In an exclusive opinion poll, conducted on behalf of the not-for-profit trade association Energy and Utilities Alliance (EUA), in the middle of the current energy crisis, the public have blamed the government for the current gas crisis and have demanded the fast-tracking of alternative energy sources to heat their homes.
Mike Foster, CEO of the Energy and Utilities Alliance, says: “The current energy crisis around gas supply and demand was entirely avoidable but that doesn’t help solve the problem now. In the short term, the tools available to help are limited and expensive but may be necessary to keep fuel
The latest round of financing from the UK Government’s Green Heat Network Fund (GHNF) will be key to ensuring low-carbon district heating schemes are delivered from 2022, according to polymer pipework specialist REHAU. The GHNF is the latest funding scheme launched by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy
Planned hydrogen innovation projects could create over 17,000 high-tech, green jobs in Britain’s industrial heartlands, new research published by Energy Networks Association (ENA) reveals today. £4.4bn of investment is proposed in developing hydrogen gas grids to help reduce carbon emissions from Britain’s six Industrial Clusters, where strategically important heavy industries
The Heat Networks Investment Project (HNIP) has awarded £24 million of funding to Energetik to support two major extensions of its community heat network across the London Borough of Enfield. This brings the total support provided by HNIP to just under £39 million, following an initial grant and loan award
Construction and development company, the Cruden Group, has expanded its green portfolio and commitment to green energy housebuilding by signing a 3-year enhanced green energy supply contract with ScottishPower. This means that the Group will purchase electricity which always comes exclusively from renewable sources, with 100% of green electricity from
Leeds-based building consultancy, C80 Solutions, is urging property owners and businesses to begin preparing for the arrival of stricter energy performance laws in the coming years. The government’s Minimum Energy Performance of Buildings Bill was introduced earlier this month and will be debated by MPs this autumn, paving the way
Solar Energy Scotland welcomes the inclusion of solar into the Scottish Governments and Scottish Green parties’ draft policy programme, as announced earlier today. The document outlines the joint commitment from both parties to confront some of the greatest challenges faced in Scotland to date, responding to the climate emergency, supporting
The Government’s Hydrogen Strategy sets out hydrogen’s critical role in securing economic opportunities across the UK, cutting emissions and delivering Net Zero. Responding to the Hydrogen Strategy, David Smith, Chief Executive at Energy Networks Association which represents the UK and Ireland’s energy networks businesses said: “This is a much needed
Installing a solar power system is a big decision. Finding out the right installer is a bigger decision. A solar panel investment is a matter of more than twenty-five years, and you cannot hire just about any company, which claims to install solar panels. It will help if you choose
In an exclusive opinion poll, conducted on behalf of the not-for-profit trade association Energy and Utilities Alliance (EUA), in the middle of the current energy crisis, the public have blamed the government for the current gas crisis and have demanded the fast-tracking of alternative energy sources to heat their homes. The 2,000 respond representative sample of the UK population when asked who was to blame for the current crisis, said the government and energy suppliers shared responsibility, with 26.4% blaming the energy suppliers; 24.9% the government; 12.9% the regulator Ofgem. 40.5% of respondents blamed all three. Overwhelmingly, three out of four people asked (74.4%) agreed that the government should keep the price cap for energy bills in place, placing a limit on bill increases, rather than allowing the market to determine the price for energy. What’s more, two-thirds of those asked (66.1%), confessed to being worried about being able to afford to keep warm this winter and 64.9% believe any increase in household energy bills above £10 a month was unacceptable. Crucially, UK homeowners are now looking for government action on energy to prevent a repeat of the gas crisis. More than nine in ten (95.8%) thought it important for the government to invest in alternative sources of energy such as zero carbon hydrogen and only one in four (24.6%) wanted to see gas central heating removed from homes to be replaced with electric appliances. Commenting on these results, Mike Foster the CEO of Energy and Utilities Alliance said: “These results are shockingly clear. The government cannot be comfortable knowing that two-thirds of people are genuinely worried about being able to keep warm this winter. “But consumers don’t want to pay higher energy bills and are blaming the government and energy suppliers for the problems they now face. Any increases above a tenner a month are seen as unacceptable.” “There is also a very clear message being sent about future energy policy. Consumers expect, actually they are demanding, that the government invests in alternative sources of energy, such as zero carbon hydrogen, to avoid a repeat of what we are going through. When 96 per cent of the public support something, politicians had better listen.” “The current crisis is further proof that we need to decarbonise our gas network, using zero carbon gases such as hydrogen and keep costs down by adopting hydrogen-ready boilers. “What our politicians must avoid at all costs is a ‘dash for electricity’. These results clearly show that there is real concern over electricity prices and the consequences for consumers if we try and convert homes from gas for heating. What’s more, the electricity grid will not be able to withstand the extra demand being placed upon it in winter months.” For more information on renewable heating and to see the EUA’s latest report, Too Close to Home, visit: https://eua.org.uk/too-close-to-home/
Mike Foster, CEO of the Energy and Utilities Alliance, says: “The current energy crisis around gas supply and demand was entirely avoidable but that doesn’t help solve the problem now. In the short term, the tools available to help are limited and expensive but may be necessary to keep fuel poverty levels in check; to keep the lights on whilst still keeping an eye on our emissions. “In the longer term much more can be done and should be. This crisis should act as a wake-up call to get on with improving the energy efficiency of buildings; of ramping up of zero carbon power generation, that’s nuclear, wind as well as gas with CCS; but most of all seizing the opportunity to massively invest in hydrogen production, so we are no longer dependent of geology for our energy. “Above all, this crisis should put pay to the notion that we should electrify all domestic heating in the UK. We simply cannot load high seasonal heating demand onto a system that cannot cope. It would be reckless and irresponsible to do so.”
The latest round of financing from the UK Government’s Green Heat Network Fund (GHNF) will be key to ensuring low-carbon district heating schemes are delivered from 2022, according to polymer pipework specialist REHAU. The GHNF is the latest funding scheme launched by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy building upon 2018’s Heat Networks Investment Project (HNIP). As part of this latest funding tranche, the GHNF has pledged an additional £270 million investment in low-carbon technology, on top of the £165 million already provided by the HNIP. Steve Richmond, Head of Marketing and Technical at REHAU Building Solutions, said: “It is no secret that COVID-19 has impacted the decarbonisation of the UK heating sector. The pandemic has left budgets strained for many, so investing in a new heating system simply hasn’t been a priority.” “For this reason, schemes such as the Green Heat Network Fund will be key to putting low-carbon progress back on track post-pandemic. The heating sector currently accounts for as much as 21% of the nation’s emissions total, so increasing uptake of heat pumps and district heating networks will be key to achieving net zero by 2050.” This development coincides with the launch of the CP1 Heat Networks Code of Practice by the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers and Association for Decentralised Energy. The publication advocates a maximum flow temperature of 70°C for district heating networks, making them better suited to fourth generation heating schemes. Polymer district heating networks, using low-carbon technology such as heat pumps and waste heat recovery systems, are one of the most effective ways to reduce reliance on traditional gas boilers. Low-carbon networks are the only form of network supported by the GHNF, so it is important contractors and consultants consider the recommendations in the CP1 guidance to deliver suitable installations. Steve concluded: “The launch of schemes such as the Green Heat Network Fund and regulations such as CP1 will be critical to driving the uptake of low-carbon technology in England and Wales. Coupled with comprehensive training from specialists such as REHAU, this demand will be a major factor in ensuring heat network installations are suitable for end users in a low-carbon future.” For more information on district heating networks, visit: https://www.rehau.com/uk-en/rehau-district-heating
Planned hydrogen innovation projects could create over 17,000 high-tech, green jobs in Britain’s industrial heartlands, new research published by Energy Networks Association (ENA) reveals today. £4.4bn of investment is proposed in developing hydrogen gas grids to help reduce carbon emissions from Britain’s six Industrial Clusters, where strategically important heavy industries such as chemicals, iron, steel, glass and ceramics are concentrated. Over 9,000 of the jobs expected to be created would be employed by the network companies, with another 8,000 roles created in supply chain partners. ENA’s Innovation Impacts report shows that new hydrogen innovation projects proposed by Britain’s five gas network companies could create a total of up to 25,000 highly skilled green jobs across Great Britain over the next ten years across five strategically important areas, including those in Industrial Clusters, as they plan to invest a total of £6.8 billion in proposed hydrogen innovation projects. Up to 13,300 of the jobs would be created by network companies directly with, a further 11,400 jobs created by supply chain partners, in projects spread across the country. The investment plans have been submitted to the energy regulator, Ofgem, as part of the companies’ business plans. The regulator is responsible for approving investment plans proposed by GB gas and electricity network companies. The report sets out how the companies want to invest: £4.4bn to help reduce emissions in Britain’s industrial heartlands, such as HyNet North West, which will produce, store and distribute hydrogen while capturing and storing carbon from heavy manufacturing industries. These projects are expected to deliver over 17,000 high-tech green jobs in Britain’s industrial heartlands in north-west England, the Humber and Teesside, Southampton, north-east Scotland and south-east Wales, as well as other locations. £2.2bn in projects to speed up research into how we can repurpose existing gas pipelines so they are hydrogen-ready, to ensure gas network companies can deliver the Government’s hydrogen plans for building hydrogen village and town trials. This investment is expected to create over 6,700 jobs in projects in Fife, Cumbria and southern England, as well as other locations. £150m in projects to ensure the wider energy system and economy is ready for hydrogen, such as the expansions of the HyDeploy project to trial blending of up to 20% hydrogen into the existing grid in north-east England and a continuation of the Future Billing Methodology project, which will ensure peoples’ energy bills remain accurate as we start to use more hydrogen. This is expected to create over 700 jobs in the north east and central England. £19.5m in transport and other projects, researching how hydrogen can reduce emissions from cars and good vehicles, as well as ensuring it is used in a way that it is integrated with other green technologies and gases, such as wind farms and biomethane. These projects are expected to create nearly 100 jobs. Commenting, Chris Train, ENA’s Gas Goes Green champion says: “For the first time, this report sets out the sheer size and scale of the economic and social opportunities that hydrogen innovation can deliver over the next ten years, creating new green, hydrogen super-skills in communities and companies across the country. “With the recent publication of the Government’s Hydrogen Strategy and the Prime Minister’s Ten Point Plan before that, the time is right for Ofgem to consider how it can unlock this investment, helping ensure that hydrogen plays its full part in fuelling Britain’s Green Industrial Revolution.” Chris Manson-Whitton, of HyNet North West, adds: “The UK has the innovation, skill and world leading infrastructure to be a global leader in the delivery of the hydrogen economy. Our leading industrial partners, such as those in the HyNet North West cluster, are committed to decarbonising their operations and products. Hydrogen enables them to do that, safeguarding jobs and attracting inward investment. As this report shows, network innovation underpins this transformation, also decarbonising our communities and transport systems, and creating thousands of skilled green jobs.
The Heat Networks Investment Project (HNIP) has awarded £24 million of funding to Energetik to support two major extensions of its community heat network across the London Borough of Enfield. This brings the total support provided by HNIP to just under £39 million, following an initial grant and loan award of over £14 million for the construction of the Meridian Heat Network in 2020. The additional funding will increase the network’s reach and enable Energetik to supply very low carbon heat to over 50,000 homes, building on its previous forecast of 15,000 connections by 2026 and making this scheme the largest to be awarded HNIP funding to date. The extensions will link together and significantly decarbonise all existing heat networks in the London Borough by connecting them to the upcoming Meridian Water energy centre at Edmonton Eco Park. The energy centre will connect to the North London Waste Authority Recovery Facility once complete in 2026, delivering very low carbon waste heat to customers through a network of underground district heating pipes. The northwards extension will link the Meridian Water Heat Network with the existing Ponders End Heat Network, serving two new housing developments comprised of over 3,300 homes and the civic centre building in Enfield Town. The westwards extension will follow the route towards the Arnos Grove Heat Network, heading north towards the Oakwood Heat Network and connecting two care homes along the way. These extensions are a strategic step forward for Energetik, maximising the long-term decarbonisation potential by allowing more homes and buildings to benefit from heat that would otherwise be wasted. Energy Minister Lord Callanan said: “Changing how we heat homes and workplaces is a vital part of how we will end our contribution to climate change, which is why we’re investing in cutting-edge low-carbon heating technologies to help us meet our bold climate targets. “Thanks to this Energetik project, backed by a further £24 million of government funding, up to 50,000 households across North London are going to feel the direct benefits as we continue making our towns and cities cleaner places to live and work.” Jayne Clare, Managing Director at Energetik said: “This funding decision is extremely positive for Enfield and our Company. The expansion of our low carbon heat networks will provide the required infrastructure to unlock untapped potential and deliver maximum carbon savings across the borough. This an immense step forward towards achieving Enfield’s carbon goals.” Ken Hunnisett, Project Director at Triple Point Heat Networks Investment Management said: “Energetik was one of the very first projects to be awarded through the Heat Networks Investment Project and it is great to be able to support them further with a second award in the scheme’s final year. One of the major benefits of heat networks is their ability to expand and decarbonise over time, and Energetik is a shining example of how this can be done for the benefit of a significant 50,000 homes across North London.
Construction and development company, the Cruden Group, has expanded its green portfolio and commitment to green energy housebuilding by signing a 3-year enhanced green energy supply contract with ScottishPower. This means that the Group will purchase electricity which always comes exclusively from renewable sources, with 100% of green electricity from wind farms with zero CO2 emissions. In support of Cruden’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, ScottishPower as a Principal Partner for the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), is working closely with the Cruden Group to further develop a range of renewable and other clean, green energy solutions and smart technologies to reduce emissions and drive down homeowner energy bills. The Cruden Group builds around 1,500 new homes each year and together with ScottishPower, they are working on several market leading initiatives to offer more zero carbon alternatives. These include ground and air source heat pumps, installing infrastructure that will enable electric vehicle charging as standard across many developments, rolling out low carbon heating solutions for both apartment developments and family homes, installing photovoltaic solar panels and energy storage solutions and incorporating Passivhaus Standards to create energy efficient homes using innovative carbon neutral methods of construction. The Cruden Group’s commitment to green energy also extends to their management offices in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Cruden’s head office in Cambuslang benefits from electricity from renewable sources via solar panels covering 90% of the roof of the office building. ScottishPower is the first integrated energy company in the UK to generate 100% green electricity and is delivering almost £10 billion investment in clean energy between 2020-2025 to help unlock Net Zero. Kevin Reid, Chief Executive of the Cruden Group said; “We are pleased to continue our strong and successful 14-year partnership with ScottishPower with this new renewable energy agreement. We strive to continuously improve the environment through innovation and this new green deal will help us further reduce carbon emissions, exceed carbon reduction targets and positively contribute towards the global climate change agenda.” Stuart Angell, New Connections Sales Development Manager at ScottishPower said: “I’m delighted to extend and enhance our relationship with the Cruden Group and for ScottishPower to be associated with a like-minded company that is striving to deliver excellence in the marketplace and prioritises the customer experience”. “As ScottishPower have looked to deliver market leading initiatives, the Cruden Group have helped shape this change with their invaluable feedback and creative ideas. As work towards a carbon neutral future, we will continue to engage with the Cruden Group to understand their challenges and what we can jointly bring to the market to satisfy our goals and customer needs”.
Leeds-based building consultancy, C80 Solutions, is urging property owners and businesses to begin preparing for the arrival of stricter energy performance laws in the coming years. The government’s Minimum Energy Performance of Buildings Bill was introduced earlier this month and will be debated by MPs this autumn, paving the way for legislation which will require all private rented sector homes to be Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) band C by 2028. The government has also outlined targets which will have major implications for owner occupiers, mortgage lenders and commercial lettings. With thousands of properties likely to need significant energy performance upgrades, C80 Solutions believes that many landlords and building owners would benefit from an early assessment of their expected requirements to ensure they manage the necessary investments and meet the new standards in time. Harry Hinchliffe, Energy Consultant and BREEAM Assessor at C80 Solutions, said: “The bill is a key driver in the commitments set out in the government’s Energy White Paper and subsequent policy statements. It will have a widespread impact on the UK’s property sector, affecting a large percentage of people and businesses with a property investment. Its objectives include non-domestic commercial lettings to achieve EPC band B by 2030 and homes to be EPC band C by 2035 where practicable, cost effective and affordable. It will also affect financial services as mortgage lenders will be required to ensure an EPC band C average for their portfolios by 2030.” Dan Chadwick, Energy & Sustainability Consultant at C80 Solutions, said: “Recent studies have suggested that around 2.9m homes will need to improve to meet the proposed changes, with an estimated average cost of £9,872 per home and a total cost of £29 billion across the sector. Although the legislation needs to follow the usual process of parliamentary scrutiny, the bill is seen as an essential step in achieving carbon net zero – there is a clear direction of travel towards a much higher standard of energy efficiency and it’s unlikely to meet much resistance from MPs, especially in the context of the latest alarming reports about the climate emergency. An increase in minimum EPC from E to C is a substantial rise. With that in mind, many individuals and organisations would be wise to start the process of examining their properties and estates. For some, early planning could be vital in phasing the work and the costs required to achieve 100% compliance.” C80 Solutions provides expertise encompassing all aspects of Building Regulations and environmental performance, including energy, air tightness, sound testing, environmental noise and thermal modelling. Its services support construction across both the commercial and domestic sectors.
