EDITOR Joe Forshaw
joe@energy-focus.net
PROJECT MANAGER Chris Bolderstone chris@energy-focus.net
PROJECT MANAGER David Hill david@energy-focus.net
LEAD DESIGNER Aaron Protheroe aaron@energy-focus.net
CONTRIBUTOR Manelesi Dumasi
CONTRIBUTOR Karl Pietersen
CONTRIBUTOR David Napier
CONTRIBUTOR Timothy Reeder
CONTRIBUTOR Benjamin Southwold
CONTRIBUTOR William Denstone
At the end of the calendar year, we see no slowdown in the major impactmaking projects that continue to bolster the renewable energy industry, providing further security for grids, all over Europe.
In the UK, the ambition is clearer than ever before (although perhaps slightly unrealistic). The transition is not an idea or a philosophy – it’s a project that is well into the execution phase. Right now, the country has some of the world’s biggest and best offshore wind energy infrastructure. Turbines are larger than ever, sites cover more sea than previously thought possible, and the remote locations are becoming increasingly accessible thanks to maritime innovation.
The perfect example is the Hornsea 3 project from Orsted. Already recognised as the industry leader – with Hornsea 1 and 2 on the map as projects of global importance – this Orsted new build will become the world’s single largest offshore wind farm, generating clean electricity for more than two million homes. Currently in the onshore construction phase, the team is carefully slicing through the Norfolk countryside in the East of England, laying cable ducts and pulling cables from coastal connection to inland substation. Offshore works will begin next year, and the project will move quickly as the team of sub-contractors displays its experience for the world to see. Eventually, others will be able to use the example here to take advantage of the natural resource of wind in other parts of the world. Managing Director Luke Bridgman tells us more about progress to date.
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Zestec Renewable Energy is also busy harnessing nature, but this time it is the power of the sun. Rooftop solar remains a vastly under-utilised asset around Europe, and Zestec – part of the Octopus Energy Generation group – is working with corporate clients to rollout solar at scale. The company is also investing in new technology to bring a wider offering for clients, but its key differentiator is the ability to create flexible funding models that bring projects to fruition quicker and more sustainably. CEO Simon Booth talks to us about exciting new partnerships.
Talk to us, and let us know how you are involved in the mega projects that will shape tomorrow. If you’re not participating or planning, what are you doing? We’re online, at LinkedIn.
Joe Forshaw EDITOR
Orsted is using its rich history to build the world’s largest offshore windfarm… again. Hornsea 3 will be operational in 2027, safer, leaner and greener than any other. Managing Director, Luke Bridgman tells Energy Focus more about current status and leaving an impact on the communities that the project effects.
Zestec Renewable Energy is providing businesses with bespoke frameworks for the deployment of clean, green energy; originating, managing, and developing solutions that few others have the capability to undertake. CEO Simon Booth tells Energy Focus more about this unique offering.
North Atlantic Trade Hub Receives Modernisation Investment
The Port of Tórshavn energises the Faroe Islands through trade and travel. A large construction project to modernise and upgrade the passenger and cargo terminals is underway, and CEO Hanus Mikkelsen tells Energy Focus more about the impact of the port on the wider region.
The Victoria Group is investing in electrification, hydrogen power, sustainability, and circularity. As big-name customers put out the call for emissions reductions through their supply chains, this is a group that can answer. Director Steve Marshall talks to Energy Focus about an exciting time for this historic organisation.
Switzerland’s Enerproject continues to engineer some of the world’s best gas compression solutions displaying almost 30 years of experience. GM Business Development, Vito Notari tells Energy Focus more about the company’s unique but wide-ranging offering, and its strategy for ongoing growth.
PRODUCTION: David Hill
Orsted is using its rich history to build the world’s largest offshore windfarm… again. Hornsea 3 will be operational in 2027, safer, leaner and greener than any other. Managing Director, Luke Bridgman tells Energy Focus more about current status and leaving an impact on the communities that the project effects.
//Leaving a lasting legacy is the task for Orsted’s Luke Bridgman, Managing Director for the colossal Hornsea 3 project.
“This is one of the bigger infrastructure projects in the UK right now, delivering nearly 3GW of power, for more than three million homes, making a material difference to the energy transition, and that is what gets us out of bed in the morning,” he says of the £8.5 billion core infrastructure project which received its development consent in December 2020.
When complete, Hornsea 3 will be the world’s single largest offshore windfarm with around 200 turbines covering almost 700 km2 (the entire country of Singapore is 728 km2).
“We don’t think the title will be knocked off for some time,” smiles Bridgman. “I enjoy having the Guinness World Record certificate for Hornsea 2
next to my office and I look forward to having the same for Hornsea 3 soon.”
Currently, the project is going through a phase of complex onshore works that will bring power to the grid when energy is eventually produced out in the North Sea. The offshore site is 120km off the Norfolk coast. It’s a cold and remote location, with the Netherlands to the east, Yorkshire to the west, and Norway a long way north. Subsea cables will travel south, reaching the shore at Weybourne in north Norfolk before an onshore cable corridor transfers green power to a substation south of Norwich city centre.
Orsted has vast experience building substantial projects of this nature and understands the upheaval that comes with effective rollout. This is why it works with the world’s best and the
region’s best, whilst taking care to work closely with the local community.
Currently, Bridgman is happy with progress. From heavy infrastructure work at yards around the world, to cable manufacture in Europe, to digging in Norfolk, the team is advancing quickly.
“We are going very well,” he beams. “We started work on the highvoltage direct current (HVDC) system in 2022 and we are a long way ahead. Onshore is the main crux of work at the moment and our onshore converter station in Norwich is what we are busy with – erecting steelwork and foundations right now. That is where we will convert power from DC back to AC. We are largely out of the ground with the foundations and building structures above ground, and that is a big step in the right direction.”
On the cable route, carefully trenching and tunnelling through more
than 50km of rural agricultural land is a mammoth job. The preliminary work to gain permissions and approvals is itself a big task, then sourcing the correct contractors and materials is an international effort. The actual work happening on the ground is the next step in a multi-party, multi-skill, multi-geography effort.
“We are laying the ducts that cables are pulled into, and we have already started pulling the first cables. The length of cable is dictated by how much you can fit on a drum, how many drums you can fit on a truck, and how many specialist trucks you can get. Around every 1.5km you join the cable and we have transported a lot of the cables to site already. We’ve even had to make some special smaller drums to be able to fit under some low Victorian era bridges. The cables are manufactured in Sweden and shipped
into the Port of Boston in Lincolnshire before moving into Norfolk with a police escort the whole way for safety.
“We are also working on the interface between shore and sea, the horizontal directional drill (HDD) near Weybourne,” Bridgman adds. “The jack-up can currently be seen, sitting around 600m offshore, and it is there to receive the drill when it comes out of the water. In early 2026, we arrive with the vessel and pull the cables to connect onshore and offshore and that is exciting as it is one of the first major pieces of offshore work.”
Headquartered in Denmark, Orsted’s work engages an international supply chain and encourages global collaboration with UK suppliers playing an important part in delivery. Currently, manufacturing of various elements
is underway around the world and soon materials and equipment will head, through a tried and tested supply chain – to the UK North Sea.
“We are heavily into the manufacturing phase, right across the project,” explains Bridgman. “We are soon to begin manufacturing monopiles at the fabrication yard in Teesside where we will be the first customer to have monopiles from that factory. We also have a factory in Bilbao, and manufacturing will start there next year as well.
“At the same time, we are starting to make array cables in Italy and Greece,” he adds. “In Thailand, we are busy with two huge HVDC topsides. One is very mature and the other is coming out of the ground and not a long way behind.”
The first topside will sail from Thailand to Norway to be fitted out before heading to site in late Q1/
elements add interest and substance to our elements include the rounded square and be used to create a contemporary design and technological elements. They can be create patterns and textures.
early Q2 2026. From here, a major campaign will get underway offshore with Bridgman expecting a “very busy year” as export cables and monopiles are installed. Towards the end of 2026, turbines will start to arrive and be erected over a 12-month period, before commissioning and completion at the end of 2027.
project that demonstrates its scale.
terms of environment and community.
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During that time, a major Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) will also be installed alongside the onshore converter station. As demand for power rises and falls throughout the day, the immense energy produced not just by Hornsea 3, but by other renewables in the vicinity, will be stored and deployed appropriately through the use of a price-volatility busting BESS, delivered by Tesla Megapack.
“It will be a 600 MW/h battery –one of the biggest in Europe when delivered – co-located with the offshore windfarm, and that is exciting,” admits Bridgman of another element of the
“We are the first offshore windfarm to deliver a large-scale battery energy storage system co-located in this way and it will help balance energy infrastructure as we move through the green transition. It will help us, and help the government’s green energy ambition, while supporting safe and efficient operation of the grid. We are proud to deliver this battery system – it has to make financial sense for Orsted but as part of the energy transition we aim to support National Grid and Ofgem ensuring we have a very strong and secure energy system while we are in this transition period.”
Since the first offshore windfarm, Vindeby, was installed by Orsted in 1991, the company has been resolute in its approach. Always pushing boundaries and leaving a positive impact, but doing so in a respectful manner – both in
Across the onshore cable route, all farmlands will be completely remediated and, in many cases, improved.
“We are passionate about leaving a positive impact on the local community where we work,” says Bridgman, adding that the company works with the main contractors to employ a local supply chain where possible. Firms across Norfolk have been onboarded across civil works, surfacing, trenching, accommodation, and general labour. A Community Benefit Fund has also been established to support ongoing prosperity in the area – with the first grants being awarded in summer this year.
“We look to work on STEM schemes to ensure we build skills for the future and leave a positive legacy. We will spend £7 million over
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Continues on page 14
RPS has a long history of supporting developers in Offshore Wind – delivering smart solutions to their complex development goals. As offshore wind consultants, our breadth of services allows our teams to sit alongside our clients throughout the asset lifecycle, providing international standard advice. In 2023, RPS became part of Tetra Tech, a leading provider of consulting and engineering services worldwide.
We provide strategic communications and engagement strategy for the offshore wind sector. We work with you to identify audiences, articulate objectives and foster support for initiatives using mediums and forums specifically tailored to your organisational context and project type.
Navigating the complexities of multiple regulatory frameworks and stakeholder engagement needs specialist knowledge and experience. Getting this right can prevent your project from becoming tangled in unnecessary and expensive delays and escalating development and operating costs. RPS has advised on offshore energy projects for 40 years – our local expertise is backed by an international network to help clients navigate the nuances of increasingly complex regulatory landscapes.
The environmental assessment process for offshore wind can be complex and demanding. Our team of dedicated and experienced offshore wind Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) project managers are supported by a breadth of in-house technical specialists. This team comprises our problem solvers –working closely with our clients to find solutions to complex issues.
When you’re looking to apply international standards at a local level, it helps to engage with teams who have a wealth of international experience to back you up. Our teams have experience advising in a range of regulatory environments around the world and bring this experience to bear on projects, to provide confidence in the standard of advice provided.
Uncertainty regarding offshore ground conditions can introduce unwanted ambiguity to a development project – particularly during a competitive bidding process. RPS are acknowledged experts in the assessment and interpretation of ground conditions – reducing uncertainty and facilitating optimisation and informed decision-making.
We have specialists who design offshore geophysical and geotechnical surveys, metocean surveys and the full range of environmental surveys (onshore and offshore). We routinely sit alongside our clients, helping to procure and manage surveys as well as managing quality control and analysing outputs. Read more about our range of offshore surveys.
We work with clients to assess the risks from Unexploded Ordnance to their project sites before construction. For offshore wind development, we support wind farm developers, cable installation contractors and transmission system operators.
We provide high-quality and durable LiDAR buoys for the sitespecific long-term measurement of wind resource. Our buoy design is supported by decades of offshore measurement experience in the harshest environments, together with the application of industry-leading technology. Our buoys are environmentally friendly – they’ve been carefully designed with moorings that minimise seabed disturbance and marine life entanglement risk, which simplifies the permitting process.
Metocean forecasting for operations planning
We provide unique metocean forecasting that integrates site-specific, real-time measurements with advanced model predictions to provide high-quality forecasts. These improve significantly on traditional forecast products, providing our clients with better information on which to make important decisions.
Operating in complex ocean environments, offshore wind developers and contractors face a breadth of planning, implementation, and operational challenges. Already limited windows of opportunity for on-site construction and operational maintenance are often reduced by changing weather and uncertainty regarding MetOcean conditions. Effectively navigating this complex network of challenges requires integrated software systems, like RPS OceansMap, to ensure success.
Acting as EIA lead for Hornsea 1, 2 and 3 from 2011 to 2020 has given RPS’s specialists in consenting (otherwise known as permitting or approvals) a unique insight into how the approach to cumulative effects, a key risk for project consents, has developed – and continues to affect the offshore wind industry today.
As part of the Environmental Impact Assessment process in the UK, offshore wind developers need to consider the implications (impacts) of their projects on a wide range of environmental and socio-economic receptors (e.g. protected species, existing offshore and onshore industries and local communities). They must pay particular attention to the combined effects of other existing, planned or approved developments that could interact with the project, and result in greater effects on those receptors. The need for this process is set down in UK government policy, with the Secretary of State required to consider environmental, long-term and cumulative adverse impacts, as well as measures to avoid, reduce, mitigate and compensate for these, when making a consent decision.
The consent decision for Hornsea 3 in late 2020 came at a time when key changes in approach were needed to facilitate future offshore wind development in the UK. The major consenting challenges for UK offshore wind projects largely resulted from cumulative effects, so while these effects were not exclusive to Hornsea 3, how they were dealt with in consenting at the turn of the last decade can be seen as a defining moment for UK offshore wind.
Below, we look at some of the key consenting challenges faced by Hornsea 3 and other Round 3 leasing projects in the late 2010s, and steps taken by the industry since to address them.
Early Round 3 leasing projects identified a solution to the consenting challenge related to the cumulative noise effects of foundation piling on protected marine mammal species. This involved the use of a Site Integrity Plan to manage piling
operations in marine protected areas (Hornsea 2 was one of the first projects to use Site Integrity Plans). Site Integrity Plans are now commonplace in offshore wind applications and have since been included in the UK government’s National Policy Statement for Renewable Energy Infrastructure (EN-3) Since Hornsea 3 was consented, there have been further developments in this area, and RPS is currently supporting Defra/the UK government as it looks at further measures to manage underwater noise from piling to minimise cumulative effects on marine mammals and other species.
At the time of Hornsea 3 (and other Round 3 leasing project applications), the cumulative effects of cabling and the “squeeze for space” had become a key risk for consenting – both offshore in marine protected areas and onshore, with the potential for extended disruption to local communities. In some cases, these cumulative effects contributed to delays in consent decisions (e.g. Hornsea 3, Norfolk Vanguard and Norfolk Boreas). Since Hornsea 3, there have been several initiatives that have set out to address the cumulative effects of cabling and to ensure grid infrastructure is developed in a manner that is both environmentally sustainable and minimises disturbance to local communities. These include RPS’s work supporting National Grid on the Holistic Network Design and work undertaken by The Crown Estate to better understand and manage impacts in marine protected areas, in addition to more up to date advice from regulators and nature conservation bodies. These have led to innovative approaches to connecting offshore wind projects to the UK grid, including shared grid connections and greater collaboration between offshore wind developers on grid connections, including the first joint transmission application which RPS is supporting on, the Morgan and Morecambe Transmission.
Nicola Simpson Director of Offshore Renewables, EAME
This is probably one of the most contentious and high-profile consenting risks for UK offshore wind projects. Hornsea 3 was a game changer because it was the first project required to provide compensatory measures to offset the cumulative effects of offshore wind on bird populations. Many other projects followed suit soon after Hornsea 3 was granted consent.
Since the turn of the decade, the industry’s approach to ornithology compensation has shifted to a “strategic approach”, with greater collaboration between developers and government agencies to offset impacts from multiple projects on birds, and to provide greater combined benefits to protected birds. In addition, RPS is working with developers and regulators on studies aimed at getting better information on how offshore wind farms and birds interact, to reduce conservatism in impact assessments in the future.
Throughout the development of Hornsea 1, 2 and 3, coexistence with other sea users, in particular commercial fisheries and the offshore oil and gas industry, was a key consideration. While many issues in this vein boil down to commercial agreements between individual developments or organisations, the consenting process plays an important role in understanding what the impacts of offshore wind farms will be on these industries and identifying how they can effectively coexist. Proactive stakeholder engagement is essential to understand concerns, assess impacts and ultimately allow us to identify opportunities to work together for mutual benefit.
Since the successful Hornsea 3 consent decisions in 2020, RPS has been involved in some of the strategic initiatives to address pressing offshore wind challenges, including National Grid’s Holistic Network Design, work with The Crown Estate on the impact of cables and various projects with regulatory and nature conservation bodies (discussed above). We have also continued our leading role in offshore wind consenting in the UK, bringing our deep knowledge and experience of cumulative effects to three Round 4 Development Consent Order applications, the Berwick Bank offshore wind project and four ScotWind projects, including Ossian, the first large-scale floating offshore wind project in the world. Tetra Tech is also working with developers across the globe, bringing our learnings from the UK and internationally. Even if cumulative effects are less of an immediate risk in emerging markets, early planning and consideration of these issues will help to head off potential consenting delays in the future.
The work on cumulative effects is far from complete. It has continued to be key for Round 4 developments in the UK and will be so for future offshore wind leasing as we further utilise and share the sea bed with other users. This includes the upcoming Round 5 leasing round in the Celtic Sea, which will also need to consider cumulative effects from proposed offshore wind projects in the waters around the Republic of Ireland.
If you have any questions about cumulative effects or other support for the offshore wind industry, please reach out to Nicola Simpson,
Continued from page 10
the next 10 years in North Norfolk, along our cable route, and in parts of Suffolk – which we deploy through collaboration with parish councillors and business leaders with a focus on education,” says Bridgman. For fairness, Orsted and the Hornsea 3 team have employed a third party, Grantscape, to examine applications for funding and determine who is successful.
Orsted will also sponsor and support graduates in the green energy space from the local university – the University of East Anglia (UEA).
“We aim to leave the area and the communities in a better condition than when we arrived, and we want to be a strong partner with the groups we work with. This is at the heart of what we do and I believe it is important for companies such as Orsted to lead on this. We are genuine, we are deliberate, it is not about
box ticking, and we see it in places that we have worked in – places like Barrow and throughout the Humber region – where there is an enduring positive legacy,” Bridgman explains.
Bridgman, an electrical engineer, has been with Orsted for a decade, overseeing the electrical transmission system for the company’s major Race Bank windfarm, itself once one of the world’s largest. He worked on Hornsea 2 as the Deputy EPC Director before taking up the Managing Director position for Hornsea 3.
“I was lucky enough to join Orsted just as it began dominating the industry,” he says. “Since then, I have learnt a lot from really great people and I have always been on some of the world’s biggest, if not the biggest projects each time.”
Within Orsted, around 400 people work on the Hornsea 3 project, but
the wider network, across the supply chain, brings the employed number of people well into the thousands.
Bridgman expects in excess of 5000 people to be employed during construction and 1200 through the windfarm’s operational life. Right now, there is a lot of onshore engineering, but in 2026, he says, “activity will ramp up significantly offshore”.
It is not just in the UK that Orsted is ramping up development and delivery. In 2024, and over the next year, the company will build and generate more energy capacity than ever before. As of April this year, Greater Changhua 1 and 2a, Orsted’s first gigawatt-scale offshore wind farms outside Europe, were fully connected to the grid, producing enough renewable energy to power one million Taiwanese households a year. Borkum Riffgrund 3 is also currently under construction in the German North Sea, and will become Germany’s largest and first zero-subsidy offshore
windfarm. And recently, the Helena Energy Center in Texas was completed –a combined solar and wind project with 518 MW capacity. Orsted is also busy with the major Revolution and Sunrise Wind projects in the US Northeast and a number of other onshore projects across Germany, Ireland and the US.
“Orsted has the biggest pipeline of projects and the biggest track record of delivery in offshore wind. That means we have built very strong partnerships with the leading supply chain companies out there over many years. We use these relationships and our experience to derisk our execution as much as possible. With the constantly shifting external environment, this derisking is critical to our success as a company and on Hornsea 3. Certainty on our delivery, with safety as the absolute priority
is what we in the project need to always focus on,” says Bridgman.
In September, Orsted received UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) contract for difference (CfD) for Hornsea 4 as well as a portion of Hornsea 3 which was re-bid, along with other Round 4 projects. When complete, Hornsea 3 and, eventually, Hornsea 4 pending a final investment decision, will join Hornsea 1 and 2, creating the world’s largest offshore wind zone, unlocking cluster synergies and covering the power consumption of around five million UK homes.
Orsted’s ambition is to have built 35-38 GW of renewable capacity across all green energy technologies by 2030, including 20-22 GW in offshore wind capacity. Hornsea 3 will contribute, and Bridgman is enthusiastic.
“Our mission at Hornsea 3 is
‘to build the world’s single largest offshore wind farm, safer, leaner and greener than ever before’. It’s a special project for me,” he says, highlighting the diverse team of industry leading experts across technical, engineering, finance, commercial, operations; “it’s a very good place to be. You don’t deliver projects like this without having the world’s best people around you”.
As onshore work continues, and the larger offshore undertaking ramps up into the New Year, Orsted is again proving its ability on the global stage. Hornsea 3 is making its mark now and into the future.
PRODUCTION: David Hill & Zestec Renewable Energy
Zestec Renewable Energy is providing businesses with bespoke frameworks for the deployment of clean, green energy; originating, managing, and developing solutions that few others have the capability to undertake. CEO Simon Booth tells Energy Focus more about this unique offering.
//Since 1987, when LS1 (a single 3MW wind turbine) generated the first renewable power on the island of Orkney, the global renewable energy market has been growing exponentially. Through the oil crisis, privatisation, subsidies, and many economic peaks and troughs, clean energy has demonstrated its staying power.
The International Energy Agency predicts further growth of the renewable contribution to the mix, expecting “massive global growth”
in the next five years. The source at the heart of this expansion? Solar.
With an expected 80% of the global growth in renewables a result of investment into solar (4,400 GW), the industry is buoyant. Solar PV is recognised as the cheapest source of electricity globally, enjoying a bright spell as people look to nature to support growth.
Individuals are soaking up the sun’s power from PV installations on their homes, and businesses are now adopting solar from their
// ZESTEC IS A RENEWABLE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT BUSINESS, AND WE HAVE THREE PILLARS OF ACTIVITY. WE ORIGINATE, MANAGE, AND DEVELOP //
rooftops to power their buildings, with Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) consideration having become a top priority for large businesses, particularly in the commercial and industrial sectors. This shift is primarily driven by stakeholder perception, as customers, employees, investors, suppliers, communities and governments now place heightened importance on a company’s sustainability efforts. Zestec Renewable Energy was formed in 2017 specifically with the objective of providing solutions that offers businesses fully funded, clean energy solutions that deliver on energy and climate goals.
From headquarters in Bournemouth, the company supports a diverse range of commercial and
industrial customers with fully funded renewable energy solutions through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).
Zestec’s knowledgeable team provides a wealth of experience in delivering renewable projects across the UK, offering support at each step of the process, and as a result, building long-term valued relationships.
