Keeping London’s streets running as smoothly as possible around roadworks has earned UK Power Networks a Gold Award for the third year in succession. Granted by the Considerate Contractors Streetworks judging panel of the City of London Corporation, UK Power Networks was found to have consistently exceeded the requirements of
With the new solar power stations, Antilooppi takes yet another significant step towards a carbon-neutral real estate portfolio by 2030. The company’s own renewable energy production also responds to customers’ growing expectations for climate-friendly premises. Antilooppi has commissioned two new solar power stations, increasing the number of its own solar
A sustainable timber products specialist which contributes significantly to the circular economy in the Highlands and the Northern Isles has become even more energy efficient after putting a massive solar array on the roof of its production facility into operation. The six-figure initiative means that biomass supplier GMG Energy can
Magnox is set to commence a major decommissioning project to clean-up and demolish four ‘blower house’ superstructures that surround Berkeley site’s two reactor buildings. Ross McAllister, Magnox programme delivery director said: “This is one of the largest decommissioning projects that Berkeley site has seen for several years. It was originally
A new centre for green hydrogen innovation and product development has been launched by Heriot-Watt University in collaboration with hydrogen technologies experts Logan Energy and PlusZero. The newly named ‘Hydrogen Works’ building will see the consortium collaborate across a range of hydrogen-related research and industry projects including clean-power generators, state-of-the-art
Standard will help maintain safety and performance amid shift to net-zero Stakeholders from across industry have collaborated to develop the UK’s first-ever national occupational standard (NOS) for the production, storage and transportation of hydrogen. As industry strives towards ambitious net-zero targets, hydrogen is set to play a crucial role in
As the UK Government targets 10GW of hydrogen production by 2023, industry leaders will convene at the Planning for Hydrogen Infrastructure 2023 event on 23 May, to explore strategies and planning for building successful hydrogen infrastructure projects – from concept to reality. Theevent, hosted by international law firm Eversheds Sutherland
Office blocks across London and beyond could hold one of the keys to helping manage energy costs and enable decarbonisation. In a pioneering new scheme run by UK Power Networks, a building in Central London is helping to reduce demand on the electricity network at peak times, by adjusting its
RWE has appointed Humber-based firm Hobson & Porter to complete the construction of its new state-of-the-art operations and maintenance facility known as the Grimsby Hub. The multi-million pound contract includes an extension to the existing Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm operations base located at Grimsby’s Royal Dock, and includes the
Combined technology reduces carbon emissions by up to 50% or 1 ton CO2 per household per year and shrinks energy bills for residents Heat network technology providers Evinox and Minibems are merging and receive growth capital from SET Ventures. This capital injection enables the two companies to cement their leading
BDC 319 : Aug 2024
Keeping London’s streets running as smoothly as possible around roadworks has earned UK Power Networks a Gold Award for the third year in succession. Granted by the Considerate Contractors Streetworks judging panel of the City of London Corporation, UK Power Networks was found to have consistently exceeded the requirements of their Code of Good Practice. The Code reflects a spirit of pride, an awareness of the needs of the passing public and regard for the surrounding environment. Companies were assessed on five subjects, by the panel: Planning & Coordination; Accountability and Response Time; Commitment to the Considerate Contractors Streetworks Scheme (CCSS) Ideal; Promotion and Innovation; and Investing in the city’s business plan. Staff picked up the award at the 35th Annual Considerate Contractor Scheme Awards Ceremony on Friday (May 19). Delivering quick and efficient roadworks across London earned the company two top industry awards from the City of London’s CCSS: a Gold Award for overall roadworks performance in 2020, and a Highly Commended Award for the same category in 2021. London streetworks manager Colin Smith at UK Power Networks, who won the Outstanding Individual Achievement Award in 2021 said: “The City of London Corporation CCS Scheme awards points across the year, which range from planning & co-ordination of works, response times to dealing with faults & our proactive communication with the City of London including their environmental department, especially on any unplanned works. “Justin Mandry and his team were praised for their excellent efforts with general repair work in and around the City from box re-builds, carriageway and footway cover repairs. “It’s nice for everyone involved to receive such recognition, the award acknowledges the hard work that is put in from all of our colleagues who carry out work in and around the City.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