Solar Energy Scotland welcomes the inclusion of solar into the Scottish Governments and Scottish Green parties’ draft policy programme, as announced earlier today. The document outlines the joint commitment from both parties to confront some of the greatest challenges faced in Scotland to date, responding to the climate emergency, supporting economic recovery and strengthening a green and fair recovery from the global pandemic. Solar Energy UK Chief Executive Chris Hewett said: “Scotland has a more ambitious target on net-zero than the rest of the UK, so we are looking forward to working closely with the new government to ensure solar energy can play a full part in the race to cut carbon emissions. The opportunities are huge, from a new generation of solar parks, to co-location with wind farms, large rooftop schemes and using onsite solar to decarbonise heat and transport.” Solar Energy Scotland Chair Thomas McMillan said: “The solar energy industry in Scotland welcomes the clear recognition in the cooperation agreement of the important role solar can play in Scotland’s drive to meet our 2030 climate obligations. As the cheapest, most readily deployable renewable technology, with substantial benefits for the economy and helping to tackle fuel poverty, it is time for the sector to be allowed to grow and flourish. Scotland’s solar opportunities could see deployment increase 15-fold by 2030, and this would deliver a solar sector in Scotland proportional to what is being achieved elsewhere in the UK.” Solar Energy Scotland is calling on Government to set a minimum solar deployment target of 4GW by 2030, with an ambitious Government delivering as much as 6GW over the next decade.
The Government’s Hydrogen Strategy sets out hydrogen’s critical role in securing economic opportunities across the UK, cutting emissions and delivering Net Zero. Responding to the Hydrogen Strategy, David Smith, Chief Executive at Energy Networks Association which represents the UK and Ireland’s energy networks businesses said: “This is a much needed and welcome first step for the development of the UK’s hydrogen economy. It puts in place the right pieces for Britain’s energy networks to act as the platform on which the UK’s hydrogen ambitions will be built, recognising the importance of hydrogen blending and investing in innovation. “We need further recognition that for hydrogen to play its part in Net Zero, producing 5GW of hydrogen by 2030 will not be enough. We must set our sights higher, towards a figure twice that amount.”
Installing a solar power system is a big decision. Finding out the right installer is a bigger decision. A solar panel investment is a matter of more than twenty-five years, and you cannot hire just about any company, which claims to install solar panels. It will help if you choose a solar installer who carefully looks at your requirements, your roof, stands behind their work, and honors any warranty. Take a look at the website and company values The company’s mission and vision statements, objectives, and values offer a glance into a business’s DNA, and you understand how you will be treated as a customer. If the values of the company match with what you are looking forward to, shortlist it. Look at their experience and longevity Gain information about the number of years they have been working in this field. If they are reliable, they will mention their past projects on their websites. Spend some time checking those and the certifications of the company. Examine the warranties Solarpower panels last for years without much maintenance. If an issue occurs, you should know who to contact. The solar energy system has several warranties, from the manufacturer warranties for various parts to workmanship warranties from installers. The latter warranty adheres only to the specific work performed by the installer and usually spans over a period of ten years. Understand the warranty carefully to know what is included or excluded and check with the installer to learn about hidden aspects of the warranties. Also, ask the installer if you have to pay charges during the check or replacement of any equipment. Who will install the system? Full-service installers involve their in-house team members to complete the project – designing, installing, monitoring, and maintaining. Sometimes, solar installers depend on subcontractors to perform all or part of the work involved in installing the system. There is nothing to be disappointed by this as it is a normal practice in the industry. You have to pay attention to the level of transparency from the installers about who will install the system – the installers themselves or the subcontractors. Also, try to know why they use the subcontractor and what portion of the work will be done by the subs. Everything boils down to one point – who will be responsible if there is a problem and who will you go to for a solution. If they answer clearly, you can go ahead with the company or switch your attention to its competitors. Verify their online reviews and speak to their customers Never hire a company without listening to or reading the recommendations. You may talk to friends and neighbors who have also installed solar panels. The reviews about a company from its users and customers are a great way to know about its services. Check out social media platforms and Google reviews to get an insight into the company’s workmanship. Peace of Mind A purchase should never pressurize you. Is the installation company pushing hard? If yes, you may not be alarmed immediately as many reputable solar installers offer incentives to their staff with commissions. But, if you notice that the representatives are moving from door-to-door, insisting you sign a contract without reading it and convincing you that solar will be great for your roof while others refuse to install without repairing the house, understand that these are signs of high-pressure sales tactics. Keep your eyes and ears open for choosing a solar installer. Make sure that the company is reliable and has been in this industry for a long time.
