Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) have been chosen to deliver upgrade works on the electricity infrastructure across southern England. The substantial improvement programme, representing an investment of £32 million, reaches across parts of Hampshire, Wiltshire, Somerset and Dorset and includes the replacement of poles, conductors and plant such as
Are you considering ways to reduce your energy bills? Good, because last year the average gas and electricity bill in the UK was £1,138 a year, which is more than double what it was 100 years ago. Apart from the cost, a home that uses a lot of excess energy
If you want to improve the air quality of your home, you need to choose the best filter for the job. And this means looking at the MERV ratings and understanding what they mean. Check out this guide to air filter MERV ratings and you can pick the filter that
With Brexit causing uncertainty in the construction industry over the future availability of labour, and its costs, the issue of the UKs ‘housing crisis’ isn’t likely to dampen down any time soon. Positive initiatives and efficient processes are needed to help the sector deliver the number of homes that Brits
Using energy in the domestic household is a necessary evil. Yes, there are a lot of benefits to it, in that we thrive on more comfortable living and have the potential to use all sorts of electrical devices that we once didn’t. However, there are also downsides to having a
Energy Assets Group is lighting up the ‘final mile’ network market, with more than 5,000 live electricity connections taken into ownership, and 25,000 more contracted, since the launch of Energy Assets Networks (EAN) just over a year ago. EAN is an independent distribution network operator (IDNO) and has landed a
Climate change is an issue for governments and businesses alike, with both wrestling with the problem of being competitive whilst being green and sustainable. Energy usage is a major concern as corporations aim to reduce their carbon footprint, and energy costs. This debate is pertinent to the 16% of the
Energy Assets Utilities (EAU) is generating growth in the peaking plant market, recently working alongside project managers Stag Energy, and Keekle Power, to bring a 20MW gas peaking plant online near Southampton to help National Grid balance its power requirements. The plant will enable Keekle Power to provide low cost,
Tidal defences in Great Yarmouth are set to receive a £40.3 million refurbishment, upgrading the level of protection from tidal flooding to more than 4,500 homes and businesses in the area. Nearly 4km of flood walls will be improved and updated as part of the project which will better protect
The 2019 East Midlands RICS Awards have recognised the £30 million Lincoln Transport Hub, winning the top prize in the Infrastructure category. The Wilmott Dixon-built development garned praise from the judges for being delivered “on time and within budget”. In addition, this major win has also secured the project’s place at
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) have been chosen to deliver upgrade works on the electricity infrastructure across southern England. The substantial improvement programme, representing an investment of £32 million, reaches across parts of Hampshire, Wiltshire, Somerset and Dorset and includes the replacement of poles, conductors and plant such as substations and underground link boxes. Innovative automation systems have also been placed on the network and some sections of overhead line have been undergrounded. All measures will improve the resilience of power supplies to homes and businesses across the region – supporting growth and wider community needs. Network reliability is a key priority for SSEN and the customers its serves and SSEN’s multi-million pound investment to further improve network resilience and future-proof its infrastructure for customers’ changing demands follows local customer engagement. This is part of SSEN’s commitment to ensuring customers have more involvement in investment decisions in vital infrastructure. Head of Region for Wessex, Jo Niven, discussed the importance of the projects with Dr Lewis and outlined how they will support a reduction in power cuts to his constituents. Jo said: “As a responsible network operator, SSEN makes a commitment to our customers to do all we can to keep the lights on 24/7; by completing over £32 million pounds of works across Wessex in the last three years, we are reinforcing that commitment to the residents and businesses across the region who rely on us to power their day. “This three year programme marks a significant investment to an area which has differing needs across its rural and urban environments, and SSEN embarked on these works to strengthen the power supplies to homes, businesses and communities in Wessex, while reinforcing an infrastructure that it is robust enough to meet future needs.” Dr Julian Lewis MP added: “I’m greatly encouraged to see the level of investment being made in the electricity infrastructure that powers the homes and businesses of my constituents. “With three years of works completed, SSEN is providing Wessex with a power supply fit for the future and whatever changes may come to the region as it grows and develops in the years ahead.” While a total of seventeen large-scale projects have been completed in the last three years, five of the key projects benefitting from the £32 million investment are: • £7.5 million in refurbishing the 132kV overhead lines between Axminster and Yeovil • £5 million in reinforcing the 33kV infrastructure across Velmore, Bishopstoke and Netley Common • £4.3 million in refurbishing the 132 kV overhead lines between Poole and Winfrith Heath • £3.8 million in rebuilding the 33kV overhead line towers between Chickerell and Winterbourne Abbass • £2.8 million in reinforcing the 33kV network between Redhill and Victoria Park though cable overlay. All of the above projects carried out as part of this programme were completed on time and on budget.
Are you considering ways to reduce your energy bills? Good, because last year the average gas and electricity bill in the UK was £1,138 a year, which is more than double what it was 100 years ago. Apart from the cost, a home that uses a lot of excess energy is also contributing to the pollution and carbon emissions throughout the country. In our post on the ‘Top Tips to Reduce Energy Usage in Your Home’, it details how your appliances and heating system can be the biggest culprits when it comes to energy consumption. Fortunately, these are easy to remedy, and we are going to have a look at five ways to reduce your household bills. Upgrade Your Boiler Because more than half of your household energy bill is spent on heating, replacing an old and inefficient boiler can make a huge difference to your bill. Just ask Philip Dyte from London, who was recently featured in a Money Wise article about cutting energy bills. After he upgraded his flat’s old boiler, he noted that he saved over £100 on his yearly energy bill. HomeServe explains that when a boiler is old it is best to get it replaced as soon as possible. By upgrading your boiler, it is a good way to reduce the amount of energy consumption, as you can switch from a regular boiler to a combi boiler. This is the most popular type of boiler in the UK and can be a very economical option. Use Smart Thermostats While standard electric heating is extremely efficient, in the UK it is very expensive. In fact, it’s three to four times more expensive than a newer gas-powered central heating system. Using a smart thermostat and reducing room temperatures by just one degree can save you £75 a year. You can control these from your smartphone from practically anywhere and some can even learn your routine or adjust settings automatically based on the weather forecast. Home Insulation Insulating cavity walls and your loft can mean huge savings on your yearly energy bill, as well as getting double-glazing. Energy Saving Secrets states that laying thick 270mm loft insulation can save you up to £130 off your yearly energy bills, as a lot less heat will be lost through your roof. On the other hand, cavity wall insulation can save you up to £145 a year, while solid-wall insulation can save you £245 a year. This type of insulation is much more expensive to fit, however, the energy savings might be worth it in the long run. Meanwhile, double-glazed windows could result in savings up to £75-£100 a year, depending on the quality of glass. Energy-Efficient Appliances Apart from energy-saving LED light bulbs, choosing energy-efficient appliances in your home could save you money, too. Modern appliances tend to have energy ratings from A to G, with the former being the greenest and the latter the least green. Some appliances like fridge-freezer combinations have A+++ ratings and are much more efficient than appliances that are 10 years old. This is Money’s guide to energy efficient appliances, explains that households could save about £113 a year by switching to a more energy-efficient fridge freezer. An A+++ dishwasher could also save you £47 a year, while an A+++ washing machine could result in a savings of £34. Energy Efficient Lighting In the UK, lighting accounts for about 15% of a household’s energy bill. Upgrading from your standard light bulbs to energy-efficient LED bulbs will cost just under £1.60 to run per year, whereas a traditional bulb is closer to £10. LED bulbs can save you £2 a year per bulb, and considering they cost less than £5 they will essentially pay for themselves in a few months. Getting into the habit of turning off lights when you leave a room is another good way to save on your energy bill.
If you want to improve the air quality of your home, you need to choose the best filter for the job. And this means looking at the MERV ratings and understanding what they mean. Check out this guide to air filter MERV ratings and you can pick the filter that will give you the air quality you want. The Importance of Indoor Air Quality Before you learn about MERV ratings, you should understand the importance of indoor air quality. Most Americans spend their days indoors. However, the pollutants indoors are between two and five times higher than they are outside. If you’re sensitive to pollution, then the particles in your inside air could cause you health troubles. Certain homes are more naturally susceptible to pollution. For instance, some energy efficient buildings lack ventilation. This leaves the air trapped indoors with nowhere to go. Synthetic furniture, pesticides, and cleaning agents can also diminish the quality of your air. You don’t have to let your health suffer. The right air filter can trap the majority of particles floating in your air. When your HVAC system takes in air, the filter catches the dust and other particles. But some air filters have large pores and allow small particles through. By understanding how MERV ratings work, you can learn which filter is the most effective. What is the MERV Rating? A MERV rating stands for the minimum efficiency reporting value. As a rating system, it notifies individuals about the efficiency of air filters. High ratings mean smaller pores and more efficiency at filtering the air. Meanwhile, low ratings indicate inefficiency and large pores. The scale starts at one and goes all the way to 16. Air filters get divided into three categories. First, there are the low-efficiency filters. These don’t do much for keeping out small particles. Secondly, there are the medium-efficiency filters. These filters usually rate between 10 and 13. Typically, this type of filter does an adequate job of taking dust and other particles out of your air. Finally, there are high-efficiency filters. These filters aren’t common in homes or apartments because they have small pores. Due to their size, they limit the air flow. Your HVAC system needs to work harder to maintain a steady temperature. Getting the Proper Fit If your filter does not have a tight fit, the MERV rating is irrelevant. There should be no gaps in your filter, or large particles can pass through it. A Balance Between Air Flow and Efficiency at Removing Particles When you’re purchasing a new filter, don’t look for the highest MERV rating. Instead, look for one in the seven to 13 range. If you want better airflow and a lower energy bill, choose a rating on the lower end of the scale. But if you have allergies or concerns about pollutants, you should opt for a value closer to 13. If you have questions about finding the right filter, you can speak to an HVAC professional. They can explain more about the MERV ratings and they can advise you on finding a filter. You can also go to a reputable online source for all of your filter needs.
With Brexit causing uncertainty in the construction industry over the future availability of labour, and its costs, the issue of the UKs ‘housing crisis’ isn’t likely to dampen down any time soon. Positive initiatives and efficient processes are needed to help the sector deliver the number of homes that Brits can pay for — which is where LPG energy could come into play. In this piece, LPG suppliers Flogas take a look at how LPG is assisting in the provision of affordable housing for UK buyers and why it’s vital that the sector and government gets behind it if they want to hit targets and meet housing demands. An overview of the UK and affordable housing Recent research and data into housing in the UK show that there are clearly issues that must be addressed. A government initiative to build 200,000 discounted homes to first-time buyers had not produced a single home by the end of 2017, according to a report by the Independent. Similarly, approximately 12% of chartered surveyors doubt that the government will be able to achieve its 300,000-new-homes-a-year target in 2018, with even Parliamentary Affairs Manager of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), Lewis Johnston, stating that it was “clear more radical action is needed.” Currently, there is also conflict between the government and local councils regarding affordable housing in the UK. In a bid to boost availability, the government has claimed that councils which don’t build enough new homes will lose the right to determine the location of subsequent new houses. This ruling is part of a planning policy framework which details regulations regarding the number of homes that each council must construct — which considers localised aspects of an area including local house costs and average wages. Essentially, if a location has a particularly high level of unaffordability, that council will need to build a greater number of new, affordable homes. But in cities and towns that are dense with built-up areas, could this mean that councils will be forced to build on rural areas? Perhaps. Former Housing Secretary and current Home Secretary, Sajid Javid, revealed plans in March to create several new towns between Oxford and Cambridge. He commented: “Along that corridor, there’s an opportunity to build at least four or five garden towns and villages with thousands of homes.” According to the Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA), garden villages are ideally constructed away from established settlements and created on a basis of industry and jobs, with an aim to create diverse, well-designed and affordable homes. Although this project is a potential solution to more affordable housing, the issue of powering and maintaining garden towns and villages in rural locations is a point that needs consideration. The role of LPG? There are approximately four million homes not connected to the mains gas grid in the UK. According to the Non Gas Map, which was created in collaboration with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy; the reliance on the mains grid varies significantly across the UK. Certain locations — such as northern Scotland and central Wales — appear to show less dependence on being connected to the main network, while others, including north-east England and the Home Counties, have a greater percentage of homes that rely on energy provided by mains gas. One of the concerns of placing new housing projects in rural areas is the delivery of sufficient energy, both during the development and for the subsequent homeowners. However, the data above shows that there is an opportunity to construct homes in areas that aren’t connected to the mains network, granted that an equally-efficient alternative is implemented in its place. But how will this encourage affordable housing growth? LPG may offer those in affordable housing development and construction the chance to ease the pressure of building in inner cities and instead opt for open, rural spaces where there is greater space and opportunity. Currently, a small number of major commercial developers create the majority of the UK’s housing. By using LPG as an easy alternative to main network connection, we can widen the number of locations that a housing project can take place. Consequently, more small- and mid-size companies should have a greater chance of securing a plot for development in the sector and we may see a growth in affordable housing as a result. LPG also has a variety of advantages when it comes to affordable housing, one of which is the fact that gas bottles, cylinders and tanks make LPG easy to transport and simple to store during the construction process. Keeping production costs as low as possible is essential to all businesses — no firm wants to go over budget. However, the ease of supplying and stockpiling LPG may help developers keep a track of energy costs and ensure that mains grid issues, such as power cuts, won’t affect productivity — another potentially costly side-effect. It’s no secret that there’s a nationwide drive towards green practices and reducing our carbon footprints. In an industry like construction and housing, it’s easy to adopt less environmentally friendly products and practices. However, the demand to bring these down will only grow as the government strives to achieve its target of lowering carbon emissions by at least 80% of 1990 levels by 2050 — and not doing so may cost companies in the form of taxes and penalties. Fortunately, LPG is a relatively clean form of energy, releasing just 81% of the carbon dioxide that oil does and 70% of the carbon dioxide that coals emits. With tax relief offered to energy-efficient businesses, it’s helpful to be as eco-friendly as possible. If developers of affordable housing choose to utilise LPG, this could also work towards greater numbers of affordable housing projects. Evidently, there’s opportunity for affordable housing if developers take advantage of LPG. With demand increasing and only a few practical initiatives to ease the strain, such as garden villages, it seems as if they sector needs all the help
Using energy in the domestic household is a necessary evil. Yes, there are a lot of benefits to it, in that we thrive on more comfortable living and have the potential to use all sorts of electrical devices that we once didn’t. However, there are also downsides to having a home with high energy usage. For starters, your bills are likely to be a lot more expensive, and you’re actually contributing to the pollution and carbon emissions in the environment. It’s in everybody’s best interests that you reduce the energy usage in your home, but what are the best ways of doing this? Well, follow these top tips and you’ll be living a less expensive and eco-friendlier lifestyle in no time! Take a Look at Your Appliances Stop whatever you’re doing and have a sweep of all of the electrical items in the room that you’re currently sitting in (if you are at home!). Now you’ve done that, count up how many appliances there are, that are plugged in and switched on and you aren’t currently using. Chances are, there are quite a few, aren’t there? And if you don’t have any, then well done you! You’re already on your way to reducing your households energy consumption. This is a small change you can easily make that won’t impact your life on a day-to-day basis at all, but will massively reduce your energy usage and the cost of your monthly bills. Most the time if you feel like you’re overpaying on your bills, you absolutely are – but