With the new solar power stations, Antilooppi takes yet another significant step towards a carbon-neutral real estate portfolio by 2030. The company’s own renewable energy production also responds to customers’ growing expectations for climate-friendly premises. Antilooppi has commissioned two new solar power stations, increasing the number of its own solar power stations to six. The solar power stations were commissioned at Tallberginkatu 2 in Ruoholahti and Valimotie 21 in Pitäjänmäki. The solar power station at Tallbergintalo began operating on 10 May 2023 and the station at Valimo 21 on 22 May 2023. The stations are a continuation of Antilooppi’s investments in solar power production with the aim of achieving carbon neutrality in its properties. The company’s first four solar power stations were completed in 2022. “In addition to improving energy efficiency, our own production of renewable energy is one of the key measures in line with our carbon neutrality roadmap. The solar power stations increases our energy self-sufficiency and produce clean and emission-free electricity for the needs of our properties, and it’s great that Tallbergintalo and Valimo 21 have also got their own power stations. This is yet another concrete step towards the carbon neutrality goal set in our sustainability strategy. This also supports our customers’ sustainability goals and growing expectations for climate change mitigation and sustainable premises,” says Hannamari Koivula, Head of Sustainability at Antilooppi. Produced by electricity provider Helen, the roof-based solar power stations strengthen the energy self-sufficiency of Antilooppi’s properties and reduce the amount of purchased electricity needed. The station at Tallbergintalo has a total of 70 roof panels and its total power output is 29 kWp. The estimated energy production in the first year is approximately 25 MWh. The station at Valimo 21 has 85 panels and a total power output of 35 kWp. The energy production of the station during the first year is estimated to be 32 MWh. The annual production estimate for all of Antilooppi’s solar power stations built so far is approximately 284 MWh. Towards carbon neutrality with ambitious goals Antilooppi plans to launch at least six new solar power stations in 2023. Of these, the station located at Hermannin Rantatie 10 in Verkkosaari is expected to be completed soon. Investigations of the implementation of stations are progressing rapidly at Siltasaari 10 in Hakaniemi, Itämerentalo in Ruoholahti and Merikortteli in Punavuori. The investments in solar power reflect Antilooppi’s commitment to accelerating the green transition and mitigating climate change. The company is known for its long-term sustainability work and its desire to be at the forefront of promoting sustainable development in the real estate sector. The goal is to achieve a completely carbon-neutral real estate portfolio by 2030. The company is making determined progress in its sustainability work. All of Antilooppi’s properties use 100% renewable electricity, and the heating of ten properties already comes from renewable energy sources. Antilooppi’s POOL flexible spaces, which are also located at Tallbergintalo, were recently launched as a completely carbon-neutral concept. In addition, the company plans to certify its entire real estate portfolio with the prestigious BREEAM or LEED environmental certification in 2023. Valimo 21 has already been granted the BREEAM In-Use certificate with a ‘Very Good’ rating, and the company now aims to raise it to the ‘Excellent’ level. Tallbergintalo achieved BREEAM certification in May. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A sustainable timber products specialist which contributes significantly to the circular economy in the Highlands and the Northern Isles has become even more energy efficient after putting a massive solar array on the roof of its production facility into operation. The six-figure initiative means that biomass supplier GMG Energy can now move away from the use of expensive and polluting diesel generators for its energy-intensive activities and rely instead on electricity created from the long daylight hours of the north-east of Scotland. The £100,000 installation and commissioning of the new power system has been supported by a £70,000 loan from the Energy Saving Trust, repayable over nine years, and will allow GMG to substantially mitigate its heaviest fixed cost. In addition, the £34,000 introduction of three-phase power for GMG’s electric motors and other heavy loads has been supported by Highlands and Islands Enterprise with a 50% grant, and will allow the firm to provide surplus energy to the National Grid. Malcolm