This is where Zestec’s expertise and transparent approach is invaluable. The company has experience developing and managing many different types of building, ground and car port schemes, and can advise clients, landlords and tenants on the optimum strategy to achieve their core objectives. To date, the Zestec team has racked up more than 100MW of behind-the-meter solar generation projects across the UK.
“Zestec is a renewable energy development business, and we have three pillars of activity. We originate, manage, and develop,” says coFounder and CEO, Simon Booth
“Our development team works with clients through an initial evaluation and feasibility phase with an objective of determining if and how we may be able to help them.
“In the development phase we take the project from the initial concept through to when the project is at a point where it is ready to construct. Working closely and in conjunction with our clients throughout this process alongside our network of Octopus Energy Generation (OEGEN) approved installation partners, ensures we can start generating energy for
our clients as quickly as possible.”
Traditionally, the company is well-known for its solar developments, with many brands opting for the safe hands of Zestec. Amazon, CoOp, Princess Yachts, Eden Project, Karcher, Bombardier, Decathlon and others with a significant ground footprint have partnered with Zestec to fuel clean electrification.
This type of work is applauded by the UK Government which set out a strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, including – as part of the Powering Up Britain energy security plan - 70 GW of solar energy by 2035.
Zestec was acquired by funds managed by Octopus Energy
Continues on page 22
SAS Energy, now proudly part of EDF Renewables, is a respected and experienced developer and installer within the solar PV sector. In the short time since the acquisition, we have installed 20 MW of clean energy projects across the UK, with over 45 megawatts of projects currently in development. Leveraging the untapped potential of commercial and industrial spaces, we are embarking on an exciting journey toward a more sustainable future.
In today’s investment climate, where project funding choices are often scrutinised, SAS Energy stands out with its flexible range of financing solutions, making solar projects accessible and affordable. Trusted for delivering best-in-class projects at competitive prices, we offer a strong return on investment and value for money. As part of the EDF Group, we combine deep industry expertise, providing end-to-end solar solutions from small-scale, client-funded projects to large, financed ventures. We offer tailored, turnkey services that integrate seamlessly with other EDF Energy & EDF Renewables offerings, including on-site and off-site solar, energy storage, EV charging, and heat pumps.
From design to installation and ongoing support, SAS Energy deliver comprehensive energy solutions that help businesses reduce costs, improve sustainability, and achieve energy resilience. Our commitment to quality and safety, paired with our proven track record, ensures we deliver exceptional results while building lasting, trusted relationships along the way.
For renewable energy companies, forming strong cross-industry partnerships play a critical role in driving the transition to clean energy. These collaborations drive innovation, expand resource-sharing, and lead to the development of new technologies that can accelerate our progress toward a greener future. By working together, diverse industries leverage each other’s strengths and create solutions that would be impossible to achieve otherwise.
The partnership between SAS Energy and Zestec Renewable Energy is just that; a strong relationship between two market-leading solar PV companies. While SAS Energy specialise in the design, construction, and management of energy projects, Zestec provides valuable insights into market trends, regulatory frameworks, and sustainability practices. Built around our shared commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, we combine our expertise to ensure that renewable energy installations are not only efficient but also compliant with the latest environmental standards.
Together, we have successfully delivered numerous large-scale renewable energy projects, empowering clients across various sectors. By focusing on creating sustainable environments, SAS Energy and Zestec demonstrate how strategic partnerships can drive positive change and foster a greener future for all.
Our joint efforts highlight the importance of renewable energy solutions in building resilient and eco-friendly infrastructures. SAS Energy and Zestec have been at the forefront of delivering major renewable energy schemes for one of the largest online retailers in the UK. We deployed over 22,968 solar panels across various sites, generating a remarkable 10.3 MW of clean energy, substantially reducing the retailer’s carbon footprint. The combined capacity of these solar installations is enough to power approximately 3,146 average UK homes, mitigating 1,976 tonnes of CO 2 emissions, showcasing the potential of renewable technologies in transforming energy consumption for large-scale businesses.
We look forward to continuing this successful partnership and are excited to be part of a market that is reshaping success by integrating economic, social, and environmental factors into performance evaluation.
“It’s positive a sign of a maturing industry that key players such as SAS and Zestec are able to form such a strong strategic partnership. A mutual respect between two experienced and capable teams together with a grown-up and transparent approach to competitive opportunities means we are able to collaborate powerfully and deliver impressive projects together. Both organisations are passionate about driving forwards standards, policy and quality across the industry and we do that best with a collaborative approach: great teams with a client-focused approach going about their mission the right way.”
Toby Smith, Chief Operating Officer, Zestec Renewable Energy
We believe in the power of collaboration, working closely with our partners to ensure every project is a resounding success. From engineering to procurement of materials, and through construction and commissioning, we take pride in owning every step of the journey. But our commitment doesn’t stop there—we’re dedicated to maintaining the asset throughout its entire lifecycle, ensuring it thrives long after completion.
“Over the past five years, SAS Energy has built a strong and successful partnership with Zestec, working together to deliver high-quality solar PV projects. Our collaboration is grounded in mutual trust, shared expertise, and a commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions. As we continue to innovate and grow in the renewable energy sector, our relationship with Zestec remains a key driver of success in our mission to make clean energy more accessible.”
Matthew Foster, Operations & Construction Director, SAS Energy EDF Renewables’ C&I solar division
Continued from page 19
Generation (OEGen) in January 2022. Established in 2010, OEGen has become one of Europe’s leading and most experienced investors in renewable energy generation. The OEGen portfolio of energy investments has an enterprise value of over £6.7billion and a capacity of more than 3.5GW deployed across 17 energy generation technologies including solar PV, onshore wind, offshore wind, biomass in the UK, Ireland, Germany, Sweden, Finland, Poland, Spain, and France. Giving further credence to the organisation, OEGen is part of Octopus Energy (OE), a sister company. OE is a global clean energy tech business, driving the affordable, green energy
system of the future. OE has in excess of 7.7m customers across eight countries and was valued at over $7.8bn in the latest funding round in December 2023.
In July, Amazon announced that it had reached an ambitious 100% renewable energy target seven years earlier than initially forecast. The target was to meet the electricity consumed in data centres, corporate buildings, grocery stores and fulfilment centres with clean power, in full, by 2030. But Chief Sustainability Officer, Kara Hurst said efforts will continue beyond this goal: “Our teams will remain ambitious and continue to do what is right for our business, our customers, and the planet. That is why we will continue investing in solar and
wind projects, while also supporting other forms of carbon-free energy, like nuclear, battery storage, and emerging technologies that can help power our operations for decades to come.”
In the UK, Zestec continues to support Amazon’s push to install its own on-site, behind the meter solar PV systems.
“Amazon itself is a very experienced renewable energy organisation, and we are working with a global team, requiring exacting safety and quality standards. We have developed a valuable collaborative ethos around how we work with them – through a partnership approach rather than just the traditional suppliercustomer,” says Simon Booth.
The result of the partnership so
Power of the sun: A bright partnership between Inspired PLC and Zestec
Inspired PLC is the UK’s leading commercial energy and sustainability advisor with a dedicated in-house technical services team, while Zestec funds, develops and manages high-quality renewable energy assets. Joining forces made sense.
Andrew Hunter, Head of Sales for Inspired PLC’s Technical Services team commented: “Our collaboration really began to develop back in 2020 when both parties were looking for partners to develop their proposition in the UK C&I sectors.
“Over time, our relationship has grown into a mutually beneficial partnership based on openness and high-quality workmanship. One of our recent success stories was the Jones Food Company’s solar energy project at their site in Lydney. This project led to the installation of a 710 kWp rooftop solar PV system during the development of the world’s largest vertical farm.”
As part of this partnership, Inspired PLC supports Zestec in providing solar PPA solutions to the UK Commercial and Industrial sectors.
A solar power purchase agreement is a financing arrangement that allows businesses, government agencies and educational institutions to purchase solar power with no upfront capital cost.
A long-term energy contract between a corporate customer and a renewable power generator/developer, PPAs are becoming an increasingly popular choice for businesses seeking to decarbonise and reduce OpEx costs.
When an Inspired client prefers a PPA solution over a capital expenditure purchase, Inspired introduces them to Zestec.
From there the collaboration begins to make the client’s bespoke PPA solution a reality. Inspired’s Technical Services team provides engineering, procurement and construction services to build large-scale solar PV installations, while Zestec organises funding of the project and charges the client for the electricity they consume from the solar system at a discounted rate from grid tariffs.
As the partnership between the two companies has progressed, the Inspired team has designed, supplied and installed systems on projects beyond their customer base.
Andrew added: “With several projects already successfully completed, a significant number of projects currently in development and a large pipeline in early-stage commercial discussions, this partnership is only going to grow further and we look forward to delivering more successful projects together in the coming years.”
far is a brilliant example of the Zestec edge – rooftop solar across 11 UK sites, implemented under the fully funded Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) model with capital provided by funds managed by OEGen.
“As with programmes of this nature, there have been challenges along the way, but we have worked together, using both organisations’ skills and experiences, to build a portfolio of high-quality systems that our asset management team will be actively managing for the long term.”
In the medium term, both companies are looking at new
technologies and new innovations that will help Amazon reach its goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2040 – a full decade ahead of the Paris Agreement, a legally binding international treaty on climate change by the UN Climate Change Conference (COP21). Currently, funding of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and EV charging projects are at the forefront of Booth’s agenda.
“Certain sites energy demand ramps up later in the day and as a result they are not harnessing all of the available solar generation in the morning. Being able to store
// WE HAVE A TRANSPARENT APPROACH THAT HELPS CLIENTS NAVIGATE THEIR WAY THROUGH THE ENERGY TRANSITION //
the energy in a BESS and making it available later in the day could deliver enhanced benefits to the site. We are refining our fully funded solar and BESS proposition to allow it to be applicable to sites with this type of operating profile where generation/ consumption patterns align.”
This is a key differentiator, Zestec is more than just a renewable energy company or a financing partner. At the heart of Zestec is shared growth, and a desire to help clients find the best solution rather than a general, one-size-fits-all solution for powering their business.
“Our approach is balanced, and we want to get to know our clients,” Simon smiles. “Funded solar may not be the right solution for everyone. We make an effort to educate our clients through the process before
they make any decisions. It’s important all decisions are well-informed and deliver on the client objectives.
“Our team, culture and ethos is very important,” he adds, saying that Zestec often becomes an extension of the client. “We have a transparent approach that helps clients navigate their way through the energy transition. How we position ourselves, the language that we use, and the way in which our teams interact through every stage of customer engagement, reinforces our ethos.”
In May, the success of the Zestec culture was confirmed as the company was named as one of the Sunday Times 2024 Best Places to Work.
Simon, who worked in various corporate positions before founding Renewable Energy Investments in
2011 and then launching Zestec in 2017, puts part of the company’s success down to a carefully designed supply chain through which Zestec has built strong partnerships.
He says that as the company diversifies its proposition across the energy transition, the supply chain will be more important than ever before as clients demand transparency, quality, efficiency and responsibility.
Responsible sourcing is a business practice that involves sourcing products and services in a way that is ethical, environmentally sustainable, and socially conscious. It’s a way for businesses to ensure that their practices don’t negatively impact the environment or people and instead, can have a positive impact.
“Our supply chain is broad and experienced,” Simon adds. “Considering installation partners on a typical rooftop
project, they will largely undertake the development activities predominantly in-house, along with a carefully selected and managed group of their own approved contractors. Where we work on larger ground mount or car port schemes, where additional specialist skills are required, we have another network of partners including electrical network engineers via our sister business Eclipse Energy, planning consultants and technical advisors.”
Quality and responsible sourcing are the supreme deciders when it comes to capital investment in Zestec and Octopus projects. Solar panels, made in China from silicon, are typically recognised as the industry’s most competitive; But Zestec is not prioritising price over responsible sourcing.
“Solar module procurement is an incredibly important component
to us and our clients and OEGen has developed its own panel procurement policy which places the highest requirements and demands on manufacturers,” says Simon. “OEGen is a member of the Solar Stewardship Initiative across Europe which is aimed at driving a more responsible, transparent, and sustainable solar value chain.”
When selecting module manufacturers for each project, there is a non-negotiable requirement for full traceability across their value chain, with documentary evidence to be provided.
“We can’t just have manufacturers that say they do it, they must prove it and deliver clear supporting evidence.
“We have projects being developed with the Eden Project, Co-op, Tesco, M&S, and more, and traceability and continuous
improvement of ESG performance is incredibly important to us all – it’s an inherent requirement to build the confidence of the solar value chain.”
Zestec is also supporting the exciting development of OEGen’s commercial and industrial global platform which is designed to provide a one-stop-shop for businesses across Europe to meet their net zero carbon and renewable energy targets. “France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Portugal are all areas currently being developed,” says Simon. “These geographies are areas where OEGen has an interest and a desire to expand its footprint, and our role is to provide a framework and structure, essentially using the ‘Zestec platform’, and embed that into the way they develop in each country.”
With renewables growing in Europe to 44.7% of all generation in
2023, and solar installations for the year adding 55.9 GW (40% up on 2022), the market is buoyant. For Zestec, solar and the wider renewable space offer the perfect opportunity for companies to clean up their generation, doing so in an affordable and sustainable manner that brings assets into their control. Clearly, this is a business making the transition possible in a way that those who installed LS1 could only have imagined.
PRODUCTION: David Hill
The Port of Tórshavn energises the Faroe Islands through trade and travel. A large construction project to modernise and upgrade the passenger and cargo terminals is underway, and CEO Hanus Mikkelsen tells Energy Focus more about the impact of the port on the wider region.
//Strategically positioned between Norway, Iceland, and Scotland, the Faroe Islands is a North Atlantic hub for trade, transport and tourism. The islands are powered by a mix of hydroelectric, other renewables, and traditional fossil fuels . And the gateway to the islands - the heartbeat of the self-governing nation - is the Port of Tórshavn (PoT ). Through this perfectly located harbour, trade flows and the Faroe Islands are energised.
Serving a population of more than 50,000, the national port connects into other regional transport hubs to provide a comprehensive service for a nation that relies heavily on imports. Faroe Ship and Smyril Line are key organisations in the trade environment. Nestled in the south of Streymoy - the largest of 18 islands that make up the archipelagothe Port of Tórshavn looks south from its seat at the bottom of Húsareyn, with nothing between it and the Shetland Islands, some 300 miles away.
But, despite its isolation, the port is well connected to Denmark, Iceland, Norway, and the rest of Europe. Welcoming cruise ships, collecting import trade, handling all exports, and servicing boats and vessels of all kinds, PoT is a critical infrastructure asset.
A major project is underway right now to modernise and upgrade the site, with a new passenger and cargo terminal being constructed to streamline traffic and bring efficiency to logistics on the port.
CEO Hanus Mikkelsen, a maritime industry veteran with experience from around the world, tells Energy Focus that the current project will cap off a busy period and lead to further investment in the future.
“We started the project in June 2024 and it is progressing wel l,” he says. “We expect to be complete by summer 2026 for the cruise season where we have 50 or 60 vessels every year. The new passenger terminal will receive the national ferry that sails between
Denmark, Iceland and the Faroe Islands. We are also shuffling activities across the entire area and one of two of the major operators operating on the terminal will have a new pipeline to handle cargo and logistics.”
Two years ago, the port completed an impressive upgrade – the largest harbour expansion ever in the Faroes – adding new quayside areas to accommodate larger vessels.
“We are still in the process of finalising the area but with this new terminal we should come close to completing the entire port so that logistics can run smoother and more efficient than it is today,” explains Mikkelsen.
“Construction is happening and the groundwork is being done right now. The building elements are arriving soon, and they will start to be mounted on the pier. It will include the cargo hub and the passenger terminal in one building.”
