Hundreds of energy innovators are set to descend on Liverpool on 31 October and 1 November, for this year’s Energy Innovation Summit. We are pleased to announce that Andrew Bowie MP will deliver this year’s keynote remarks. Minister Bowie, whose ministerial portfolio includes energy networks and nuclear, will join the
Leading provider of high-impact training and learning solutions to safety-critical industries, 3t is celebrating the success of five D.A.L.E.S. Utilities Civils and Plant apprentices completing their End Point Assessment for their Gas Network Operative (GNO) Apprentice Programme, developed by EU Skills. A crucial result for futureproofing the gas distribution industry
Essentra, a leading provider of essential components and solutions, has furthered its commitment to making direct operations net zero by 2040 with its manufacturing site in Jiangxi, China, now being powered by solar panels. Supporting its emissions reduction targets, aligned with science-based thinking, the solar array installation is a significant
National Grid’s £1 billion London Power Tunnels (LPT) project has achieved a major milestone with its final tunnelling breakthrough at Eltham substation in Greenwich. The last of the project’s massive tunnel boring machines (TBMs), named ‘Grace’, broke through on Saturday, having tunnelled over 11km eastwards from National Grid’s New Cross
Wrapping a surge shaft in the Andes mountains of South America Accessing hard-to-reach locations is not a new challenge faced by installers of Fyfe’s Tyfo structural strengthening solutions, but one project, located deep in the Andes mountains of South America, proved to beat all other projects when it came to
COWI, a leading international engineering consulting group, has been awarded a contract by renewable energy company Drax. COWI, in collaboration with the Owner’s Engineer, Studio Pietrangeli, will provide consultancy services to support works in advance of the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) of the expansion of Drax’s existing pumped storage hydro-electric
3t Energy Group, the global training powerhouse that provides the highest-impact learning solutions for safety-critical industries, has secured a contract with gas distribution firm, Wales & West Utilities. The seven-figure contract will run for three years and provide a complete workforce management solution for Wales & West’s 1,900 colleagues. It
The government has approved two SSE green hydrogen projects proposed to progress to the final stage of its Net Zero Hydrogen Fund. The fund aims to back the development and deployment of new low-carbon hydrogen production to de-risk investment and reduce lifetime costs. Following a period of due diligence, the
RWE welcomed local MPs Lia Nici and Martin Vickers to its expanding Grimsby Hub, a new state of the art operations and maintenance facility, currently under construction at the company’s existing site in Grimsby’s Royal Docks. During the visit, the MPs took a tour around the facility, met with staff
Registration has opened for the energy industry’s second Energy Innovation Summit – the UK’s flagship event for electricity and gas network operators and the wider energy industry, taking place this year at the Exhibition Centre, Liverpool, between 31st October and 1st November 2023. The event has been developed between Energy
Hundreds of energy innovators are set to descend on Liverpool on 31 October and 1 November, for this year’s Energy Innovation Summit. We are pleased to announce that Andrew Bowie MP will deliver this year’s keynote remarks. Minister Bowie, whose ministerial portfolio includes energy networks and nuclear, will join the event to discuss the latest developments for innovation in the sector and engage with attendees, seeing sector innovation up close and first hand. The Energy Innovation Summit has been co-produced between Energy Networks Association (ENA), Ofgem, Innovate UK (part of UK Research and Innovation) and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. This year it will examine how innovation is vital for accelerating progress in technology supporting decarbonisation, increasing the ‘democratisation’ of the energy system and helping ensure industry can best help consumers in vulnerable situations. It will invite leading energy industry innovators from around the world to debate the challenges here in the UK, as well as ask the big questions about the remaining gaps in our net zero planning that require innovation to close, if we are to achieve the government’s net zero targets. The event will also include a full range of high-profile speakers across two days of innovation-focused discussions, networking and in-depth practical insights into the latest schemes. Jonathan Brearley, CEO of Ofgem said: “Reaching our goal of a decarbonised power system by 2035 will mean seeking out innovative solutions that will deliver a resilient, reliable, and more affordable energy system for households across the UK. “This year’s summit will be a great opportunity to discuss how we can develop the technologies needed to make this a reality so we can transition to a net zero energy system at the least cost to consumers.” David Richardson, Head of Innovation – Ofgem Strategic Innovation Fund, Innovate UK, said: “The energy networks will be central in the next phase of the transformation of our energy system. The Summit offers a chance for people working in all corners of the industry to actively engage in conversations about shaping our net zero future in a way which works for all users of our national infrastructure. “During the event, we’ll hear valuable perspectives, including those supported by the Ofgem Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF), which brings together energy networks and innovators to reimagine energy systems in a way which will support achieving our net zero goals. We look forward to hearing the Government perspective from Minister Bowie and encourage all others to join the conversation too.” Dan Clarke, Head of Innovation, ENA said:“Rarely has the UK’s energy sector been more focused on accelerating innovation. To reach the government’s net zero goals we need to apply successful innovation from across the UK and beyond, but we also need clear insights into the roadmap ahead. We look forward to engaging with the Minister and getting a clearer vision of the future of UK energy innovation.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading provider of high-impact training and learning solutions to safety-critical industries, 3t is celebrating the success of five D.A.L.E.S. Utilities Civils and Plant apprentices completing their End Point Assessment for their Gas Network Operative (GNO) Apprentice Programme, developed by EU Skills. A crucial result for futureproofing the gas distribution industry in the UK, the recent programme saw five Yorkshire-based apprentices successfully take part in 3t’s training course, with one learner passing with Distinction. Specialising in gas distribution and transmission, the GNO apprenticeship prepares learners for a career in the Utilities sector. An SME in the gas distribution sector, D.A.L.E.S. completes a diverse variety of contracts improving and replacing existing gas networks for various asset owners. Based in Doncaster, D.A.L.E.S.’, is a key employer within the region. Contributing to upskilling local workforces, the success of the GNO Apprentice Programme is the latest example of 3t’s support to futureproof operations within the gas distribution sector. Head of Employer Engagement for 3t’s Training Services division in Manchester, Tom Beetham commented “With operators across industries all facing issues surrounding skills shortages and talent retention, we’re all aware of the challenges ahead so it’s more important than ever to celebrate wins and successes like this. Smaller SMEs like D.A.L.E.S. need recognition for the part they play in helping to support the future of the industry, creating the next generation of workforce who have the skills, knowledge, and qualifications for a prosperous future across utilities.” Following his participation in the programme, apprentice Daniel Sanderson said: “After struggling academically in school, it was clear that my strength was in hands-on work. But without the qualifications, barriers were preventing me from breaking into the engineering industry. I knew about Dales Plant from my local area and had heard a lot about the contribution its CEO, Shane Yarrow, makes to the local community and the job opportunities the Plant provides. Allowing me to enrol on a GNO apprenticeship delivered by 3t Training Services, Shane, along with the 3t team, gave me the chance and supported me to take the step into a new career path. The training experience that 3t provided was fantastic, allowing me to develop and gain vital new skills to forge a career whilst supporting local industry.” Previously Utility and Construction Training LTD, following its acquisition last year by 3t (previously 3t Energy Group), the utilities and construction training specialist now operates as part of 3t’s rebranded Training Services division (previously AIS Survivex), which is responsible for training 125k delegates every year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Essentra, a leading provider of essential components and solutions, has furthered its commitment to making direct operations net zero by 2040 with its manufacturing site in Jiangxi, China, now being powered by solar panels. Supporting its emissions reduction targets, aligned with science-based thinking, the solar array installation is a significant step towards realising Essentra’s sustainability goals. The site will generate up to 1,650,000 kWh of energy annually, reducing its reliance on fossil-fuel generated electricity and avoiding the unnecessary generation of an estimated 1000 tCO2e of emissions each year. The installation comes only three months after commissioning a 6000m2 solar array at Essentra’s manufacturing site in Rayong, Thailand, as part of a company-wide pledge to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 25% by 2025. Jennifer Spence, Head of Sustainability Strategy at Essentra PLC says the panels are a step forward in reducing direct emissions: “The solar array reflects our overarching aim to reduce carbon emissions and practice sustainability in manufacturing across all of our global sites,” she says. “With ESG targets in mind, and the rising costs of energy prices, being energy independent and efficient not only helps us positively impact the environment, but also saves money in the same process.” The installation of solar panels is just one part of a comprehensive programme of measures to reduce carbon emissions and make better use of energy, including the use of more efficient equipment and carrying out regular energy audits to identify where further improvements can be made. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
National Grid’s £1 billion London Power Tunnels (LPT) project has achieved a major milestone with its final tunnelling breakthrough at Eltham substation in Greenwich. The last of the project’s massive tunnel boring machines (TBMs), named ‘Grace’, broke through on Saturday, having tunnelled over 11km eastwards from National Grid’s New Cross substation in Southwark. All 32.5km of the project’s underground route are now complete, with installation of 200km worth of high voltage cable – enough to stretch from London to Cardiff – already underway between substations at Wimbledon and Crayford. In total the project will have shifted 900,000 tonnes of earth – equivalent in volume to half of Wembley Stadium – with 99.98% of waste material diverted from landfill. The LPT project’s newly installed transmission infrastructure is due to be fully operational by 2026, with the aim of reinforcing and future-proofing London’s electricity network – and supporting Britain’s transition to net zero – as demand in the capital grows. Construction of the tunnels began in March 2020 with the tunnelling works undertaken by National Grid’s delivery partner HOCHTIEF-Murphy Joint Venture. Alice Delahunty, President of National Grid Electricity Transmission, said: “Our London Power Tunnels project has achieved a lot since it kicked off in 2020, but the final tunnelling breakthrough at Eltham is a particularly remarkable moment. “This complex engineering endeavour is now really taking shape, with completion of tunnelling now physically linking our sites across South London for the first time and meaning we can move on to the next chapter to progress our vital cabling work. “The outstanding effort by our project teams and suppliers is strengthening London’s electricity network and making sure it safely, reliably and efficiently powers homes and businesses in the capital for years to come.” Santiago Daniele, HMJV Project Director, said: “It’s been an incredible journey so far, from taking over our tunnel drive sites a week after the covid lockdown, to sinking eight shafts and undertaking five tunnel drives with four TBMs over the past three and half years. “With our final TBM drive breaking through at Eltham ahead of the original baseline programme, it’s testament to the collaboration, ingenuity and fantastic joint culture of all involved – despite all of the challenges faced. This remarkable achievement has laid a solid foundation for the Enterprise in achieving National Grid’s vision of rewiring London and connecting with the capital. “We’re incredibly proud to be delivering for National Grid a scheme of such significance – and being their delivery partner of choice for complex major infrastructure involved in LPT Phase 2.” Minister for Nuclear and Networks, Andrew Bowie, said: “Today’s completion is a huge milestone for the London Power Tunnels project, a superb feat of British engineering that will help future-proof our capital’s electricity network. “This is part of National Grid’s wider commitment to rewire and modernise London’s electricity network, significantly increasing London’s capacity and energy security for years to come.” Tunnelling on the LPT project was completed in three sections between existing National Grid substations – Wimbledon-New Cross (12km); New Cross-Hurst (18km); and Hurst-Crayford (2.5km) – with the help of four TBMs named Christine, Caroline, Edith and Grace. Breakthroughs previously took place at Eltham in June 2022 (TBM Christine tunnelling from Hurst), Wimbledon in July 2022 (TBM Caroline tunnelling from Kings Avenue), Crayford in January 2023 (Christine again tunnelling from Hurst) and Kings Avenue in April 2023 (TBM Edith tunnelling from New Cross). Vertical shafts ranging between 9-15m in diameter and up to 55m in depth were constructed along the route, serving as waypoints for the TBMs, and helping project teams safely access the tunnels for maintenance now and when operational in the future (headhouses will be built to cover the shafts for safe future use). The Hurst substation site recently saw a world record-breaking pour of cement-free concrete to fill the base of its 55 metre deep shaft following Christine’s two tunnel drives to Eltham and Crayford. In another first for LPT, National Grid’s new Bengeworth Road substation on the tunnel route in Lambeth is being built free from greenhouse gas SF6 – the only one of its kind to date in Britain and part of National Grid’s ambition for its infrastructure to be SF6-free by 2050. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Wrapping a surge shaft in the Andes mountains of South America Accessing hard-to-reach locations is not a new challenge faced by installers of Fyfe’s Tyfo structural strengthening solutions, but one project, located deep in the Andes mountains of South America, proved to beat all other projects when it came to testing access and logistics. A 100-year-old, 130-ft tall and 16-ft diameter rivetted steel surge shaft, which forms part of a hydro power facility was identified as suffering from corrosion. The owners commissioned engineers to analyze the structure which they found to be deficient under seismic demands and full of water. To resolve the issue, it was identified that additional bending strengthening was needed in order to meet current seismic code requirements, and Fyfe