K2 Management, a leading international renewable energy consultancy, will consult on the development of a pipeline of offshore wind projects in the Baltic Sea, after signing a framework agreement with Sunly, the independent power producer in the Baltic States and Poland. K2 Management will undertake pre-development studies and research for
Around 500 mobile generators will be supplied to keep lights on in Ukraine, enough to power around 20,000 homes or equivalent buildings. Responding to the UK Government’s announcement, David Smith, Chief Executive of Energy Networks Association, which represents the UK’s energy network businesses said: “We are deeply concerned and saddened by the
Senior councillors have approved plans to invest £7.2 million extending the city’s flagship district heating network by 2500 metres so that more buildings can enjoy the benefits of reliable, affordable, and low carbon heating. The £47 million Leeds PIPES network supplied 13,900 MWh of low carbon heat in 2021 and
Civil engineering and infrastructure specialist Barhale will lead a new scheme to protect critical water infrastructure from the impact of erosion on the Suffolk coastline. The programme of works will be carried out at Corton Beach, Lowestoft on behalf of Anglian Water by Barhale as part of the @one Alliance,
The Government must increase the scope of green subsidy schemes for UK homes to successfully transition from gas-based heating and address skyrocketing energy costs, according to polymer pipework specialist REHAU. REHAU’s comments follow recent criticism from the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) select committee that the Government’s plans to
In value terms, 79% of energy generation construction projects over the past five years have been related to renewable energy, with gas and nuclear representing a combined 21%. While construction projects for energy generation using solar power represent the largest proportion of contract awards by volume; in value terms, solar
Exclusive opinion poll finds key Red Wall political background seats backing hydrogen heating as a means of hitting Net Zero targets, avoiding unaffordable, upfront costs of the alternatives, saving the UK £35 billion. The YouGov poll was commissioned by not-for-profit trade body Energy and Utilities Alliance (EUA), to examine a
Mike Foster, CEO of the Energy and Utilities Alliance, says: “Now we know the impact of the global energy crisis upon the average consumer, a price cap increase of £693 to £1971 a year. Millions more households will now be thrown into fuel poverty, through no fault of their own
Unlike some ideas, hydrogen fuels provide an opportunity to safeguard jobs and industry whilst reducing our carbon footprint says GMB Union GMB has hailed plans for a Humberside hydrogen plant as a ‘massive step forward’ to secure jobs and a green future for the gas industry. The union welcomed the submission
Exclusive opinion poll finds key political background seats backing hydrogen heating as a means of hitting Net Zero targets, avoiding unaffordable, upfront costs of the alternatives, saving the UK £35 billion. The YouGov poll was commissioned by not-for-profit trade body Energy and Utilities Alliance (EUA), to examine a range of
K2 Management, a leading international renewable energy consultancy, will consult on the development of a pipeline of offshore wind projects in the Baltic Sea, after signing a framework agreement with Sunly, the independent power producer in the Baltic States and Poland. K2 Management will undertake pre-development studies and research for Sunly’s offshore wind projects and will advise the offshore developer strategically and tactically in the Baltic Sea, including in the coming auctions. According to WindEurope, the Baltic Sea could host as much as 93GW of offshore wind by 2050 and while Denmark, Finland, Germany and Sweden have made some inroads, a significant opportunity lies ahead for the Baltic States to enter the offshore market. “The Baltic States are in an excellent position to deploy offshore wind farms in the Baltic Sea, but the countries have yet to tap into this significant offshore wind potential. This is about to change, and K2 Management is proud to provide its technical expertise, while leveraging its global offshore wind experience to make that happen,” said Lars K Hammershøj, the Co-founder & Owner of K2 Management. Priit Lepasepp, the CEO and Co-founder of Sunly commented: “We believe that now is the time to deliver big-scale renewable energy projects that both improves energy security and contributes to the green transition. That is why Sunly’s experienced team is developing offshore wind parks in the Baltic region, and we are happy that K2 Management will be part of this journey.”
Around 500 mobile generators will be supplied to keep lights on in Ukraine, enough to power around 20,000 homes or equivalent buildings. Responding to the UK Government’s announcement, David Smith, Chief Executive of Energy Networks Association, which represents the UK’s energy network businesses said: “We are deeply concerned and saddened by the war in Ukraine and the UK’s network operators have been working closely with the government to identify what help we can provide.“We hope these generators can offer civilians the very basic necessities of warmth and power, and we will continue to offer our support however we can.”
Senior councillors have approved plans to invest £7.2 million extending the city’s flagship district heating network by 2500 metres so that more buildings can enjoy the benefits of reliable, affordable, and low carbon heating. The £47 million Leeds PIPES network supplied 13,900 MWh of low carbon heat in 2021 and continues to grow. It is set to become one of the UK’s largest heat networks. Five new extensions will see the Leeds PIPES district heating network expand into new areas of the city. The council has identified at least nine sites that will be able to connect because of the approved extensions—potentially using another 11,600 MWh of sustainable heat every year. By using heat and energy recovered from non-recyclable waste at the Recycling and Energy Recovery Facility (RERF) to provide hot water to buildings in the city, the network offers a reliable and significantly lower carbon alternative to traditional fossil fuel powered heating systems. The scheme currently supplies heat recovered from the waste of approximately 10,700 Leeds households saving more than 2,000 tonnes of carbon from being emitted in 2021. Buildings and new developments located near the network can choose to connect at any time. Almost 2,000 homes, commercial and public buildings have already connected to the scheme. The project has also helped employ more than 430 people in the local low carbon sector including 36 apprentices. Energy used to heating and power buildings is responsible for around a quarter of the UK’s carbon emissions. In its ‘Heat and buildings strategy’ published last year, the UK Government set out how low carbon heat networks will play an increasingly significant role as the country tackles climate change. New regulations are expected to be introduced by 2025 which will give councils the power to require certain existing buildings and new developments to connect to networks in pre-defined zones. Leeds City Council is now working with government to test the methodology used to establish these zones before a wider rollout. Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s Executive Member for Infrastructure and Climate, said: “Our city’s waste-powered district heating network is a great example of an innovative scheme that supports our long-term net zero carbon ambitions whilst enabling residents and businesses to enjoy reliable and affordable heating now. “Economically, the planned expansion is also a fantastic investment for the council as well as those privately connecting. As the wholesale price of gas rises and as more and more building managers and developers seek to reduce their carbon footprint, our district heating offer has become even more competitive.” Mike Cooke, Managing Director (North & Scotland) of Vital Energi, said: “As a result of visionary investment and working collaboratively with partners, Leeds PIPES has very quickly established itself as one of the UK’s major heat networks. “As the network continues to grow it becomes more efficient and accessible to potential connections, enabling the transition from fossil fuels to deliver more carbon savings and contribute to a cleaner, greener Leeds.” A report to executive board with the recommendations approved by councillors on Wednesday can be read online.
Civil engineering and infrastructure specialist Barhale will lead a new scheme to protect critical water infrastructure from the impact of erosion on the Suffolk coastline. The programme of works will be carried out at Corton Beach, Lowestoft on behalf of Anglian Water by Barhale as part of the @one Alliance, the collaboration of consultants and contractors working together to deliver more than half of Anglian Water’s capital investment programme. Continued coastal erosion has made it necessary to move three sewer pipes that currently run along the beach to a new route approximately 100 metres inland. They include the primary 700mm Lowestoft domestic wastewater pipe which runs to the Lowestoft Water Recycling Centre (WRC) to be treated before being taken away by a second 800mm pipe to the Nesspoint outfall. A third pipe (300mm), dedicated to the nearby Birds Eye factory will also be moved. The replacement pipework will be laid through opencut to a depth of 2.5m in ductile iron with a special lining to protect against saline water. The new route will take the pipelines through the Gunton Warren Nature Reserve and the project has been subject to intensive involvement from East Suffolk Council, ecologists, arboriculturists and Suffolk Wildlife Trust to ensure there is minimal impact on the environment and ecology found in the reserve. It has also led to the agreement of a five year plan on completion of the project that will deliver a net biodiversity gain of 10%. Barhale’s contract manager, Stuart Kempster underlined the importance of the works and of proactively managing the risks presented by coastal erosion. “This is a critical project to protect the water infrastructure of Lowestoft and the surrounding area,” he said. “Anglian Water’s early intervention will significantly extend the life of the existing assets and ensure that the retreating coastline does not have any impact on waste water management. “Anglian Water and the @one Alliance have been very mindful of the new pipeline route and have worked closely with stakeholders to create a post-completion ecology programme that will actually enhance biodiversity. We are proud to be playing our part not only in leading these important works but also helping to make sure that we leave the site with ethe best possible future.” Work is scheduled to start in early 2022 and to take approximately 12 months.