In 2024, the Faroe Islands enjoyed success receiving cruise liners with
around 25,000 passengers disembarking at PoT and only three ships cancelling visits. In 2025, amidst construction of the new terminal, 30,000 passengers from 52 ships are already confirmed.
PoT joined the Environmental Port Index (EPI) in February 2024, collecting valuable insight on the environmental impact of the cruise ship industry. Membership will mandate arriving vessels to record their data in a shared system, encouraging the uptake of knowledge-based improvement from an environmental standpoint.
The Faroe Islands is proud of its natural beauty and environmental biodiversity. In fact, the region sits in some of the world’s cleanest seas with legislation in place to protect the marine environment.
For Mikkelsen, the challenge now is to continue growing business at the port while satisfying environmentally conscious customers and keeping trade moving.
“It is the major hub for cargo import and export for the region,” he details. “Recently, it is more import than export - we have around 800,000 tons of goods coming through our quaysides with 550,000 imported and the rest exported.”
To power such an operation, renewable energies are being explored as long-term replacements for legacy infrastructure, but the new passenger and cargo terminal is the immediate priority. And any future energy plan must be realistic for the Faroe Islands.
Not an EU member and semiindependent from Denmark, raising finances for large installation projects is a challenge.
“For small vessels, we are already providing shore power to a certain extent, but for bigger vessels there is not a business case for a port of our size. It is a challenge, and if we must make the entire investment from our side then the entire business case will never work out. It would undermine our sustainability economically if it
doesn’t make sense,” states Mikkelsen. Currently, electricity from the main power stations on the island comes in the form of imported fossil fuels, hydro, and a contribution from wind, all managed by SEV – the national operator owned by the municipalities that make up the Faroe Islands. Energy infrastructure is still being built to underpin the shift to renewables as
Faroe Ship is part of the Eimskip group, a leading transportation company in the North Atlantic with connections to International markets that is specialized in worldwide freight forwarding services, with the vision of providing excellence in transportation solutions and services. Eimskip runs a network of 60 offices in 20 countries, operates 21 vessels and has around 1,700 employees.
Faroe Ship is the leading freight and logistic company, handling the majority of the sea freight import to the Faroe Islands. We offer a full range of services in transport for imports, putting the customer needs first.
Our focus is on providing quality services at all times, whether it is pre-carriage abroad, services at ports, at sea, shipping fleet, domestic transportation, warehousing, or distribution of goods or services in connection with transport.
Faroe Ship Agency is built on a foundation of experience and strong networks.
Since 1919, we have offered our services to all vessel types: oil tankers, cargo vessels, naval ships, cruise ships, fishing vessels etc.
Our energetic and dedicated team handles everything from short port stays to full service with complicated logistical assignments.
Being part of this cluster of many companies enables us to deliver a unique package of services.
well as accommodating the general electrification of the islands.
“We are doing what is possible, but the electrification of the city is not yet ready and we will need to wait before we can fully electrify operations,” says Mikkelsen adding that by 2028 or 2029, PoT might be ready to go further and electrify the total extent of operations for the future.
The reason for planning to electrify is to satisfy demand. Ship builders around the world are already
We offer:
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We are serving all ports in the Faroe Islands, having terminals in Tórshavn, Klaksvík and Tvøroyri.
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Faroe Ship Agency is a member of the North Atlantic Agency network, cooperating with shipping agent partners in the North Atlantic region in order to offer optimal services throughout the region. The network has extensive experience working in the harsh environment of the North Atlantic and Arctic regions.
launching electric-powered ferries, cruise vessels, and support ships, with alternative fuels also being trialled. When this worldwide trend becomes mainstream, the Faroe Islands and PoT will have to embrace changes.
“The cars on the piers are becoming electrified. We are looking at electrification of tools and cranes wherever available,” Mikkelsen comments. “There are new builds scheduled to be delivered in the next couple of years to the line that
connects Europe and the Faroe Islands and Iceland. They are prepared for alternative fuel, including methanol. They are also looking for shore power, with an entire chain that is electrified with renewable energy.”
But for modern fuels - including ammonia, methanol, hydrogen – there is no production on the Faroe Islands. PoT’s bunkering capability is of a good standard but is limited in capacity.
Continues on page 32
Founded in 1919, Faroe Ship offers total solutions in transport, built around their dependable and efficient transport system in the North Atlantic and transport forwarding around the world. The Faroe Islands is a transport hub in the North Atlantic.
Faroe Ship has terminals and warehouses in Tórshavn, Klaksvík, and Tvøroyri and also owns the largest and most modern truck fleet on the islands for domestic transportation.
Faroe Ship handles the majority of the seaborne export from the Faroe Islands, most of which is fresh, frozen, and dry fish and seafood
Faroe Ship is the most complete solution for domestic trucking in the Faroe Islands. Our white trucks are visible everywhere on the islands
Faroe Express is the freight forwarding department of Faroe Ship that handles express shipments to and from the North Atlantic region
Faroe Ship can offer cold store facilities on three different locations on the Faroe Islands with a total capacity of +40.000 m2
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Continued from page 30
“Our islands are small,” admits Mikkelsen, “and, if the industry goes down the route of ammonia or methanol as an energy source, we would need to produce here, which would mean plastering wind turbines all over and that isn’t going to happen. We are still exploring opportunities and we don’t yet have a clear path forward as a nation. We have a plan for households and consumption on land, but for ships we need more exploration.”
He adds that finance is now the critical part of energising for the future and without at least a comprehensive plan for renewable energy and modern alternative fuels for a changing shipping industry then some business could be lost.
Innovation here is forcibly rife. Because of the remote location, the Faroe Islands and its ports have been required
to invent. That is why you will find a world-class tunnelling industry here, building some of the world’s largest tunnel projects to connect the islands. There is also a world-class fishing operation and a growing sustainable tourism industry that displays consistent improvement and novelty. A seawater heating system has been installed at PoT to heat around 22,000 m2 of buildings, and new private companies are looking at alternative energies to satisfy their own growing demand for electricity.
However, growth for the sake of growth is not part of the plan at PoT. There is a need for efficeicny and driving down waste across all aspects, and that is part of the driver behind the new passenger and cargo terminal.
“We split the port area into east and west, and cargo and passenger is on the eastern part with the old terminal remaining for at least another couple of years while construction is completed. The national ferries will still call at the old passenger terminal, and we will use
it for passengers who are transported around the island,” says Mikkelsen.
“We have been growing slowly over the last three decades and the amount of cargo has quadrupled in that time . We expect to double the amount of cargo moving through the port in the next 25 years, and we need to have the logistics in place so that we can be efficient with cargo handling and keep our customers happy,” he adds.
Import and export activity is crucial as the economy looks to continue on a growth path, and the port is an engine of growth. Positioning the port as a streamlined, easy, fast point of contact for the rest of Europe is, like anywhere else, vital.
“The entire region has developed dramatically over the last two decades,” says Mikkelsen. “We have been expanding the port as society has developed. Fortunately, we have been able to keep enough capacity, and that has allowed us to support growth. Without this port, the Faroe
Islands would be totally different.”
He says that, across the total 400,000 m2, there is minimal extra space available for expansion and this situation also requires innovation.
Fortunately, PoT remains busy throughout the year. There is no slowdown for this heartbeat of the
// THIS IS A PORT WHERE YOU CAN DO EVERYTHING – SHIP REPAIR, BUNKERING, FISHING GEAR, LANDING OR DISCHARGING, CARGO AND PASSENGER OPERATIONS. WE ARE A ONE-STOP-SHOP //
North Atlantic. The business has been carefully organised so that it is underpinned by the country’s key economic pillar – aquaculture – but it is also a conscious contributor to economic development through tourism, energy, trader, and more.
“This is a port where you can do everything – ship repair, bunkering, fishing gear, landing or discharging, cargo and passenger operations. We are a one-stop-shop and we have the provisions for every vessel. We have a unique situation and that is what helps us,” reiterates Mikkelsen.
