APEA (The Association for Petroleum and Explosives Administration)
The Latest Tech Advancements of Fuel Dispensers and the Forecourt
LNG: The Perfect Alternative Fuel for Your Business?
Car Manufacturers and Dealerships Shift Gear to EV
Digitalising Fuel Cards – How Certas Energy is Fighting Fraud
HYTEK Explains the Benefits of HVO and What you Need to Know
Meet the Council: Interview with Chairman Michael O’ Connell
Optimising the Site Offer to include Alternative Fuels: Feasibility Assessment
Bugatti want to Build a Petrol Station at your House just to Keep Liquid Fuels Alive
Pumps with a Difference
News
Press Releases
Branches
Training
APEA Live 2024 Conference, Exhibition and Awards Dinner
Opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily the views of the Association. The technical content is not an official endorsement by or on behalf of the APEA and are entirely the views of the authors.
Welcome
Michael O’Connell APEA Chairman
Welcome to the September edition of The Bulletin. This year is certainly going quickly as we move into the autumn season and get ready for another APEA Live and our APEA AGM. Please take time to read and look through the many interesting articles and advertisements published in this issue. I would like to thank as always our many contributors and advertisers for their continued support to both The Bulletin and to our organisation.
We are all looking forward to APEA Live which this year will again be held in Milton Keynes on the 14th November. I’m certainly looking forward to it to see what new innovations and creations our industry have developed as the fuelling industry continues to evolve. Our events committee and event organisers Five Senses Media are hard at work planning the Trade Show and Exhibition, the Workshops and the evening Awards. The high number of bookings received already suggests APEA Live is a “not to miss” event on our industry’s calendar and is an endorsement on the quality of the event as a whole. So to avoid disappointment, book early and I look forward to seeing you there!
APEA is the only association in the petroleum and explosives industry that brings together and unites all its stakeholders. The individual and corporate members of our Association represent the entire spectrum of the industry (regulatory, supply, transport, manufacturing, trade/retail, installation, technological and service/repair). With regard to our upcoming AGM which is held
APEA Business Manager
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Jane Mardell
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during the APEA Live event, I would ask as many members as possible to please attend. This wonderful Association we are all members of requires a structured and supported National Council committee to manage the many services we provide on behalf of all our members and their respective industries.
On that note I would encourage members to consider applying to join National Council. There is a nomination form included with this edition of The Bulletin. At the AGM each year there is a process that allows members to select the National Council committee members should the number of nominations received exceed the numbers required. In order to join National Council you must have Individual Membership or be a Fellow of APEA. Corporate Member (or their representatives), Honorary Members or Retired Members are unfortunately not eligible to apply for a position on National Council. National Council meets three times each year in January, May and September. The meetings are usually held in central London or Stansted. While most members of National Council attend these meetings in person there is also a facility for virtual attendance where members are unable to travel to the meeting venue.
APEA also has a local Branch network that geographically covers the United Kingdom and the island of Ireland. Each local Branch nominates a Branch Representative that sits on National Council to represent the interests of their local Branch. The local Branches are the lifeblood of APEA. They meet up once or twice per year and arrange lectures/presentations on industry specific topics. The APEA Eastern Branch recently hosted a workshop day event in Ware, Hertfordshire in June. The Irish Branch have a workshop day event in Banbridge, Co. Down this September; and an online workshop is currently being organised for all APEA members to be held around mid-September. Your local Branch contact details are on the APEA website. They would be delighted to hear from any members who are interested in attending or indeed presenting at these meetings.
Finally, I wish to acknowledge the work of APEA National Council, which as always is evidenced by the quality of what it produces. I would also like to thank all our members for their continued support of our Association.
Editor
Brian Humm
Mobile: +44 (0) 7507 478533
email: b.humm@outlook.com
Editorial
Brian Humm Editor
Welcome to this sparkling new edition of the APEA Bulletin magazine. As ever this edition is packed full of articles, press releases and news items from all over the world. I hope all the members enjoy the eclectic mix that we have managed to cobble together this time.
I have started this issue to introduce a new feature which is called “Meet the Council”, the current APEA chair, Micheal O’Connell being my first victim. I will introduce all the National Council members in due course so the members will get an understanding of who everybody who contributes their time freely to make the decisions on how the Association operates are. Also it is a way for members to see the real person and a bit about their makeup, experience and likes/dislikes etc.
Training features quite heavily in this edition. Once again, the APEA trainers have been busy assisting members and organisations, especially enforcing authorities, in ensuring their staff are up to speed in the world of petroleum enforcement, auditing of petrol storage facilities and the laws and regulations in respect of keeping and dispensing petrol as a fuel.
We have had a variety of delegates attending and with varying degrees of experience. All the courses are well received and, in my own opinion, enjoyable to present. If you or your company have any training needs then why not consider contacting Tom Daly, our training Chairman, and discuss your needs? We can, if needed, accommodate most requests: Tom’s contact details are within this edition.
Hopefully, by the time members are reading this Bulletin, the new Blue Book 5th Edition will have been published. If not it certainly will not be long. Hugely anticipated and involving an awful lot of work and meetings, it seems to have taken an age to finish. As one of the people involved in a couple of chapters I must confess it was time consuming and tiring but well worth all the effort from all involved in the process and I hope all members gain benefit
from the new edition and use it wisely when undertaking works on a petrol forecourt. Time to start on the 6th edition!!
Strange world we live in, those of you who know me will know that I retired from the London Fire Brigade Fire Safety Regulation department petroleum group in late 2016. Since then I have run my own business, but lately work has been somewhat thin on the ground so for the first time, in over 42 years I actually applied for a job! I had a zoom interview (yes, I wore trousers and not shorts) and was as nervous as the day I applied for the fire brigade in 1982. I was also slightly taken aback when the company asked what I expected as a salary! Obviously, I would like fortunes but why not tell me what the role paid? Needless to say, my request for £250K was rejected! Oh well, we live and learn, onwards and upwards, might be an age thing!
My usual plea, albeit a bit later on in my introduction. You might have seen emails, tweets and LinkedIn notifications regarding copy for The Bulletin; it really is hard to source. I am extremely lucky to have Jamie Thompson who regularly submits news and his brilliant history of the world of petrol filling stations; there is an article on dispensers within this edition. If any of you have an idea about a topic you would like us to cover, a story about your business, a question you may have had on your mind for a while, literally anything you would like to see in print let us know. If needed I will actually write it for you. All our contact details are within this edition, drop me an email and I will respond immediately to any requests.
Not long now till the must attend event within our industry, APEA Live 2024, taking place once again at the stadium arena at Stadium MK. It certainly is one of my highlights for the year, a great chance to meet colleagues and make new friends, a brilliant networking event for all, also a learning event with the exhibition being generously attended last year, the best one ever. I implore all petroleum enforcers out there to attend, especially the exhibition and conference. The timetable always produces great information and debate and it’s all free to attend. We can also supply, if required, CPD certificates for the day. The complete details are on page 80 of this issue, so put it in your diary now; I look forward to meeting as many members as possible in November, see you there!
Finally a few words of thanks to people who assist in the preparation of this fine publication. Firstly Jane, our Business Manager. Jane keeps me in check and is responsible for the layout and typesetting of the whole Bulletin, without Jane it would not look as good as it does. John Thompson for his proofreading who is responsible for putting punctuation within all my efforts and finally Mel Fitzsimmons who garners articles and press releases through her role on social media platforms for the APEA. Until next time…
Business Manager
Jane Mardell Business Manager
Hope you are currently enjoying the summer (well what we have had so far!). Lots of work currently going on for APEA Live in November and I have detailed information below.
APEA Live 2024 – 14th November
Anyone wishing to book a place at the Conference, Exhibition or Awards Dinner should go to https://www.apealive.co.uk/2024/. Please note there are discounts for ‘early bird’ booking.
APEA Awards
The APEA Awards are live and you can enter the awards by going to https://www.apealive.co.uk/2024/awards/enter-the-awards/. Deadline for entries: 20th September 2024.
APEA AGM 14th November, 12.10pm
With this issue of The Bulletin you have received an AGM invitation letter and nomination form. If you wish to make a nomination to Council please complete the form and scan and submit with your CV as instructed on the form.
You can register attendance for the AGM and you will be able to view the APEA 2023 reduced accounts shortly and other documents for the AGM at the link below. There is also a link on the home page of the website at www.apea.org.uk.
https://apea.org.uk/pages/inside-apea/agm
If there is more than one person nominated for a post, instructions will be emailed to members on how to vote for their preferred choice. This process has to be completed two weeks before the AGM on 14th November.
2025 Yearbook
The 2025 Yearbooks will be distributed on 1st October. If you have not received your copy by the end of October please let me know and I will chase up your delivery. We only have a limited amount of spare copies so you need to contact me by the end of October if you have not received your copy.
Individual/Retired members in the UK and Corporate members overseas will be sent their Yearbooks by standard Royal Mail. Corporate members in the UK will receive their 5 copies by courier which are tracked, so we can follow up any non-deliveries.
The Bulletin
We are always looking for press releases and articles for The Bulletin. If you have anything you think would interest our readers, please email it to me at admin@apea.org.uk and I will forward it to the editor Brian Humm to approve.
Website Banner Advertising
You can place your banner on the APEA website. This is £200 plus vat for one year. Please contact me at admin@apea.org.uk if you wish to make a booking.
Membership information/Your membership account
Please go to your membership account at www.apea.org.uk where you can do the following:
•Download a membership certificate in pdf format
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•Change your membership
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•Change your Yearbook entry
•View your downloads
How to report website issues/submit technical queries and general feedback
A new contact form has been created to make it easier to contact the APEA. Be it help required with purchasing publications or training courses, technical queries, how to use your membership account or issues on the website you need help with, you can use the contact form.
Please go to the Contact page at https://apea.org.uk/contact/. Enter your contact details and use the pull-down menu to select the relevant subject and your query will be directed to the correct person.
Training Courses
All training courses can be viewed and booked on the APEA website at www.apea.org.uk. If you are interested in booking a bespoke training course please email Tom Daly (Chairman of Training Committee) at thomasdaly@apea.org.uk.
Online training courses
Please go to the training page on the APEA website at www.apea.org.uk or go to: https://apea.org.uk/pages/training or https://apea.mykademy.com/
New Members
There have been 23 new members joining during April, May and June, details on page 10.
General Assistance
If you need any assistance with general or technical matters, please do not hesitate to contact me at admin@apea.org.uk or on 0345 603 5507. There is comprehensive contact information on the APEA website too at www.apea.org.uk.
Jane
tel: 0345 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk
Corporate Membership
Aleksander Piekarski All-Tech Electrical and Mechanical Ltd
Christopher Beatty JSM Developments LTD
Ian Hodge CTSL
Jane Chaplin Wiltshire Council
Katherine Kwong Leafield Environmental Ltd
Louis Trent Trent’s Southwest Ltd
Nigel Whitlock Central Maintenance Solutions Limited
Rob Curtis Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service
New Members (April - June) Publications Information
Individual Membership
Daniel Basley TMIET
Dave Johnson J&R Services Ltd
David Mathias Moto Hospitality
David Yates
Defluo Plumbing and Drainage
Donna Dowse Derby City Council
Glen Embling G.E. Restorations Ltd
Jane Gibbons Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar
Joanne Love Shield Mechanical Electrical & Facilities Services
4th Edition of the Guidance for Design, Construction, Modification, Maintenance and Decommissioning of Filling Stations“Blue Book” (Revised 2018)
ISBN 978 0 85293 888 1
Price for hard copy
APEA Member rate - £75
Non APEA Member rate - £150
Price for pdf version (please note the pdf version is licensed to the purchaser only and cannot be shared or printed)
APEA Member rate - £75
Non APEA Member rate - pdf £150
If you wish to purchase the guide please go to the APEA website at www.apea.org.uk and click on the “Publications” page. You can select to pay by credit/debit card.
NB 5th Edition of this guidance is due for publication in 2024. Check the latest version at www.apea.org.uk/about-publications/
The APEA also publishes the Code of Practice for Ground floor, multi storey and underground car parks. This can be downloaded directly from the APEA website and is available to members at £11.00 and £21.00 to non APEA members.
John Madden Louth Fire and Rescue
Jonathan Heasley Premier Energy Storage Ltd
Kieran Logan Rose Electrical Contractors Ltd
Paul Barber Sainsburys
Philip Allen Tincknell Electrical
Roslyn McIntosh Inverclyde Council
Shay Fleming Shay Fleming and Associates Solicitors
Electric Vehicle Charging Installations at Filling Stations
Price for hard copy
APEA Member rate - £32.50
Non APEA Member rate - £50
Price for pdf version (please note the pdf version is licensed to the purchaser only and cannot be shared or printed)
APEA Member rate - £32.50
Non APEA Member rate - pdf £50
This Code of Practice is an authoritative guide to all installations of electric vehicle charging equipment. It has been updated in line with recent changes in BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations) and reflects some major developments in this area including vehicle to grid, smart integration and inductive charging.
As part of the rapid growth and development of the whole electric vehicle charging infrastructure, filling stations are seen as an obvious place to provide charging facilities. However, it is recognised that difficult safety and logistical issues are linked to such installations.
When the 4th Edition of the Code of Practice for Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installation was published, significant technical discussions were still underway about this area to help finalise and clarify the safety issues that needed to be addressed. The work behind these meetings was led by APEA (the Association for Petroleum and Explosives Administration) who represent the major stakeholders in this sector. APEA and the IET are therefore now issuing this joint publication to help provide important guidance in this area.
ISBN-13: 978-1-83953-315-0
Publication Year: 2020 Pages: 30
About The Bulletin and how you can submit copy to be included
•The Bulletin is published four times a year with a print run of 2200
•Free issue to APEA members (approx 1200 members worldwide)
•Has international distribution and readership
•Respected source of industry specific news and information
•Contains relevant articles, news items, press releases and reports from UK and overseas
•Individual, Fellow and Retired members receive one copy each and Corporate members receive 5 copies each per quarter
The editor of The Bulletin, Brian Humm, is always on the look out for new material, so if you have something you want to be included, please email it to the APEA office at admin@apea.org.uk and it will be forwarded to Brian for approval.
Please email the text in Word format and any images as separate high resolution pdf or jpeg files to admin@apea.org.uk.
We are always pleased to receive contributions from our members and it ensures that The Bulletin remains an interesting and informative read.
Priority is given for press releases and articles submitted by Bulletin advertisers to be included.
Deadline dates for copy and advertising artwork 2024
Issue
Copy deadline date
Posting date
Dec 2024 26th August 1st November
March 2025 16th December 21st February
June 2025 24th March 16th May
Sept 2025 31st June 8th August
Please note the deadline date for the March 2025 issue is early due to Christmas and New Year holidays.
Bulletin Advertising
If you would like to book advertising in The Bulletin, please email your requirements to admin@apea.org.uk or call the office on 0345 603 5507. Please ensure you send your artwork to admin@apea.org.uk.
Priority is given for press releases and articles submitted by Bulletin advertisers to be included.
Discounts are available for booking in more than one issue, please contact Jane Mardell at admin@apea.org.uk for more information.
Bulletin advertisers that book in 3 or more issues in one year also receive a 50% discount off rates for advertising in the annual Yearbook, see table below.
Size of advert (all rates exclude VAT)
Full page (210mmw x 280mmh with 10mm border or with 3mm bleed)
½ page (185mmw x 125mmh)
¼ page (90mmw x 120mmh)
tel: 0345 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk
fee in 1 issue
fee in 4 issues (includes 25% disc
Articles
The Changing Nature of the Forecourt
By David Mc Guinness, Director of Product Management, Dover Fueling Solutions®
More and more countries are identifying their official phaseout dates for the sale of petrol and diesel cars. The European Union (UN) announced in 2023 that member states will be required by law to ban the sale of these vehicles by 2035, while other European countries such as the Netherlands, Sweden, and Greece are among the countries looking to phase them out earlier.
This is in the continued effort to push towards decarbonisation not just of petrol and diesel but of all fuel types. There’s a drive to produce clean energy through the likes of blue and green hydrogen and using renewable energy sources for electric vehicle (EV) charging, but how will this affect the future of fuel production around the world? And will this have a considerable impact on forecourts?
Dover Fueling Solutions® explores the topic and its possible impact on the refuelling industry.
Impacts on fuel production
Despite the implication that the sale of petrol and diesel cars may eliminate the need for traditional fuel pumps, this isn’t the case. 2035 won’t herald the total end of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, and there will still be a demand for them in the marketplace, as well as refuelling stations being necessary to power them.
The International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) states in its Vision 2050 whitepaper that even if the optimistic decarbonisation scenarios become reality, more than two billion new ICE vehicles will be sold over the next three decades. This is why these vehicles need to be prioritised for efficiency, which is particularly important as the drivers are holding onto their vehicles for longer, with averages rising to around 11.6 years. As a result, petrol and diesel pumps will be needed on forecourts until at least 2045.
This is where the global investment around charging networks may help encourage drivers to switch to EVs, with more than $4.8 billion being put into the industry in 2022 alone. Add this to the forecasts of reaching $100 billion by 2023 and as much as $823 billion by 2028. That’s a hugely encouraging statistic for motorists concerned about whether they’ll have the resources available to charge their EV.
While EVs are the biggest alternative emerging against traditional engines, hydrogen is considered the next big fuel to grow into public consciousness. The adoption of the fuel has been seen mainly in Asian countries; however, Germany and the US do feature within the top five, showing there is interest among more western territories.
This interest will likely be encouraged by governments around the world due to the importance of hydrogen within net-zero strategies. To shift with the demand, the hydrogen refuelling stations market is expected to grow by 17% between now and 2032, with North America anticipated to lead this expansion.
Another alternative fuelling option set to see huge transformation in the coming years is compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG). Research from Rystad predicts a drop in production as low as 2.6 million metric tonnes of both fuels by 2025, which will subsequently see a shift in the import and export of CNG and LNG. With Australia and Qatar being major producers and China and the US being the largest consumers, it’s likely that increased trading between the two will be seen for these alternative fuels.
Despite emerging alternatives, consumption of petrol and diesel will remain steady as many motorists around the globe want to keep their current vehicle, which is in line with changing vehicle ownership behaviours, driving their current car for longer. But, thanks to the growth of clean fuels alongside the cleaner production of petrol and diesel, we should become much less dependent on oil-based fuels in the future.
How changes in fuel consumption will change the future of the
forecourt
The move towards EVs and charging infrastructure being introduced to meet demands, means there’ll likely be a change in the future of the forecourt. Consumer behaviours are constantly evolving and with a shift towards the want for a personalised experience and more positive outlooks on the concept of subscription models, a change could be seen in the loyalty of motorists to a preferred forecourt.
Forecourts and business owners will have to invest considerably to win this loyalty, which could require a large-scale consumer behaviour analysis to discover and customise the experience and offerings. In fact, 60% of retailers are currently conducting this big data analysis to further differentiate themselves in the market. Accessibility to charging points is a big indicator for drivers of whether they should buy an EV, and how
that will evolve what forecourts provide drivers is one area that DFS examined in their Future of Fueling Trend Report from 2022. Respondents to their survey outlined what consumers are looking for from forecourts while their vehicle is charging, with 39% of consumers looking for refreshment from a cafe, 29% from a restaurant, and 11% requiring somewhere to sit down and work like a business centre. EV drivers have demands that differ greatly from ICE vehicle drivers, with most being largely functional.
When pulling into a forecourt, drivers want to know they’re getting exactly what they need, with the first thing for EV drivers being a charging station. If it does, then they want to be sure that the equipment they’re using is reliable and fits in their vehicle without hassle or there’s an adapter that’s easy to use and deploy for charging.
One of the major shifts in forecourts that’s been predicted by the industry at large is ‘non-fuel strategies.’ This is a major pivot in the way business owners approach the experience of visiting a forecourt, with 75% of fuel retailers believing that non-fuel
offerings will emerge as a priority and 65% planning to invest more in supplying a better convenience store experience.
KPMG outlined several adjacent services that could take centre stage in the future of forecourts, ranging from children’s play areas and laundrettes for families on the go to time-saving offerings like click-and-collect or prescription services.
Conclusion
As hydrogen becomes a more common fuel, on-site hydrogen production costs are predicted to fall considerably. This will make it a much more viable option for motorists and businesses looking to switch their vehicles to alternative fuel, as well as being a more affordable long-term investment.
So, forecourts will be required to adapt to meet these changing requirements, such as making sure to provide the unique services that will draw motorists in and establish a sense of connection and loyalty.
Here Comes the Sun
By Cheryl Ashton, Marketing Coordinator, TSG
Solar is a renewable clean power source that when paired with energy storage systems can deliver electricity on demand. The transition to solar is starting to gain momentum but is it a viable solution?
As the UK takes significant strides toward combatting the climate change crisis, the race is on to find a renewable power source that will help to safeguard the future of the planet and its inhabitants. This seismic progression away from fossil fuels will take many years to come to fruition, so the research and development of new green
energies must be front and centre of government strategies around the world.
In the meantime, fossil fuels will remain the primary energy source for the vast majority of countries, providing electricity, heat, transportation and manufacturing. That said, the current global reliance on natural resources is causing concern surrounding the long-term future of energy supply. Over time, the constant high use of non-renewable energy sources has contributed to the rapid depletion of fossil fuel reserves.
Is solar the answer?
Solar power is emerging as a potential solution to the energy crisis; by harnessing the sun’s clean abundant and limitless power source, countries around the world can begin the transition away from traditional fuels to a greener more sustainable tomorrow. Solar energy doesn’t produce byproducts that can be harmful to the environment and add to the planet’s environmental issues, like global warming or acid rain.
International decarbonisation plans require zero-carbon energy sources to be widely adopted by 2050. The economic attractiveness of solar energy is improving fast, due to increasing investment in the technology behind the solar panels that harvest the sunlight.
Solar panels are usually mounted on building rooftops, on the ground where space is available, or depending on the type of panel - forecourt canopies. The panels convert the sun’s rays to electricity, which can then be stored in battery energy storage systems and deployed as required. In principle, there is enough solar irradiation reaching the Earth every day to allow 24/7 availability of carbon-free solar energy across the globe.
Solar in energy retail
Early in 2022, a major oil company (MOC) converted an ageing fuel station in Fulham into a contemporary, high-speed electric vehicle (EV) charging hub, built with sustainability in mind. The redundant petrol and diesel pumps made way for nine high-powered, ultrarapid 175 kW electric charge points.
In line with the MOC’s energy transition strategy, the charge points at Fulham are operated by one hundred percent renewable electricity, consistent with all of its EV chargers across the UK, including those found at over 100 of its forecourts. The new EV hub showcases an environmentally conscious design that features solar panels built into the roof to generate renewable electricity to power the site. Both the store windows and skylights are double glazed for better insulation, reducing energy use for both cooling in the summer and heating in winter.
This innovative model has set a precedent in the energy industry for other forward-thinking retailers to follow.
TSG is here to help TSG has been prominent in the retail fuel industry for over 30 years
and will continue to support all fossil fuel sites with equipment and maintenance until further notice. In more recent times, TSG has established itself as the UK’s first-choice engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor for all new energies (including electricity and solar), delivering all works within a predefined timescale and budget for any application.
Furthermore, TSG employs a team of highly skilled technical engineers to provide a supreme aftercare service that operates seven days a week. The foundation for an effective transition to solar power is the implicit trust formed between the customer and the supplier during and following an installation. Clients can rest assured that TSG will provide the necessary support, advice and maintenance services for as long as required.
The energy shift
The climate change crisis has been dominating the news for quite some time, intensifying the pressure on us all to shift to a practicable and sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. Many progressive companies are starting to move away from their dependence on the national grid by investing in solar energy to generate the electricity they need for daily operations.
The development of solar technology has been advancing at a consistently fast pace, driving production costs down as demand grows. Nevertheless, solar panel installation remains a significant upfront investment and requires careful consideration. For instance, it is important to check for government incentives to offset the cost, plan for maintenance and repairs to keep the system running smoothly, and anticipate the future and how the company’s energy needs may change.
Despite the initial outlay, installing solar panels is by far the cheapest energy source available and will demonstrate a company’s commitment to the environment, whilst raising its profile in the community.
Solar installations
The key to a successful solar installation is preparation, in the form of a comprehensive site survey. During the inspection, TSG UK’s solar specialists will determine the viability of the project, by checking the integrity of the roof to ensure it is structurally capable of withstanding the weight of the panels. If no issues are found, then the number of panels will be calculated, based on the energy requirements of the company. Historical electricity usage will be
factored into the calculation, plus any plans for expansion or additional shifts, etc. The size and orientation of the roof, plus shaded areas are also important characteristics for consideration in the placement of the panels to ensure maximum energy output.
TSG UK is here to help all commercial and industrial (C&I) businesses make the transition to solar energy, including but not restricted to:
•Offices
•Retail – retail stores, shopping centres,
•Industrial – warehouses, factories
•Leisure – hotels, restaurants, sport facilities
•Logistics – haulage companies, public transport
Following the survey, the TSG solar team will advise customers of the full scope of the work, including all equipment costings (panels, electrics and inverters), installation times and expected results.
TSG will then carry out all of the electrical works, before fitting the solar panels to absorb the sun’s rays. The steady stream of electrical energy is generated as direct current (DC) and consequently, inverters are required to convert it to alternating current (AC) before it can be utilised in the facility.
Businesses can then enjoy low-cost energy to power daily operations, which can be supplemented by a top-up from the grid if necessary.
Solar energy storage
For businesses wishing to become increasingly independent from
the national grid, battery storage provides the option to store all of the excess energy generated by the rooftop solar panels, for use at night or during cloudy weather.
Storage batteries do not need to be installed at the same time as the solar panels, they can be added to the system at a later date if required.
Flexible, lightweight, roll-up solar panels
Lightweight, rollable solar panels are a relatively new concept, ideal for forecourt canopies and other structures that are not strong enough to support the heavier glass panels. The popularity of these flexible panels is now gaining traction in the market; however, they are currently marginally more expensive than their glass counterparts. This pricing situation will undoubtedly change as demand grows and production costs decrease.
Service and maintenance of solar installations
TSG UK provides a professional service and maintenance programme for all of its solar installations, which typically includes a visual inspection of the panels, checks of the inverter, meter and other components, current and voltage check, inspection of roof condition, analysis of energy production and spot cleaning. It is important to include the cost of service from the onset of the project, as solar panels require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
For more information on TSG UK’s services and solutions visit: www.tsg-solutions.com/uk
The Latest Tech Advancements of Fuel Dispensers and the Forecourt
By Soren Powell-Holse, Director of Dispenser Product Strategy & Marketing, Dover Fueling Solutions®
With a reported 141,000 filling stations across Europe, many station owners will wonder how their forecourts can continue evolving in line with the latest fuel dispensation technologies.
From alternative fuelling options and advertising screens to loyalty programs and in-car connectivity, we can certainly expect current trends to continue.
But how has the refuelling experience changed over time, and what developments can we expect in the future?
Dover Fueling Solutions® (DFS) examines how far forecourt technology has advanced from its humble beginnings to today’s shiny new service stations and the current clean energy revolution.
A History of the Service Station
The origins of the gas station lie in the late 1800s when motorists had to visit their nearest ‘dispensing retailer’ prepared with a bucket to be filled by their pharmacist.
The first fuel pump wasn’t used until 1905, when legendary American inventor Sylvanus Bowser developed a product to safely transfer gasoline from a barrel to a car’s fuel tank. The year was a landmark in American transportation history, with 25,000 cars sold across the country.
Further products would then develop in line with increasing consumer demand. Much debate centres around who can claim to be the “first-ever refilling station,” with various sites popping up around the early 1900s.
Most agree, though, that fuelling giant Gulf would open the first drive-up service station in 1913, selling fuels and other amenities.
In 1930, Tokheim® introduced the industry’s first power pump with an air separator to market, distinguishing Tokheim® as a market leader.
Following this, purpose-built refilling stations would become a ubiquitous presence on roadsides around the world. Their inception would also provide wider economic benefits,
with adjacent restaurants and repair shops popping up to cater to demand. Today, this has swelled to an estimated 141,000 fuel stations across Europe, with a further 145,000 in the USA. Italy dominates the European market with 21,700, Germany with 14,458, and Turkey with 13,011.
The evolution of the fuel dispenser
As more and more refuelling stations have emerged across the globe, fuel dispensers have evolved profoundly, encompassing advancements across safety, security, fuel type, measurement, payment, loyalty, branding, and media.
Early embryonic versions would require manual operation, including pumping by hand or foot. This lent itself to onsite attendants who would refill your car on your behalf, in contrast to the self-service dispensers of the 21st century.
Across the early part of the 20th century, fuel pumps would see various advancements, including analogue clock faces for measurement, glass cylinders, and marketing globes bearing the name of the fuel supplier atop the pump.
Perhaps the biggest breakthrough would arrive in 1940 with the advent of the first automated fuel dispenser, which used electronic technology to control flow and measure volume in addition to displaying information such as price and fuel used.
In 1964, Herbert Timms developed a system to activate pumps remotely, leading to the growing popularity of the self-service pumps from brands such as Tokheim® or Wayne.
In 1986, the first 24-hour gas station was established, complete with pay-at-the-pump services before intuitive smartphone payment would finally arrive in 2016.
What does the future hold for forecourts?
While this potted history of the fuel dispenser provides a broad view of refuelling changes over time, huge changes will continue in the future.
Of course, one key development will be how the mainstream adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) – and other alternative energy vehicles such as hydrogen, liquefied natural gas (LNG) or compressed natural gas (CNG) – will reshape the consumer refuelling experience. By nature, EV lends itself to longer dwell times, with even the most rapid EV public chargers taking 20-40 minutes to recharge.
Forecourt station owners can capitalise on this uptake in dwell time by enhancing retail and entertainment offerings. Convenience stores will likely be transformed into multi-purpose hubs with fresh food and a fast, easy, and digitally-enabled shopping experience. This could include easy payment through apps, cashless stores, and whole-basket scanning.
EV ownership will likely fuel demand for subscription model pricing whereby drivers routinely visit the same charging hubs around their weekly activities. Station owners can leverage loyalty programs to drive revenue, with big hitters like Shell, BP, and Total already rolling out EV subscription schemes to underpin their forecourt portfolios.
In addition, expect to see increasing modernisation of the pump, with dispensers evolving to create a seamless digital consumer experience.
Soren Powell-Holse, Director of Dispenser Product Strategy & Marketing at DFS explains: “Today’s forecourt customers expect more than ever. Think more interactivity, more choices, more experiential fun.
“This brings huge revenue opportunities for retailers with the technology to bundle up purchases at the pump. “While customers are refuelling their vehicles, it’s the ideal time to advertise your other products and service as you’re no longer limited to the static messaging signages of yesteryear.”
Conclusion
If history is anything to go by, we can expect to see even more changes to the forecourts of the future. Due to the proliferation of various clean energy technologies, we’ll likely see multi-energyhubs which cater towards various refuelling streams.
Expect also to see an emphasis on loyalty programs, more intuitive payment and an extensive C-Store offering.
Savvy, forward-thinking station owners will take note and futureproof their forecourts accordingly.
The History of Fuel Retailing | NACS (convenience.org)
The Evolution of the Gas Pump - SafeRack
Evolution of the Gas Pump - Petroleum Service Company
How History and Future of Fuel Dispenser? - Bluesky (blueskynewenergy.com)
Savills Blog | What role do fuel station forecourts play in a society of EV drivers?
LNG: The Perfect Alternative Fuel for Your Business?
By Dover Fueling Solutions®
In an era dominated by discussions around electric and hydrogenfuelled vehicles, fleet managers and business owners find themselves at the crossroads of deciding on the most efficient and sustainable fuel option for their operations.
Among the above mentioned, there’s another contender making waves on the market – Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).
Joost Jansen, Business Development Manager, at Dover Fueling Solutions® (DFS) commented: “Ultimately, consumers seek energy that is affordable, reliable and environmentally friendly. LNG meets these criteria, and its competitive costs make it a promising choice for commercial transportation.”
DFS takes a closer look at LNG as a compelling alternative fuel and delves into its environmental, cost, and business impacts to determine if it could be the perfect solution for your fleet fuelling business.
Environmental impact
As the continent transitions towards Net-Zero, buyers and governments are now refocusing their efforts on lowering CO2
emissions to meet decarbonisation goals. LNG is a natural gas that has been reduced to a liquid state through a process of cooling, and it is the cleanest fossil fuel, as it produces 40% less carbon dioxide than coal and 30% less than oil.
Its primary component is methane (85-89%), which releases fewer pollutants during combustion, making it a sustainable choice that improves air quality.
Another key player on the market is Bio-LNG, which emits 85% less CO2 than diesel and is a key solution in minimising emissions from the heavy goods vehicle (HGV) sector.
LNG manufacturing has another advantage in the race to net zero. During the production of LNG, Boil-Off Gas (BOG), which causes the pressure inside the LNG storage tank to rise, is continuously evaporated. However, venting BOG into the atmosphere is extremely dangerous and will become illegal as part of the Europe (Green) Deal. In order to rectify this, Gasrec implemented DFS’ patented LIQAL BTU Boil-off Gas Treatment Unit that converts BOG back into liquid form, avoiding venting and preserving LNG stock, thus reducing losses – both financial and environmental.
Moreover, the LIQAL BTU system offers unlimited holding time for LNG with no need for active management of LNG tank storage pressure, posing a significant opportunity for the reduction of costs.
A cost-effective solution
Fuel poverty is a real problem, so providing affordable energy is critical. LNG emerges as a cost-efficient solution, thanks to the ample supply of natural gas resources and the steadiness of its prices, in contrast to the fluctuations observed in the oil market.
During the first half of 2023, LNG imports in Europe were predominantly led by nations in East Asia and Europe. China, Japan, and South Korea emerged as the top three global importers, followed by the UK, France, and Spain, where the majority of European regasification capacity is housed.
Access to a diversity of suppliers can not only reduce prices but can also give us the flexibility to move to more reliable shippers or avoid geopolitically sensitive markets.
The affordability of vehicles powered by LNG is on the rise, supported by an expanding infrastructure catering to the specific fuelling requirements of fleets.
Furthermore, LNG engines typically incur lower maintenance costs, yielding long-term savings for businesses. Unlike electric vehicles, which often demand substantial upfront investments in charging infrastructure, LNG presents a more gradual transition without the necessity for a massive initial financial commitment.
A recent study has highlighted the effects of ongoing advancements in liquefaction and shipping technologies on the reduction in production, transportation, and regasification costs, fuelling the swift expansion of the global LNG industry. The purification and liquefaction costs of natural gas have seen a decrease of 35%–50%, while the transportation cost per unit of LNG has declined by 40%, making LNG a price-competitive solution for today and for the future.
“Businesses have the opportunity to invest in LNG dispensers that provide truck drivers with an intuitive refuelling experience and exceptional uptime. When paired with the LIQAL BTU Boiloff Gas Treatment Unit to ensure consistent performance, businesses can upgrade their fuel sites with a low total cost of ownership (TCO) while embracing the latest clean fuel technology,” commented Joost Jansen, Business Development Manager at DFS.
Positive business impact
Transitioning to LNG can positively impact businesses in several ways. Firstly, LNG engines often boast a longer lifespan than traditional diesel engines, enhancing the overall durability of a fleet. The gas is also readily available, with a growing network of LNG refuelling stations worldwide, ensuring operations are less likely to face disruptions due to fuel shortages.
“LNG infrastructure may be embryonic, but it is fast growing. There are around 635 LNG stations on the continent, with the bulk concentrated in Western Europe, and its cost-competitive benefits means it has strong potential for commercial transport,” said Lise-Lotte Nordholm, vice president and general manager of clean energy and global platforms at DFS, in an interview for Fuel Oil News.
According to the latest statistics, the majority of LNG stations in Europe are in Germany (128), followed by Italy (125) and Spain (88). LNG is especially well-suited for long-distance road freight transport, given the limited availability of alternatives to diesel in this case. Moreover, its familiar refuelling method should appeal to drivers.
With the emergence of reliable and convenient refuelling units, such as the compact LIQAL LNG Mobile Refuelling Unit (MRU) that Gasrec incorporated to suit numerous locations, it becomes easier for fuel retailers to implement clean energies with minimal work or additional costs – this can even be in addition to conventional fuel dispensers at larger service stations, to cover a multitude of drivers.
Increasing demand for LNG as a ‘transitional fuel’
As the EU transitions towards its intermediate target of a 55% reduction of net-emissions by 2030, ‘transitional fuels’ will likely play a big part in everything from long haul transport to powering our home deliveries.
A transitional fuel, in contrast to conventional fuels such as oilderived petrol and diesel, are any types of fuels which contribute to FIT reduction targets. As the cleanest of all fossil fuels, natural gas is the cleanest burning of all transitional fuels and emits significantly less CO2 than its traditional counterparts.
In comparison to other clean energy sources such as EV, LNG requires minimum investment in infrastructure, which means it’s a perfect bridge until the world transitions to a fully emissions-free society.
LNG, especially BioLNG, is not only a cost-effective solution, but it also has the ability to reduce emissions, and that’s highly attractive to the heavy-duty transport industry and other adjacent carbon-intensive sectors.
According to the European Commission, LNG development into a global commodity can improve the security of energy supply in general by boosting the use of natural gas as fuel for transport. LNG provides a long-term solution, as The International Energy Agency predicts there are enough resources to last 230 years if consumption remains at current levels.
Conclusion
“With its environmental advantages, cost-effectiveness, and positive business impacts, LNG is on the way to becoming one of the most in-demand fuels globally for heavy-duty transport. It can contribute to future energy security measures and facilitate the worldwide transition to decarbonise major carbon-emitting economies. We’re witnessing the evolution of the consumer experience in fuelling and convenience retail,” concluded Joost Jansen, Business Development Manager at DFS.
Car Manufacturers and Dealerships Shift Gear to EV
By Cheryl Ashton, Marketing Coordinator, TSG
The UK government is phasing out petrol and diesel new vehicle sales, to accelerate the transition to electric and achieve net zero by 2050. How does this impact the car manufacturers and dealerships?
The rising fear of global warming, and the devastating effect on the environment and the livelihoods of many generations to come are front and centre of the UK government’s policy. The strategic focus on environmental issues and zero emissions has prompted a seismic shift in the car industry, forsaking well-loved traditional fossil fuels in favour of electric vehicles (EVs). This radical transformation is escalating at breakneck speed in terms of switching vehicle production lines, remodelling the business roadmap and preparing the franchisees for a new tomorrow.
The rise of electric vehicles
Electric vehicles gained popularity due to their environmental benefits, reduced operating costs, and government incentives. The advancements in battery technology have significantly improved the range and charging capabilities of EVs, making them a viable option for everyday use. As a result, the demand for electric vehicles has surged, and major car manufacturers are investing heavily in their EV offerings.
Consumers are increasingly prioritising sustainability and are attracted to pure electric vehicles due to their negligible carbon emissions. The rising awareness about climate change and the need for eco-friendly transportation has prompted many drivers to switch to EVs.
Balancing the model mix
The electric revolution has been a rollercoaster ride for car manufacturers across the world, trying to keep pace with consumer demand and changing governmental priorities. Undoubtedly, the next ten years will be very challenging, as manufacturers strive to balance the model mix, so they can fulfil the mounting order bank for EVs and satisfy the die-hard fossil fuel drivers.
Many car manufacturers had already committed to the mass production of hybrid and electric-only ranges based on the government’s previous 2030 policy, ultimately driving the prices of greener vehicles down. Meanwhile, prices of petrol and diesel models are likely to rise due to their limited availability and extended lead times.
In September of 2023, the prime minister delayed the ban of new internal combustion cars until 2035, causing yet more confusion and consternation for the manufacturers and frustration for the dealer networks. Now that the pressure is off motorists to switch to electric, the surge in EV new car sales has understandably eased. The delay in the ban brings the UK into line with the European Union, which is also prohibiting sales of new petrol and diesel cars by 2035.
The UK Government is supporting the roll-out of EVs
The government’s EV roll-out includes backing the expansion of the charging infrastructure to support the rising number of EVs on UK roads, creating robust zero-emission vehicle supply chain networks, and providing alternative sustainable transport methods
to ensure greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are reduced, as outlined in the Net Zero Strategy.
From 2035 no new conventional petrol or diesel cars will be sold in the UK, meaning that all new cars after that deadline will be zero emission.
In addition to government support, the private sector is actively participating in the expansion of the UK’s EV charging infrastructure.
Key players in the market are investing in the development of innovative charging solutions such as ultra-fast charging hubs, wireless charging systems and advanced battery technologies.
New restrictions for manufacturers*
From January 2024, car manufacturers will be forced to meet strict quotas for the sales of electric cars, despite the ban on sales of new petrol and diesel vehicles being deferred.
The government’s mandate requires car makers to ensure that 22% of new vehicles sold are electric; this will rise year on year and is expected to reach 80% by 2030. Failure to hit the objective will result in substantial fines (£15,000 per car
and £18,000 per van) for the shortfall in EVs sold. Manufacturers selling fewer than 2,500 vehicles per year will be exempt.
There is a positive clause to this mandate which allows car makers to purchase credits from other manufacturers that exceed their EV mix. This ‘free trade’ allowance will be in place until 2026 and will make the objective far easier to achieve, at least for the next two years.
*Source: Car Dealer Magazine
Dealership challenges
The rise of electric vehicles has disrupted the traditional business model of car dealerships. Unlike internal combustion engine models, electric vehicles require less maintenance and have fewer mechanical components. This change poses a sizeable challenge for car dealerships, as they rely heavily on revenue generated from service and repairs.
Car dealerships play a crucial role in the sale and distribution of vehicles. However, with the increasing adoption of electric vehicles, their role is evolving. Dealerships now need to become knowledgeable about electric vehicle technology, charging infrastructure, and government incentives. They must invest in training their sales teams to effectively educate and assist customers in making informed decisions. Furthermore, dealers should establish a seamless customer experience by providing test drives, assisting with charge point installation and offering comprehensive after-sales support.
While the shift to electric vehicles presents challenges, it also offers numerous opportunities for car dealerships. Dealerships can embrace EVs by investing in charging infrastructure on their premises, providing customers with a convenient charging experience. They can also offer specialised services such as EV maintenance, repairs and battery replacements.
TSG leading the charge
The government’s policy toward transport decarbonisation is driving public demand for a practicable charge point network, to keep pace with the growing number of EVs. Without a robust infrastructure, the ambitious plan to hit net zero by 2050 will undoubtedly stall.
It is critical for car dealerships and vehicle manufacturing plants wishing to provide charge points on site, to partner with a reputable supplier that can effectively project manage the entire installation.
TSG is leading the way in establishing a charging infrastructure capable of safeguarding the future of EVs across the UK. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, TSG has the expertise to provide a scalable and practical solution for any size of operation, leveraging the characteristics of the site to maximise the opportunity.
TSG is now established as the UK’s first-choice engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor and has the expertise to provide a complete end-to-end turnkey EV charge solution, from site survey, design, consultancy and distribution network operator (DNO) connections.
For more information on TSG UK’s service and solutions, please visit: www.tsg-solutions.com/uk
Digitalising Fuel Cards –How Certas Energy is Fighting Fraud
By Paul Boulton, Certas Energy’s Roadside Services Product Manager
Certas Energy has introduced the UKs first digital fuel card in an effort to tackle the industry’s fraud crisis.
Fuel card fraud is a major problem for fleet operators. Activities like cloning and stealing cards are contributing to a rise in fraud which can amount to thousands of pounds each time.
What makes this more challenging is that many organisations aren’t insured against these losses.
It is clear that the whole industry needs to do more to tackle the issue. The market needs a safe and secure payment process, not only to protect businesses but the employees on the road as well.
And this is where Certas Energy is leading the way.
The future of fuel cards
FuelTapp is the first and only operating digital fuel card in the UK, created by Certas Energy to combat fuel card crime and fraud, as well as provide more convenience to the user.
FuelTapp allows businesses to manage all fuel card functions from one portal, regardless of where the drivers are on the road. An unlimited number of drivers can be allocated to the account giving the fleet manager control over the whole fleet in one portal.
Once registered with FuelTapp, each driver receives a personal link via email. The link directs them to download the application with a one-time passcode for activation, maintaining the secure service. When it comes to each transaction, the app generates a single use PIN code which changes every 30 seconds making it much harder
to clone. The app can be used at 16 bunkers throughout the UK. The portal is the control centre for the fleet managers. It creates a virtual fuel card for each user and allocates it to the smartphone application, eliminating the need for physical cash or cards. FuelTapp is suitable for businesses with a fleet of drivers or smaller businesses, and even owner operators. No business is too big or too small for FuelTapp to accommodate.
Businesses with FuelTapp can make changes to fuel card permissions, add and remove users, and change spend limits with no delays or hassle. Organisations no longer need to worry about drivers leaving a card at home or misplacing it. The application works even when the mobile device is receiving no data or in airplane mode.
Real time response
The app-based card also improves security in real time.
Normally, when a fuel card is lost or stolen there is a 24-hour period when the cards can still be used. This delay allows criminals to use the cards and defraud the companies in question. Even the 24-hour delay can be prolonged due to many reasons, such as office opening hours, public holidays, and employee sickness. And that’s only from once the driver notices the theft.
The FuelTapp portal enables the virtual cards to be frozen immediately with no need to contact the supplier.
Drivers also find it easier to keep a mobile phone safe compared to a plastic fuel card, which has eliminated the risk for physical fuel cards
being lost, stolen, or cloned. The digital transformation of the payments industry means more and more people are using their phones to pay for items so a digital fuel card is a natural progression for many drivers.
FuelTapp in action
As a Certas Energy customer, T&J Haulage Ltd, which runs a fleet of 20 articulated bulk tippers, was invited to join the FuelTapp pilot scheme. Stephanie Crack, Transport Compliance Manager, found that fuel cards were often lost when drivers changed vehicles, or left behind at terminals. This caused logistical challenges, and importantly, compromised the security of the card. FuelTapp seemed like a great solution here.
Stephanie said: “We already had cab phones in most of the vehicles
as some of our customers require proof of delivery to be completed on digital apps. As we were coming to the end of the phone contracts, we made the decision to upgrade and source further phones to complete the fleet.
“Since utilising the FuelTapp app we have received excellent feedback from the drivers and we have the added security element in that that app can’t be cloned unlike the physical cards. The cabs still have a physical card as a fail-safe just in case there is a failure to communicate however, we have found this to be a very rare occurrence and I would highly recommend the app as the way forward especially in this digital age.”
For more information about FuelTapp, visit https://fueltapp.certasenergy.co.uk/
HYTEK Explains the Benefits of HVO and What you Need to Know
By Nathan Morgan, Marketing Coordinator, Hytek
There’s no doubt that HVO is helping many businesses transform their future. It’s a statement of the obvious, but, diesel won’t be around forever, so helping your customers make preparations to use a replacement that offers far more benefits just makes perfect sense. We read with some interest that, in Germany, HVO100 is now available at public pumps, so it could only be a matter of time before the UK follows!
At Hytek, we are pleased to say that every single one of our products that are currently used with diesel are compatible with HVO. That includes our O.L.E. Electronic Tank Gauges, the complete range of Pumptronics Cabinet Fuel Dispensing Pumps (Alpha, Zeon and CSeries), our Hytek Engineered Compact and Three-Channel Tank Alarms, our Anti-Syphon Pressure Relief Valves, and, our Tank Overfill Valves...you get the point.
What is HVO?
We are sure you don’t need reminding, but, just in case…
HVO is a type of renewable diesel that is produced from a certified sustainable material. It can be used as a substitute for red and white diesel. HVO is a cleaner alternative to traditional diesel fuel, as it can reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 90%. It also significantly decreases nitrogen oxide emissions and particle pollution, leading to improved air quality.
As well as being environmentally friendly, HVO is an engineer’s dream
As a drop-in alternative to diesel, HVO really is an engineer’s dream. It’s odourless, with zero FAME, sulphur and fossil content, which significantly reduces issues associated with diesel bugs. HVO is a type of fuel that is able to resist diesel bugs and water contamination. It has excellent cold weather properties, with a low cloud point of -32° C, which reduces the likelihood of waxing during low temperatures. Additionally, it has a higher flash point than other fuels, which means it is less flammable and safer to handle and store.
The important things to consider when switching to HVO
The biggest recommendation we make is to basically follow good housekeeping rules. Ensure that your customers’ fuel storage tanks are clean and free of diesel bugs. Also, make sure that the existing dispensing equipment is serviced, filters are either cleaned or replaced, and meters are calibrated.
The meter calibration point is important. HVO has a lower density than diesel, so equipment will need recalibrating to ensure accuracy of dispensing. Of course, regular recalibration is a good practice anyway.
The three key points
•As well as offering up to 90% lower emissions, HVO has an impressive 10-year storage life
•HVO offers improved performance in all conditions, even at lower temperatures, often improving MPG
•Some customers may be able to claim a fuel rebate by using HVO
In conclusion
If you’d like to talk to us about our HVO solutions and how they can improve your customers’ business performance, then please just get in touch.
To get in touch, please email sales@hytekgb.com HYTEK only supplies trade distributors
Meet the Council: Interview with Chairman Michael O’ Connell
By Brian Humm, The Bulletin Editor
Hi Michael, thank you for agreeing to participate in this grilling, firstly could you tell the members a bit about yourself.
I am from Dublin, Ireland. When I left school in the mid 80’s there were very few career opportunities in Ireland at the time, so I went to New York to work. For 3 years I worked in construction on high rise buildings before returning to Ireland to join Dublin Fire Brigade.
I have been working here now for over 35 years and I can honestly say I don’t know where that time has gone! They say that if you find a job you love doing you will never work a day in your life - I can certainly testify to that! I started my fire service career as a firefighter and have over the years worked in many roles and ranks. My current role in Dublin Fire Brigade is the Petroleum Officer for the Dublin City and County Areas.
Thank you, can you tell us how you first got involved with the APEA?
My predecessor as Petroleum Officer in Dublin Fire Brigade was Tom Daly. Tom is a past Chairman of APEA and has also been a member of APEA for many years. I have known and worked with Tom for most of my working life and he introduced me to APEA through the Irish Branch, where I was the Branch Representative for 2 years.
Now you have assumed the role of Chair, have you got any visions or wishes that you would like to implement during your term of office? New blue book, increase membership etc.
Firstly, I am delighted to say that the publication of the 5th Edition of the Blue Book is imminent. There has been an enormous amount of work undertaken in reviewing and updating its technical content by many working groups to get us to this point. I was part of the Risk Assessment and the Drainage Systems review groups, where these sections of the Blue Book were revised to account for the changes in our industry since the last review in 2018. I would like to acknowledge and thank the many industry experts who freely contributed their time to this entire project.
Secondly, with regard to APEA membership I am hopeful that our membership numbers will increase this year. Along with the publication of the new Blue Book as mentioned, there is also a lot of activity at local Branch level.
The Eastern Branch hosted a workshop in Ware, Hertfordshire on the 24th of June; the Irish Branch have a workshop in Banbridge, Co. Down scheduled for the 5th September; and an online workshop is currently being organised for all APEA members to be held around mid-September.
Thank you, could you tell us what you like to do when you are not working or being involved in APEA business? Hobbies etc. I love watching sport and particularly when my children are participating. My daughter plays basketball and my son plays gaelic football so my evenings and weekends tend be quite full!
I like keeping fit so swimming and cycling are about all my body
can cope with at this stage! I also like to scuba dive and I have a great circle of friends through that activity. One of the great benefits of scuba diving in Ireland is that it brings you to some of the most remote and beautiful parts of the coastline and the country.
Thank you, do you have any special messages to the members in relation to the association?
I would ask all our members please to continue to support APEA through annual membership and through the APEA Branch network that covers the UK and Ireland. APEA is a voluntary organisation and is the only one in the petroleum and explosives industry that brings together and unites all its stakeholders. The individual and corporate members of our association represent the entire spectrum of the industry (regulatory, supply, transport, manufacturing, trade/retail, installation, technological and service/repair).
The local Branches are the lifeblood of the organisation as they feed a lot of human resources and expertise into National Council that ensure the aims and objectives of the organisation are met. They meet up once or twice a year and arrange lectures/presentations on industry specific topics. Your local branch contact details are on the APEA website. They would be delighted to hear from any members who are interested in attending or indeed presenting at these meetings. The APEA Branches are always looking for new members from the diverse professions and organisations we represent.
Thanks Michael, all the best for your term of office.
Optimising the Site Offer to include Alternative Fuels: Feasibility Assessment
By Philip Reese, Director, Evenlode
In a previous edition of The Bulletin we reflected on our learnings from taking part in a panel event titled “Bumps in the road: challenges for delivering Charging Infrastructure as we drive towards an era of EV”.
Previously we discussed the availability of suitable sites and how this provides site owners with important opportunities and moves the conversation away from EV being a threat for site owners. We now turn our attention to determining the feasibility and demand for EV at sites to enable optimisation of the site offer.
Site Feasibility for Alternative Fuels
Let’s assume that you already have the beneficial interest in a plot of land, whether the freehold or leasehold, which means you can choose what to do with it (within the limits of local planning law). If the site is already a trading fuel site then you will want to be able to forecast future revenue potential from both traditional retail options, and compare these to the likely future revenue which might be possible both directly from alternative fuel sales (such as EV), or indirectly, through additional add-on sales. For example,
increased shop or valeting margins from the fuel customer base (or perhaps vice versa).
Over the years our team has been involved in the development appraisal of many sites, setting outline development and construction costs against forecast retail income to inform choices over which sites to develop, and what to develop on the sites. With the recent acceleration in consumer awareness towards net zero, and the possible role of alternative fuels such as EV, there is now a further consideration when planning the layout of the site for the future.
How do you balance the potential reduction in overall share of traditional fuel volumes with the likelihood of being able to grow sales arising from a new fuel, such as EV? And how can this compliment other revenue generators on the site?
There are many different predictions of EV uptake. But what really matters is the number of EV vehicles that exist in the locality of your site, and whether or not these vehicles may actually need to
stop to re-charge. And if they do choose to stop, how long will they be willing to stop for? This will impact on both how much charge will they add to their vehicle, and while they wait during the charging process, what will they do with their time (or preferably spend their money on)?
All of these questions directly impact on your choices to provide EV charging (or any alternative fuel). If you choose to provide EV, now or in the future, how many chargers will be viable on a particular site to drive a return on investment?
If the provision of EV charging on a particular site is viable, what does this mean to other sources of revenue? Will other offers need to be replaced to make room for EV, or is there space to co-locate with the existing offer or a new offer that reflects the evolution of customer preferences? Can the provision of EV charging be used to drive opportunities for add-on sales, and how does the wider site offer provide opportunities to capitalise on the likely dwell time?
Roadside Retail EV Demand Planning Tool
A few years ago the team at Evenlode Roadside recognised that these questions would need answering, so we sought out options to develop an independent EV demand modelling solution, drawing on the knowledge of experts in the alternative fuel industry.
We pride ourselves on being independent of the supply chain and of major fuel providers, and so the ability to obtain and provide an independent and impartial assessment of site feasibility for
alternative fuel became a goal for us, so that we can share this insight with operators.
With an impartial EV demand assessment, operators can make informed decisions about whether or not EV charging will be appropriate for their specific location, and make their own decisions about if, when and how to invest, or not.
It is beneficial for the site owner/operator to be able to make these decisions for themselves, rather than relying on third party charge point operators.
Specialised Demand Report
Evenlode Roadside has worked closely over the past few years with the independent global clean fuel experts, Cenex, to develop a site EV demand prediction tool. Evenlode Roadside has exclusive rights to use this tool in the UK forecourt and convenience retail sector, providing independent assessments of the likely demand for charging at individual locations. The tool also plots how the demand is likely to change over time, showing when investment in different locations will become viable.
Coupled with the Evenlode team’s long experience of developing sites for traditional retailing, the outcome is a bespoke report which will help retailers to be able to plan for the future.
What Inputs Does the Report Consider?
The report provided to site operators is made up of many contributing information sources, which include the following:
•Numbers – how many vehicles are on the roads, and where?
•Uptake – what is the local prevalence of EV in the area that is relevant to the site?
•Availability of alternative charging – How likely is it that the passing vehicles will have alternative options for charging, such as at home, destination or other en-route options?
•Routes – how long are journeys, what charging capacities do vehicles have and how often or how likely is it that passing vehicles will need to top-up en-route?
•Willingness – to stop en-route, or even to take a short diversion to stop at your site – what value-adding proposition is available to draw customers in?
•Time – How long will a driver be willing to stop for, and, how much charge will they typically add to their vehicle?
Combining these and many other factors, the report will provide a forecast of the likely number of chargers which will be commercially viable for the site location, at what charging speeds, and the possible charging revenues. The viability for the number of chargers will change over time, and the report maps this out to enable long term site planning.
Building on this initial EV charging demand information, the Evenlode Team brings a wealth of experience of optimising and developing retail sites, which is overlaid into the bespoke report, to inform wider site offer optimisation and development feasibility assessment needs, independent of the supply chain, contractors, suppliers and charge point operators.
Making your own decisions & providing confidence
With the information provided in the report, the site operator can, on their own terms, make informed decisions about whether or not, and if so, when to provide EV, and not have to rely on charge point operators.
The site operator can derive their own sales predictions, choose the timing and quantity of the charging infrastructure, and have control over the choice of operating models and contractual negotiations.
With their own independent report information, site operators can also benefit from being able to consider do-it-yourself approaches to EV provision, weighting these up against tenanted CPOprovided options.
The opportunities for control over driving margin possibilities make this a really interesting prospect. We are seeing owner/operators able to make substantial per KWh margins in some cases, as well as driving other retail volumes. (There are already some prominent independent forecourt groups demonstrating this potential, whilst providing a positive customer experience.)
Having a plan for demand and potential use is not only invaluable for the operator to plan for retailing, but it can also be used to provide confidence and assurance to third parties, should the operator desire to seek investment or funding for EV or other redevelopment of their site. (Members of the Evenlode team have much experience providing project monitoring services on behalf on project funders).
Offer
The bespoke site report is available to APEA members for a fixed fee.
Evenlode Roadside provides independent and professional services to operators across the whole property life cycle, including sourcing, selecting, appointing and managing consultants, suppliers, service providers and contractors to develop and maintain successful sites.
For more information about the EV Demand Feasibility Report please visit www.evenloderoadside.com/ev-demand
Bugatti want to Build a Petrol Station at your House just to Keep Liquid Fuels Alive
By Jamie Thompson, Chairman of APEA Technical Committee
In a bold statement at the FT Future of the Car Summit in London, Bugatti’s CEO, Mate Rimac, emphasised the company’s commitment to internal combustion engine (petrol) cars, even in the face of potential regulatory penalties post-2035.
Rimac’s comments have turned heads, hinting at an innovative approach to sustaining ICE vehicles well into the future.
Rimac addressed concerns about the proposed bans on ICE cars slated for 2035, suggesting that the situation might not be as dire as it seems. “I don’t see any reason not to make them beyond 2035,” he stated. “We have developed a completely new engine and we want to use that engine for a while.”
Rimac’s confidence stems from his interpretation of the regulations, which, according to him, do not explicitly prohibit the production of combustion-engined cars but may impose certain penalties. One of the most intriguing revelations from Rimac was the potential for Bugatti to build bespoke petrol stations at the homes of its customers. “You could even make some beautiful Bugatti fuel stations for the homes of owners, using synthetic fuels,” Rimac suggested.
This concept could be seen as a natural progression, given that electric vehicle owners already benefit from home charging solutions.
Rimac’s vision implies a future where Bugatti owners might not have to rely on traditional fuel stations, thus circumventing the challenges posed by a shrinking number of public fuel stations.
This idea aligns with existing services that deliver fuel directly to consumers’ homes, offering a seamless and convenient solution for luxury car owners.
Looking ahead, Rimac provided insights into the much-anticipated replacement for the Chiron. He promised a vehicle that brings unprecedented quality and craftsmanship.
The new hypercar, which shares no parts with its predecessor or the Rimac Nevera, is supposedly designed with crisp attention to detail.
Rimac likened the car to a finely crafted watch, where even the unseen components are built to perfection. “Everything to do with it – every little piece, even if you don’t see it – is at the absolute highest level,” he explained.
It rather harps back to the time in the early 1900’s when tanks and pumps were installed in the homes of the wealthy in London and other Cities. In Chicago in the 1920’s the worldfamous architect Frank Lloyd Wright installed three underground tanks and hand pumps in the garages of the three houses he converted for the use of its occupants. They are still there today!
Perhaps we will see the future taking ideas from the past!
Pumps with a Difference
By Jamie Thompson, Chairman of the APEA Technical Committee
Some photos of unusual filling stations sent in by readers.
Dunclare Dispensers in Suffolk
Another Cornish site from Morgan Petrol at 2/3d Gallon “Sold out!”
Sri Lankan filling station from Ian Thompson
A site in Cornwall sent in by Morgan Richards
An old Russian Oil Products (ROP) pump dating back to the 1940’s
Sri Lankan filling station from Ian Thompson
News
Explosions and smoke amid fire at battery recycling plant
Firefighters remained at the scene of a huge blaze at a battery recycling plant near Glasgow with people told to avoid the area.
Scottish Environment Protection Agency officers were on the scene after a massive plume of thick, black smoke engulfed the sky above Lindwood Industrial Estate on Sunday 23rd June.
Emergency services were called to the “large-scale” fire at WEEE Solutions Ltd, a specialist waste electrical and battery recycling treatment facility at Burnbrae Road, shortly after 9pm on Sunday.
Eyewitnesses report a “chemical smell” and hearing loud explosions. The smoke plume could be seen for miles from across Glasgow and beyond.
Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney said he was “very concerned” by the incident and urged members of the public to follow emergency service advice. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Police Scotland remained on the scene more than ten hours later.
An eyewitness told STV News the sound was “like gunshots” and “there was steel flying everywhere” as “half of Linwood” gathered to watch the inferno.
The blaze broke out at WEEE Solutions operated by waste management company Enva, which said an “immediate and thorough investigation” is to take place into the cause of the fire.
A spokesperson said: “Our emergency response procedure was immediately initiated, and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service are currently on site and dealing with the incident which has now been contained. We would like to apologise to local residents and businesses for any inconvenience caused and kindly ask them to follow any advice issued by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
There have been no injuries and the cause of the fire will be the subject of an immediate and thorough investigation.” Enva said any customers impacted would be contacted as soon as possible to “ensure continuity of service”.
The company’s general waste recycling facility, also in Linwood, is unaffected by the fire but will remain closed until emergency services remove the cordon.
“The black smoke is really thick and low in the sky and has totally eclipsed the sunset and we’re nearly two miles away,” said Natalie Goodwin, assistant producer for Scotland Tonight. “The sounds of explosions and bangs have been going on for nearly an hour now too. It sounds like fireworks are constantly being let off. All the neighbours are out watching and listening.”
Police have closed Burnbrae Road at the Linclive Interchange due
to the fire. The cycle path behind the industrial estate has also been closed. Members of the public were asked to avoid the area until further notice with local residents asked to remain indoors and keep windows and doors closed, Police Scotland said.
Traffic Scotland confirmed the Interchange on the A737 was closed in both directions from 4.50am on Monday due to a Police ‘incident’ Drivers were advised to avoid the area and find alternative routes.
“At its height, Operations Control mobilised ten fire appliances to the scene to tackle and contain a well-developed fire affecting a commercial building in an industrial area,” a spokesperson said. “There are no reported casualties at this time. Crews remained in attendance.”
SFRS area commander David Murdoch said: “We continue to work with the recycling centre and partner agencies to minimise the disruption to the local community and will continue to provide updates. While smoke continues to be visible, we would ask that residents remain indoors and keep windows and doors closed as a precaution. “f travelling through smoke, motorists should keep windows closed, turn off air conditioning and keep their air vents closed.”
Judith Moore, Scottish Environment Protection Agency’s (SEPA) national duty manager, said: “Following initial reports at around 11pm on Sunday evening of a significant fire at Linwood Industrial Estate, Paisley, SEPA officers deployed and worked across the night to support SFRS as part of a multi-agency response. SEPA officers remained in attendance at the site of WEEE Solutions Ltd, a specialist waste electrical and battery recycling treatment facility at Burnbrae Road, Linwood.
Residents were urged to continue to follow the SFRS for the latest information and advice.Environmental impacts can be reported at sepa.org.uk/report.”
The plume stretches over Linwood and was seen drifting west towards Johnstone and Brookfield. Glasgow Airport said there was no disruption to flight arrivals or departures. “There is no impact to our operations at present and we are continuing to monitor the situation,” a spokesperson said.
STV meteorologist Sean Batty was on the scene and said: “I’m currently about a mile away as the crow flies from the fire and can hear the noise of fire engines and occasional popping from what sounds like explosions on site. The smoke is billowing up to what looks like around 2,000ft and blowing north and east towards the likes of Kirkitilloch and the Camspie Hills.”
Scottish Labour MSP Neil Bibby thanked frontline responders who continue to tackle the blaze.
Coroner’s ‘concerns’ over Tesco pay-at-pump petrol after death of man who set himself on fire
A coroner has written to Tesco citing ‘matters of concern’ after the death of a man who set himself on fire with ‘pay-at-pump’ petrol. Afolabi Ojerinde - who died from ‘major burns’ - went to an ‘unmanned’ Tesco petrol station then doused himself in fuel.
Area Coroner for Manchester, Zac Golombeck, said Mr Ojerinde, who was 48, was “able to pay for the petrol using the ‘pay-at-pump’ function, and without having a motor vehicle or an authorised plastic or metal container”.
“The deceased was allowed to proceed once payment had been made, and seemingly without any additional checks through CCTV/security cameras,” the coroner said in a now published report.
“There was no member of staff present at the petrol station to approve or deny the deceased access to the petrol pump, and his approval was automatic following payment made at the pump.”
Mr Golombeck has now issued a ‘prevention of future deaths’ report to Tesco ahead of a full inquest into Mr Ojerinde’s death being held. The Coroners and Justice Act 2009 gives coroners the opportunity to make reports to a person, organisation, local authority or Government department or agency where they believe action should be taken to prevent future deaths.
He said the report has been sent to Tesco Stores Limited and ‘copied for interest’ to Sainsbury’s Supermarkets Limited, Asda Stores Limited and WM Morrison Supermarkets Limited.
An inquest into Mr Ojerinde’s death opened in September last year. He suffered ‘severe burns’ at the petrol station in north Manchester, the inquest opening heard, and was taken to hospital in Wythenshawe, where he sadly died on September 5, 2023.
Emergency services were called to the Tesco petrol station forecourt on Victoria Avenue East in Blackley at around 7.35pm on Monday, September 4 2023 to reports of concern for the welfare of a man.
The inquest opening, at Manchester Coroner’s Court, heard members of the public ran to try and help him. Mr Golombeck said Mr Ojerinde was ‘known to’ mental health services in Manchester.
In the report, he said that following investigations by the coroner’s office and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, ‘there is concern that future deaths will occur, and I am of the opinion that action should be taken to reduce the risk of death’.
A medical cause of Mr Ojerinde’s death has been offered as major burns, said the report.
“The circumstances of his death relate to him attending an unmanned Tesco petrol station and using of the petrol pumps to then douse himself in petrol, and thereafter set himself alight,” added Mr Golombeck.
He told Tesco that in his opinion, ‘action should be taken to prevent future deaths’. “I believe you (and/or your organisation) have the power to take such action,” he said in the report.
A witness at the time told how residents and passers-by used buckets of water and a fire extinguisher in a bid to save him and put out the flames.
Mr Golombeck, at the inquest opening, detailed Mr Ojerinde’s date of birth and his next of kin, his daughter. No address for him, however, was given in court.
Tesco has a duty to respond within 56 days to the prevention of future deaths report.
In response, Tesco confirmed to the Manchester Evening News that it had seen the report and said it was considering its findings.
Ex-employee helped himself to £52,000 worth of fuel on company account
An ex-employee used company fuel cards to buy £52,000 of fuel he was not entitled to. Philip James, 25, went on a three-month fuel spree at truck stops and garages across the Northwest using cards he should have given back, filling barrels and tanks using false registration plates to avoid detection. By the time he was caught he had made more than 120 purchases totalling 33,470 litres of fuel.
CCTV showed him filling up at Eurogarages Rivington, on the M61, and on some occasions he bought more than £500 worth of fuel in a single transaction.
Investigators seized footage and receipts which showed James was responsible for the bogus purchases. In May 2019, James began working for logistics firm Manfreight Ltd, and was given two fuel cards to fill up company vehicles.
He was expected to return the cards when he left the company in August the same year. But in November 2019, the company’s compliance manager noticed a discrepancy of £52,310 in the books. He reported the matter to Action Fraud which later handed the case to Lancashire Police. It emerged James, of Newmarket, Suffolk, had purchased 33,470 litres of fuel with the cards in the three months since he left the company.
James began working for logistics firm Manfreight Ltd in May 2019 Police tried to trace James but could not locate him at any of the addresses linked to him. However, on 27 March 2023, he was caught and arrested. In interview, he admitted he had been filling up fuel drums and barrels and using false vehicle plates which did not show up on the police national computer (PNC). He claimed a man called Chris offered to pay him for barrels of fuel.
He said he was in a controlling relationship with a partner who kept demanding money, however that has now come to an end. Preston Crown Court heard James, who was 20 at the time of the frauds, has previous convictions for making off without payment and failing to keep relevant records in accordance with the Transport Act.
Recorder Catherine Dean, sentencing, said: “I am told by the author of your pre-sentence report that you are tormented by your previous behaviour. I bear in mind your age at the time and that you were only 20. “You also co-operated at the earliest opportunity. You attended an interview voluntarily and made full admissions.”
James now works as a recovery driver and has saved up £6,000 to begin to repay his former employer. He said he was eager to repay the full amount lost to the company. He pleaded guilty to six counts of fraud by false representation relating to more than 120 bogus transactions with the fuel cards. James was sentenced to 16 months suspended for 18 months with 25 days rehabilitation activity requirements and 120 hours of unpaid work.
He has also been ordered to pay £52,310 compensation and £150 costs.
Man charged with attempted murder after ‘setting alight’ five police officers and firefighter
A 27-year-old man has been charged with six counts of attempted murder after it was reported that a liquid, believed to be petrol, was thrown at six police officers and a firefighter.
The incident happened in Oxford Street, Leicester. Ako Faraji has also been charged with arson with intent to endanger life, one count of an offence under Section 24 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861 - maliciously administering with a noxious substance intent to injure, aggrieve or annoy any other person and one count of theft.
The theft charge relates to a report of a theft from a business premises in Wharf Street South, Leicester. The other charges relate to an incident at an address in Oxford Street during the early hours of Sunday 4 February in which it was reported that a liquid, believed to be petrol, was thrown at six police officers and a firefighter.
Five of the police officers and the firefighter were reported to have been subsequently set alight. The flames were quickly extinguished and no injuries were reported.
Fourteen killed and dozens injured after Mumbai billboard collapse
At least 14 people have been killed and dozens more injured after a giant billboard collapsed during a sudden storm in the Indian city of Mumbai. The billboard, measuring 70m by 50m according to the police, fell onto houses and a petrol station in the city on Monday 13th May. The government of Maharashtra state, where Mumbai is located, has ordered an inquiry into the incident.
Footage on local news channels shows the huge billboard swaying in the wind before giving way and crashing into the buildings near a busy road in the city’s eastern suburb of Ghatkopar. Several vehicles were crushed in the accident.
In photos from the scene, emergency teams can be seen working
through the wreckage. Dramatic video footage shows rescue workers pulling out a victim from under the fallen billboard and using power tools to cut the metal.
“We have rescued around 80 people safely,” an official told news agency ANI. “There is one red car which has been severely damaged, we suspect there are some people trapped inside.”
Akshay Vasant Patil, a 20-year-old who works with a courier service, was waiting at the petrol station with his car when the storm broke. “I realised the billboard was falling and tried to get out and run but got stuck between cars,” he said. “Eight to nine people, including me, managed to escape.”
But Mr Patil saw many others stuck in trucks and cars under the collapsed billboard. Among the victims was Bharat, 24, who was on his way to work when the rain started. “He stopped to take shelter under a nearby bridge. But then, the billboard came down and crushed him to death,” his mother, Naina Vinod Rathod, said. Ms Rathod, who was at home at that time, found out about the tragedy in a call from her husband.
“I immediately rushed to the spot but my son had died by the time I arrived,” she said. In a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter, Mumbai’s civic authorities said that “speedy winds” had caused the collapse and several agencies, including the police, fire and national disaster response teams, were involved in the rescue operation.
Authorities also say that the billboard was several times the permitted size and the agency that put it up did not have permission.
EG
A notice was sent to the company asking them to dismantle the structure and remove all similar hoardings from the city with immediate effect.
Devendra Fadnavis, the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra, said the state government would provide financial assistance of 500,000 rupees ($5,987; £4,767) to the families of those killed and injured in the incident.
Monday’s dust storm brought parts of the city to a standstill, ripping up trees, causing travel chaos and power cuts. Several flights were temporarily suspended or diverted at the city’s international airport, local media reported.
Mumbai is one of several cities in India prone to severe flooding and rain-related incidents during the monsoon season, which is usually between June and September.
Group, Lekkerland install REWE stores at Esso stations
A total of 13 branded locations in southern Germany now feature this new format designed to meet the growing demand for on-thego consumption.
EG Group and Lekkerland continue to roll out REWE express stores across Germany, a format that encourages customers to complete their everyday shopping.
As part of a pilot test, a total of 11 Esso service stations have been equipped with a REWE express store, with six more locations to be added in June and July. The first two sites of the test have been available in Munich since last week.
The store format offers consumers the opportunity to stock up on fresh snacks, food and drinks or to buy groceries and drugstore items quickly and conveniently.
“We want to offer consumers in Germany the best shopping
experience in this respect. REWE express increases the attractiveness of EG Group petrol station locations across all product ranges, as the pilot phase has shown,” says Volker Friedemann, Country Manager Germany, EG Group.
Another focus of the REWE express concept is on the food service area, which is designed as a shop-in-shop solution. Here, baked goods as well as cold and hot sandwiches are offered under the backfrisch brand and customers can consume Lavazza brand coffee specialities.
Since 2018, the EG Group has been operating a petrol station network here with around 1,200 stations, in particular under the ESSO and OMV brands.
The company plans to expand its existing convenience offering and has already introduced food service brand concepts with Burger King, Coffee Fellows, BackWerk, Ditsch and Tchibo.
SK E&S completes new liquefied hydrogen station in South Korea
The alternative fuel will be produced at the Incheon Liquefied Hydrogen Plant and supplied to the charging station to refuel up to 120 buses per day. SK E&S has completed the first liquefied hydrogen (H2) station in South Korea’s Gyeonggi province, established to power up to 120 buses daily.
The site is operated by SK Plug Hyverse, a joint venture between SK E&S and Plug Power in 2022 to boost H2 initiatives across Asia. Equipped with a 4-ton liquefied hydrogen storage tank, cryogenic pumps, and two dispensers, the facility can supply H2 to six buses per hour, or about 120 buses per day.
After being selected for the Ministry of Environment’s hydrogen fuelling station installation support project in 2022, construction began in August 2023, and the facility was successfully
commissioned earlier this year. “Liquefied hydrogen refuelling stations have the advantage of being suitable for large commercial vehicles and are expected to spread in earnest with the recent expansion of commercial vehicles such as hydrogen buses,” said Soyeop Soo, Vice President of SK E&S.
Located in the parking lot of SK Hynix’s Icheon Campus, the site will supply hydrogen fuel to commuter buses for SK Hynix employees.
The Icheon station will get its liquid hydrogen supply from SK E&S’s Incheon Liquid Hydrogen Plant, inaugurated in May. As the largest single-factory liquid hydrogen production facility in the world, the plant can produce 30,000 tons of liquid H2 in a year.
Ireland welcomes first self-serve Bio-CNG station
Established by Flogas, a DCC business, the site can refuel up to 50 HGVs per day, cutting over 9,000 tonnes of C02 emissions per annum compared to diesel fuelled HGVs.
Flogas, part of DCC plc, has opened Ireland’s first ever dedicated Bio-CNG refueling self-service station.
The new 2,900 m2 site will support large companies who want to make the switch to Bio-CNG and reduce their Scope 3 emissions. Capable of refuelling up to 50 heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) per day, the facility is set to be capable of cutting over 9,000 tonnes of C02 emissions yearly compared to diesel fuelled HGVs.
The renewable fuel for the station will come from Irish and European anaerobic digestion (AD) plants.
“Bio-CNG represents not just a fuel, but a promise—a promise of a greener, more efficient future for commercial transportation. BioCNG for heavy goods vehicles can cut carbon emissions by up to 90% and can reduce the lifetime vehicle costs compared to diesel vehicles, which is in line with DCC’s strategy,” said John Rooney, Managing Director at Flogas.
The news comes after the local Government recently published its new National Biomethane Strategy to support the delivery of up to 5.7 Tera Wat Hour (TWh) of indigenously produced biomethane by 2030. Bio-CNG will support the decarbonisation of Ireland’s road haulage sector.
Flogas is the only energy supplier in Ireland approved under the Renewable Fuels Assurance Scheme for the supply of Bio-CNG.
Shell acquires Pavilion Energy to boost LNG operations
The company currently supplies about 6.5 million tonnes of LNG yearly and its operations also include trading and shipping.
Shell Eastern Trading, a subsidiary of Shell, has reached an agreement with Carne Investments, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Temasek, to acquire 100% of the shares in Pavilion Energy.
Pavilion includes a global liquefied natural gas (LNG) trading business with a contracted supply volume comprising about 6.5 million tonnes per annum.
Headquartered in Singapore, the company’s global energy business
encompasses LNG trading, shipping, natural gas supply and marketing activities in Asia and Europe.
“The acquisition of Pavilion Energy will strengthen Shell’s leadership position in LNG, bringing material volumes and additional flexibility into our global portfolio,” said Zoë Yujnovich, Shell’s Integrated Gas and Upstream Director.
The acquisition will be absorbed within Shell’s cash capital expenditure guidance, which remains unchanged. Integration of portfolios will commence after completion of the deal, which is expected by Q1 2025, subject to regulatory approvals and fulfilment of other conditions precedent.
Shell opens new charging station for trucks and vessels in Amsterdam
The site features a Megawatt Charging System, equipped with two separate charging arms, one for each type of vehicle.
Shell inaugurated its first self-developed megawatt charger for dual use by both electric trucks and shipping vessels at the Energy Transition Campus Amsterdam (ETCA).
With a charging capacity of about three 350 kW regular fast chargers, the megawatt charger is connected to ETCA’s own microgrid, enabling an integration between energy supply, storage, and demand. The ETCA microgrid includes 3,600 rooftop solar panels, stationary battery storage, 119 EV chargers for cars, a hydrogen electrolyser and other research equipment.
“In addition to our investments in biofuels and LNG, we also invest in electric mobility. There are not that many electric trucks and
vessels yet, so with this we’re investing ahead of the market that is growing quickly. It is in line with our ambition to provide more and cleaner energy solutions,” said Hilmar van den Dool, General Manager of eMobility at Shell.
The Megawatt Charging System (MCS) is equipped with two separate charging arms. One rotatable arm is dedicated to electric vessels, the other arm serves heavy-duty electric trucks and buses. With this innovation Shell aims to contribute to a universal standard so customers do not have to use different cables or connectors. By featuring a second adapter on each charging arm, the megawatt charger at the ETCA can accommodate a wide range of vessels, vehicles and battery types for fast and flexible charging. Even though the megawatt charger is a demonstration set-up, it is ready for use, and vehicles and vessels with megawatt charging capability can now visit by appointment.
Clean Energy expands LNG plant capacity in California
As the largest plant of its kind in the Southwest region of the country, the Boron facility is now able to produce up to 270,000 gallons of LNG daily.
Clean Energy Fuels Corp. announced that construction of a third production train at its liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant in Boron, California, has been completed.
Already the largest plant of its kind in the Southwest U.S., the Boron plant now has the capacity to produce up to 270,000 gallons of cleaner-burning LNG every day, having increased the facility’s
volume capacity by 50%. This addition will allow the supply to meet the growing demand for bulk LNG by customers looking to decarbonise their operations. Pasha Hawaii, an important customer of the company, is now operating three LNG-powered container ships out of the Ports of Long Beach, Oakland and Honolulu.
Clean Energy Fuels Corp. is one of the country’s largest providers of clean fuel for the transportation market. The company operates a network of 600 fuelling stations across the U.S. and Canada as well as RNG production facilities at dairy farms.
HRS to open first hydrogen station in Saudi Arabia
Commissioned by a local national energy company, this site will supply hydrogen to a planned fleet of 20 buses and light vehicles. Hydrogen Refuelling Solutions (HRS), European designer and manufacturer of hydrogen refuelling stations, has announced the first order of a hydrogen station outside of Europe, from a Saudi Arabian developer.
The site was ordered by a local national energy company and is set to supply a planned fleet of 20 buses and light vehicles, with construction starting in July. As its first station to be sold outside Europe, this marks a decisive step in HRS’s strategy of international development.
The company aims to play a major role in this fast-growing market,
using its technological and industrial expertise to meet the growing needs of players in the region. “The considerable commercial opportunities in this region mean we can look forward to potential future sales of larger capacity stations to support the deployment of hydrogen mobility, in fostering the energy transition,” stated Hassen Rachedi, CEO and founder of HRS.
The Middle East not only has a considerable renewable energy production potential in both wind and solar power, but its countries also have a number of ambitious national development plans.
This has been demonstrated by their commitment at COP28 and their investment in the deployment of green hydrogen production infrastructures.
New Zealand launches first green hydrogen fast refuelling station
Established by Obayashi Corporation and Tuaropaki Trust, the site is set to cater to logistics companies operating near South Auckland. Obayashi Corporation has commenced operations of the first green hydrogen fast refuelling station in New Zealand.
Located in the city of Auckland, the site was acquired through Halcyon Green Hydrogen Limited and jointly established by the company and Tuaropaki Trust. As the facility operates in Wiri, a suburb where logistics companies operate around, it will enable it to meet the future demand increase for fuel.
The H2H Energy’s fast refuelling system installed at the station is not only containerised and relocatable, but it can also refuel large vehicles such as trucks and buses in about 15 minutes.
Green hydrogen supplied at the station will arrive from the geothermal-derived green hydrogen production plant owned by Halcyon Power Limited, a joint venture between the Obayashi and Tuaropaki Trust. In addition, a hydrogen production facility is under construction on the same site to expand its capabilities to encompass the entire process, from production to refuelling.
India reaches 15% ethanol blended petrol
The South Asian giant achieved an average blending ratio of 15.4%. It now targets a 20% ethanol blend by 2025.
India has reached a milestone by achieving 15% ethanol blending in its fuel mix. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri spoke about the goal emphasising India’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions and enhance energy security. The country now plans to achieve 20%
ethanol blending by 2025, moving it forward from the previous deadline of 2030, reports The Economic Times.
State-run oil marketing companies blended approximately 670 million litres of ethanol into petrol in May, achieving an average blending ratio of 15.4%, according to data from the oil ministry. This marks a significant increase from April, when 515 million litres
of ethanol were used, resulting in a monthly blending ratio of 12.7%.
Minister Puri also spoke about the launch of green hydrogen projects as part of India’s energy transition. The first 10 MW green hydrogen plant was commissioned on May 27 during the election
period. Several tenders have been issued for green hydrogen supply, and an operational green hydrogen station in Kochi services buses from Kochi Airport. The Minister also discussed the broader energy landscape, noting the expansion of LPG coverage under the Ujjwala scheme, with connections increasing from 140 million in 2014 to 320 million.
Nikkiso to establish close to 24 hydrogen stations in South Korea
With several stations already commissioned and operating, it is set that the remaining locations will be finalised in the next 12 months. Nikkiso Clean Energy & Industrial Gases Group has announced a series of contracts to build and maintain approximately two dozen liquid-based hydrogen (LH2) fuelling stations in South Korea.
Several locations have already been commissioned across the country, successfully fuelling buses back-to-back, and ramping up to capacity. The remaining stations in South Korea will be brought online over the next 12 months.
“There aren’t many companies that have Nikkiso’s vertically integrated fuelling station with in-house liquefaction systems and trailer loading systems, cryogenic pumps, vacuum insulated pipe,
vacuum insulated vessels, cryogenic vaporizer, industrial controls, permitting, installation, and maintenance services. We’ve been building alternative fuelling stations since 1998 and are proud that the work we do supports a cleaner, healthier world,” said Mike Mackey, President, Fuelling & Solutions, Nikkiso Clean Energy & Industrial Gases.
The Nikkiso Clean Energy & Industrial Gases Group is a leading provider of cryogenic equipment, technologies and applications for clean energy and industrial gas market segments. The Group employs more than 1,600 people in 22 countries and is headed by Cryogenic Industries, Inc. in Southern California, U.S., which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nikkiso Co.
150 Engen stations now sport solar panels
The equipment has a combined capacity of nearly 6.59 MW and is set to produce approximately 12 million kilowatt-hours of power during the first year of operation.
A total of 150 Engen stations had their roofs equipped with solar panels, which have been deployed to reduce its reliance on grid power and lower CO2 emissions.
The equipment was provided by solar power provider SolarSaver and rolled out across the retailer’s locations in Botswana, Namibia
and South Africa. According to a report by Engineering News, the panels will have a combined capacity of 6.59 MW and produce close to 12.2-million kilowatt-hours of electricity in the first year of operation. “The fuel stations can use solar energy during the day and revert to the national grid at night and during inclement weather conditions. This allows them to save energy and to take pressure off the grid,” said Stu Batchelor, Director at SolarSaver. Thanks to the new photovoltaic system installed on site, Engen can expect a drop in energy consumption of about 80 000 kWh per year.
German cabinet has approved ‘Hydrogen Acceleration’ law
On 29th of May 2024, the federal cabinet of Germany agreed on a new law which has been put together with the aim of facilitating a rapid expansion of Germany’s hydrogen infrastructure. This plan becomes more detailed, as the cabinet reveals that this expansion will be carried out through a leaner and faster planning regime.
This new act will apply to green hydrogen production facilities, H2 pipelines, hydrogen and ammonia import terminals, ammonia crackers and finally, specific power lines. These power lines will be the ones which supply electrolyser installations and other infrastructure, including import terminals and processing facilities for liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHC). An extra benefit with the introduction of this draft law is that it will streamline planning which will, in turn, allow green H2 developers privileged and much needed access to water.
One of the reasons this law is viewed as such a large change is because it overrides certain environmental and procurement requirements that have been imposed on developers. Whilst it simultaneously shortens or introduces deadlines for officials to make decisions when it comes to key planning milestones. For instance, this will have a particularly large effect on those companies which deal with allowing access to water and digital infrastructure, as well as companies which handle environmental permitting.
Alongside this, the bill also mentions promises of measures which
will accelerate court proceedings that are related to permitting and it will also digitalise the application and decision-making processes, to help the system become more efficient.
The overall goal of this new draft law, along with the other new draft laws which are being put out, is to quickly expand German hydrogen infrastructure. The plan has multiple options, from doing this with massive financial support from the government, to central infrastructure planning, or through regulatory incentives.
The Hydrogen Acceleration Act still has to pass through parliament, but the federal department for economic affairs and climate protection (BMWK) said it focuses on “accelerates, simplifies and digitises the relevant planning, approval and procurement procedures.”
Minister for economic affairs and climate protection, Robert Habeck, commented, “An efficient hydrogen infrastructure is of crucial importance for the decarbonisation of industry. The hydrogen pipelines will be the lifeblood of the industrial centres. Time is running out. In order for electrolysers or import terminals to go into operation as quickly as possible, we need leaner and, above all, faster planning and approval procedures. With the Hydrogen Acceleration Act, the course has now been set. The law removes obstacles to the approval of infrastructure projects that produce, store or import hydrogen. This is another milestone on the way to the hydrogen economy.”
University of British Columbia launches H2 research hub
The $23-million Smart Hydrogen Energy District is set to accelerate innovation in the region’s hydrogen energy sector and show viability of integrated energy systems.
The University of British Columbia (UBC) has launched a $23million Smart Hydrogen Energy District (SHED) initiative to accelerate hydrogen’s development as a viable alternative energy.
Equipped with a hydrogen fuelling station, this facility is expected to pave the way for breakthroughs in critical energy research. SHED will produce hydrogen using solar and hydro power to operate a water electrolyser, making the process completely green and renewable.
It is one of the first initiatives in Canada to combine hydro, solar
and hydrogen energy at a single site, connecting these renewable energy sources to a unified micro-grid. Additionally, SHED will be the province’s first hydrogen station to serve light- and heavy-duty vehicles. The project will combine various technologies within a city block, serving as a model for compact urban planning.
A rooftop solar array powers both the hydrogen fuelling station and nearby electric vehicle charging stations. Two-way charging will enable parked electric vehicles (EVs) to both draw power from the grid and give excess stored electricity back to the grid during peak hours.
A secure 5G network connects SHED’s different systems, enabling researchers to create digital simulations for energy, transportation and urban planning research.
Cepsa signs HVO supply deal with Nou Transport
The company will supply 100% renewable diesel to the transportation firm’s fleet, which it currently offers at eight of its service stations in Spain.
Cepsa has signed a strategic alliance with Nou Transport to supply 100% renewable diesel through hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) to power the transport company’s fleet.
This strategic partnership guarantees the transporter a constant and reliable supply of this second-generation biofuel. Thus, it consolidates its commitment to preserve the environment and boosts its position as a leader in innovation within the transport
Love’s opens 400th dog park
The travel centre operator now offers customers’ furry companions a chance to stretch their legs across locations in 42 states. Love’s Travel Centre has opened its newest location in Rural Hall, North Carolina, marking a special milestone for the chain with the inauguration of its 400th dog park.
Customers are now able to be accompanied by their furry companions across the retailer’s locations in 42 states. With its first dog park opened in late 2018, the brand began expanding this
sector. Cepsa currently supplies HVO at eight of its service stations located in several of the country’s main corridors and logistics hubs.
The company plans to increase the reach of its network throughout 2024 and to commission the largest second-generation biofuels plant in southern Europe alongside Bio-Oils by 2026. This facility is expected to have a flexible production capacity of 500,000 tons of renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel.
Through its 2030 strategic plan, Positive Motion, Cepsa plans to become a leader in sustainable mobility, biofuels and green hydrogen in Spain and Portugal.
amenity throughout its network. The fully fenced yards are approximately 50 by 100 feet with turf, grass and gravel surfaces and well-maintained pet waste stations with bags. The dog parks are open 24 hours per day, seven days a week, so that pets can stretch their legs whenever needed. Additionally, many of the parks have separate areas for large and small breed dogs.
Some Love’s locations also offer dog food, cat food, kitty litter, dog treats, leashes and food bowls.
bp acquires full ownership of biofuels joint venture, Bunge Bioenergia
The transaction will allow the company to realise synergies, continue to grow its biofuels business and reassess its strategy. bp has agreed to acquire Bunge’s 50% holding interest in its Bunge Bioenergia S.A. joint venture, one of Brazil’s leading biofuelsproducing companies.
Upon completion, the mobility giant will become sole owner of the industrial scale sugarcane and ethanol business. This enables it to accelerate value creation through integration with its trading and technology capabilities.
The enterprise value of the stake to be acquired is approximately $1.4 billion, resulting in consolidation of 100% of the venture’s financial results.
Following completion, bp will have the capacity to produce around 50,000 barrels a day of ethanol equivalent from sugarcane through Bunge Bioenergia’s 11 agro-industrial units across five Brazilian states. The company operates with an integrated business model that covers the entire production chain through to sales of ethanol and sugar.
In parallel to this acquisition, bp is scaling back plans for development of new sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel biofuels projects at its existing sites. In addition, it will pause planning for two potential projects while continuing to assess three for progression, a move aligned with the company’s drive to simplify its portfolio, focusing on value and returns.
OMV Petrom to invest €750mn in sustainable fuel production
This project will establish a plant to produce SAF, HVO and green hydrogen. OMV Petrom is making a significant investment of approximately €750 million to transform its Petrobrazi refinery into a major producer of sustainable fuels. This project will establish a plant to produce sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and renewable diesel (HVO), as well as two facilities for green hydrogen production, with operations expected to begin in 2028. The company aims to supply around 250 kt/year of sustainable fuels. CEO Christina Verchere highlighted the company’s commitment to decarbonising transport in Romania, emphasising that this investment is part of a broader strategy to commit €11 billion by 2030 to achieve a lower carbon future. This initiative aligns with OMV Petrom’s ongoing renewable power projects and marks a decisive step towards reducing carbon emissions in the region.
Radu Căprău, Executive Board Member responsible for Refining and Marketing, noted that biofuels, alongside electromobility, are
crucial for achieving low-carbon transport. The new facilities will enable OMV Petrom to replace imported fuels with locally produced biofuels, ensuring product availability and reduced carbon emissions for their customers.
The SAF and HVO production facility alone represents an investment of €560 million and will produce 250 kt/year of SAF and HVO, as well as by-products like bio-naphtha and bio-LPG for the chemical industry.
The plant will consume approximately 11 kt of hydrogen annually, largely supplied by the two new green hydrogen units. This integration of green hydrogen into sustainable fuels is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by at least 70% compared to conventional fuels. Additionally, OMV Petrom has acquired a 50% stake in “Respiră Verde” to secure a reliable source of raw materials for biofuel production.
Emarat installs rest areas for delivery drivers across stations
The retailer has partnered with delivery app talabat to install selfsufficient smart boxes to provide riders with easily accessible locations to rest.
Emarat will install solar-powered rest areas across its service station network as part of a new partnership with everyday delivery app talabat.
The announcement is part of the platform’s annual Summer Together rider initiatives and is an extension of the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) first solar-powered rest areas. These sites were launched last year with the Joint Committee of Traffic Safety and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation to provide
delivery drivers accessible locations to rest, hydrate, and recharge between orders. The self-sufficient smart boxes operate 24/7 and are equipped with rechargeable batteries, completely eliminating fuel consumption and reducing CO2 emissions.
These rest areas will be established in Abu Kadra and Nad Al Hammar in Dubai, Al Sunbulah and Al Qaryah in Sharjah, Al Jurf in Ajman, Khuzam in Ras Al Khaimah, and Al Qurm station in Fujairah. Through these areas, Emarat will provide riders with noise-free, seated, and air-conditioned locations across the country. These are also equipped with water dispensers, mobile recharge stations, as well as a built-in air pump in the shaded exterior structure to check tyre pressure.
Press Releases
PetrolPlaza rebrands as MobilityPlaza
Villingen-Schwenningen, Germany – May 13, 2024 – After 25 years as the leading global publication for the fuel retail industry, PetrolPlaza is rebranding as MobilityPlaza. With the goal of continuing to support companies involved in mobility, convenience and roadside retail, MobilityPlaza will pave the way for the present and future of the industry.
The evolution of the mobility sector has changed how service stations operate. Forecourts are transforming into multi-energy, service hubs that play a different role depending on location . This process has been covered in detail by MobilityPlaza. The platform represents this complex ecosystem by giving a voice to all the different players: energy providers, foodservice experts, technology suppliers, charging point operators, fuel retailers, convenience stores, and more.
With over 17,000 subscribers and readers from 200 countries, MobilityPlaza provides full international coverage in English and Spanish with daily news, insightful articles, video reports, case studies, and roundtable sessions. The “Talks on Mobility” podcast, available on all major platforms, brings together leading voices in
the industry to discuss the hottest topics . Regional and international suppliers have long trusted the platform to promote their products and services.
A new feature of MobilityPlaza is the ability to personalise the news section based on topic and geography. For example, readers will be able to save their interest in ‘E-Mobility’ and ‘Europe,’ or ‘Convenience’ and ‘Asia-Pacific.’ This targeted approach enhances the reader experience and helps navigate the extensive content.
“We are thrilled to be launching our new brand. PetrolPlaza led the industry for over 25 years, and MobilityPlaza will do the same for the next 25 years,” says Ben Boroewitsch, CEO of com-a-tec, parent company of MobilityPlaza. “Our industry is facing a massive transformation, and we are proud to play a role in it. This new personalisation feature will help readers target their specific interests. A new chapter begins for all of us.”
MobilityPlaza was officially launched on May 14 at UNITI expo 2024, the leading European trade fair for the service station industry.
A resounding success - UNITI expo 2024 in numbers
The leading European trade fair for the retail petroleum and car wash industries reflects on yet another successful edition with 18,000 attendees from 110 countries and 470 exhibitors hailing from 37 countries.
[May 17, 2024] – UNITI expo 2024 has come and gone, celebrating success throughout its three days for all participants. 18,000 attendees from 110 countries gathered to exchange the latest innovations and developments. The state-of-the-art facilities of Messe Stuttgart hosted 470 exhibitors from 37 countries, showcasing pioneering products and services across over 40,000m2 of exhibition space.
“The excitement resonated throughout the halls of UNITI expo 2024! The vibrant atmosphere created by attendees from all parts of the world set the tone to celebrate a memorable tenth anniversary,” stated Elmar Kühn, Managing Director of UNITIKraftstoff GmbH and event organiser.
Trade visitors witnessed the latest innovations and enjoyed unmatched networking opportunities across the four themed areas. This year, the expo hosted a record number of exhibitors, further cementing its status as a global hub to showcase pioneering technologies and establishing new connections to
shape tomorrow’s industry. The countless meetings, numerous sessions across the Forums, the Future Mobility Lounge, and unique events like the UNITI expo networking party as well as innumerable stand parties provided the ideal platform to gain valuable insights while promoting international collaboration.
“Ten years and we continue to break records! 470 exhibitors gathered at the expo to present their cutting-edge innovations and connect with top industry talent. The most important players were all here to push the industry forward. We hope to see you again in two years!” said Ben Boroewitsch, CEO of com-a-tec GmbH and co-organiser of UNITI expo.
Organizers, visitors and exhibitors experienced outstanding success throughout the entire event, an experience vividly documented in this year’s video review. UNITI expo looks forward to welcoming the industry again at its next edition on May 19-21, 2026.
Dover Fueling Solutions® Launches RDM by DFS to Provide Retailers with a “Connected Dispenser”
AUSTIN, TEXAS – 13 May 2024 – Dover Fueling Solutions® (DFS), a part of Dover Corporation and a leading global provider of advanced customerfocused technologies, services and solutions in the fuel and convenience retail industry, is delighted to announce the launch of RDM by DFS in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region – a remote diagnostics and management solution, which will enable retailers to invest in a truly connected dispenser.
RDM by DFS is an optional module, currently available on Wayne Helix® fuel dispensers, which, once activated, will allow retailers to gather enhanced original equipment manufacturer (OEM) data, regardless of pump protocol, and enable remote monitoring and management via DX Monitor®.
“In the event there is a dispenser equipment issue, most are generally reported by the motorist. This delays the time taken to resolve issues, meaning unhappy customers and out of service dispensers – negatively impacting the overall consumer experience, reducing fuel sales, and damaging customer loyalty and brand reputation. This is where the connected dispenser comes in,” said Soren Powell-Holse, Director of Product Marketing at DFS. “RDM by DFS puts retailers in full control of their forecourt equipment and allows them to provide an optimal customer experience through our pioneering remote monitoring and management technology.”
By enabling remote diagnostics and troubleshooting, including reboot, RDM by DFS allows fuel retailers to resolve issues quickly and efficiently without dispatching an engineer to the site. This can help reduce maintenance costs and the frequency of service call outs and potentially lower the total cost of ownership.
In addition, retailers can mitigate potential problems by monitoring dispenser health in real-time, anticipating potential issues, and resolving potential issues in real time.
For more information about RDM by DFS, visit: https://www.doverfuelingsolutions.com/site-efficiencyrdm-by-dfs
Environmental risk reduction services business Adler & Allan announces new investment from Goldman Sachs Alternatives
30th April, 2024. Leading environmental risk reduction and advisory services organisation Adler & Allan has today announced that the Private Equity business at Goldman Sachs Alternatives will acquire a majority stake.
The transaction is a key milestone in Adler & Allan’s mission to solve industries’ biggest environmental challenges from reducing pollution and preventing harm to the environment, to mitigating the effects of climate change.
Adler & Allan is a leading UK-based environmental risk reduction specialist, supporting organisations in managing, improving, maintaining, and upgrading their critical infrastructure across the entire asset lifecycle. In the last four years the company has more than doubled in size and newly established a water services division dedicated to supporting the UK’s largest water utility companies with services from strategic infrastructure advice, monitoring, data and analytics, frontline operational capability, and environmental consultancy.
As Adler & Allan embarks on its next phase of growth, focused on broadening its service offering to further support clients with a wide range of environmental risk challenges, the partnership with Goldman Sachs will accelerate its growth plans both organically with investment in people, innovation, and technology, and through targeted M&A activity to expand its service offering and geographic footprint.
Henrik Pedersen, Chief Executive Officer of Adler & Allan, said: “The announcement today is a real endorsement of the critical nature of the services we provide, our
dedicated people, and the growth potential in the environmental services market we operate in. I’m deeply excited to partner with the Goldman Sachs team who share our vision on the next phase of growth, enabling us to continue to support our customers to overcome their biggest environmental challenges of the 21st century.”
Chief Executive Officer
Henrik Pedersen
Adler and Allan
Jose Barreto and Mihir Lal from the Private Equity business at Goldman Sachs Alternatives, commented: “Adler & Allan has a 100year heritage in supporting operators of critical infrastructure assets with their most complex environmental challenges including pollution, climate change, sustainability and preventing environmental harm.
We have been impressed with their leading reputation for high
service quality, deep technical expertise, and the breadth of service offering. We are delighted to partner with the Adler & Allan team and look forward to accelerating the company’s growth trajectory both organically, and through a targeted acquisition strategy both in the UK and overseas with a continued focus on sustainability, climate transition, and water.” The deal is expected to complete during the second half of 2024, subject to customary antitrust and regulatory approvals.
The road to net zero by 2050: How are we doing?
The effort to fight the ongoing climate crisis is a task that isn’t down to a sole country, as every nation must play its part to reach the target of net zero by 2050.
While the roadmaps are clear, with over 400 milestones in place to achieve net zero, the United Nations (UN) has warned the world we are “woefully behind” for shorter-term targets in 2030. This will mean current plans for embracing and incorporating clean energy within industries, and at a consumer level, are being developed and are not just important but truly critical to meeting requirements for targets in 2050.
Dover Fueling Solutions®, assess where the global charge is at on the road to Net Zero.
Road to 2050 by country
One of the main goals for countries worldwide is reaching carbon neutrality to curb the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) released into the atmosphere. Currently, only six countries have reached this lofty goal, all of which are smaller countries with large stretches of forest that are uninhabited, including Guyana, Benin, and Gabon. These areas of land offset their carbon emissions significantly.
27 nations have carbon-neutral regulations written into their laws, including many developed countries throughout Europe, such as the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Denmark. Similarly, 52 nations, such as Canada, South Korea, and China, have produced policy documents detailing how best their respective countries will achieve carbon neutrality but have not been formally made law.
The most concerning factor is that while countries review their carbon emissions, neutrality promises, and roadmaps, 47 countries have not set any net-zero targets. This equates to roughly 23.7% of countries, which could have a huge impact on the global effort to achieve this lofty goal and could even set other countries’ targets back.
An impressive factor is that a few multinational companies are ahead of the net zero targets of individual countries, even going as far as to set their own carbon neutrality goals for a much shorter timeframe. This includes Walmart and Amazon on track for neutrality by 2040, Apple for 2030, and Toyota racing towards a 2025 target year.
Tracking progress by country – who’s ahead So, where does each nation stand with its individual net zero goals? European countries are generally ahead of the rest of the world in their roadmaps to reaching their goals. In fact, from KPMG’s Net Zero Readiness
Index from 2021, which found that the top five countries who are investing in net zero strategies are in Europe. Norway takes the top spot with the United Kingdom at second, Sweden and Denmark in third and fourth while Germany is at fifth. The first non-European country to appear on the list is Japan at seventh.
A great case study of a country making progress, but still having room for improvement outside of Europe, is China. As the largest energy consumer in the world, it ranks 20th globally for ‘net zero readiness.’
Energy and industry sectors within China are relatively far behind in the performance needed to reach net zero targets. Interestingly, the Chinese transport sector is ranked fourth behind Norway, Sweden and Germany which could be due to the performance and availability of public transport and an electric vehicle (EV) market that eclipses many others. In fact, China had nearly half of the global fleet in the country alone in 2020, with 5.4 million being used.
An element to reducing global emissions is adopting more alternative fueling solutions including hydrogen and EVs, which is increasing worldwide, particularly in Europe and China. The top five countries seeing a soaring in passenger EV sales in 2022 include Norway (80%), Iceland (41%), Sweden (32%), the Netherlands (24%), and China (22%). Meanwhile, the Asian market is leading the way in the uptake of hydrogen-fueled passenger cars with Korea emerging as number one and Japan aiming to have more than 800,000 hydrogen vehicles on the road by 2030.
There is still room for growth in the adoption of EVs, which will be necessary to hit the net zero targets set for 2050. This is outlined by the Paris Agreement Compatible Sectoral Benchmarks that EVs will need to see passenger vehicle sales increase from 75% to 95% by 2030.
Innovative substitutions for fossil fuels will need to be adopted to offset emissions, and hydrogen could be a hugely important aspect. It’s emerging as a sector to watch, with countries that contribute an enormous amount of carbon emissions investing heavily and making strides to include hydrogen in their future.
Overall, a definitive and positive change is being made and planned towards a net zero future, with credible targets and pledges being made by countries and companies around the globe.
But by the UN’s standards, stronger commitments from the government will be required to hit net zero by 2050.
UNICODE SYSTEMS announces successful showcase at UNITI Expo 2024
Stuttgart, Germany - UNICODE SYSTEMS, a leading Czech IT company, proudly showcased its innovative solutions at this year’s UNITI Expo. Located in Hall 5, the significantly larger booth highlighted the company’s expanding product offerings, tailored to meet the growing demands of fuel station operators for contactless payments and self-service sales methods. The presentation of numerous new products demonstrated UNICODE SYSTEMS’ agility in responding to customer needs.
A Hub for Business and Networking
In addition to product presentations, UNITI Expo serves as a prime venue for networking, business meetings, and striking noteworthy deals. UNICODE SYSTEMS made significant strides in this regard, with founder and CEO Miroslav Stříbrský meeting Jacquie Davies, CEO of Hytek Ltd, leading to an agreement for distributing and servicing UNICODE SYSTEMS’ products in the UK. “We are excited to introduce our solutions to customers in the eleventh European country,” said Stříbrský after signing the contract.
The Rise of Outdoor payment terminals
The largest section of the exhibition featured the expanding range of the Unicode Cardmanager Outdoor Payment Terminals, meeting the increasing trend of self-service at fuel stations. These OPT’s facilitate cashless payments at the pump, significantly speeding up customer service and potentially boosting station revenue.
Contrary to the belief that pay-at-the-pump reduces additional service sales, it frees up parking space, encouraging customers to spend more time and money inside the shop. This also allows staff to focus on other tasks like running the bistro, cleaning, and restocking.
UNICODE SYSTEMS displayed a comprehensive range of their Cardmanager OPT’s, from simple Mini, standalone models (also ATEX certified for explosive environments) and built-in versions for many European manufactured dispenser heads.
All Outdoor Payment models accept various payment methods, including bank, fleet, fuel, and loyalty cards, chips, and vouchers. Some standalone models also accept multiple currencies in cash. Advanced communication with dispensing technology allows control over standard fuels, AdBlue, washer fluid, and CNG, LNG, or hydrogen filling stations. New OPT’s can also process payments for car washes and wash bays.
Beyond a Cash Register System
Let’s delve into the additional, innovative products UNICODE SYSTEMS brought to Stuttgart. The EuroShop 3 POS system is an optimal solution for fuel stations. It integrates a cash register, back office, and a central web application, Web Office, which is optimised for managing fuel station networks online. This system
CEO Miroslav Stříbrský and Jacquie Davies, CEO of Hytek Ltd
offers a wide range of functional modules, catering to small stations and large chains alike.
EuroShop 3 not only manages fuel and shop sales but also controls various services provided by fuel stations. It can oversee EV charging stations, windshield washer fluid dispensers, price totems, and car washes. It supports loyalty systems (discount and prepaid cards) and monitors staff behaviour.
The EuroShop 3 system for self-service checkouts, developed on Diebold Nixdorf hardware, is gaining traction not only in supermarkets but also at fuel stations, speeding up customer transactions and reducing staff workload. Several dozen selfservice checkouts with EuroShop 3 are operational in OMV Austria’s network, with more installations underway.
Order Panels at the Forecourt
A standout product in the payment kiosk line is the CardManager Wet&Dry model, designed for large fuel and charging stations with dining services. This device combines a traditional fuelling kiosk with a 32-inch touchscreen display, integrating fuel sales with an ordering system for bistros and restaurants. Mounted on an island near the fuel dispenser, it allows customers to order food and drinks while fuelling, reducing checkout lines and supporting card payments and receipt printing.
Accessible Charging Stations
UNICODE SYSTEMS also showcased applications for charging stations. Traditionally, paying for charging has been complicated. UNICODE SYSTEMS’ unique solution allows payment with bank and fleet cards without prior registration, making it accessible to “casual” customers. CardManager EV models communicate with all common charging stations, from AC chargers to 300 kW hyperchargers by Alpitronic. They can control multiple charging points and print standard tax receipts, which are still required in many countries. The solution includes online communication with cloud service providers like Chargepoint. Several hundred OMV, Petrom, and Billa charging stations under the OMV eMotion brand in four European countries are already equipped with the CardManager EV system.
For more information, please contact: Company Name: UNICODE SYSTEMS
Contact Person: Arthur Plumpton
Email: arthur.plumpton@unicodesys.eu
Website: www.unicodesys.eu
Certas Energy announces industry first HVO fleet balancing calculator
Certas Energy has created the industry’s first HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) fleet balancing calculator, allowing fleet operators to calculate the cost of mixing HVO with traditional diesel to aid decarbonisation.
HVO is a lower carbon alternative diesel which offers immediate greenhouse gas emissions savings of up to 90% compared to diesel across the product life cycle. It also burns cleaner, emitting fewer particulates compared to conventional diesel.
In addition, storage is simpler because HVO has a shelf life of up to 10 years and is biodegradable and non-toxic.
However, HVO is more expensive per litre than conventional diesel, making it more practical for some operators to blend HVO with diesel, or only use HVO in some situations. For example, an operator could commit to one tank of HVO a month or use HVO in congested areas to reduce air pollution.
Certas Energy’s automated HVO fleet balancing calculator is a free online tool that will provide the average fuel cost when including HVO as part of the fuel mix, helping operators make decisions about how and when to drop in the renewable alternative diesel.
Reece Hampton, National Sales Manager at Certas Energy said, “Trucks makes up a large proportion of road users, which means the sector can be a powerful force for good when it comes to reducing emissions. If all fleet operators committed to making one small change, it would have a big impact.
“HVO is an obvious choice when it comes to reducing carbon emissions, but many operators are put off by the cost which at first glance can appear much higher”.
“The reality is, if you use a blend, or only use HVO in some vehicles, the cost difference can be negligible, but still make a vital difference to decarbonisation”. Whether operators are planning a full or partial switch to
HVO, we can help them find out how much it is going to cost, and what is feasible for their business. Our calculator is the first tool able to automatically work out these figures so we can help more businesses decarbonise in a realistic way.”
HVO is a renewable and practically fossil-free fuel which can be used in traditional diesel engines with no modifications.
The ISTOBAL Group reaches a turnover of 156 million euros in 2023
•The Group maintained solid profitability, driven by its service line and improved operating margins in key markets
•Iberia has consolidated its position as the group’s main market, with historic growth in turnover and sustained profitability
•In 2024 ISTOBAL Group will focus on customer demands and on improving operational efficiency and flexibility to maintain its global leadership and meet new market challenges
Valencia (07-05-2024) - The ISTOBAL Group, a leading Spanish multinational in vehicle wash and care solutions, has reached a total
turnover of 156 million euros in 2023, recording a net profit of 7 million euros and an operating profit of 11 million euros. With an EBITDA of around EUR 14 million, the group’s profitability remains at around 9% of sales, thanks to the growth of the services line and improved profitability in the main markets, which has offset structural costs and investment in new subsidiaries.
At the end of the year, the Group accelerated its expansion in Europe with the opening of new commercial subsidiaries in France and Poland, responding to local market demands for a more direct approach in the multinational’s strategy to achieve greater operational efficiency.
In 2023, Iberia remains the main market for ISTOBAL, which has experienced sustained growth coupled with an increase in profitability, and historic turnover figures in excess of 50 million euros.
The business line with the highest turnover for the group continues to be the sale of car wash equipment, with rollovers leading the sales, followed by services and consumables in second and third place, respectively.
2023 has again been a year of growth for the wide range of services offered by the group, which aims to provide comprehensive care in the car wash business. Over the last year this line grew mainly in markets such as Spain, UK, Sweden, Italy and Brazil.
In 2024 ISTOBAL foresees a growth of the group, marked by its commitment to international expansion focused on a model of direct sales and services in key markets for the company.
Its strategic plan focuses on capitalising on new opportunities from its renewed portfolio, aligned with industry trends, which foresees growth in services and consumables, as well as the potential derived from equipment connectivity and its commitment to sustainability.
The group’s main focus will continue to be customer satisfaction, together with the pursuit of efficiency and operational flexibility, in order to consolidate its leading position at international level, while facing new challenges in the market.
OTS Group announces availability of GVR parts with expedited UK delivery
•OTS Group to stock Gilbarco Veeder-Root (GVR) SSE parts in the UK.
•Reduced delivery times: essential components within 48 hours, most items within a week.
•Broad inventory includes fuel dispensing pumps, TLS Series ATGs, and Red Jacket STPs.
•Expert installation and maintenance by OTS Group’s trained teams.
•Contact sales@otsgroup.co.uk for more details and swift service station equipment supply.
Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire (22nd April 2024) – In a move that promises to significantly expedite the availability of service station equipment (SSE) across the UK, OTS Group has committed to warehousing large quantities of GVR
stock, enabling commercial service stations to receive, and in some cases install, replacement equipment within as little as 48 hours (but typically same week as order). This move is set to alleviate the industry-wide issue of extended lead times, providing rapid access to critical GVR parts and equipment.
Comprehensive GVR Equipment Range
OTS Group’s inventory encompasses a broad spectrum of GVR’s state-of-theart service station equipment, including:
•Fuel Dispensing Pumps: Combining precision with efficiency, these pumps are renowned for meeting rigorous quality standards.
•Automatic Tank Gauges: Essential for real-time fuel monitoring, these gauges facilitate environmental regulation compliance, including the advanced TLS series tank gauges such as the TLS-450PLUS Automatic Tank Gauge (ATG), and the TLS4 and TLS4B Automatic Tank Gauges.
•Red Jacket Submersible Turbine Pumps (STPs): These pumps are integral to ensuring the safe and efficient transfer of fuel.
Unprecedented Delivery Times for GVR Equipment
With the introduction of GVR equipment stocked by OTS in the UK, delivery lead times for many items will be reduced to 1-2 weeks. For simpler components that don’t require specialised installation, dispatch can occur within 48 hours— a service delivery revolution for the fuel equipment industry.
Expertise in Installation and Maintenance
Beyond supply, OTS Group’s service
and installation teams are thoroughly trained to work with the entire range of GVR equipment, ensuring not only the swift provision of parts but also professional, knowledgeable installation and maintenance. This expertise guarantees the longevity and reliability of the service stations’ fuelling systems, underpinning the operational excellence that OTS Group’s clients have come to expect.
For further details on how OTS Group can support your service station with our new GVR stock, reach out to us at sales@otsgroup.co.uk.
The future of SSE supply is here, and with OTS Group, it’s faster than ever.
Dover Fueling Solutions® Partners with FLYX to Launch the DFS Order Kiosk™ powered by FLYX
AUSTIN, TEXAS – 6 May 2024 – Dover Fueling Solutions® (DFS), a part of Dover Corporation and a leading global provider of advanced customer-focused technologies, services and solutions in the fuel and convenience retail industry, today announced a partnership with FLYX – an API-based omnichannel cloud software solution company. As a result of this partnership, DFS is launching a brand-new, compact and efficient product in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region – the DFS Order Kiosk™ powered by FLYX.
In collaboration with FLYX, DFS will be able to provide EMEA fuel retailers with a flexible and innovative technology for their c-stores, which can help differentiate their station from the competition. In addition to improving the overall consumer experience, of both new and existing motorists on site, the DFS Order Kiosk™ will provide retailers with a unique competitive advantage and additional opportunities to increase profit margins.
The DFS Order Kiosk™ can be wall-mounted, stand-alone, or secured on a countertop to offer retailers a multitude of choices to suit varying c-store layouts to overcome potential space concerns and limitations. Additional options are also available during the software ordering process, as retailers can apply crossselling and up-selling techniques – whether to promote the c-store latest offers or support loyalty programs – through any device, anywhere.
As a result of this partnership, the DFS Order Kiosk™ can be fully integrated with Prizma, DFS’ connected mobility and convenience hub, to ensure all c-store operations can be streamlined to increase site efficiencies.
“Our partnership with FLYX is an important milestone in bringing the food ordering and fuel retail market together. The connected plug & play solution combines the best of both worlds, offering both stability and flexibility into our joint worlds,” said Jenthe Govaerts, Product Manager at DFS.
“Food and drink has become an important revenue generator for petrol stations, hence a lot more stations now offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. The DFS Order Kiosk™ powered by FLYX will increase sales, reduce waiting time, and most importantly, reduce the number of required operators at the station,” added Kurt Dillen, VP & GM, Commercial, EMEA & SAIL Regions at DFS.
“Through our collaboration with Dover Fueling Solutions®, FLYX is thrilled to assist the fuel retail industry in innovating and bringing a new digital experience to their customers and staff. The DFS Order Kiosk™ powered by FLYX represents a groundbreaking advancement in retail technology, enabling businesses to serve their customers more efficiently while enhancing profitability. This alliance reinforces our commitment to the incorporation of leadingedge technology into everyday customer engagements, thereby redefining industry standards,” stated John Van Lierde, CEO of FLYX.
The DFS Order Kiosk™ made its first appearance at the 2024 UNITI Expo in Stuttgart, Germany, May 14th – 16th.
You can discover more at: www.doverfuelingsolutions.com/secure-payment-dfs-orderkiosk-powered-by-flyx.
Branches
Eastern
The APEA Eastern Branch Training and Workshop Meeting and AGM
The day began with participants arriving and gathering in the Hawthorne Room, setting the stage for an informative and engaging event. The meeting was well attended. The Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Branch business discussions were held exclusively for Eastern Branch members, covering essential updates and business matters.
During the AGM, the following officers were re-elected:
Chair: Clare Scawthorn
Branch Representative: Alex Boudry
Secretary and Honorary Treasurer: Anton Martiniussen
Events Committee Members: Jamie Thompson, Simon Smeeton, Andrew Olive, Tanya Sargent and the above officers.
Additionally, the accounts for the year ending 2023 were proposed and approved by the members. Anton Martiniussen thanked the officers and committee members for their dedication and enthusiasm over the past year, which has been important for the meetings and the continuity of Branch activities. He also expressed appreciation to his secretary,
Dawn James, for her support, and to Emma Boylen of PFS for auditing the accounts. A special thanks was also given to Geoff Clements for his efforts in finding speakers for this important event.
We also received a lovely note from Mike Lugg, a former Chair of the APEA and significant contributor to technical papers and the early edition of the Blue Book, thanking the Branch for remembering his 90th birthday and sending him a box of chocolates, which was well received.
After the AGM, the general session commenced with a warm welcome to all attendees. Clare, our re-elected Chair, said it was a good time to be a member of the APEA as the next version of the Blue Book (5th edition) is about to be published. If you already hold a paid-up membership, you will receive a free copy of the Blue Book.
Alex reminded everyone that APEA Live is taking place at the MK Dons Arena on Thursday 14th November. The Fuel for Thought theatre will be taking place again. There is a fantastic host lined up for the evening Gala Dinner and Awards. Alex said to book now to avoid disappointment as spaces are going fast.
The first speaker, Tim Ross from the London Fire Brigade (LFB), provided an insightful regulator update. Tim highlighted the latest regulatory changes impacting the industry, emphasising the importance of safety and compliance.
The 2014 Petroleum (Consolidation) Regulations has been reviewed and awaiting a report. An Inspection Working Group has been established to create a standardised risk-based inspection regime.
Clare Scawthorn Eastern Branch Chairman
Tim Ross, London Fire Brigade (LFB)
A new edition of the Red Guide was produced in January in which there are updated references to legislation along with new content on payment applications. The APEA online training platform is being updated to reflect these changes.
Paul Norman, the Commercial Director at Commercial Fuel Solutions Limited, followed with a compelling discussion on hydrogen and ammonia. He focused on the hydrogen transport and mobility sectors, aiming to integrate clean energy solutions into the commercial fuelling industry. Paul highlighted innovative hydrogen solutions, including hydrogen generator sets and dispensers, which support the integration of hydrogen into commercial applications.
Jamie Thompson then took the stage to update attendees on current standards for petrol station drainage and separators, specifically the CEN Standard EN858. He emphasised the importance of maintaining and regularly inspecting petrol station drainage systems to ensure contaminants like oil and petrol do not enter the wider environment, stressing recent updates to parts 1 and 2 of the standard. Clare Scawthorn from the Petrol Retailers Association (PRA) provided valuable insights into recent regulatory changes within the industry. Her presentation focused on the practical implications
Paul Norman, Commercial Fuel Solutions
of these updates for petrol retailers, offering guidance on navigating the evolving regulatory landscape.
Next, Carl Pike, Managing Director of AC CABLE Solutions Ltd, discussed critical cable ducting on petrol station forecourts. He shared best practices and standards for proper cable ducting, along with useful tips and recommendations to ensure compliance and optimal application.
After a lunch break, Mark Kelk from Cranfield Aerospace Solutions Ltd presented on hydrogen fuel cell powerplants and infrastructure. He explained the work involved in modifying an existing 9seat passenger aircraft with a hydrogen fuel cell powerplant, as well as the essential infrastructure, training, and approvals needed to support the operational introduction of such aircraft.
Henrik Sijtsma from RESATO had travelled all the way from The Netherlands to provide us with his experience and discussed high-capacity hydrogen refuelling stations, focusing on the H2Refuel Full Sized Station (FSS) and the Ultra High-Capacity Station (UHCS). He explained how these stations are designed for the rapidly developing hydrogen mobility market and their modular setup, making them scalable for future expansion as demand increases.
Finally, Jon Hunt from Toyota GB discussed hydrogen and a carbon-neutral future for transport. Jon shared Toyota’s vision for integrating hydrogen as a sustainable energy source, outlining the steps needed to achieve a carbon-neutral future in the transport sector.
The meeting concluded with closing remarks, summarising the key takeaways from the day’s presentations and expressing gratitude to the speakers and attendees for their participation and contributions.
This meeting facilitated valuable discussions on regulatory updates, innovative solutions, and industry standards, contributing to the advancement of the commercial fuelling and energy sectors as well as providing great networking opportunities for all those in attendance.
Jamie Thompson, Chairman of APEA Technical Committee
Mark Kelk, Cranfield Aerospace Solutions Ltd
Henrik Sijtsma, RESATO
Jon Hunt, Toyota GB
Southern
The APEA Southern Branch has recently held a branch meeting at the Tank Museum at Bovington in Dorset.
After a welcome from our chairman Doreen Pooley, we were pleased to welcome Tim Johnson, Head of Sales, private sectorMer UK speaking on the subject of ‘How Can a Forecourt Make Themselves EV Ready?’ Tim gave an interesting presentation relating to EV installations on existing forecourts which generated a lot of good questions from those attending.
Our second speaker was Jack Aplin of Eurotank Environmental who spoke on the subject of ‘Choosing the Right Tank Lining System for Your Forecourt’. Jack outlined the types of tank in use in the UK and the options available to prolong their lives without resorting to complete replacement. His excellent presentation included details of their innovative bladder lining system and common points of failure of underground tanks with some excellent photos.
Our final speaker of the morning was Paul Norman, Commercial Director Hydrogen & Ammonia of Commercial Fuel Solutions Ltd. His topic was ‘Hydrogen’s Role in Decarbonising Transport’ which was an excellent fit with the previous presentation from Tim. Paul was able to talk through the role of hydrogen in fuelling cars and heavy-duty vehicles and what the future of hydrogen mobility in the UK may look like. He finished by looking at the carbon intensity of the varying fuel types, which again generated plenty of questions.
We last used this venue some 15 years ago and we were delighted at how much bigger and more comprehensive the museum is now. All attending thoroughly enjoyed the venue, the food provided and the excellent presentations.
It’s a challenge, but very rewarding to organise a branch meeting which results in only positive comments from those attending. The branch would like to thank the three presenters and those attending. If you missed this one, you really missed out.
David Sommers
Southern Branch Secretary
Training
Training course dates and locations 2024
3 Day Combined Petrol Filling Stations –Construction, Audit and Inspection Course
2 - 4 September Stansted Airport
2 day Electrical Installations - An Awareness
3 - 4 September Swindon
Explosives and Fireworks
4 October Stansted Airport
Wetstock Management
25 September Stansted Airport
DSEAR
11 September Stansted Airport
Petroleum (Consolidation) Regulations 2014
6 September Stansted Airport
Petrol Filling Station courses on request
Vapour Recovery Installations
Leak Investigation
Enforcement Procedures
Safe Installation and Use of LPG
Please contact the APEA office for a quotation for a bespoke course we can run at your offices, for any of the courses listed below, at admin@apea.org.uk, with an approximate number of delegates and preferred dates.
Course Fees
APEA Member Non member
3 day course with accommodation£1020.00
3 day, day delegate rate
£810.00
2 day course with accommodation£650.00
2 day, day delegate rate
1 day course
Prices excluding VAT.
£550.00
£260.00
£1120.00
£910.00
£750.00
£650.00
£310.00
More information and booking details on the “Training” page at www.apea.org.uk.
Anyone booking a training course that is not an APEA member will automatically receive complimentary “Individual” membership to the APEA for one year.
Courses will be designed around the (4th edition) Blue Book Guidance for the Design, Construction, Modification, Maintenance and Decommissioning of Filling Stations (May 2018).
A hard copy and a pdf version of the 4th Edition is available from the Publications page of the APEA website at www.apea.org.uk
The hardcopy is £75.00 to APEA Members and £150.00 to non APEA members. There is no VAT charged on the hardcopy or pdf formats. The pdf version can be purchased with a licence for individual use and cannot be shared or printed. It is strongly recommended that attendees have access to this document during courses.
Online Training courses
For details of this and any other training enquiry, please contact:
Jane Mardell - APEA Business Manager
email: admin@apea.org.uk
Tel: + 44 (0) 345 603 5507 or
Thomas Daly (Training Committee Chairman)
Tel: +353 876899281
email: thomasdaly@apea.org.uk
To book go to the Training page on the APEA website at www.apea.org.uk for the link or to https://apea.org.uk/pages/training or https://apea.mykademy.com/
Key Areas of a Filling Station £50
The Future of Fuels £50
Drainage, Vapour Recovery and Leak Detection £50
Road Tanker Delivery and Consignor Requirements £50
Petroleum (Consolidation) Regulation 2014 £50
Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 £50
Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulation 2002
Preparing for Inspection
The Red Guide
Training for Merseyside Fire and Rescue
By Jamie Thompson, APEA Trainer and Chairman of the APEA Technical Committee
1)A 3-day Petrol Filling Station Construction, Environment Awareness Audit and Inspection Course
2)A one-day refresher course for existing inspectors including a site inspection
The 3-day course was delivered to officers who were to cover petrol station inspections and approvals. Eleven officers were present for the presentations and took an active part in the discussions that followed.
The site inspection on an older filling station brought out some interesting findings which the delegates were able to discuss, including shortcomings and what action should be taken to ensure public safety is maintained on the site.
officers checking hazardous areas for recently installed EV charging which area close to
Inspecting
petrol tanks
Two tanks installed in the 1960’s with a double wall system recently installed
Sainsbury’s Marshall Lake store
Delegates from the 3 Day Petrol Filling Stations – Combined Construction, Audit and Inspection course held in Manchester
Delegates from the 3 Day Petrol Filling Stations – Combined Construction, Audit and Inspection course held in Solihull completing a risk assessment