was called upon to design a solution. The Tyfo System was engineered to provide the required vertical tension reinforcement which provides additional bending capacity on the vertical shaft structure. It included the application of horizontal FRP material to confine the vertical tension reinforcement for proper detailing and anchorage. The installation team were faced with several challenging situations which required innovate solutions. Initially all materials had to be delivered to the project site via helicopter and then transported up a steep incline in a rail cart to the tower location. The remote location left the installation team with a one-hour journey just to reach the site and then they worked at height on scaffolding in wind speed of up to 25 km/hr. Fyfe’s local certified applicator, CAFI, has a 20-year history of working with Fyfe FRP and the Tyfo Systems. The company was commissioned to carry out the rehabilitation work which included the installation of FRP to the bottom 65 ft of the shaft and a polyurethane finish coating applied on entire 130-ft tall structure. The application process included surface preparation – sand blasting the shaft to achieve a steel surface profile of SP-10 – to a near white metal surface profile. The 15-person crew then carefully cleaned away dust and debris created from the abrasive blasting process. They then immediately primed the surfaces with neat Tyfo S epoxy to maintain the prepared surface ready for bonding. The corrugations were treated with thickened Tyfo S epoxy to ensure gradual transitions for the fiber application were provided at a minimum slope of 4:1. Tyfo WEB and Tyfo SCH-41-2X materials were applied with the wet lay-up method. The Tyfo SCH-41-2X was designed to provide the required vertical tension capacity for the shaft to meet the seismic bending requirements. Tyfo SCH-41-2X material was then applied horizontally to confine the vertical material, and finally an exterior grade polyurethane coating was applied. And the Tyfo WEB bi-directional glass system acted as the dielectric barrier between steel and carbon fiber wrap. Fyfe recommends that all FRP applications include a proper finish coating – this being an exterior and remote location, the most durable and robust finish coating was suggested for optimal protection and to minimize maintenance requirements. To ensure the best possible quality installation a Fyfe trained third party inspector conducted daily quality reviews including a list of employees per shift, surface temperatures during each shift, material lot numbers used each shift, defect identification and repair summary, and recorded adhesion test results. The project itself took 12 months of planning due to the logistical challenges of transporting materials and the need to correctly protect the crew who had to work in short shifts due to the job site’s altitude. The work program had to coincide with the dry season (Spring & Summer) and avoid the rigorous weather conditions in the Chilean`s Andes Mountains during winter. The FRP scope of work including surface preparation, FRP application and finish coat application took four months. CAFI’s Operations Manager, Gonzalo Carrasco said: “This project is a one of its kind in the region and it was the result of CAFI Ltda. and Fyfe FRP’s teamwork, who during the entire project process provided us with the necessary technical assistance and engineering support to develop a solution for the project in an optimal manner.” Fyfe FRP’s VP of Sales, Tomas Jimenez said: “Despite the challenging location the CAFI team managed to complete the installation of our Tyfo system to the high standard we have come to expect. This was an exciting project for all involved and I’m pleased to say that the structure will remain sound and secure for years to come.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals About Fyfe Fyfe was founded in 1988 to strengthen failing bridge columns using aerospace materials. It is a pioneer in the fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) structural strengthening industry. Today it is a world leader in designing and manufacturing Tyfo®, a system of specialized carbon and glass fabrics, which we combine with polymers to strengthen a wide range of masonry, concrete, steel, and timber structures. The Tyfo FRP system is also being used to rehabilitate potable, and non-potable piping systems. www.FyfeCo.com About Critica Infrastructure Critica Infrastructure is shaping the future of critical infrastructure through highly-engineered and proven composites, insertion valves, geopolymer materials, and fiber-reinforced polymers, and associated engineering support and training services. Critica Infrastructure solutions are used to construct, maintain, strengthen, protect, and rehabilitate energy transmission and distribution lines, high-consequence industrial pipework, water pipelines, tanks, storm and sanitation systems, and civil/structural assets. Critica Infrastructure solutions are safer and more sustainable, easy to install, cost effective to deploy, and durable for decades. www.CriticaInfra.com