Morrison, Director of GMG Energy, said: “The team at GMG is very conscious that it operates in a pristine and beautiful part of the Highlands and everyone is pleased to be able to make a tangible contribution towards keeping it that way. “Now that the solar array – which consists of more than 100 panels which cover the roof of our production shed – is up and running, we can cut back dramatically on fossil fuel consumption and our aim is that solar will, in the near future, be responsible for 100% of our energy needs. “I would like to express my admiration for the efficient, understanding and professional way that Highlands and Islands Enterprise dealt with our application for support and also for the generous terms that the Energy Saving Trust offered to allow us to proceed with this major local initiative.” GMG Energy, which originated on a farm in the Strath of Halladale in Sutherland, processes in the region of 2,000 tonnes of timber a year. It has invested £150,000 in state-of-the-art sawmill equipment which takes its larger timber and processes it into posts, rail, cladding and purlins, or structural roof members. It has also recently spent in the region of £100,000 on timber treatment equipment which will open up new markets among construction companies and farm businesses which require treated and stress-tested products. It is on target for turnover of £2 million which it intends to maintain despite the effects of spiralling fuel, transport and labour costs. The supply and installation of the solar array was carried out in a single day by Dumfries and Galloway-based solar specialists RJW Electrical Services, which operates at domestic and commercial premises across the UK. It also maintains and services large scale solar panel farms. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Magnox is set to commence a major decommissioning project to clean-up and demolish four ‘blower house’ superstructures that surround Berkeley site’s two reactor buildings. Ross McAllister, Magnox programme delivery director said: “This is one of the largest decommissioning projects that Berkeley site has seen for several years. It was originally planned for the 2070’s so it is fantastic to bring that forward by five decades in our aim to deliver our mission better, faster and even safer. “The blower houses circulated gas through the reactors to transfer heat into 310 tonne boilers to create steam to turn the turbines and generate electricity. The last of the 15 gigantic metal boilers was transported to Sweden for cleaning, smelting and recycling in 2013. “The buildings will be emptied of the residual metallic low-level waste and undergo a full asbestos clean before being demolished. The work is expected to take eight years to complete and will be another major step forwards in sustainably decommissioning Berkeley site with our supply chain partners.” Following extensive procurement exercises, Altrad have been awarded a £30.8m contract for the design, asbestos removal, deplant, demolition and construction works in and around the blower houses and will be supported by other Celadon alliance companies including: • Veolia KDC Decommissioning Services • NSG Environmental • OBR Construction • Mammoet • Cavendish Nuclear Kevin Williamson, Altrad’s General Manager for Magnox, said: “We are delighted to have secured this major decommissioning contract at Berkeley which encompasses the retrieval and cleaning of the primary circuit ductwork and miscellaneous steelwork from the blower houses, prior to their demolition – including the processing of the spring hangers from the lubrication pits, which need to be de-energised and made safe before they can be cleaned.” Nuclear Decommissioning Authority operating company, Nuclear Waste Services (NWS) were awarded a £13.7m contract to manage 2,400 tonnes of metallic waste. Carly Sutton, WMS Consultant and Magnox Relationship Manager, NWS commented: “Through our metallic waste treatment service and working with our supply chain partner Augean we will establish a waste handling compound at Berkeley to provide a safe and secure undercover area where the metallic waste can be processed before it leaves the site for treatment. “Removal of legacy metals from the Berkeley blower houses is significant not only in terms of achieving hazard reduction, but also good for environmental performance – as the high-quality steel removed will be treated, recycled and returned to the metal market for reuse.