Going forward, the CEO is keen to streamline further, removing complexity and inefficiency, creating one of the most capable and wellorganised ports in the region that lives up to the city’s mantra of marrying tradition with innovation.
“We look forward to completing the construction and then organising
the port to ensure logistical planning that services clients efficiently,” he says. “That will be our focus for the next few years with the transition to new sources of energy in the pipeline next.
“We have grown the harbour area and developed facilities very well to accommodate the cargo in and out of the port. Now, we must automate, electrify, and systemise the entire maintenance programme of the port, and that will be my focus for the next five years.”
If this progress can be maintained, the port, city, and nation will thrive. And this will help to drive change for the better in the cold, remote, and clean North Atlantic.
PRODUCTION: David Hill
The Victoria Group is investing in electrification, hydrogen power, sustainability, and circularity.
As big-name customers put out the call for emissions reductions through their supply chains, this is a group that can answer. Director Steve Marshall talks to Energy Focus about an exciting time for this historic organisation.
//With six strategic ports positioned across the UK, the Victoria Group is an operation of national importance. Through its gateways arrive critical materials to keep industry running. Exiting its harbours go Great British exports for markets all over the world. The Port of Seaham, Mersey Wharf, Port of Boston, Sharpness Dock, Corporation Wharf, and Victoria Wharf are engines of economic activity for the country.
But as the energy transition continues, and environmental targets edge ever closer, those moving through Victoria Group’s territory are asking for new and different. Customers want cleaner, greener, more efficient. They demand that the company does its bit to reduce environmental challenges as part of a much wider ecosystem.
“We have the understanding and responsibility, and we demonstrate to our customers
that we are taking this seriously,” stresses Director, Steve Marshall
To bring improvement and enhancement to the group – in line with the needs of the industry – Marshall is driving a new campaign labelled ‘Future Facing’. This project is more than a single investment or a baseless boast.
“Our customers are demanding more from us and we certainly want to deliver,” says Marshall, a versatile industry leader with extensive
experience in senior management for the Royal Navy. “Environmentally, we absolutely do not want to be behind the curve because we know that will come with a bigger financial burden.”
The relatively small familyowned company has already started making an impact, and Future Facing has delivered impressive results.
The campaign is focused on environmental improvements that benefit the organisation and its efficiencies. From electrification to modernisation of equipment to emissions reduction, Future Facing impacts the entire Victoria Group.
Marshall says the group had to understand its current position and map where it wanted to get to. Working alongside customers, industry bodies,
and local government the Victoria Group quickly devised a strategy that would provide maximum impact.
“We have been working really hard and investing heavily in solar, across every port,” explains Marshall. “That hasn’t happened overnight. The different arrays total around 740kw of power over five sites. And we are transmitting any surplus generated green energy back to the grid.”
This investment has helped reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions across operations, and the group has a number of other initiatives that feed into this goal. New transportation solutions, new crane power, efficiency investments, and investments into electrification and sustainability are also part of the Future Facing project.
Across its fleet of haulage trucks, the company has invested in new Euro
VI diesel engines, vastly improving on the traditional diesel offering. Loaders have been fitted with mini hydrogen plants to remove NOX emissions by >60% and particulate soot by >90%.
Fishing vessels have also been tasked with ‘fishing for litter’ collecting litter and ghost nets from around the fishing grounds and harbour, with Victoria Group organising safe and responsible disposal. New low emissions cranes have also been installed in a significant investment, desktop PCs have been replaced with laptops, all Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) monitors have been removed, and all lighting will soon be LED. At the same time, the company has put in place smart monitoring to keep careful track of energy consumption.
“All of the ports we operate
Continues on page 38
5 Premier League Football Grounds
Power Stations
Tungsten Mines
Various Industrial Buildings
Qualified in Asbestos Removal
Continued from page 36
in have seen vast investment in their handling equipment, this has revolutionised our ability and energy footprint,” says Marshall. “Liebherr are forward thinking with their reduced emissions. We now have one crane that can do the job of two older cranes delivering higher efficiency. We save more than 50% of the fuel and these cranes are much more efficient.”
Longer-term, the plan is for widespread electrification of the
quays across all ports to allow for charging of vessels as Scope 3 emissions are addressed.
“Electric cranes are still not yet feasible and we expect these new cranes to be used for around 15 years while we continue with wider electrification projects,” Marshall admits. “We are also looking at battery storage which is challenging because of the life and price of the battery.”
Currently, a feasibility study is underway to chart the course for full electrification. “We are looking at Scope
3 specifically. We want to give vessels the ability to plug in,” confirms Marshall.
“The environmental benefit remains high for us and we are engaging with Net Zero Marine to understand how we best go about that. But this could address Scope 3 for us.”
To ensure long-term sustainability and security as a leading supply chain provider and port operator, Victoria Group regularly invests in infrastructure, beyond the Future Facing campaign,
A leading supply chain provider with six port facilities across the UK, the Victoria Group is an operation of national importance and a key partner to countless organisations.
As a result, the port operator is also at the forefront to exceed evolving expectations as energy transition continues and organisations examine their supply chains as part of their decarbonisation ambitions.
Enter Inspired PLC. The UK’s leading commercial energy and sustainability advisor was invited to offer Victoria Group suggestions of energy saving measures with a carbon reduction benefit.
After a thorough estate-wide review, Inspired’s Technical Services team suggested a Solar PV solution for five sites spread across the UK. The five arrays totalled 770kWp and would generate between 15% and 35% of each site’s annual import volume.
Liam Reed, Director of Technical Services at Inspired PLC, commented: “Helping continuously operating ports to harness the full benefits of a solar power solution was an interesting challenge for the team from the outset.
“Each system was designed to optimise the volume of solar power utilised on site, providing the best financial return for any exported power.”
As part of this process, DNO connection agreements were submitted and structural surveys undertaken. System sizes and configurations were then reviewed considering DNO restrictions, and the systems re-optimised.
Delivering a solar project under the working conditions of a live sea port could have been far from plain sailing. Therefore, installation programmes were carefully crafted around material lead times and busy port operations.
However, despite challenging weather and site conditions, the Inspired team commissioned the projects on time.
This was not the end, however. Since commissioning the Inspired team has been monitoring array performance online to ensure optimal generation.
Steve Marshall, Director of Victoria Group, commented: “The Group is showcasing its drive toward decarbonisation, ‘Future Facing’, a campaign focused on wider environmental improvements and efficiencies and Solar PV forms part of that course to net zero.
“We are proud of our investment and involvement with Inspired to support green, renewable energy to our sites, this investment has helped reduce Scope 2 emissions across all our operations.”
Liam added: “A solar solution can play a powerful role in an organisation’s decarbonisation ambitions. When this organisation is a supply chain partner, the impact carries a further ripple effect.
“We look forward to continuing to support the Victoria Group as they strive to be a greener link in the chain for the benefit of their partners.”
to ensure the smooth and efficient flow of goods through its gateways.
“The solar project has been large and expensive,” admits Marshall. “One of our largest arrays is in the Port of Boston, but also at that port there is a flood defence scheme which is ongoing. The goal at completion is for Boston to not flood for 100 years.”
This project will help to protect 14,000 properties as well as the harbour area and all of its assets. A multi firm development sees improvements to existing infrastructure including a 300 tonne, 25m-wide rising sector gate and miles of steel sheet piles to reinforce river embankments. In 2013, Boston was flooded causing major stress, damage, and impact on life and business.
At Seaham Harbour, inner dock gates are currently being upgraded, and the outer dock gates are planned for
upgrade next year. Currently, Victoria Group is vital in the supply chain for a number of big-name manufacturers. “We handle bulk including itemised dry bulk, break bulk etc. It differs in every port. And that is why our facilities must be top class,” says Marshall.
