AMPS Power Magazine - Winter 2024

The Association of Manufacturers and suppliers of Power generating Systems

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: P08 ELECTION YEAR 2024

Plant hire’s wish list from CPA’s Chris Cassley

P14 AMPS AWARDS

Celebration of the winners

P24 AMPS - DRIVING SUSTAINABILITY

A collective voice for progress

FEATURE ARTICLES

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From AMPS Director General, David Oates

05: AMPS PEOPLE & COMPANY NEWS Chris Marsland back as Tech Comm chairman

06: POWERGEN STATISTICS Trends in generator sales

08: ELECTION YEAR 2024 Chris Cassley provides plant-hire views

10: GENERATORS IN LONDON LEZ Special report from Andrew Gordon

13:

AMPS GOLF DAY 2024 Plus key industry events listing

14: AMPS AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE Special report on Awards winners

24: AMPS - DRIVING SUSTAINABILITY Sustainable Supply Chain feature article

29: AI - A BRIEF INTRODUCTION Latest from AMPS’ Bernard Gospel

30: LOADBANKS AND THE ENERGY TRANSITION Crestchic’s Paul Brickman on best practice

32: HOW TO REDUCE CO2 EMISSIONS The case for CHP by Alan Beech

34: CLEAN PORTABLE POWER Profile of Instagrid’s portable products

35: AMPS POLICY WATCH HS2, and AMPS joins UKEMIF

36: COLLABORATIVE SOLUTIONS TO REDUCE EMISSIONS Carlos Vicente of Eminox explains his approach

38: AMPS COUNCIL MEMBERS 39: AMPS AGM, CONFERENCE & LUNCHEON Reserve your ticket for 24th April DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this magazine is for general information purposes only. We endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the magazine or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the magazines for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. The editor, contributors and related parties shall have no responsibility for any action or omission by any other contributor, consultant, editor and shall have no responsibility for any links from this magazine to third party websites

CHANGING OF THE GUARD 1st AMPS Power magazine with new team I’m privileged to take over the reins of editing AMPS Power – with my long-term friend and colleague, Lee Stirk, handling the design and production at Enigma Creative. My thanks to Mike Boughey for his past efforts at the helm of this publication.

David Oates, as AMPS Director General, and I share the ambition to grow the readership and influence of AMPS Power. There will be an emphasis on not only the groundbreaking work of AMPS itself, but also the energy and innovation exhibited by our members. So, it’s appropriate that in this issue we shine a bright light on the AMPS Awards for Excellence winners. I was a guest judge on the panel for the Awards – so that provided an excellent insight and appreciation of the hard work and vision of AMPS members.

If you have some good stories to tell, I am looking for you for the next issue!

Rob Oliver

MBE

Editor – AMPS Power Magazine

CONTACT AMPS The Association of Manufacturers and suppliers of Power generating Systems Unit 19, Omega Business Village, Thurston Road, Northallerton, DL6 2NJ, UK Director General: David Oates – david.oates@amps.org.uk Chairman: Paul Aitken: amps@amps.org.uk AMPS enquiries: amps@amps.org.uk AMPS Power (editorial & advertising): ampsmagazine@amps.org.uk

+44 (0) 20 8253 4505

www.amps.org.uk AMPS POWER MAGAZINE 03

CONTENTS

04: FOREWORD

FOREWORD

FOREWORD FROM DAVID OATES Director General of AMPS

Welcome to the first issue of AMPS Power in 2024. As I write this, I have been in the role of AMPS Director General for a whole year! Where did the time go?

There is much we have done with the support of the AMPS Council and member companies over the last year – but as in any business or organisation there is more to do. Our Technical Committee do a fine job in identifying and working on technical issues affecting our products and businesses. Bernard Gospel’s regular Current Thinking e-casts keep AMPS members ahead of developments. To further help the profile and influence of AMPS, I have been keen to expand our contact points with other organisations. Not least the voice of the hire industry as expressed by the Construction Plant-hire Association, who contribute an article in this issue of AMPS Power on the government consultation on the decarbonisation of Non-Road Mobile Machinery (NRMM). The NRMM theme is also picked up in the first of a series of detailed briefings provided by Andrew Gordon, which sets out the position of generators with the London Low Emission Zone (LEZ).

To further boost AMPs’ reach with government departments, we have been invited to join the UK Equipment & Machinery Industry Forum (UKEMIF). The Forum is supported by a host of

04 AMPS POWER MAGAZINE

leading trade associations to help government consider the position of UK legislation as inherited EU rules change. I’m hoping to announce further links with government networks soon. As part of my remit, I now keep an ever-watchful eye on more general trends and developments surrounding sustainability issues.

The Sustainable Supply Magazine have kindly allowed us to reproduce the profile of AMPS’ work recently published in their UK edition.

Of course, trade associations are about bringing business people together. I’m delighted to say that we hit the spot with our 2023 AMPS Awards for Excellence. I salute all the companies that entered the Awards, which made the judging process all the more interesting – and it was great to see the celebrations at the Awards dinner amongst around 200 members and guests.

So, make a note of our 2024 AMPS conference date (24th April) and other opportunities to get together which are detailed on our diary page – including our presence at Data Centre World (6th/7th March) and the Distributed Energy Show (13th/14th March).

It’s going to be a busy year!

David

NEW EUROPGEN SECRETARY GENERAL SETS ENERGY TRANSITION GOAL

AMPS WELCOMES BACK CHRIS MARSLAND TO TECHNICAL COMMITTEE “HOT SEAT” AMPS has been delighted to welcome back Chris Marsland BEng CEng FIET to the Chair of its Technical Committee.

This is Chris’ second stint as Chair having served for many years in the 2010s and also sat on the AMPS Council for a term.

Chris has worked in the Cogeneration industry since 1998.

Before that he spent 12 years heading up the Product Development Team in an industrial process control company.

He is a Chartered Engineer and a Fellow of The Institution of Engineering & Technology. His roles have included Technical Director and Solutions Director for well-known UK Cogeneration and power generation businesses. These roles have covered product and installation design, product and project delivery, as well as supervising broader engineering and R&D activities.

Chris is a recognised thought leader for Cogeneration and supporting legislation and sits on many advisory panels and boards. He has been a board member of the Association for Distributed Energy, and chaired other industry committees including at Energy UK – plus membership of two BSI standards committees. Chris has also carried out a pivotal role in a working group with National Grid, the Energy Networks Association, and Distribution Network Operators, supporting the development of Grid Codes.

In accepting a return to his old role he stated, “I’m really pleased to have been accepted back by the TC as their Chair and looking forward to making our members’ case to government and standards bodies as well as highlighting forthcoming technical issues to our membership”.

AMPS Power columnist and director of Powergen Consulting, Romain Mocaër, has been appointed Secretary General of EUROPGEN, succeeding Jean-Michel Geiller, who completed a three-year term.

In accepting the position, Romain stated, “EUROPGEN’s objective is to continue the work and direction taken by the association over recent years, while taking into consideration the new challenges facing us: decarbonization of industry, growth of renewable energies, and protection of European industry. We want our industry to be a major player in the energy transition in Europe.” Marco Monsurrò, CEO of Coelmo S.p.A and president of the Italian Association Generazione Distribuita – ANIMA Confindustria, is the new president of EUROPGEN, succeeding Antonio Leitao, who served as president from 2019.

RECORD BREAKING 40TH YEAR FOR CRESTCHIC LOADBANKS IN 2023 AMPS members Crestchic, a leading manufacturer of loadbanks and power testing solutions, celebrated 40 years in business with a massive 30% increase in revenue – building on 45% growth in 2022. Crestchic was created to fill a gap in the market for air-cooled loadbanks to test standby generators, which were increasingly becoming a part of commercial and industrial building development. As customer interest grew, the business evolved to offer loadbank rental, sales and service a model it retains today. The company has a sales and rental presence in the UK, France, Belgium, Germany, Singapore, UAE and the USA. For more on the Crestchic story see - www.crestchicloadbanks.com.

INSTAGRID RAISES $95 MILLION AND ENTERS THE NORTH AMERICAN MARKET AMPS members and leading provider of high-performance portable battery systems, Instagrid, announced a Series C funding round of $95 million. The round was led by Teachers’ Venture Growth (TVG), part of the C$250bn Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan with other key partners. Instagrid more than doubled revenues in 2023 and will use the funding to continue its growth by entering the North American market, increasing production, and expanding its range of mobile power solutions to decarbonise off-grid power. Providing a sustainable alternative to the fossil fuel generators used to power mobile work in construction, film, events, and emergency services, Instagrid has shipped close to 30,000 units of its flagship product in 29 countries since it launched two years ago. As part of its North American expansion, Instagrid has hired US CEO, Rich Romer, and plans to open offices, hire across divisions, and launch new products for use in the United States and Canada.

AMPS POWER MAGAZINE 05

A M P S P E O P L E & C O M PA N Y N E W S

AMPS PEOPLE & COMPANY NEWS

P O W E R G E N S TAT I S T I C S

THE EUROPEAN DIESEL GENERATOR MARKET SPLITS INTO TWO TRENDS Romain Mocaër Competitive intelligence expert

Expert Romain Mocaër reports on the trends shown in PowerGen Statistics…

The EU diesel generator market was down for the 3rd consecutive quarter after its record level in Q4 2022, despite being 12% higher than the same quarter of last year.

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The market was affected by a significant decline in generators below 750 kVA, whilst strong growth in generators above 2000 kVA continued.

P O W E R G E N S TAT I S T I C S Two opposing trends depending on the power ranges The market for generators below 500 kVA continues its marked decline, and in particular the smaller generators below 100 kVA. This, which had reached record levels last year (Ukrainian imports, energy crisis), fell back to its levels of the first quarter of 2022, a drop of 46% compared to the peak of Q4 2022. The reasons are still the same: the fear of an energy crisis caused by the conflict in Ukraine is no longer as strong as last fall, Ukraine has stopped massive imports of generators, and distributors still have a significant stock of products.

Generators of more than 2000 kVA continue

to experience very strong growth, driven by the development of AI and data centres.

Germany (Frankfurt region in particular) and the United Kingdom are the main beneficiaries, but many other countries (Spain, France, Italy, etc.) are also seeing the DC market grow very strongly. This growth is expected to continue in the months and years to come, as data centre development plans in Europe are expected to see hypergrowth in the short- and medium-term future. The only obstacles to development: the availability of land, and measures restricting development put in place by certain cities (e.g. Amsterdam) or governments (Ireland) but which only move data centres to other regions (Southern Europe in particular).

AMPS POWER MAGAZINE 07

PLANT HIRE FOCUS

ELECTION YEAR 2024 – VOTES ARE UP FOR GRABS! WHAT DOES THE PLANT-HIRE INDUSTRY WANT? Chris Cassley Policy Manager, CPA

AMPS values its relationship with the Construction Plant-hire Association – the CPA. We asked the CPA’s Chris Cassley what is on his wish list from the politicians this year…

Politically, if 2023 was the year that the government, and Rishi Sunak in particular, took the opportunity to stabilise the economy and provide a degree of competent government, then this year, is one where we can expect a general election, a chance for the people to have their say. But what does the coming year look like for construction and the plant-hire sector in particular – especially when promises will be made, and each political party will be looking for the business vote.

The announcement of a March Budget, set tongues wagging across Westminster, that we could expect a Spring election. While, in a subsequent Q&A, the Prime Minister seemed to rule this out, with his ‘working assumption’ that the election would be in the

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second part of the year, he also crucially, did not rule out an election in May or June. The guessing game continues.

With the announcement of the date for the Budget, we also saw confirmation that the long-awaited Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) consultation on the likely decarbonisation options of NRMM (Non-Road Mobile Machinery) equipment, had been published.

The consultation is an opportunity for construction equipment users and manufacturers, to have their say on how the NRMM sector can reduce the use of diesel-powered equipment, as part of the government’s wider moves to reach net zero by 2050. The government is keen to hear from as many companies as possible, with

ʝ how NRMM is currently used across the economy. ʝ the decarbonisation options available to NRMM, including efficiency measures, process changes, and fuel switching technologies. ʝ the possible opportunities and barriers to deploying decarbonisation options. ʝ whether existing policies are sufficient to decarbonise NRMM in line with net zero. ʝ whether the Industrial Decarbonisation Strategy policy principles should also apply in determining the case for further government intervention to support NRMM decarbonisation.

While the consultation itself closes on March 26th, we can expect a response and the next stages of policy engagement to come

after the election. While we would like the Westminster machine to operate at full throttle, the general election will inevitably have an impact on day-to-day departmental business. Whatever happens politically, this is an important consultation for the construction equipment sector – both manufacturers and users.

In other areas, the Department for Education will publish its response to its review of the Industrial Training Boards (ITB) namely the Engineering and Construction ITBs. The CPA took part in the initial consultation last summer, with our main calls concentrating on greater clarity in the role of the CITB and how it works with the plant-hire sector. CPA members are already taking responsibility for a lot of the training that takes place in the sector – this is set to continue. Whatever the Department for Education review finds and recommends, the CITB is set to produce its own strategy and hold the CITB Consensus which was initially meant to be held last year.

As the year takes shape and policies emerge, the CPA will be holding politicians and policymakers to account on what they can do to help shape and grow the UK’s plant-hire sector. If I was asked by any of the main parties looking for votes and to hold office by this time next year, what I would want, my elevator pitch would be for policies that recognise the role of the planthire sector – and the role of construction in building economic growth. We want a long-term outlook in decision making (especially when it comes to infrastructure policies – see HS2 as an example of what can go wrong), consistency in approach, and a business environment that builds confidence, provides incentives, and encourages companies to invest in people and equipment. That is not too much to ask.

Is it?

Chris Cassley Policy Manager, CPA

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AMPS POWER MAGAZINE 09

PLANT HIRE FOCUS

the call for evidence looking at the following areas:

LONDON EMISSIONS BRIEFING

GENERATORS IN THE LONDON NRMM LOW EMISSION ZONE Andrew Gordon

Project Manager [Pan-London NRMM] Cleaner Construction for London

This is the first of a series of articles from Andrew Gordon, Project Manager [Pan-London NRMM], Cleaner Construction for London. He traces the evolution of the Capital’s low emission policy in relation to site equipment, including generators, through to the challenges of implementation in 2024.

The Air Quality Team at the London Borough of Merton has been implementing London’s Low Emission Zone for Construction Machinery since 2016. This zone operates across all the London Boroughs and ensures that site machinery meets certain emissions standards. These standards have escalated over the years and shall continue to do so.

The Greater London Authority published a Supplementary Planning Guidance in 2014, The Control of Dust and Emissions During construction and Demolition. Each of the 33 Local Planning Authorities were required to apply conditions in relation to the NRMM

10 AMPS POWER MAGAZINE

standards, initially to Major and later to both Major and Minor developments. Where Merton came in, was to achieve economies of scale for the boroughs, by having a single implementation team cover the South London boroughs. It went well, and in 2019 the initiative became London-wide.

In the early years the project was primarily concerned with flushing-out the older EU Stage II machines, excavators and dumpers and the like, and some of the older and even uncertified generators in favour of the EU Stage IIIA compliant engines. Officers engaged sites that had self-declared on

fleet. Once officers started to see Stage V generators at Trade Shows, and then a little later, sitting idle when visiting warehouses, it was time to tighten the exemptions criteria.

Construction projects were required to demonstrate the fleet upgrade scheduling of their suppliers. If those suppliers could not satisfy the Greater London Authority that they were on a journey to a Stage V fleet at a sufficient rate, their customers on sites would need to source elsewhere. The requirements were escalating continually to ensure that returns were had on the investments being made.

With the variable-speed engines, driving compliance on sites was straightforward, however now the complexities of running constant-speed engines with Stage V exhaust aftertreatment on-board, made the job of correctly specifying generators more difficult both for developers and for plant hire desks.

The application context of generators was not a significant consideration with the old Stage IIIA sets, if they were grossly underloaded, that was bad practice, but little else. With Stage V however, reasonable objections were being made, that the inevitable low-loading periods to be found especially in tower-crane applications were causing failures in equipment and subsequent power outages. Fleet operators too, were concerned about the damage taking place to their Stage V machinery, where tower cranes were the loading profile. Low running meant low exhaust gas temperature and velocity. In some engine designs there were issues with the clogging of diesel particulate filters, in others, crystallisation of urea from the added exhaust fluid within the after-treatment.

The Supplementary Planning guidance had set 2020 as the year of the hike from Stage IIIA to Stage IIIB, but of course for generators this meant a leap to Stage V, as there were no intermediary stages for constant-speed engines. The doubled effect of UK-exit and then the Pandemic, meant that there was a shortfall in the supply of these engines.

It was naturally essential to use existing viability exemption policies to facilitate the continued use of Stage IIIA engines and keep construction sites operating. But a balance needed to be struck, between maintaining the reasonableness of expectations, and continuing to lever improvement in the

At that point in time, if a construction site required a generator for a tower crane, a request for a viability exemption would be granted ‘automatically’. The Merton team

found itself once again in a position where the granting of exemptions to facilitate reasonableness, might stall innovation and slow the establishment of a comprehensive Stage V fleet for London. Where excavators, dumpers, telehandlers and the like were required to be at Stages IIIB, IV and V, the continued prevalence of IIIA engines in the generators was very significant for air quality in neighbourhoods. These engines of course, are high-kilowatt items with long operating hours on site. Stage IIIA is much more polluting than a Stage IIIB, IV or V. The date of 1st January 2024 was set, as the time when ‘automatic’ exemptions would end for tower cranes. The different fleet operators selected different Stage V solutions, some retrofitting, some using inertial recovery, some using battery packs in various configurations, some chaining sets together on load-demand, and most, choosing combinations of the above.

The implementation team have their work cut out in 2024. A detailed understanding of site loading requirements, and what best practice looks like, shall be required. Lots of construction sites shall be trying new approaches to power supply. It’s going to be an interesting journey, we’re hoping to capture in detail some of the problematic application scenarios, and how the loading issues were overcome.

Andrew Gordon Project Manager [Pan-London NRMM] Cleaner Construction for London

IN SUMMARY - AS THINGS ARE NOW….

ʝ Evidence the site has asked their supplier for a Stage V generator option.

All construction and demolition sites in London are required to comply with the NRMM Low Emission Zone. All machinery with a rated engine power between 37-560kW must meet or exceed the standards. The constant-speed engines of this power range found in generators are required to be at Stage V in all London Boroughs.

ʝ The supplier’s response confirming there are no Stage V solutions available or suitable for the power demand on site.

The days of automatic exemptions for tower cranes are over. Sites must always consider Stage V as the default option for generators, and only use a Stage IIIA where Stage V is demonstrated to be not possible. Zero emission battery solutions are of course compliant too.

Where Stage V is not considered to be possible, the following evidence must be provided in an exemption application online. These are reviewed by the Greater London Authority on a case-by-case basis:

ʝ A statement detailing the supplier’s Stage V purchasing plans going forward, and their availability. This statement must be dated, and no more than 6 months old. (It might not be possible to use Stage V now, but shall it be next time?) ʝ A description of the power demand on site in question (with appropriate loading data if available).

We do expect sites and suppliers to consider the proper sizing of the generator supplied, and technologies such as chaining and energy storage systems, in order to enable Stage V in cases where such a machine could not operate alone. Stage II and uncertified engines can never qualify for an exemption, this applies only to Stage IIIA.

AMPS POWER MAGAZINE 11

LONDON EMISSIONS BRIEFING

an online register, and also sought-out on the ground those that had failed to do so.

These developments were then visited, and the engines were inspected for emissions standards. It might have been ideal to do tail-pipe testing, but that would have been prohibitive in terms of time and expense, so the team instead opted to seek out the largest number of machines possible, using the type-approval numbers on the engines themselves. This also made the audit process more amenable to contractors since downtime for a machine was typically only for a few minutes and not very much more.

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Power your people and unleash true potential at the biggest gathering of data centre professionals, pioneers and end-users. Join us at Data Centre World on 6-7 March 2024 at ExCeL London.

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THE OFFICIAL AMPS POWER GEN INDUSTRY GOLF DAY MONDAY 3 JUNE 2024 AT THE OXFORDSHIRE (GOLF, HOTEL AND SPA), THAME. An outstanding Power Gen Industry Networking Event Teams or singles players £124 (ex-VAT) AMPS Members, £144 (ex-VAT) Non-members.

Team of four (mixed members/non-members) £500 (ex-VAT).

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ʝ On arrival: Bacon Roll with hot drinks ʝ 18 Holes at the prestigious Oxfordshire Championship golf course https://www.theoxfordshire.com/golf ʝ Longest Drive and Nearest the Pin competitions ʝ Course Planner ʝ Three Course Prize Giving Dinner ʝ Goody Bag (Drink/Chocolate/Sleeve of Balls/Tees) ʝ Reduced rates on accommodation (£139 inc. VAT, B&B)

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Nearest the Pin Longest Drive Goody Bags Welcome reception and coffee break

For bookings, please contact robert.bennison@amps.org.uk

KEY INDUSTRY EVENTS 2024 Data Centre World – 6-7 March: ExCeL London Distributed Energy Show – 13-14 March: Telford Middle East Energy – 16-18 April: Dubai Solar & Storage Live – 29-20 April: ExCeL London All Energy Exhibition – 15-16 May: SEC, Glasgow UK Solar Summit – 4-5 June: The Oval, London Future of Utilities Conference – 19-20 June: QEII, London

2025

Hillhead – 25-27 June: Buxton International Conference on Power & Energy – 27-28 June: London World BioGas Expo – 10-11 July: NEC, Birmingham Solar & Storage Live – 24-26 September: NEC Birmingham IHEEM/ Healthcare Estates – 8-9 October: Manchester Green Gas Day – 11 October: Birmingham Highways UK – 16-17 October: NEC Birmingham Showman’s Show – 23-34 October: Newbury EMEX – 20-21 November: ExCeL, London

Executive Hire Show – 12-13 February: Coventry Key Energy Rimini – 1-3 March tbc: Rimini, Italy

Electricity Storage Networks Conference – January tbc: London

Data Centre World – 7-8 March: Excel London

Power Gen International – 11-13 February: Dallas

Bauma – 7-13 April: Munich, Germany

Distributed Energy Show – 14-15 March: Telford

Come & meet AMPS at the events listed in RED. AMPS POWER MAGAZINE 13

A M P S AWA R D S 2 0 2 3

HEADLINE SPONSOR

Our special report on the 2023 Awards Winners - representing excellence in our industry. The Awards evening was held at the National Motorcycle Museum and hosted by comedian, author, actor and broadcaster, Dominic Holland.

WINNER – APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR AWARD

HANNAH MAGOWAN – DALE POWER SOLUTIONS One candidate distinguished herself with exceptional achievements and a steadfast commitment to excellence - Hannah Magowan.

From the outset of her journey with Dale Power Solutions, Hannah has exhibited a profound thirst for learning and a clear vision of her career path.

The Judges were unanimous in recognising her commitment not only to her company but also to her local community.

Read more about Hannah in our special feature on page 21.

WINNER - MEMBER COMPANY OF THE YEAR AWARD

IPU GROUP Congratulations to IPU for their outstanding achievement in winning the AMPS Company of the Year Award. Their extraordinary dedication, displayed through a longstanding relationship, innovative contributions, and substantial educational efforts within the industry, speaks volumes of their unwavering commitment. At AMPS, we are humbled by their continuous generosity and pivotal role in advancing our objectives and reflecting the essence of true partnership. IPU doesn’t just deserve this award; they embody the spirit and future of our industry.

Shortlisted for the Award were: Crestchic and Generator Power.

Read the special profile of IPU on page 22.

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A M P S AWA R D S 2 0 2 3

WINNER – INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY AWARD

WB POWER SERVICES The WB e-Pod really stood out with the judges, deserving its place as the winner of the AMPS Innovation & Technology Award. It’s one of the UK’s first genuine plug-and-play MV input, LV output scalable standby power packaged solutions. This isn’t just a product; it’s a comprehensive solution, epitomising adaptability—from power capacity to vendor component choice, ensuring it precisely meets varied client requirements.

The design optimises spatial efficiency externally, promoting maximal utilisation of internal spaces. Significantly, it promotes sustainability and aligns with net-zero criteria, showcasing a well-rounded commitment to environmental considerations throughout the product life cycle.

Its popularity and swift adoption in critical sectors such as data centres and healthcare, confirms its practical applicability and impact. The WB e-Pod isn’t just meeting industry challenges; it’s setting new benchmarks in technology and innovation.

Shortlisted for the Award were: Instagrid and MHM.

WINNER – ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCT OF THE YEAR AWARD

ATLAS COPCO The AMPS Award judges awarded the Atlas Copco ZBC 250/500 Battery Storage Unit the Environmental Product of the Year. It embraces the concept of “blanket zero”, delivering sustainable power solutions with a broad power output range. Designed with a focus on sustainability, it enables a dramatic reduction in fuel consumption, carbon emissions and noise - all while requiring minimal maintenance.

The unit’s versatility is remarkable, providing power to various equipment and excelling in managing fluctuating power demands. It offers the key benefits of zero fuel consumption, emissions, and low environmental impact. It also acts a renewable power source and a dependable backup during mains failures, seamlessly integrating with diverse energy sources.

One standout feature is its emissions reduction capability, achieving up to a 50% reduction in hybrid mode and potentially eliminating 100% of emissions when paired with renewables. Additionally, it operates silently, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments and locations with noise regulations.

The AMPS Award judges unanimously recognised the Atlas Copco ZBC 250/500 Battery Storage Unit as a true champion of the “blanket zero” concept in the Environmental Product of the Year category. It offers sustainable and versatile power solutions while maintaining zero environmental impact and noise pollution. A hard act to follow – well done.

Shortlisted for the Award were: Eminox and IPU Group.

AMPS POWER MAGAZINE 15

A M P S AWA R D S 2 0 2 3 WINNERS – PROJECT OF THE YEAR Breaking with convention, the Awards Judges decided to announce two winners for this Award, as they were that good - and delivered excellent, yet contrasting, projects.

EMINOX

GENERATOR POWER

WINNER FOR THE SUNBELT ENERGY FARM PROJECT

WINNER FOR THE GLOUCESTER HOSPITAL NHS TRUST PROJECT

The Sunbelt Energy Farm project, in which Eminox was a key partner, scored for its groundbreaking approach to sustainable construction on Europe’s largest rail infrastructure project, HS2. Faced with a demanding requirement to power tunnelling equipment in a remote location, Sunbelt, working with Eminox, delivered an efficient and eco-conscious solution, creating a satellite energy farm that produced 10MVA of power from localised generation.

Generator Power’s collaboration with Cummins on the Gloucester Hospital NHS Trust project is a textbook example of excellence in a complex and critical setting, a fact that has rightly earned them the AMPS Award for Project of the Year. Their innovative resolution to initiate a black start system without an AMF panel and the swift synchronisation of six generators within a strict two-minute window is a testament to their technical ingenuity.

By choosing 20 x 500 KvA generators, the project team not only achieved substantial cost and fuel savings of £66k per week but also significantly reduced environmental impact. This was thanks to the innovative emission control technology that was integrated into the generators, slashing harmful emissions to near zero and using one-third less urea.

This project excelled in its commitment to environmental standards by implementing a telematics-managed control system to monitor energy production and emissions in real time, ensuring optimal performance. Its quick and effective completion within just four months demonstrates that the project was not only an environmental triumph but also a logistical one. The energy farm now serves as a model for scalable, sustainable power solutions that can be replicated worldwide, reinforcing the project’s win as a well-deserved one.

The seamless delivery of six megawatts of uninterrupted power safeguarded critical healthcare operations during the hospital’s generator upgrades. This project, completed with minimal disruption over four days, showcased their commitment to operational efficiency and meticulous planning.

Their proactive fuel management, bolstered by real-time monitoring, underscores an exceptional dedication to efficiency and sustainability. Their rigorous adherence to health and safety standards during the installation guaranteed a secure setup, aligning with the highest industry benchmarks.

The Award is in recognition of their innovative and reliable delivery in a demanding healthcare environment. It is a clear testament to their industry-leading capabilities and unwavering commitment to excellence. Huge congratulations to Generator Power and Cummins.

Shortlisted for the Award were: Enrogen.

AMPS POWER MAGAZINE 17

A M P S AWA R D S 2 0 2 3

WINNER – BUSINESS GROWTH & STRATEGY AWARD

WAKEFIELD ACOUSTICS Wakefield Acoustics deservedly won the hotly contested Business Growth & Strategy Award. Here is their description of the business journey they have embarked upon.

Wakefield Acoustics is a UK leader in the design, supply and installation of innovative noise control solutions. In January 2023, the company was acquired by CECO Environmental (NASDAQ: CECO), a leading environmentally focused industrial company whose solutions protect people, the environment and industrial equipment. Becoming part of this strong, global business has allowed the company to provide noise reduction solutions for larger industrial and power generation sites as well as continuing to develop our portfolio.

Following difficult trading during the pandemic, Wakefield Acoustics actively pursued projects in power generation and data centre sectors. With great success, the business saw a 250% increase in order intake on the previous 12 months. It was therefore necessary to increase our workspace and manpower, and we began in April 2022 by acquiring an additional 15,000 sq. ft. external yard space. To support the continued growth of the company in 2024, we began to developing additional manufacturing facilities in late 2023, increasing our floorspace by over 100% and adding a further 3.4 acres of external storage space.

Over the past 18 months, our workforce has also expanded from 50-55 employees to over 80, working in all areas of the business from sales, technical, engineering, project management and manufacturing.

In line with this development, we keep close to our core beliefs in providing for our customers short lead-times, collaborative design and engineering, an ability to react and be flexible to changing customer scope and being an easy and friendly team to work with.

Shortlisted for the Award were: Crestchic and Wernick Power Solutions.

AWARDS EVENING RAISES MONEY FOR CANCER CHARITY Diners at the AMPS Awards Dinner dug deep with their donations to support WB Power Services’ nominated charity Ben’s Den. A few days after the Dinner, the team at WBPS took to the road to tackle a mammoth 8-day 4,200-mile return drive to Rovaniemi in Lapland, whilst raising money for the Ben Parker Trust Fund. The aim of the charity is to support the families of children fighting leukaemia or cancer, by gifting them a free holiday and allowing them to spend much needed quality family time together away from the overwhelming hospital environment.

Overall, the team raised an impressive £7,000 for their efforts, topping off their adventures by loading up the team’s festively wrapped Land Rover Defender with 50 presents, earmarked for the QMC Children’s Cancer Ward in Nottingham.

Ben's Den | The Ben Parker Trust Fund (bensden.com).

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A M P S AWA R D S 2 0 2 3

WINNER – ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY AWARD

PROLECTRIC

Prolectric received the AMPS award for Energy and Sustainability business on the strength of the implementation of their Sustainability strategy and their innovation that they apply to helping their customers reduce their carbon footprint.

Prolectric’s solar technology provides a practical way for businesses to achieve their carbon-reduction commitments, enabling the simple switch from fossil-fuelled and mains powered systems, with a comprehensive range of direct like-for-like diesel replacements. They have recently reached a significant milestone in customer savings. Since launching their first solar lighting tower, Prolectric has now saved their customers 27million kg of CO2e and reduced diesel usage by more than 10.2million litres, which represents a customer saving of more than £10million. As a solar-first business, Prolectric is focussed on setting new engineering standards solar power technology and advanced automation software which ensures their solar products work all year round, whatever the conditions. Prolectric also holds a Gold CSR Accreditation – recognising their leadership in creating a forward thinking, socially aware and environmentally conscious business.

Their recent accreditation (Sept 2023) saw them achieve an impressive 95% pass score. The process requires setting in place and documenting a stringent record of activity against ‘Four CSR Pillars’ of environment, workplace, community and philanthropy.

Shortlisted for the Award were: Generator Power and Volvo Penta.

AMPS POWER MAGAZINE 19

A M P S AWA R D S 2 0 2 3

THE JUDGES’ PANEL David Oates: Chairman of the Judges and AMPS Director General, with 26 years of experience in the engine and power generation industry.

Bernard Gospel: Technical Secretary of AMPS and Chair of the EUROPGEN Technical Committee.

Patrick Kileen: an experienced waste professional with an expert understanding of the power/gas products involved in waste to energy programmes and schemes.

Rob Oliver MBE: : founder director of trade association specialists, ASL - and now editor of AMPS Power.

Dr Susan Scurlock MBE: Chief Executive of Primary Engineer.

Susan founded Primary Engineer with the belief that we can enable all children to reach their potential through engagement with engineering.

Louise Carney: an established communications and media expert.

THANKS TO AMPS AWARDS SPONSORS HEADLINE SPONSOR

NETWORKING RECEPTION SPONSOR

AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE 2023 SPONSORS

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TABLE PLAN SPONSOR

AMPS AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE (2023) APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR Hannah Magowan joined the Dale Power Solutions’ Apprentice Programme after leaving school, aged 16 with 10 GCSEs. Since then, she has excelled in her apprenticeship journey and fast tracked through her advanced and higher apprenticeship qualifications.

She is now taking a degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Sheffield Hallam University which she started September 2021 and studies for one day a week.

Throughout her 8 years with Dale, Hannah has become a spokesperson for Women in Engineering and a champion for young people and passionate about promoting apprenticeships.

She has spoken at the House of Lords about the problems facing young people in Scarborough, an identified “cold spot” for social mobility in the UK. Hannah’s ability to be curious as an engineer has seen her help implement a new product development programme where she has become promoted to New Product Development Lead Engineer (in 2023). As the UK faces the societal challenges of decarbonisation and rising energy costs, Hannah has led a battery energy storage project to help customers lower their carbon footprints and reduce their energy bills.

We asked Hannah about her work at Dale Power….

Q. Tell us about your role at Dale Power Solutions and what a typical day may entail.

As Lead Engineer for new product development, I’m currently responsible for developing the battery energy storage solution for Dale customers. I’ve been leading the research on batteries, so that I fully understand the best options available, and the different technical capabilities of each.

I work closely with different suppliers, reviewing all the products then make a recommendation to the Board. We are busy working on an exciting battery solution, so a large proportion of my time is spent on the installation and testing of Dale’s battery storage system. It’s great to be able to take a project from the initial idea right through to commissioning.

Q. What do you enjoy most about your role?

I thoroughly enjoy being involved in the research and development of new solutions for our customers. Energy storage is so important. I feel I can both make a real difference for the customer, and the industry as a whole.

Part of the role I really enjoy is working directly with customers which often includes site visits. This gives me the opportunity to explain the benefits of energy storage and assess their site for installation and usage. This allows us to find the very best solution for them.

I’m also looking forward to attending Solar and Storage London, in April, and I’m currently planning our stand for the show with my colleagues. Part of this will be helping to develop an explainer video and other marketing materials.

Q. You’re passionate about apprenticeships. Tell us how you’ve been helping promote STEM to young people.

I’ve been involved with schools, colleges and fairs ever since leaving school at 16. I think it’s easier for young people to relate to apprentices; you’re nearer their age and, in the early days, students recognised me from school. I’m keen to promote the non-traditional route; university is not for everyone, and an apprenticeship is a great way to learn skills and complete your education.

I’ve helped at Scarborough Science and Engineering Week for the past 6 years too which is a fantastic way for school and college students to see the opportunities available to them from local businesses.

Q. What’s next?

When I joined Dale aged 16, I really thought I would be in a purely technical role. 6 years on, and I’ve discovered how much I like working with people, whether that’s other engineers, different teams here at Dale, partner organisations, or customers. This is something I’d like to continue to do, whilst developing leadership skills and hopefully move into a management role.

All at AMPS congratulate Hannah on her achievements – and being our current Apprentice of the Year.

For more about Dale Power Solutions, go to www.dalepowersolutions.com.

AMPS POWER MAGAZINE 21

A D AY I N T H E L I F E O F…

HANNAH MAGOWAN

A M P S AWA R D S 2 0 2 3

IPU GROUP WINS AMPS MEMBER COMPANY OF THE YEAR TO KICK OFF 65TH YEAR IPU was honoured to take home the Member Company of the Year award at an evening packed with exceptional talent and cause for celebration.

We were praised for our longstanding relationship with AMPS, having joined in the early 1980s, as well as the wider power generation industry, our innovative product development, and our extensive educational efforts to fellow AMPS members.

A year to celebrate 2024 will see IPU celebrate our 65th anniversary! Over these 65 years, we have gone through a natural evolution of product range and markets served.

Our journey began in 1959 when founders Roy Beebee and George Wedge imported JLO engines to fit in gensets. We were heavily involved in the Groundcare industry for many years and have been supplying non-electric engine starting solutions for over 30 years.

We enter our 65th year with a strong core range of products, many of which are designed and manufactured at IPU to serve the power generation market and beyond.

Product to be proud of IPU's Fuel Polishers are award-winning and recent innovations through our EKO with Kapture Technology panel, all designed, built

22 AMPS POWER MAGAZINE

and configured in-house, satisfying a clear market gap. If your needs are complex, an in-house team of CAD draftsmen and project engineers means IPU can fulfil your exact requirements with a custom solution. This, combined with our site-based offerings, including Fuel Cleaning, OFTEC and DSEAR Inspections and installations, keeps the industry's fuel clean and dry.

Our Emissions Reduction technology has won several large projects in the UK and Europe due to its clever technology and high build quality. Our SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) systems are designed to reduce NOx output by up to 98%, which is essential in sensitive areas such as Clean Air Zones.

We are UK Premier distributors for huge global brands, including Enovation Controls and Parker Racor, Donaldson and Baldwin Filtration, ensuring the reliability and resilience of equipment all across the UK. Our custom non-electric starting systems are world-renowned and specified by global brands for projects across the globe.

Whilst many of these systems end up in Asia, others are installed in the depths of basements deep under the skyscrapers of

Canary Wharf. Our systems are designed to sit for many years unused, and being often connected to Fire Pumps – we hope they never are.

We are servicing the Power Gen market globally with products to be proud of.

Looking to the future Our work with CAN-bus solutions such as the Enovation HMI Displays, hydraulic controls, and sophisticated sensor integration takes our offerings to a whole new level.

From fuel tank monitoring and fuel theft prevention, custom configurations and controls for heavy-plant equipment through to expansive communication and monitoring on NRMM applications, our products can support AMPS members in new and exciting ways.

Our R&D team, alongside our talented Software Engineers, have fully embraced Industry 4.0 and the challenges and rewards it brings for our customers.

Want to chat? Head to www.ipu.co.uk or give us a call on 0121 511 0400 to discuss anything that has piqued your interest.

WWW.IPU.CO.UK/AMPS

WE’VE EVOLVED A LOT IN 65 YEARS. OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU HASN’T. Fuel testing and analysis

NOx and MCERTS emissions testing

Touchscreen and button displays

Fuel and tank cleaning

SCR and DPFs for generators

CAN-bus solutions

Fixed and mobile fuel polishing

Hydraulic, air & spring engine starter motors

Sophisticated sensor integration

DSEAR and OFTEC inspections

Custom non-electric ATEX starting systems

Hydraulic & engine controllers

RAIL DATACENTRES MINING & QUARRYING

HEALTHCARE

AGRICULTURE

CONSTRUCTION

CRITICAL POWER

MARINE AND OIL & GAS

MILITARY

IPU GROUP UNIT 2, CYGNUS WAY WEST BROMWICH, B70 0XB

0121 511 0400 ipu@ipu.co.uk

THE DISTRIBUTED ENERGY SHOW

AMPS

­

AMPS assumes a central role in propelling sustainability within the power generation sector. Serving as a vital link between its esteemed members and governmental bodies, the association aligns its strategies with the country's ambitious Net Zero Targets by 2025. Going beyond mere advocacy, AMPS fosters a collective industry voice, providing individual companies with a platform to influence decision-makers and drive cohesive progress towards sustainable practices.

Navigating the intricate challenge of establishing sustainable supply chains, AMPS operates as a nexus for collaboration. Functioning as a networking forum, the association brings together industry experts and government representatives to engage in meaningful discussions on needs and offerings supporting a sustainable supply chain trajectory.

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Article reproduced from: Sustainable Supply Chain UK Edition

THE DISTRIBUTED ENERGY SHOW

AMPS

This collaborative platform enables individual members to cultivate relationships with potential clients and suppliers, exchanging insights and embracing best practices that elevate the entire industry.

AMPS strategically communicates its commitment to sustainability through various channels, including marketing literature, the association's website, and its magazine. The messaging revolves around the 2035 strategic roadmap to net zero, emphasizing both feasibility and achievability within the government's stipulated timelines. By tailoring its efforts, AMPS addresses the unique needs of its diverse membership, instilling a sense of realism in the pursuit of sustainability goals.

Article reproduced from: Sustainable Supply Chain UK Edition

AMPS POWER MAGAZINE 25

THE DISTRIBUTED ENERGY SHOW

AMPS

The imperative for power generation manufacturers and suppliers to prioritize sustainability in their supply chain practices is a cornerstone principle for AMPS. Through thoughtfully curated regional events and industry forums, the association invites experts to guide its members in achieving their sustainability objectives. Acknowledging the distinctiveness of each member, AMPS assumes the role of an information hub, offering the tools and knowledge necessary for informed decision-making on sustainability, thereby fostering industry growth.

As the power generation landscape undergoes continuous evolution, AMPS contributes to the development and implementation of sustainable practices through its role as an advisory pillar. Leveraging a strategy of

26 AMPS POWER MAGAZINE

Article reproduced from: Sustainable Supply Chain UK Edition

THE DISTRIBUTED ENERGY SHOW

AMPS

providing expert information, government updates, and best practices, the association ensures that its members stay informed and agile. By offering an environment conducive to knowledge exchange, AMPS consistently positions its members at the forefront of innovation and environmental responsibility.

In the unfolding narrative of power generation, AMPS emerges not only as an association but as a catalyst for sustainable excellence—a guiding force that navigates the industry towards an era where environmental stewardship and technological innovation seamlessly intertwine.

Article reproduced from: Sustainable Supply Chain UK Edition

AMPS POWER MAGAZINE 27

We are Exhibiting!

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Discover the latest technologies for flexible, sustainable and onsite energy solutions 13th & 14th March 2024 Telford International Centre, Telford, UK

REGISTER FOR FREE Conference Topics Include:

Join the UK’s leading energy companies including:

EV Infrastructure Energy Digitisation Heat networks CHP Energy Flexibility And much more!

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#DES24 • @DistribEnergy

TECHNICAL BRIEFING - AI

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE – A BRIEF INTRODUCTION We are warned that AI is going to influence all aspects of our personal and business lives. AMPS Technical Secretary, Bernard Gospel, provides this introductory overview.

Last Christmas we watched the Royal Institution Christmas lectures https://www.bbc.co.uk/ iplayer/episodes/b00pmbqq/royal-institutionchristmas-lectures.

The subject this time being ‘the truth about Artificial Intelligence’. One point which came out was that language translation programmes like ‘Google Translate’ do not use dictionaries. To find out how they do it, you have to listen to the programme!

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the intelligence of machines or software, as opposed to the intelligence of humans or other animals. It is a field of study in computer science that develops and studies intelligent machines. Such machines may be called AIs. AI technology is widely used throughout industry, government, and science. Some high-profile applications are: advanced web search engines (e.g.

Google Search), recommendation systems (used

by YouTube, Amazon, and Netflix), understanding human speech (such as Google Assistant, Siri, and Alexa), self-driving cars (e.g. Waymo), generative and creative tools (ChatGPT and AI art), and superhuman play and analysis in strategy games (such as chess and Go).

Alan Turing was the first person to conduct substantial research in the field that he called Machine Intelligence. Artificial intelligence was founded as an academic discipline in 1956. The field went through multiple cycles of optimism followed by disappointment and loss of funding. Funding and interest vastly increased after 2012 when deep learning surpassed all previous AI techniques, and after 2017 with the transformer architecture. This led to the AI spring of the early 2020s, with companies, universities, and laboratories overwhelmingly based in the United States pioneering significant advances in artificial intelligence.

The various sub-fields of AI research are centred around particular goals and the use of particular tools. The traditional goals of AI research include reasoning, knowledge representation, planning, learning, natural language processing, perception, and support for robotics. General intelligence (the ability to complete any task performable by a human) is among the field's long-term goals.

To solve these problems, AI researchers have adapted and integrated a wide range of problemsolving techniques, including search and mathematical optimization, formal logic, artificial neural networks, and methods based on statistics, operations research, and economics. AI also draws upon psychology, linguistics, philosophy, neuroscience and other fields.

Bernard Gospel

Technical Committee Secretary TechSec@AMPS.org.uk

A quick review of the subject revealed two interesting points: ʝ Many AI systems are so complex that their designers cannot explain how they reach their decisions. So there may be no ‘audit trail’ of the source of the information. ʝ Another machine learning system designed to help effectively allocate medical resources was found to classify patients with asthma as being at "low risk" of dying from pneumonia.

Having asthma is actually a severe risk factor, but since the patients having asthma would usually receive much more medical care, they were relatively unlikely to die. The correlation between asthma and low risk of dying from pneumonia was real, but misleading.

There are a lot of books and other information sources on AI, TechSec is starting with The Sunday Times bestseller: ‘The Coming Wave’ by Mustafa Suleyman ISBN: 9781847927484. Enjoy!

AMPS POWER MAGAZINE 29

MEMBER FOCUS – LOADBANKS

LOADBANKS AND THE ENERGY TRANSITION: WHAT DOES BEST PRACTICE LOOK LIKE?

Paul Brickman

Sales & Marketing Director Crestchic Loadbanks

At the end of last year, negotiators at COP28 committed to triple renewables capacity and double energy efficiency by 2030 - reaffirming a global commitment to net zero. Whilst the role of loadbanks in commissioning and testing diesel generators is increasingly well known, how do they offer operators assurance and adherence to best practices during the transition to green energy? Paul Brickman from Crestchic Loadbanks explains.

Grid balancing While demand for oil and gas looks set to rise before it eventually plateaus in 2031, renewable energy is also on the increase, with global combined solar and wind energy consumption anticipated to grow by approximately 11% each year. As

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the transition continues apace, there’s no denying that renewable energy sources can be intermittent, resulting in under and oversupplies of electricity to the grid. To mitigate the risk of these fluctuations, the National Grid works with various suppliers to manage and implement a frequency demand

and demand, reducing strain on the grid and enhancing grid stability. programme - including having access to additional backup power sources in times of need.

In this scenario, loadbanks are used to test the resilience and reliability of both backup power sources AND prime power sources.

By simulating varying loads and subjecting systems to stress testing, loadbanks help assess the stability and reliability of power systems, and their various components, ensuring they can seamlessly and safely integrate into the existing infrastructure.

Connecting to the ESO’s network Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), for example, have an important role to play in this grid-balancing conundrum - and are just one example of where loadbanks testing can help to ensure best practice and mitigate risk. When excess electricity is available in the grid, such as during times of low demand or high renewable energy generation (e.g. sunny or windy days), the BESS charges its batteries. Alternatively, BESS can be charged from local solar farms, or combination of both solar and grid supply. Once charged, the BESS can be used during periods of peak demand, or when renewables are not producing sufficient power. In this scenario, the BESS discharges the stored energy from the batteries back into the grid. This helps to balance supply

As technology advances and costs decrease, BESS are likely to play an even more significant role in the future of energy storage and distribution. However, when connecting any power source to the transmission network, due diligence is critical. Testing is an essential step to ensure that the BESS - or indeed any other power source - operates safely, efficiently, and in compliance with relevant regulations and safety standards. And, as BESS grow in terms of capacity, they are becoming increasingly prevalent at the transmission level, as well as the distribution level, making any connection issues more than just a blip in terms of frequency balancing. At the distribution network level DNO’s are becoming increasingly strict about the performance of BESS and their ability seamlessly and safely connect and disconnect from the distribution network.

It’s a question of modern scale.

The benefits of loadbank testing While load bank testing is not a mandatory requirement for all such installations, the benefits by far outweigh the risks - allowing users to: ʝ Energise the new connection line under load: Engineers can use a loadbank to simulate the electrical load that the power line that connects

ʝ G99 Compliance: In the UK, the connection of electricity generating facilities to the grid is regulated by the Grid Code. G99 refers to the engineering recommendation issued by the UK's National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO) for the connection of energy storage systems to the electricity grid. To comply with G99, the power generating module must be connected to a suitable test supply, grid simulation set or loadbank as part of the test. ʝ Verify the operational integrity of the system: Once the line has been energised, the loadbank can be used to test system components and connections, including the automatic transfer switches, transformers, and circuit breakers.

With any power source, conducting thorough testing before grid connection helps to ensure that potential risks and issues can be addressed, ultimately protecting the grid from disruptions and contributing to overall grid reliability.

For more information on load testing solutions, visit www.crestchicloadbanks.com.

AMPS POWER MAGAZINE 31

MEMBER FOCUS – LOADBANKS

the energy source to the grid would experience during normal operation.

By drawing power off the grid and energising the connection line, engineers can verify the operational integrity of the connection before it is connected to the network.

EMISSIONS – OPINION PIECE

HOW TO REDUCE CO2 EMISSIONS AND THE UK’S RELIANCE ON GAS

BY INSTALLING A CHP Alan Beech

Sales Director UK & Ireland Clarke Energy

Many, including The Association for Decentralised Energy (ADE), advocate using the marginal carbonemission factor in carbon emissions methodologies.

The ADE has developed an independent dispatch model reflecting the value of Combined Heat and Power (CHP).

Current methodologies for accounting for the carbon emissions of CHP could be more accurate, rather than relying on the average carbon emissions from the grid, which undervalues the carbon benefit of CHP. To calculate energy and emissions savings from gas CHP, both energy outputs -heat and power -need consideration. It is crucial to assume that a unit of electricity from CHP displaces a unit from the central power station, and a unit of heat displaces a unit raised by boilers to determine its carbon impact. The challenge lies in calculating fuel and emissions savings associated with displaced grid electricity due to diverse central power stations.

Figure 1 -Grid Carbon Intensity App, 01/07/23

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Currently, it is assumed a unit of electricity from CHP displaces one from all power

stations on the grid (as shown in figure 1), calculated using government historical data.

However, the electricity system’s carbon emissions factor varies on a half-hourly basis, depending on power plant mixes meeting loads. It means any demand reduction or generation increase displaces not a hypothetical average power plant, but the marginal power plant – the last one in merit order; in figure 1, that would be Coal and then Gas. ADE analysis suggests gas CHP mainly displaces other gas power plants, not intermittent renewables or biomass and nuclear generators.

The ADE power dispatch model replicates how the electricity system operates – to minimise overall delivery cost. Suppliers decide which power plant to purchase from, based on marginal operating costs. If the wind is blowing, suppliers prefer electricity from wind farms with nearly zero marginal operating cost before turning to fossil-fuel

Therefore, generators at the bottom of the stack are typically wind, hydro, biomass, nuclear, and interconnectors (questionably classed as zero) – which generate at maximum capacity, lowering the average carbon intensity of the grid. In contrast, plants at the top of the stack – coal power stations, open-cycle gas turbines (OCGT), and combined-cycle gas turbines (CCGT) – vary output to meet load variations, pushing the average grid carbon intensity up. The plant with the highest marginal cost over a settlement period is the last one in the merit order, or the ‘marginal’ plant.

As a result, outside peak demand periods, renewable generating plants supply most of the UK’s electricity load, and the carbon content of the grid is very low. At other times, especially during morning and evening peak demands, when outputs from lower running cost plants aren't enough to meet the load, the carbon content is much higher (see figure 2 for a typical low carbon intensity 24-hour period).

Analysis of the relative marginal cost of generators over a typical year (see figure 3 & 4) suggests CHP plants following the merit order produce lower marginal-cost electricity than even the most efficient combined-cycle gas turbines (CCGTs). This is because, by the time electrons reach the point of use, many are lost due to system losses. So, any efficiency gained versus a locally installed generator is lost, and unlike CHP, these GTs do not use their waste heat. By following the merit order, CHP’s electrical output will never displace renewables’ output. This differentiation is crucial when considering the appropriate quantification of the energy and carbon-emissions savings from CHP and understanding how to define its true carbonvalue proposition.

Conclusion On sites with both heat and power demand, CHP is the go-to solution. When installed, a CHP should be running, delivering optimum efficiency and thereby reducing the UK’s overall Scope 1 emissions. It should be prioritised ahead of any individual localised Scope 1 targets. While we continue to use gas in our energy mix, a CHP’s electrical content should be considered at least neutral, and the heat generated as a carbon offset.

Figure 2. Grid Carbon Intensity App, 01/07/23 In addition, a CHP will not only save carbon and money but provide resilience to your site should the electrical grid fail and help electrical grid operators alleviate growing electrical system constraints.

Postscript Also, consider that mains gas is in the process of decarbonisation, with the growing injection of green renewable biomethane and the planned mixing of Hydrogen. Most gas engines have the capability to run on hydrogen blends and can be converted during their operational lifetime to run on

100% hydrogen. Therefore, a CHP should not become a stranded asset but a critical part of our energy infrastructure and the transition into the Net-zero world.

Personal note: I accept this blog may provoke some debate – my probable answer would be, ‘it is for each CHP user to decide their actual run times v the real time grid carbon make up in their area (even on a half hourly basis, if they have the appropriate technology e.g., microgrid control), thereby balancing their CO2 & financial ambitions and potentially extending the CHP lifespan.

2022’s Electricity Generation Mix

Figure 3. Average Generation stack in 2022, source www.nationalgrideso.com

Total Monthly Generation (TWh)

Figure 4. Annual generation stack by month April 22 to April 23

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EMISSIONS – OPINION PIECE

plants. This determines the merit order – ranking electrical generation sources based on their relative short-run marginal costs.

MEMBER PROFILE

INSTAGRID – A NEW STANDARD IN CLEAN PORTABLE POWER In this AMPS member profile, Instagrid explain their product offer and what it means to their customers.

Instagrid has developed the world’s most advanced portable battery systems for professionals with challenging power demands in sectors such as construction, events, film, media, and emergency services. The Instagrid mission is to decarbonise off-grid power and make it available to anyone, anywhere, any time.

Instagrid products reduce their customers’ CO2 emissions, improve worker safety and also bring significant cost savings and increased productivity.

Changing the way you work Instagrid's flagship product the Instagrid ONE has a rated output power of 3.6 kW and a peak power output of 18 kW. Weighing only 20kg, it can be carried in one hand and used in remote locations as well as on site in order to avoid the use of heavy combustion generators and to reduce cabling. On a single charge, the Instagrid ONE is powerful enough to run welding equipment for an entire day’s work, pump over 55,000 litres of water with a large submersible pump or cut through hundreds of metres of concrete with heavy duty equipment, as well as a host of other commercial applications. Compared to traditional combustion generators, the Instagrid ONE boasts a 97% lower carbon

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footprint and 82% lower lifetime costs thanks to savings on fuel and maintanence.

New products based on cutting-edge technology At the core of Instagrid products is a unique architecture of stacked micro-level inverters. This enables the products to be significantly smaller, lighter and more powerful than other battery systems.

Building on the success of this unique technology, Instagrid has an upcoming range of large-scale mobile battery solutions that will power entire film sets or construction sites. The Instagrid MOVE 120 has a rated power output of approximately 120 kW and is two to three times smaller than competing solutions in the market. It has sophisticated site management features including daisy chaining and power conditioning. It can be combined with the grid or combustion generators in order to signficantly increase efficiency by minimizing the need for oversized generators or grid upgrades.

Instagrid has other new products coming out soon, including a system to link together ONE units for increased capacity and a specialised 110V portable power supply for the UK construction industry.

AMPS has linked into new organisations and new information sources to support the work of our Policy Committee. Here are two briefings from our portfolio on joining the cross-sectoral Industry Forum and the prospects for the cut back HS2.

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR HS2?

AMPS receives regular briefings on government projects – and nothing came bigger than the original HS2 project. Once promoted as Europe’s biggest construction enterprise, the HS2 vision was chopped back last Autumn (mainly due to cost overruns).

As an alternative to the already restricted northern leg, the Prime Minister’s Network North plan aims to spend £36bn from the cancelled HS2 line on hundreds of smaller road, bus, and rail projects across the UK,

arguing that rising costs, repeated delays, and changed travel patterns following the pandemic meant the facts around HS2 had changed. The breakdown includes £19.8bn to be invested in the North of England, £9.6bn for the Midlands, and the £6.5bn saved through the new approach to Euston spread across other regions. The completion of the Euston link remains uncertain, as it depends on the availability of private investment.

Yet, the Network North projects include an

investment of £1.75bn to deliver the Midlands Rail Hub in full, £2bn to build a new station in Bradford, and £2.5bn for a mass transit system in Leeds and West Yorkshire.

In Scotland, funding will target improvements on the A75 between Gretna and Stranraer, and in Wales £1bn will be spent on the electrification of the North Wales Main Line.

This could still mean some good business for suppliers of off-grid power solutions. We will keep you updated.

AMPS JOINS INDUSTRY FORUM TO HELP POWER UP LOBBYING The continued acceptance of the CE mark and the implications of the new EU Machinery Regulation are high on the agenda for UKEMIF… AMPS has been welcomed as the newest member of the UK Equipment & Machinery Industry Forum (UKEMIF). With the addition of AMPS, there are now 17 trade associations within the equipment and machinery industry sector that are members of the UKEMIF. The purpose of the organisation is to provide a platform upon which UK trade associations that have an interest in machinery and related equipment can work collaboratively to: ʝ Form common positions on UK legislative matters. ʝ Liaise directly with UK Government to advocate those positions.

Membership of the UKEMIF consists of nominated trade association representatives and whilst the scope of legislation to be discussed extends beyond just the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations, membership is only open to those associations with close links to machinery and equipment.

The UKEMIF has already established connections with a number of government departments – which receive invitations to meetings of the Forum. These include: ʝ Department for Business & Trade (DBT) ʝ Department for Transport (DfT)

ʝ Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) ʝ Health & Safety Executive (HSE) and Health & Safety Executive Northern Ireland (HSENI) The UKEMIF has been instrumental in liaising with the DBT on the indefinite extension of the CE mark for most goods placed on the GB market and expressing the views and challenges that its members have been experiencing.

20th January 2027 is the application date for the new EU Machinery Regulation. This will be one of the first regulations where the UK government will have to specify if the UK will continue to follow EU regulations or if any form of divergence will be instigated. The UKEMIF continues to lobby the DBT for further guidance on this issue and will again be instrumental in providing information on the views and challenges that will be faced by industry in the event of any form of divergence.

The UKEMIF is currently Chaired by Dale Camsell, Senior Technical Consultant for the Construction Equipment Association, supported

by Gill Stirk as Forum Secretary. Bernard Gospel (AMPS Technical Secretary) represents AMPS.

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A M P S P O L I C Y W AT C H

AMPS POLICY WATCH

EMISSIONS COMPLIANCE

COLLABORATIVE SOLUTIONS REDUCE EMISSIONS FOR POWER GENERATION

In the ever-changing landscape of power generation, emissions compliance remains a primary focus to ensure cleaner, and more sustainable energy generation solutions, are developed.

Carlos Vicente, Retrofit and Aftermarket Director, Eminox, offers his views on how the power generation sector can comply with regulations, prolong machinery life, and improve public health through innovative and collaborative solutions.

What is MCPD and why was it introduced?

In December 2018, the Medium Combustion Plant Directive (MCPD) was introduced into UK law to control emissions from medium sized combustion plant including power generators. For Power Generators specifically, the directive sets emissions limits for Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) with permits and compliance enforced by the Environment Agency (EA) in England, Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and Natural Resources Wales and DAERA Ireland.

36 AMPS POWER MAGAZINE

The application process for permits can be very complex as, not only is it linked to local planning consent, but, depending on the local agency, there may be a requirement for air quality monitoring, emissions screening, and dispersion modelling which for many applicants require the assistance of thirdparty air quality specialists to assist with the applications.

As of January 2024, all combustion plant with rated thermal input greater than 5MW must not operate without a permit.

Compliance with emissions limit values must also be achieved by 1st January 2025. For combustion plant with Rated Thermal Input between 1 and 5 MW, these dates are 2029 and 2030 respectively.

Operators or applicants for new MCP sites or permits will now need to include the design,

How can MCPD be achieved on diesel generators?

Retrofitting of exhaust aftertreatment systems (EATS) with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology is the most common and cost effective way in which industry professionals can meet MCPD obligations. Upgrading from silencers to EATS on diesel generators offers the option to prolong the longevity of the plant or generators in situ without incurring the additional costs for the removal and replacement of the existing plant.

Likewise, for a majority of equipment for new MCPs that are purchased, it provides the necessary emissions performance for tried and tested engine platforms that do not come with compliant EATS as standard.

How does the technology work?

SCR technology is used to reduce NOx and is achieved using active exhaust aftertreatment systems (EATS). They are designed with specialist SCR catalysts and urea dosing systems (UDS). Eminox has a long heritage in supplying SCR technology to both generator OEMs and, as retrofit solutions, worldwide.

Our engineering expertise enables the most challenging of site locations to be fitted with modular, scalable solutions which reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx, NO2). Eminox also has the capability to exceed MCPD by reducing other harmful and visible pollutants including carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC) and carcinogenic particulate matter (PM) seen as black soot, by adding Diesel

Oxidisation Catalyst (DOC) and Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) components. This is now particularly interesting to Planning Officers who are concerned with sites which can cause a statutory nuisance as DPF technology will also assist with noise attenuation and the visible smoke emitted particles. This was a key consideration most recently for Eminox’s award winging AMPS project of the year 2023.

Award winning solutions A flagship example of innovative working is a collaboration awarded ‘Project of the Year’ at the 2023 AMPS awards.

In partnership with Sunbelt Rentals, the creation of a satellite power generation plant for Europe’s largest rail infrastructure project came to fruition in just four months.

The project delivered the most efficient and environmentally friendly solution for a critical energy farm near Bromford, West Midlands, and overcame the challenge to provide 10MVA of near-zero emissions, offgrid energy, to power tunnelling equipment, using localised power generation with Eminox emissions solutions.

The revolutionary solution to mobile power generation set a new standard in emission reduction capability and conformed to stringent safety requirements. It was retrofitted with Eminox emission abatement technology designed specifically for this project.

Advanced emissions control The technology, an advanced active emissions control system, was designed to reduce all regulated, harmful tailpipe emissions including carcinogenic particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) to near-zero levels.

This ‘first of a kind’ emissions reduction project featured 20 x 500 KvA generators

with Eminox EATS and Voltage inverters to convert low voltage power to high voltage power, 11,000 volts in this case.

The 500KvA generator node size was chosen as opposed to a 1250KvA option as it provided a significant running cost saving (£66K/week) and requires less fuel burn. Furthermore, a third of the volume of urea (AdBlue) is required, compared with a larger generator node size. A larger number of smaller generators also allows for more easily adjusting power generation to match the demand of the tunnelling operation, without over- or under-loading generator sets.

This type of solution can be designed and deployed to similar systems and plants with variable load requirements so that emissions reductions can be achieved, and air quality improvements realised, across the entire medium combustion plant power generation sector.

Power generation and the future Scalable and flexible solutions are key to ensuring the most emissions efficient systems are configured, including systems suited for up to 3MW power output, and drawing on the knowledge of experts in this field enables sophisticated systems to be delivered that exceed expectations.

Eminox, is a leading developer and manufacturing pioneer of emissions solutions which support the power generation sector in its quest for a greener and more sustainable future.

It continues to develop its manufacturing capabilities and offers a range of fully automated and semi-automated production lines and equipment to enable execution of design concepts through to final delivery.

For more information, please visit eminox.com AMPS POWER MAGAZINE 37

EMISSIONS COMPLIANCE

plans and specification details for the Exhaust Aftertreatment System (EATS) as part of their application and, for this, Eminox has a team of engineers to provide tailored exhaust system solutions to meet a wide variety of applications.

AMPS COUNCIL MEMBERS

COUNCIL MEMBERS CHAIRMAN

VICE CHAIRMAN

GMI POWER SOLUTIONS LTD

IPU GROUP

PAUL AITKEN

COUNCIL MEMBER

LOUISE HAZEL

COUNCIL MEMBER

ANDREW BELL

CHRIS CALDWELL

MECC ALTE UK

CRESTCHIC

COUNCIL MEMBER

COUNCIL MEMBER

RICHARD A COLLMAN

KÖKEN GUNES

ACOUSTICAL CONTROL ENGINEERS

AKSA POWER GENERATION

COUNCIL MEMBER

COUNCIL MEMBER

RICHARD RUSSETT

CARLOS VICENTE

KOHLER POWER SOLUTIONS EMEA

EMINOX LTD

COUNCIL MEMBER

COUNCIL MEMBER

RICCARDO SARDELLI

NEIL SMITH

VOLVO GROUP

CATERPILLAR RETAIL ELECTRIC POWER SOLUTIONS

COUNCIL MEMBER

COUNCIL MEMBER

PAUL WEBSTER

GEOFF HALLIDAY

ATLAS COPCO

WBPS LTD

COUNCIL MEMBER

TECHNICAL COMMITTEE:

PAUL CAMPBELL INDUSTRIAL POWER SYSTEMS LTD

CHRIS MARSLAND (CHAIRMAN) BERNARD GOSPEL (SECRETARY) MARKETING COMMITTEE:

COUNCIL MEMBER

ALAN BEECH CLARKE ENERGY

CHRIS CALDWELL FINANCE COMMITTEE:

RICHARD COLLMAN

To contact any Council member individually please use;

+44 (0) 20 8253 4505

Unit 19, Omega Business Village, Thurston Road, Northallerton, DL6 2NJ, UK

amps@amps.org.uk

38 AMPS POWER MAGAZINE

www.amps.org.uk

AMPS AGM, CONFERENCE & LUNCHEON WEDNESDAY, 24TH APRIL 2024 ONE GREAT GEORGE STREET, WESTMINSTER, SW1 FROM 9.30 HRS TO 16.00 HRS

h t e r e Wh

s t e e m y r t s u d e in

Our lunch time speaker, SIMON EVANS who is one of the UK’s most respected and best loved comedians. Familiar from TV and radio appearances – from Live at the Apollo, Michael McIntyre’s Roadshow to his BBC Radio 4 series Simon Evans Goes to Market.

“His unique niche is to delight audiences with his witty and insightful take on the comedically unpromising territory of economics!”

CONFERENCE SPEAKERS INCLUDE...

JONATHAN ROBINSON - Analytics & Insights Director, Power & Energy, Frost & Sullivan (London). An experienced research and consulting professional – he will draw on his pool of knowledge including conventional/renewable power, the hydrogen economy, energy storage, flexibility and grid modernisation etc.

MICHAEL SMEETH - CEO of Innovative Hydrogen Solutions International. Michael will discuss UK Hydrogen and Technology. His company is the developer behind the i-phi™, a Hydrogen Generating Module for Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV) that run on diesel fuel.

WHAT’S ON OFFER? The day comprises the AMPS AGM, Conference, Networking Drinks Reception and a delicious three-course lunch with entertainment from Simon Evans. The day is completed by the traditional “early doors” at the local Westminster Arms.

Tickets are £185 (ex-VAT) or £1,750 for a table of 10 (ex-VAT).

To reserve your tickets email amps@amps.org.uk.

Attendance at the AGM and Conference is free of charge to AMPS members.

Reception and Luncheon tickets are chargeable. Numbers limited.

AMPS POWER MAGAZINE 39