it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re being overcharged! These appliances consume energy if they’re switched on, even when they’re not in use, so make a concerted effort to turn your switches and appliances off! The littlest things can sometimes make the biggest difference. Trusted professionals deliver home energy grants by installing what’s needed to make your living space more energy efficient. This includes energy-efficient home appliances and fixtures. They can provide cost-saving energy solutions for your home without hidden costs. Additionally, many energy providers offer free or subsidized energy audits to discover areas where you can save money. Your Heating System Keeping your home at a comfortable temperature is one of the most important things. Typically, people find that their energy bills are far more expensive in the winter months as opposed to the summer, due to the colder outdoor temperatures. Keeping your home warm in the winter is crucial, however, have you ever considered that if your home isn’t properly insulated, then it could be letting in more cold air than it should be? This is something that people often overlook when they’re paying for high energy bills throughout the winter, but if you tackle this issue you could seriously reduce the amount that you have to use your heating during these months. It’s actually really simple too. All you need to do is have a look at all of your windows and doors and make sure that each on is properly sealed. If not, you could either look at resealing them, or replacing them for something more sturdy. For example, if you don’t have double glazing, investing in some could save you a lot of money in the long run. Likewise, if you live in a brick house that hasn’t been worked on in a long time, consider getting in touch with a repointing brickwork specialist to do some improvements. Although some of these things do cost money, what’s better – to have a one off payment due now that’ll reduce all of your regular payments in the future, or to keep paying more and more for your energy bills? It’s a no brainer really! Water Next, think about the ways in which you use the water in your home. Did you know that on average, it takes up to one hundred and fifteen litres of water to fill a bath, in comparison to the mere fifty that a shower uses in comparison. If you bathe every day currently, why not consider switching it up and showering instead? By making this simple change, which is actually more time efficient anyway you’ll save as much as sixty-five litres of water. Likewise, are you guilty of leaving the tap running while you wash your face, brush your teeth, or even have a shave? Or do you even put the shower on for five minutes before you get into it? Be more aware of when you’re using your water, and whether it’s really necessary. Finally, if you wanted to take it a step further, you could invest in a low pressure showerhead. These reduce your water usage, energy usage, carbon emissions and will likely reduce your monthly bill too! Just by doing a little bit of research and making conscious decisions, you can make the world of difference – so what are you waiting for?
Energy Assets Group is lighting up the ‘final mile’ network market, with more than 5,000 live electricity connections taken into ownership, and 25,000 more contracted, since the launch of Energy Assets Networks (EAN) just over a year ago. EAN is an independent distribution network operator (IDNO) and has landed a significant number of asset ownership contracts thanks to its partnerships with contractors, housebuilders and developers across Britain – and its flexible approach to asset adoption. The company has quickly built a portfolio comprising thousands of domestic connection points, but a key success factor has been its approach to other asset types, including industrial and commercial schemes, EV charging infrastructure and data centres. “Rather than focusing on any one asset type, we have chosen to support independent connection providers (ICPs) and developers with a degree of flexibility that gives us a competitive advantage in the marketplace,” said Jayson Whitaker, Managing Director of EAN. “This business ethos enables our team to work closely with ICPs to find the most cost-effective network construction solution and to provide a competitive asset value.” EAN has made significant progress under Jayson’s leadership as part of the Group’s wider asset management activities. Its agile approach has seen the adoption of electricity assets linked to housebuilding, retail and office and industrial development, while simultaneously tapping into the rapidly growing electric vehicle charging sector. “The 5,000 connected asset milestone represents an exciting stage in our development and is testament to our partnership ethos with ICPs,” said Jayson. “However, this is just the beginning – with our flexible business approach and other asset-based innovations in the pipeline, we anticipate a strong period of growth ahead.” www.energyassetsnetworks.co.uk