COWI, a leading international engineering consulting group, has been awarded a contract by renewable energy company Drax. COWI, in collaboration with the Owner’s Engineer, Studio Pietrangeli, will provide consultancy services to support works in advance of the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) of the expansion of Drax’s existing pumped storage hydro-electric generation station located beneath Ben Cruachan in Argyll, Scotland. The expansion of Cruachan (known as Cruachan 2) is set to play a crucial role in strengthening UK energy security by offering long-term, large-scale energy storage to the UK’s electricity system, helping to reduce costs and prepare for a renewable-led future. Cruachan 2 is set to be built within a new, hollowed-out cavern which would be large enough to fit Big Ben on its side, to the east of Drax’s existing 440 megawatt (MW) pumped storage hydro station. The project will bring an additional 600 MW of power – increasing the site’s total capacity to over 1 gigawatt (GW). The new plant could be operational as soon as 2030, with almost 900 jobs created and supported during construction both directly and indirectly across the supply chain. Drawing upon its local expertise in Scotland as well as its UK-wide proficiency, COWI will play an important role in providing technical advice for the geotechnical, jetty / marine structures and tunnelling elements of the project. COWI’s involvement in the project will also extend beyond the power station to the wider Cruachan area by tapping into its extensive experience in rail to support considerations made for the railway line beneath which the new access and tailrace tunnels will run. Cruachan 2 will help support the UK goal of 30 GW of energy storage by 2030. As the UK integrates more renewable energy sources into the grid, storage facilities like this will be vital for balancing supply and demand and providing key services to stabilise the Grid. Andy Sloan, Managing Director at COWI UK comments: “We are delighted to have been selected to support Drax with this project. Scotland is undergoing a hydro-pumped storage renaissance. There’s a profound opportunity for hydroelectric developments in the UK, particularly in Scotland, which will not only address our need for long-term storage in the UK energy market but support our journey to net-zero by 2045.” Steve Marshall, Drax’s Development Manager, said: “Pumped storage hydro plants play a critical role in stabilising the electricity system, helping to balance supply and demand through storing excess power from the national grid. When Scotland’s wind turbines are generating more power than we need, Cruachan steps in to store the renewable electricity so it doesn’t go to waste. With the right support from the UK Government, Drax is ready to invest around £500m to more than double Cruachan’s generating capacity and support almost 900 jobs across the supply chain during construction.” Spanning a period of six years, a comprehensive construction program is expected to start in 2025 with ambitions to complete the project by 2030. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
3t Energy Group, the global training powerhouse that provides the highest-impact learning solutions for safety-critical industries, has secured a contract with gas distribution firm, Wales & West Utilities. The seven-figure contract will run for three years and provide a complete workforce management solution for Wales & West’s 1,900 colleagues. It will leverage 3t’s capabilities across its industry-leading businesses including the UK’s number one energy training provider, AIS Survivex, leading utility training specialist, Utilities Construction Training (UCT) and software and technology firm, 3t Transform. Wales & West Utilities operates the gas distribution network for 2.5m homes and businesses and more than 7.5m people across Wales and South West England. It also provides the gas emergency service whilst investing £2 million a week to ensure communities receive a safe and reliable gas supply in those areas. Practical training in safety-critical areas will be delivered through AIS Survivex and UCT, and key contract partners. The training contract will also include 3t Transform’s cloud-based training management platform and digital learning technologies such as eLearning, with a view to incorporating more blended learning such as virtual reality and gamified learning in the future. These solutions will help digitise and streamline the management of training for Wales & West Utilities. Charlie Guthrie from 3t Energy Group said: “Winning this contract is fantastic news and represents a significant strategic step forward as our first truly integrated contract combining the expertise of AIS Survivex, UCT and 3t Transform. “AIS Survivex has more than a decade of experience delivering training for high-risk, compliance-led industries such as oil and gas and renewables and UCT is one of only a handful of providers to offer training across the entire utility sector and is unique in delivering apprenticeships to new utility industry entrants. 3t Transform is also market-leading having won a number of awards for its innovative workforce management software and digital learning solutions. Together we will focus carefully on providing a complete workforce development package with technology-driven solutions to ensure we maximise efficiencies for the team at Wales & West Utilities.” Rhiannon Williams from Wales & West Utilities said: “Following an extensive tender process, we are delighted to award our provision of training services contract to AIS Survivex. The Group demonstrated an in-depth understanding of our needs and offered flexible and innovative solutions which will help our workforce operate at the very highest levels of safety, competency, and efficiency.