BDC

Search
Linkedin
Utilities & Infrastructure : Utilities & Energy News
Magnox to begin major Decommissioning project

Magnox to begin major decommissioning project

Cristina Diaconu May 10, 2023

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

Read More »
Centre for green hydrogen innovation launched by Heriot-Watt University

Centre for green hydrogen innovation launched by Heriot-Watt University

BDC News Team May 2, 2023

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

Read More »
Costain welcomes Government’s commitment to green infrastructure in “Powering Up Britain” plan

Costain welcomes Government’s commitment to green infrastructure in “Powering Up Britain” plan

BDC News Team March 31, 2023

Costain’s leading expertise in Carbon Capture, Usage and Storage will support the Government’s ambitions and deliver innovative solutions for clients, industrial clusters and stakeholders Leading infrastructure business Costain has welcomed the Government’s commitment to clean, green energy and security in its newly-published Powering Up Britain plan. The plan sets out

Read More »
Latest Issue
Issue 324 : Jan 2025

Utilities & Infrastructure : Utilities & Energy News

Sutherland-based GMG Energy switches on its huge solar array to provide energy for its burgeoning local business

Sutherland-based GMG Energy switches on its huge solar array to provide energy for its burgeoning local business

BDC News Team May 12, 2023

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 

Read More »
Magnox to begin major Decommissioning project

Magnox to begin major decommissioning project

Cristina Diaconu May 10, 2023

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

Read More »
Centre for green hydrogen innovation launched by Heriot-Watt University

Centre for green hydrogen innovation launched by Heriot-Watt University

BDC News Team May 2, 2023

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 

Read More »
Industry comes together to develop first national occupational standard for hydrogen

Industry comes together to develop first national occupational standard for hydrogen

BDC News Team April 28, 2023

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 

Read More »
Hydrogen production to take centre stage as industry leaders convene to explore infrastructure opportunities

Hydrogen production to take centre stage as industry leaders convene to explore infrastructure opportunities

BDC News Team April 26, 2023

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 

Read More »
Pioneering power project sees office blocks cutting costs and carbon

Pioneering power project sees office blocks cutting costs and carbon

BDC News Team April 21, 2023

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 

Read More »
RWE appoints local Humber based firm to commence Grimsby Hub construction works

RWE appoints local Humber based firm to commence Grimsby Hub construction works

BDC News Team April 5, 2023

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 

Read More »
Evinox and Minibems merge to create the leader in energy-efficient heat networks with an investment from SET Ventures

Evinox and Minibems merge to create the leader in energy-efficient heat networks with an investment from SET Ventures

BDC News Team April 3, 2023

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 

Read More »
Costain welcomes Government’s commitment to green infrastructure in “Powering Up Britain” plan

Costain welcomes Government’s commitment to green infrastructure in “Powering Up Britain” plan

BDC News Team March 31, 2023

Costain’s leading expertise in Carbon Capture, Usage and Storage will support the Government’s ambitions and deliver innovative solutions for clients, industrial clusters and stakeholders Leading infrastructure business Costain has welcomed the Government’s commitment to clean, green energy and security in its newly-published Powering Up Britain plan. The plan sets out how the government will deliver UK energy security and Net Zero, and diversified, decarbonised and domestic energy production by investing in renewables and nuclear. Core to the plan is backing Carbon Capture, Usage and Storage (CCUS) in the form of eight projects to progress to negotiations to form the first two CCUS clusters, in the North East and North West.  Costain is an established leader in both of the CCUS clusters now progressing to the next stage of development, the East Coast Cluster in Teesside and The Humber, and the HyNet project in Merseyside. Over the last year, the company has worked with partners on the East Coast Cluster to design the onshore CO2 gathering pipeline and the new grid connection for the gas power-station. This crucial project will provide the common infrastructure needed to transport CO2 from emitters in the Humber and Teesside to secure offshore storage in the North Sea. Building on the government’s £20 billion commitment for CCUS technologies and projects, Costain welcomes this huge vote of confidence in the role of CCUS in the UK’s decarbonisation of the industrial sector. This is an area Costain has been supporting clients on for many years. Its expert teams have been engaging with industry to seek out projects with the opportunity to strengthen the UK’s position in CCUS, working on CO2 recovery, purification, compression, dehydration, liquefaction and underground gas storage. Responding to the government’s plan, Costain chief executive, Alex Vaughan, said: “Powering Up Britain is a crucial step forward in securing the UK’s green energy supply. It is also a welcome commitment to investing alongside the private sector to transform our critical infrastructure and drive economic prosperity and green jobs. We’re proud to be at the forefront of innovations in Carbon Capture and Storage, working on two of the UK’s most exciting projects in Teesside and The Humber and Merseyside. Our leading expertise in the area will be crucial in helping the Government achieve its ambitious plans.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

Read More »
Energy ministry to cut bills and hit net zero targets – Honeywell comments

Energy ministry to cut bills and hit net zero targets – Honeywell comments

BDC News Team February 15, 2023

Last week, the UK Government charged a dedicated energy department with bringing down electricity and gas bills. The Department for Energy and Net Zero will work to reduce the dependence on traditional energy sources, giving the UK more secure and cleaner energy supplies whilst simultaneously cutting emissions. Simon Pinkney, director of offering manager at Honeywell, welcomes the Government’s move and comments on what else needs to be considered. “Given rising energy bills, it is great to see the Government take a proactive approach in assigning the energy department to address this issue. Energy consumption is a growing concern for businesses worldwide driven by sustainability targets and, more recently, as energy costs create a burden on the operations of many organisations in the UK. “Indeed, the UK Government implemented a cap on wholesale business energy bills starting late last year, but it is essential that businesses take steps to reduce their energy usage. Whilst many energy managers start with larger scale or longer-term efficiency projects, like modernising heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems to improving building insulation, these efforts typically come with sizeable upfront investments that may not be achievable with smaller budgets. “One of the most overlooked ways of reducing energy usage is by addressing small power usage, which relates to the volume of power consumed by plugged-in devices. In any commercial building, there can be hundreds of electrical devices, such as computers, printers, water coolers and fridges which collectively account for a significant percentage of a building’s energy use. Data indicates that small power can account for up to 25% of energy in a minimally efficient building. “Most buildings lack the capabilities to monitor and control small power, but new technologies now make it possible to connect electrical sockets to the building management systems, enabling constant insights and control of small power loads, socket temperature, and more. Energy managers need this level of visibility in their buildings to accurately assess opportunities to lower site energy consumption. It’s critical that energy managers do what they can to drive down building energy use in as quick and cost-effective way possible. The cumulative benefit of addressing small power can deliver on this and make buildings safer.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »