Barhale has been appointed by West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to its framework agreement for the supply of diversionary utilities works. The civil engineering and infrastructure specialist secured its place on the framework under Lot 2, Water-clean and Waste Infrastructure, of the West Midlands Metro Framework agreement for the Provision
Manchester City Council is on course to reach an important milestone this year as part of its drive to become zero-carbon by 2038. By the end of 2023 the Council aims to have installed almost 10,000 new solar panels on its buildings across the city – 9,859 in total. Reducing
PD&MS, a specialist engineering services company operating within the energy transition, conventional energy, low carbon and renewables sectors, has been acquired by RSK, a global leader in the delivery of sustainable solutions. The Aberdeen-based company has been operating since 2002. Synergie Environ and Optimus joined PD&MS in 2021 and 2022, respectively.
A multi-million pound upgrade to the electricity network is now benefiting 80,000 homes and businesses across Cheshire – and setting them up for a cleaner and greener future – thanks to SP Energy Networks. The £23 million investment gives a new lease of life to Crewe Grid substation – originally
px Group’s Saltend Chemicals Park, in Hull, has been selected as the site for the build of a Green Hydrogen facility and an investment of between £180mn and £240mn by Meld Energy, the green hydrogen industrial developer. Meld Energy is an international hydrogen development company and is working with the
The current English planning system is not ‘fit for purpose’ to build a net zero world, restore nature or meet housing need, according to a new report by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR). The report finds that it would take 4,700 years for England to reach the onshore
Market leader in the construction of solar plants expands its range of services. This year’s Intersolar Europe marks a new chapter for SUNOTEC: The company will present itself for the first time as Your General Contractor showcasing its full scope of services. From 14 to 16 June 2023, SUNOTEC invites
Balfour Beatty recently announces that it has been awarded a £42 million contract by National Grid to construct the Little Horsted Substation Grid Supply Point in East Sussex, UK. The two year contract will see Balfour Beatty design and build a new 400 kilovolt substation as well as two new
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
Barhale has been appointed by West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to its framework agreement for the supply of diversionary utilities works. The civil engineering and infrastructure specialist secured its place on the framework under Lot 2, Water-clean and Waste Infrastructure, of the West Midlands Metro Framework agreement for the Provision of Diversionary Utilities Works for Metro Extensions and any Major Highways Schemes. Barhale will be one of four suppliers awarded to Lot 2 of the framework for advanced utility diversions across the WMCA. The others are J McCann, M&A Doocey Civil Engineering Ltd and IES Utilities Group. James Ingamells, regional director for Barhale, believes that the award reflects the strength of the business’s track-record and deep connections across the West Midlands. “We are very pleased to secure our place on the WMCA framework,” he said. “We are very proud of our roots in the region and our forty-plus years heritage operating from our headquarters in Walsall. “In that time, we have had the opportunity to work with many of the region’s statutory undertakers, key stakeholder groups, alliance project teams, suppliers, and sub-contractors. “We enjoy an ongoing relationship with the major water companies, Severn Trent and South Staffs, and have been involved with previous phases of the Midlands Metro Alliance, the team responsible for delivering the region transformative new transit system. “Having recently completed a mineshaft cap at Sandwell and the infilling of Wolverhampton’s Craddock Street Subway, we are also looking forward to working closely with more of the West Midlands’ local authorities. “Most importantly, the award will give us the opportunity to extend our engagement with the community both in terms of employment through Barhale and our construction supplies to fabrication business BCS and also in terms of our community outreach and engagement work.” The agreement runs for four years with an option to extend to a maximum of a further four years. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Manchester City Council is on course to reach an important milestone this year as part of its drive to become zero-carbon by 2038. By the end of 2023 the Council aims to have installed almost 10,000 new solar panels on its buildings across the city – 9,859 in total. Reducing carbon emissions from council buildings by using renewable energy and energy efficiency measures is a key part of the Council’s Climate Change Action Plan 2020-25. Since 2022 a total of 6,897 panels have been installed across City Council-run sites, this includes Hough End Leisure Centre, the Wythenshawe Forum and Moss Side Leisure Centre. An additional 2,962 panels have been commissioned or are in the pipeline to be delivered this year at locations such as Didsbury Library, and the Manchester Aquatic Centre. As part of this project work has taken place at the National Cycling Centre in a bid to turn pedal power into solar power. As part of the Unlocking Clean Energy in Greater Manchester project, The Council, working in partnership with Energy Systems Catapult and the European Regional Development Fund recently completed a £2.9m project to install solar car ports at the site. These car ports will provide shelter for vehicles, whilst generating power from solar panels installed on top. As one of the most energy-dependent buildings within the Council’s estate, working to reduce the building’s overall consumption forms an important pillar of the Council’s overall carbon reduction plan. It is estimated that the 1,005 m2 site – equivalent to around the size of four tennis courts – will generate roughly 172MWh of electricity annually. In the eight weeks since the solar panels at the Velodrome went live, they have generated more than 47MWh of electricity, saving an estimated nine tonnes of carbon. Councillor Tracey Rawlins, Executive Member for Environment and Transport said: “This work shows that tangible progress is being made as the Council works to become a zero-carbon organisation. “Renewables such as solar power, even in rainy Manchester, provide a viable and unlimited source of energy for buildings across the city. “Looking at the National Cycling Centre, we have shown that we are able to seamlessly incorporate the use of renewable energy into the existing infrastructure, setting a clear example of how this approach can be replicated across the city.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
PD&MS, a specialist engineering services company operating within the energy transition, conventional energy, low carbon and renewables sectors, has been acquired by RSK, a global leader in the delivery of sustainable solutions. The Aberdeen-based company has been operating since 2002. Synergie Environ and Optimus joined PD&MS in 2021 and 2022, respectively. The business works with some of the biggest names in the energy industry, helping them to transition toward decarbonisation and net zero. With a second operations base in Azerbaijan, PD&MS has a headcount of more than 700 professionals, offering full-life-cycle solutions in consultancy, engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning and decommissioning. Its annual turnover in FY22 was £84.1 million. PD&MS Chief Executive Officer Simon Rio, who has been leading the business for 10 years and will continue to do so, said: “We see RSK Group as the perfect home for the business moving forward, owing to its world-leading expertise in environmental and sustainability solutions. This deal represents a landmark moment in the evolution of PD&MS and will enable us to significantly accelerate our growth in new energy markets, while continuing to support our conventional energy clients to maximise economic recovery and play a pivotal role in their energy transition journeys. We are passionate about playing our part in addressing the energy transition. Our increased offering as part of the RSK Group will further enhance the scale and impact that we can make to help our growing customer base produce affordable, secure and sustainable energy.” RSK Group Chief Executive Officer Alan Ryder said: “As international economies move towards their net zero targets, PD&MS can help by dealing with all critical assets, with a particular expertise in brownfield developments. The company has an exceptional reputation and track record of growth and diversification through periods of market transition. With its foundations in oil and gas services, PD&MS is now using its transferrable skills on projects and to build momentum within renewables and low carbon. The company has secured long-term framework agreements with major clients to support energy transition. This acquisition will see PD&MS become part of a group with the same ethos and values, where it can continue its approach transitioning the energy sector – a deal that strengthens all parties’ ability to increase focus on environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues and sustainability. This focus will include low carbon and renewables and the pace and impact of transition will be linked to performance. This acquisition is of major significance for RSK. It further emphasises our own growth, presence and reputation within the renewable energy sector and, with many synergies with other RSK businesses, we aim to be able to share expertise and work on an increased international scale.” As RSK continues to deliver its ambitious growth strategy, it now comprises more than 200 companies, employing 12,000 people. The group’s annual turnover at the end of FY22 was £796 million. The acquisition adviser was Piper Sandler. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A multi-million pound upgrade to the electricity network is now benefiting 80,000 homes and businesses across Cheshire – and setting them up for a cleaner and greener future – thanks to SP Energy Networks. The £23 million investment gives a new lease of life to Crewe Grid substation – originally commissioned in 1966 – and will help ensure the network is able to cope with the growing number of green technologies, like electric vehicles and heat pumps, that will need to connect to the grid in the months and years ahead. Mark Sobczak, 132kV General Manager at SP Energy Networks, said: “This project marks a significant milestone as we strive to ensure our distribution network provides a secure and reliable service now and in the future. “Crewe substation was designed and built decades ago when the world was a very different place and how we used electricity, and where it came from, were nothing like the electricity system we have today. “This upgrade, using the latest innovation and technology, means that Crewe will remain right at the heart of our network as we move towards a net zero future and will continue to make a difference for generations to come. “It also supports our commitment to embedding sustainability across our operations, through our supply chain, across the industry and into our everyday lives. “ The project supports SP Energy Networks work to provide energy security for the UK – supporting jobs, the supply chain and the wider economy. It will ensure no community is left behind in the transition to low carbon technology and net zero emissions. For more information about SP Energy Networks and its services, visit: spenergynetworks.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
px Group’s Saltend Chemicals Park, in Hull, has been selected as the site for the build of a Green Hydrogen facility and an investment of between £180mn and £240mn by Meld Energy, the green hydrogen industrial developer. Meld Energy is an international hydrogen development company and is working with the global energy management company, World Fuel Services Corporation, to develop green hydrogen supply chains. World Kinect Sustainability Ventures, a subsidiary of the publicly listed US Fortune 500 company, acquired a 50% stake in Meld in late 2022. Meld is currently bidding for development support from the UK’s Net Zero Hydrogen Fund. Should the bid win government backing, FEED (Front End Engineering Design) is expected to begin in November 2023 and would run concurrently with planning application processes. Building would commence less than a year later with a target operation in 2026. The facility would be the UK’s largest green hydrogen production facility (if built today), with an initial installed capacity of 100MW and the potential to increase its capacity to over 200MW in a second development stage. The green hydrogen would be produced at the facility using electrolysis, which involves using electricity to split water into its constituent elements: hydrogen and oxygen. Through using renewable electricity for this process, the hydrogen produced would be “green” hydrogen, as compared to grey and blue hydrogen, which is more carbon-intensive. Meld would utilise PPAs (Power Purchase Agreements) with renewable energy suppliers. The hydrogen produced by Meld would be used to provide energy on-site at Saltend, helping to switch over from more carbon-intensive fuels and chemical feedstock to emissions-free green hydrogen. The Humber is the UK’s most carbon-intensive region. The UK Government considers hydrogen to be a vital component in the UK energy transition and its journey to Net Zero. Hydrogen has the potential for use in a variety of applications, from powering transport and industry to energy storage, with its only emission being water or steam when consumed. Geoff Holmes, CEO of px Group, says: “Meld Energy’s decision to invest at Saltend Chemicals Park proves once again that Saltend is the go-to location for industrial decarbonisation and the UK energy transition. Meld’s plans are on a scale that will make a significant impact on domestic decarbonisation – it is a project that the government should find impossible to ignore.”“We have a host of world-class industrial companies on site at Saltend and this potential major investment shows once again the strength of the Saltend offering.”Chris Smith, CEO & Founder of Meld Energy, says: “Saltend Chemicals Park is the perfect site for our green hydrogen facility. Saltend has a rich knowledge of decarbonisation projects and, importantly, has future users of the hydrogen to be produced already in place.” “This project can be online within three years and would deliver an immediate reduction in emissions once production commences. The facility will have the potential to double its production as demand for hydrogen increases in the future to meet Net Zero targets.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The current English planning system is not ‘fit for purpose’ to build a net zero world, restore nature or meet housing need, according to a new report by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR). The report finds that it would take 4,700 years for England to reach the onshore wind capacity called for by government advisers, at the current rate of development. Without this the UK will fail to become fully energy secure in a net-zero world. Progress in England was stalled in 2015 when planning laws were changed to make it more difficult to gain permission for new onshore wind turbines – in what was effectively a ban. Since then only 17 new onshore wind farms have been approved, generating just 6.7 megawatts of power – equivalent to just 0.02 per cent of the on-shore total needed in England based on National Grid estimates. The IPPR report calls for restrictions on onshore wind and solar power to be reduced and for local authorities to be compelled to identify land suitable for onshore wind and solar generation. The report calls for a complete reset of the English planning system to ensure that many more houses are built, while also moving faster to meet net zero targets. That will mean linking decisions on new home building into plans for low-carbon transport networks, it says. Between them, housing and transport account for over 40 per cent of total emissions, but since 1990 emissions from both sectors have barely declined. The report also sheds fresh light on the critical failures of the current system. These include the lack of clear rules for developers and local authorities on when planning permission should be granted, leading to uncertainty and speculative buying of land. It argues that local authorities should be compelled to draw up detailed plans for development in their areas that integrate environmental targets, to provide greater certainty. It proposes that if a planned housebuilding project meets new net zero targets alongside other local requirements, it should be given an automatic green light, removing much of councils’ discretion from the system. But the report calls for the public to be given a more meaningful say over the future of their local areas than they do at present. It calls for national and local housebuilding targets to be reinstated so that councils can be compelled to enable more homes to be built. Under the IPPR proposal new neighbourhoods should be compatible with net zero, contribute to restoring nature and be attractive communities to live in. Maya Singer Hobbs, IPPR senior research fellow and lead report author, said: “None of the failures of the English system are inevitable. The de facto ban on onshore wind, the lack of coherence in environmental regulations and the lack of good quality housing are all solvable by reforming the system.” Luke Murphy, IPPR associate director for energy, climate, housing, and infrastructure, said: “The current planning system in England is not remotely fit for purpose to build a net zero world, restore nature, or meet housing need. At current build rates, we’re as far from delivering the onshore wind we need for energy security as we are from the start of construction of Stonehenge in 2,500 BC. “Fundamental planning reform is needed to accelerate efforts to reduce emissions and restore nature, rollout renewable energy generation, and to deliver the level of housebuilding that the country so desperately needs. “Without a reset of the planning system all the main political parties will fail to deliver on their key objectives, from economic growth to energy security, and addressing the climate and nature crises.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Market leader in the construction of solar plants expands its range of services. This year’s Intersolar Europe marks a new chapter for SUNOTEC: The company will present itself for the first time as Your General Contractor showcasing its full scope of services. From 14 to 16 June 2023, SUNOTEC invites visitors to take a look behind the scenes of the company as Europe’s market leader in the construction of utility solar PV parks. Visitors can find SUNOTEC’s booth in hall A5.260. “The Intersolar Europe is an excellent platform to showcase our latest developments and the new positioning as Your General Contractor,” said Kaloyan Velichkov, Founder and CEO of SUNOTEC. YOUR GENERAL CONTRACTOR: FULL SPECTRUM OF SERVICES FROM A SINGLE SOURCE As general contractor, SUNOTEC is proud to be able to offer the full spectrum of services to its customers: From the preliminary drawing to engineering, procurement, construction and final handover, including operations and maintenance – everything comes from a single source. Through the expansion into turnkey operations, the company is now able to cover the entire value chain. Numerous additional services complement the new portfolio, such as the expertise of an acclaimed geologist. “Our development to grow into a general contractor has been a team effort,” says Bernhard Suchland, CEO of SUNOTEC. “We work and think like a family,” adds Kaloyan Velichkov, Founder & CEO of SUNOTEC. EMPOWERING TEAMS: LARGE PROJECTS BROUGHT TO LIFE BY SUNOTEC “It has long been said that the photovoltaic sector is an industry characterized by change and growth. We want to shine the spotlight on those whose everyday work revolves around achieving the PV expansion goals within the green energy revolution,” says Bernhard Suchland. This year, SUNOTEC therefore focuses on the expertise and experience of its employees. The booth takes its guests to construction sites across Europe as well as to its headquarters. Numerous episodes tell the story of SUNOTEC from the eyes of its over 1,400 employees. “It is thanks to their efforts that we have established ourselves as the European market leader in the construction of utility photovoltaic plants,” says Kaloyan Velichkov. With its new magazine “COMPANION”, SUNOTEC pays homage to its employees, highlights the room for creativity and personal development, and invites the next generation of experts.
Balfour Beatty recently announces that it has been awarded a £42 million contract by National Grid to construct the Little Horsted Substation Grid Supply Point in East Sussex, UK. The two year contract will see Balfour Beatty design and build a new 400 kilovolt substation as well as two new terminal towers which will support electrical conductors transmitting high-voltage electricity to the Little Horsted Substation Grid Supply Point. Once complete, the new substation will form a key part of National Grid’s ‘Little Horsted Connection Project’ which will allow local electricity distributer, UK Power Networks, to connect with the National Grid – improving the electricity supply in East Sussex. As part of its commitment to leaving a lasting, positive legacy for the communities in which it operates, Balfour Beatty will look to engage a workforce from the local, surrounding area and will also plant approximately 500 trees during the construction programme. Ian Currie, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty’s Power Transmission and Distribution business said: “As one of the leading high voltage substation suppliers in the UK, we are perfectly positioned to deliver the Little Horsted Substation Grid Supply Point. “Building on our longstanding and successful relationship with National Grid, this latest contract will see us improve the power supply in East Sussex, and help provide the UK with the grid connectivity required to meet increased future demand.” Works are due to commence in early 2024 with completion expected in Autumn 2025. At peak, the project will employ a workforce of up to 120 people including a number of apprenticeship and graduate positions. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
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