Climate change is an issue for governments and businesses alike, with both wrestling with the problem of being competitive whilst being green and sustainable. Energy usage is a major concern as corporations aim to reduce their carbon footprint, and energy costs. This debate is pertinent to the 16% of the UK not serviced by the main gas grid, which relies on alternative fuels to meet its energy needs. For the majority of off-grid operations, this means a choice between oil, LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) or LNG (liquefied natural gas) for high-volume commercial applications. But what exactly are the differences between these fuels – and what should off-grid users consider when making decisions about their energy supply? Here, business gas supplier, Flogas, take a look at the issue: Oil and climate change With the Committee on Climate Change urging the UK government to legislate as soon as possible to reach net zero emissions by 2050, the pressure is on all industries to adopt greener energy policies. What this means for off-grid businesses in practical terms is moving away from conventional, carbon-heavy fossil fuels. When considering the key features of oil, it’s not hard to see why it’s becoming an outdated off-grid option: •Increased carbon emissions: As a major contributor to climate change, the burning of oil for heating and cooking purposes releases far higher levels of carbon into the atmosphere than more efficient off-grid fuels like LPG. •Cost: Through a combination of factors such as dwindling oil reserves, environmental pressures and strained international relations, the price of oil remains volatile. This makes it difficult for businesses to forecast the cost of fuel and can cast doubts over the future of their supply chain. •Maintenance: Due to its viscous nature, machines that operate on oil often take a large amount of maintenance to ensure they are running at optimum performance. This can also mean messy repairs if anything goes wrong. Looking at LPG and LNG With so many factors now working against businesses that are still using oil, it’s no surprise that many are now looking for an alternative fuel supply. The good news is that there are viable off-grid alternatives that offer compelling economic, environmental and logistical benefits. LPG and LNG are two such fuels. So, what are they, and how do they compare to oil? •Chemical makeup – LPG is a blanket term for two types of natural gas (Propane and Butane) and is a natural by-product of gas and oil extraction (66%) and oil refining (34%). LNG is composed primarily of methane and is created by cooling natural gas to an extremely low temperature (-162°C). •Finance: Businesses can make immediate savings when switching to LPG or LNG through a reduction in energy usage. •Carbon emissions: LPG and LNG have the lowest CO2 emissions of any 0ff-grid fossil fuels: LPG emits 36% fewer than gas oil, 22% fewer than kerosene and 17% fewer than heating oil. It also emits no black carbon (a significant contributor to climate change). •Cleaner air: LPG and LNG are clean, smoke-free burning fuels, that emit fewer pollutant emissions, including NOx, Sox and particulate matter (PM). •Compliant: Because they’re cleaner, LPG and LNG help businesses to meet carbon and pollutant reduction targets set out in the Clean Growth Strategy, ULEZ, Marpol and Medium Combustion Plant Directive. •Efficiency: With a higher calorific value per tonne than other liquid fuels, an LPG and LNG flame can burn hotter, releasing energy quicker. When used in conjunction with the likes of a steam boiler this can produce even greater efficiencies. •Extensive supply: LPG and LNG are in global abundance, so business owners can rest assured that they will have a dependable source of energy when they need it most. Flogas will be significantly increasing the UK’s total LPG storage capability with its new Avonmouth storage facility – the largest of its kind. •Easy Installation: For businesses looking to switch from oil to gas, the process isn’t complicated. Specialist LPG companies can design and install a replacement heating system to meet your business’ needs. From the initial brief process to installation and even the removal of your old oil tank, with the right supplier there’s the option to have everything taken care of with minimal downtime. •Versatility: One of the main attractions of LPG is its versatility. From leisure and hospitality to agriculture and industrial heating, and even fuel for forklift trucks and fleet vehicles, LPG can be used as an energy supply for all manner of industries. A brighter future? As the cleanest, most efficient and effective fuel compared to conventional off-grid fuels like coal, oil and electricity, switching from oil to LPG (or LNG) could help businesses energy savings, ensuring compliance with government energy policies, and cutting down on maintenance time. Sources