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new centre for green hydrogen innovation and product development has been launched by Heriot-Watt University in collaboration with hydrogen technologies experts Logan Energy and PlusZero. The newly named ‘Hydrogen Works’ building will see the consortium collaborate across a range of hydrogen-related research and industry projects including clean-power generators, state-of-the-art refuelling infrastructure and cutting-edge energy systems for heavy industry. As part of Heriot-Watt University’s pioneering strategy to engage with business and become leaders in sustainability, it is reshaping its Riccarton Campus in Edinburgh to house innovative companies and clusters, including Logan Energy and PlusZero. The Scottish Government recently published a draft Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan setting out its plans to kickstart the production of low carbon hydrogen and carbon capture and storage as part of its ambition to decrease industrial emissions by 43% by 2032. It’s estimated that Scotland’s energy-intensive industry, which relies on polluting fossil fuels, is responsible for up to 15% of the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions. Professor Gillian Murray, deputy principal for business and enterprise at Heriot-Watt University, said: “Working hand-in-hand with business is at the very heart of what we do at Heriot-Watt University. Hydrogen Works is an excellent example of how co-location on our campuses can drive engagement and accelerate growth in businesses through access to innovation, talent and entrepreneurial minds. “We look forward to working in partnership with Logan Energy and PlusZero and building a strong business cluster in Scotland around the future opportunities hydrogen brings to our economy.” Energy Minister, Gillian Martin, said: “Scotland has vast natural resources with which we can become world leaders in renewable hydrogen production and export, and the Scottish Government’s Hydrogen Action Plan reaffirms our clear commitment to helping our hydrogen sector grow and prosper. “We must work collaboratively and innovatively in order to realise the huge potential of hydrogen and partnership is important to accelerate the development of the technology.” Edinburgh-based Logan Energy has more than twenty-six years’ experience in delivering projects and solutions in the hydrogen and clean energy sectors. It specialises in integrated engineering solutions incorporating hydrogen technologies, including production, refuelling, storage, distribution, and fuel cells. Bill Ireland, CEO of Logan Energy, said: “With demand for net zero technologies greater than ever, this collaboration demonstrates the innovative ways academia, industry and enterprise can work cheek-by-jowl to meet our collective energy-solution needs. “Our partnership with Heriot-Watt University and PlusZero comes at a pivotal moment for hydrogen as part of Scotland and the UK’s energy mix. The further development and roll-out of standardised, proven hydrogen technologies will only accelerate the transition from environmentally damaging fossil fuels and encourage the wider adoption of renewable energy sources across industry and society. “Together, as part of Hydrogen Works, we look forward to helping deliver the hydrogen technologies critical to Britain and the world’s net zero objectives.” Launched in 2021, PlusZero Power creates portable, zero-carbon generators that are powered by green hydrogen from renewable electricity generated on the Scottish islands, with the aim of replacing greenhouse gas-emitting diesel generators. David Amos, Managing Director at PlusZero, said: “PlusZero Power’s unique offer is to deliver portable clean power wherever it is needed. In the two years since we launched, our innovative green hydrogen generator has already removed tonnes of carbon from the atmosphere at several festival and live music events. “It’s abundantly clear that there is huge potential to bring this ready-to-go green hydrogen solution to other sectors including outdoor filming, construction, and industry, as well as outdoor events. “I’m delighted that PlusZero Power will be headquartered within the Hydrogen Works building at Heriot-Watt University in order to build a generator fleet that can realise this potential. Working with our partners at Logan Energy and Heriot-Watt University, PlusZero is making hydrogen happen.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Standard will help maintain safety and performance amid shift to net-zero Stakeholders from across industry have collaborated to develop the UK’s first-ever national occupational standard (NOS) for the production, storage and transportation of hydrogen. As industry strives towards ambitious net-zero targets, hydrogen is set to play a crucial role in decreasing carbon emissions and the transition to greener, more sustainable forms of energy. In its role as leading skills specialist for the science and technology sector, Cogent Skills has supported employers by facilitating the development of the NOS. The steering group which developed the standard was chaired by the Tank Storage Association and included representatives from Cadent Gas, XPO Logistics, Downstream Oil Distribution Forum and Progressive Energy. The NOS has potential applications in a range of professions in industries including – but not limited to – the energy sector. It can form the foundation for qualifications used in apprenticeship frameworks, job descriptions for new roles, training and appraisals for existing staff – and help prospective