19 minute read
News
NEWS WESTERN POWER DISTRIBUTION LAUNCHES INDUSTRY’S FIRST BETA CONNECTED DATA PORTAL
Western Power Distribution (WPD), the electricity distribution network operator (DNO) for the Midlands, South West and South Wales, has launched its Beta Connected Data Portal. This makes WPD the first DNO to make its data open to access through a centralised, easy to use platform. The new system acts as an online data catalogue, presenting data in a consistent format to optimise its use, value and benefit.
The new Beta Connected Data Portal offers open access to a wealth of data across WPD’s network, providing information about energy consumption, generation and network loads in a consistent, standardised and easily understandable way. The data can be accessed by a range of users from academics to businesses, governments both devolved and central, local authorities and local stakeholders and customers. When accessing the portal, users will be able to investigate and interrogate the data, building interactive graphs and network maps, all without needing to download. The platform’s in-built functions allow for more readily available and faster access. The Portal also incorporates Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), which enable users to automate the gathering and processing of datasets to support their business needs.
WPD believes the Beta Connected Data Portal will help stakeholders to get a better understanding of their local and regional energy system, supporting a new generation of energy technology innovators to develop smart solutions to the UK’s energy challenges. For example, raw data extracted from the Beta Connected Data Portal could be used to support community apps, informing energy customers of the best times to charge their electric vehicle when energy consumption and tariffs are low. Alternatively, the standardised open data could help local authorities to plan efficiently for new low carbon infrastructure, like distributed solar or wind generation and energy storage, in areas with limited network capacity. Finally, the data will prove invaluable to academics, providing consistent energy data to aid research.
WPD hopes to set the industry standard, eventually enabling all energy network data from across the UK’s gas and electricity transmission and distribution networks to be easily accessed and understood.
The portal can be found at https:// connecteddata.westernpower.co.uk/ To ensure that users are getting the most out of the platform, WPD has introduced a registration and subscription function allowing them to follow specific datasets and be kept up to date on new data tranches as they become available. As the portal develops further and WPD continues to standardise its data, new sets will be added.
WATER COMPANIES’ APPS WAY OFF EXPECTATIONS OF GEN Z DIGITAL NATIVES
Whilst 36% prefer to use an app to manage their essential services, only 25% do.
Water companies must improve their mobile applications and strategies in order to engage the next generation of water bill payers, according to a new report.
Research into the attitudes and habits of the digital native Generation Z, commissioned by Echo Managed Services, and published in A New Wave of Customers report found that while more than a third (36%) of those yet to become bill payers say they would prefer use an app to manage their essential services, only 25% of Gen Z bill payers actually do.
Water companies’ apps are therefore not meeting the expectations of, or the company hasn’t communicated them well enough to, one in 10 (11%) of its customers. Reducing this gap is important in light of research which shows that mobile is Gen Z’s channel of choice, over PC or laptop, for all online activities.
The Institute of Customer Service’s UKCSI in January 2021 found that app usage in the water sector was also below the level of that in the energy sector – 1.4% of water customers said an app was their most recent point of contact vs 4.5% of energy customers. For context, the same UKCSI figures show that 12.7% of all banking customer experiences were conducted via an app – the highest of any sector.
Vicki Dixon, head of operations at Echo Managed Services, commented: “It is important that water companies continue to develop their digital platforms to meet the needs and expectations of the latest generation of billpayers. Currently there is a gap between those that want to use apps to manage payments and meter reading submissions, and those that do.
“To make the time and investment in a mobile app worthwhile, water companies must create an easyto-use interface that is easy to navigate and use across different devices. It must also present a clear purpose and clear engagement opportunity, in order to enable a meaningful and effortless experience for customers. When built well, apps can build enhanced recognition and improve customer engagement. The key challenge to overcome when creating an app is keeping customers engaged, currently there is little need to interact regularly with a water company. It must be personally relevant and useful beyond meter readings and billing.
The UKCSI figures have also highlighted that, where customers use an app to interact in the banking sector, a higher than average customer satisfaction score was given.
For more information about Echo Managed Services, and to read its Generation Z Report: A new wave of customers for water companies in full, visit: https://www.echo-ms.com/knowledgecentre/research-resources/a-new-waveof-customers-consumer-research-report
Cambridgeshire County Council announces energy partners to pave region’s way to net zero
SSE Enterprise and Bouygues Energies & Services have been named preferred partners to develop a series of framework energy projects intended to support Cambridgeshire County Council and its regional local authority partners in meeting their commitment to decarbonising the region by 2050.
SSE Enterprise and Bouygues Energies & Services shall work as a consortium to deliver for the framework. The joint venture will see the two partners work on the design, construction and delivery of projects to help the county reach its goal of 100 percent clean energy and net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The estimated value of projects planned under the framework is £80 million over its four-year term. Projects will include work to improve the energy performance of publicly owned assets, such as buildings and car parks, using measures to boost energy efficiency and generate low or zero carbon energy from rural estate, transport and other assets. Other projects will explore opportunities for energy storage and low carbon heating solutions, including district and community heating schemes.
In transport, the framework will look at local opportunities to support the transition to electric vehicles through the provision of essential infrastructure such as EV charging points and hubs.
As part of the green economic recovery envisaged following the Covid-19 pandemic, Cambridgeshire County Council and its local authority partners intend to leverage the framework to generate additional business opportunities that will develop low carbon and smart communities.
Equally, the local authorities wish to achieve annual energy savings through innovative smart building solutions to decarbonise their buildings via a combination of energy efficiency and zero carbon generation technologies.
The decarbonisation of heating forms part of the ambitions for the energy projects developed under the framework and will also improve air quality and reduce pollution across the region.
In 2017, Cambridgeshire emitted more than 6.1 million tonnes of CO2, almost half of which came from homes and buildings. Schools, housing, transport, public buildings and farm estates will be targeted for carbon reductions in the new framework.
Green measures already implemented by Cambridgeshire County Council include investment in the generation of renewable heat and electricity and the installation of Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS). Together, these initiatives have generated annual savings and additional revenue in excess of £1.3 million and reduced the county’s annual carbon emissions by almost 7,000 tonnes.
In the three years since it began operations, the 12MW solar farm located on the outskirts of Soham has exceeded expectations, raising several hundred thousand pounds of excess revenue beyond it’s targeted generation that has been reinvested to fund Adult Social Care services.
Under the agreement, SSE Enterprise and Bouygues Energies & Services will work with five Cambridgeshire authorities: Cambridgeshire County Council, Cambridge City Council, Fenland District Council, Huntingdonshire District Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council.
The framework will also be available to other local authorities in England thanks to an access agreement arrangement. The value of projects which may be undertaken under the access agreement is estimated to be up to an additional £30 million over the four-year period. www.sseenterprise.co.uk www.bouygues-es.co.uk
ULTRAFLO U1000MKII RANGE
THE CLAMP-ON ALTERNATIVE TO CUTTING PIPES AND MECHANICAL METERS FROM MICRONICS, FOR SIMPLE, LOW COST FLOW AND ENERGY MEASUREMENT FROM OUTSIDE THE PIPE!
NEW!
Now available in the original pipe-mounted or new wall-mounted, display & keyboard format with extended pipe range.
The ULTRAFLO range of clamp-on metering solutions including the New U1000MKII-WM with wall or panel mounted display and keyboard offers a complete package alternative to traditional in-line flow and energy meters. If you need to monitor and manage water and energy consumption in your facility the ULTRAFLO range offers a best value solution including lower cost, no disruption installation and dry maintenance for hot and chilled water applications ranging from 22 to 225mm OD. And the range can be used as a standalone installation or form an integral part of your aM&T or Building Energy Management System. Simple to install – connect power and enter the pipe inside diameter, adjust the sensors and clamp-on the pipe – no specialist skills or tools required! Compact, rugged and reliable, the ULTRAFLO range has been designed to provide sustained performance in industrial environments.
Suitable for: Steel, Plastic and Copper pipe, 22 to 225mm OD
MADE IN BRITAIN
For further information call us on +44 (0)1628 243064
NEWS DON’T SCRAP EPCS, BUT REDESIGN THEM TO SHOW COST, CARBON AND ENERGY METRICS
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) should give equal prominence to metrics for cost, carbon and energy, using the familiar design and the visual approach used in food labelling.
Energy performance assessment specialist
Elmhurst Energy is calling on the Government to make the change, to enable better formulation of future energy efficiency legislation.
In its response to the Environmental Audit Committee’s (EAC) ‘Energy Efficiency of Existing Homes’ re-port, Elmhurst Energy says the new
EPC central register is the perfect opportunity to make these metrics available to the public for more than 20 million homes, while also improving the information accessible to consumers and professionals, clarifying the majority of misunderstandings of EPCs.
It is also calling for all homes to have Occupancy Assessments to help households understand their energy consumption and the actions they can take to reduce it.
Martyn Reed, managing director, said: “In the face of our goal of net zero by 2050, EPCs can and should be made to work harder to allow land-lords, homeowners and the Government upgrade the energy efficiency of our existing housing stock.
“It is easy to say that EPCs are ‘not accurate’ but most of that comes down to a lack of understanding that the EPC is fundamentally a cost-based asset rating. This approach has had huge value in identifying homes in fuel poverty, for example. We agree that an overhaul is required, but don’t scrap the continued use of a vital data record of more than 20 million EPCs now in the public domain.
“There are many misconceptions about EPCs.
But the Government’s new Energy Performance of Buildings Central Register that has been deployed for England, Wales and Northern
Ireland since last September is an excellent chance to address these. This new technology can leverage EPC information to help everyone strive for improved energy efficiency, reduced carbon consumption and lower fuel costs.
“The EPC itself should be redesigned to show cost, carbon and energy. Legislation can then refer to the metric that it is intending to improve – for example, fuel poverty legislation could continue to be based on tracking the cost metric, and climate change policies could focus on targets using the carbon metric.
“We are pleased that these ideas are included in the recommendations of the EAC report (see para 142), which reflects the submission we made to the committee last July and points raised within the Elmhurst Manifesto.
“We also agree that measurements should better reflect real-world performance of homes and energy usage, so we would like to see routine measurement of energy performance introduced through the use of Smart Meter technology, such as we include in our Smart HTC solution. This will enable us to close the gap between the calculated and actual energy demand.”
Elmhurst Energy also recommends that EPCs last no more than three years, to ensure consumers have more up-to-date information available when seeking recommendations to improve their homes.
Martyn added: “In addition to some of the EAC recommendations, we would also like to see more trigger points introduced for the commissioning of EPCs. Only those homes that have been put up for sale or rent in the past decade will have one, which means more than 50% currently don’t. Increasing trigger points will enable us to collect more usable data for benchmarking and updating energy efficiency policy.”
Commenting on the EAC’s verdict on the Green Home Grants scheme, Elmhurst is calling for patience and a longer-term approach. Martyn Reed says: “The Green Homes Grant has not been the success that everyone hoped for, but it is fundamentally good with significant levels of checking to identify potential fraud and to assure quality. The problem was its short-term nature.
“The PAS2030 process for installers had not been adopted by some sectors of the installer market meaning that there were not enough. And by declaring a six-month race, which became four months after some logistical delays, this frightened installers from taking consumers on a process that they may not be able to deliver. Delays in possessing vouchers made things more difficult, clearly with devastating effect on some installers.
“But there is no doubt that the demand for such a scheme is high, and in our opinion, it can easily be improved. What is needed most of all is more time, with longer-range targets.” www.elmhurstenergy.co.uk
Ofgem approves Radbot for ECO
Vestemi’s smart heating control, Radbot, has now been approved by energy regulator, Ofgem, for use under the energy efficiency scheme, ECO (Energy Company Obligation).
Radbot was selected in June 2019 as one of just five new technologies to be trialled to support Ofgem’s increasing focus on leveraging innovation to improve energy efficiency in UK homes.
As a smart heating control, Radbot heats each room when occupied and automatically reduces the temperature when empty without the need for the user to programme schedules, control heating via an app or even connect to WiFi.
The UK-wide trial was sponsored by EDF and supported by London South Bank University, Parity Projects, and Bays Consulting. Taking place over a twoyear period, Radbot demonstrated an impressive 12% average reduction in gas consumption for space heating compared to standard Thermostatic Radiator Valves.
Under the current phase of the scheme, ECO3, energy suppliers that are under the obligation must spend about £640 million each year installing approved efficiency measures in eligible low income and vulnerable households.
By reducing heat wastage and carbon emissions, Radbot works towards the UK’s net zero goal. With many suggesting this can only be achieved with technology that needs little consumer intervention, Radbot supports this approach as it is a “fit and forget” product that doesn’t require people to change habits or sacrifice comfort.
Radbot can be used in any home that has wet radiators, which is currently around 24 million homes in the UK. Of this, an estimated 4.5 million are eligible for ECO funding under the current scheme rules. www.radbot.com
MANAGING RESOURCES SUSTAINABLY IS KEY TO CUTTING UK GREENHOUSE GASES
With much of the debate ahead of the COP26 focused on the energy agenda and how to decarbonise energy supply and reduce demand, the authors of a new report Net Zero: why resource efficiency holds the answers warn that focusing exclusively on energy is only half of the solution to tackling climate change associated with carbon emissions.
Quick wins in resource efficiency could help the UK cut its annual emissions by around two billion tonnes of CO2e, between now and 2050. Improving resource efficiency in goods and services is crucial to tackling climate change, say the report authors, but simple resource efficiency strategies that drive forward action without costly interventions or new technology are being overlooked in work toward net zero.
The report, Net Zero: why resource efficiency holds the answers was produced by environmental charity WRAP in partnership with researchers from The Centre for Research into Energy Demand Solutions (CREDS), based at Leeds University. It points out that, between now and 2050, using natural resources more sustainably and extending the useful lifetime of products – and preventing loss or waste – could reduce the greenhouse gas emissions incurred by UK consumption by two billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. That is the equivalent to eliminating the combined annual territorial greenhouse gas • UK could cut CO2e emissions by 100 million tonnes in ten years by using resources more efficiently. • Using resources sustainably, extending the useful life of products and preventing waste could save
UK GHG emissions on par with annual territorial
GHG emissions of UK, France, Italy, Poland, the
Netherlands, Belgium & Austria combined.
emissions of the UK, France, Italy, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Austria.
From reducing food loss and waste to moving to more resource efficient business models, and using more recycled materials in manufacturing, the eight strategies put forward are based on real-world projects that have been proven to work. One of the benefits of the strategies is that they can be implemented easily, and straight away. And with the impacts of climate change relating to cumulative emissions over time, the authors are keen to show how their recommendations – which cut carbon today – should be prioritised over those that do not deliver results for years.
Net Zero: why resource efficiency holds the answers shows how simple changes to the way we use materials could reduce UK greenhouse gas emissions by 100 million tonnes CO2e between 2023 and 2032, equal to taking every car off the road for around 1.5 years. The report also shows how actions we take in the UK can reduce global emissions, with the resource efficiency strategies offering the potential to reduce global emissions by 2 billion tonnes CO2e between now and 2050, and an additional 89 million tonnes CO2e avoided towards the 6th Carbon Budget. The report can be found here: https://wrap.org. uk/resources/report/net-zero-whyresource-efficiency-holds-answers
WRAP and CREDS believe that their recommendations could offer 50% more territorial greenhouse gas emission reduction in addition to the UK government’s Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution, with upward of an additional 100 million tonne CO2e GHG emissions and help the UK meet its commitment to net zero carbon by 2050. Including reductions overseas, the gross reduction of these strategies could be as high as 364Mt CO2e between 2023 to 2032.
GRANTS AND SUPPORT AVAILABLE TO HELP LOCAL BUSINESSES GO GREEN FOR 2021
Anumber of Clean Growth grants are available from Worcestershire County Council to encourage local businesses to become greener and cut costs for 2021.
Something as simple as changing to LED lighting can help businesses make energy savings on their utility bills whilst reducing carbon emissions.
Both the Business Energy Efficiency Programme (BEEP) and the Low Carbon Opportunities Programme (LOCOP) offer free assessments and grants to eligible local businesses to support clean growth and help businesses save money.
Over the last four years, Worcestershire County Council and its partners have supported 700 local businesses and awarded £2.7million worth of grants, helping local businesses make a massive saving of over 6,000 tonnes of greenhouse gasses.
BEEP offers free energy efficiency assessments and grants of up to £20,000 for eligible businesses within Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Telford & Wrekin and Shropshire who wish to reduce costs and improve their environmental impact.
BEEP’s recommendations will, on average, reduce energy bills by around 30%.
For businesses interested in investing in solar or other renewable technologies, LOCOP offers renewable energy assessments and grants of up to £100,000 to businesses within Worcestershire in eligible sectors.
Advice and grants are also available through LOCOP to help businesses within Worcestershire and Shropshire develop and commercialise innovative ideas, that help others to be green.
This is part of the County Council’s commitment to creating a thriving low carbon economy which sup-ports the creation of jobs and stimulates investment across the county.
Both programmes are part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
For more information about eligibility, please visit: www.businesscentral.co.uk/clean-growth
BAXI HEATING AND WORCESTER BOSCH PROVIDE HYDROGEN BOILERS FOR UK’S FIRST 100% HYDROGEN PUBLIC SHOWCASE
Baxi Heating and Worcester Bosch are once again leading the way in the road to net zero and lowcarbon technology. Both companies are proud to be able to showcase hydrogen boilers in the UK’s first 100% Hydrogen Home public demonstration.
The project will demonstrate the use of hydrogenfuelled appliances in a real-world setting, and signals a clear step in the progression of clean, sustainable hydrogen technology for heating, hot water and cooking in UK homes.
The innovative semi-detached properties, built in partnership with Northern Gas Networks, the Government’s Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and gas distribution network company Cadent, will be located at Northern Gas Network’s Low Thornley site, near Gateshead.
The modular homes will be built by the end of March with appliances installed by the end of April. Alongside the hydrogen boilers, prototypes of hydrogen-fuelled fires, cookers and hobs will also be installed by partners working with BEIS on the Hy4Heat project.
This real-world demonstration of the technology marks a step change for the boiler manufacturers’ progression of hydrogen ‘from lab to field’, as more appliances are installed in trial projects across the UK and Europe.
Both companies have already been involved in a number of trials including ‘HyStreet’ at Spadeadam in Cumbria, where hydrogen boilers were installed in specially built demonstration houses, to enable tests and research to prove the safety of converting homes and gas networks to hydrogen fuel.
Karen Boswell, Managing Director at Baxi Heating UK and Ireland, said: “Baxi Heating’s innovation and expertise with hydrogen technology, from lab research to participation in real-world trials, forms a key part of our commitment to a sustainable heating future. We are thrilled that this development will be used as a benchmark to educate the next generation in how we can provide clean, green energy to the homes of the future.”
Carl Arntzen, CEO of Worcester Bosch, added; “The Hydrogen House project will help spearhead the safe implementation of hydrogen gas into the gas network and ultimately our homes. The trials underway there are an important step towards a zero-carbon future and we’re proud that our hydrogen boiler prototype is playing a pivotal part.”
Stella Matthews, Business Development Manager at Northern Gas Networks said “We’re excited to work with both Baxi Heating and Worcester Bosch to bring hydrogen boilers to the public for the first time. The boilers look and feel just like those we use today with one key difference – they don’t create carbon when used. We hope to reassure visitors to the houses that they can still enjoy a safe and reliable gas supply in the future with minimal disruption to meet the government’s net zero target.”
For more information on Baxi Heating’s sustainable commitments and research, visit –www.baxiheating.co.uk/sustainability
For more information on Worcester Bosch and its involvement in the fight for decarbonisation, please visit its ‘Decarbonisation Hub’ –www.worcester-bosch.co.uk/ professional/decarbonisation .