Energy Assets Utilities (EAU) is generating growth in the peaking plant market, recently working alongside project managers Stag Energy, and Keekle Power, to bring a 20MW gas peaking plant online near Southampton to help National Grid balance its power requirements. The plant will enable Keekle Power to provide low cost, dispatchable power to the local distribution system and fulfil its Capacity Market obligation. Peaking plants are being created across Britain and come into operation when there is a peak in demand for power from the electricity grid. EAU is one of the leading utility network construction businesses working in the sector, having completed more than 40 such schemes. The latest project involved the design and construction of a particularly complex gas infrastructure, including a 140m directional drill under the main Southampton railway line to connect the site to the gas network. The 10 gas fired reciprocating engines generating the electricity required a gas load of 54MW at around 250mb inlet pressure. Dennis Habergham, EAU Design & Technical Manager, said that a root protection area meant open-trench digging works were not feasible, so a non-intrusive directional drilling approach was employed instead. “The undercrossing of the railway was another one of the major challenges,” said Dennis. “We originally planned a total drill length of 120m passing 7m below the track level, but we had to contend with an unforeseen World War II concrete structure, which meant going deeper and extending the drill length to 140m. The completed supply pipeline was then connected to an IP to LP gas regulator/ meter skid also installed by EAU.” Joe Grant, Project Manager at Stag Energy, said that peaking power plants were playing an increasingly important role in balancing the nation’s power requirements due to the increased volume of intermittent renewables which require balancing. “This plant will provide power to local homes and businesses at times of high demand or unexpected drops in supply,” he said. “The site was selected for its proximity to the nearby electricity sub-station and was originally going to be a diesel site, but regulatory change meant it was then developed as a gas operation. We spoke to a number of contractors, but Energy Assets had a wealth of experience in technically challenging projects and we are really pleased with the job they have done here.” EAU spotted an opportunity in the peaking plant market around four years ago and has since developed a specialist design and network construction team that has gone on to complete more than 40 schemes on behalf of operators. Nathan Schofield, Sales and Marketing Director at EAU, commented: “In addition to our established gas network construction and metering operations, we have also extended our in-house electrical design capability, so that we can deliver a true ‘end-to-end’ service for peaking plant customers. Today, we are one of the leading utility network design and construction companies in this sector in Britain.” Picture shows the peaking plant near Southampton (aerial image). www.energyassets.co.uk
Tidal defences in Great Yarmouth are set to receive a £40.3 million refurbishment, upgrading the level of protection from tidal flooding to more than 4,500 homes and businesses in the area. Nearly 4km of flood walls will be improved and updated as part of the project which will better protect the local community from the threat of east coast flooding. Great Yarmouth has a history of flooding. During the 1953 east coast tidal surge, the tidal river defences in the town were breached in several places resulting in loss of life. More recently, in December 2013, approximately 9,000 people were urged to evacuate their homes as a result of the highest ever recorded tide in Great Yarmouth. The work will see 46 flood defence walls refurbished at locations across the town using an innovative technique that will extend their lifespan by up to 30 years. It follows on from the initial five-year phase of work which included the use of a specialised dam, known as a limpet dam, to inspect and repair the steel sheet piles that form the flood walls in a dry environment that would otherwise be underwater. Funding is now in place for the next phase of the multi-partner project, which is being led by the Environment Agency and due to start later this year. The £40.3 million investment, plus £6.2 million for ongoing maintenance, has come from a range of sources including £32.4 million provided by central government. Partnership contributions have come from New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, £8.2 million through the Growth Deal programme, and £2.8 million from the Anglian Eastern Regional Flood & Coastal Committee. Norfolk County Council and Great Yarmouth Borough Council have also contributed towards the project and local quayside businesses are supporting through contributions and the provision of compound space. Environment Minister Thérèse Coffey said: “I’m very pleased to see the funding is now in place for this significant improvement to Great Yarmouth’s flood defences. An extra £5.4 million of funding was added to our standard Defra grant in view of additional regeneration objectives to allow this project to proceed with important partnership funding contributions. “Over £32million from direct government investment alongside the partnership funding will ensure 4,500 homes and businesses in the area are better protected from any future tidal flooding.” Sir James Bevan, Chief Executive of the Environment Agency said: “We have worked very closely with our partners to enable this important project to go ahead. The upgraded defences will ensure that the flood defences in Great Yarmouth provide the best standard of protection to the local community for many decades to come. “We are currently consulting on our Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy and this project is a perfect example of some of the ways in which, by working together, we can make communities more resilient for the future.” The first five-year phase of works to replace more than 500 metres of tidal defences was completed in early 2017. The next phase of works is being delivered by the Environment Agency’s contractor JBA-Bentley. Preliminary work for this new phase of improvements began in February. A public drop-in event is being held on 13 June, 2019 at the Kingsgate Community Church, Kings Centre, 30 Queen Anne’s Road, Great Yarmouth, NR31 0LE. The session, which runs from 2pm and 7pm, will offer people the chance to find out more about the project and the partners involved. Cllr Carl Smith, leader of Great Yarmouth Borough Council, said: “The River Yare Tidal Defences are a huge benefit to everyone who lives in, works in and visits our borough, reducing flood risk to our homes, workplaces, and the highways and other vital infrastructure that we use every day, better protecting communities and helping the borough to realise its full economic potential. “Together with the Environment Agency and local businesses, the borough council has played an instrumental role over the years in securing this crucial and most welcome investment from multiple sources, helping with lobbying and developing the robust business case. I’m pleased that work will soon be getting underway on the second phase.” Chair of the Anglia Eastern RFCC, Paul Hayden OBE, said: “Members visited Great Yarmouth both to see the great work that has already been completed on flood defences in the town, and to show their support for partners working together to deliver these vital further improvements. “Our £2.8m contribution to these works comes from a Local Levy collected across Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Southend and Thurrock, and this investment is a demonstration of our commitment to protecting homes, jobs and businesses, and in encouraging further economic investment in the town.” Doug Field, chair of New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “This project is a great example of how partnership working can deliver projects which have a real impact on our people, places and economy. “Great Yarmouth is a vital part of our all-energy coast. It sits at the centre of the world’s largest market for offshore wind and is of huge strategic importance to our region. “By protecting homes and businesses and creating a safe environment for more to be created, these sea defences will allow the town to reach its potential as a key contributor to our economy.” Cllr Andrew Proctor, Leader of Norfolk County Council said: “This refurbishment work will help to safeguard the future prosperity of Great Yarmouth. This is an important funding partnership which we are happy to support.” The Environment Agency has been leading a conversation with people and organisations who are affected by or work to manage flooding and coastal change. We are now consulting on a draft strategy, which sets out a vision for a nation ready for, and resilient to, flooding and coastal change up to 2100.
The 2019 East Midlands RICS Awards have recognised the £30 million Lincoln Transport Hub, winning the top prize in the Infrastructure category. The Wilmott Dixon-built development garned praise from the judges for being delivered “on time and within budget”. In addition, this major win has also secured the project’s place at the RICS national finals in London later this year. “The Lincoln Transport Hub involved complex stakeholder engagement as well as presenting numerous operational challenges from the outset. By working in collaboration with the council and other organisations involved, we were able to collectively deliver a real success story for Lincoln,” said Nick Heath, director of delivery for Willmott Dixon. “We are delighted to have been recognised by our peers for this project, which we are certain will continue to be the bedrock of growth in Lincoln city centre. We have previously worked with Lincoln University Technical College (UTC) to refurbish and extend its iconic building and we are continuing to deliver a number of exciting schemes across Lincolnshire, such as a next generation emergency services hub for Lincolnshire County Council.” Thornton Firkin and John Roberts Architects worked alongside Willmott Dixon to deliver the hub to meet the needs of City of Lincoln Council. It is a vital element of the council’s plans to transform Lincoln’s city centre with a better integrated and improved interchange into the city centre which will also encourage further inward investment in Lincoln. The scheme included a new bus station with 14 bus bays and a six-level multi-storey car park housing 1001 spaces. “The transport hub scheme helps the city council achieve our vision of delivering Lincoln’s ambitious future and our priority of driving economic growth in Greater Lincoln. The new bus station and wider transport hub project will help revitalise the key visitor arrival point into the city centre. Our commitment to the Transport Hub project demonstrates to people locally, regionally and nationally that Lincoln is a thriving city and we are confident enough in this belief to invest significantly in its future,” added Kate Ellis, director of major projects at City of Lincoln Council.
