, please visit the Vattenfall IDNO website. Additionally, Product Manager Bilgin Oralerkaya is available for interviews for journalists who would like to understand the platform in more detail. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Last Energy, a US-based energy start-up, has announced ambitious plans to develop a £300 million micro-modular nuclear power plant scheme in South Wales. The project aims to deliver four innovative 20 MWe micro-modular nuclear units, generating a total of 80 MWe – enough to power approximately 244,000 homes annually. The plants will be built in Bridgend County, on the former Llynfi Power Station site, with completion of the first unit expected by 2027, pending regulatory approvals. Last Energy’s cutting-edge technology promises a clean, reliable alternative to fossil fuels, marking a key step in the UK’s push for sustainable energy solutions. Boost for the Local Economy and Clean Energy Goals This project is not only a major development in the UK’s energy landscape but also a significant investment in the local economy. Around 100 full-time jobs will be created for the Bridgend community, with at least 10% of procurement sourced from local suppliers, injecting £30 million into the region. The micro-modular plants, known as PWR-20, are designed with advanced modular technology, allowing components to be pre-fabricated, transported, and assembled on-site in just 24 months – similar to assembling a “LEGO kit.” This approach ensures faster construction and lower costs, with the entire project funded privately, without public investment. A Strategic Step for UK Energy Security and Decarbonisation This initiative aligns with both UK and Welsh Government goals. By providing clean, reliable power to local manufacturers, it supports industrial decarbonisation and contributes to the Welsh Government’s 2030 net-zero targets. It also bolsters the UK government’s long-term strategy to expand nuclear capacity, enhancing energy security. With Last Energy’s investment, South Wales is set to play a pivotal role in the UK’s transition to a sustainable energy future. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals