Energy Manager September 2019

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ENERGY MANAGER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2019

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NEWS

GROUND-BREAKING DUTCH ECO-SCHEME SLASHES ENERGY BILLS BY MORE THAN HALF IN MALDON, ESSEX • Moat leap into the future with radical net-zero energy refurbishment programme.

• A combination of technologies creates ultra-low emitting homes which generate their own electricity • This ‘Energiesprong’ pilot will save 3.2 tonnes of CO2 per home per year by cutting emissions by a huge 90% • Residents will save hundreds of pounds a year off their energy bills

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ground-breaking Dutch energy efficiency initiative has landed in Essex which could cut tenants’ bills by well over half whilst emitting 90% less carbon. Moat have refurbished properties in Maldon using the ‘Energiesprong’ (Dutch for ‘energy leap’) gold standard of energy efficiency, the first such pilot in the South East. This revolutionary concept will also deliver huge savings for residents by vastly reducing energy bills.

The newly refurbished houses look like they’ve bulked up compared to their neighbours – that’s because they have. Moat’s refurbishment includes new insulated walls and roof panels bolted onto the existing house, which has made it about 30 centimetres bigger and taller, like an insulated tea cosy which will keep it warm all year round.

But the energy efficient technologies go far further than insulation: • The house is made airtight with sealed windows and doors.

• 20 solar panels generate electricity year-round and

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With and without. Credit ENGIE.

store it in a battery in the back garden for use at night.

• The gas boiler is replaced with a modern air-source heat pump to operate the central heating.

• New vents circulate fresh air throughout the house.

These technologies work in synergy to create a home which conforms to the Energiesprong standard. To meet this high standard the home must generate enough clean electricity to ensure the living room is kept warm year-round whilst powering hot water and household appliances.

The houses are now as close to net-zero users of energy as possible, radically cutting carbon emissions by 90% and delivering savings of approximately 3.2 tonnes of carbon emissions per home per year: • If this was scaled up across Maldon in homes of the same type this could save approximately 82,000 tonnes of CO2; • Or in a town the size of Chelmsford 220,000 tonnes.

The pilot homes in Maldon were chosen because while they had a middling energy efficiency rating, they were particularly hard to heat and expensive for residents. They are surrounded front and back by open farmland and catch the cold North Sea wind. Prior to the refurbishment

ENERGY MANAGER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2019

energy bills could be £2,000 a year, under this new scheme tenants will pay significantly less and homes will have an ‘A’ energy efficiency rating.

Moat have a long and successful history of tackling energy efficiency issues in their houses. They regularly win or are commended in regional and national categories at the energy efficiency awards. With this pilot they are bringing their knowledge together with European funding to give impetus to Energiesprong UK – whose aim is to spread desirable, warm homes for life across the country. In July the organisation won the prestigious Ashden award 2019 for sustainable buildings.

Moat are investing further in energy efficiency at a critical time.

The Government has declared a ‘Climate Emergency’ and has a target to reduce carbon emissions to zero by 2050. With household emissions accounting for 18% of the UK’s carbon emissions Moat’s pilot illustrates a path to a carbon neutral future.

Schemes such as this can also be used to fight fuel poverty by bringing energy bills down significantly. Furthermore warmer, more comfortable homes decrease the burden on the NHS which currently spends £1.4 billion annually on conditions caused by poor housing. https://www.moat.co.uk https://energiesprong.org

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NEWS

RINNAI UK WINS TWO MAJOR GLOBAL AWARDS IN HOT WATER HEATING MARKETPLACE

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he awards acknowledge the strides that Rinnai UK has made during the last several years in converting the marketplace to continuous flow energy and fuelefficient products in the commercial and domestic hot water heating arenas.

“We are delighted that a team effort has resulted in global acknowledgement by our peers. We are honoured. It is gratifying to be recognised for all the hard work that each member of staff has made throughout the year,” says Managing Director Tony Gittings.

This year sees Rinnai, global leaders in continuous flow hot water heating products and systems, introducing the Zen and Zen Plus home hot water & heating system which marries established and proven manufacture durability with new technologies to offer great energy efficiencies, user control and, importantly, unparalleled level of comfort.

Rinnai UK will be launching this innovation plus several other cuttingedge appliances during 2019. The company has already launched a service & maintenance scheme, tailored training courses for installers and will be introducing the next and most advanced generation of hot water heating units.

The Rinnai Zen and Zen Plus system will increase comfort and reduce energy usage whilst also providing a highly economically solution for today’s changing marketplace.

‘Our core expertise is the mass production of long-term reliable combustion products with advanced technologies – we are a global leader and make over 2 million water heating units every year for domestic, residential and commercial applications.

“We have been researching and monitoring the UK domestic heating market for several years until we had a proven system. That time is now, and we are offering hot water heating units together with a superior performance combi boiler in 24, 29 and

35-kW outputs.” says Tony Gittings. www.rinnaiuk.com

The UK should be planning for a more advanced heat network

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he latest insight paper from Cornwall Insight – The future of UK heat networks ­– critical comparisons with European markets – examines the development of heat networks within the UK and highlights what lessons can be learnt from other markets.

Key findings of the report are: • Peer analysis of Germany, Netherlands and Sweden highlights several lessons for the UK to consider when establishing its own heat market.

• The need to plan for a more advanced and aggregated heat market.

• The barriers that will need to be overcome to make this a reality Stuart Leaver, Analyst at Cornwall Insight, said: “The UK faces a variety of challenges in terms of tackling heat

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decarbonisation and implementing effective, low-risk options to move closer to the net-zero target. However, despite clear policy and decarbonisation pathways outlined by the government, there is much that can be learnt from our European neighbours who are at more advanced stage than the UK. “Analysis from other heat networks in Europe has highlighted a number of innovative investment opportunities for the UK’s own network and the need to plan for a more advanced and aggregated heat market.

“For this to happen heat generators need to be offered a variety of business cases for scheme development and expansion, and Local Authorities will need to play a key role as local solutions will be required to enable upscaling in market developments. The UK may

ENERGY MANAGER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2019

want to invest in creating a liberal heat market, opening up opportunities and reducing costs for the consumer.

“However, there are several barriers that need to be overcome, including issues surrounding connection, consumption and protection for both consumers and generators that will all need to be addressed to ensure success.

“Most importantly, the UK will need to mitigate the risk to investment for heat networks. This will require thoughts around multiple supplier models for heat, and the opportunity to promote competition and therefore innovation.

With more of an interconnected network the UK should be able to reap the benefits and lower carbon emissions.”

For more information, please contact: Charlotte Nelson at c.nelson@cornwall-insight.com

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ENERGY MANAGER MAGAZINE • MAY 2019

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NEWS

NOT-FOR-PROFIT ENERGY SWITCHING SERVICE SAVES OVER £100,000 FOR BUSINESSES WHILE HELPING BOOST CHARITIES

A national energy and telecoms switching consultancy has helped businesses to save over £80,000 on their energy bills and reinvested £16,000 in grants to their charity customers thanks to its innovative concept.

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witchAid, based in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, is a not-for-profit social enterprise which helps businesses and homes divert cash to the third sector which they might normally pay as commission to brokers or comparison websites.

The pioneering energy and communications fundraising scheme gives back over 65% of its profits to the local community and has already unlocked over £100,000. The founders decided to set the businesses up in a way that would require them to give back to their community.

SwitchAid.org Director Dom Ryan said: “Our whole ethos is to generate revenue that can be redirected into the local community, cash that would normally be lost to energy and telecoms companies and consultants who keep the hefty commissions.

“As a business we choose to put our profits into good causes; as we are a registered Community Interest Company the percentage of our profits we do this with has to be 65% or over.

“SwitchAid.org is specifically designed to support the local community, improve the sustainability of third sector organisations and offer an ethical option in the energy and telecoms sectors notorious for sharp business practices.”

One organisation that has benefited from the scheme is charity YMCA North Tyneside, which has saved almost £24,000 and is set to receive a grant of over £680.

The substantial cash windfall and energy savings will help its future sustainability and the delivery of vital services to young people and their families in the region.

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Co Durham Childs Play Private Nursery is one organisation that has benefitted from the scheme, receiving £1,330 in grants while at the same time saving £700 on energy costs and £1,440 on mobile phone costs. Laura Davies managing director of Childs Play Private Nursery said: “We’ve used the additional funds given to us from SwitchAid to freshen up our new nurseries. Some paint throughout will make a world of difference and give the families a feeling of positivity as they transitioned from the old owners to the new. Thanks again to SwitchAid, who were a huge help from the start which meant being able to concentrate on

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YMCA North Tyneside operations manager Rachel Dyne signed up to SwitchAid.org toward the end of last year after a long standing energy contract came up for renewal. As a charity YMCA North Tyneside helps at least 500 young people with 42 beds located in North Shields, a gym and community café team.

They also offer youth centres and support for families who find themselves struggling for a range of reasons, to have guidance, support and help from the YMCA team.

Rachel said: “The money we have saved and the significant grant we are receiving from SwitchAid.org will go towards maintaining the valuable services we provide to the hundreds of young people who often only need a friendly face and a little extra help to get them back on track with their lives.

“As a charity we provide an invaluable service to young people and the families of young people who find themselves in very difficult positions confronted with the reality of social and economic deprivation, isolation or have children with complex needs. We can offer accommodation, guidance and sign posting to advice and support services.”

The REfUSE Café in Chester-Le-Street, Co Durham – which turns waste food into healthy meals – also signed up and is looking to receive a boost from the grants. REfUSE Café is part of the UK-wide The Real Junk Food Project, a network of organisations challenging surplus levels of food waste, operating on a ‘Pay As You Feel Basis’ and is entirely run by volunteers.

Nikki Dravers, a co-founder of REfUSE, said: “SwitchAid.org has been great, they •

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setting up and running my new nurseries.”

Ferryhill Sport and Education Centre also saved £14,473 while gaining £5,000 in grants from SwitchAid. Andrew Hubbard, chair of the Ferryhill Community Partnership, the charity behind the sport and education centre, said: “We’ve been able to give the people what they asked for by setting up a new soccer school which is now being used by about 50 school children a week.”

The Teesdale Community Resource hub has saved over £20,000 on energy costs and raised £1,400 in grant value.

Jonny Elliot started as a volunteer himself and now manages the venue and is also

ENERGY MANAGER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2019

SwitchAid Director Dom Ryan with Rachel Dyne from YMCA North Tyneside

David Judge from SwitchAid and Nikki Dravers inside the REfUSE Cafe.

contacted us last year at a time when we were in the middle of stressful building work trying to get the café ready to open and we were approached by various energy consultants who I felt were trying to hoodwink and exploit us.

“What SwitchAid has done is advise not sell, which has taken away all the worry about our energy supplier. This will potentially unlock hundreds of pounds on a regular basis and by supporting us in this way SwitchAid is contributing toward making our not-forprofit business model more sustainable.”

SwitchAid can either work directly with the third sector – helping charitable organisations to cut their bills and win grant funding – or with individuals and businesses that can nominate a preferred good cause to benefit from the savings they make.

For more information visit https://switchaid.org/ responsible for outdoor pursuits. He said: “We offer a huge variety of activities and schools from across the region come to take advantage of our indoor and outdoor spaces. The SwitchAid.org savings and cash grant helps us keep the doors open and offer the huge range of activities we do. If we can save money on our bills, then its cash that can then be better focused on helping us deliver our much needed services. We know what we offer is almost unique and explains why we get regular visits from groups as far away as Mencap in Kirklees as well as fantastic local support from many of the schools and community groups in the North East.”

NEWS

INDUSTRY-FIRST BIO-LNG OFFERING FOR FLOGAS CUSTOMERS

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logas Britain – a major supplier of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) – has added liquid biomethane (Bio-LNG) to its off-grid energy supply, marking the industry’s very first Bio-LNG solution for commercial and industrial operations.

Available immediately, the new Bio-LNG offering is targeted at businesses running continuous, energy-intensive manufacturing or industrial processes, as well as the transportation industry.

A cleaner energy source than any other off-grid fossil fuel, companies switching to Flogas Bio-LNG can benefit from major carbon savings of more than 80%.

The launch comes quickly after Flogas unveiled its 2040 Vision and ambition to supply customers with 100% renewable energy by 2040. “Adding Bio-LNG to our off-grid energy supply is a real stepchange for the business and shows just how serious we are about building a lower carbon future for the UK,” says David Taylor, Head of Corporate Affairs and Innovation at Flogas. “Whilst this renewable biogas is already in its infancy across the transport industry, we’re the very first to bring it to off-grid commercial and industrial companies – and we’re

delighted to be leading the way.

“We already supply tens of thousands of tonnes of conventional LNG each year for industrial use, but as the UK moves towards a commitment to cut emissions to ‘Net Zero’ by 2050, Bio-LNG is perfectly placed to fuel industry. Not only does it provide a reliable, powerful and abundant fuel source, it will radically improve a company’s carbon footprint too. This is a major draw, as it helps businesses meet strict government carbon and pollutant reduction targets.”

Bio-LNG is a highly sustainable version of LNG with almost the exact same chemical makeup. It is produced during the anaerobic digestion (AD) process, which breaks down organic matter (such as food, sewage sludge or animal waste) to produce methane-rich biogas. This makes Bio-LNG a renewable energy source, one that produces far few carbon emissions than other offgrid fuels and negligible pollutants.

“The good news is, businesses already running their operations using LNG can switch to Bio-LNG instantly,” says David Taylor. “By using certified Bio-LNG on a mass balance basis, there’s no need for set up changes or costly downtime, and

businesses can enjoy immediate carbon savings. Green gas is injected into the grid as biomethane – sourced mainly from Anaerobic Digestion plants – with each unit displacing the equivalent amount of conventional gas. We then provide customers with green gas certificates, which track the biomethane through the supply chain, providing certainty from production to end use.”

Flogas’ Bio-LNG offering is also available to businesses currently using other fuels. With an expert team in place, it provides bespoke solutions for new customers and manages the whole process – from civil works through to installation and commissioning of new equipment. They also benefit from Flogas’ reliable LNG fleet – one of the largest, most technically-advanced of its kind.

For more information on Flogas Bio-LNG or any other Flogas offering, visit www.flogas.co.uk or call 0800 574 574.

RINNAI CELEBRATES ITS FIRST 100 YEARS OF MANUFACTURING PRODUCTS TO SERVE ITS CUSTOMERS

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innai, best known in the UK for its comprehensive range of hot water and heating home units, is globally celebrating its first 100 years of manufacture in serving its customers with a three-year period of planned anniversary related events to connect to the start of the company’s next centenary.

The Rinnai Corporation was founded in Nagoya, Japan in 1819 and today operates in 17 nations and regions around the world with sales of kitchen appliances, air conditioners, hot water heating & home heating units in over 80 countries.

Says Rinnai UK Managing Director Tony Gittings, ”The company has evolved and developed into a group that produces a diversity of products and services that directly benefit ordinary people in their daily lives.

“Our policy is to help enrich the lives of people in local communities by

providing optimal solutions that fit the lifestyle culture, climate conditions, and the energy situation of each country around the world.

The three-year period is aimed at connecting the first century to the next one.

The theme will be named - Connected in passion for the next 100 years.”

This follows the other significant corporate developments on the global presence of Rinnai – the issuing of a new logo and a new brand statement – ‘A Healthier Way of Living’.

In the UK Rinnai is the acknowledged leader in continuous flow hot water heating technology. The company offers a comprehensive range of A-rated units plus large systems for any size of site or application. www.rinnaiuk.com

ENERGY MANAGER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2019

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NEWS

MANCHESTER UNIVERSITY NHS FOUNDATION TRUST INVESTS £10.9 MILLION IN NEW ENERGY TECHNOLOGY

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ythenshawe Hospital and Withington Community Hospital, part of the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), are set to benefit from a £10.9 million investment in new energy infrastructure.

The investment will see state-of-theart energy technology installed at the two hospitals, which will deliver a combined annual saving of at least half of the energy bill at Wythenshawe and Withington, which will fund the infrastructure investment.

Delivered by Centrica Business Solutions, the project will also reduce annual carbon emissions by 25 per cent – the equivalent to taking more than 780 cars off the road.

The 14-month long project, due to complete in March 2020, will replace lifeexpired infrastructure currently used

by MFT at these two hospital sites.

At Wythenshawe Hospital, the work will include the creation of a new energy centre which will house a combined heat and power (CHP) unit, delivering almost all the power needed to run the hospital, as well as four new high-efficiency boilers. The site will also benefit from an upgraded energy distribution system that will serve 12 primary plant rooms that provide heat to the hospital.

At Withington Community Hospital the project will include the installation of a CHP unit.

Centrica Business Solutions will also install more than 9,200 energy efficient LED lights and control systems across the two sites.

Alan Barlow, UK & Ireland Director of Centrica Business Solutions, said: “This investment will deliver a muchneeded replacement of the ageing and outdated energy systems at two key hospitals in Greater Manchester, helping to unlock energy saving and meet carbon reduction targets.

“Our research shows that if this approach was replicated across just half of the NHS estate the combined saving would be more than £130 million. Not only would it deliver huge cost savings but also improve energy resilience which is essential for patients and staff.”

The project will be delivered under a 15-year Energy Performance Contract with Centrica Business Solutions that will include operations and maintenance support, with backing from Carbon and Energy Fund and Macquarie.

David Furnival, Group Director of Estates at Facilities at MFT said: “For MFT to deliver excellent patient-focused healthcare services, both now and for the future, we need to be sustainable in the use of our resources.

“Sustainable healthcare will help our budgets stretch further and the investment that this programme will deliver; alongside the reduction in our carbon emissions are invaluable. We are pleased to be working in partnership with Centrica Business Solutions to deliver this long-term transformation at two of our hospitals within the Trust.”

Heriot-Watt welcomes new shale gas research

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cientists from Heriot-Watt University have welcomed the findings of research released by Nottingham University and the British Geological Survey which suggests UK shale reserves are significantly smaller than originally estimated. Using a new method for analysing the gas content of shale, the Nottingham-based team claim a more accurate estimate of the overall potential, which is a fraction of previous resource estimates.

Commenting on the research, Professor John Underhill, the academic who first challenged shale reserve estimates in 2017, said: “This research is an important next step in the discussion around the UK’s reliance on shale gas extraction as a solution to our current energy crisis. In 2017, our research revealed that the UK’s geology is unlikely to be suitable for hydraulic fracturing because the uplift and faulted structure of the basins are detrimental to its ultimate recovery.

“Since we first released our findings and warned about the impact that geological structure has on shale gas reserves, we have conducted a further two years of detailed subsurface research which have only served to underline the geological challenges faced are far greater than estimated.”

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“While the US shale areas, like the Marcellus, Bakken, Barnett, Wolfcamp and Haynesville plays all lie at present day depths, temperatures and pressures that mean they are ready to expel their oil and gas when fracked, the UK’s geology is different.

“The seismic data and geological map of the UK shows that a significant uplift, tilt and faulting affects the UK, which was initiated by active plate margin forces over 55 million years ago. Areas that were once buried sufficiently deeply with temperatures at which oil and gas maturation occurs, lifted to levels where they are no longer actively generating petroleum. The resultant uplift has also led to the shale gas targets being depressured and highly deformed by folds and faults that cause the shales to be offset and broken up into compartments. This has created pathways that have allowed some of the oil and gas to escape.”

Professor Underhill previously cited the geology of three potential fracking sites to illustrate the issue – the Weald basin in southern England, the

ENERGY MANAGER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2019

Bowland Shale in Lancashire and the West Lothian Oil Shale in Scotland.

The Bowland basin of NW England, on which the Nottingham University study focuses, was a major area of sedimentary deposits in the Lower Carboniferous, (the period between 310 Million and 345 Million years ago) but was subsequently deformed into major folds and transected by reactivated faults.

Other basins believed to contain commercial shale gas, like the Weald Basin of Southern England and the West Lothian Oil Shale in Scotland, were also affected by the uplift and deformation.

The Bowland Basin and Midland Valley of Scotland also went through an additional period of deformation about 290m years ago, which has only compounded their structural complexity.

Professor Underhill concludes: “There is a need to factor this considerable and fundamental geological uncertainty into the economic equation. It would be extremely unwise to rely on shale gas to ride to the rescue of the UK’s gas needs only to discover that we’re 55 million years too late.”

NEWS

CLIMATE CHANGE ACTION PLAN City of York Council’s full council declared a climate emergency in March 2019, and agreed to set a target to become net carbon neutral by 2030.

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report is now being taken to the council’s Executive to provide an update on the next steps to progress the climate change action plan.

Following the climate emergency declaration, a new cross-party climate change policy and scrutiny committee was created to help develop the climate change action plan. Its first meeting will take place in September (and every other month after that).

The council is in the process of recruiting officers to two new posts to address sustainability and climate change to support on this work.

Cllr Paula Widdowson, Executive Member for Environment and Climate Change at City of York Council, said:

“The science regarding climate change is compelling and we all have a responsibility to take positive action. In York we are committed to delivering actions that are affordable and that will make a real difference.”

Cllr Andy D’Agorne, Executive Member for Transport at City of York Council, said: “York has a proud history of taking action, and this declaration means that hard choices must be made in order to make significant year-onyear reductions for CO2 emissions.

“Alongside these decisions come opportunities for job creation in the renewables and insulation sector, and for reduced energy costs.

“We welcome this report and the actions which have already been taken to appoint a climate change lead and a cross-party climate change policy and scrutiny committee.”

York has a strong history of taking the lead on reducing carbon useage, including: • £2m programme of LED street lighting; • Solar PV installed on 541 council houses;

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Air source heat pumps installed in 57 council houses; A programme of cavity wall and loft insulation across the council’s housing stock; Work with private tenants and homeowners to draw on funding from Government and regional programmes for improved energy efficiency and delivered through Better Homes Yorkshire; Plans to use an innovative watersource heat pump for heating the redeveloped Guildhall complex; Council support for the Treemendous initiative to plant 50,000 trees in York; Investment in improvements to cycling infrastructure including the recent opening of the Scarborough Bridge cycle route and promotion of cycling - including achieving Cycling City status; The i-Travel programme which includes active promotion of walking, cycling and sustainable travel options to groups and individuals.

THREE TIPS FOR OVERCOMING FLUEING CHALLENGES FOR CASCADE HEATING SYSTEMS

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eating systems installed in cascade are fast becoming the go-to choice for buildings with significant heat demand that need to deliver this heat efficiently and from a small plant room. While cascade heating systems have several benefits for a variety of applications, how do you flue these systems correctly? Andy Green, Technical Director at Potterton Commercial, offers three practical tips for overcoming flueing challenges for modern condensing boilers installed in cascade arrangements.

1. Read up on legal requirements.

With any heating installation, there are regulations and standards that need to be adhered to. In the case of flueing, the Clean Air Act and IGEM/ UP/10 are two key areas that commercial heating engineers should familiarise themselves with. For example, IGEM/UP/10 sets out guidelines for the installation of a range of flued gas appliances, covering the likes of ventilation, flue sizing and the height and location of flue

terminations.

As part of the IGEM/UP/10 documentation, installers can complete risk assessments to gauge whether their installations are compliant or not.

2. Apply additional accessories.

Many boiler manufacturers will offer a series of additional flueing accessories to provide extra support with the installation of cascaded heating systems, from cascade flue header kits to external flue kits. What’s great for commercial heating engineers is that these additional accessories have been designed to work specifically with their heating systems in mind.

3. Talk to the experts.

With so much detail to navigate

when it comes to the flueing requirements and options for commercial heating systems, installers should seek the advice of a flue specialist when they’re approaching a cascade of flues.

These specialists will be able to help with the design of a reliable flue system that is safe and compliant with all standards and regulations. www.pottertoncommercial.co.uk

ENERGY MANAGER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2019

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OPINION

PROFESSIONAL COMPETANCE

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hile I was with British Gas as a trainer I used to talk about the need for professional competence and used to talk about being as skilled as a responsible member of the profession with the line “you don’t have to wear your underpants outside your trousers” Well things are even more complicated now and we thought a quick review of legislation might help.

leased it is required to have an EPC produced based on the installed equipment and the building fabric it details the potential energy efficiency of the building. In Scotland they are annual and nearer to the DEC (below)

CLIMATE CHANGE LEVY

MINIMUM ENERGY EFFICIENCY STANDARDS

A tax paid on bills currently at a rate of 0.583 p/kWh for Electricity and 0.339 p/kWh for Mains Gas

CRC ENERGY EFFICIENCY SCHEME A scheme making customers using more than 500,000 kWh of Half Hourly Metered Electricity report on and pay for ALL their Carbon Emissions.

Scheme finished on 1st April 2019

STREAMLINE ENERGY AND CARBON REPORTING (SECR) A mandatory scheme requiring large customers to report on their Energy Consumption and Carbon Emissions from all sources including transport.

ENERGY SAVINGS OPPORTUNITY SCHEME (ESOS) A mandatory scheme requiring large customers to present a report every four years (next due Dec 2019) detailing ALL energy use and recommendations for saving projects.

Must be signed by an ESOS Lead Assessor and a Main Board Director.

ISO EN BS 50001 This voluntary standard allows exemption from ESOS but requires “Continual Improvement” in Energy Efficiency

MANDATORY GREEN HOUSE GAS REPORTING All UK Listed Companies (on the Stock Exchange or similar) are required to include in their Annual Report a calculation of their Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions – This is in addition to CSR Reporting.

ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATES (EPC) Whenever a building is sold or

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DISPLAY ENERGY CERTIFICATE (DEC) Required annually by all public buildings it uses bill data to rate the previous year’s performance more

To improve the standard of existing buildings it is now illegal to create a new lease or rental agreement for some buildings with an EPC below D – this will increase in scope and standard. more

TM44 AIR CONDITIONING INSPECTIONS Larger Air Conditioning Systems require an annual inspection and report on ways to improve efficiency.

MEDIUM COMBUSTION PLANT DIRECTIVE Recently passed legislation that requires registration of and limits the emissions of any plant burning any fossil fuel (and biomass) with a rating of greater than 1 MW of heat.

EU EMISSIONS TRADING SCHEME This has been in operation since 2005 and requires participation by sites with combustion plant with ratings over 20MW, accurately recording consumption and trading of Carbon Allowances. It is anticipated to continue in some form if a Brexit occurs even if this is without a deal.

HEAT NETWORK REGULATIONS These regulations are intended to manage the operation of District Heating Schemes and require registration, accurate billing of consumers and promote the use of heat meters so billing is on the basis of actual rather than estimated usage.

Andy Clarke (Kent) Energy Manager The Energy Check, Vice President UKAEE and Chair NE Branch EI in September 2018 but the suppliers continue to provide the service. OFGEM have ruled that charging the end user for this is not allowed while suspended (Feb 2019)

DEMAND SIDE RESPONSE Similar to the Capacity Market (above) it is possible to receive payments for being able to reduce load or provide electricity to the grid by generation or battery storage.

CHARTERED ENGINEER Someone accredited by the Engineering Council as a competent engineer able to operate in their chosen field in the UK

CHARTERED ENERGY ENGINEER Someone accredited by the Energy Institute as a competent Engineer in the Energy Arena – they will also be a Chartered Engineer as above.

CHARTERED ENVIRONMENTALIST Someone confirmed by the Society for the Environment as having professional competence in the environmental sphere.

May also be a member of IEMA or EI.

CHARTERED ENERGY MANAGER A person who has been assessed by the Energy Institute as holding all the competencies of a modern Energy Manager, including Business, financial and Engineering skills. This gives ESOS Lead Assessor accreditation.

RECOGNISED ENERGY MANAGER Examined by the Energy Managers Association as having the appropriate abilities for an Energy Manager

CERTIFIED ENERGY MANAGER Trained and examined by the Association of Energy Engineers as possessing the body of knowledge and experience to be an effective energy manager. This also gives ESOS Lead Assessor status.

CERTIFIED ENERGY AUDITOR Trained and Assessed by the Association of Energy Engineers to produce accurate Energy Audits- this also provides ESOS Lead Assessor Status.

CAPACITY MECHANISM

LOW CARBON CONSULTANT

To support the network when under stress National Grid instigated a capacity market whereby it paid organisations to generate electricity or decrease demand on request. Because of irregularities the market was suspended

Accredited by CIBSE as a competent professional- this may also provide Lead Assessor qualification All in all rather a lot to remember for all those superheroes known as Energy Managers – now where is the nearest phone box?

ENERGY MANAGER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2019

OPINION

HOW CAN WE AVOID FUTURE BLACKOUTS? David Middleton – Head of Commercial Delivery – Origami Energy

A

s we continue to close large coal, gas, and nuclear power stations, the amount of inertia on the grid is reducing. Inertia is the ability of large synchronous generators, which have rotating shafts, to overcome the immediate imbalance between power supply and demand.

We need to replace the inertia on the grid that is being lost through the closure or mothballing of large generating units. While some new power stations are being constructed, progress is slow and it will take time (partly due to the changing investment landscape). In the meantime, National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO) should consider purchasing more frequency response to enable the system to recover from major frequency deviations quickly and reliably.

Frequency response is a demand response mechanism that enables demand to be rapidly adjusted on the grid in response to changes in grid frequency. The ESO purchases frequency response through tender and the level varies by time of day and day of week. Increasing frequency response capacity can be achieved quickly.

We also need more energy assets that can provide fast response from storage (batteries and hydro) and quickly turning demand (large plant) on or off to balance frequency supported by real-time visibility and control.

“Another option is to increase the threshold before distributed generation protection operates. This has been discussed for some years and is in progress, but due to its cost the implementation will not be quick.

• • •

•

Combined loss ~1,320MW which dropped frequency to 48.914Hz. Information suggests these were coincidental and unrelated issues.

At very low frequency levels, there is automatic load disconnection to protect the system and help to restore frequency to normal levels.

The system was operating normally at a grid level within ~15 minutes.

WAS THIS UNIQUE? • •

•

No. A similar problem occurred on 27 May 2008 when 0.5M people were off supply when Sizewell B (nuclear, Suffolk) tripped 2 minutes after a Longannet (coal, Fife) tripped and the system lost 1510 MW of generation. See https://www.theguardian. com/business/2008/may/28/ power. There were a number of distributed generators that tripped in the Liverpool / Manchester area which caused local issues due to their protection relays operating (see below).

And these problems will almost certainly happen again and may happen perhaps more often as distributed generation increases and proliferates

WHAT CAUSED THE ISSUE? •

•

The issue was the amount of generation that tripped, NOT the technologies involved.

Just before teatime peak last Friday, Little Barford (gas station) tripped whilst exporting ~670MW and two minutes later Hornsea (offshore wind farm) tripped, exporting ~650MW.

www.energymanagermagazine.co.uk

WHY WERE THERE WIDESPREAD ISSUES? •

There were customers off supply around England and Wales.

• This is likely to have happened as a result of the following; ○○ automatic load disconnection due to very low frequency levels to protect the system and help to restore frequency to normal levels; ○○ tripping of distributed generation that can export to the network. This is protected with relays which will self-disconnect generation to protect the generation if either the absolute frequency drops below a threshold level or the rate of change of frequency is greater than a (different) threshold level. ○○ The reliability of the network means that many organisations have standby generation and some companies that do may have had failures to respond.

For more information about Origami visit: www.origamienergy.com

To receive EM Magazine FREE of charge, please visit:

energymanagermagazine.co.uk/ subscribe ENERGY MANAGER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2019

13

OPINION

HOW CAN BUSINESSES REDUCE THEIR CARBON FOOTPRINT? Nic Redfern, Finance Director, KnowYourMoney.co.uk

O

ver the last decade, attitudes towards the environment have changed; governments, businesses and consumers have all generally accepted the responsibility of taking environmental concerns into their own hands and playing their part to help save the planet’s precious resources.

This is particularly true in business, where this responsibility is often driven not only by climate change legislation, but also by pressure from customers and stakeholders to be environmentally conscious. According to a global survey by Nielson, 81% of consumers feel strongly that companies should actively help to improve the environment.

There is no benchmark for how large a company has to be in order to have a positive impact on the environment, however.

Startups and SMEs all have an important role to play in reducing their carbon emissions and lowering their carbon footprint. What’s more, adopting greener work ethics isn’t just good for the environment – it can also help businesses cut their expenditure and improve their cost-efficiency.

WHAT IS A ‘CARBON FOOTPRINT’ The term has been used feverishly in recent years, but what do we mean when we talk about a business’ carbon footprint? To use its widely-accepted meaning, a carbon footprint is the best estimate of the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced to directly and indirectly operate a business.

Businesses, however, come in all shapes and sizes – from manufacturing companies to legal firms, there is a wide variation in what the term means in a practical sense. Those offering a product will likely need to assess the emissions produced in the process of its manufacturing.

Meanwhile, services-based businesses like legal firms should look inwards to see how their daily operations, such as electricity consumption, are affecting the environment.

The scope for lowering a carbon footprint is wide in each instance, and below I have outlined some general practices that can be adopted by companies regardless of what sector they’re based in.

ENERGY MANAGEMENT Wasteful energy use causes pollution that could be easily avoided, particularly through increased CO2 emissions. All businesses should be therefore be exploring effective energy management solutions to reduce their carbon footprint, not least because there is significant

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potential to both save energy and reduce costs.

Effective energy management includes everything from procurement to usage and monitoring, so it’s important to have an energy management in place to determine how energy usage will be managed throughout an organisation. The Low Carbon Hierarchy, as advocated by the Carbon Trust, can give businesses an idea of how to make effective changes – the third step, carbon offsetting, is better reserved for larger companies, but the first two principles can easily be implemented by startups and SMEs.

TWO KEY PRINCIPLES: REDUCE AND REPLACE The first step is to reduce energy consumption by cutting down usage and putting energy efficiency measures in place.

This involves tackling wasteful behaviours and investing in technology upgrades. What this means in practice can vary between businesses, but it comes down to small changes in behaviour; for instance, switching off appliances that are not in use (rather than leaving items such as computers running on standby mode), and using energy-efficient lightbulbs.

The following step is to replace fossil fuels with renewable energy, or if this is beyond reach, simply switching to cleaner energy providers. Indeed, lowering a carbon footprint doesn’t have to be overly complicated – a number of leading energy providers like E.On offer renewable energy solutions that are easy to transfer to. Utilising the help of comparison websites allows businesses to explore their options, compare tariffs, and choose a provider that meets their needs.

Even better, many of these are backed

by REGO – or Renewable Energy Guarantee of Origin – certificates, which guarantees that the origin of the energy supplied is renewably resourced and leaves businesses in no doubt that they are doing their part for the environment. And not only can businesses find tailored energy solutions, they also stand to benefit from cost savings by switching to cheaper alternatives.

MAKE THE MOST OF TECHNOLOGY In a similar vein, it can be helpful to explore how readily available technology can be used to drive down carbon emissions.

The rise of technological innovations means that businesses can lower their carbon footprint through minimal effort. The key is to spread awareness about environmentally damaging business practices and promote

ENERGY MANAGER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2019

alternative solutions that are less harmful to the planet.

THE BENEFITS OF CLOUD COMPUTING To offer an example, many employees might be unaware that their daily consumption of paper translates to environmental damage, but the fact that the pulp, paper and print industry accounts for 3.1% of Europe’s total energy consumption should offer some indication of the harm it can cause.

The advent of cloud computing is a natural solution to this problem; instead of printing out hard copies of documents and keeping physical notes, businesses are encouraged to utilise the many benefits of storing data in computerised management systems. Beyond reducing reliance on paper records, cloud computing also offers convenience and cost reductions – documents can be accessed by employees from their personal laptops and smartphones, from any location and at any time. What’s more, it reduces the need to purchase resources like ink and paper.

RECONSIDER YOUR TRAVEL Cloud computing has also paved the way to a new phenomenon – remote working.

The ability to access information remotely means that employees can conduct their daily tasks from home, without it having an impact on their productivity or quality of work.

But how does this relate to carbon emissions? Working remotely means that employees don’t necessarily have to commute to and from work every day, cutting down their use of cars and public transport. Indeed, it’s very easy to overlook indirect contributions to carbon emissions beyond the remit of the office walls, but behaviours like this have a big role to play in contributing to pollution.

Xerox recently experimented with the power of this new-found connectivity to drive down the business’ greenhouse gas emissions.

It designed a Virtual Workplace Programme to both run a productive company and help protect the environment. The result was an emissions reduction of 40,894 metric tonnes by encouraging 11% of its workforce to take the opportunity to work from home full time.

As a more general point, I would encourage all businesses to think creatively about ways they can leverage technology to make small changes and become greener. After all, the accumulation of minimal changes can together have a dramatic impact on a business’ overall carbon footprint – not to mention saving them money in the long run.

ENERGY MANAGEMENT

BIM: ENABLING ENERGY MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL FOR THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR INTRODUCTION BIM is a key part of the fourth revolution (digitalisation) of the AEC industry and enabling tool for a cleaner and more sustainable build environment.

This has been recognized by the European commission, and a number of H2020 funded Projects including BIMCert are focusing in providing Training frameworks and support in order to upskill the industry.

This article, following previous publications from BIMcert, will continue to hopefully give a summarised insight on how BIM can actively contribute to improve the building stock and make the AEC industry more focused and more effectively achieve sustainability and energy efficiency goals and target, and why upskilling the industry is a key requirement.

WHAT IS BIM Although increasingly more adopted and recognised by the Industry, there are still some who do not fully understand or recognize the significance of BIM in the present and future of the industry.

For those, a simplified explanation: According to NBS “…BIM is a process for creating and managing information on a construction project across the project lifecycle.

One of the key outputs of this process is the Building Information Model, the digital description of every aspect of the built asset….”

We can describe Building Information Modelling (BIM) as a method based in modern digital technology, mainly a 3D model data enriched twin, and associated set of auxiliary tools and processes, that can, among other things, be used to support sustainability trends in the construction sector.

sustainable construction and a skilled energy workforce, is closely connected to the upgrading of the BIM skills of construction professionals.

BIM RECOGNISED

BY EU COMMISSION, THE UN AND OTHER GOVERNMENTS AS ENABLER OF CHANGE AND DE CARBONISATION IN THE AEC INDUSTRY As a sustainable energy supportive technology, BIM is a vital tool for reducing the carbon footprint in the construction sector. BIM is the backbone of the new ‘informed’ way of working in the construction sector, triggered and targeted by digitisation and equipped to manage the ‘full energy content’ of construction. Such is the impact of BIM the European Commission has supported, promoted, and developed several policies and initiatives aiming to foster digitalisation in the construction sector. These include inter alia the Strategy for the sustainable competitiveness of the construction sector and its enterprises (2012), the EU BIM Task Group and the upcoming EU Digital Construction platform.

“By harnessing the capacity of the building sector, many countries can cut emission rates cost-effectively and achieve energy savings of more than 30%, according to the United

Nations Environment Programme”.

Digitisation and the use of BIM in the construction sector are in its infancy in some regions. The digital journey utilising BIM will generate usages and breakthroughs in the knowledge, use, and results achieved through the deployment of sustainable energy skills.

Now is the time for the implementation of digitisation in the construction sector to proactively and effectively reduce the carbon footprint and environmental impact of construction. BIM provides the data for a building’s energy consumption. This data can then be used as information to make informed decisions on how best to manage the entire energy circle of a building.

SOME OF BIM’S CONTRIBUTION WITHIN THE FOUR OF THE ENERGY LIFE CYCLE IN CONSTRUCTION: There are four segments within the Energy life cycle in construction: Potential, Embedded, Operational, and Sustainable energy. These four segments together account for all of the energy used in the complete construction life cycle and are mutually dependent and therefore, cannot be considered separately. Decisions and actions are not mutually exclusive; decisions made within one segment has significant impacts across the entire energy circle.

Continued on page 16...

Using BIM to manage the Energy Cycle in construction

WHY BIM UPSKILLING IS REQUIRED? There are increasing requirements for energy efficiency competencies and applicable skills, resulting from European decarbonisation and sustainable energy long-term strategies.

Therefore, solving the problem of development of skills for sustainable energy, required by the construction sector, and stimulating demand for

ENERGY MANAGER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2019

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ENERGY MANAGEMENT ...Continued from page 15

BIM-based energy modelling provides several benefits including more accurate and complete energy performance analysis in early design stages, improved lifecycle cost analysis, and more opportunities for monitoring actual building performance during the operation phase.

1. POTENTIAL ENERGY – TARGETED DURING THE DESIGN STAGE PLANNING AND DESIGNING Energy savings are planned and targeted during the design phase. It is about utilising BIM tools to possibly reduce the gap between predicted and actual building performance proactively. BIM can be used to model buildings and sequentially perform multiple analysis, enabling energy performance prediction that can be applied to compare design alternatives, allowing for an improved final decision This involves: • Using BIM as an enabler of effective collaboration between design disciplines.

Reducing performance disparity from conception.

The BIM collaboration method and tools allow for a more efficient coordination, avoiding errors and therefore leading to a more efficient construction phase, avoiding wastage and contributing to decarbonisation in the construction phase.

• Utilising BIM tools for fast and accurate processing and comparison of a large number of design alternatives. BIM software, based on the 3D model data enriched model, allows for

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•

•

•

simulations as solar paths, solar gains, thermal behaviour, testing M&E systems. Those, allied to other digital technologies such as cloud computing, and AI and machine learning, are already and will increasingly allow testing and evaluating of several design options until we find the best solution.

The design stage will improve as BIM allows for a better-informed decision by cataloguing and predicting more accurately with a data based process, the future behaviour of the building.

Visualisation of energy loads and performance as a specific advantage of BIM. The BIM tools allows you to analyse the model, enriched with the correct input of data, to calculate and graphically visualise/ represent the loads and performance of the building, allow an easier, clear and more direct interpretation and understanding of design choice and changes on the impact of building performance.

Selection of cost and energy for the most effective design alternative.

Multi-criteria optimization in terms of energy, environment and economy. BIM tools also facilitate quantification (5D) which allied with simulation tools, permit a better informed cost vs performance ratio comparison. That helps make an informed decision about feasibility of design options, as well as compare the predictable energy savings and linked cost saving during the operation

ENERGY MANAGER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2019

•

phase against the investment required in construction phase.

This is of key importance to illustrate that sustainability and energy efficiency are not only environmentally necessary but it can be profitable also.

Tracing the route for the future decades of a building’s optimal service and operational life.

BIM involves a full lifecycle approach in the AEC industry, and the model is a digital twin of the build asset, and BIM simulation tools allow you to establish since the inception/ design phase, a roadmap for the most efficient way to run the building in the future

2. EMBEDDED ENERGY – TARGETED DURING THE CONSTRUCTION STAGE BUILDING BIM is recognized as a tool to support the visualisation of a building’s energy performance, sequence and schedule of construction aimed towards the application of sustainable construction materials and techniques, with minimum waste of energy and materials.

Using the BIM 4D tools ( time scheduling simulation) and 5D ( quantification), these enhanced digital tools allow a more efficient project management in the construction phase, coordinating the works better, reducing construction time, avoiding clashes, planning of delivery of materials to site.

BIM allows you to have a clear idea of the site, how to approach and plan the construction before any work even starts commencing.

Using the 3D BIM model integrated with VR and AR technologies, site work can become more efficient and faster.

BIM based digital design and visualisation permit a better use, planning and site delivery of pre fabrication.

In addition, data rich BIM product catalogues can justify and enable an increased use of local materials.

The use of digital scanning combined with the BIM process, the beauty of the 4th revolution of which BIM is an integral part: digitalisation integrates different digital data inputs and outputs into new digital workflows applied to construction.

For example, in the case of existing building, digital survey allows you to measure key hotspots requiring energy efficient improvements. BIM design can to help simulate and predict how to improve these, and how to implement them during the construction phase.

ENERGY MANAGEMENT During and after construction this can be re-measured reusing the digital scanning techniques and comparing the BIM model data to verify and reduce the gap between predicted design performance and built performance.

If we account all this, it becomes evident that reduction of waste, for example carbon footprint of material transport and extra material required in case of clashes and amendment, and reduction of surplus energy spent in installation and construction is better achieved using BIM tools, as well as improving construction quality, and bringing closer predicted and actual energy performance in buildings.

3. OPERATIONAL ENERGY – TARGETED DURING THE OPERATION/ SERVICE STAGE OPERATE Energy savings achieved through the building operation stage –are monitored and managed continually with lessons learned fed back to design teams for future projects. The practicality of implementing BIM is evident as it assists performance management through effective data management in building operations by supporting the interlinking of data environments (BIM supported Energy Management System of Buildings). Effective energy management reduces energy consumed while maintaining occupants’ health, safety, and comfort conditions. BIM is utilised to improve existing processes aimed towards sustainable usage of energy. Smart buildings and smart buildings’ usage are combined. Digital sensors and the meters platform is compiled to the building’s BIM digital model. The engagement of wider public stakeholders (occupants and users) into a standard action of improving buildings’ energy performance is essential.

4. SUSTAINABLE ENERGY TARGETED DURING THE END-OF-LIFE Connected with the 3 phases above, BIM is a potential method to enable an easier way of achieving energy savings through the lifetime of the buildingSmart decisions made in the early design stage of construction, including the selection of materials with high recyclability and least carbon footprint when demolished are part of not only reducing the embedded energy content of a building ( construction), but makes buildings more

sustainable ( re-use of materials).

BIM as a tool closing the loop of energy and materials in a building life cycle is the target. Finis coronat opus.

Energy for demolition or recycle / reuse is a constitutive part of the life cycle energy of a building and, although in less amount, can still have a significant contribution to the overall environmental performance.

All materials and products especially those with high insulation properties may require substantial energy and carbon effects for recycling or disposal. EPDs (environmental product declarations) of building envelope materials are incorporated as nongraphic information in the BIM model and used by various stakeholders and professionals in the supply chain.

In the near future, BIM models with help of AI prediction can integrate in design future use and re use of building, allowing easier changes of use and refurbishment processes, reducing the energy requirements for demolition and material use connected with new builds.

There is a huge amount of building stock available already, BIM can be used to analyse and find effective and feasible ways to re-use those building without the need of new builds.

Simulation of energy performance using digital technology- BIM models and simulation - can further help justify via data facts, the use of renewable energy systems, convincing the most sceptical, and enable further its implementation.

CONCLUSION As we move forward, there is a need for construction techniques, policy formulation and policy implementation to be integrated into a balanced and coherent system delivering sustainability across the entire construction supply chain.

In the EU, Energy Roadmap 2050 BIM is the most effective supportive technology for: sustainable energy, reducing carbon footprint and increasing the energy efficiency in the construction sector.

However, BIM is a tool. BIM is only an enabler. Digital environment is a medium.

It’s people, professionals, that can make and implement the change. A tool is only as good as its operator.

Considering the importance of Digitalisation, and within it, the role of BIM, as the new modus operandi of the AEC industry, and as its the key method to help the industry achieve the energy efficiency and de-carbonisation targets required to tackle the existing crisis and threat of climate change, upskilling

the industry professional operating in this new reality is paramount!

How to facilitate this upskilling and qualification of the industry professional, additionally to current offering and beyond the traditional academic offering ( which most of the time is not a suitable pathway for existing professionals) ?

The H2020 BIMcert Project is working towards offering a suitable solution.

For more information visit: https://energybimcert.eu/ The BIMcert project is developing an learning framework and associated material based upon a system thinking approach, which will deliver better results in energy efficiency than traditional methods.

This is a holistic methodological approach, based in training the industry from the ground up: • starting with BIM awareness and impact on AEC industry efficiency and benefits; • principles of BIM collaboration to help the various stakeholders to become less fragmented; • essential It and digital skills to integrate professional in this digital framework ( specially blue collars); • covering more specific subjects aimed to specific construction roles, pairing BIM skills with role requirements ( eg. 3D modeling, 3D authoring for designers and 6D BIM simulation for designers, 4D BIM for contractors, project managers; etc…); • All the training and subjects are encompassed and interlinked within a sustainable environmental approach and context.

Training is broken down into bite sized information, in order to facilitate progressive upskilling of the industry, suitable for blue collar workers to white collar and management. Its planned to be delivered via blended methods, further facilitating the adoption by professional and SME’s that operate in an already time and budget tight context.

BIMcert is ensuring that the construction sector has the data and tools to operate in a more ‘informed’ way to optimize construction through comprehensive deployment of sustainable energy skills.

BIMcert project team.

ENERGY MANAGER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2019

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MONITORING & METERING

METREG TECHNOLOGIES FISCAL AND NON-FISCAL, HIGH-PRECISION GAS METERS

M

etreg Technologies offers a complete product range for fiscal and non-fiscal gas measurement for industrial and commercial applications. Metreg measuring devices stand out thanks to their high precision and robust design with each meter being individually calibrated and tested to approved and international standards on traceable flow and pressure test benches.

The different types of Metreg gas meter can all be fitted with various low, medium and high-frequency pulse outputs. All devices can be connected to various electronic ancillary devices such as Electronic Volume Converters (EVC’s) remote ATEX flow displays, data loggers and data telemetry devices for monitoring and reporting.

MTM TURBINE GAS METER - MID & OIML APPROVED MTM Flanged Gas Turbine Flow Meters have Approvals to MID Class 1 (DIN EN 12261:2002) OIML R137-1&2: 2012, PED (PED 97/23/EG). The MTM Gas Meter is suitable for installation in hazardous areas of Category 2 (Zone 1) II 2 G c IIC T4 X. MTM Gas turbine flow meters are ideal for commercial metering and custody transfer measurement applications, suitable for measuring natural gas in pipe sizes from DN50 up to DN300 and larger.

The flexible measuring cartridge of the MTM turbine meter is exchangeable for different pressure housing designs. It can be calibrated in each diameter size to the different G-ratings. Operating pressures up to 100 bar and a volume flow rates of 5 m3/h up to 6500 m3/h depending on the different meter sizes at operating conditions. Available with a choice of flanges, these robust flow meter models have an Aluminium rotor and body made of anodized high strength Aluminium, Carbon Steel or a welded steel construction dependant on size and spec. A Low frequency pulse is included as standard with HF and multiple pulse options for remote monitoring, data recording and linking with Building Management Systems (BMS) as well as with our MID approved (EVC) gas volume correctors and Telemetry devices.

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DESIGN STRENGTH The gas flow is narrowed on an annular cross section, is accelerated and is then directed onto the smoothrunning Aluminium rotor. The number of rotations is proportional to the traversed gas volume, the frequency of rotations is proportional to the actual gas flow.

The rotation of the rotor is connected to a speed-reducing gear train and transmitted by a magnetic coupling to the adjustable roller counter mechanism.

The lifetime durability of the MTM turbine meter is very stable due to the large dimensioned high precision ball bearings manufactured in Germany, along with the high precision machining of the body and all moving parts on state of the art machines. After machining, all Aluminium parts, especially the turbine wheel, are hard anodized for reduced friction and higher resistance to mechanical wear and tear or chemical attack.

LOW PRESSURE LOSS The pressure loss of the MTM turbine meter is minimized through a dynamically optimized inlet diffusor, very low manufacturing tolerances and high precision, low friction ball bearings. The

ENERGY MANAGER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2019

optimized flow conditions allow a minimal straight inlet pipe of 2 DN for low level flow disturbances and only 2 DN additional straight inlet pipe length under severely disturbed flow profile according to OIML standards. MTM turbine meter housings are manufactured on a standard basis with raised face (RF) flanges according to DIN/EN 1092-1 or ANSI B 16.5 for class 150/300/600 with a maximum operating pressure of 100 bar/ 10 MPa.

MQM TURBINE METERS (QUANTOMETER) These wafer style Gas turbine flow meters are ideal for commercial and industrial applications for non-fiscal measuring of natural gas in pipe sizes from DN50 up to DN150 and larger.

Offering a range of wafer styles, these aluminium meters are ideal for secondary metering or in-process measurement.

They offer high accuracy and a choice of calibration options. They are mainly used for internal measurements or control tasks. The MQM quantometer is based on the principle of a turbine flow meter. The flow of the gas to be measured causes the turbine rotor to rotate. The gas flow is narrowed on an annular cross section,

MONITORING & METERING is accelerated and directed onto the smooth-running Aluminum rotor. The number of rotations is proportional to the measured gas volume; the frequency of rotations is proportional to the actual gas flow. The rotation of the rotor is connected to a speed reducing gear train and transmitted via a magnetic coupling from the gas pressurized area to the adjustable 8 digit roller counter fitted to the outside of the meter The MQM Gas Meter is suitable for installation in hazardous areas of Category 2 (Zone 1) II 2 G c IIC T4 X. It is designed for flow and volume measurement of non-corrosive and non-aggressive gases like natural gas, nitrogen, air (and other gases on request) in non-custody transfer and process applications. The MQM is available in sizes from DN 25 (1’’) to DN 150 (6’’) with a volume flow rate up to 1600 m3/h depending on meter size.

The lifetime durability of the MQM Quantometer is very stable due to the large dimensioned high precision ball bearings “Made in Germany” along with the high precision machining of the body and all moving parts. All MQM Quantometers are equipped with precision machined Aluminium turbine wheels. After machining all Aluminium parts, especially the turbine wheel, are hard anodized for reduced friction and higher resistance to mechanical wear and tear or chemical attack. In case of contamination or dust in the measured gas it is recommended to install an optional oil lubrication pump for increased operating life. During installation and commissioning a temporary Top Hat or Cone filter should be installed to prevent meter damage.

The Quantometer is a turbine gas meter and registers the actual volume with an eight-digit mechanical roller counter. Utilizing the LF of HF pulser (reed contact) the volume pulse output sensors allow for remote monitoring, data recording and linking with Building Management Systems (BMS) as well as with gas volume correctors (EVC’s) and our ATEX telemetry systems.

MRM ROTARY DISPLACEMENT METER MID & OIML APPROVED The MRM rotary displacement gas flow meter is designed for fiscal metering of natural gas and is approved according to the European requirements of EN12480, MID (2004/22/EG) and OIML R137-1 & 2: 2012. The MRM rotary displacement gas meter is suitable to be installed in hazardous areas of Category

2 (Zone 1) II 2 G c IIC T4 X. The MRM rotary displacement gas meter is suitable for the following gases: Natural gas, town gas, propane, butane, ethylene, air, nitrogen, with further gases on request.

Rotary gas meters are characterized by their very compact design and high accuracy. The MRM rotary meter requires no inlet or outlet straight pipe lengths or flow conditioning and is insensitive to severe gas flow fluctuations (discontinuous operation). The rotary meters MRM are manufactured with large measurement ranges due to the precision machining of the parts and a very reproducible assembly process.

The standard calibrated measurement range for the MRM is 1:50. Extended measurement ranges up to 1:200 are optionally available according to approved and certified measurement ranges as shown in the table.

The MRM rotary gas meters show very stable and reproducible measurement results. The design of the housings and pressure containing parts has been optimized especially for outstanding operation, even under challenging torsional and bending stresses. The meters can withstand more than twice the specified torsional and bending stresses after installation as defined in EN 12480.

The lifetime durability of the MRM rotary gas meter is very stable due to the large dimensioned high precision ball bearings “Made in Germany” along with the high precision machining of the body and all moving parts. After machining all Aluminium parts are hard anodized for reduced friction and higher resistance to mechanical wear and tear or chemical attack.

Utilizing the LF of HF pulser (reed contact) the volume pulse output sensors allow for remote monitoring, data recording and linking with Building Management Systems (BMS) as well as with gas volume correctors (EVC’s) and our ATEX telemetry systems.

Email: mail@bellflowsystems.co.uk or call 01280 817304 for more information on the selection of Metreg gas meters. www.bellflowsystems.co.uk

ENERGY MANAGER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2019

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MONITORING & METERING

MOTORISE YOUR ENERGY SAVINGS It’s almost impossible to think of a business that doesn’t use electric motors. In industry, they power the manufacturing processes, and in virtually every commercial building they drive the systems that provide a comfortable working environment.

Motors also use a lot of energy. According to the Carbon Trust, a 2.2 kW motor typically costs around £2,300 a year to run. This makes energy efficiency of motors a key concern for every business owner and manager, says Julian Grant of Chauvin Arnoux.

I

t’s widely reported that motors consume around half of all electricity used worldwide, and that they account for more than two-thirds of the electricity consumed by industry. The actual figures vary a little according to the source, but that really doesn’t matter. The take-home lesson is that, whatever business you happen to be in, you’re almost certain to be spending a lot of money on electricity to power your motors and, in addition, the energy they consume is adding to your carbon footprint. These are two excellent reasons to look at motor efficiency, but how do you go about it?

Paradoxically, the first step doesn’t even involve identifying the individual motors on your site. Instead, it’s to monitor the electrical supply, ideally using a portable energy logger (PEL). Two important things to look for are voltage imbalance between the phases and poor power factor. A voltage imbalance of just a few percent will reduce the efficiency of every motor on your site, so it’s well worth identifying and correcting.

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The corrective action may, for example, involve redistributing single-phase loads between the phases so that the phases are loaded more equally.

As I dealt with power factor in previous articles, I won’t go into detail here. In summary, the power consumed by a motor (apparent power) is made up of two components: active power and reactive power. You pay for both, but only the real power does useful work. The ratio of the active power to the apparent power is known as the power factor, and the nearer this is to 1.0, the less money you’re spending on useless reactive power.

If a site has a poor power factor, relatively inexpensive equipment can be installed to bring it nearer to 1.0 and cut energy costs. Power factor correction can also be provided for individual motors, although this is usually only worthwhile with large motors, and for groups of motors that usually operate at the same time.

With phase imbalance and power factor out of the way, it’s now time to look at the energy saving opportunities associated with individual motors. Start with your biggest motors first, because this is where you’re likely to be able to make the biggest savings. It will often be worth installing a PEL either temporarily or permanently, as this will provide a lot of useful information. The log will, for example, show exactly when the motor was running, which is important because a good way to waste energy is to leave the motor running when it’s not needed – during tea and lunch breaks, for example.

Data from the PEL will also let you

ENERGY MANAGER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2019

work out whether the motor is oversized.

This is a significant issue because the efficiency of a standard induction motors falls as the load on it decreases and, below about 50% of its maximum loading, its efficiency will be decidedly poor. So, if the log reveals that the motor spends its whole life lightly loaded, it might pay you to fit a smaller replacement.

The PEL, particularly if you leave it in place for a while, will additionally provide you with invaluable baseline data about the power consumed by the motor, which you can later compare with the consumption after you’ve made improvements to make sure that you’re achieving the gains you expected.

Next, look closely at how the motor is controlled. If it has simple start-stop control – that is, it’s either running at full speed or stopped – you may well be able to make big savings by fitting a variable speed drive (VSD), especially if the motor is driving a fan or a pump.

Fan and pump systems have to be designed to cope with worst-case conditions. A fan in a building climatecontrol application must, for example, be able to move enough air to keep the building cool on the hottest day of the year. On every other day of the year, it is shifting too much air and so throttles and dampers are included in the system to reduce the airflow. But with simple start-stop control, the motor still runs at full speed using just as much energy on a cool day as it does on the hottest day!

A much better solution is to fit a VSD so that the speed of the fan is automatically adjusted to give the actual airflow required at any particular

MONITORING & METERING time. Assume that this means the fan runs at 80% of full speed for most of the time (which is by no means unusual), the energy it uses is reduced by 50%! Even if it’s only that 2.2 kW motor mentioned in the introduction, this is a saving in energy costs of over £1,000 per year, so the cost of fitting the VSD will be very soon recovered.

In fact, for those who act quickly, there is even a government incentive for fitting approved VSDs. This is the Enhanced Capital Allowance (ECA) scheme that allows the whole cost of purchasing and installing the VSD to be offset against corporation tax in the year that the work was carried out. Fast action is need, however, as the scheme ends for new product purchases from April 2020. You’ll find more details on the website of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

There’s just space left for a few words about intrinsic motor efficiency.

Motor efficiency is classified in line with the IEC 60034-30 standard that was introduced in 2008 and updated in 2014 as IEC 60034-30-1. The motor efficiency classes are designated IE1, IE2, IE3, IE4 and IE5, with IE1 the least efficient and IE5 the most efficient. All AC induction

motors placed on the market in the EU since 1st January 2017 have had to either meet the requirements of IE3, or of IE2 if they are equipped with a VSD. The motors you already have may be in a lower category, so is it worth replacing them? The answer is almost certainly no. The more efficient motor will cut your energy bills, of course, but probably not by enough to offset the cost of the new motor over a realistic timescale. The situation is somewhat different, however, when a larger motor has failed, and the choice is between having it rewound and replacing it. Each case will need to be decided on its merits, but in these circumstances, installation of a new high-efficiency motor may well be justified. It’s worth noting that such a replacement may be covered by the ECA scheme discussed in relation to VSDs. Just one small word of caution. The vast majority of motors in use today are

induction motors, but to achieve ever higher efficiencies, motor manufacturers are now offering new types, including permanent magnet and reluctance motors. If you are contemplating replacing an older motor with one of these, it is essential to confirm the compatibility of the control system and, if one is fitted, the VSD. Whether you previously knew it or not, a large part of your electricity bill is almost certainly for energy consumed by motors. A little time spent measuring and monitoring the performance of your motor estate can therefore pave the way for very significant savings, which you will be able to quantify and confirm by continuing your monitoring after putting in place your energy saving measures!

And please don’t forget, that if you need further information or advice, Chauvin Arnoux is ready and willing to help. www.chauvin-arnoux.co.uk

ENERGY MANAGER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2019

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MONITORING & METERING

HOW TO IMPROVE ENERGY VISIBILITY FOR HIGHER EFFICIENCY

Public sector organisations may be missing out on opportunities to maximise energy efficiency savings and improve cost and carbon performance because they don’t have clear visibility over their energy consumption, says Ian Hopkins, Director of Centrica Business Solutions. and measurement solutions, organisations can gain a clear understanding of their energy use across multiple sites – right down to individual device level. Hundreds of sensors can be installed within a few hours, leading to full energy visibility without causing any disruption to operations.

IMPROVING OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE

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esearch by Centrica Business Solutions shows that less than a quarter of organisations monitor energy use continuously, with most saying they only measure usage annually or even less frequently.

If you don’t know precisely how, when and where energy is being used across your sites, it is almost impossible to pinpoint exactly where waste is occurring. How can you understand where your energy costs really lie, or the best opportunities to make savings?

ADVANCED ANALYTICS The most energy efficient organisations understand the importance of collecting and analysing energy consumption data.

The best performers use advanced software analytics to gain deeper energy insights by taking their energy intelligence gathering beyond the meter. In this way they can find out exactly how energy intensive processes and equipment are using energy and unlock greater value from these assets.

This advanced analytics approach involves attaching wireless sensors to equipment and linking these up to an online analytics platform using Internet of Things (IoT) technology. The resulting data can provide real-time, granular visibility of power use and easy-to-digest insights into how processes and assets are performing.

By deploying advanced energy monitoring

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Energy monitoring software helps public bodies to identify consumption anomalies that can indicate energy waste and problems with operational performance. In fact, identifying problems with operational efficiency can be the most significant benefit.

It can quickly identify hidden weaknesses in operational processes and equipment faults because irregular energy consumption patterns can be symptomatic of difficult to detect problems and performance issues.

Managers can make use of energy intelligence to make adjustments, repairs or corrections to equipment or systems. This can reduce downtime, improve flexibility and boost productivity. It can sometimes provide opportunities to spot potential equipment failures before they happen, thus avoiding disruption and cost.

Advanced energy analytics also reveals areas where energy is being wasted, particularly during downtime in the evening or over weekends. If non-essential equipment is being used when a site is not in operation, it is easy to find the source of the problem.

By gaining deeper insights into energy wastage and operational performance issues, organisations can often achieve a rapid payback on the monitoring technology and benefit from the ongoing savings.

INFORMING ENERGY SAVINGS Another powerful reason for advanced energy monitoring is to inform higher-

ENERGY MANAGER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2019

level energy efficiency improvements that go beyond ‘quick-win’ saving measures towards more sophisticated methods of demand reduction. Once an organisation has built a clear picture of energy use and priorities, it becomes easier to create an accurate and convincing case for new capital investments.

For those organisations that are looking to shift their energy usage from the grid to lower carbon, more affordable and resilient supplies, gaining a deeper insight into energy consumption is an essential first step. Combined heat and power (CHP), solar photovoltaic systems and battery storage can often provide a rapid return on investment for the right sites, but senior leaders must be able to make an informed decision and base equipment sizing and specification on accurate energy consumption figures.

It’s often said that “if you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it”. In the case of energy, you can’t properly control it either, which is why it’s so important to gain full visibility of energy performance and ensure that advanced monitoring and metering strategies sit at the heart of your energy strategy.

The benefits of enhanced energy insights are multiple, including: • Revealing energy insights you can act on to improve performance • Understanding exactly how, when and where energy is being used and how to reduce waste • Optimising your operational efficiency and reducing business risk • Improving productivity • Unlocking value from your energy assets • Analysing asset performance and informing maintenance strategies • Informing end-to-end energy management strategies and investment Further information: www.centricabusinesssolutions.com

MONITORING & METERING

THE RULES ON OFFICE TEMPERATURE – AND HOW SMART SENSORS CAN HELP YOU COMPLY WITH THEM

There are few issues that divide the occupants of an office more than its temperature. As the mercury rises outside, so do the number of arguments about the air-conditioning, with someone always too hot or too cold. High temperatures can also have an impact on productivity and motivation. Keeping everyone happy is tricky, but there are things you can do to ensure you’re getting it right.

Smart sensor technology, connected to the Internet of Things (IoT) can help you see accurate, real-time, data from across your estate at the touch of a button, enabling changes to be made quickly – and improving energy efficiency.

This article looks at the legal requirements for office temperature in the UK and how using smart technology could help keep your workspaces comfortable all summer long.

WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE FOR AN OFFICE? There is no legal maximum office temperature in the UK. Guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) says that workplaces should aim to be no cooler than 16C, or 13C if much of the work involves “rigorous effort”, but there is no guidance for top temperature. This is due to the very high temperatures that can be found in workplaces such as kitchens and foundries, where it would not be reasonable, or possible, to expect them to be cool.

The HSE website also states that ‘thermal comfort’ is about more than just the ambient temperature in the room and that employers should also look at other factors including humidity, radiant temperature from any equipment in the room and air velocity.

You can download a useful thermal comfort checklist from the HSE website that can help you to decide what action you need to take. (http://www.hse. gov.uk/temperature/assets/docs/ thermal-comfort-checklist.pdf)

HOW HOT DOES AN OFFICE HAVE TO BE BEFORE AN EMPLOYEE CAN COMPLAIN? Whilst there is no specific temperature set out in law, the Workplace (Health,

Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 state that the temperature in any workplace must be “reasonable”. This is open to interpretation but if significant numbers of staff are complaining about the temperature it is the duty of an employer to look at rectifying the problem.

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) have called for regulations to be changed so that people can stop working if their office reaches a maximum temperature of 30C, and advised that employers should aim to keep workplace temperatures lower than 24C.

HOW CAN SMART TECHNOLOGY HELP WITH WORKPLACE TEMPERATURE CONTROL? Most workplaces will have some kind of air-conditioning system in place to help keep temperatures under control, but often these operate in isolation, with individual users often able to turn temperature controls up and down multiple times throughout the day.

Smart technology enables a more efficient approach to office comfort.

Using individual sensors to monitor not just temperature but the other important indicators defined by the HSE – like humidity and CO2 levels – means facilities managers can see real-time information from across their entire estate and make instant changes accordingly.

Smart sensors are small devices that can be attached to walls, ceilings, doors, windows or machines. They are part of the Internet of Things (IoT) and send information on a range of climate indicators directly to cloud-based systems like IBM Watson or Microsoft Azure, giving an instant overview of the situation and enabling you to see areas that are too hot or too cool or that have high humidity levels.

Using these sensors can help to not only control things like air conditioning, but also monitor which times of the day areas are becoming too hot, enabling simple steps to be taken like keeping blinds closed in the morning or moving desks away from warmer areas of the workspace.

Sensors like CT clamps – which affix to cables and measure the AC current flowing through them – can also be useful to help spot issues like overheating machinery or faulty equipment,, which can all contribute to increasing the temperature of a workspace.

Whichever sensors you choose you will benefit from instant, accurate data, which means changes can be made quickly, reducing the likelihood of staff suffering adverse effects from heat, and increasing their comfort and satisfaction in the workplace.

They can also have the added bonus of helping to make significant reductions in the amount of energy used. https://www.pressac.com/contact/.

ENERGY MANAGER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2019

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ENERGY SUPPLY

WHAT FUTURE ENERGY SCENARIOS 2019 MEANS FOR BUSINESS

As society strives towards the goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, it is imperative that businesses take immediate action if that goal is to come to fruition. Here Kayte O’Neill, Head of Strategy and Regulation at the Electricity System Operator, discusses what the findings of the 2019 Future Energy Scenarios report mean for businesses and industry.

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ndustrial and commercial businesses currently account for roughly 25 per cent of all gas used in Great Britain and about 60 per cent of electricity. Most of the demand comes from heating and lighting buildings as well as running industrial processes. The industrial and commercial sector is also currently responsible for about 30 per cent of total UK greenhouse emissions.

Therefore, it is imperative that businesses lead the way in the decarbonisation and decentralisation of energy if the UK is to meet the goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The 2019 Future Energy Scenarios (FES) report from National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO) comprehensively outlines several credible energy scenarios, including a pathway for the UK to meet its ambition of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. If that goal is to be reached, then it requires immediate action across all key technologies and policy areas.

HEAT DECARBONISATION Heat decarbonisation pathways can be uncertain and vary from one region to another.

However, there are clear, urgent no regret actions to be taken that are common across all scenarios.

Businesses can take immediate steps to decarbonise heat, such as improving the thermal efficiency of buildings, raising the efficiency standards of appliances and working to increase the adoption of heat pumps.

DECENTRALISATION OF ENERGY Decentralising energy creates closer links between sources of energy supply and demand via local networks. Electric vehicles (EVs) have a key role to play in the decentralisation of energy in the future, and as such they are a focus area in the 2019 FES report. One way of using EVs to decentralise energy is by adopting vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology.

V2G technology allows electric vehicle batteries to supply power to, or take it from, the electricity network. This gives the potential to help balance the electricity system at times of high demand or generation and provide operability services to network operators. This process may be managed by an aggregator, who would

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likely have large portfolios of vehicles contracted to deliver this capability.

Fundamentally, this technology offers three key benefits for business.

The first is the ability to be in control of one’s own energy supply, allowing for greater efficiency and control. The second is the financial benefit that can come from charging vehicles during off-peak electricity time and sending this power back to the grid when demand is high. Thirdly, V2G technology can actively support the decarbonisation of electricity which in turn lowers the carbon footprint of the business.

DIGITALISATION OF SYSTEMS Adopting a whole system view across electricity, gas, heat and transport systems is vital to transforming the energy sector into one which is sustainable. Widespread digitalisation and data sharing are fundamental to harnessing the interactions between these key systems, which we have outlined in FES 2019.

The number of interactions between gas and electricity networks will increase

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compared to current levels, with gas-fired generation providing more flexibility and the creation of new interfaces from the development of hybrid heat systems.

Therefore, digitalisation is needed to provide visibility and enable optimisation of the entire energy system. This needs to be done in a way that enables data to be shared between decision makers across the different interdependent systems such as gas, electricity and transport.

As businesses take more control over their own energy supply, they will inevitably by more conscious of the interactions across the different sections.

As such, having an increased level or transparency between the different systems will help to facilitate this.

While the UK’s goal of operating its energy supply with net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 is an ambitious target, it is achievable. However, it requires immediate action from both industry and policymakers to make it a reality.

To read more about the Future Energy Scenarios 2019 and to find out more about how the energy landscape is changing, visit the National Grid ESO website. https://www.nationalgrideso.com

ENERGY SUPPLY

VIRTUAL POWER PLANTS: WHAT DO THEY HOLD FOR THE FUTURE? Will Vooght, Head of Innovation & Strategy at Tonik Energy

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n a world that is becoming increasingly eco-conscious, many more people are now aware of the impact that their habits are having on our planet, be that through plastic consumption, energy usage or build up of carbon emissions.

To combat that, green energy has for some time become a preferred alternative for those that are more socially aware. Virtual Power Plants are now being introduced across the UK in an attempt to offset the impact and create a more sustainable way of powering our lives and technology is looking to take this one step further.

Currently there is a live governmentfunded trial called Flexibility Responsive Energy Delivery (FRED). The trial’s aim is to demonstrate the real-world potential of a VPP, orchestrating domestic heating and electric vehicle charging, showing that the platform makes it easy for consumers to be flexible with their energy consumption, and improve the efficiency and health of the energy network, too.

WHAT IS A VIRTUAL POWER PLANT (VPP)?

Virtual Power Plants are exactly that, a power plant that operates in the cloud. It is a decentralised power generating unit. To put it simply, it manages the distribution of energy from renewable sources, such as wind farms and solar parks. The power generated is transferred wirelessly through the VPP and connects directly to generators, energy storage systems and energy users.

Traditionally, grid reserve services ensure two main features: that generators are modulating their output to keep the grid within a stable range and that energy users are adaptable to change – both in turn up and turn down and this helps keep both generation and usage in balance - but VPPs can do this much quicker, with better accuracy. The system controlling the VPP keeps track of the grid and reacts with demand much quicker, with a high capacity to make calculated decisions, VPPs can make small changes to accommodate demand, whether that be reducing air conditioning power or making a slight delay to a water pump, it’s these small calculated changes that can prevent power cuts during

peak times and create a more efficient and less consuming power system.

VPPs utilise multiple green energy sources which means they can make the most of conditions across the country where renewable energy might be more accessible, like wind farms by the coast for example, and then harness all of this into a central system for distribution elsewhere.

The system and sources, if utilised in the right way, make this form of managing power up and down our country significantly more appealing to the traditional methods which are often characterised as being powered by non-renewable energy generation.

NON-ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS The ability Virtual Power Plants offer us to take a step into a greener world are unparalleled. But, politically they can provide accessibility to green energy and can push society in a direction that can move towards alleviating fuel poverty for thousands of people across the country.

As it stands, there is somewhat of a monopoly over the energy industry, but with green energy and VPP networks, the power traders involved can utilise live data from the systems to forecast the trade of renewable energy, or harness the power to provide ondemand service to busy networks.

This build up and control of a mass amount of renewable energy means that the output can then be sold wider to other markets. This means with more VPPs and more sources of green power, a decentralised and democratised grid can be formed which can provide energy in a much more accessible way and to more people. Energy users can be grouped and managed - industrial, commercial and residential will all have different demands and usage, and this can be reflected in the way energy is controlled and supplied to them, ultimately impacting the accessibility and price.

The benefit of digital management is that it can learn, adapt and improve.

With more use, the VPP can learn to forecast energy for a reliable output, responding to demand from its network, it can then produce and supply in line with that demand, predicting the

peak times on the grid and reacting accordingly.

With the energy so accessible and clean and with societal pressures and consumers demanding more corporate responsibility, the VPP networks could look like an appealing prospect for industrial sized companies, costs could potentially be lower and energy more efficient. The VPPs potential to benefit big businesses could be the first steps we start to take as a society into a wholly green lifestyle, and more importantly, conscious of our usage, in theory the VPP network should promote a much more conscientious use of energy.

THE FUTURE OF THE VIRTUAL POWER PLANT The benefits that this system provides to the UK and developed societies are undeniable. But, what could they do for developing countries?

According to most recent data that collates number of days per year that establishments experience an electrical outage from a surge of power, the top five are all over 100 days, experiencing almost one third of the year with intermittent power.

The data shows that Bangladesh tops the list with 248.96 days, followed by Albania (194.23) and Lebanon (188.58). The complications that this sort of infrastructure poses are endless, but these countries have unlimited potential in terms of production of green energy, and with the inclusion of a VPP network, these power imbalances could be better controlled and managed. Virtual Power Plants could potentially take these countries in the right direction in terms of development and power supply, living conditions could be improved for millions.

The potential that Virtual Power Plants can offer to society as a whole are clear, it is now a case of putting the environment ahead of corporate greed and allowing society to move in the right direction without barriers, green energy implementation could be the first steps that need taking to developing the world and providing equal living conditions for billions of people, it’s likely to be a long time before this technology starts to impact on such a great and significant level, but if current usage and uptake is a sign, then the future looks bright. www.tonikenergy.com

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DRIVING THE FUTURE

A green travel strategy calls for more than deploying electric vehicles.

Here’s why organisations now need to become cycle-ready. By Liz Hollis.

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lectric vehicles have long been touted as the best solution for cutting emissions. However, a new Government report shows it may be time for a rethink about their primacy in sustainable travel strategies.

With transport responsible for a third of all carbon dioxide emissions1 – the large majority from road transport – companies are under pressure to implement more sustainable travel strategies.

However, new evidence is now forcing businesses to rethink exactly how that travel sustainability might be achieved. Indeed, a new Government report reveals that we need to think beyond even full-scale deployment of electric vehicles (EVs) and start making workplaces more cycle-friendly.

‘The Government should not aim to achieve emissions reductions simply by replacing existing vehicles with lower-emissions versions,’ says the new report from the Science and Technology Select Committee.2 It points out that new technology alone, such as EVs, cannot cut emissions enough to meet the climate change goal of reducing the country’s legally-binding target to cut the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions to zero overall by 2050.

It’s fast becoming clear that merely swapping a company’s existing fleet for cleaner versions, just won’t be enough.

Instead, motorists will need to ditch their cars to meet the emissions targets – opting for cycling, walking, cheap public transport and what the Government is calling ‘vehicle usership’ in place of ownership.

Cycling will become increasingly high on the agenda as Government, councils and businesses continue to look for new types of sustainable transport.

There’s also the added benefit that more people on bikes can improve staff health as well as cutting transport costs.

Initiative and investment have already 1.

2.

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2018 UK Greenhoue Gas Emissions, National Statistics, Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy https://www.gov.uk/ government/collections/final-uk-greenhousegas-emissions-national-statistics https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/ cm201719/cmselect/cmsctech/1454/1454.pdf

improved cycle routes and encouraged more people to use them. However, unless an organisation is prepared this can lead to unintended consequences Paul Jones (left) Chief People Officer at the Norfolk and that highlight the importance of Norwich University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and making an organisation cycle-ready.

Mark Wilson, ESE Direct Sales manager.

At the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) a move A new generation of electric pedalto promote cycling by both the hospital assist bikes for hire in cities across and the local council had paid off. There the UK, especially in London, is likely was a welcome boost in the number of to increase the potential hazards people arriving at the hospital by bike and need for cycling facilities. instead of in their car – but facilities for ESE Direct sales manager Mark coping with them were lagging behind.

Wilson said: “The hospital is a longProject manager at the hospital’s standing customer of ours and is facilities team, Dale Jackson said: keen on promoting cycling, so they “We are encouraging more people to were the obvious choice to donate cycle to the hospital. It is on a cycling these Sheffield Cycle Hoops to route designated by Norwich City when they were going spare.

Council and numbers are steadily “The hospital has an initiative to increasing – especially in summer.” encourage staff to cycle to work so we “However, we needed more offered them to the facilities department places to leave bikes since they were and they were appreciative as it fitted being locked to trees and lamp posts with what they needed on the site.” which is obviously not a good idea The hospital is on a designated as they can block the footpaths.” pedalway – one of seven new bike routes At the NNUH one of the hospital’s across Norwich set up by a £14.1m business supplies companies, ESE Direct, funding project called Cycle City Ambition. which supplies shelves and patient-record Paul Jones, chief people officer at the storage, made a gift to the hospital of 10 Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital cycle stands which were returned stock.

NHS Foundation Trust, officially opened Dale Jackson said the donation the already well-used bike parking facility. was ‘timely’ in the light of the challenge He said: ‘We’re keen to encourage of accommodating the increased cyclists and are delighted to have number of bikes at the hospital. these new cycle parking hoops.’

The donated stands proved such a ESE Direct advises companies hit that 24 more were ordered, funded on products that can help make

by N&N Hospitals Charity. A total of 34 their workplace more cycle friendly, are now in place, which it is hoped will including cycle shelters, changing cut car park queues and costs – as well rooms and locker storage. as ensuring bikes are stored safely. ”There are cycle storage products Disability campaigners are available that can suit every need, from a highlighting the hazard of bikes parked simple wall-mounted cycle rack to vertical randomly on walkways. Many cities hanging racks through to much larger, even have schemes were people can covered cycle shelters,” says Mark Wilson. book and unlock bikes via an app with “With cycling a key part of any some companies allowing bikes to sustainable transport policy, it’s going to be left at random within designated be increasingly important that, as well as parking zones – against trees or promoting bike-use, organisations ensure even in the middle of pavements. they have great facilities for cyclists and

ENERGY MANAGER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2019

Image credit – www.esedirect.co.uk

RETHINKING SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT

DRIVING THE FUTURE

are ready to accommodate them.” www.esedirect.co.uk has put together advice a 10-point guide on how to make a business more cycle-friendly…

1. Ensure bike use is an integral part of any sustainable transport strategy.

2. Provide easy-to-use and secure storage for cycles at the workplace. Ensure the parking is as convenient as possible – as near as possible to the entrance.

3. Provide lockers or a storage area where workers can keep bulky gear, such as cycling helmets, during the day. If it’s raining, cyclists will appreciate having somewhere to hang out their wet outdoor gear to dry while they are at work. It’s so much nicer to cycle home in dry clothes, rather than have to put wet gear back on again at the end of the day. Just a cupboard or a few hooks will do.

4. Changing rooms. Serious cycling can be tough exercise, so if you’ve space cyclists will appreciate somewhere to shower and change into their work clothes. They’ll also be useful for commuters who run to work or go to the gym during their lunchbreak.

5. Encourage a cycling culture.

Cyclists will feel welcome if they know their employer is happy for them to arrive at meetings or in the morning by bike.

6. Run workplace cycling challenges.

This can involve teams or organisations competing to see who can encourage most people to cycle. Lots of cycling organisations run workplace biking challenges you can join up to.

7. Launch a regular cycle-to-work day.

Suggest that people cycle to work, once a week on a nominated day.

8. Start a bike club and encourage a bike-culture. Make cycling sociable and fun by bringing together employees who are interested in cycling and supporting bicycle user groups. Install a cycling noticeboard or send out a regular digital newsletter so that people can find out about national initiatives, cycle schemes or cycle-friendly events happening in your workplace.

9. Supply pool bikes that can be used in preference to pool cars.

10. Explore financial incentives such as the Government’s Cycle to Work scheme which encourages workers to commute by bike.

FIRST OF ITS KIND POP UP EV CHARGING POINT TRIALLED ON UK STREET

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ith a third of UK car owners lacking access to off street parking, the availability of EV charging points is an issue that could stall the uptake of electric vehicles. One organisation in Cheltenham think they have the answer!

Product Design company Duku and sister IP firm, Albright IP have now developed ‘a world’s first’ pop-up EV charge point in collaboration with Urban Electric, which is currently being trialled in a street in Oxford.

“Without access to charging points the electric car revolution could by-pass millions of people, particularly in the inner cities. Ironically this demographic is also one of the most likely to use an electric car, with short commutes into local towns or to train stations. If you can solve this problem, then you open up a huge market opportunity to increase the uptake of EVs in every single town and city.” Explains Andrew Aylesbury, Director, Duku.

With six prototype charge points now installed as part of the project’s pilot stage, Duku has already overcome many of the design challenges which come with a pop-up system.

“The project came with a huge number of challenges, from reducing visual ‘street clutter’ to the shallow depth available below ground. Cities such as Oxford have a lot of historical architecture and utilities under the pavement.” Added Alex Lee, Director, Duku.

“So, minimising the depth below the ground is one of the big challenges. At the same time, it needs to rise up to a certain level to make it accessible for everyone, so we worked hard to miniaturise its components while also creating a charge point that could rise up to 800mm above ground level” With the IP secured and protected by sister company Albright IP, the prototypes have been developed using 3D CAD (Computer Aided Design), detailed mechanical design and a range of Rapid Prototyping techniques including 3D printing and CNC machining.

In addition, a range of sensors to detect obstacles and monitor the performance of the charge point ensure a safe, intelligent design that eliminates the chance of the charge point coming into contact with anything such as a parked car. Safety cut offs also ensure that the charge point does not power up until it detects that a car is connected.

Once retracted into the ground, the

charge points sit completely flush with the pavement, preventing any trip hazards, and are only visible by a ring of light which highlights their position and lets users know of their availability.

“It’s certainly a complex system but overcoming challenges is something the team at Albright IP and Duku are used to. Getting them in the ground is a real milestone for the project and we’re excited to see how they operate.” Added Robert Games, Managing Director, Albright IP. The trial will take place over the next six months and users will be able to book an electric car which has been made available for the period of the pilot.

Once complete, the pilot will allow Duku to verify the reliability of the prototypes and investigate how it fared against daily use, British weather and being installed on a typical UK street. Duku will then review the findings and incorporate improvements within the next development phase which will involve a larger scale roll out as well as introducing an app-based user interface.

The project has been made possible thanks to £474,000 of funding from the Office for Low Emission Vehicles, and administered by Innovate UK, the UK’s innovation agency.

The project has been delivered in partnership with Duku, Urban Electric Networks Ltd and Oxford City Council, who have supported the pilot in response to their proposal to create the world’s first Zero Emissions Zone in 2020.

Video link: https://vimeo.com/355048264 https://www.duku.co.uk/

ENERGY MANAGER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2019

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HEATING

DISPENSE WITH THE KETTLE FOR OPTIMUM WORKPLACE WATER With the need to balance efficiency, productivity and safety in the workplace a common challenge, Roy Marsden at Heatrae Sadia, looks at the benefits of specifying a hot water dispenser over a standard kettle in light commercial environments such as the high-traffic workplace.

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nder the Workplace (Health, Safety & Welfare) Regulations 1992, employers are legally required to provide their employees with easily accessible drinking water that is free from contamination. In reality, whilst not strictly governed by law, it is also assumed that the vast majority of workplaces will feature tea and coffee making facilities.

The most popular choice for providing hot water in the UK is a kettle, and it is not uncommon for offices and other places of work to have several of them in order to meet hot water demand.

However, the technological capabilities of an on-wall boiling water unit ensure that it holds several advantages over its kettle counterpart, in terms of efficiency, productivity, and safety.

EFFICIENCY Depending on the number of employees in an office, there will often be multiple kettles boiling at any one time.

This uses significantly more energy than an on-wall boiler unit, which is capable of supplying hot water to a substantial number of individuals in one go.

For instance, let’s assume that 15 people require a hot drink: a standardsized kettle only holds enough water to fill six mugs, so two and a half kettles will be required to satisfy everyone’s needs. Compare this to an on-wall boiling unit with a capacity of five litres of instantly-available hot water, and the energy credentials of such units become quickly apparent.

The notion of 15 people all wanting a hot drink at once may seem like an unlikely scenario, though anyone who

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has made a drink round for an office will understand the plausibility of the situation. But even in workplaces where demand is more intermittent, an on-wall boiling unit still holds the advantage over a kettle.

This is because, unlike with a kettle, boiling units only use the necessary amount of water. Over-filling is a recurring theme in the use of kettles, as people will regularly fill them to the top, even if they are only making one drink. This means that energy is wasted in heating water that will simply be left to cool down, only to be re-heated again later on. Not only does this have a negative impact on running costs, but there is also research to suggest that twice-boiled water results in a worse cup of tea!

Aside from the tangible savings on energy bills that an on-wall boiling unit can provide, moving away from kettles can also have a positive impact on a building’s BREEAM rating. With efficient flow rates, boiling units can improve the energy credentials of a building, an increasingly important consideration as the demand for sustainable buildings continues to rise.

PRODUCTIVITY The UK’s love affair with tea is well documented, and the number of hot drinks consumed daily is estimated to be around 235 million. Considering the number of hours we spend at work, this amounts to a significant amount of time spent making tea and coffee in the office, which in turn leads to a substantial loss in business income.

Having a boiling water supply

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that is readily available will drastically decrease the time spent waiting for a kettle to boil. This is obviously vital for busy businesses which need to minimise ‘downtime’, but it also provides employees with the peace of mind that they have access to hot drinks, without impacting their productivity.

Another factor in the productivity of a workplace is the design of the space itself. Known as biophilic design, there is a trend towards emphasising our innate connection with nature, and looking at how our surroundings can have an impact on health, wellbeing, and productivity.

When you consider that we spend 90% of our lives indoors, much of that at work, it becomes clear that the office environment must be designed with our health in mind. Over 130 million days are lost to sickness absence every year, and there is increasingly a drive towards improving office spaces to promote a more harmonious working environment.

Alongside exposure to natural light and good air quality, easy access to water is a key determinant in establishing a healthy work environment. Providing employees with a convenient, constant supply of hot water in the form on an on-wall boiling unit contributes to a happier, healthier, and ultimately more productive workforce.

SAFETY Health and safety is a crucial consideration in any business, and the

HEATING

introduction of an on-wall boiling unit can significantly improve an office in this regard. On a very basic level, the removal of trailing leads and wires that are connected to a kettle alleviates the issues of tripping. A cluttered office kitchen can cause a headache for those charged with managing employee safety, and a boiling unit represents an ergonomic alternative.

Additionally, on-wall boiling units are designed to prevent instances of scalding. Whereas kettles are often hot to touch, which can lead to cases of burning if care is not taken, boiling units are insulated in such a way that prevents this from happening.

Furthermore, with an on-wall solution, any steam generated during heat-up is condensed and retained within the unit to prevent against accidental burns or scalding. Moreover, they dispense very hot water safely, by using a push/ pull lever to allow for boiling water to be delivered in a more controlled manner than that of a kettle.

In many cases, boiling units are made from materials which are easy-toclean, and therefore built to prevent the spread of infection – such as stainless steel. This helps to improve hygiene, and ultimately reduce the prevalence of illness in an office. Integrated water conditioners can also help to decrease scaling in hard-water areas.

Finally, kettles are classed as a portable piece of electronic equipment, and are therefore subject to annual PAT testing – a well-known headache for those managing office environments. On-wall boiling units, however, are permanently plumbed and electronically-powered, meaning they are not considered ‘portable’, and are subsequently not governed by this testing.

Overall, an on-wall boiling unit is a superior option to a kettle, capable of delivering a supply of boiling water to workplaces efficiently and safely. In turn, this helps to boost productivity, which leads to a happier, and ultimately more effective, workforce.

For more information on Heatrae Sadia’s Supreme range of on-wall boiling units, please visit https://www. heatraesadia.com/products/drinkingwater/wall-mounted-boiling-water/ supreme-150-165-and-180

RINNAI 1600I GASFIRED WATER HEATERS DELIVERING ENERGY AND COST EFFICIENCY

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ow available is Rinnai’s ErP A-rated Infinity 1600 range of continuous flow condensing gas fired water heaters, designed to deliver the most energy efficient and cost competitive hot water heating units to any UK site or application.

Rinnai manufactures over 2 million hot water heating units each year and so can offer advantageous cost savings for installers and end users. The units are probably the most competitively priced type of their kind currently available to the UK sector.

The company’s low-NOx Infinity HDC 1600i models utilise Rinnai’s patented pre-mix burner technology with a 14-1 turn down ratio – the largest on the market – of 58.4kw4.05kw with extremely quiet operation.

Integral controls on the units enable the water heater to achieve high efficiencies whether locally or integrated into a building management system. In reducing Legionella proliferation, Rinnai has developed additional ‘SMART’ controls for secondary return DHW systems in the form of an advanced temperature control system which allows for safe running of water at 42°C core temperature during the day and 60°C overnight.

Another Rinnai innovation addresses an age-old industry problem with hot water delivery - lime scale build-up.

The company’s integrated scale control system is an innovative solution and comes in the form of an LC (lime check) code on the display of the controller.

Ultimately, ongoing use with hard water may shorten the lifespan of conventional water heating appliances and systems. To safeguard against this Rinnai units continually self-monitor for lime scale deposits around the heat exchanger. If a lime scale build-up is identified, a message is sent to the built-in interface panel on the front of the appliance. The message is displayed as ‘LC’, which alerts the homeowner to contact a Rinnai service agent to perform a lime scale flush to clear the

potentially harmful deposits.

The industry uptake of Rinnai’s series of low-NOx high efficiency products is that continuous flow heater systems are proven to be more energy efficient than conventional storage systems and are increasingly the experts’ preferred method of hot water provision.

Rinnai units easily cater for any size projects that need high volumes of water at intermittent times of day.

The Rinnai Infinity 1600i offers condensing technology with up to 107% gross efficiency, ultra-low-NOx of less than 20 ppm, a widely expansive modulation range of 54kW-4kW and high flow rates of 37/ltr/min. Add to these benefits, the peace of mind of an extended warranty, a top A-rating exceeding the demands of eco-labelling legislation, and the knowledge that the HDC1600 is futureproofed against future regulatory and legislative changes. www.rinnaiuk.com

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HEATING

RINNAI - ‘E’ BEFORE ‘I’ OR VICE VERSA? Rinnai offers big performance, heavy duty, diminutive appliances that offer virtually limitless volumes of hot water at useable temperatures – all through engineering design and excellence.

And both ‘E’ (external) - and ‘I’ (internal) versions are offered.

Here Chris Goggin, Rinnai Operations Director, explains the why and the where of using either model to suit the application.

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as fired appliances such as hot water heating units or domestic or light commercial boilers tend to be wall hung on the interior of a site. Having a unit sited internally on a kitchen wall or a plant room makes for convenience for the end-user and for the installer or contractor in terms of installation, maintenance or servicing.

However, external models of hot water heating units have become increasingly popular. We are seeing more and more units sold as installers seem to be favouring external siting for a variety of reasons.

Firstly, having a gas fired unit internally has its own restrictions – lack of internal space, flueing restrictions and impediments, exact siting for installer convenience, inspections etc.

On external units a whole stack of advantages come into play - starting with the fact that it is a gas fired appliance and it is outside habitable space; and with no need for a flue there’s greater flexibility on exactly where you place the unit; it is easier to service and maintain; all units have robust casings and comprehensive weather controls, for example a Rinnai external appliance is frost protected down to minus 25ºC. All these factors add up to possible economies for the end user and ease of installation for the installer.

Rinnai offer several units in both external – ‘E’ – and internal – ‘I’ – models.

They are in the more heavy-duty part of our product range – 1600, 1500, 55

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but also at the smaller end – the 17e.

Rinnai’s HDC1600i/e low NOx, gas-fired continuous flow water heater, delivers commercial qualities of hot water, up to 37 litres per minute on demand – to any site and application.

And they are ErP ‘A’ rated.

The Rinnai external version HDC1200e gives end users 105.5% net efficiency* because the condensing process delivers up to 95% thermal efficiency, translating to significant energy savings when compared to standard tankless water heaters.

All of which makes the HDC continuous flow hot water range by far the best option for all types of applications. With a continuous flow water heater you can never run out of hot water no matter how many individual baths or showers or delivery points are being used simultaneously.

The only time the unit is using energy is when there is a demand, in other words it is only burning gas when a tap or shower is being run and, design improvements by Rinnai have increased the lowered NOx levels and increased efficiencies to market ready levels.

The Rinnai 17e is designed for use directly off the mains, with no need for large, ungainly storage vessels. Weighing just 17kg and measuring 503mmH x

ENERGY MANAGER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2019

355.6mmW x 181mmD the Rinnai 17e has been developed to allow maximum flexibility as it can be easily mounted on an external wall thereby eliminating the need for flueing and freeing up valuable interior space. This feature gives greater flexibility at the design stage and can offer an alternative solution where flue runs are problematic or internal space is not available.

A range of external ancillary items including a pipe cover box and security cage are available where necessary.

Capable of flow rates of up to 510 litres per hour at a 50°C rise, the 17e is suitable for multiple applications, such as cafés, small restaurants and kitchen facilities. www.rinnaiuk.com

RECRUITMENT

TIME TO (OFF)SHORE-UP YOUR RECRUITMENT STRATEGIES

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he UK is currently leading the market in terms of offshore wind production, with more installed capacity than any other country in the world and this doesn’t look likely to change.

Based on the current predicted pipeline, the offshore wind industry will need around 36,000 employees by 2032 to ensure we keep up with demand.

Whilst that may not seem too high a number to achieve, based on a limited labour market and with poor pipeline of school leavers studying the right subjects, this is going to be a challenge. With roles available across development, construction and operation of the offshore wind energy sector and with total power output potentially increasing from 6.4GW (2017) to a massive 35GW by 2032, we need to act now to ensure this continued growth.

The majority of growth in power output is expected in the North Sea meaning the East of England, Scotland, Yorkshire & Humber and the North East should see job vacancies increasing – which is great news but what type of roles will this increase of c26,000 jobs consist of and will supply be able to keep up with demand? It’s predicted that Construction & Installation will see an increase of c6,700 with Operations & Maintenance requiring c6,900 new employees. The biggest demand will be for Technicians & Engineers, with c10,200 and the remainder of jobs spread across all areas of the project lifecycle (business, commercial, supply chain etc). With the Crown Estate’s Offshore Wind Leasing and Crown Estate Scotland’s ScotWind projects moving forwards these numbers could increase.

In an already competitive market, and with further investment in Energy and Infrastructure across the board, the demand for this talent will be particularly fierce. With high employment and low unemployment combined with the unknown impact of Brexit on immigration (skilled labour from the EU could decline further) it’s estimated the UK is already short of engineering graduates by c2,000 annually.

What’s clear is that there needs to be more focus on the pipeline of candidates who have the skills to work within the industry. With more focus on promotion of a career in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM subjects) particularly in the

case of females and those of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) descent who are massively underrepresented in the sector (only 5% of the power sector’s workforce were from as BAME background in 2015/16 according to the ONS). More promotion of education, qualifications and skills in the sector and clear career pathways will make it much easier for people to see offshore wind as a viable career choice.

To help this shortfall, the Offshore Wind Industry Council has set up an Investment in Talent Group to help increase the number of people working in the offshore wind industry in the UK, which includes representatives from companies in the sector and from the UK, Scottish and Welsh governments, as well as trade associations and academic institutions.

Overseen by RenewableUK’s chief executive Hugh McNeal, who stated: “The offshore wind industry is working closely with the government to build a modern workforce, creating new opportunities particularly in coastal communities which need them most”, he continued: “To ensure we attract the best people, this sector is stepping up its ambition to create a more diverse workforce in terms of gender and ethnicity”. Demonstrating a commitment to recruiting from the widest pool of talent, “so that we fully reflect what makes the UK such an exciting, innovative and successful place to do business.”

And the sector will need all the help it can get as new technology has an impact on employment which may mean a shift in skillset. Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics and data proliferation will all bring a different dimension to the more traditional skills the market has consumed previously.

Other potential difficulties in terms of talent acquisition could be due to the uncertainty or lack of longer-term visibility of projects and therefore organisations reluctant to hire in ahead of the curve. Equally, students may not choose to commit their time to studying for qualifications if they can’t see actual career opportunities and apprenticeships are still limited in the sector. Whilst candidate attraction may not currently be an issue competition is set to be fierce, with everyone trying to source the top talent in the industry.

Thankfully the on-shore wind

industry isn’t looking like it will grow at the scale of off-shore so there will be the opportunity to look at gaining transferable skills. Engineering, system design, control systems, robotics and AI are all skills similar in other sectors like onshore electricity generation, transmission and distribution, and the offshore oil and gas sector.

Oil and gas in particular have seen a number of job losses over the past four years (though this has slowed recently), across several highly skilled roles (geoscientists, mariners, technicians, etc) so could be rich pickings for offshore wind. Equally, 14,000 people leave the armed forces each year – many of whom are engineers and technicians working across electrical, mechanical, communications and marine engineering – so could also be a good potential pipeline of candidates.

To meet the predicted employment numbers, talent attraction and skills development will need to engage closely with the right candidates. To keep the UK at the forefront of off-shore wind development and deployment we’ll see more need for skills like leadership, working in confined spaces, working at heights, team working and candidates for roles across Asset Management, Project Management, Engineering (mechanical, electrical, blade and turbine technicians), IT (networking, data security), Science (marine biology, geophysics, hydrography, oceanography) will become ever more important. That’s where ALLEN & YORK can help.

Having worked across all areas of the Energy sector for over 26 years, ALLEN & YORK have a pedigree for finding the best candidates in the market – from across the entire candidate pool in the UK and worldwide. We understand the sector and the challenges faced within it so are uniquely placed to partner with organisations looking to hire in this exciting and innovative field. energy@allen-york.com

ENERGY MANAGER MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2019

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