staff when searching for jobs which match their skills and experience, among other uses. The hydrogen NOS has been approved by relevant authorities across the UK and will be developed further into qualification and apprenticeships. Executive Director of the Tank Storage Association, Peter Davidson, said: “Hydrogen will play a critical role in helping the UK achieve its net-zero ambitions by 2050. New infrastructure – from production and storage to import and processing facilities for hydrogen carriers – will be required to meet the future predicted demand. “A competent workforce will be key to the successful and safe operation of these facilities. The Tank Storage Association fully supports the development of National Occupational Standards in this area to ensure that those competency demands are met.” Chief Executive of Cogent Skills, Justine Fosh, said: “Cogent Skills is proud to have played its part in developing this important new standard. The hydrogen NOS will support new apprenticeships across the UK in a field which is set to becoming increasingly important as we all work together to reduce our carbon emissions and tackle the climate crisis.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
As the UK Government targets 10GW of hydrogen production by 2023, industry leaders will convene at the Planning for Hydrogen Infrastructure 2023 event on 23 May, to explore strategies and planning for building successful hydrogen infrastructure projects – from concept to reality. Theevent, hosted by international law firm Eversheds Sutherland in London, will provide an opportunity for the key players in hydrogen infrastructure to come together and share ideas in a growth area for the energy sector. The rise in hydrogen production presents a dual opportunity to tackle the energy crisis and reduce emissions with a cleaner alternative. The event will explore how new hydrogen projects can be successfully delivered, and provide attendees with valuable insights on planning strategies, site selection, stakeholder engagement, and consultation practices. It will also cover the latest policy developments supporting hydrogen production, infrastructure needed to meet the demand, and funding options available. The day will allow hydrogen and planning leaders to share ideas to address existing challenges and discuss ways to support future development. A key topic under discussion at this year’s one-day event will be ScottishPower’s new business division that focuses on green hydrogen, and what the company’s first projects in this area will mean for communities. There will be a range of panel discussions throughout the day. Helen Sanders, Head of Policy and Sustainability at SSE Thermal, James Walker, Senior Manager – Hydrogen Strategy at Ofgem and Jubilee Easo, International Head of Hydrogen at Eversheds Sutherland, will examine the current policy direction for hydrogen production, and what more Government can do to support the industry hit its 10GW by 2030 target. While Chris Rowell, Clean Growth and Innovation Manager at Tees Valley Combined Authority and Chris Taylor, Head of Planning and Consents at Progressive Energy, will discuss planning and delivering hydrogen infrastructure, and how best to effectively engage with all stakeholders. A range of other leading hydrogen infrastructure experts in the industry will also debate: The event will be chaired by Clare Jackson, CEO at Hydrogen UK. Ms Jackson leads the hydrogen industry association. In 2021, she launched Hydrogen UK, which brings together organisations delivering across the hydrogen value chain to work to make the UK one of the best places in the world to develop and deploy hydrogen solutions. Ms Jackson said: “The Planning for Hydrogen Infrastructure event offers an excellent opportunity for key players in the hydrogen energy sector to come together, share ideas, and develop innovative solutions to address the most pressing challenges facing the industry both in 2023 and beyond. “It’s a critical time for the sector as we look to develop policy and technological innovations that will prioritise energy security and provide the UK with a sustainable, decarbonised energy system, with renewables such as hydrogen at its core. “There will be plenty of opportunities for attendees to network with significant stakeholders in the hydrogen energy sector, including those spearheading cutting-edge hydrogen projects and infrastructure.” The event is being organised by Waterfront Conference Company. Waterfront delivers physical and virtual policy conferences for the planning, energy, rail, ports and maritime sectors. For more information and to register for the Planning for Hydrogen Infrastructure 2023, visit the event website https://waterfront.eventscase.com/EN/hydrogeninfrastructure or for other Waterfront events, visit https://www.waterfrontconferencecompany.com/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Office blocks across London and beyond could hold one of the keys to helping manage energy costs and enable decarbonisation. In a pioneering new scheme run by UK Power Networks, a building in Central London is helping to reduce demand on the electricity network at peak times, by adjusting its temperature throughout the day. A typical office block needs to be kept at 21-22 degrees centigrade. By simply changing the times of the day at which the aircon is running and avoiding running at full power during the peak period, buildings can help reduce demand on the network. The minor change in temperature is imperceptible to most workers, and offices can earn revenue from the electricity network. Taking a smarter approach to using capacity on the network frees up space for more low carbon technologies like electric vehicle chargers and heat pumps to connect more quickly and at lower cost. In a partnership with BankEnergi and supported by Oaktree Power Limited, UK Power Networks can now call on Bracken House in Central London to provide flexibility services to the electricity network. UK Power Networks has since had interest from several companies offering similar solutions in London and beyond. The project builds on the Greater London Authority’s pioneering Flex London project, which set out to demonstrate how buildings could help manage peaks in demand on the network. Flex London concluded that flexibility could become London’s “greatest energy decarbonisation asset” – with potential for up to 1GW of flexibility by 2050 – which would free up capacity for almost 500,000 electric vehicles. Shirley Rodrigues, Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy said: “Buildings are responsible for nearly 70 per cent of the capital’s carbon emissions, so it’s important we manage their energy demand intelligently to help us reach net zero by 2030. It’s great to see UK Power Networks building on the Flex London project to help bring energy bills down and deliver a more flexible, lower carbon energy system for all. It’s also a great example of how a relatively small change can help make London a greener and healthier city for all Londoners.” Sotiris Georgiopoulos, Distribution System Operator Director at UK Power Networks said: “Flex London paved the way for buildings to help us decarbonise the network and now this partnership is demonstrating it can become a reality. Particularly in cities like London, making tiny changes to the way buildings operate can lead to tremendous benefits for customers, saving money and helping us connect more green technology.” BankEnergi CEO, Rajvant Nijjhar said: “We are pleased to be supporting UK Power Networks in providing demand side response services to a landmark London building. The building’s owners will benefit from lower costs and carbon emissions, without the occupants noticing a difference in comfort levels. We see this as the future in balancing grid supply and demand issues and providing vital services to DNOs like UK Power Networks. We are now looking forward to rolling out our solution across multiple buildings in London and across the UK.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
RWE has appointed Humber-based firm Hobson & Porter to complete the construction of its new state-of-the-art operations and maintenance facility known as the Grimsby Hub. The multi-million pound contract includes an extension to the existing Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm operations base located at Grimsby’s Royal Dock, and includes the creation of a new Centralised Control Room (CCR) to oversee the operation of the vast majority of RWE’s UK Offshore portfolio, helping to cement Grimsby’s role as a leading location for the UK’s offshore wind sector. RWE announced the creation of the Grimsby Hub back in 2021, marking a major strategic commitment to the UK’s east coast. As well as Triton Knoll, RWE’s 1.4 gigawatt (GW) Sofia Offshore Wind Farm, currently under construction, will also locate its operations and maintenance activities to the new hub in the future. In total, RWE expects the new facility will accommodate around 140 RWE employees, with potentially around 70 new local jobs created, plus indirect jobs required in support. The Grimsby Hub will also enable the company to strengthen its relationship with the region’s businesses and local communities, by committing to a longer-term presence in the area. The location of the Grimsby Hub 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 commence shortly and will take around one year to complete. Once construction has finished, the new facility 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 said: “We are thrilled to have Hobson & Porter onboard to complete the extensive construction works required to extend the existing Triton Knoll facilities. It is great to have been able to award the contract to a local firm which brings a wealth of experience to the project. We can’t wait for construction to finish and provide even more locally based, skilled jobs for the region.” Hobson & Porter is an award-winning construction firm operating across the Yorkshire and Lincolnshire region and shares a lot of the same principles as RWE including being community focused, environmentally pro-active and they have a longstanding commitment to develop skills and training. Joe Booth, business development director for Hobson & Porter said: “We are delighted to be working with RWE on this exciting project and continuing our strong affiliation with both the Humber-based offshore wind industry and the town of Grimsby. This project will take our business revenues from the offshore wind industry beyond £25million in recent years having previously delivered the adjacent East Coast Hub for Orsted and the Aura Innovation centre in Hessle for The University of Hull; plus a number of other smaller projects. “For a local, family-owned business like ours, this is testament to the vast array of business opportunities the offshore wind sector is creating for local businesses, especially when you consider that not one of our 120 local employees have ever had to step offshore to attain or deliver these projects. We look forward to seeing this one, once complete.” RWE is a leading player in renewables and expects to invest more than €50 billion gross by 2030 to grow its green core business, globally, with £15 billion earmarked for the UK. During 2022, the 856 megawatts (MW) Triton Knoll offshore wind farm became fully operational, while RWE’s 1.4 GW Sofia offshore wind farm is now well into construction. RWE is also involved in four of the UK’s seven offshore wind extension projects and recently signed Agreements for Lease for their two Dogger Bank South offshore wind farm sites. Meanwhile the company is also exploring floating wind projects including in the Celtic Sea region. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Combined technology reduces carbon emissions by up to 50% or 1 ton CO2 per household per year and shrinks energy bills for residents Heat network technology providers Evinox and Minibems are merging and receive growth capital from SET Ventures. This capital injection enables the two companies to cement their leading position in smart heat network technology ensuring enhanced energy efficiency and cost savings for heat network operators and residents. Heat networks, also known as district heating systems, supply heat to one or multiple buildings from a central source, such as a boiler or heat pump. These systems are becoming increasingly popular to decarbonise heat, however, they can be inefficient and costly to operate. Evinox provides a full range of equipment and services to heat network operators. The company has pioneered remotely connected heat interface units (HIU) designed for easy installation, operation and maintenance. Evinox has supplied over 15,000 units for projects across the UK, including prestigious developments such as Battersea Power Station, London City Island and Riverlight. Minibems has developed advanced control technology which optimizes the operation of heat networks in real-time, using algorithms to predict and optimize the flow of heat to meet demand. By vastly improving network efficiency, energy consumption, carbon emissions, and costs for heat network operators and residents can be reduced by more than 50%. “This is a powerful step to address the pressing needs of our industry for effective decarbonisation solutions,” said Terry Mahoney, Managing Director of Evinox. “By combining our expertise and technology, we can offer a truly comprehensive range of products and services that guarantee energy efficiency. We are looking forward to the opportunities this merger will bring for our customers and for the industry as a whole.” “We are thrilled to be partnering with Evinox to offer a complete solution for heat network operators,” said Minibems CEO Simon Gunter, who will continue as Executive Chairman of the combined entity. “Combining Evinox smart HIUs with Minibems optimisation technology will help heat network operators to maximize efficiency and reduce the energy bill to residents.” “Since our original investment in Minibems in 2019, we have been excited about the magnitude of the problem to solve in how we heat buildings,” said Anton Arts, Managing Partner at SET Ventures. “This business combination creates the undisputed leader that will boost the efficiency of heat networks and achieve emission reductions at scale. We are pleased to support these visionary management teams to achieve their ambition together”. This partnership ensures that heat networks can fulfil their commitment to decarbonise heat, by reducing the carbon intensity by 1 ton per apartment each year in existing networks, as well as by enabling the use of heat pump pumps as a low-carbon source of heat. In the UK alone, over £500 million in government funding has been made available to drive adoption to 20% of building stock. The combination will trade as Evinox Group and has over 100 employees, working from offices in Chessington and Bournemouth in the UK and a manufacturing facility in Brasov, Romania. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
