Energy Focus July 2022

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR ENERGY LEADERS

www.energy-focus.net

July 2022

Modern Energy Powers Future of Motorsport, Mobility & More Roel Breure, PR and Marketing Manager at Forze Hydrogen Racing tells Energy Focus that hydrogen is the next step in the energy transition

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:

DeltaTek Global / Elestor / DuneFront / Drakken

EDITOR’S LETTER EDITOR Joe Forshaw  joe@energy-focus.net PROJECT MANAGER Tommy Atkinson  tommy@energy-focus.net PROJECT MANAGER Rob Fenton  rob@energy-focus.net PROJECT MANAGER Christina Allcock  christina@energy-focus.net PROJECT MANAGER Chris Bolderstone  chris@energy-focus.net PROJECT MANAGER David Hill  david@energy-focus.net PROJECT MANAGER Ekwa Bikaka  ekwa@energy-focus.net FINANCE MANAGER Samantha Lynn  samantha@energy-focus.net LEAD DESIGNER Aaron Protheroe  aaron@energy-focus.net CONTRIBUTOR Manelesi Dumasi CONTRIBUTOR Karl Pietersen CONTRIBUTOR David Napier CONTRIBUTOR Timothy Reeder CONTRIBUTOR Colin Chinery CONTRIBUTOR Benjamin Southwold CONTRIBUTOR William Denstone

Published by Chris Bolderstone – General Manager E. chris@cmb-multimedia.co.uk Fuel Studios, Kiln House, Pottergate, Norwich NR2 1DX +44 (0) 1603 855 161 www.cmb-media.co.uk CMB Media Group does not accept responsibility for omissions or errors. The points of view expressed in articles by attributing writers and/ or in advertisements included in this magazine do not necessarily represent those of the publisher.

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained within this magazine, no legal responsibility will be accepted by the publishers for loss arising from use of information published. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored in a retrievable system or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the publisher. © CMB Media Group Ltd 2022

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Over the past two decades, technology has seeped further into the oil and gas industry. Traditionally driven by people and hardware, the drive for safety has moved people out and software in, and hardware has received major upgrades to ensure that the new software can run entire systems where possible.

This is a new frontier in the industry, and there are many companies are already conquering, displaying ingenious innovation to solve problems in a modern way.

In this edition, we look specifically at software and technology providers – alongside a host of other organisations – to understand more about what can be offered in energy through the cloud, digital systems, and modern online applications.

We spoke first to DuneFront, a pioneering sand control consultancy specialising in the maximisation of completion reliability. The company’s software simplifies, strengthens, and standardises oilfield methodology around sand control, and it counts almost all of the world’s majors as its clients. Based in the cloud, the future of this business is global but centralised in London.

Next, we heard from Drakken – the Dubai-based project management consultancy that is ‘obsessed with finding better ways for the world to execute projects’. By using modern systems to implement its electrical, controls, and instrumentation solutions, this growing business is now completing multi-faceted projects around the world.

Sherbet Electric Taxis Founder, Asher Moses, displays his relentless desire for data as he moves London from diesel to electric power in his evergrowing fleet of modern and efficient taxis.

And DeltaTek Global is using modern design to create ground-breaking technology used to ensure cement and casing in oil and gas wells. Clearly, the use of technology, advanced software, and digital innovation is boosting an industry described often as behind the times.

Tells us what your business is doing to fight this reputation. We’re always online through LinkedIn.

Joe Forshaw EDITOR

GET IN TOUCH  +44 (0) 1603 855 161  joe@energy-focus.net www.energy-focus.net

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FORZE HYDROGEN RACING Modern Energy Powers Future of Motorsport, Mobility & More SHERBET ELECTRIC TAXIS Sherbet’s Sustainability Driving Change in London Transport Network DEN HELDER AIRPORT Future-Proofing Dutch Offshore Aviation ELESTOR The Missing Link in Clean Energy Systems CONRAD ENERGY Powering a Secure and Stable Transition TERRA-GEN Energy Storage Milestones Key to Building a Sustainable Tomorrow DELTATEK GLOBAL Pioneering Advances in Drilling Technology DUNEFRONT Optimised Solutions from Independent Sand Control Specialist TERRAROC Minimising Downtime to Maximise Profit and Productivity

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CONTENTS 62// 68// 74// 80// 88// 94// 98// 106// 112// 120//

DRAKKEN Top Tier Project Management for World’s Energy Sector PROPLAN PROJECT SERVICES Specialist Controls at the Heart of Every Successful Project ALBA POWER The Leading Global Turbine Independent NUCLEARELECTRICA Nuclear Pioneer Brings SMR First to Romania ARGENT ENERGY Drive to Decarbonise Transport Worldwide EQUINOR Propelling UK Wind Power to New Heights SAINT-NAZAIRE OFFSHORE WIND FARM French Firsts Power Up Country’s Wind Sector HELLENIC PETROLEUM Kozani Spurs Greek Energy Transition HOLLARD MOZAMBIQUE Energy Experts to Protect Mozambique’s Dynamic Industry VEXILA Safe Reliable Power

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INDUSTRY FOCUS: HYDROGEN

FORZE HYDROGEN RACING

Modern Energy Powers Future of Motorsport, Mobility & More PRODUCTION: Joe Forshaw

Forze Hydrogen Racing designs, builds and races hydrogen-powered race cars, demonstrating all that is possible for hydrogen in motorsports, mobility, and more. PR and Marketing Manager, Roel Breure tells Energy Focus that hydrogen is the next step in the energy transition, and this is a project getting people excited about future prospects.

When Formula E hosted its first event in China in 2014, it was clear that motorsport was moving in a new direction, embracing the energy transition that has been underway in wider society for many years. Ditching traditional internal combustion engines for all-electric motors, the sport quickly gained popularity, proving that zero emissions racers can be just as inventive and exciting as their fossil fuelled counterparts. Ultimately, the goal of Formula E was never to compete with Formula One but to demonstrate what

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is possible with electric motors at the top end of performance, testing new technologies, while advancing the energy transition in the automotive industry before public rollout.

Today, electric passenger vehicles and charging infrastructure are being aggressively scaled as part of global shift to e-mobility, but there are already keen eyes looking to the next phase of the transition. For some time, it has been clear that hydrogen could and should be considered as a fuel of the future – widely available, renewable,

powerful, efficient, versatile, and safe.

Already used in industrial applications, hydrogen technology is being adopted quickly as governments and companies pursue decarbonisation strategies.

The first hydrogen fuel cell used in a vehicle was developed in 1966 by General Motors, and the technology has come a long way. In 2007, a specialist team of student engineers from Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands began a project to build a racing car powered by hydrogen. Starting out with go-karts,

FORZE HYDROGEN RACING

Roel Breure

PR and Marketing Manager

Credit - Van Santen & Vink

after 15 years of development and numerous iterations, the latest model is a marvel of engineering and brings a smile to the face of everyone who sees it. The product of Forze Hydrogen Racing, still a non-profit studentled team, the goal here is much the same as that of Formula E in its early days – to display what is possible using hydrogen as a fuel source.

The meaning of the word Forze is ‘force’ or ‘power’ and with hydrogen as its power this team looks set to become a real force in motorsport, automotive, and further afield as more and more take note of what hydrogen can do.

“The whole reason that we are building a high-performance racing car is to show what the technology can do,” says PR and Marketing Manager,

Roel Breure. “A race car is visible and attracts a lot of attention, giving us an opportunity to explain our message about hydrogen and its place in the energy transition. In that way, we are already achieving our goal. Wherever we put this car, people approach, and that gives us the opportunity to explain more about what hydrogen can do.”

STUDENT ENERGY At Forze Hydrogen Racing, based at the Delft University of Technology campus, the current focus is development of the Forze IX. Each year, the organisation receives a new intake of ambitious students who work for 12-months creating what is one of the most advanced racing cars in the world.

These students challenge what is

possible and display ambitions beyond what most consider realistic. In return, they receive experience working on some of the most advanced systems and components in the automotive industry, testing them to the extreme.

“We do it because we think it is a cool project and we want to progress the technology, and also it is a great learning experience with all the things you get to do and all the responsibilities you get the take on,” explains Breure, adding that it is unprecedented for students fresh from graduation to receive such opportunities.

Currently, 30 students provide a range of skills for the project - many with a keen interest in motorsport and engineering. There are obvious career progression opportunities

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INDUSTRY FOCUS: HYDROGEN

with many ending their experience and heading into Formula One and Supercar Challenge teams, and some even harnessing their new-found skills to become entrepreneurs in the hydrogen sector, boasting a problemsolving background like few others.

“Students bring a whole lot of motivation and energy every year.

It’s an intensive year and everyone knows they must push for everything they can out of it. It gives the project a start-up vibe even though there are 30 people working here full-time and 30 people working par-time alongside a very strong alumni who come and assist regularly,” details Breure.

“Many move to work into sustainability departments and renewable energy at large companies.

We have also seen entrepreneurship and numerous smaller companies formed, including a business making complete fuel cell systems for small boats and other applications.”

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FORZE IX Currently, many of the world’s prominent automakers have invested in fuel cell vehicle (FCV) production with a number of countries also developing hydrogen filling networks.

The advantage he is that, in passenger vehicles, refuelling is very similar to that of a traditional car and fantastic range can be achieved. Compressed hydrogen gas feeds into an onboard fuel cell stack which, instead of burning the gas, transforms chemical energy into electrical power to fuel motors.

Inside the latest Forze model, an entirely new and advanced system has been developed to replace that used in Forze VIII, going beyond what might be expected in a passenger vehicle, performing at the cutting edge. Currently in development, Breure expects a workable prototype to be ready in the coming months.

“Forze IX is in the testing and assembly phase,” he says. “We are

installing the balance of plant and that means for both sides of the fuel cell system – anode and cathode, and also includes the cooling, control systems, software, and safety systems. By the end of the summer, we hope to have an operational fuel cell system which means that the car will generate its own electricity onboard and that would be a major milestone.”

At the same time, there is a lot of work being done on the power train and other related systems with the company taking experience from previous models, right back to its early days manufacturing go-karts.

“With Forze IX, we are decoupling and we will have something brand new. So much progress has been made since the build of Forze VIII that we can fit more than double the power in the same space and all of the components are better. It has become twice the car but in the same space and that meant there was not a lot that we could shift

FORZE HYDROGEN RACING

Credit - Olivier Groot

YOU CAN’T MAKE PROGRESS WITHOUT LEARNING, AND IF YOU’RE MAKING A LOT OF PROGRESS THEN YOU ARE ALSO LEARNING A LOT

from the previous car,” says Breure, adding that the hope is for Forze IX to reach 300km/h, considerably faster than Forze VIII which can achieve 210km/h.

Right now, the student team is targeting ‘racing conditions’ by Spring 2023, where the car will be sent to compete on the track in races in the Netherlands. Initial races will not see the team aiming for the podium, and will be more about gathering data and learning so that improvements can be made. All at Forze are clear that this a long-term project and requires many small steps to achieve its goal.

“We expect that when we first get the car on the track, there will be issues,” admits Breure. “We will then resolve them and the process will start again. That is the reason that we are so transparent – we are an experimental team and we don’t want to give people the idea that out of nowhere we have created a Le Mans

prototype racing car. We want to show that it is an iterative process and we are learning so much every day.

“This is how you know there is progress being made. You can’t make progress without learning, and if you’re making a lot of progress then you are also learning a lot.”

Because of the differences in build, there are challenges getting a hydrogen powered race car around a track. While its speed is not in question – it will likely match a combustion car for lap time but see differences across various sectors – the handling, braking, and acceleration are all areas under the microscope for team Forze.

“It’s quite heavy,” smiles Breure.

“Compared to an internal combustion car, which has been iterated for hundreds of years, it is impossible for us to get that power to weight ratio and that has a lot of influence on the handling. We do a lot with regenerative

braking where most of the braking we do is regenerative. The new car will be four-wheel drive as we can get back a lot more energy with regeneration from electric motors. This means braking is different from normal driving as there is not a lot of mechanical braking.

You have to start braking earlier and you lose time, but you get back a lot of power when exiting the corner and your acceleration is great.”

FLOATING ON PARTNERSHIPS As a student-led team, Forze Hydrogen Racing is not a commercial business and does not report to shareholders.

Instead, it builds long-term partnerships with businesses that can collaborate.

For these partners, the data generated provides unique insight into performance.

“We work with a lot of different partners and there is a lot of effort to get financing complete but

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INDUSTRY FOCUS: HYDROGEN

there is not a trajectory towards becoming a profitable business,” says Breure. “Our goal is to make a point about the power of hydrogen.”

With 120 partners in place, ranging from component to finance to consultancy, Forze provides a unique platform for analysis. High pressure and heat, g-force stress, sound tension, and humidity challenges can be lab-tested, but real time data about in-situ performance is rare.

“The car is basically a laboratory on wheels,” says Breure. “Most of these components have never been used in a racing car before so the manufacturers model the performance of their parts at lab level, and our experience gets them information about performance at the extremes – this is very valuable data the whole project floats on their input.”

Even during the toughest of times, when the world was forced to close as a result of the pandemic, Forze’s partners remained committed to the project. As the student team worked remotely, doing all they could to design a novel racing car, obvious challenges were realised.

“The reason that our team can do what it does, and how there is so much energy, is because of collaboration and that is what was taken away through Covid,” Breure remembers. “It is hard to work on the development of a racing car while the energy that keeps you going is moved to Zoom calls. It is definitely not as rewarding compared to being here and walking around when you can see all the cool stuff happening.”

Admitting that the team would like to be further along with development

of Forze IX, Breure highlights the immense challenges that come with such a project. “It is the challenge with building something that is completely new – you never know long things will take; that is also why we want to be transparent about how much of work it takes to develop such a concept.”

He says that many people see a problem and see something that is made to solve the problem, but they miss the progress and the mistakes and the learning that happens along the way – all key in the journey to a solution. The various iterations of the Forze car represent a long learning process that will not end anytime soon.

“Our main goal is promoting hydrogen technology,” he reiterates.

“We do that for the general public with an attractive racing car, but

Credit - Olivier Groot

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FORZE HYDROGEN RACING EnergyFocusAd_Clean-Water_144x100mm.pdf

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also for organisations with the data they can get out of it, and then for governments. All three have to work together to make things happen. The industry needs subsidies and legislation, the government needs demand and information, and the public needs to accept that hydrogen is a safe and reliable technology as they are the ones who will eventually buy hydrogen cars or trucks. There is an important interface between them all. If you only have industry and politics interested, you will only see hydrogen in heavy industrial applications and normal consumers will never see anything.

While that is good, it would be better if hydrogen was applicable in situations where consumers are involved and having faith in the technology – for example, for the heating of homes.”

Projects like the Forze Hydrogen

Racing car do not only show technology for automotive application – it displays that a hydrogen fuel cell can be used safely, even at peak levels of performance, under great strain. As innovation bolsters this equipment, and decarbonisation and net-zero goals become more intense, new solutions will be required on a large scale. Already tested and proven, hydrogen is clearly a part of the energy mix of the future.

“We are now a long way into the building phase and there are a lot of cool things happening,” Breure says of progress with the latest model.

Asked if the organisation has plans to extend its reach beyond motorsport into other industry sectors, he is motivated but clear on the current mission: “We are not concretely looking at anything else at this stage but it is something that

plays in the back of our minds.

“At this point, we are building a very high-performance race car that must do a lot more than a standard car or truck. We give the suppliers of components a great deal of knowledge of how their parts perform in highperformance power trains, and that gives the industry experience and excitement.”

The brand promises much – ‘this is the future of motorsports’ it claims. But more widely, it seems obvious that hydrogen systems, with water as the only by-product, are the next step in the global transition, and Forze is highlighting what is achievable with the fastest hydrogenelectric race car on the plant.

WWW.FORZE-DELFT.NL

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SHERBET ELECTRIC TAXIS

Sherbet’s Sustainability Driving Change in London Transport Network PRODUCTION: David Hill

Sherbet dab – cockney rhyming slang for a cab. This is the genesis of Sherbet Electric Taxis – London’s leading electric taxi solutions provider. Former taxi driver and visionary entrepreneur, Asher Moses talks to Energy Focus about growing his company from concept to success to brand to global innovator. www.energy-focus.net / 13

INDUSTRY FOCUS: TRANSPORT

Asher Moses - CEO

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There is a green revolution underway in London as the city’s transport industry braces for disruption and change, with consumers demanding an energy transition and a shift in direction towards clean, zero emissions travel.

Cars, trains, planes, taxis, and motorcycles pollute the air in Europe’s largest city with fossil fuel engines pumping out harmful gases that damage the environment and are proven to harm human health. Way back in 2014, in one of London’s largest residential areas - the Barbican - residents regularly reported black dust on windows and shelves, a byproduct of air pollution caused not by power plants, but by a tidal wave of diesel vehicles. Nitrous oxides and fine particulate matter including dust, smoke and soot are proven to be dangerous to health and drive rates of lung disease and other life-threatening conditions.

So, when London’s newest iteration of the clean air zone, or ultra-lowemission zone (ULEZ), was introduced in 2019, and when a plan to expand the

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area was tabled for 2023, many were delighted. Clean air zones are proven to drive reductions in poisonous air pollution, and many more are planned for Europe in the coming years.

But this is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to a turnkey solution. The transportation industry must change its energy source, quickly, and move away from strategic reliance on fossil fuels.

Some have tried, and there have been variable rates of success, but an exciting and innovative business is now leading the way in London.

Tackling the problem for the taxi industry is Asher Moses, Founder and CEO of Sherbet Electric Taxis. A former London taxi driver and ambitious entrepreneur, Moses has built a business that is transforming the taxi industry, reimagining the energy that fuels these symbols of London.

“The London taxi is an icon and it has been battered, but today we are changing everything,” he tells Energy Focus.

A self-proclaimed ‘visionary’, Moses

has mapped the future of not only London’s taxi industry but the sector globally. Certain is the move away from diesel to electric, and guaranteed is the introduction of further technology to drive data. In 2016, a major survey of London cab drivers found that the vast majority were in favour of a shift towards greener fleets and most saw the benefits of low-carbon transportation, in line with air health targets “We want to show separation.

Old taxis exist, but Sherbet is future proofing,” Moses adds. “London taxis are an integral part of the London transport network and are here to stay.

We are not following but we are leading the way, globally, in change. We, as an electric taxi industry, have invested £350

// WE ARE NOT FOLLOWING BUT WE ARE LEADING THE WAY, GLOBALLY, IN CHANGE //

SHERBET ELECTRIC TAXIS

million in the last three years. Diesel cab drivers take one drive in electric taxis and they never want to get out – it’s a change in lifestyle. The evolution is happening, the time to go green is now.”

POLE POSITION Established in 2013, with more than 50 permanent employees and 700 drivers, Sherbet is growing in the new sunrise after the pandemic.

People are moving once again in London, but the desire for zero emissions has not dissipated. Moses describes the ascent of the business in comparison to others in the industry.

“We are going green and we are going electric,” he smiles. “Uber entered the market but Halo was the first taxi app used by taxi drivers. Uber introduced technology and discounted the fares. At the same time, Addison Lee was also changing the market before being sold in a multimillion-pound deal.

They took the greatness out of London black taxis by adding technology. I started my business and decided to do the same but taking everything they

removed and putting it back while adding better, newer technology.”

This was when Moses realised the major potential for an electric power revolution. Instead of feeding a combustion engine with petrol or diesel and churning out CO2, electric vehicles use batteries to turn motors with no harmful emissions and comparatively cheap charging costs.

“Uber gives out kilotons of carbon emissions compared to what we do. There is an evolution happening and we are future proofing licensed London electric taxi drivers through the use of technology.”

The longing to change habits and embrace the energy transition has turned consumer’s eyes to brands that are transparent in their climate goals.

Since inception, Sherbet Electric Taxis has made its model and operations clear and concise, allowing those who share values to change their behaviours.

“A taxi is not a taxi anymore,” states Moses. “People call brands and they only call brands with values. If you want a private taxi that is electric, with

a private passenger compartment, with a driver that knows where he is going in the bus lanes in central London, you come to Sherbet.

“We are building a community between Sherbet, suppliers, staff, and customers. We want a brand that cab drivers can be proud of.”

While there are others in the market, Sherbet’s iconic cab design, paired with a three-pronged business model differentiates it from the crowd.

Firstly, the company is an electric taxi solutions provider – not a diesel in the fleet. This provides companies with corporate social responsibility agendas with the perfect London transportation partner. Individual riders can also download the app and take advantage of the company’s green credentials.

Secondly, Sherbet is a driver-focussed business, led by a driver with 30 years’ experience and a wish for change. It helps bring the cost of access to electric vehicles down for drivers who would otherwise be excluded from the market based on initial capital investment alone. Lastly, the company brings

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INDUSTRY FOCUS: TRANSPORT

// MY OBJECTIVE WAS TO BUILD A UNICORN COMPANY, UTILISING ALL ASSETS OF A LONDON TAXI THAT CAN BE REPLICATED GLOBALLY // additional revenue through advertising positioning sold on the cabs, exposing brands with aligned values to the valuable London base of consumers.

But the collection and dissemination of significant data is where Moses sees further opportunities.

“Our business is to move from diesel to data as fast as possible, our taxis are connected,” he says. “We have camera vision - front and back.

Soon, our fleet will collect pollution data in London and we have one taxi already doing this. Taxis penetrate the city of London more than any other vehicle, thereby we collect the most amount of data possible, if we connect our vehicles properly.”

Benefits here are clear and talk to the third pillar in the Sherbet business strategy. The company can use the

data it collects around passenger movements to power deeper and more meaningful campaigns and journeys for riders. For example, if a client is regularly picked up and dropped off at a specific location, travelling along an identical route each time, Sherbet can display advertising for brands along the route, encouraging stops at outlets should a passenger show interest.

This kind of interaction and expansion is one of the biggest shifts in the industry witnessed by veteran Moses, who has seen much upheaval through his time in the driving seat. “The speed of technology and the importance of data – and understanding how to use technology and data to optimise your business has been unbelievable,” he says. “Whether that is internal business intelligence or

using data for AI and machine learning – we have adopted and accepted that the speed of technology is always advancing. I started the company with just technology and going green on the mind. I didn’t want to rent cabs or sell advertising. My objective was to build a unicorn company, utilising all assets of a London taxi that can be replicated globally. You can use our tech to buy 100 taxis, put them in Azerbaijan, and replicate the model easily. We have a payment system, a booking app - we know where our customers go.”

AGGRESSIVE SCALING Next on the agenda for Sherbet is growth through scaling and in its sector, there is major opportunity.

Continues on page 18

LEVC - Case Study - HAZGO, Belgium HAZGO is a highly specialised logistics service provider based at Brussels Airport with offices across the globe. HAZGO is a trusted partner of leading brands, companies, government agencies and NGOs around the world, providing logistic solutions across four core divisions: dangerous goods, R&D samples, disease control and IVF logistics.

HAZGO recently took delivery of their electric VN5 vans, which will support its existing fleet at its operations centre in Brucargo – the logistics hub of Brussels airport for national deliveries in and around Belgium.

Being able to drive on electric power alone throughout Belgium, while also having the reassurance of long-haul capabilities was hugely important to HAZGO. Often carrying large and heavy loads that can impact on total vehicle range of pure electric vehicles, HAZGO’s logistics requirements meant that the VN5’s range-extender technology meant that drivers could be reassured they could make important deliveries on time.

The VN5’s powertrain delivers a pure electric zero-emission range of 64 miles (102 km) when needed and has a total flexible range of 319 miles (513km). With the additional range VN5 offers, HAZGO drivers can make journeys without stopping and charging, however even when they do need to top up, the VN5 can be charged in just 30 minutes.

With up to 5.5m3 capacity, VN5 cargo capacity easily accommodates two Euro sized pallets and offers a gross payload of up to 830kg. It is built with a large side-loading door (enabling a pallet to be side-loaded) and a 60/40 split door at the rear to make loading and unloading easy for HAZGO personnel. VN5 also comes with a class-leading turning circle of just 10.1m, giving unrivalled manoeuvrability in busy city environments.

Tom Heymans, Managing Partner of HAZGO, said: “We have been looking for a sustainable alternative for our vans for some time, but that turned out to be less obvious than expected for freight transport. However, with the VN5 from LEVC, HAZGO has found the ideal combination between sustainability and efficiency.”

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E XCLUSIVELY

E LECTRI C The London Electric Vehicle Company only manufactures electric vehicles.

Our unique eCity transitional technology delivers zero-emissions capability without compromising on range.

LEVC is proudly working with

LEVC – practical in today’s world, ready for tomorrow’s. www.levc.com

ELECTRIC DRIVE. NO RANGE-ANXIETY.

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INDUSTRY FOCUS: TRANSPORT

Continued from page 16 According to Moses, there were 23,000 licensed taxis in London with 22,000 licensed drivers before the onset of the pandemic. Post-Covid, that number dropped to 19,000 drivers with 14,000 cars. “So, we decommissioned as part of the mayoral strategy and now there is a shortage of taxis. We’ve got 5000 drivers waiting to get into electric,” he says of the gap in the London market, where some 300,000 journeys are made every single say in taxis or private hire cars.

Away from the English capital, Sherbet has signed its first major expansion agreement which will see it act as the electric taxi provider for the city of Sheffield, helping to remove emissions from the air in a region once dominated by major industrial steelworks.

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“Because we use technology to drive our business, we won the tender with Sheffield council to provide electric taxi services against a number of competitors. We won because, simply, we deliver transparency for the council - regulators can regulate and operators can operate,” details Moses.

“In Sheffield, we have an app that any electric taxi driver throughout the country can download. It is an electric taxi service that connects drivers to companies with corporate social responsibility.”

Taxi drivers in Sheffield can join Sherbet and enjoy the LEVC TXE – the most modern and efficient black cab in the market – or the Nissan Dynamo, both fully electric with zero emissions. Sheffield is next, but the rest of the country will follow as Moses aims for eventual global

domination in the electric taxis market.

“Currently, there are 7000 electric taxis globally and as soon as Sherbet is ready to scale, any of them will be able to connect to our platform and connect with passengers,” he says.

NOT A TO B DRIVERS The medium-term goal for the company is to further invest, bringing 2000 electric taxis under ownership.

Longer-term, Sherbet wants to be in touch with every electric taxi, assisting in the modernisation of the industry alongside young drivers.

“New drivers are not A to B drivers. They are millennials, they are embracing a different way of driving, utilising apps, and utilising tech for day-to-day business – they accept they are a small business and not a cab driver,” says Moses, adding that

SHERBET ELECTRIC TAXIS

he is desperate to share all of the taxi wisdom in his mind with the next generation of industry leaders to help them future proof their businesses.

“Taxis have evolved completely,” he states. “I was a licensed cab driver and I grew the largest taxi fleet in London.

I introduced credit card payments and advertising, and have seen an evolution.”

As the market grows, Sherbet will continue to work alongside the partners that have delivered so much in a relatively short period of time, helping to change London’s transport network for the better, and all the time delivering service excellence.

“LEVC has done an exceptional job in ensuring that London is evolving to become a clean, green city in line with the Mayoral strategy,” he says, highlighting the company as a provider of reliability, loyalty, flexibility, peace of mind delivery.

“I built my business with suppliers I trust and they keep the flow of parts moving to keep the taxis driving. I have been working with the same people for

many years and I am not prepared to break those relationships with delivery of excellence being paramount.”

The brand, that has been carefully crafted over the past decade, has a first mover advantage and is pushing hard for market share as more realise the energy transition is not a phase. for Sherbet Electric Taxis, zero emissions is part of the company’s excellence ethos, and a reputation has been built around it.

“We work with high-net-worthindividuals, the c-suite, MPs, celebrities – you can’t work with a supplier who will maybe deliver; you must deliver and you must have a back up system.

Clientele want delivery – your word is your bond,” says Moses. “You can never let a client down – I had a client call me in the middle of the night recently and ask for a helicopter to be fully branded and to land on a famous landmark – it was totally unreasonable, but we did it. That is our reputation.”

To meet climate targets, the transport and travel industry as a whole

must change and a transition to electric vehicles is one of the first steps. The benefits are clear - from cleaner air, cost savings, reduced maintenance, but all working on existing infrastructure.

For taxis alone, which contribute around £1.4 billion to the London economy, Sherbet is demonstrating the obvious choice for reimagining this vital transportation organ.

Sherbet’s vision is ‘to offer the most future proofed version of the world famous London Black Taxi and make it relevant for the modern city and passenger’. To date, this vision is being achieved.

WWW.SHERBETLONDON.COM

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DEN HELDER AIRPORT

Future-Proofing

Dutch Offshore Aviation PRODUCTION: Rob Fenton

Founded in the late 1960s to coincide with the rise of the offshore industry on the Dutch Continental Shelf, Den Helder Airport has developed over 50 years into the Netherlands’ only all-round offshore aviation centre. Den Helder Airport serves a very special, specific function and is a vital servant of the offshore industry, as the energy transition presents it with abundant opportunities for further growth and development.

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INDUSTRY FOCUS: AVIATION

//

From its lucrative location in relation both to the primary oil and gas fields as well as both existing and imminent offshore wind farms, Den Helder Airport has been loyally serving the offshore industry for over 50 years. Director Conny van den Hoff’s own tenure has lasted some 30 years and counting, and dates back to the airport’s previous incarnation as Helihaven Den Helder.

“Primarily, we facilitate the helicopter flights to and from the oil and gas platforms in the North Sea, and in the last few years we have also facilitated flights for the offshore wind farms,” she relates of the airport today.

“All flights from Den Helder Airport are

offshore flights. With our runway being 1275m long we cannot accommodate the Boeings of this world, but we are working on facilitating charter flights for 7-30 passengers to the offshore hubs around the North Sea. Den Helder Airport is critical in serving the offshore energy industry on the Dutch continental shelf, equipped for the future with all the facilities of an international airport including traffic control, passenger and baggage control systems, terminal building, check-in counters, handling agents and secure parking. “Den Helder Airport is the primary choice for the offshore industry,” van den Hoff says, “in large part thanks to its perfect

// DEN HELDER AIRPORT IS THE PRIMARY CHOICE FOR THE OFFSHORE INDUSTRY THANKS TO ITS PERFECT LOCATION FOR THE WIND, OIL AND GAS FIELDS AND IN THE NORTH SEA // 22 / www.energy-focus.net

location in relation to the wind, oil and gas fields that are centrally and in the southern parts of the North Sea.” UNIQUE OFFSHORE AVIATION CENTRE Den Helder Airport was founded in the late 1960s and is today the Netherlands’ only all-round offshore aviation centre. In her three decades at Den Helder Airport van den Hoff has observed great change, and great progression, arriving in 1992 with the heliport located in temporary accommodation and its first KLM ERA Helicopters (now CHC Helicopter) hangar having just been inaugurated.

“Then-director, Roel Hijmans, was seconded from KLM ERA Helicopters and was an enthusiastic aviation man,” she recounts. “Together we built the heliport and let it grow into the current offshore airport with international status we see before us. The increase in the number of flight movements,

DEN HELDER AIRPORT

the number of operators and the need for hangar space also increased, and so, in 1993, Schreiner Airways built the second hangar at Den Helder Airport, with the fifth coming in 2010 and plans afoot to add another.

“In the end, the semi-permanent station building also became too small and we built a fully-fledged terminal where passengers and freight are handled, as we are used to at Schiphol,” van den Hoff delineates, and it is true that Den Helder Airport’s efficient connection with the Netherlands’ main international airport Schiphol has been another key factor in its success.

“I actually affectionately call our beautiful airport ‘Schiphol in miniature’,” she laughs, “while we also have a number of extras, such as survival suits that passengers are obliged to wear during the flight by helicopter to the offshore location, a flight safety briefing in a specially designed briefing rooms whereas

instructions are normally given by flight attendants, and periodic alcohol and drug checks on offshore passengers.

“Everything you see in a regular airport, we have here in Den Helder Airport, and when Roel Hijmans started enjoying a well-deserved retirement at the end of 2008, we had built up a

fully-fledged airport, having grown from the three original helispots to 12 and where approximately 500 people work and 32 companies are located.”

Quadrupling the helipad capacity is only one incredible development during van den Hoff’s time at Den Helder Airport. “Another is in terms of

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INDUSTRY FOCUS: AVIATION

the helicopter operators we have at the facility,” she beams. “We started with one, and in the ensuing years we have added, Bel Air, NHV and Heli Holland and recently Bristow was added for operating the new Search And Rescue contract - outfits of international renown - and all with great expertise in offshore oil, gas and wind operations such as platforms, offshore oil rigs, windfarms, ships and other vessels.”

All hangars are full, at present, van den Hoff explains, which alongside her innate desire and infectious passion to accommodate absolutely everyone possible has entailed the drawing up of plans for the next hangar. “I cannot sell ‘no’,” she explains, “everybody is welcome and I want to establish everyone who wishes to join us at Den Helder Airport.”

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WIND AT SEA EXPANSION This ethos of embracing change, and actively promoting and welcoming developments and new ideas and influences, has served Den Helder supremely well during its long lifetime and will plainly be integral to securing a long and prosperous future. As the effect of agreements covering climate change mitigation, adaptation and finance begins to radically change the energy system not only in the Netherlands, but the entire world, as we approach 2050, the 22,500 large wind turbines due to populate the North Sea will ultimately supply a large part of the European energy demand.

“The energy transition is therefore of vital important for the future of Den Helder Airport,” van den Hoff clarifies. “The modern offshore

helicopter has been proven to be clean, safe and extremely efficient and will always remain a logical, but also sustainable choice for the transport of technicians and small cargo.”

In preparation for the upcoming roll-out of large-scale offshore wind farms in the North Sea, Den Helder Airport has stepped up as founder and prominent member of the European North Sea Heliports Alliance (NSHA), consisting of the six main offshore airports of five European countries around the North Sea, which together are responsible for facilitating the transport of more than one million passengers per year.

According to the alliance members, the NSHA is poised to become a platform for European offshore helicopter airfields through which

DEN HELDER AIRPORT

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// WITH THE TRANSITION FROM FOSSIL FUELS TO RENEWABLE ENERGY, WE ARE FULLY COMMITTED TO DEVELOPING THIS NEW MARKET FOR DEN HELDER AIRPORT AS WELL // governments, energy companies, ports and industrial areas are able to contribute to developing sustainable and safe helicopter services for the offshore wind market.

“Due to fluctuating oil and gas prices, as well as the policies of the Dutch government, it is expected that the offshore wind sector will continue to develop in the countries surrounding the North Sea,” recognised Den Helder Airport business development manager Nick Waterdrinker. “Not only for the construction of wind farms at sea, but also for maintenance and supply in the

future, helicopter flights will be needed.”

“The market demand is for more cost-effective helicopter services and greater expertise. In the energy sector there is a clear transition towards offshore wind and we, as the largest heliport in the Netherlands and third largest in Western Europe, want to offer broader and more cost-effective services for the offshore wind market in the North Sea,” summed up van den Hoff.

With the Dutch government implementing 10 GW of additional wind energy off the North Sea coast, totalling 21 GW by 2030, this region boasting a

complete ecosystem for the offshore wind sector faces major opportunities and challenges. “With the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy, we are fully committed to developing this new market for Den Helder Airport as well,” van den Hoff rounds off. “Not only by facilitating helicopters for the wind farms that are currently being built at a rapid pace off the Dutch coast, but also by facilitating Drones and flights with electric airplanes between several offshore airports in the United Kingdom and Denmark and the emerging market.”

WWW.DENHELDERAIRPORT.NL

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ELESTOR

The Missing Link in Clean Energy Systems PRODUCTION: Rob Fenton

One of the top 10 most innovative companies in the Netherlands, and a potential game-changer for global clean energy systems, Elestor is on the cusp of rolling out its flow battery solutions with major clients. CTO Wiebrand Kout is proud of the work his exciting company is doing, telling Energy Focus more about the development of pioneering organisation. www.energy-focus.net / 27

INDUSTRY FOCUS: BATTERY STORAGE

Wiebrand Kout Founder and CTO

//

Climate change and rising global temperatures continue as the major threat to humanity, and the energy transition is just one solution to a wider problem. For Wiebrand Kout, Founder and CTO at Elestor – the Dutch flow battery business – this obvious challenge has been in the pipeline for decades and, as we live in the eye of the storm in the fight against climate change, he is taking action.

On February 24, research from the University of New South Wales was published stating that global heating has shifted double the amount of fresh water away from warm regions towards the earth’s poles. The result?

Hotter and drier regions, already home to millions, will experience further drought and extreme rainfall events.

Decarbonisation and movement away from strategic reliance on fossil fuels is critical but without reliable

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systems it will take longer than the time we have available to achieve. This is why Kout and team have developed a novel flow battery system that can connect seamlessly into renewable energy systems to provide storage of this valuable electrical power.

Using a bromine and hydrogen chemical reaction within a membrane stack, flow batteries can produce mass capacity and mass output, with little or no degradation. Both bromine and hydrogen are abundant elements and are freely available around the world meaning that supply is not limited to a small number of companies.

Using these elements as opposed to lithium, cobalt or vanadium results in the cheapest possible storage costs. Additionally, nothing goes in or out apart from electricity ensuring environmental and safety credentials.

While this concept is not entirely new, the way the system is designed is Elestor’s USP, and comes from Kout’s many years in the renewable energy industry.

“I designed and built my first hydrogen fuel cell in 1999 as a thesis project. I joined a start up company developing protonexchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells and that was 23 years ago.

Already, at that time, it was clear to me that our civilisation needed to change its energy technology very fast,” he tells Energy Focus.

“From those days with fuels cells, I moved to another company, developing hydrogen compressors for hydrogen energy systems – it was very innovative technology without any moving parts, very fascinating, but it was a niche market.”

By 2012, he had witnessed progress in the solar and wind energy space, with prices becoming more attractive with each development.

“However, both are predictably unpredictable and I realised that the really huge economic opportunity was going to be in balancing electricity storage,” he says.

GENESIS As Chinese manufacturing of solar panels became more intense post 2010, European companies were very quickly pushed out of the market, unable to compete based on quality alone.

Chinese companies had state backing and quickly dominated the market “This was the genesis of Elestor,” says Kout, explaining that the philosophy behind the company has always been storage solutions at the lowest possible cost.

Initially slugging away with Elestor as a weekend and evening project, Kout was clear in his mission and understood that if the company was to scale it would have to be certain about its product should it get into any form of price battle.

“It was very simple: What is the lowest cost way of storing electricity for long duration at large scale,” he remembers.

Firstly, it was clear that electrochemical technology was key for scale. At the time, Kout knew that bromine and hydrogen made sense because of their availability but a chance meeting with Dr Adam Weber, an American scientist, confirmed the ideas. “Looking at his work, I immediately recognised the potential for the technology because electrochemically it is wonderful, gaining a lot of power from a square meter of cell area with very low cost materials.

Of course, there were challenges.

The process of developing the concept was not instant. “This is a not a technology for beginners,” smiles Kout, highlighting difficulties in perfecting

// ALREADY, AT THAT TIME, IT WAS CLEAR TO ME THAT OUR CIVILISATION NEEDED TO CHANGE ITS ENERGY TECHNOLOGY VERY FAST //

ELESTOR

the membrane stack as primary hurdles.

“I had the advantage of more than 15 years’ experience in the industry and that is what made it possible for me to come up with solutions to the tough problems,” he recalls.

But, gaining traction, Elestor was still a one man ambition, worked in spare time. In 2013, this situation changed following yet another productive chance meeting.

“I got in contact with an organisation called EIT InnoEnergy and their goal is to help entrepreneurs in clean energy. I started negotiations and they were happy to seed the funds for Elestor, provided that I quit my day job.

“This was a good deal and I took the jump in June 2014. I started experimenting with some students and we quickly got the cell technology working. This was the first time in Europe that we got a hydrogen bromine cell,” details Kout.

After initial success, the new entrepreneur realised that his strengths came in the R&D side of the organisation, with much innovation being injected into every new line of thought. To take the next steps, he needed a business mind to assist.

He returned to EIT InnoEnergy and was paired with Guido Dalessi, an experienced and successful technology business leader.

“Guido came onboard as CEO and as investor, spending 2015 looking for venture capitalists, which we secured by the end of that year.

That funding allowed us to grow the team, build prototypes, and show that the technology was real, workable, and safe,” says Kout.

In 2019, Elestor took another significant stride, onboarding Kees Koolen – former booking.com CEO and clean energy financier - as a lead investor. This helped boost the Elestor brand and allowed the company to build a suitable test lab and pilot production systems at container scale which were key in convincing Vopak to place the first proper order.

TESTING 24/7 Vopak is the world’s leading independent tank storage company, storing vital products, including oil, chemicals and gas, with care. By investing in Elestor flow batteries, the company will soon be able to boast a new range in its impressive history of storage excellence.

“We have already started,” says Kout when asked about the progress with Vopak. “We have systems at our pilot field behind our building in Arnhem which we are testing 24/7. Vopak has a long-term view and including long duration energy storage makes perfect sense for them.

They have an excellent track record when it comes to safety and they are very careful, and that makes them a great partner to work with. We have learned a lot from their approach. The first installation at a Vopak terminal will be done once testing at our pilot field has been completed.”

A perfect client for Elestor, this arrangement sees Kout’s ambition to disrupt strategic reliance on fossil fuels coming to fruition.

“Everything I felt was coming in 2013 came to pass,” he says.

“Frankly, it happened faster than I had imagined – both the good and the bad. Now, we have solar energy available for €20 per megawatt hour, very low cost. Offshore wind energy

is also going in that direction and it is amazing how fast the cost reductions have been achieved - some amazing engineering there, and it has shown that economies of scale are real.”

At the same time, the pace of climate change has accelerated.

All the warning signs of 2013, says Kout, are now a reality. He highlights the Netherlands specifically as a nation with worry, sitting up to six meters below sea level. “We will be the first in the European Union to feel it and it is very dangerous. I still feel there is insufficient awareness of how risky this situation is.

“When I started my career, I could not understand why the civilised world wanted to make itself so dependent on fossil energy. The situation continues to this day and after February 24 it became especially painful.”

These new realities drive innovation and change, and with solar and wind power removing reliance on fossil fuel burning energy systems, the final problem to solve is storage – the Elestor intervention.

BANG FOR BUCK Balancing supply is the key to unlocking universal rollout of renewable energy. In Europe in 2020, green solar and wind energy accounted for almost 20% of total supply but it is the rapid growth expected across these

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INDUSTRY FOCUS: BATTERY STORAGE

disciplines that excites campaigners going forward. With Elestor’s flow batteries well equipped to store this electricity, scaling is the focus.

Hylke van Bennekom, COO, is keen for the company to build a manufacturing plant large enough to rival today’s lithium battery factories to ensure mass rollout of technology at pace. And Kout is keen on the idea, fully aware that Elestor technology can assist in the energy transition.

“We are running out of time and this has to be done very quickly. The nice thing about our technology is that the investment needed in production capacity, for a given storage capacity, is much lower. You can leverage a lot of the technology made for PEM fuel cells – it is all available technology and can be applied to flow batteries,” he says.

Earlier in the development process, the company had to address the storage capacity issue.

Elestor started out measuring the lifecycle of its cells in hours but the whole idea was about scalable size, so this had to be improved.

Today, the company is designing systems with hundreds of kilowatts and megawatt hours of capacity.

“We had to learn a lot about all of the materials and we have progressed a lot. We have cells in

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our lab which have been switched on for thousands of hours doing nothing but charging and discharging constantly and we can’t measure any degradation - that is something that I am really proud of,” says Kout.

“Scaling up to gigawatt hour capacity gives more bang for the buck with the Elestor flow battery than you get with lithium.”

Perfecting the technology, always with the goal of low cost but high capacity, is where much of the current focus sits as Elestor bolsters its team with new people to bring fresh ideas as it quickly moves into a new phase in its life.

“Having achieved something wonderful in the lab is different to bringing the product to market.

There are now different challenges – scaling, part quality, reliability, and engineering. We don’t want to lose the cost advantage that we get from the materials through inefficient project engineering,” details Kout.

FUNDING, PEOPLE, PRICING For Elestor to achieve its milestones, Dalessi and Kout highlight two key requirements for the near future: Funding and people. “Both are prerequisites and it is looking good for both,” confirms Kout.

// WIND, SOLAR STORAGE WILL MAKE FOSSIL FUEL GENERATION OBSOLETE – LOOK AT WHAT IS HAPPENING NOW WITH INSANE NATURAL GAS PRICES ON A PER MEGAWATT HOUR BASIS // Following the appointment of Hylke van Bennekom as COO in 2021 through an MBI, the company’s people agenda is also advancing nicely.

Today, Elestor is about to embark on an ultra-rapid growth path, fuelled by multi-million Euro investments, as well as by agreements with clients strategically adopting its innovative storage technology.

“The atmosphere here is exciting and the people are driven to be a part of a solution. We give a lot of freedom to people to develop their own ideas, in which they get forgiveness rather than permission, and that creates a positive and exciting atmosphere.

ELESTOR

Having said that, there is of course time pressure, and we all know that we must perform and we have to meet our milestones,” Kout says of an Elestor which is now a long way from his part-time concept of 2013.

“It has been a different Elestor every six months. Some of the people have been with us since the beginning and they have also seen fast development, starting as students but now leading teams and large projects while writing a lot of scientific literature. One of the researchers at Elestor completed his PhD promotion at the Eindhoven University of Technology at Elestor, and a second one is halfway in combination with their jobs at Elestor.”

Thankfully, the company’s desire to provide the missing link is as strong as ever as its internal obsession with the costs of storage will never diminish.

“The price pressure on storage is never going to disappear,” admits Kout.

“Wind, solar storage will make fossil fuel generation obsolete – look at what is happening now with insane natural gas prices on a per megawatt hour basis. Wind, solar storage is definitely the future of the energy system. But, even after the day when the last fossil fuel plant closes down, the price pressure is not going to disappear.”

Is he worried about this pressure, especially with competitors everpresent? “It is the reason we founded the company – to reduce the cost of electricity storage to the absolute minimum so it would be strange to say I’m not worried about the competition.”

However, the opportunities in the energy transition, that exist now and in the near future, make for an open playing field, and Elestor is leading the race.

“There are investors and large companies with a clear vision of the future, who also see that we will move towards wind, solar and storage with hydrogen also in the mix. Our storage technology fits perfectly with all of that,” smiles Kout. “The

Bipolar foils for a new generation of fuel cells and redox flow batteries All advantages at a glance  High electrical conductivity due to a Material density of 80 % conductive material  Size reduction and weight saving for the entire fuel cell thanks to a thin material thickness of the graphite foil of approx. 0.5 – 0.7 mm  Acceleration of the production process through Direct take-off of the film material from the roll  Ensuring permanent corrosion resistance  Effective reduction of material and production costs | Friedrich-Ebert-Straße 203 | 37520 Osterode am Harz Eisenhuth GmbH & Co. | Friedrich-Ebert-Straße Eisenhuth GmbH & Co. KGKG 203 | 37520 Osterode am Harz | info@eisenhuth.de | www.eisenhuth.de +49 – 90 | www.eisenhuth.de Tel.:Tel.: +49 (0)(0) 55 55 22 22 – 90 67 67 0 | 0info@eisenhuth.de

// TODAY, ELESTOR IS ABOUT TO EMBARK ON AN ULTRA-RAPID GROWTH PATH, FUELLED

BY MULTI-MILLION EURO INVESTMENTS, AS WELL AS BY AGREEMENTS WITH CLIENTS STRATEGICALLY ADOPTING ITS INNOVATIVE STORAGE TECHNOLOGY. // unique integration of our technology with hydrogen infrastructures and electrolysers unlocks several new opportunities. As such, the Elestor technology bridges the two worlds of energy storage: with batteries and in the form of hydrogen.”

In a wave of negative news around climate change and the resultant natural phenomenon that we already see, Elestor’s story is a spark of confidence that new energy systems can work effectively.

“Eight years go very quickly but we are now in a strong position with a well-developed electrochemical technology, quality designs, safety knowhow, and everything in place for scaling, as well as signed agreements with leading global players adopting our technology,” Kout concludes.

WWW.ELESTOR.NL

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CONRAD ENERGY

Powering a Secure and Stable Transition PRODUCTION: James Davey

A full-service Independent Power Producer (IPP), Conrad Energy is owner and operator of over 60 sites across the UK, already hosting 700MW of flexible generation with over 150MW of battery storage. There is a huge amount more to come with more than 22 sites in construction, as a bulging portfolio and technical team make the company a leader from energy markets, to technology, through regulation and finance.

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INDUSTRY FOCUS: POWER GENERATION

//

Conrad Energy develops, owns and trades flexible and sustainable power generation, supporting businesses and the National Grid alike in the transition to a sustainable, net zero carbon electricity system. “As an IPP at the forefront of the energy transition, our energy solutions enable network and commercial customers across the UK to optimise their energy outcomes whilst supporting critical national infrastructure.

“With a pipeline of over 1000MW of our own projects, as well as actively acquiring projects across the UK, we are the power company of the future. We are providing energy solutions for a changing world and are dedicated to supporting critical national infrastructure and the UKʼs energy transition to net zero by 2050.

“Our innovative and exciting team has the experience to realise our vision to become the energy company of the future. Across the business our people are dedicated and energised to achieve great things at a critical time. We are an entrepreneurial power company with integrity, looking for solutions which make a positive difference in a low carbon economy whilst bringing peace of mind.”

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SECURE AND STABLE Conrad Energy’s capabilities extend to the supply of power from the grid to commercial customers, as well as optimising generation assets through a dedicated trading desk, which is all proving crucial in helping the UK meet the challenge of navigating what is often labelled the ‘energy trilemma’.

The relatively recent terminology refers to finding a balance between security, affordability and sustainability in how we access and use energy in our daily lives, and understanding what this means for the world we inhabit today.

It is well-known, well-publicised and widely discussed that the UK

energy landscape is undergoing a period of profound, and rapid, change, with the historic backbone of its power generation sector, coal and nuclear power stations, to be removed from the energy mix by 2025. The result is that the deployment of renewable generation, predominantly wind and solar, is increasing at pace.

This increasing proportion of renewable generation is helping the UK reduce its CO2 emissions but is adding increased challenges in team of striking the requisite balance to match supply and demand from the grid.

“Renewable energy has to be at the core of the transition, yet the need to balance the network is key to enabling change,” Conrad Energy recognises.

“We know flexible generation must play a growing role providing reliable power, on demand, to complement renewables. It is more cost-effective, more flexible, more dependable and quicker to deliver than any alternatives.

“It is crucial that the journey to net zero is a secure and stable transition.

Conrad Energy is the UK’s largest provider of fast response, flexible generation and we are both proud and excited to support the transition.”

SOLAR AND STORAGE Conrad Energy continues to do its utmost to enable the UK’s energy transition, announcing in May that its first major strategic solar development,

CONRAD ENERGY

// AS AN IPP AT THE FOREFRONT OF THE ENERGY TRANSITION, OUR ENERGY SOLUTIONS ENABLE NETWORK AND COMMERCIAL CUSTOMERS ACROSS THE UK TO OPTIMISE THEIR ENERGY OUTCOMES // Larport Solar Farm, has been awarded planning approval. The installation will offer an environmentally friendly, low-cost and safe way of delivering clean power to the equivalent of more than 11,000 homes, unanimously approved for build out

by Herefordshire County Council.

“Solar power is increasingly important as we strive both as a nation and as individual counties to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050,” commented Chris Shears, Conrad Energy Development

Director, at the award. “The site will save 9,432kg of CO2 emissions every year, a substantial contribution towards the county’s commitment to become carbon neutral by 2030.”

Larport Solar Farm further encapsulates Conrad Energy’s dedication to supporting the UK’s energy transition, through owning and operating flexible power generation and storage assets, as well as providing route to market services for similar plants and renewable power projects.

“This exciting development leverages

the solar experience of our team and reflects our vision for Conrad Energy as a full-service power solutions provider, supporting the grid as well as commercial and industrial customers.”

As Conrad Energy emphasises, flexible power allows more renewables to be utilised on an hourly and daily basis, maximising reductions in overall emissions. However, “when coupled with battery storage deployment, flexible generation provides many of the answers to transitioning to a low carbon future. Battery storage assets are key to supporting the grid and enabling the growth of renewable power.”

In September last year, this realisation was actioned with the signing of a major framework agreement with GE Renewable Energy was announced, for the design, manufacture and supply of GE’s

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INDUSTRY FOCUS: POWER GENERATION

battery energy storage system in the UK. “We are convinced that battery storage has a fundamental role to play in the UK’s transition to net zero and are excited to continue the build out of our portfolio,” effused Steven Hardman, Conrad Energy’s COO. Such a milestone moment was swiftly followed by another in February, as it was revealed that Conrad Energy was to use Tesla Megapack batteries within its 26MWh battery storage portfolio for sites located in the southwest of England, another

significant step forward in its goal to deliver a 1GW battery storage portfolio.

This state-of-the-art utility scale battery energy storage system is a modular and scalable solution optimally designed for large utility scale applications, and delivers broad application compatibility and streamlined installation.

“Partnering with Tesla on these battery storage projects” said Hardman, “shows our commitment to supporting the growth of energy storage solutions which are critical as we transition to a real time power

market with high levels of variable renewable energy. Combining our deep technical and market expertise with Tesla’s technology demonstrates our belief in battery projects as a key part of the energy ecosystem.”

COLLABORATING AND COMBINING The project is just one key example of a growing trend in the energy industry for companies to work together to deliver real added value to the UK’s energy transition. In collaboration with Bloom Energy and Electricity North

BRADY TECHNOLOGIES: POWER TRADING SOLUTION DESIGNED BY TRADERS Award-winning energy trading solutions from Brady Technologies drive sustainable success in client operations.

Brady has been powering Conrad Energy’s trading system since 2015. Together, the pair have realised major success, driving Conrad’s energy deals to new heights. Recognised as industry leaders, both companies have benefitted from the knowledge and experience deeply embedded within team Brady – expertise that has been built over 37 years and bolstered when Brady acquired Igloo Trading Solutions in 2021.

“When they went live on the short-term power and balancing markets, we provided trade and risk management and position management services for their front office traders, as well as reporting for their finance team,” says Tim Harrison, Business Lead – ETRM at Brady.

Brady’s built-for-cloud Igloo ETRM (energy trading and risk management) system is a leading European software platform, giving access to markets, clearers, intermediaries and trading platforms (including Trading Technologies and various FX brokers). It offers real-time risk management, automated trading, intelligent pricing, and fast and low cost implementation – perfect for Conrad Energy’s evolving business.

“It’s a technology solution,” highlights Harrison, “an energy trading and risk management platform, and it provides an overview of how much power they have bought and sold in the short-term markets, and a route to those markets.

“Brady Igloo was chosen because it is an innovative platform that allows them to have flexibility on how it fits their choice of trading activity. The platform is nimble and modern, unlike a lot of incumbent software, which allows them to manage a large number of power assets in a way that they want to with vast access to markets. We have grown with them, completing a number of projects together, and we are currently busy with a project which will allow them to trade gas more efficiently.”

As Conrad transitions further, with new solar and battery storage next in the pipeline, Brady’s impressive product portfolio allows for better management of different asset classes, with cloud-first architecture delivered through web, desktop, mobile, or API. Harrison is keen for the company to take on more clients from the energy industry, solidifying its position among the ETRM technology market leaders. “We have a new product called PowerDesk which is focused on short-term power trading and when integrated across the portfolio can provide even better asset optimisation and management. We are investing heavily in energy trading products and we want to be the number one market leader,” he says.

Contact Brady Technologies today to discuss the empowerment of your business performance. www.bradytechnologies.com | +44 (0)20 3301 1200 | marketing@bradytechnologies.com

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CONRAD ENERGY

European Power and Gas Trading Made Easy with Igloo Cloud ETRM Learn more at www.bradytechnologies.com

marketing@bradytechnologies.com

West (Construction and Maintenance) (ENWCL) Conrad Energy is working on the pioneering development, construction and operation of behindthe-meter (BtM) projects to bring Bloom Energy’s solid oxide power generation platform to the UK market.

Hydrogen is well-suited for an array of applications and this partnership will combine future-proof, fuel flexible technology with local energy services to unlock a net-zero emissions future for hard-to-decarbonise heavy industries.

“This collaboration is very exciting for Conrad Energy as we continue our strong growth into new technologies which provide future proof solutions to our customers,” said Chris Shears, development director at Conrad Energy.

Bloom’s Energy Servers will entail energy savings and the ability to support microgrid configurations,

ensuring continuity of operations for mission critical loads with continuous inverter-based power, Shears abridged.

“We believe the resilient power provided by fuel cells will have a vital role to play in reducing emissions and energy costs.”

Conrad Energy has also completed the acquisition of the leading software provider in the flexible power generation market, TGG Solutions, specialist in solutions for the management of flexible power assets in a dynamic energy environment. “The acquisition of TGG will allow us to move quickly towards our goal of market-leading sophistication in the management of flexible power generation, renewable energy and battery storage assets,” explained Damian Darragh, Executive Chairman at Conrad Energy.

TGG’s flagship product, iON, has

already been deployed across the Conrad Energy portfolio of power and battery storage assets, the main Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system that links Conrad Energy’s commercial desk to the sites that it manages.

“Owning and operating assets gives us the insight to manage third party assets,” summed up Hardman.

“We believe that value can only be fully unlocked by having cutting-edge, automated processes. The acquisition of TGG will enable our teams to make the most of all market opportunities for the benefit of both our portfolio and the customers we serve.”

WWW.CONRADENERGY.CO.UK

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38 //www.energy-focus.net www.enterprise-africa.net

TERRA-GEN

Energy Storage Milestones

Key to Building a Sustainable Tomorrow PRODUCTION: Christina Allcock

Terra-Gen is a leading renewable energy developer that operates over 1.3 GW of wind, solar, and energy storage facilities, specialising in development, construction and operation of utility-scale wind, solar and energy storage projects. A landmark solar-plus-storage project to deliver electricity during peak times is one element of the world’s largest solar and energy storage project, under development in Kern County, California. www.energy-focus.net / 39

INDUSTRY FOCUS: SOLAR

//

Terra-Gen was established in August 2007, formed and led throughout by an experienced executive management team which averages over 25 years a head of relevant industry experience.

“Our team has contracted or recontracted over 10,000 MW of power generation facilities and has developed or acquired over $25 billion in assets over their careers,” Terra-Gen presents.

“Terra-Gen’s experienced, cohesive and scalable team has a track record of developing successful projects.”

Since acquiring Terra-Gen in 2005, Energy Capital Partners (ECP), a private equity firm focused on investing in North America’s energy infrastructure, has raised in excess of $13 billion in commitments, in turn utilising this capital to build and acquire investment

40 / www.energy-focus.net

// SINCE ECP’S ACQUISITION TERRA-GEN HAS GROWN CONTRACTED DEVELOPMENT AND OPERATING CAPACITY BY OVER 1,200 MW, AND IS POSITIONED FOR CONTINUED GROWTH // platforms across multiple energy subsectors. “Since ECP’s acquisition in late 2015, Terra‐Gen has grown contracted development and operating capacity by over 1,200 MW and is positioned for continued growth,” the company beams.

“Prior to the ECP acquisition, the Terra-Gen team developed, constructed and financed the 1,547 MW Alta Wind Energy Center. Today, Terra-Gen has a 3+ GW wind, solar and battery development pipeline in addition to currently contracted development projects.” At the end of 2020 ECP then closed on a 40% sale

of its interest in the company to funds managed by First Sentier Investors (FSI).

The global asset manager, based in Australia, manages direct infrastructure investments across multiple sectors and a client base that extends across Asia, Australia, Europe and North America, investing more than US$176 billion on behalf of its clients globally.

CALIFORNIA GRID In February 2021, FSI entered into an agreement to acquire an additional 10% of Terra-Gen, while ECP launched fundraising for a new vehicle called

TERRA-GEN

the Continuation Fund to acquire the remaining interest in Terra-Gen, through a structured secondary transaction. “With the FSI and ECP Continuation Fund transactions, Terra-Gen will now have access to the necessary capital support to fund the company’s ambitious growth program, including solar + storage projects,” Terra-Gen says of the possibilities these associations continue to impart.

Terra-Gen’s solar-plus-storage was the cause of much celebration in February, ensuring delivery for non-profit electricity supplier San Jose Clean Energy (SJCE) in California of carbon-free electricity during evening peak times. The supplier officially inaugurated the Kern Solar and Storage Battery Project, which was brought online by developer Terra-Gen on 31 December 2021.

The electricity generated by the Kern Solar and Battery Storage Project will be delivered to SJCE between 06:00 and 22:00 every day, in order to support grid reliability, reduce reliance on emitting plants and combat peak demand difficulties. The fixed delivery model was established in the 12-year power purchase agreement the companies finalised in April 2020, since which time Terra-Gen has built more than 115 MW of new solar energy and new battery storage to fulfil its terms.

“SJCE is proud to put new renewable energy onto the California grid through this innovative project and to achieve this milestone less than three years since becoming the local electric generation service provider,” said Director of San José’s Community Energy Department, Lori Mitchell. “Our community is at the core of the work that we do, and we’re excited to contribute to healthier air and a more liveable planet for the families of today and of tomorrow.”

As the city’s Community Choice Aggregator (CCA), SJCE provides electricity generation service for about 350,000 homes and businesses.

CCAs like SJCE are a driving force in

We appreciate the opportunity to work with Terra-Gen and its partners on its innovative clean energy projects.

Milbank.com N e w Yo r k | L o s A n g e l e s | W a s h i n g t o n , D C | S ã o P a u l o | F r a n k f u r t L o n d o n | M u n i c h | B e i j i n g | H o n g Ko n g | S e o u l | S i n g a p o r e | To k y o

www.energy-focus.net / 41

INDUSTRY FOCUS: SOLAR

// WE ENJOY WORKING WITH CCAS, WHO ARE INNOVATING WITH US TO TACKLE OUR STATE’S CLIMATE AND RELIABILITY CHALLENGES // California’s clean energy future, with 21 having collectively signed 162 long-term PPAs for nearly 10,000 MW of new solar, wind, biogas, geothermal, and energy storage. CCAs are also powerful markets for grid reliability solutions like long-duration storage.

“Terra-Gen is pleased to reach

42 / www.energy-focus.net

commercial operation on schedule and help SJCE take an important step toward its long-term procurement goals,” said Jim Pagano, CEO of TerraGen. “We enjoy working with CCAs, who are innovating with us to tackle our state’s climate and reliability challenges.”

LARGEST STORAGE PROJECT This partnership with SJCE, Terra-Gen clarifies, is in fact just a portion of the massive, era-defining Edwards Sanborn project under construction in California, USA. An integrated solar and battery energy storage development located in Kern County, California, in conjunction with solar leader Mortenson, the 1,118MW of solar capacity and 2,165 MWh of energy storage to be housed

at Edwards Sanborn is set to make it the largest single-site solar and storage project in the world upon completion.

“Selecting the right partner to execute a project of this scale coupled with cutting-edge battery experience was paramount for Terra-Gen, and Mortenson was a natural fit,” said Brian Gorda, Terra-Gen’s vice president of Engineering. “Terra-Gen is excited to push the industry to new heights and build a plant that provides energy for all hours of demand.”

Mortenson is a US-based, top-20 builder, developer and engineering services provider serving the commercial, institutional and energy sectors. “Mortenson’s expanding portfolio of integrated services helps

TERRA-GEN

Dudek’s dedicated team of project managers, engineers, and environmental specialists leverages 20+ years of experience in energy development based on an extensive portfolio of projects nationwide.

We offer tailored services, including: • Informed and streamlined siting tools • Efficient and flexible licensing processing • Robust land surveying and mapping services • Client-focused compliance management tools

Passion yields excellence.

Passion drives progress.

Put our passion to work for you.

EDWARDS SANBORN SOLAR STORAGE FACILITY

800.450.1818 | hello@dudek.com DUDEK.COM

// TERRA-GEN IS EXCITED TO PUSH THE INDUSTRY TO NEW HEIGHTS AND BUILD A PLANT THAT PROVIDES ENERGY FOR ALL HOURS OF DEMAND // its customers move their strategies forward, ensuring their investments result in high-performing assets,” it details. “The result is a turnkey partner, fully invested in the business success of its customers.” Mortenson is one of the top contractors in power with industry-leading experience in wind, solar, transmission and distribution, repowering and battery energy storage.

The project is Mortenson’s 78th solar and 11th energy storage undertaking.

The Edwards Sanborn project is located near several operating wind and solar projects on land leased from Edwards Air Force Base as well as on adjacent private land, with Mortenson

the full Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor on both the solar and energy storage scopes. Site construction commenced in Q1 2021 with completion expected to come in Q4 2022 with the aim to develop a photovoltaic (PV) solar facility and associated infrastructure including service roads, above- and below-ground transmission lines, conversion station, solar arrays, substation, battery storage and more.

“The Edwards Sanborn solar and energy storage project is industrychanging and during this challenging 2020 will redefine the impact these systems will have on our clean energy

future,” reported Trent Mostaert, Mortenson’s vice president and general manager of Solar. “We are proud to combine our solar and energy storage design and construction expertise with Terra-Gen’s development capabilities to deliver a world-class energy facility.”

“The truly transformative project ensures electricity reliability through the use of stand-alone and collocated energy storage,” added Pagano, as Edwards Sanborn stands estimated to produce sufficient electricity to power approximately 158,000 households while offsetting some 307,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year, at full capacity.

WWW.TERRAGENSOLAR.CA

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44 //www.energy-focus.net www.enterprise-africa.net

DELTATEK GLOBAL

Pioneering Advances in Drilling Technology PRODUCTION: Rob Fenton

Ultimate cement placement is the mission of DeltaTek Global and CEO Tristam Horn, and by using ground-breaking technology, developed in house by industry veterans, this is a business that has built a brand that is trusted globally to achieve its aim. www.energy-focus.net / 45

INDUSTRY FOCUS: OIL & GAS

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Cost pressure is one of the major issues facing offshore drilling companies today.

Simply, fallout from the pandemic combined with global economic conditions, oil price volatility, and diminishing demand alongside excess supply has created a situation where drillers are now forced to squeeze more value from every activity to ensure margins and profitability.

Of course, the devil is in the detail.

Efficiency is not about complete overhaul of drilling rigs or total abandonment of hydrocarbons. It is about seemingly small adjustments that result in big improvements and savings – but with safety and productivity as primary concerns.

Tristam Horn, Founder and CEO of DeltaTek Global – a former drilling engineer and wellsite leader – knows only too well of the challenges faced in harsh offshore conditions, and he

turned his understanding of the small things into a big entrepreneurial idea when he set up his company in 2015.

Innovators in the ultimate cement solutions, DeltaTek Global has a deep understanding of the inner workings of below-the-seabed mechanics, specifically around well casing, drill strings, and placement of cement that supports the whole system.

Fuelled by negativity of previous downturns, Horn has always been frustrated by lacking efficiencies in the drilling process. His idea was to set up a company that could deliver new ideas for lining well casings with cement, optimising developments to be stronger, faster, and safer but with cost efficiency.

“In 2015” he begins, “we had a significant downturn in the oil and gas industry and everyone was talking about cost efficiency, optimisation and new ways of working. I felt compelled

// TRYING TO GET CEMENT SET UP IN COLD ENVIRONMENTS WAS A MASSIVE CHALLENGE. PRESSURE TESTING RELIABILITY OF CASING STRINGS WAS A MAJOR CHALLENGE // 46 / www.energy-focus.net

to get out there and try and solve some of those challenges. DeltaTek was born and I started the journey, trying to address challenges of drilling out previously cemented casing strings and other issues in that part of the well construction process. Trying to get cement set up in cold environments was a massive challenge. Pressure testing reliability of casing strings was a major challenge. I wanted to solve problems, deliver wells cheaper, more reliably, and ultimately make the well construction process more efficient so that we have a more sustainable future.”

The company’s first three years were about innovation, invention, and ambition – heavily testing products and ideas to ensure quality. DeltaTek raised funds, developed IP and built a brand.

Confident in its initial offering, the company went to market commercially in 2018 and has never looked back.

50 DEPLOYMENTS Today, a large and proven product portfolio is distributed to customers around the globe. Key in the range is SeaCure, a revolutionary subsea system that delivers stabbed-in, inner string cementing for subsea wells,

DELTATEK GLOBAL

providing ultimate cement placement.

“Our technology is now very well adopted across the well construction industry globally,” Horn highlights.

“In the first few months of 2022, we catered to 85% of all new riserless subsea well casing cement jobs on the UK Continental Shelf with our proprietary technology.”

Based in Dyce, Aberdeen, DeltaTek is a UK business and has made the most of vast opportunities in the European oil capital. The company is active across the North Sea and its success at home has seen it pulled further afield.

“We have performed operations extensively across the Norwegian sector and we have also accessed the Gulf of Mexico, West Africa, East Mediterranean, and Southeast Asia with our technology,” says Horn of the company’s global operations.

SeaCure has been a key driver of this growth. Not only does the technology allow for optimisation in well construction, it also addresses challenges when unlocking new, difficult reservoirs. By eliminating challenges around cost over-runs, poor life of well integrity, and ultimate failure of well objectives – as well as removing

the need for remedial cementing – SeaCure has become a technology of choice in the well construction industry.

“It is our proprietary stabbed in, inner string cementing technology.

It offers operators a number of cost benefits across the spectrum of well construction, from time to tangibles to risk. It has been very successful in its first four years of commercial use,” says Horn.

“Basically, it makes for optimised cement placement whilst constructing wells – always for oil and gas, but it can be used in any form of well construction be it for carbon capture, geothermal, or similar.”

90% of DeltaTek operations involve cement placement optimisation, and the company’s ethos has always been around provision of ‘ultimate cement placement’.

“We are approaching 50 deployments of our proprietary well construction cementing technology,” smiles Horn, highlighting the success of SeaCure and the demand that now exists for this important technology.

DERIVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES Ever the innovator, DeltaTek was tasked by clients – some of the world’s

major operators – to solve additional problems, often extreme engineering difficulties requiring pioneering thought leadership from industry experts.

Next in the product range came QuikCure, a temperature control system which helps cement set quicker. This was followed by more technology advancements including FloatCure, BondCure, ControlCure, CureCatcher, SurgeCure, ArticuLock, and CoreCure.

“We developed QuikCure which is a SeaCure service plus a controlled heat placement which rapid-cures cement placed during the well construction process. In cold, deep North Sea environments, getting cement to set in near-freezing conditions can be a significant challenge,” details Horn.

“QuikCure offers an industry-first capability of using temperature to influence how the cement sets. It is now the most commonly applied technology for subsea UK well construction in structural strings and is broadly being used in more geographies around the world.”

QuikCure is bolstering DeltaTek’s global reputation and its success on projects in the Gulf of Mexico for global operators has resulted in the

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INDUSTRY FOCUS: OIL & GAS

company receiving an invitation to present at the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) 2022 Annual Technical Conference & Exhibition (ATCE) in Houston, demonstrating the technical capabilities of QuikCure.

“We completed a deep-water QuikCure deployment in the Gulf of Mexico last year and we are really proud of that. When the technology is peer-reviewed by the SPE it comes with a lot of kudos and that makes us proud,” beams Horn.

CoreCure is another product receiving major attention after successful deployments with TotalEnergies and Shell. “It is the world’s first recovery system for downhole cement samples from the bottom of the oil well that you’re drilling and cementing. This is used for verifying the quality of the primary cement job,” says Horn of this enviable innovation.

Previously, quality of cement was measured before it goes downhole. It is essential to measure quality post mix and pump, and CoreCure makes this possible, building a new concept of well construction cementing validation.

48 / www.energy-focus.net

Using an adaptor that latches into the SeaCure system, this process is smooth and streamlined for DeltaTek clients. Currently, CoreCure is the only technology that enables recovery of cement samples from a casing shoe.

GULF OF MEXICO In 2021, DeltaTek realised that a big opportunity lay waiting to be exploited in the Gulf of Mexico – North America’s oil and gas centre, producing 20% of the country’s output. Differing slightly from well construction in the North Sea, DeltaTek’s product range has clear advantages here and the company is experienced operating to international standards.

“We were cognisant that the Gulf of Mexico was likely to become the biggest market for the business so we recruited a full time position to be based in Houston,” says Horn, remembering the first project in

the region using QuikCure.

“The Gulf of Mexico market has a traditional well construction approach which involves a lot of additional casing strings and that makes for a number of additional use opportunities for our technology. Generally, it is a more active drilling market with more than 20 rigs constantly active with nearly 100% utilisation. As well as there being more drilling rigs working, there are also more opportunities for technology use on each of those wells so it is a much bigger market opportunity compared with other markets that we are in.”

While offshore drilling faces an uncertain future globally, in the Gulf of Mexico major producers continue to invest heavily in new facilities to ensure production is smooth.

As reservoirs in the Gulf become deeper and more demanding, DeltaTek comes into its own with proprietary technology, developed in the UK

// GENERALLY, IT IS A MORE ACTIVE DRILLING MARKET WITH MORE THAN 20 RIGS CONSTANTLY ACTIVE WITH NEARLY 100% UTILISATION //

DELTATEK GLOBAL

AJT Engineering Ltd Engineering reliability in repair and manufacturing since 1948

CNC Machining | Specialised Welding | Mechanical Fitting | Pressure Testing

www.ajt-engineering.co.uk

for harsh conditions. SeaCureRS, an expansion of the initial SeaCure concept, sees the elimination of liner shoetracks gain improving efficiencies in the well construction process.

“We have moved into the deeper parts of well construction,” explains Horn. “Normally when you build a well, the process is iterated and you start with a big hole and a large piece of casing which gets smaller and smaller as drilling continues and you reach the reservoir. In the deeper strings, we have started using SeaCureRS, the very final string used in the well, where we saved an operator multiple days in their well construction programme.”

Recently, the SeaCureRS was used in the UK North Sea while delivering a 7” liner cement job for a client working at 285 ft water depth. The cement job was high quality, no clean out trips were

required, the shoetrack solution was optimised, and the client was delighted.

In the future, DeltaTek plans to work closely with its supply chain to continue innovating while solving problems for users. Already achieving its mission of saving rig time through ultimate cement placement, this young and exciting business is becoming the necessary partner as optimisation requirements grow.

“We have been investing heavily in our asset fleet, procuring a number of new technology assets from across our supply chain,” says Horn.

“We are achieving multihundred per cent year-on-year growth and the team is growing pretty rapidly – that is something we are very proud of,” he concludes.

With drilling vessel owners and operators planning for an increasingly

uncertain and unpredictable future, running rigs as efficiently as possible will quickly become more important as a means of competing in a market characterised by intense competition and regulation. Keeping the operational costs of rigs and the people operating safe and efficient will be essential in navigation of this cloudy future, not only in the oil and gas industry, but also the global economy as a whole.

Innovators like DeltaTek will grow in importance, and making the use of pioneering technology will be a necessity. DeltaTek’s brand is now well established, and it is clear that this is a company that can be relied on.

WWW.DELTATEKGLOBAL.COM

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Philip Wassouf - Managing Director 50 //www.energy-focus.net www.enterprise-africa.net

DUNEFRONT

Optimised Solutions from Independent Sand Control Specialist PRODUCTION: David Hill

DuneFront is an independent sand control consultancy, founded in 2012. Having spent the ensuing decade continuously growing and prospering it is now known for providing a full range of engineering software, consulting and training services to operators, service companies and consultancies across the globe. Simulation, evaluation and optimisation are the operative words for DuneFront, in its commitment to delivering the highest levels of service and support to its global customer base. www.energy-focus.net / 51

INDUSTRY FOCUS: OIL AND GAS

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Sand production is not a problem localised to any one area or territory, it is very much a global one and is considered among the most significant issues when facing potential reductions in wellbore productivity and risks to completion longevity. Because the process of sand and solids production in well operations is one of the main causes of hydrocarbon production decline, it is essential to properly determine what types of solids or formation sand are produced in order to select the most efficient and effective sand control technique(s).

Sand and solids production often leads to reductions in productivity and subsequently asset net value. It also necessitates additional expenditure due to increased monitoring and maintenance of surface and downhole equipment, which can have significant economic and HSE implications if they fail. The combination of loss of production and increase in operating costs results in inflated overall costs per unit of production which negatively affects the operator’s bottom line.

The main objective of a sand control completion is to eliminate these risks by preventing sand production outright while maximising well productivity, thus avoiding the financial losses,

52 / www.energy-focus.net

HSE incidents and damaging effects, even shutdowns, which are otherwise inevitable if sand production occurs.

The value of the global sand control market was estimated at $2.1 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at 8-10% per year. “Sand production generally has a significant negative effect on the value of the well,” DuneFront cautions, “and expenditure to control it is intended to provide a good return on that investment; sand control, if done properly, almost always transpires to be money well spent.”

SOFTWARE AT ITS CORE DuneFront’s headquarters are in London, also home to its Founder and MD, Philip Wassouf. Wassouf has accrued over 15 years of sand control experience. Prior to incepting DuneFront he was with Schlumberger, undertaking field engineering and product champion roles supporting new technology development and global operations in both sand control completions and pumping services.

Now responsible for the day-to-day running of DuneFront, no one is better placed to provide a comprehensive rundown of the primary objectives of this global company. “We are classified as an independent consultancy,” he opens. “We provide software, consulting

and training services globally to a wide variety of oil and gas operators, service companies and consulting companies.

“We’ve supplied services across all stages of field and well development, everything from pre-development technique selection and design to installation best practices and post-development evaluation,” relays Wassouf. “It helps being an independent company, as it means that we can provide truly impartial advice to ensure that our clients get the best recommendations possible.”

DuneFront’s training programmes, which range from introductory to advanced and refresher courses, are always designed with the specific requirements of the target audience in mind. “Our independent company status again comes into

// AT ITS CORE, DUNEFRONT IS A SOFTWARE COMPANY AND OUR PRODUCTS ARE USED BY MOST OF THE MAJOR OIL AND GAS COMPANIES AROUND THE WORLD //

DUNEFRONT

play here,” Wassouf enthuses, “helping to differentiate our training programmes from other providers by ensuring that our courses give an impartial view of the technology and processes used across the industry.

“At DuneFront, we are helping customers to invest in the future by building and maintaining in-house sand control expertise through extensive, customisable training programs.”

While the company’s offering is extensive, Wassouf leaves no ambiguity as to its central focus. “At its core, DuneFront is very much a software company, and we develop several products that are used by most of the major oil and gas companies around the world. We of course support these products, and our customers, with the totality of our services.”

This software is subscriptionbased and is licensed to customers in-house on an annual basis with DuneFront remaining close at hand to provide training and answer technical support questions as and when they arise. Wassouf adds that there is a

// OUR TECHNICAL TEAM IS SPREAD ACROSS THE WORLD TO ENSURE CONTINUOUS AVAILABILITY AND SUPPORT FOR DUNEFRONT’S GLOBAL CLIENT BASE // more bespoke angle to DuneFront’s overall offering. “We also do projectbased work when it comes to our consulting and training services. In this scenario, a customer will approach us on an as needed basis, (usually) with a specific topic with which they need help. The design of an upcoming well completion, for example, or an evaluation of a previously completed well to confirm its success, investigate any failures and identify opportunities for improvement. We can help ‘flesh out’ the details and then work together with them on that project.

“Our business model is designed to allow us to be flexible, combining relevant elements of our software, consulting and training services to fully meet our clients’ needs,” Wassouf adds.

This flexibility extends to its footprint,

with DuneFront having engineering staff active on nearly every continent.

“Our technical team is spread across the world in North and South America, Europe, Africa and Asia. This is integral to ensuring continuous availability and support for DuneFront’s global client base,” a geographical triumph as DuneFront approaches the end of its first decade in business.

CENTRAL SAND CONTROL SPECIALISM PackPro and DataPro are DuneFront’s celebrated software duo, the former representing a complete solution for sand control simulation, evaluation and optimisation, and the latter providing a powerful tool to easily manage and manipulate large data sets. By integrating advanced modelling and

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INDUSTRY FOCUS: OIL AND GAS

data analysis techniques, and providing all the requisite tools required to design and analyse sand control treatments, DuneFront’s software allows engineers to take full control of the engineering process and understand the best ways to optimise their operations.

“PackPro has been developed by sand control experts to provide a practical, fast and accurate software with an intuitive and easy to use interface,” Wassouf details, “and is used by most major operators and service companies for in-house simulation

and evaluation of sand control completions.” DataPro is designed to provide practical tools to easily import, merge, modify, plot and export large datasets, thereby facilitating the whole data handling process.

“It is an intuitive software, designed to easily and visually handle large amounts of numerical data in any industry, not just the oil and gas sector.

DataPro provides practical tools to simplify all steps of the data handling process and is built using the latest technology for fast performance.”

All these systems, services and offerings are centred around the key specialisation of sand control and Wassouf is keen to make the incredibly important point that it is a niche that DuneFront has made its own. “We are the only company in this space to be able to provide the complete package of software tools, consulting expertise and training support our customers need to manage their sand control challenges now and in the future.”

Wassouf is proud of the team DuneFront has assembled which has

Thales Software Monetization - Enabling Organisations in the Energy Sector to Become More Software-Centric Today, decisive decisions are made through software, data, and the cloud. Thales helps to monetize and protect information and software wherever it is created, shared or stored

incremental revenue opportunities and how DuneFront can generate more revenue from their current software offerings by packaging it differently for specific applications,” continues Steffen.

Traditionally characterised as a hardware-heavy industry, the role of scalable and reliable software offerings has become key in the energy sector where businesses are keen on efficiency through optimisation and automation that can power productivity.

He explains that Thales Sentinel can be deployed on premise or in the cloud and includes back-office functions to manage customer entitlements, record usage, communicate effectiveness and usage, and provide unique insight.

As DuneFront looks to extend its global reach with new software solutions, perfectly designed around highly specific client operations, the Thales Group stands behind it with global software knowhow that helps to grow activity.

Steffen furthers that this connects into the company’s four pillars which encapsulate its value proposition.

“We help companies to generate new revenue streams by enabling new business models; we assist with operational efficiency where our solutions can plug into back-office infrastructure to streamline the order to deliver process; we help companies to gain business insight; and we provide an experience where end users can easily consume new offerings and functionalities from our customers,” adding that these pillars eventually all feed into better customer satisfaction.

Thales Software Monetization is a global leader with over 30 years’ experience, delivering essential software solutions, with the capability to deliver clarity and control, drive innovation and pursue new revenue opportunities.

“In the energy sector, it’s about becoming smarter and being smart means you need intelligent software - you need to be able to react quickly to market needs,” says Steffen Rehnig, Regional Software Monetization Manager for the UK, Benelux and Nordics at Thales.

DuneFront is launching its new data software offering through the cloud for many of the world’s major oil and gas businesses on a subscription basis.

“The capability they take from us is around protecting 54 / www.energy-focus.net their software. It’s about revenue protection. However, across this industry, the main driver is all about

54 / www.energy-focus.net

With more energy companies looking to the cloud for flexibility and affordability, and more software being deployed to manage modern hardware, partnerships with global leaders are essential.

Download the white paper and discover how Thales Software Monetization can accelerate your digital Transformation journey bringing on-premise and SaaS Capabilities together to drive business growth. www.cpl.thalesgroup.com

DUNEFRONT

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over 150 years of experience with both operators and service companies. “Our customers benefit greatly from this diverse experience concentrated in one tight knit group. Whatever a client’s sand control challenges may be, we fully believe that DuneFront has the knowledge, experience, and tools to overcome them,” an assertion supported by a strong track record of success.

FUTURE PLANS While DuneFront is constantly evolving to meet the industry needs, Wassouf explains any development is always done with a view to retaining the company’s guiding motive to simplify, strengthen and standardise conventional oilfield methodology when positioning itself for future growth. “Along with the process of branching out to work more generally

in the completions sector,” Wassouf adds, “we are about to release, in the next few months, a revamped cloud version of our software.

“The software has been around for nearly 10 years and has historically worked in an offline desktop environment. We are now migrating this to the cloud to enable access to things like supercomputing, AI, and machine learning - a true plethora of modern technologies. We also have two further software products in the pipeline, which will be applicable to our specialist field of sand control, but which will also have applications elsewhere for any field operation where fluids are circulated or displaced.”

Though still a comparatively small company within the oil and gas industry, Wassouf asserts DuneFront is growing rapidly in all regards

and is bringing a significant impact to an ever-broadening spread of customers. Wassouf concludes “we are ‘niche’ in what we do and have proven capabilities in accomplishing our clients’ objectives. Our personnel are recognised experts in their field and virtually every sand control project around the world uses DuneFront’s services either directly or indirectly. What is never in doubt is that we will always remain at the vanguard of developments and will add new features and technology to continue to offer our customers something that no-one else can.”

WWW.DUNEFRONT.COM

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56 //www.energy-focus.net www.enterprise-africa.net

TERRAROC

Minimising Downtime

to Maximise Profit and Productivity PRODUCTION: Rob Fenton

TerraRoc is the market leader in geotechnical drilling consumables, operating globally from Europe to North America to Asia. Through strong research and development, thorough planning, and exacting quality control, TerraRoc is positioned to deliver the most complete range of customised drilling tools and consumables; its new Model D plastic casing is now set to revolutionise drilling in mines, quarries and blast sites, describes Product Line Manager Daniel Björk. www.energy-focus.net / 57

INDUSTRY FOCUS: INFRASTRUCTURE

//

Commencing in 2019 as an independent company, TerraRoc was born from the divestment by Swedish manufacturer of mining and infrastructure equipment Epiroc’s geotechnical drilling consumables division. “With a staff of highly skilled experts, we bring with us a range of industry experience from Atlas Copco and Epiroc,” the company shares, with the former another Swedish multinational, this one a world-leading provider of sustainable productivity solutions.

Becoming self-reliant and autonomous is never without its

challenges, rife with opportunity and excitement as it may be, but in this particular instance the timing of TerraRoc’s gaining independence was, to say the least, plainly not the most straightforward, confirms Product Line Manager Daniel Björk. “While we had a lot of ongoing business, initially times were incredibly challenging,” he relates. “Things were looking fairly promising until lockdown dawned, and we lost a lot of countries from our prospective business.

“We were able to pull through without a single redundancy, or even placing anyone on furlough.

// WITH A STAFF OF HIGHLY SKILLED EXPERTS, WE BRING WITH US A RANGE OF INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE FROM ATLAS COPCO AND EPIROC // 58 / www.energy-focus.net

We managed to stay afloat and are now back stronger than ever to targeting really ambitious budgets with very exciting times ahead.”

BEST-IN-CLASS BITS AND TOOLS Three manufacturing facilities in Tampere, Finland, Grangemouth in Scotland and Roanoke, Virginia in the US, in addition to a supply chain that spans the globe, combine to allow TerraRoc to minimise clients’ downtime and react promptly to their needs around the world. “From specialising in casing advancement systems, down-the-hole hammers and core drilling, TerraRoc’s strong R&D, thorough planning and exacting quality control enable us to deliver a full range of drilling tools and consumables,” the company sums up.

TERRAROC

// TERRAROC’S STRONG R&D, THOROUGH PLANNING AND EXACTING QUALITY CONTROL ENABLE US TO DELIVER A FULL RANGE OF DRILLING TOOLS AND CONSUMABLES // “Our products and services are customised for each specific client’s needs and with some of the industry’s most robust R&D talent, TerraRoc is always on the lookout for new customer challenges.”

Constructed by Ingersoll-Rand in 1968 to produce air hoists and winches for its power tool division, and later

serving as an engineering, marketing and distribution centre, when TerraRoc was founded as an independent company in 2019 the pioneering Roanoke facility continued to operate as an assembly, service, distribution and engineering centre of a litany of bits and tools for oil and gas drilling.

The middle child of TerraRoc’s trio of manufacturing sites in Grangemouth, UK was originally founded in 1986 as H&F Drilling Supplies, where the specialism lay in casing and piling applications and supplying all components in the drill string.

In 2010 H&F Drilling Supplies was acquired by Atlas Copco, eventually becoming an integral part of the newly-founded TerraRoc in 2019.

“The facility has a particularly deep knowledge of core drilling

tools and application setups for large drilling tools,” Björk comments of the centre which operates as the primary warehouse for Terracore drilling tools and large DTH drilling tools for the whole world, aside from North America. “In addition, due to its global responsibilities, the Grangemouth facility has the required competence in all the TerraRoc products across the board to support all sales teams.”

Welcomed into the TerraRoc armoury in 2019, situated in Tampere, Finland, its third and youngest site was originally founded as Rotex Oy in 1990 by three brothers Jorma, Vesa, and Kimmo Järvelä, with the company, following rapid growth, bought by Atlas Copco in 2004, becoming Oy Atlas Copco Rotex Ab. “Its specialty is still casing advancement

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INDUSTRY FOCUS: INFRASTRUCTURE

// WITH TERRAROC WE ENABLE CLIENTS TO DRILL SAFELY AND WITH GREAT PRECISION IN ALL GROUND CONDITIONS WITH FAR LONGER LASTING DRILLS // systems,” outlines Björk. “Geotechnical equipment is delivered from Tampere to everywhere in world, particularly to the Nordic Countries but also to the likes of the Americas.”

Casing advancement systems are the preferred method today for drilling in difficult ground conditions, minimising the hole collapsing risk and enabling contractors to perform their work more quickly and with higher quality. The system adds value whether the mission is to install foundation, support

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elements or simply case the hole in collapsing formation. “We have a long tradition of supplying geotechnical engineers with a wide range of equipment and services,” Björk says.

“Our product offer consists of rigs, grouting solutions, site investigation tools, DTH hammers and a full range of high performance casing advancement systems, all designed to minimise downtime and to maximise productivity and profitability. The casing advancement systems from TerraRoc offer a spectrum

of solutions to meet any project demands in the most efficient way.”

MODEL D REVOLUTION “With TerraRoc we enable clients to drill safely and with great precision in all ground conditions, with drills that last up to 25% longer than our competitors,” adds Björk.

These world-class manufacturing facilities embody a characteristic underpinning everything at TerraRoc; they have been repurposed, upgraded but ultimately still avail of every last

TERRAROC

drop of the experience and wisdom carefully built up during their heritage.

“We are a new company of experienced professionals,” Björk states, and this melding of hard-won experience with the best in innovation has helped TerraRoc to the top of the industry in such a short space of time.

“We are on the brink of releasing products which are going to revolutionise mining, and one in particular that takes care of arguably its most problematic area,” Björk enthuses, referring to the quandaries that frequently occur in mines, quarries, and blast sites whereby drilled blast holes are susceptible to collapsing. In many cases, these holes cannot be used for blasting, resulting in such serious issues as leaving overly large blast stones which must be re-drilled and blasted again.

“This is an area in which we have never been involved, and for which in fact there has never been a product available,” he continues, “and we see a massive opportunity for us to make a difference. It is a problem that most quarries experience at some juncture, some more than others, and now that we have done all our tests and business has started to boom we are looking to take on board more clients with what we are calling our Model D innovation.”

Using casings in these most problematic areas would normally solve the issue; use of steel casings, however, is precluded as a high amount of steel is not permitted among the blast stones due to the crushers. TerraRoc’s latest development has solved this problem entirely, interjects Björk. “By using plastic casings in these highly fractured areas it is possible to support the holes and prevent them from collapsing providing a significant time-saving.

“Plastic casings do not harm the crushers and thus can be used without issues, while application can be achieved with almost any drill rig with some minor adjustments.”

Consistent with the overarching

Engineering & Consulting Johan Jans In Encoja there is more than 30 years’ experience in developing systems and parts for drilling applications. Sampling systems, coring systems for onshore and off-shore.

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TerraRoc philosophy, it is geared toward minimising downtime and disruption in quarries, Björk finishes by clarifying. “The vast majority of challenges associated with quarries and open-pit mines can be attributed to drilling. The difference between a problem-free drill hole and one which is problematic can be massively impactful to operations and costs.

“The knock-on effects can then impact the entire process after completion of the drilling, in increasing the required number of operations, entailing delays and extended lead times as well as drill rig availability and total cost. Essentially, if the drilling goes smoothly, then several steps thereafter also follow suit. If there is a problem in the drilling, so many things can then come with that to hinder the whole project.”

The challenges faced are mirrored all over the world, Björk reveals, with TerraRoc Model D now set to help overcome even the most serious.

“In the worst cases Model D will be able to help reduce these problems, and in the best case, eliminate them entirely, as they are so centralised to the top layer of the rock” he enthuses.

“We can thus help our clients to drill more efficiently, minimise time-consuming challenges, improve drill rig availability and keep to planned schedules and time frames, benefits which have been observed and enjoyed in every query that has employed Model D to date.”

TERRAROCDRILLING.COM

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Credit: Stela McMillan

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DRAKKEN

Top Tier Project Management for World’s Energy Sector PRODUCTION: Tommy Atkinson

With a team comprising of industry professionals and decades of experience, Drakken provides world-class project management, engineering, integration and automation products and services for complex, multi-faceted projects in the world’s energy sector.

Drakken has quickly become known as an E&I and automation expert in the oil and gas and utilities industries, with a strong track record of success spanning the globe. www.energy-focus.net / 63

INDUSTRY FOCUS: OIL AND GAS

Ben Watts - CEO Credit: Stela McMillan

//

“We have the capacity, capabilities and experience to successfully execute any project from concept to commissioning,” Drakken offers of its versatile service approach, with experience in both turnkey and package based options to deliver the most effective and viable solutions on a global scale.

To date, through its partnerships, the company has notched up in excess of 600,000 barrel of oil equivalent (BOE) of production commissioned, more than 100,000 man days of safe work and created over 125,000 engineering deliverables. A world-wide reach and continual focus on business excellence in all facets sees Drakken positioned to offer peerless project

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management solutions including HSE plans, document control, procurement expediting and logistics support.

“Our veteran team of industry professionals have the experience and expertise to execute projects of any scope and setting,” the company explains. “From deserts to deepwater, we pride ourselves on our ability to manage every aspect of a project to create comprehensive solutions that minimise costs and maximise support and functionality.”

SEAMLESS, PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Drakken specialises in delivering integrated electrical, automation and instrumentation services to the oil and gas, utilities and other industries - CEO

Ben Watts elaborates for Energy Focus on the company’s main functions.

“Drakken is a ‘system integrator’, specialising in electrical instrumentation and controls for complex industrial and utility projects,” he says, “with 12 years of experience in the world’s most challenging regions. We are obsessed with finding a better way for the world to execute projects,” he openly admits.

“Drakken has diversified into marquee utility projects in the Middle East, in conjunction with our principal market of energy production. Typically, we work in partnership with engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractors that focus on the process and mechanical scope. These firms typically require integration support for electrical and instrumentation (E&I) and the balance of plant.

“On projects that leverage our full potential, we work alongside Tier 1 clients, and assume this position for them, to optimise the design which we then we take from concept to commissioning.

Drakken has the personnel for engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning and maintenance,” he details.

“From design and construction to installation and commissioning, to technical support and maintenance services, we provide a management team that understands the needs of the client and those of the project. By

// BY PROVIDING A SINGLE POINT OF CONTACT AND TAKING OWNERSHIP OF THE PROJECT FROM START TO FINISH, WE CAN ENSURE A SEAMLESS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE //

DRAKKEN

providing a single point of contact and taking ownership of the project from start to finish, we can ensure a seamless and professional experience.”

There is a wealth of experience contained within the Drakken engineering team, Watts adds, ensuring the deliverables are created upon specific project requirements, ranging from basic cost-effective design to complex detailed design.

Drakken’s agile approach to project management and design ensures that today’s supply chain challenges are addressed and incorporated into the design as necessary to meet project requirements and schedule.

“Our three primary areas are in electrical, instrumentation and control, and telecommunication systems,” he says, and within each are reams of services and operations

rendered on the engineering side.

“At Drakken, we understand that project and construction management is an integral part of every job,” he delineates, and under this umbrella Drakken again caters for everything within those same three primary systems, while adding a suite of services and deliverables on top. The company also takes care of fabrication and procurement across this scope of supply, while Watts highlights a proven testing and commissioning system for further comment.

“This is composed of experienced technicians, supervisors, managers and specialists equipped with proprietary software for the effective development of commissioning systems, testing equipment and tracking the completion of activities,” he details.

“Drakken then steps in to

provide operations, maintenance and call off support for its clients.

Our teams execute daily operation and maintenance of electrical, instrumentation and automation systems for energy production facilities, industrial manufacturing and processing facilities and commercial buildings.

We employ highly-trained electrical, instrumentation and automation personnel to provide a full-service offering, while our field personnel integrated with our engineering and project teams to deliver solutions quickly and effectively for each client and facility, in any location.

“Our integrated business model, along with our electrical, controls and instrumentation expertise and international experience, has helped us achieve an excellent track record of success,” he states, and this, along with

Credit: Stela McMillan

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INDUSTRY FOCUS: OIL AND GAS

such an exhaustive service offering, has been central to allowing Drakken to put itself in the enviable position of being first in line when these experienced clients under the Tier 1 bracket have opportunities arise.

MULTI-DISCIPLINARY LEADER “Because our clients trust us as a project partner we have a competitive advantage in terms of winning new work due to our existing relationships,” Watts relays. “What we are now most keen to explore is expanding our partnership market; we have made collaboration a part of our

// OUR INTEGRATED BUSINESS MODEL, ALONG WITH OUR ELECTRICAL, CONTROLS AND INSTRUMENTATION EXPERTISE AND INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE, HAS HELPED US ACHIEVE AN EXCELLENT TRACK // RECORD OF SUCCESS // DNA, using efficient systems, hiring and developing the best people in an integrated global footprint and challenging the status quo, and as part of this we are always looking to keep developing and expanding.”

There is a revival in in the industry post-COVID which has seen upward commodity pricing pressure, driving an increase in project capital in the Middle East, and Africa. “Projects are awarded, and then contractors pass those awards

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DRAKKEN

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onto us, but we remain fixed on wanting to ensure that during this period of growth that our clients are able to fully leverage our integrated offering.

We are picking up more conventional work as well as organically winning new clients. The relationships that we have forged with OEMs, including Emerson MAS and others, have catapulted us into some new spaces.

“As we do this, we are expanding our technical reach with regards to current technology leaders and control systems platforms and looking carefully at different applications brought to the market with the energy transition.” Watts also touches on last year’s announcement of Drakken’s landmark partnership with CarbonAi, in a new technology venture focused on the integration, automation and acceleration of

greenhouse gas emission management and emission reduction projects.

“Its principal interest is in developing carbon offset projects from a full scope perspective,” Watts says, adding that CarbonAi’s proprietary software platform lies at the forefront of technology to facilitate and accelerate transparent emissions reduction projects. “We find the right clients and then assist the project in moving forward from a carbon finance perspective, ultimately creating revenue on the monetisation of the offsets.

“We see ourselves becoming a multi-disciplinary EPC company,” Watts blueprints of Drakken’s next phase, “as a trusted supplier to CarbonAi we will find access to project work for installations that revolve mostly around flare reduction. Finding ways to aggressively reduce emissions is plainly

one of the world’s biggest challenges, and comes with huge opportunities for those able to seize the initiative.

“CarbonAi aims to shift the paradigm and create faster, more integrated and more effective solutions using the latest technology alongside carbon finance.

“As we continue to establish ourselves in that space, we will grow further and pick up multidisciplinary projects through our partnership network. Our expertise in global project management and largescale projects executed across four continents uniquely positions us to create the data-led future for environmentally sound business.”

WWW.DRAKKEN.CO

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PROPLAN PROJECT SERVICES

Specialist Controls

at the Heart of Every Successful Project PRODUCTION: Tommy Atkinson

Collaboration and commitment are key words at ProPlan in its involvement from initiation to conclusion of clients’ projects. Unique in its open-minded, receptive attitude, expert people and wealth of experience accrued over more than 15 years working world-wide, ProPlan furnishes global clients in the oil and gas sphere with specific, technical services from planning to onsite commissioning. www.energy-focus.net / 69

INDUSTRY FOCUS: OIL AND GAS

Vladimir Svalina - Managing Director

//

Headquartered in Rijeka, Croatia, ProPlan is a consultant company specialising in project controls and commissioning.

“We start with planning and then ensure that projects are kept under perfect control, before finishing off with commissioning,” ProPlan condenses of its nearly two-decade long stint in providing that allimportant knowledgeable, informed and steady hand at the crux of every successful endeavour.

“ProPlan approaches every client’s business as if it were our own, firmly believing that a consulting firm should be so much more than an advisor,” the company adds, an approach which has seen it drafted in to take care of a suite of projects across both oil and gas and shipbuilding the world over.

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// WE PUT OURSELVES IN OUR CLIENTS’ SHOES AND COLLABORATE TO UNLOCK THE FULL POTENTIAL OF THEIR BUSINESS // “We put ourselves in our clients’ shoes and collaborate to unlock the full potential of their business, which has resulted in enabling us to continually construct deep and enjoyable relationships.”

SPECIALIST SUITE OF SERVICES “We have been in the industry for almost 20 years now, and are always building and growing,” outlines Director Vladimir Svalina, having himself been involved in almost every facet of the sector across a myriad of situations. “Increasingly

frequently we find ourselves called upon because, through our specialist services, we offer something to which these companies do not have access within their organisation internally, or where the required workload has exceeded its capabilities or expertise.

“This is where, as ProPlan - thanks to a collaborative working style that emphasises teamwork, trust and tolerance - we are uniquely wellplaced to intervene and uplift.”

This spirit of collaboration, so often named as priority of primordial importance by other sector players,

PROPLAN PROJECT SERVICES

extends to an unwavering commitment to always doing right by its clients and people, to demonstrate that, come what may, all parties are together in the undertaking. “We believe in demonstrating a ‘one team’ attitude, with a sharp focus on winning and achieving results,” Svalina expands, “and we’re passionate about making a measurable impact in all we do.

“Our unique culture and approach deliver enduring results, true to each client’s specific situation. We care for our clients’ businesses as if they were our own and as such we think and act like business partners, not academic advisors. We share our clients’ aspirations and work to understand their reality.”

So often the advantages of

continuity throughout a project’s lifetime is cited, and ProPlan’s project controls span its very initiation right through to completion. Embedded within are planning, monitoring, reporting and analysis, while a collaborative approach is taken to strategy definition and procurement.

In project development, these multiple crucial elements work together to ensure a project’s success. Given how significantly effective controls increase the efficiency of projects in a variety of ways, while providing many other benefits, it would surely be reasonable to assume that it is a component afforded proper regard and investment; not so, according to Svalina.

“The rest of Europe is really behind the UK in terms of the heavy investment

being made in the crucial area and art of project controls,” he notes. “It is actually something that is sorely lacking, and Croatia is certainly no different in this regard which has resulted in a market that is extremely small.”

OPPORTUNITIES NEAR AND FAR This realisation on Svalina’s part, he furthers, was in fact behind ProPlan’s creation and has allowed it to forge an enviable foothold in the country’s undersupplied sector. “I have been a planner and project controls manager for many years and in many different contexts, which has allowed me to see first-hand the demand for development of the industry and the engagement of more personnel,” he describes.

“Being actively engaged in similar

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INDUSTRY FOCUS: OIL AND GAS

such roles presented me with the opportunity to found ProPlan, and it remains something in which I am not only experienced, but which is, too, a real passion for me.”

While it may seem superficially something of a downside, Svalina reveals a contracted home market has actually been key to ProPlan’s own development. “Where we have been able to succeed is in offering very specific, niche services,” he explains.

“Now, we are deliberately and steadily spreading and covering different areas, and have been spurred to take on projects in the likes of Italy, Czech Republic, Kazakhstan and Egypt, where we have established offices.

“We have instituted full-service branches in Ravenna, Italy and Aktau, Kazakhstan, and these set-ups allow us to have all local legislation covered, and know that we are operating completely in compliance, while it has in turn made it much easier to secure local contracts.” Here, Svalina pinpoints just two examples in ProPlan’s work

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on the Litvínov-Záluží refinery in Czech Republic and Egypt’s Zohr field, believed to be the largest-ever gas discovery in Egypt and the Mediterranean.

“While there have historically been limited opportunities within our home market of Croatia, and the project controls culture is still not as developed as it is elsewhere, this is a situation which is itself improving,” Svalina qualifies, with the country clearly on the up in this regard.

“We are seeing much greater foreign investment from people who are used to having such project controls in their operations, and so we have seen real improvement with here and further afield.”

BEST-LAID PLANS The other main arm of ProPlan’s operations is commissioning, which Svalina opines is, once again, undervalued by clients, contractors and companies. It sees ProPlan step in at technical completion and manage the commission schedule,

safety procedures and supervision, through to detailed reporting and analysis as well as certification.

“Similarly to project controls, this is an area that is often overlooked and underfunded by both contractors and end clients,” Svalina reasons, “despite it being a hugely important part of any construction. Commissioning staff within any organisation are indispensable, but rarely is this sufficiently catered for, and again, this is where we come in with our expertise and abilities which so many companies lack. Not only for site activities, but also in commissioning engineering, which is a specific discipline in and of itself.

“It is an area in which it is critical to have operative experience like we do, of the different detailed procedures for each system and sub-system to ensure that absolutely everything is working correctly before handing over to the client. This is very much our area, and 75% of our employees have a college degree in engineering, a background that

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// OUR PEOPLE ARE REALLY WHAT MAKE US DIFFERENT, TIRELESSLY ENERGETIC ABOUT SUPPORTING AND CHALLENGING OUR CLIENTS IN EQUAL MEASURE // equally makes us easily able to adopt new knowledge and competences.”

Before finishing, Svalina is at pains to underline the pivotal importance of one particular element of ProPlan’s competences that underpins everything that follows: planning. “All over, and with many, many different clients, we have seen a severe lack of expertise and support in this area in the oil and gas sector,” he says.

“Planning is a very particular job, with fewer and fewer people who want to do it, requiring a certain level of technical knowledge to be

able to speak to everyone involved in a project - from engineering to procurement, in different disciplines whether mechanical or instrumentation - a very wide knowledge base is required to communicate with the many different people implicated, each with their own specialism.

“Planning is the one thing that gathers everybody together on a single piece of paper with one dynamic schedule, and as a planner it is critical to have both technical abilities and a certain level of diplomacy, and patience, to make it all work.”

www.proplan.hr

Of ProPlan’s 30 permanent staff, Svalina says, 11 are planners, which he describes as an extraordinarily high ratio. “I have seen many large companies, sometimes with more than 1,000 employees, which invest in engineering, procurement and supply chain management, but even they are not set up internally with this level of dedicated personnel for project controls.

“Our people are really what make us different,” he concludes, “tirelessly energetic in their effort to both support, and challenge, our clients in equal measure.”

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Neil McKenzie - Managing Director 74 //www.energy-focus.net www.enterprise-africa.net

ALBA POWER

The Leading

Global Turbine Independent PRODUCTION: David Hill

Starting life as a provider of spare parts for gas turbines, Alba Power quickly identified a gap in the market for offering exceptional service while helping users of gas turbine engines prolong the life of their machinery, MD Neil McKenzie relays. Today the company enjoys the best of both worlds, operating as an independent provider with the backing of the Sulzer Group, as it seeks new levels of global responsiveness and service.

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INDUSTRY FOCUS: ENGINEERING

//

Alba Power is headquartered in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, where its location incorporates a state-of-the-art custom built gas turbine workshop, bolstered by North American headquarters in Houston and Ontario. “Although our main workshop facilities are strategically based to service the North Sea offshore market, Alba Power works on a global level,” explains MD Neil McKenzie.

“We deliver innovative, costeffective gas turbine solutions worldwide, and over half of our business now services the US and the Middle East. This means that we have an unrivalled ability to be responsive to clients worldwide and allows us to truly state that we are the leading global independent,” he asserts.

It is just one fundamental factor to which he attributes Alba Power’s sustained success. “At Alba Power we have an award-winning global team that is passionate about delivering exceptional customer service. Our expert team prides itself on having a partnership approach when working with our customers and offers

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outstanding product knowledge and technical ability, whilst delivering exceptional service and 24/7 support.”

EXCELLENCE THROUGHOUT Outstanding individuals combine to create a collective, totally dedicated to bringing peace of mind, confidence and cost management to the aeroderivative/industrial gas turbine, power turbine and marine tyne turbines, controls and rotating equipment markets through the

trusty trio of reliability, responsiveness and accountability. “Alba Power’s success, whilst operating within tough, technical and serious global sectors, is the result of a strong and highperforming team,” McKenzie stresses.

“Alba’s culture and work ethic is built upon understanding our customers’ business needs more than anyone else in the industry, and we always deliver over and above customer expectations.” McKenzie himself embodies the strive for excellence

ALBA POWER

// WE DELIVER INNOVATIVE, COST-EFFECTIVE GAS TURBINE SOLUTIONS WORLDWIDE AND HAVE AN UNRIVALLED ABILITY TO BE RESPONSIVE TO CLIENTS GLOBALLY // which is evidently at the heart of driving Alba Power. He is intimately familiar with several factions of the business, having worked his way up from an initial position as workshop manager, moving into the role of GM before his current seat as Managing Director.

“I have been in the gas turbine business for over 30 years,” he says, an experience which not only continues to grow but which is routinely recognised.

In the 2022 iteration of SME News Magazine’s annual awards McKenzie gained further industry recognition, being lauded as Industrial Engineering Managing Director of the Year.

“Leading a business is no trivial matter, especially considering the challenges faced by companies of all sizes over the last couple of years,” opined Jazmin Collins of SME News.

“Indeed, uncertainty remains seemingly ever on the horizon, creating an evershifting landscape with little in the way of stability. It’s a time of immense change, regardless of sector or market – a time where great leadership is a crucial foundation for those businesses still achieving success and growth.

“At a time when Managing Directors are being tested and facing obstacles at every turn, it is essential to stop for a moment and recognise those who are distinguishing themselves as extraordinary,” and while clearly appreciative of the award, McKenzie received his plaudits with characteristic humility and a bid to deflect the focus back onto the collective efforts of an extraordinary group over which he presides.

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“Individual awards, although nice to receive, are not about me, they are about the full team here at Alba and a recognition of their hard work, dedication and the outstanding quality of work they deliver every day,” he underlined, and it is such dedication and top-level delivery that has enabled Alba Power to grow into a worldwide leader. “We started out with only 12 of us on board here,” McKenzie recounts, “and now we employ over 80 experts committed to leading industry excellence through product knowledge, technical ability and customer service.

“We have an impeccable track record and excellent levels of customer satisfaction and industry referral, testament to our vision and ambition to always exceed our customers’ expectations.

“Our global customer base has

been built up through industry track record, exceptional customer relationships and customer referrals, as a result of our continued focus on flexibility and 24-hour service provision. This is achieved through our commitment to pursue operational initiatives that maximise the availability, reliability and cost-effectiveness of its gas turbine support operations, including exchange and lease options.”

COMPREHENSIVE AND RESPONSIVE While already an obviously global outfit of far-reaching command, being part of the Sulzer Group since the 2019 acquisition has catalysed an even greater reach. Sulzer has been headquartered in Winterthur, Switzerland, since 1834, and is a specialist in pumping solutions and services for rotating equipment, as well

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INDUSTRY FOCUS: ENGINEERING

HYSPEC

Specialising in the application of coatings on Industrial Gas Turbines Our expert team pride ourselves on having a partnership approach when working with our customers and offer outstanding product knowledge and technical ability, whilst delivering exceptional service

Andy McLachlan

Managing Director

+44 7741 666275 andy@hyspec-coatings.co.uk

www.hyspec-coatings.co.uk

Hyspec Coatings is pleased to be supporting Alba Power

HYSPEC COATINGS - HIGHLY SPECIALISED, HIGHLY ADAPTABLE Contact Hyspec Coatings today for specialised processes in coatings systems and repairs to the industrial gas turbine industry.

Hyspec Coatings has built a reputation in the industry around fast response and consistent delivery of the highest standards, working for international experts in the industrial gas turbine industry. Highly experienced and adaptable, this is a business that works hand-in-hand with clients.

Established in 2018, this innovative and ambitious business is nurturing relationships to ensure the best outcomes for all.

“We are a young business, although I have a relationship not only with Alba Power but with many other engine overhaul facilities going back for more than two decades. We work with a range of companies across the industry and all of our clients are very important to us,” says Director, Andy McLachlan.

“Our customers strip down an engine, send us all the engine assembly parts to blast, NDT, recoat, we then return the parts fit for service to the end-user specification.”

ISO 9001 accredited, Hyspec Coatings delivers quality in every element of its process, driving superior standards in the industry.

The company is hungry for growth and has a demonstratable history in the provision of world-class service, on time delivery, and top-tier efficiency.

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ALBA POWER

// WE ARE ALSO ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST RESPONSIVE PROVIDERS OF REPAIR AND SUPPORT SERVICES FOR INDUSTRIAL CONTROL SYSTEMS // as separation, mixing and application technology. “The company’s customers benefit from a network of over 180 production and service sites around the world, and we now have access to these centres as well; this abundance of resources is in turnkey to our own development,” McKenzie details.

“Since day one of the collaboration we have been excited by the synergies, as well as the geographic and technical support to which Alba has been afforded access through this acquisition; it provides a framework upon which we are able to continue the fantastic growth profile we have demonstrated to date and continues to unlock many new and exciting opportunities for us as a member of the Sulzer Group, while remaining an independent service provider.

“We are still able to run very much as the Alba Power that we have always been, but the additional backing of Sulzer and the ability to tap into their engineering and manufacturing makes it a great fit for Alba Power.”

Starting out in 2000 in the business of providing spares for aeroderivative gas turbines, Alba Power’s thoughts quickly turned to how this machinery could be given a longer operational life on a cost-effective basis. This shift in focus was consolidated by the large stock of operational gas turbines in the UK that, as the company astutely observed, was liable to become obsolete long before their time, due to insufficient support from the

original equipment manufacturer.

“Still today, our core business is very much in gas turbines,” McKenzie outlines, “which we repair, overhaul and sell,” he adds, a company which remains a pioneer in the development of aeroderivative gas turbines for the world’s energy markets, having sold over 5,200 to more than 500 customers across in excess of 80 countries, accumulating well over 145 million hours of operation.

Alba Power is also a master in the field of marine turbines, especially in their maintenance, as well as in power turbine services where a host of options available to clients span field service, tooling supply and rental, inspection, repair and overhaul. “We provide unrivalled levels of service and cost management globally across our key service areas of RB211, Olympus, Avon, Spey, Tyne and Power Turbines, and we take care of marine engines for several Navies,” summarises McKenzie.

“We are also one of the world’s most responsive providers of repair and support services for industrial control

systems, delivering high-level user support regardless of the age, condition or manufacture of the control system being used. In particular, we specialise in maintaining control systems where conventional OEM support is either restricted or no longer available.”

It is this responsiveness that McKenzie deems arguably Alba Power’s greatest asset of all. “It is this that really distances us from the competition,” he states, “and we are known for working incredibly closely with our customers.

Quality is obviously a key priority for us, our clients and the industry while without fail, we are fully transparent with our clients. We give them full visibility of projects, and, ultimately, the peace of mind and confidence in Alba Power that will sustain us as a force to be reckoned with in the maintenance, repair and overhaul world.”

WWW.ALBAPOWER.COM

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NUCLEARELECTRICA

Nuclear Pioneer Brings

SMR First to Romania PRODUCTION: Tommy Atkinson

Societatea Nationala Nuclearelectrica SA (Nuclearelectrica) is Romania’s state-owned power generating company, tasked with the critical job of producing nuclear power and heat through nuclear fission as well as nuclear fuel. It is the only producer of nuclear energy in Romania, and having delivered its first ever nuclear power plant it is now partnering with NuScale to pioneer SMR technology in the country.

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INDUSTRY FOCUS: NUCLEAR

//

Romania’s first commercial nuclear power reactor started up in 1996, with a second then following in May 2007, and the two combine to generate upwards of 20% of the country’s total electricity quota.

The pair were originally part of a plan for a five-unit monolith to be sited at Cernavoda, situated on the Danube River, for which the Canada Deuterium Uranium (CANDU) technology was selected after much deliberation.

The CANDU is a Canadian pressurised heavy-water reactor design used to generate electric power, and Romania is among the likes of Pakistan, Argentina and China to employ the rationalised CANDU 6, in the 600 MW class, intended for use in single stand-alone units or in small multi-unit plants. “CANDU 6 is

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a safe technology with a successful track-record over the last decades,” the company says of its chosen reactor.

“It was designed specifically for electricity production. This focused development is one of the reasons that CANDU reactors have such high fuel efficiency.” Construction of Cernavoda’s first unit began in July 1982, and unit 2 exactly one year on, while work on units 3-5 commenced over the ensuing four years.

In 1991, however, work on the latter four was suspended to place full focus on unit 1, responsibility for which was handed to an AECLAnsaldo (Canadian-Italian) consortium, and it was connected to the grid in mid-1996, entering commercial operation in December 1996. From the turn of the millennium heavy

// NUSCALE’S SMR TECHNOLOGY CAN SUPPORT ROMANIA’S ENERGY INDEPENDENCE AND OUR COUNTRY’S PROSPERITY // investment was pledged toward the restart of construction of Cernavoda 2 as extra generating capacity became increasingly paramount, seeing it built at a total cost of €777 million and entering commercial operation October 2017.

Continues on page 84

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INDUSTRY FOCUS: NUCLEAR

Continued from page 82 ELECTRICITY PRODUCTION PILLAR A national company incorporated in 1998, Nuclearelectrica is the operator of the Cernavoda site that remains the sole nuclear power plant in Romania, and delivers more than 1,400MW of CO2-free power that supports some 20% of the country’s energy

// IN EACH YEAR OF OPERATION, CERNAVODA HELPS ROMANIA REDUCE ITS GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS BY 10 MILLION TONS //

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demand. “Our primary activity,” explains Nuclearelectrica, “is the generation of electricity through our nuclear power plants, namely Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant Division and FCN Pitesti.”

The former, as well as operating units one and two, works to preserve units three, four and five, while in March 2021 Nuclearelectrica announced its expectation to commission unit three by 2031, starting construction in or close to 2024. Pitesti Nuclear Fuel Plant Subsidiary, meanwhile, is a qualified manufacturer of CANDU 6 type nuclear fuel and fully covers the operating necessities of units 1 and 2 of Cernavoda NPP. “The main activity fields of Nuclearelectrica are centred on the generation of electrical and thermal power, and manufacturing of nuclear fuel,” the company summarises.

“Nuclearelectrica also coordinates investment-development activities as well as human resources training and optimisation.” It is also sole owner of EnergoNuclear, the company created in 2009 charged with undertaking construction, commissioning and operation of units 3 and 4 at Cernavoda.

“Our primary objectives are to operate our nuclear units under safe and secure conditions for the personnel, population, environment and production assets,” Nuclearelectrica details. “We actively consolidate the production of nuclear energy, a pillar of security in the production of electricity with low carbon emissions, and make the necessary investments for safely operating the two reactors and implementing Continues on page 86

POWER TO THE WORLD

At NuScale, we believe that safer energy is the smarter solution for our planet. And now our VOYGR™ SMR power plants are ready to go wherever safer, cleaner power is needed. Energy you can depend on 24/7, rain or shine, that leaves your air breathable and your water drinkable. This scalable technology is carbon-free, cost competitive and adaptable to existing fossil fuel infrastructure – all while promoting economic growth. So, get ready to make your world better, humankind. Because NuScale just gave you the power.

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INDUSTRY FOCUS: NUCLEAR

Continued from page 84 the nuclear security culture in all the structures of the company.

“In each year of operation, Cernavoda helps Romania reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 10 million tons.”

An eight-year service agreement worth $120 million USD will see GE Steam Power providing full maintenance and services on Cernavoda’s two steam turbines and generators, to help ensure reliable power for a growing percentage of Romania. “Nuclearelectrica is committed to delivering power to the residents of

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Romania in ways that are clean, safe and reliable,” said Cosmin Ghita, CEO. “GE is a key partner for us because they share in this commitment through the work and support they provide our team each and every day.”

GE Steam Power is an industry leader in cleaner power generation, and with 50% of the world’s nuclear fleet equipped with a GE steam turbine, Cernavoda will benefit from the OEM’s global expertise and regional presence to maintain highperforming and safe operation. “This agreement is an important milestone for our team,” effused Martin Boller, Europe Region General Manager for

GE Steam Power, “as we continue collaborating with power producers like Nuclearelectrica to help deliver clean, reliable power to countries across Europe including Romania.”

ROMANIAN SMR DEVELOPMENT In a landmark partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce, Nuclearelectrica and America’s industry-leading NuScale have announced that the location of the inaugural small modular reactor (SMR) site in Romania will be at the former Doicesti power plant, in Dambovita County, where the NuScale VOYGR™ technology will be deployed.

NUCLEARELECTRICA

Romania has the potential to accommodate the first usage of SMRs in Europe and become a catalyst for further in the region, as well as a base for supporting operation of this new technology in other countries.

“The site selection is a great first step for Romania in our SMR roadmap,” commented Ghita, “after more than three years from our first MOU with NuScale, in which we analysed the technology, its safety, its maturity and its readiness towards deployment and meeting Romania’s energy security and decarbonation goals.

“The Nuclearelectrica team has the experience, knowledge and professional skills to work alongside NuScale for the first deployment of a small modular reactor in Europe. We are committed to continuing to offer Romania clean, safe and affordable energy and the

development of the first small modular reactor in Romania will offer a new future to the nuclear energy industry.”

At the launch of the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, presented at the G7 Leaders’ summit, President Biden announced the allocation of a grant of $14 million to facilitate the preliminary front-end engineering and design study for the crucial SMR project in Romania.

“NuScale’s small modular reactor technology, the first and only SMR technology to receive the approval of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), can support Romania’s energy independence and our country’s prosperity,” Ghita concluded, as a series of engineering and design activities and studies, as well further technical analyses of the potential site of Doicesti, are to commence to provide

Romania the essential data for the development of its first small modular reactor power plant, set to have similarly astounding reverberations to Cernavoda, according to Ghita.

“Like in the case of the Cernavoda Nuclear, the first SMR power plant will generate in the area where it will be built clean energy and strong economic growth for the local community by creating thousands of jobs and investments in infrastructure,” he highlighted, “and it will contribute to forming a new generation of specialists through investment in high-quality education.”

WWW.NUCLEARELECTRICA.RO

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ARGENT ENERGY

Drive to Decarbonise Transport Worldwide PRODUCTION: Tommy Atkinson

With an annual production of around 240,000 metric tonnes, Argent Energy transforms waste fats and oils into second-generation biodiesel in the UK and the Netherlands.

Set on reducing the world’s carbon footprint using sustainable resources, it is embarking on massive expansions to its production capacity while investing heavily in new dock facilities to keep driving the movement towards clean mobility.

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INDUSTRY FOCUS: BIOFUELS

//

Founded in the UK in 2001, with production starting in Motherwell, Scotland, four years later, Argent Energy has since become a truly European waste-based biodiesel producer with ambitions to decarbonise transport worldwide.

Having established 55,000 and 85,000 ton capacities at its Motherwell and Stanlow sites respectively, in 2018 Argent Energy completed the acquisition of Biodiesel Amsterdam to mark the beginning of an international dominance, and its first site topping 100,000 tons in annual scope.

“At Argent Energy we specialise in the manufacturing and supply of low carbon bio-based products,” the company offers as detail on its fundamental operations. “We believe in using waste materials

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// OUR INTENTION IS TO DECARBONISE TRANSPORT WORLDWIDE, BY RECYCLING WASTES TO MAKE A FUEL WHICH DISPLACES TRADITIONAL FOSSIL OPTIONS // only, and continuously search for new waste and competitive and sustainable raw materials to be turned into higher value products.

“The greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of biodiesel are about 90% lower than conventional, or fossil, diesel,” Argent Energy furthers.

“Emissions are calculated over the entire life cycle of biodiesel production, including waste collection, treatment of the product, transport in the supply chain, production of biodiesel and ultimately transport to the fuel stations.

“Our intention is to decarbonise transport worldwide, by recycling wastes to make a fuel which displaces traditional fossil options. We invest in people and their development as well as research and development to drive innovation in products, technologies and operational excellence.”

HORNHAVEN UPGRADE The Amsterdam port region is one of the world’s largest logistics hubs, handling 100 million tonnes in cargo traffic annually to position it

ARGENT ENERGY

Extracting value from heavily polluted Industrial Wastewater Argent Energy has partnered with wastewater specialists WEHRLE, for the installation of turnkey treatment plants.

Through value engineering and close cooperation with Argents production, WEHRLE develops and delivers bespoke process combinations resulting in treated water for reuse in their production process.

This sustainable approach promotes the reduction of Argents carbon fooprint and lowers their costs. amrit@wehrle.co.uk www.wehrle-werk.de

as one of Western Europe’s foremost seaports. A strategic and central location makes it easily accessible and ensures excellent connections to all major European markets, and by opting for sustainable growth it aims by 2030 to be one of Europe’s most sustainable ports, keeping environmental impact to a minimum: a large port with a small footprint.

“The Amsterdam port is a European seaport with ambition,” the organisation says. “We ensure that clients, landings and activities can grow more sustainably. We are making the shipping process smoother, safer and more transparent and developing a future-proof port complex. By being at the forefront of the transition we are taking steps towards a climate-neutral port in 2050.”

Argent Energy Netherlands BV and

the Port of Amsterdam have just joined forces to invest €20 million in new dock facilities in the Hornhaven Amsterdam, which will contribute markedly to the decarbonisation efforts of both the Port of Amsterdam and the City of Amsterdam. Two loading and unloading quays will replace the existing coaster jetty at Argen’s biodiesel plant in the Hornhaven, and with construction slated to commence early in 2022 and complete in mid-2024, the new quays will be suitable for barges, coasters, and sea-going vessels up to nine meters draught and 147 meters in length.

“The new facilities make it possible for Argent Energy to make an important contribution to the Dutch and Amsterdam ambitions regarding the decarbonisation of transport and the scale-up of green hydrogen,” said Koen Overtoom, CEO of Port of

Amsterdam of the plans which will, through land reclamation, create one hectare of new land for Argent Energy to construct a new 130,000 m3 tank storage facility for renewable products such as waste-based biodiesel and feedstocks, increasing its storage capacity to 230,000 m3.

“The collaboration with the Port of Amsterdam worked well and particularly their willingness to jointly look for ways to make this project possible,” added Erik Rietkerk, CEO of Argent Energy on the forging of one of the largest storage facilities for these critical renewable products in the continued effort to decarbonise transport. “Argent’s business and sustainability ambitions are fully aligned with the objectives of the Port of Amsterdam as well as with the City of Amsterdam.”

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INDUSTRY FOCUS: BIOFUELS

BIOFUEL PRODUCTION QUINTUPLED Biodiesel finds its main application in fuelling road transport. “Argent’s waste-based biodiesel is a distilled product that can be directly blended with conventional diesel and used as a fuel, typically in trucks, buses, vans and cars,” the company details. “In this way it contributes proportionately to the lowering of CO2 emissions of the vehicles it powers.”

It is too, however, an effective and favourable carbon-saving alternative fuel for use in heating and power generation. Increasingly,

eco-conscious businesses are turning to this renewable, clean-burning option to power boilers for offices, schools and factories. “Our distilled biodiesel can also be used as a marine fuel for inland barges and seagoing vessels,” Argent Energy explains.

“The heavier fraction of our distillation process can also be used as marine fuel after further refining.”

By-products from the production of biodiesel are then also upgraded and converted into value-added end products such as biofuel oil, fertiliser and glycerine, with waste

// THIS SIGNIFICANT EXPANSION OF THE PRODUCTION OF ALTERNATIVE FUELS CONTRIBUTES TO OUR STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES AND THOSE OF EUROPE // 92 / www.energy-focus.net

streams from the biodiesel production kept to an absolute minimum.

The Argent Energy story started at its nascent plant in the large town of Motherwell, south-east of Scotland’s most populous city Glasgow, from where it exclusively uses waste animal fat denoted as category 1 and 2, which cannot be used for food or animal feed, as the main feedstock in supplying more than 50,000 tons of biodiesel to Scotland and the north of England. A state-of-the-art manufacturing site in Stanlow followed more than a decade later to double its capacity upon opening, offering 48,000m3 of total storage area.

Having kickstarted the Argent Energy international foray just two years on, in 2018, Argent Energy is now planning to increase production levels nearly five-fold at its Amsterdam factory

ARGENT ENERGY

Tanker Haulage Division providing dedicated logistics solutions for the specialist bio-diesel and blended fuel product markets

Wishing Argent Energy continued success as Logistics Provider since 2006

01576 208747

www.johnmillerlimited.co.uk Kirkburn Industrial Estate, Lockerbie, DG11 2FF

// THIS SIGNIFICANT EXPANSION OF THE PRODUCTION OF ALTERNATIVE FUELS CONTRIBUTES TO OUR STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES AND THOSE OF EUROPE // to join the new dock and storage facilities. The supply and removal of products by water will increase significantly, contributing to the Port of Amsterdam’s objective to grow in the transhipment of non-fossil cargo.

With this dramatic expansion production capacity in the Port of

Amsterdam will rocket to in excess of half a million tons per year, arguably the company’s clearest statement of its intent to make a significant contribution to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in road and maritime transport, and in particular a sector notoriously difficult to decarbonise: heavy-duty vehicles.

“This significant expansion of the production of alternative fuels contributes to our strategic objectives and those of Europe,” said Roon van Maanen, Head of Energy & Circular Industry at Port of Amsterdam. “We thank Argent for the trust and look forward to further developments.”

Argent Energy’s augmentation in Amsterdam is altogether in line with the country’s plans for clean mobility and the promotion of biofuels that avoid impacting food supplies. Its expansion

ID: 007114

includes the development of a new and innovative production process which will bring improved process efficiency, and even greater reductions of greenhouse gas emissions.

“Clean mobility is a vitally important link to achieving climate targets,” summarises Erik Rietkerk.

“The Netherlands has a strong record in supporting the use of the most sustainable biodiesel and with the expansion of its production capacity, Argent Energy can make a significant contribution to the Dutch, Amsterdam and European ambitions for the decarbonisation of transport.”

WWW.ARGENTENERGY.COM

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EQUINOR

Propelling UK Wind Power

to New Heights PRODUCTION: Tommy Atkinson

Operational out of Norfolk, UK for close to a decade, Equinor’s duo of Sheringham Shoal and Dudgeon offshore wind farms deliver clean energy to more than 700,00 homes. Planned expansions look set to more than double this capability and fully harness the abundant potential of offshore wind as an important enabler in the world’s energy transition.

//

The world is constantly in need of more and more energy, and an increasingly greater portion of its supply in future will have to be obtained from renewable resources such as hydropower, waves and wind.

As around 40% of the EU’s entire wind resources are available in British waters, it is imperative to harness the awesome power of this popular, sustainable and renewable energy source.

Surrounded as it is by sea, the UK

has the largest offshore wind energy resource in the world and is estimated to hold more than a third of the total European potential, equivalent to three times the nation’s annual electricity consumption. Wind power contributed 24.8% of UK electricity supplied in 2020, having surpassed coal and nuclear in 2016 and 2018 respectively, positioning it as far and away the most important source of renewable electricity in the UK.

With now more than 11,000 wind turbines on and offshore fulfilling nigh-on a quarter of the UK’s electricity needs, in May Britain’s wind-power production hit new heights, peaking at 19,835 MW - enough to cater for more than half of its total power demands.

Production surpassed a high set in late January and follows record renewables output seen recently in other parts of Europe, boldly highlighting the potential that green energy possesses

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INDUSTRY FOCUS: WIND ENERGY

Sheringham Shoal Offshore Wind Farm (Credit - Jose Vega-Lozano)

Dudgeon Offshore Wind Farm (Credit - Ole Jørgen Bratland)

to replace expensive fossil fuels.

As the UK continues to ramp up wind-farm capacity to cut its reliance on traditional and oft-labelled ‘dirty’ fuels like coal and gas, it is anticipated that the tumbling of records will become an increasingly common occurrence.

NORFOLK WIND PAIR “Equinor is an international energy company committed to long-term value creation in a low-carbon future,” asserts the international energy outfit. “Our purpose is to turn natural resources into energy for people and progress for society, and as one key part of this we are determined to be a global offshore wind energy major.”

Such a commitment has been evidenced in its deep experience in and dedication to UK wind power, with the company’s first full-scale commercial offshore wind farm, Sheringham Shoal, marking what Equinor describes as its first steppingstone on its long and fruitful renewables journey. Located roughly 20km off the coast of Norfolk

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in the UK, each of its 88 wind turbines has a capacity of 3.6 MW, and the wind farm as a whole generates in excess of 1TWh of green energy per annum, which equates to enough electricity to power some 280,000 British homes.

Compared to fossil fuels, this represents a reduction of around 500,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions every year, and as the UK’s population rises and new power-dependent technologies continue to become integral to everyday life, the nation’s demand for energy, and in particular electricity, is ever-increasing.

“It is essential that the UK generates its growing requirement for energy from a set of carefully balanced assets,” Equinor goes on, “and it is the huge demand for electricity that has created a need for the development of offshore wind farms in the windy waters which surround this island nation.”

Standing alongside Sheringham Shoal is its North Norfolk neighbour and celebrated successor, the Dudgeon Offshore Wind Farm, 32km off the coast

of the seaside town of Cromer. With more than 20 fewer turbine generators, but each of 6MW capacity, since its completion in late 2017 this 402MW offshore site has been producing enough green, clean energy to power more than 430,000 UK homes.

The Dudgeon Offshore Wind Farm is currently the furthest wind farm from the UK’s shoreline and Equinor is its operator, having developed the £1.4bn power plant between 2012 and 2017. The development and operation of Dudgeon has only been possible through Equinor’s dedicated New Energy Solutions unit, which has been behind the implementation of innovative technologies and devising of new working methodologies throughout.

A first in the offshore wind industry is the use of the ESVAGT Njord service offshore vessel (SOV) to access Dudgeon’s 67 offshore turbines and the offshore substation, which Equinor posits will be watched with interest by UK wind farm

EQUINOR

developers targeting construction in the months and years to come.

“We’re harnessing the winds of change today,” Equinor condenses, “to power the low-carbon world of tomorrow. Our ambition is to be among the top global players in offshore wind, drawing on our extensive offshore experience and capabilities to drive the industry forward. Wind power is a key enabler in the world’s energy transition.”

EXTENSION AGREEMENTS INKED “As a company, Equinor’s skill-set has been shaped by years of operating in the hostile offshore conditions that come hand-in-hand with the hydrocarbon industry,” the company asserts. “Our experience of operating in the demanding conditions in the North Sea has given us insight and knowledge and now opportunities to harness that skill set and transfer it to the offshore renewables industry.

It really is ‘technology in transition’.”

In September last year Equinor announced a pioneering combination of operations for both wind farms into one streamlined hub. The new structure means that both sites are operated from one state-of-the-art base designed to capture synergies from a combined control room, office and warehouse which will also be leveraged offshore, as teams from both sites will share the existing SOV and thus maximise time in the field and reduce overall emissions.

Trine Ingebjørg Ulla, Head of Operations for Equinor’s UK wind farms, said: “Both wind farms are performing extremely well within the current set up, but as we position ourselves for future growth we have a responsibility to both the UK consumer and to our shareholders to regularly assess our operations, and make sure we continue to operate our assets efficiently.”

As part of these accelerated renewables growth ambitions, Equinor is also moving quickly with proposals to extend both wind farms with a duo of projects that would double its offshore wind capacity in Norfolk to around 1.4

Proudly supporting Equinor with Statutory Inspections, Lifting Products and Services

renewables@certex.co.uk

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// AS A KEY CONTRIBUTOR TO THE UK’S EFFORTS TO MEET ITS NET ZERO CARBON TARGET, EQUINOR IS LEADING THE WAY IN DECARBONISATION // GW in total, providing renewable energy to power an additional 785,000 UK homes, marking a massive contribution to the UK’s decarbonisation goals.

Seeking to minimise potential impacts on the community and the environment, in an industry first for two separately owned projects Equinor is proposing a shared onshore grid connection footprint for the two projects and applying for one common Development Consent Order (DCO). “It is hoped this joined-up approach will pave the way for other coordinated projects in the UK,” Equinor explains, with this DCO indicatively planned for early summer this year, following

extensive community consultation.

“As a key contributor to the UK’s efforts to meet its net zero carbon target, Equinor is leading the way in decarbonisation,” concludes the UK’s largest energy supplier. “We believe floating offshore wind is the next wave in renewable energy and are excited about the possibilities that this new technology unfolds.”

WWW.EQUINOR.COM

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SAINT-NAZAIRE OFFSHORE WIND FARM

French Firsts Power Up

Country’s Wind Sector PRODUCTION: Joe Forshaw

The first commercial offshore wind farm in French waters has achieved first power and is feeding clean, green energy into the grid. With more to come, this demonstration of what is possible in France is exciting for all involved. www.energy-focus.net / 99

INDUSTRY FOCUS: RENEWABLE

Images - GE Renewable Energy

//

In the Bay of Biscay, on the western coast of France, where the Celtic Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean come together, beautiful beaches are pounded by rough seas and fierce weather. Thunderstorms and powerful winds drive large waves, making the sea tough and challenging.

But for energy creation - harnessing the strength of the wind - this region is brilliant. Large, open, clear, and very windy; companies are now looking at the area closely as France aims for diversification in its energy mix with more wind power top of the agenda.

Just off the coast of Brittany, where the Loire spills into the sea – not far from the city of Nantes – the

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Saint-Nazaire offshore wind farm is taking shape. With 80 turbines generating 480 MW, this project will eventually deliver enough clean power to fuel 400,000 homes each year.

Rising a total of 185m high from the plateau of the Banc de Guérande, wind towers will dominate the landscape, eventually producing 20% of the total electricity consumption

for the Loire-Atlantique region.

Owned by EDF Renouvelables, Enbridge, and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, the Saint-Nazaire wind farm – France’s first commercial offshore wind project - is expected to be complete and fully commissioned by the end of 2022. To date, major milestones have been achieved, and the ambitious team continues to push

// WE WORK DAILY WITH OUR PARTNERS TO ENSURE THAT THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE WIND FARM TAKES PLACE IN CONDITIONS OF MAXIMUM SAFETY FOR STAKEHOLDERS AND SEA USERS – THAT IS OUR PRIORITY //

SAINT NAZAIRE OFFSHORE WINDFARM

forwards despite multiple challenges.

Construction began in 2019, and now important work is being carried out by various subcontractors as the project ramps up.

“The EDF Group is immensely proud to be building the very first offshore wind farm in France alongside our partner, Enbridge. I would like to congratulate the teams from the EDF Group and our industrial partners for their professionalism, as well as the local and national operators involved for creating this installation, a symbol of France’s energy transition,” said Jean-Bernard Lévy, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the EDF Group, speaking at an official state visit to the site where the French Prime

Minister, Minister for the Ecological Transition, and State Secretary for Economy and Finance were present alongside other senior delegates.

FIRST POWER On June 10, EDF Renouvelables announced that Saint-Nazaire had produced first power with 27 of the 80 turbines installed. Network operator Réseau de Transport d’Electricite (RTE) continues to connect the farm to the local grid and, following the first tower erection in April, excitement around the project is starting to build.

“GE Renewable Energy was the first manufacturer to invest in an offshore wind turbine nacelle assembly plant in France, and then in a blade

manufacturing plant in Cherbourg.

We are proud of the progress made in developing this cutting-edge industry, as well as the creation of France’s first offshore wind farm, alongside our partners and suppliers,” said Jérôme Pécresse, Chairman and CEO of GE Renewable Energy. “[These projects] contribute to the multi-year energy strategy and net zero carbon target adopted by France, calling for a drastic reduction in the proportion of fossil fuels in our energy mix, which currently represent 67% of France’s end energy consumption, replacing this with electricity generated from nuclear and renewable sources,” says Jean-Bernard Lévy.

Currently, all foundations have

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INDUSTRY FOCUS: RENEWABLE

been laid and the site is ready for development. The first monopile was put in during May 2021 and 12 months later, all 80 were completed following an intensive campaign which required drilling into calcarenite – a type of limestone, the first time an operation of this nature had been performed at such scale. In August 2021, the DEME Group installed the offshore substation allowing ultimate connectivity into the grid.

“Deploying this world’s first equipment enabled us to complete the installation well ahead of schedule.

Installation operations continued through the winter season, despite the combination of severe weather conditions and the harsh Atlantic Ocean environment,” said Bart De Poorter, General Manager DEME Offshore.

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FIRST TURBINE In April, when the first commercial offshore wind turbine in France was erected, the ownership consortium was rightly pleased, and the rest of the world looked on at a project that has, to date, expanded without major challenges beyond the macro issues arising from the pandemic and global logistic challenges.

The journey offshore for SODRACO’s Vole au Vent vessel took two hours from the Port of Saint-Nazaire to the site,

carrying masts, generators, and blades.

Installation of one tower and nacelle takes around 24 hours in favourable weather conditions. As the first turbine went up, before the thought of first power was even sparked, management were again enthusiastic.

“We are delighted that construction of the Saint-Nazaire offshore wind farm is progressing on schedule. It will be the first in France to be commissioned, ten years after the call for tenders,” said Bruno Bensasson, EDF Group’s

// WE ARE DELIGHTED THAT CONSTRUCTION OF THE SAINT-NAZAIRE OFFSHORE WIND FARM IS PROGRESSING ON SCHEDULE. IT WILL BE THE FIRST IN FRANCE TO BE COMMISSIONED, TEN YEARS AFTER THE CALL FOR TENDERS //

THE LEADING PROVIDER OF RENEWABLE ENERGY SOLUTIONS For more than three decades DEME Offshore has been pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Our people have developed some of the most groundbreaking technologies and innovative equipment in the offshore energy industry.

Our fleet is in a class of its own, renowned for their exceptional capabilities. This combination of highly skilled professionals and the most modern, versatile fleet in the sector enables us to provide smart, innovative solutions every time.

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INDUSTRY FOCUS: RENEWABLE

Senior Executive Vice President, Renewable Energies and Chairman & CEO of EDF Renewables. “Today, close to 750 people are working on the project on – and offshore, with an unwavering focus on the safety rules.

Alongside Enbridge, CPP Investments and our supplier GE Renewable Energy, we have undertaken to bring this landmark facility for France’s energy transition into service by the end of the year, paving the way for energy savings and decarbonised energy.”

Matthew Akman, Enbridge Inc.’s Vice-President in charge of strategy, energy and new technologies, added: “We are delighted to have erected the first turbine at the Saint-Nazaire offshore wind farm. Not only is it a key milestone in our project, but also the first wind turbine to have been erected in French waters. That makes it a watershed moment in the development of the rapidly emerging French offshore wind industry.”

Technology partner, and key global supplier to the industry, GE Renewables, was also happy with progress. “Celebrating this key moment for France’s offshore wind industry alongside EDF Renewables, Enbridge and CPP Investments gives us a real sense of pride. With the country’s first offshore wind turbine finally erected, the whole industry deserves congratulations,” said Jan Kjaersgaard, President & CEO of GE Renewable Energy’s Offshore Wind business.

IMPORTANT PRIORITIES So far, the three-year construction period has created more than 2300 French jobs, and many more in the supply chain. 400 people have been employed at the GE Renewable Energy plant in Montoir-de-Bretagne alone.

Right now, EDF continues to invest in alternative energy sources and is working on other offshore wind projects around the French coast, namely the Fécamp and Calvados wind farms. But, while the focus remains on Saint-Nazaire and the in the Bay of Biscay, safety sits

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SAINT NAZAIRE OFFSHORE WINDFARM

// CELEBRATING THIS KEY MOMENT FOR FRANCE’S OFFSHORE WIND INDUSTRY ALONGSIDE EDF RENEWABLES, ENBRIDGE AND CPP INVESTMENTS GIVES US A REAL SENSE OF PRIDE // as the very top priority for all parties.

Olivier de la Laurencie, Project Director Saint-Nazaire offshore wind farm was clear in his message: “Wind turbines will cover a total surface area of 78km2. We work daily with our partners to ensure that the construction of the wind farm takes place in conditions of maximum safety for stakeholders and sea users – that is our priority. To make this human and industrial adventure a reality by the end of 2022, the SaintNazaire offshore wind farm is working with the best specialists in the field.”

For France, this project is of strategic, long-term importance. At the start of the year, President Macron

announced ambitions for 40 GW of new capacity to be added to the grid, across 50 offshore wind farms, by 2050. This plan would also include the addition of six new nuclear reactors.

“As of this year, we will be commissioning the first offshore wind farm off Saint-Nazaire,” he said.

“If we want to prevent economics shocks, then we have to build a long-term strategy less dependent on world prices,” he added. “France, through the strategy it adopts, chooses

progress, confidence in science, confidence in technology, and in reason. France is making the choice of the climate by giving itself the means to achieve its objectives of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and being one of the largest nations to emerge from dependence on fossil fuels.”

With a beginning in the Bay of Biscay, in the ocean, this brilliant and enduring project and strategy are the key to unlocking a more sustainable future for France.

WWW.PARC-EOLIEN-EN-MER-DE-SAINT-NAZAIRE.FR

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HELLENIC PETROLEUM

Kozani Spurs

Greek Energy Transition PRODUCTION: Joe Forshaw

In Greece, solar makes so much sense - a country with an abundance of sun, searching for alternative energy, and trying to keep up with the global transition. Thankfully, Hellenic Petroleum is making the most of this resource, and has plans to further increase its installed capacity throughout this year. www.energy-focus.net / 107

INDUSTRY FOCUS: PETROLEUM PRODUCTS

//

As the global energy transition continues at pace, more and more of the big-name players are introducing green energy products and services to their portfolios.

Whether it’s moving away from fossil fuels, investing in new technologies, funding research, upscaling emission capture, or any activity that is tied into a more sustainable and circular future, the transition is now mainstream.

Across Europe, this transition has not only ramped up in the private sector. Governments and parastatals have also been forcing the issue as consumers demand answers for climate change problems and solutions for global heating issues.

In Greece, Hellenic Petroleum is showing its hand as it unveils its latest innovation, the Kozani solar park. This 204 MW renewable PV park is the largest solar farm in operation in Greece and sits in the north of the country. The company also recently

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acquired a solar PV plant in Florina, also in the north of the country, from FEN SOL, capable of generating 303 MW. Two smaller renewable projects have also been acquired – the 16 MW solar park in Viotia, north of Athens, and a 37.2 MW wind farm on the Greek island of Evia off the eastern coast.

Clearly, this traditionally fossil fuel focussed organisation is prepping for a long-term strategy that involves renewable energy.

REFINED HISTORY The history of Hellenic Petroleum goes back to the fifties when the first crude oil refinery – Aspropyrgos - was constructed in Greece. In the seventies, the Petrola Hellas refinery was built, and the Greek state took full control of the refining, distribution, and trading of all oil products in the country.

Through the eighties, the state became increasingly powerful, acquiring ESSO activities and renaming them EKO

before becoming involved in further oil and gas exploration and production.

More partnerships and acquisitions occurred through the nineties, and then, in 1998, subsidiaries of the stateowned company DEP were merged and renamed Hellenic Petroleum before the company was listed in Athens and London. Additional acquisitions and mergers took place which resulted in improved refining capacity within the company and expansion into new geographical markets around the region. By 2015, Hellenic Petroleum was recognised as one of the most important players in the southern European market, and its refinery assets were envied by competition. Today, the company is frequently outperforming itself financially, and contributing far beyond its own sphere of commercial interest, as a respected corporate citizen that exports across Europe.

In 2022, Hellenic Petroleum leads the way in refining, supply,

HELLENIC PETROLEUM

and trading; fuel marketing; oil and gas exploration; power generation; production of petrochemicals; engineering; and related services.

The move into renewable energy with the launch of the Kozani solar park has been lauded by seniors in the company as well as government

// THIS PROJECT DEMONSTRATES IN PRACTICAL TERMS OUR DECISION AND COMMITMENT TO RESPOND, IN A SUBSTANTIAL WAY, TO THE NEW ERA OF CHALLENGES //

officials. Greece, home to more than 3000 hours of sunshine each year, is perfectly positioned to harness this magic natural resource and Hellenic Petroleum is excited about solar.

KOZANI “This project demonstrates in practical terms our decision and commitment to respond, in a substantial way, to the new era of challenges,” said Andreas Shiamishis, Group CEO at a launch event in April, where the Greek Prime Minister inaugurated the site.

“This project is a symbol of the green transition both inside and outside the Greek borders. It is the largest solar power plant in South-Eastern Europe and one of the largest in the whole of Europe. Greece will become a leader in the sector of Renewable Energy Sources. It will adopt new innovative technologies,” stated Prime Minister

Kyriakos Mitsotakis, adding that the country must turn theories and plans into development opportunities if it is to advance its green energy ambitions.

Shiamishis said that it was vital for the company to remain nimble to stay up to date with market changes.

“We have set a strategic priority to create the Hellenic Petroleum of the next decades, overcoming any resistance to change, typical for large organisations with long and successful history. We aim at becoming a more integrated Group producing and trading all modern forms of energy, taking on a leading role and contributing to the region’s growth path. We are accelerating energy transformation, supporting the transition to advanced, zero-emissions energy sources, while modernizing at the same time our successful core business activity.

“Regarding our new strategy,

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INDUSTRY FOCUS: PETROLEUM PRODUCTS

it is particularly encouraging to see an almost universal alignment and acceptance by the Group’s employees, as well as our shareholders and markets.

I would like to thank everyone involved in the implementation of this project, which is now more important than ever in ensuring energy efficiency and consumer access to low cost and green energy,” he enthused.

The Kozani solar park is capable of generating 350 GWh each year – enough to power around 75,000 households. At €130 million, the project is of strategic national importance, and has created 350 jobs in the region during construction, with more sustained over the lifetime of the plant.

Kozani uses state-of-the-art bifacial photovoltaic modules and an Automated Monitoring and Energy Management System and was installed

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by world leading solar company, JUWI. General Manager of Group Strategic Planning and New Activities, George Alexopoulos, explained how Kozani fits into the company’s wider ambitions. “Within a short period of time, Hellenic Petroleum has obtained an installed capacity of 300 MW from RES and has set a mid-term target to reach 1GW by the end of 2026, alongside developing a diversified, strong project portfolio, exceeding 2GW through active projects by 2030.

We have made a big and important step towards energy transition. We continue towards a sustainable future for the planet, our children and us all.”

ENERGY TRANSITION The group goal is to reduce its carbon footprint by 50% by 2030 and work alongside the rest of Europe in

achieving significant climate goals by 2050. Importantly, refiners and distributors of petroleum products will play a vital role in the success of these visions as the transition will be managed over a period of time and will require use of low-carbon liquid fuels (LCLF), and modern strategies to produce these LCLFs. But, even with a switch away from fossil fuels which might have seemingly come quite quickly for those active in the industry, there remains a lot of money surrounding new opportunities. In fact, it has been proven by big name businesses that without any fossil fuel activity, big profits can still be generated.

For Hellenic Petroleum, the tough years of 2020 and 2021 were not all bad, and the company produced good results. In May, the first quarter

HELLENIC PETROLEUM

VAT deferment schemes with tailor made customs and logistics solutions for your import flows Since 2018 We have been cooperating with some of the largest PV panel, inverters, electrical and electronic appliances manufacturers worldwide and most of the largest holding portfolio EPC contractors, managing their flows through Greek ports and delivering their solar modules and peripherals all over Europe and the Middle East.

www.eurocomsa.gr | info@eurocomsa.gr EU Customs GR AEOC 00401919520

// WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF EXPANDING OUR PORTFOLIO, DEVELOPING AN IMPORTANT ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY FOR THE GROUP // results for 2022 were announced with yet again very positive numbers.

Adjusted EBITDA sat at €99m (+54%) and Adjusted Net Income was at €4m.

“In 1Q22, the energy crisis deteriorated, with further price increases of natural gas and electricity for consumers and industry. In the fuels market, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine resulted in significant changes, especially in our region, where Russian crude and oil products account for a significant part of the supply. Our Group immediately secured alternative raw material sources, without affecting the operation of our units and the continuous market supply, while

taking advantage of the refineries’ flexibility to process various types of crude oil and good co-operation with other producing countries,” said Andreas Shiamishis of the results.

“In terms of financial results, stronger benchmark refining margins, combined with the recovery of the domestic market demand, resulted in satisfactory operating profitability across all our business activities, especially those export-oriented, as well as our international markets.”

Commenting on the energy transition and the group’s activities, he said: “We are in the process of expanding our

portfolio, developing an important additional activity for the Group.”

Hellenic Petroleum has already repositioned its vision as a business to include the transition. “To be a competitive, extroverted, and innovative energy group, a pioneer in promoting sustainable development and energy transition,” is the target, and clearly – with Kozani as its first major project – this is not just talk; Hellenic Petroleum is actively taking steps to make changes that will create a better, more sustainable company with a healthier future for all stakeholders.

WWW.HELPE.GR

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HOLLARD MOZAMBIQUE

Energy Experts to Protect

Mozambique’s Dynamic Industry PRODUCTION: James Davey

Hollard Mozambique is celebrating 21 years in business and, following a major acquisition, is targeting the country’s energy industry as a key component in its growth strategy going forward. Managing Director, Bukhosi Sibanda tells Energy Focus more about progress in tough market conditions. www.energy-focus.net / 113

INDUSTRY FOCUS: INSURANCE

//

Mozambique is one of the new frontiers in gas exploration, with both onshore and offshore projects, which have been highly attractive for multinationals searching for new sources of transition energy as the world gears up in its shift to renewable energies. At the same time, the country boasts abundant solar and wind power opportunities with the government hoping to attract FDI and create a sustainable, long-term economy.

Of course, there have been hurdles. Terrorism, global economic slowdowns, shifting demands due to the Russian invasion in Ukraine, pricing challenges, and local skills and infrastructure have all hampered Mozambique’s energy pathway.

But in 2017, CNN highlighted Mozambique as an energy giant following the discovery of major gas deposits off its coast. Estimated at

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around 20 billion barrels of natural gas, there was new hope of job creation and sector development. This development followed on from the significant discovery of 2012 when 85 trillion cubic feet of natural gas was discovered in the Rovuma Basin in Mozambique’s north.

In January, a modern floating plant for liquefying natural gas, built in South Korea, arrived in Mozambican waters, expected to produce millions of tons of natural gas rom the regions producing wells.

The challenge for the country now is one of image, following the declaration of force majeure by TotalEnergies as terrorist groups attacked LNG projects in the Cabo Delgado province. Billions of dollars were at stake as the country tried to assure international organisations that this temporary issue was contained and under control. One year four months later and the government

is now confident that the region is stable, encouraging energy giants to restart projects as soon as possible.

BROAD FORMS OF PROTECTION The need for a broad form of insurance protection in Mozambique became even more apparent following recent risk events in the northern parts of Mozambique. People, assets, data, and territory must be safeguarded, both through traditional means on the ground, and from a risk perspective through world-class insurance products from reputable organisations.

Enter Hollard Mozambique, the local subsidiary of Hollard Group, one of the continent’s leading, privatelyowned insurance groups, with turnover exceeding ZAR15 billion.

The company is a leading brand around sub-Saharan Africa, providing innovative short- and long-term insurance products

HOLLARD MOZAMBIQUE

across a range of different sectors.

In Mozambique, the company is well-established as an industry leader and works in the energy industry to protect where it is needed most.

Bukhosi Sibanda, Managing Director at Hollard Seguros tells Energy Focus more about the company’s offerings in the energy space.

“We have policies that are specific to oil and gas, and then we have commercial policies,” he begins.

“First, we have Operators Extra Expense (OEE), which includes control of wells programme and operational assets risk cover. This is basically a specialised policy that is available for the oil and gas operators that allows them to cover the cost for regaining control of a wild well. If something is not working, perhaps due to fire or similar, this is the kind of cover that we provide.

“Secondly, we have Construction All Risk Cover, which covers the works that are related to the oil and gas operators on the construction side and also the Erection sidewall Risks.

“Next, we have Terrorism Cover which protects property or assets against terrorism and sabotage activity.

“Then, we offer a Marine Cargo product, and we also have primary and excess liability policies which are linked.

Linked again is our aviation cover, either owned or non-owned covering the hull and liability,” he highlights.

The development of the industry in Cabo Delgado – an area traditionally underserviced by infrastructure and recently in receipt of foreign direct investment into road and air networks which has assisted in humanitarian programmes for escaping terrorism and fleeing natural disaster – has fuelled growth of air travel for professionals to move in and out quickly during planning and development phases.

“This means there are airports that have been built so we have offered an Airport Owners and Operators Liability Cover. We also have Charterers Liability Programmes and these are all the main policies that are directly linked with the oil and gas sector,” says Sibanda.

INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT For Mozambique, development of this sector is vital. By March 22, the government had received 13 bids for prospection and exploration through

its sixth licensing round. The bidders list reads like a who’s who in major oil and gas with ExxonMobil, TotalEnergies, Eni, Sinopec, Qatar petroleum, Sasol and more. Clearly, the desire from business is there. And the investment that comes with successful bids will be transformative in a country which still features at the bottom of lists around GDP per capita, human development, inequality and average life expectancy.

Equally, the development of an insurance industry is vital in any nation searching for meaningful and stable economic progress. Hollard has been part of the industry building process in Mozambique, bringing standards and ideas that were previously not realised in a country where insurance was controlled by the state. Today, there is a competitive local market with organisations all vying for work in the oil and gas sector.

Hollard has successfully separated itself from the rest through product and service excellence, but also through scale following its acquisition of ICE Seguros earlier this year.

“This transaction represents a huge vote of confidence in the Mozambican

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INDUSTRY FOCUS: INSURANCE

insurance market. Approval of the deal is also a vote of confidence in Hollard Seguros and our purpose of enabling people and businesses in Mozambique to secure a better future by optimising opportunities for creating value and wealth,” said CEO Henri Mittermayer at the time.

“With our Life business showing strong growth, and with our group turnover across both Life and Non-Life businesses now close to Mzn 6.5bn, we are building a business of real stature and look forward to contributing to the vibrant Mozambican insurance market in our new capacity,” he added.

For Sibanda, new international

networks within ICE have been invaluable. “ICE was our biggest competitor when it comes to the oil and gas sector. Following our acquisition of ICE, we now have those resources and capabilities, and the networks, within Hollard,” he says, adding that the company is part of a small group that now controls almost 100% of the oil and gas insurance business in the country.

The acquisition of ICE is expected to broaden the access of Hollard to international markets as the company looks to expand on its local learning. “Obviously, when it comes to acquisitions, sometimes you don’t go out looking for it. If opportunities

// WE NOW HAVE SIGNIFICANT OPPORTUNITIES AND CAPABILITIES TO GROW FROM WHERE WE CURRENTLY ARE TO WHERE OUR STRATEGY IS TAKING US // 116 / www.energy-focus.net

present themselves then we will be happy to look at them,” confirms Sibanda on an ongoing growth strategy.

“Looking at what we have done with ICE, we have really enhanced our presence in Mozambique in terms of size, global business development capabilities, and online systems.

“Looking at the networks and partnership arrangements that ICE had with the global players, combining these two makes for quite a sizeable and solid operation. We now have significant opportunities and capabilities to grow from where we currently are to where our strategy is taking us.

We are happy with the kind of future we are seeing for the operation.”

LOCAL OPERATOR The scope of project work set to come on stream in Mozambique is large, Continues on page 118

INDUSTRY FOCUS: INSURANCE

Continued from page 116 and Hollard is proven and ready.

“In most cases, the law requires insurances to be placed with local operators. We have a sister company in Ghana which is able to offer oil and gas solutions, but those are specific to Ghana, our license allows us to operate in Mozambique and so we have been offering these services to clients that are specifically active with operations within Mozambique,” explains Sibanda.

“There have been a number of projects coming on stream in solar,” he adds. “We have seen the one for Scatec, and then last year the one for Globeleq was the second to come into operation. That was quite sizeable for Mozambique, possibly the largest in Mozambique for some time. We are also seeing a number of projects proposed for the coming year. Overall, because of the climatic conditions in Mozambique, there is a lot of activity when it comes to solar.”

However, natural gas remains undoubtedly the focus, and it remains

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classified as a green energy source in the EU, helping to shift strategic reliance away from coal. While complicated, insurance in this space is lucrative, with so many moving parts and infrastructure of such value all requiring specialist knowledge.

“Mozambique will be home to the biggest investments seen in Africa in that space,” claims Sibanda.

“When you look at the size of the subcontractors that are going in there, and the developments around the oil and gas sector in terms of infrastructure, towns and cities that are being built, and support services - there is a lot of investment. This will fuel growth and development in the economy of Mozambique.”

From a risk management perspective, Hollard Mozambique has not focussed solely on upstream, instead opting for secondary tier where many international contractors remain active. Instead, upstream players have been supported by international reinsurers. “We are a part of that

// MOZAMBIQUE WILL BE HOME TO THE BIGGEST INVESTMENTS SEEN IN AFRICA IN THAT SPACE // group and we take advantage of risk management capability from our parent company in South Africa. That has been useful with the handling of risk management surveys,” says Sibanda.

“We also partner with other third-party service providers to ensure they can provide different risk management services. In some cases, reinsurers also assist in terms of that service.”

BIGGEST INVESTMENTS The company’s portfolio demonstrates its ability to operate alongside the biggest and the best, supporting local interest while providing comprehensive protection.

HOLLARD MOZAMBIQUE

“What we have seen is the area being led by Total – that is where most of the growth is going to come from. If you look at the magnitude of investments in there, Total is basically the biggest investor,” Sibanda says of exciting projects in the north. “We have other projects including Eni which is offshore, and Sasol in Temane – a project which has advanced a lot.”

Avoiding fallout from the shutdown of Total’s Afungi site in April 2021 was a challenge, and the wider industry has suffered. But the expectation is for operations to resume within six months.

“The main challenge with Total declaring force majeure is the limitation on the growth of the insurance industry mostly from subcontractors, meaning the insurance industry has missed a huge opportunity,” Sibanda details.

“We are hopeful that by the next financial year we will see the size of the insurance industry premium possibly

doubling because of oil and gas.”

Previously, expectations were that Mozambique would become a major exporter by 2023 but that progress has been delayed. Nevertheless, most local market observers remain enthusiastic about the country’s prospects during challenging times for the global energy transition. For Sibanda and the insurance space, there is underlying confidence in the country’s resources and those that manage them.

“Generally speaking, when we look at where the insurance industry is right now, we are quite upbeat and positive,” he says. “The biggest challenge that we have is enabling legislation in Mozambique, mostly looking at the non-recognition of reinsurance as an admitted asset. When we reinsure into international markets, our law does not recognise that we have shared part of the risk into the reinsurance market and we are still required by

law to provide capital for all those liabilities. That limits the growth of the insurance industry in Mozambique.

There is a review underway, and we hope that policy makers will see a reason to amend the law, especially when you look at the developments that are coming from oil and gas.”

Hollard’s position in the market remains powerful and, following its acquisition of ICE, the organisation is now a set to expand its energy offering, becoming recognised globally as reliable African partner.

As Mozambique’s industry opens up, Hollard stands as a leader with so much opportunity at its fingertips – and without any challenge around image.

Content sponsored by Hollard Mozambique

WWW.OLAHOLLARD.CO.MZ

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VEXILA INDUSTRY FOCUS: TRANSMISSION

VEXILA

Safe Reliable Power PRODUCTION: Christina Allcock and Vexila

Vexila’s range of powerful products and services allow for improved efficiency in Africa’s energy transmission. ‘Our compact and reliable systems provide a new dimension in power’, the company says of its industry leading portfolio.

Across the continent, the efficiency of electricity transmission and distribution varies wildly. Power generation is also very different in each nation with some embracing the global energy transition and moving towards renewable energy and others still strategically reliant on fossil fuels.

The movement of electricity from source to end users is critical – infrastructure arteries that power life and economic development. But, according to the World Bank, sub-Saharan Africa still loses around 12% of generated electrical power in the transmission and distribution process. With much inefficient and outdated equipment, it is clear that partnerships with the best are vital for ongoing energy security.

Major industrial sectors including ports, infrastructure, mining, rail, and more are more reliant than ever on quality products and systems, allowing them to complete work and feed opportunities through the economy.

Thankfully, Vexila – a KZN, South Africa-based electrical technology manufacturer – has a product range developed to international standards including overhead line hardware components, vibration damping devices, string assemblies, composite insulators, cutouts and disconnectors that is helping to vastly reduce and eliminate power loss in transmission.

“We develop, produce, and distribute components and complete solutions that are particularly sensitive interfaces in modern energy networks,” the company says of its core offering. “In this respect, Vexila is one of a few companies worldwide that offers solutions for the complete transmission chain of medium to high voltage.

For our customers, this means optimal power solutions for all requirements, both for now and into the future.”

INTELLIGENT SOLUTIONS Described as a chronically underfunded, often overlooked bottleneck in Africa’s journey to a high-energy future, transmission requires innovation and investment. Vexila is providing both, through a vertically-integrated, tech-packed manufacturing facility.

“It’s the combination of accessible, intelligent solutions, decades of experience, skilled professionals and a sense of purpose that sets Vexila apart,” the company states.

The Pietermaritzburg facilities include: Silicone rubber

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injection moulding; gravity cast aluminium and ductile iron foundries; helical wireform production plant; fibreglass reinforced polymer core pultrusion plant; and state-of-the-art tool and die development and manufacturing capability.

From here, Vexila has built its market leading brand, boasting the first 100% locally manufactured 400 kV composite insulators for African electrical utilities, including Eskom. Right now, the company is busy finalising development of another African first – a new 765 kV composite insulator.

Globally, Vexila is one of the only organisations able to offer end-to-end string assembly solutions, including hardware components and composite insulators, tested and qualified up to 400 kV system voltage levels.

ISO CERTIFIED It is the quality built into these systems that helps Vexila’s range to retain its popularity with clients.

“We are an ISO 9001:2015 certified company having gained initial certification through the German Accreditation Company DQS in 2001. This certification underpins a full complement of engineering personnel and capabilities to design, plan, manufacture, manage and execute complex Overhead Line (OHL) and Overhead Traction Equipment (OHTE) supply projects, providing total solutions to the highest international quality standards,” the company says.

“Our reputable products can be found in critical electrical and rail infrastructure supporting the expansion of the South Africa’s Transnet ports, harbours and rail freight corridors including the 780 km Saldanha Iron ore line and the 600 km Richards Bay Coal Line Corridor.”

In South Africa’s major mining industry, Vexila’s range is unrivalled. Mining specific power infrastructure is essential for one of the country’s main drivers of FDI and Vexila supplies lightweight, aerodynamic, low maintenance, vandal-resistant, and locally designed and manufactured.

“As a pioneer in the design, manufacture and supply of composite fuse cut-outs and composite insulators which have been in use in Africa for over 25 and 40 years respectively, we offer peace of mind for both electrical distribution and transmission infrastructure products for use in the extreme operating environment experienced by the mining sector,” the company says.

LOCALLY OWNED Furthering its African credentials, Vexila became fully South African-owned when the Thesele Group acquired the company in 2018, rebranding from Pfisterer to become known as Vexila in 2020. Thesele is a 100% black-owned investment company and promised to build Vexila into an electrical technology enterprise and continue delivering exceptional service to customers with the most sustainably innovative products.

“Over the past 40 years, we have grown into one of the largest manufacturers of composite insulators and line hardware on the African continent with the most complete product offering in the market,” CEO Gary Whalley commented.

“We’re really excited by the opportunity as an African business to be fully-South African owned, and proudly so, and we’re looking forward to leading the way into export markets as well as South Africa,” he said.

As this exciting, ambitious, and innovative business continues to thrive in Africa, power transmission will be invariably improved with products that are suitable for their environment, working to international quality standards, and manufactured by those that understand operating conditions.

CONTENT SPONSORED BY VEXILA WWW.VEXILA.COM

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Want to accelerate the future of hydrogen together? check out our website www.forze-delft.nl