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The government has approved two SSE green hydrogen projects proposed to progress to the final stage of its Net Zero Hydrogen Fund. The fund aims to back the development and deployment of new low-carbon hydrogen production to de-risk investment and reduce lifetime costs. Following a period of due diligence, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has confirmed it will enter negotiations with SSE to provide support for its Aldbrough Hydrogen Pathfinder and Gordonbush Hydrogen projects. Aldbrough Hydrogen Pathfinder, which is being developed at SSE Thermal’s existing gas storage site in East Yorkshire (pictured above) aims to demonstrate the interactions between renewable hydrogen production, storage and power generation. Pathfinder could be operational by the middle of the decade and serve an important role in proving the role flexible hydrogen power can play in the UK’s net zero journey. Gordonbush Hydrogen plans to produce and deliver green hydrogen through electrolysis using renewable energy from SSE Renewables’ 100MW-plus Gordonbush onshore wind farm in Sutherland (pictured below). The project would demonstrate the value in co-locating green hydrogen production at existing renewables sites, with the potential to maximise renewables output unlocking further growth as well as enabling decarbonisation of other sectors. Catherine Raw, Managing Director of SSE Thermal and Group Executive Committee lead for hydrogen, said: “Hydrogen will be crucial in getting the UK to net zero, as well as significantly boosting our energy security by maximising our ability to harness homegrown renewables. At SSE, we are developing projects across the hydrogen value chain, from production to storage to power generation. “For a thriving hydrogen economy to be developed, we need to see projects brought forward at pace and the Net Zero Hydrogen Fund aims to achieve exactly that. “We welcome the recognition from UK Government on the potential of both Aldbrough Hydrogen Pathfinder and Gordonbush Hydrogen and look forward to the continued development of these important low-carbon projects.” SSE’s Aldbrough Hydrogen Pathfinder would utilise green power sourced from grid through Renewable PPAs when supply is plentiful, in compliance with the Low Carbon Hydrogen Standard. Hydrogen would then be produced via a 35MW electrolyser and stored in a converted salt cavern before being used in a 100% hydrogen-fired open-cycle gas turbine, exporting flexible green power back to grid at times of system need. SSE aims to produce hydrogen and start filling the cavern by 2025, subject to planning consents and reaching a final investment decision later this year. Gordonbush Hydrogen is currently undergoing refinements prior to the submission of a planning application to the Highland Council. If developed, the Gordonbush Hydrogen facility could produce up to 1,300 tonnes of green hydrogen annually in an electrolyser unit. The green hydrogen could then be used as a clean alternative to petrol, diesel or natural gas to help decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors such as industry, transport and manufacturing. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
RWE welcomed local MPs Lia Nici and Martin Vickers to its expanding Grimsby Hub, a new state of the art operations and maintenance facility, currently under construction at the company’s existing site in Grimsby’s Royal Docks. During the visit, the MPs took a tour around the facility, met with staff and had the opportunity to hear more about RWE’s future planned investment in the region. RWE is responsible for operating the existing Humber Gateway and Triton Knoll offshore wind farms from the Grimsby Docks as well as the construction of the Sofia offshore wind farm and the development of a further two offshore wind farms on Dogger Bank in the North Sea. Once fully operational, the Grimsby Hub will be the operations base for Triton Knoll and Sofia as well as hosting RWE’s Centralised Control Room (CCR), where technicians will oversee the operation of the vast majority of the company’s UK offshore portfolio, further reaffirming the Humber’s role as a leading location for the UK’s offshore wind sector. Humber-based firm Hobson & Porter is responsible for the construction of the multi-million pound facility, which is expected to accommodate around 140 RWE employees in total. The Grimsby Hub has the potential to bring around 70 new skilled jobs to the region, plus indirect jobs required in support. Although still under construction, recruitment is well underway with the opening of over 20 technician roles in support of the Sofia offshore wind farm. The location of the Grimsby Hub at the Royal Docks was chosen because of its proximity to existing and future projects and its deep-water quayside, which is suited to the use of Service Operations Vessels (SOVs). Construction is due to complete next year and will include a joint control room offering 24/7 monitoring of multiple sites, new shared office space, and separate warehouse facilities. Guy Middleton, RWE General Manager for the Grimsby Hub, hosted the visit and said: “It was fantastic to welcome Lia and Martin to the Grimsby Hub to discuss our investment plans for the local region, which will bring plenty of skilled roles and provide many opportunities for the regional supply chain.” RWE’s newly appointed Director for Net Zero East Coast UK, Corinne Barry, added: “It is a hugely exciting time for RWE in the Humber with all the new investment proposed, and I cannot wait to see our plans progress. The Humber has gained an enviable reputation in supporting the country’s net zero ambitions and RWE is proud to be a part of its future!” During the visit, the MPs also discussed RWE’s plans for a new carbon capture CCGT power station near Stallingborough which could generate up to 800 MW of decarbonised, secure, flexible energy, enough to potentially power the equivalent of around one million homes. The new power station would be fitted with carbon capture technology andwould make a significant contribution to the UK’s energy security and support our transition to a net zero economy. RWE is working with Harbour Energy to explore options for transporting and storing the captured carbon through its Viking CCS network from both its proposed new power station and its existing Staythorpe power station in Nottinghamshire. Lia Nici MP thanked the team for the visit and said: “It was great to see RWE’s continued investment in its Grimsby Hub offshore wind base, which is set to be a central location for the management of many of the company’s offshore wind farms across the UK – bringing high-quality job opportunities to Grimsby and reinforcing the town’s position as a leader in the sector.” Martin Vickers MP added “The visit also gave us an opportunity to hear about RWE’s wider investment plans in the region, which includes not only further offshore wind projects, but carbon capture investments at its regional power stations, linked to the Viking Carbon Capture and Storage network, which was recently awarded Track-2 development status by the Government.” RWE is the leading power producer in the UK, accounting for around 15% of all electricity generated in the UK through its diverse operational portfolio of onshore wind, offshore wind, hydro, biomass and gas. Between 2012 and 2021, RWE delivered a 43% reduction in carbon intensity for the electricity produced across its operational portfolio in the UK (0.52 to 0.30 tCO2/MWh). Overall, and including its committed investments in projects already under construction, RWE expects to invest up to £15 billion in new green technologies and infrastructure in the UK by 2030. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Registration has opened for the energy industry’s second Energy Innovation Summit – the UK’s flagship event for electricity and gas network operators and the wider energy industry, taking place this year at the Exhibition Centre, Liverpool, between 31st October and 1st November 2023. The event has been developed between Energy Networks Association (ENA), Ofgem, Innovate UK (part of UK Research and Innovation) and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. It will include high profile speakers across two days of innovation-focused discussions and debates. The Summit is focused on achieving net zero networks by 2035, and what the sector needs to change to get us there. The Summit is the sector’s opportunity to come together, learn the latest ideas and get updates on the key issues in energy innovation. This year’s event will examine how innovation can accelerate progress in vital areas such as technology supporting decarbonisation and how the industry can best help consumers in vulnerable situations. It will look at how the energy industry can make the most of innovations from around the world to solve challenges here in the UK. The Summit is a forum for collaboration between key stakeholders across the industry and leading innovators, building on over ten years of low carbon technology conferences organised by ENA. The event brings together lessons from a wide range of energy innovation projects to show how they can drive future innovation across the energy sector to meet the net zero targets. Visit our registration page to join delegates from across the UK and beyond and hear from energy experts, innovators and leading industry voices – learn more and Register now Dan Clarke, Head of Innovation at Energy Networks Association which represents the UK energy networks said: “This is a vital time for the transition of our energy network, with the marathon to get us net zero turning into a sprint to deliver the technology and systems we need to make it happen. The Energy Innovation Summit is the UK’s biggest and best forum for the innovators, experts, policy makers and decision takers to get together and push forward with the plans to get us to net zero.” Marzia Zafar, the Deputy Director of Digitalization and Innovation, Ofgem said: “A sustainable, affordable net zero world requires groundbreaking innovation in technology, infrastructure and business. The Energy Innovation Summit is critical to bringing together the brightest and best in the UK’s energy industry and sector to create the roadmap to 2050 and beyond.” Matt Hastings, Deputy Director of the Ofgem SIF programme at Innovate UK:“The Energy Innovation Summit brings together a very diverse mix of individuals and organisations from both inside and outside the energy sector. This whole systems approach is how we work together to urgently solve problems and tackle the challenges facing the energy networks in the climb toward a net zero future.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