The Government must increase the scope of green subsidy schemes for UK homes to successfully transition from gas-based heating and address skyrocketing energy costs, according to polymer pipework specialist REHAU. REHAU’s comments follow recent criticism from the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) select committee that the Government’s plans to end the country’s reliance of gas were inadequate and lacked clear direction. With domestic heating constituting 17% of the UK’s carbon emissions and gas currently warming 86% of homes, the company is highlighting the need for effective, innovative technologies that can make an instant impact. “The issue of how we are going to decarbonise heating for new and existing residential building stock is not a new one,” explains Steve Richmond, Head of Marketing and Technical at REHAU Building Solutions. “Yet as the recent comments from the BEIS select committee demonstrates, there is currently an unacceptable gap between good thought and good practice. Though the Government’s Heating and Buildings Strategy lays out welcome steps, including the £450m Boiler Upgrade Scheme, this pot is too small to make a meaningful difference. “The adoption of heat pumps and district heating systems at scale is a clear and obvious solution that can be adopted in the here-and-now. But in order for these technologies to be as impactful as possible, the Government needs to expand the rollout of low-carbon and waste heat networks. Only by doing so can we fulfil the enormous potential of these transformative technologies in the UK.” Beyond expanding the scope of existing schemes, Steve is advocating for a review of energy subsidies on electricity bills, which would make heat pumps more attractive to end users currently on mains gas. Since the closure of the non-domestic Renewable Heat Incentive scheme, there are also very limited funding options for private commercial buildings to transition from fossil fuels to these more sustainable options. “As highlighted by the various trade associations, while the need for action is clear absolutist moves such as shifting policy costs onto gas bills could create further price spikes that could badly affect UK households,” Steve concludes. “As such, policy needs to be carefully enacted to level the playing field between gas and other solutions and ensure this necessary transition is as cost-effective as possible. “While a nuanced approach is clearly required in the medium-to-long term, the end goal is clear – a national energy mix that is sustainable and not hostage to spiralling fuel costs. District heating and heat pump technologies offer the best way forward in this regard.” For more information on REHAU’s low carbon district heating solutions, visit: www.rehau.co.uk/districtheating
In value terms, 79% of energy generation construction projects over the past five years have been related to renewable energy, with gas and nuclear representing a combined 21%. While construction projects for energy generation using solar power represent the largest proportion of contract awards by volume; in value terms, solar projects represent just 4% of total value across energy related construction projects. Laura Pardoe, Product Manager at AMA Research and editor of the Utilities Construction: Gas and Electric Market Report comments “This is an incredibly exciting time to be monitoring construction in the energy sector and charting the real time transition to renewable sources of energy generation. There has been a 70% increase in electricity generation from renewables since 2016; over the same period 80% of contract awards have been for low carbon options showing a clear direction of future travel. Twin forces driving for energy security and carbon neutrality mean construction projects are focused on sustainable energy generation utilising natural resources.” In the period 2016 to 2021(Q2), projects in the wind sector (onshore and offshore) made up just under half of all energy generation projects, by value, and 58% of all renewable projects. Increasing generation from wind and solar is the focus to further increase renewable generation to deliver on the net zero target by 2050. While the bulk of generation needed is planned to be provided by renewables, there is also need for more reliable sources of power such as nuclear or power stations that burn hydrogen or gas with carbon capture and storage. In 2020 UK electricity construction contributed 41% of total infrastructure work, an increase from 24% in 2019. Electricity construction output grew 66% year on year in 2020. Electricity is likely to remain a key driver of growth into the medium-term within the gas and electricity market as generation capacity is renewed and larger-scale renewables generation, particularly offshore wind and biomass, is commissioned.
Exclusive opinion poll finds key Red Wall political background seats backing hydrogen heating as a means of hitting Net Zero targets, avoiding unaffordable, upfront costs of the alternatives, saving the UK £35 billion. The YouGov poll was commissioned by not-for-profit trade body Energy and Utilities Alliance (EUA), to examine a range of questions about the UK’s energy future. Excluding ‘Don’t Knows’, 85 per cent of the 1600 residents across 18 Red Wall seats in the north of England back Government plans to allow hydrogen to be blended with natural gas to reduce carbon emissions in the home, from 2023. This figure rises to 92 per cent of Labour voters. These findings support the recent publication by the Energy Networks Association of their “Hydrogen Blending Delivery Plan” launched last week. Hydrogen can be safely blended into the natural gas network at levels up to 20 per cent without any changes required to gas boilers, cookers or fires, meaning consumers can reduce their carbon footprint automatically. Across the UK, this offers the potential of a 6 million tonnes a year carbon saving. “We have always believed the great British public want to do their bit on reducing carbon but are worried about the costs and don’t trust some new technologies. Blending hydrogen into the gas network has been given a huge thumbs up from voters,” commented on these findings, Mike Foster, CEO of EUA. “They can continue to use their gas boilers, cookers and fires as they do now, and their carbon emissions will be cut, with them doing nothing. It’s a real win-win situation that is recognised by voters, already struggling with energy bills and having no spare cash for expensive alternatives to gas boilers.” “And the impact is huge. Across the UK’s 23 million homes, it amounts to 6 million tonnes a year saved – the same as taking 2.5 million cars off our roads. Instead of switching 3.5 million homes from gas to heat pumps, to save the same amount of carbon, at a cost of £35 billion, consumers can simply keep warm knowing that the switch to hydrogen is helping to save the planet.”
Mike Foster, CEO of the Energy and Utilities Alliance, says: “Now we know the impact of the global energy crisis upon the average consumer, a price cap increase of £693 to £1971 a year. Millions more households will now be thrown into fuel poverty, through no fault of their own and that unenviable choice, between heating and eating will become the reality for more in our communities. “It would be churlish to ignore the Government’s response, any help is better than none. But using council tax to rebate bill increases seems a very blunt instrument, which fails to take into account actual household incomes but does reflect 1991 house values. I fear the distribution of this rebate will not be fair and many winners will not be the low paid. “The proposed loan to energy companies to keep bills £200 lower now, but to be paid back later, is a stunt designed to appear to help. It is a heat now, pay later scheme that simply delays the pain not reduce it. “But the fundamental root cause of the problem has not been addressed in today’s announcement. How does the UK shift away from global fossil fuel prices? We now need a firm commitment from the Government to wean us off natural gas and onto hydrogen, which we can produce ourselves, and convert our world-class gas network to run on hydrogen. That way, Putin will not hold us hostage, with his fingers turning the gas taps off, jacking up prices and forcing UK households to choose between heating and eating.”
Unlike some ideas, hydrogen fuels provide an opportunity to safeguard jobs and industry whilst reducing our carbon footprint says GMB Union GMB has hailed plans for a Humberside hydrogen plant as a ‘massive step forward’ to secure jobs and a green future for the gas industry. The union welcomed the submission by Norwegian firm Equinor to build the plant, which has been backed by six potential users including British Gas owner Centrica and chemical giant Inneos. If given the green light, the project could provide up to 600MW of hydrogen with the potential to triple production, as well as creating more than 2,000 jobs in the region. Andy Prendergast, GMB National Secretary, said: “Unlike some ideas being mooted, hydrogen fuels provide an opportunity to safeguard jobs and industry whilst reducing our carbon footprint. “This development not only ensures heavy industry gets the power it needs but helps secure a future for our gas grid. “This is vital as it could use the current gas network whist protecting well paid, unionised gas jobs in the industry. “Britain can become a market leader in this technology, which could become a major exporting industry if we can lead the way. “GMB fights constantly to secure decent jobs whilst managing the just transition to a carbon neutral future. “Developments like this provide real confidence it can be done.”
Exclusive opinion poll finds key political background seats backing hydrogen heating as a means of hitting Net Zero targets, avoiding unaffordable, upfront costs of the alternatives, saving the UK £35 billion. The YouGov poll was commissioned by not-for-profit trade body Energy and Utilities Alliance (EUA), to examine a range of questions about the UK’s energy future. Excluding ‘Don’t Knows’, 85 per cent of the 1600 residents across 18 Red Wall seats in the north of England back Government plans to allow hydrogen to be blended with natural gas to reduce carbon emissions in the home, from 2023. This figure rises to 92 per cent of Labour voters. These findings support the recent publication by the Energy Networks Association of their “Hydrogen Blending Delivery Plan” launched last week. Hydrogen can be safely blended into the natural gas network at levels up to 20 per cent without any changes required to gas boilers, cookers or fires, meaning consumers can reduce their carbon footprint automatically. Across the UK, this offers the potential of a 6 million tonnes a year carbon saving. Commenting on these findings, Mike Foster, CEO of EUA said: “We have always believed the great British public want to do their bit on reducing carbon but are worried about the costs and don’t trust some new technologies. Blending hydrogen into the gas network has been given a huge thumbs up from voters.” “They can continue to use their gas boilers, cookers and fires as they do now, and their carbon emissions will be cut, with them doing nothing. It’s a real win-win situation that is recognised by voters, already struggling with energy bills and having no spare cash for expensive alternatives to gas boilers.” “And the impact is huge. Across the UK’s 23 million homes, it amounts to 6 million tonnes a year saved – the same as taking 2.5 million cars off our roads. Instead of switching 3.5[1] million homes from gas to heat pumps, to save the same amount of carbon, at a cost of £35 billion[2], consumers can simply keep warm knowing that the switch to hydrogen is helping to save the planet.” For more information, visit www.eua.org.uk [1] A gas boiler typically emits 1.58 tonnes of carbon dioxide more than an Air Source Heat Pump. [2] The Prime Minister and BEIS calculate the cost of buying and installing a heat pump is £10,000 per household.