“Across all of these projects we are spending millions of pounds,” he explains, adding that over the past few years 50% of outgoing product at Boston have been moved from road to rail to make further emissions savings and improve in-transit times for customers.
Despite the history and heritage that is soaked into the sites within the Victoria Group, there is a clear and obvious willingness to look forward, changing and adapting at all times to improve for the benefit of customers. Becoming greener and
cleaner, and putting sustainability at the bow of all decision making, allows Victoria Group to fly its flag high.
“We must be environmentally attractive to our customers,” concludes Marshall. “We have vast competition and our customers are striving for a greener and better future. Our emissions are ours, but we know we fit into shipping Scope 1. We know our part, and we now know how we can contribute. We continue to do that effectively and that will not change.”
The more our customers ask for change, the more Victoria Group will explore. Marshall is confident, and the group remains buoyant in difficult times.
PRODUCTION: David Hill
Switzerland’s Enerproject continues to engineer some of the world’s best gas compression solutions displaying almost 30 years of experience. GM Business Development, Vito Notari tells Energy Focus more about the company’s unique but wide-ranging offering, and its strategy for ongoing growth.
//In 2023, the Global Innovation Index found for the 13th consecutive year that Switzerland is a global leader in innovation, encouraging pioneering thinking through a highly skilled workforce, world-class research capability, many patent applications, and a strong support for business from the state. This environment supports entrepreneurialism and technological development, and it is against this backdrop that a global expert in industrial technology has grown.
Over the past three decades, Enerproject has made its name as one of the world’s foremost manufacturers of gas compressor packages and associated technology. With certification from numerous global industry bodies, Enerproject’s work is proven,
and its technology is verified.
Recent projects have seen Enerproject busy around the world, in Thailand, Australia, USA, China, Norway, Vietnam, Turkey and more as the company continues to build on its already sterling reputation for quality, reliability, and technical knowhow.
According to Enerproject’s GM Business Development, Vito Notari, the company has set it sights on energy transition products in the gas space, while also driving collaboration in new geographic markets.
Notari knows about growing the business. He spent over a decade developing business across energy and oil and gas. And in his time at Enerproject he has developed the orderbook significantly.
“The company was born and
grew in the provision of fuel boosters for gas turbines – this was the main product. We still excel in this area but in 2015 we decided to create a new business development department
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for customer applications including helium, CO2, ammonia, LNG and more.”
As a leader in fuel gas compression packages for power generation plants, Enerproject has grown its expertise to deliver solutions for oil and gas, petrochemical, refrigeration, renewable energy and biogas. More recently, the company has entered upcoming industries that are paving the way for the future including hydrogen, helium, LNG and CCU and CCUS applications.
By 2023, more than 700 units had been built at Enerproject’s facility in Ticino, in southern Switzerland. Successful installations around the world have driven customers to ask modern questions of Enerproject, and Notari says the company has used its in-depth engineering
knowledge combined with innovative spirit to develop solutions.
“We are a leading packager of gas compressors for industry, that is not debated,” he says. “We work with any type of compressor – methane, ammonia, CO2, LNG etc. We focus on three key markets – power generation where we provide fuel boosters for gas turbines or gas engines of any size. Second is the maritime industry where we provide different type of compressors for LNG. Also, in closed loop or open cycle ammonia compressors with CO2 capture projects is where we can provide CO2 or mixed refrigerant compressors.
“Another big market is helium compression which we compress for scientific and research purposes applications,” he adds.
The company can provide
compressors of any size, from small and convenient to large oil-based systems. Installation, commissioning, after-sales, troubleshooting, and ongoing maintenance are all included as part of the package for clients, and Enerproject is often able to monitor
// WE CAN WORK WITH ANY COMPANY AND WE ARE HAPPY TO INVEST TIME TO UNDERSTAND
APPLICATIONS AND OPPORTUNITIES IN
THE
MARKET THROUGH NEW PRODUCTS //
remotely. This can reduce unnecessary maintenance and therefore offer an overall lower cost through the lifecycle
“Considering the business opportunities and trends, ammonia as a fuel is something everyone is talking about. We have developed a specific product for this market and it is an area we want to focus on in the coming years,” confirms Notari.
“There is also a lot of talk about carbon capture, but few projects have been realised. We have developed our solution for that market and there is ongoing promotion.”
Using a modular approach to technology integration, fitting carbon capture units will eventually allow the compressors to be considered low-carbon, and Notari is keen to build on this in markets where the company sees potential for further growth.
“We started in Europe because we
are based here,” he says, “but we have a strong presence in southeast Asia. We are strong in the Middle East and pushing more to get into the US market. We are already generating interest there, but we are looking for additional contacts in the power generation space with innovation at the front of mind.”
In the market for critical equipment in power generation, there is no margin for error. Health and safety standards are globally recognised, and quality is non-negotiable. To ensure its excellence continues, and the brand’s key value of customer satisfaction is upheld, Notari explains that a lot of work goes into building last relationships with reputable suppliers with a shared vision of superiority.
“We have strategic partnerships and approved vendors in our supply
chain across what is a regularly checked relationship where we analyse quality, price, delivery etc. It’s all about quality and we are very focussed on maintaining that throughout our execution,” he says.
“We work a lot with EPC contractors, and also the end users. They all bring us opportunities and we enjoy becoming part of a larger team. We can work with any company and we are happy to invest time to understand applications and opportunities in the market through new products,” he adds. “We are a medium-sized company and so the resources are limited. We have to use them carefully and we cannot afford any wastage. We are all about opportunities that create further opportunities rather than singular transactions.”
The after sales team is responsible for ongoing maintenance of complex
Hydrogen energy may be clean and powerful, but it’s not without hazards. H2 requires a very low level of energy to ignite – in fact, only a tenth of the energy that gasoline needs. It burns extremely hot, with a flame that’s invisible to the human eye. It also combusts extremely quickly, building up enormous explosive energy.
That’s why hazardous areas where technical precautions can be found in any location where Hydrogen is present – whether it’s being made, transported, stored or used. In some cases, the transition from a traditional fuel to Hydrogen only changes the type or severity of an already existing hazardous area. R. STAHL can help by revising all existing safety infrastructures for the special requirements of Hydrogen, such as its volatility and aggressive corrosivity. In other cases, however, implementing Hydrogenbased technologies will create hazardous areas where there weren’t any before – requiring a partner with considerable experience in building bespoke explosion protection systems for any possible application. And that’s just what we do.
R. STAHL has the technologies that prevent Hydrogen from being a hazard, the certifications to install them around the globe, and the knowhow to customise any solution to your precise requirements, whatever they may look like. So go ahead and make the world green. We’ll be there to support you and make it safe.
WHY IS R. STAHL THE BEST PARTNER FOR YOUR HYDROGEN FUTURE?
• R. STAHL has decades of experience in explosion protection for Hydrogen-based industries, and a broad range of products and services to show for it.
• R. STAHL can design and build any system you require from scratch to meet your precise requirements without compromising on safety – and we can revise any existing safety architecture in the same way.
• R. STAHL’s products, systems and technologies are internationally certified and available for any region of the world, with local support and service always within reach from one of our many offices around the globe.
Hydrogen is the energy carrier of the future, but it‘s volatile and creates hazardous areas. With decades of experience in H2 safety, we engineer custom explosion protection solutions, ensuring the highest safety standards. Learn more at r-stahl.com/h2
machinery, and this team of local personnel offers an extended service and speedy reaction should issues arise. For this reason, working with trusted and proven partners forms a key part of the strategy going forward. Whether it’s off-the-shelf compressors, BOG systems, or open cycle concepts with carbon capture, supply chain relations are as important as customer relations.
“Procurement is centralised because all of the units are built in Switzerland. We work with vendors from around the world but wherever we go we always need numbers to ensure we can gain competitive pricing.
“The packager, the bare shaft compressor, the vessel, the motors, piping, enclosures etc. Everything we purchase gets engineered by us, in house. Almost all of our vendors have been on our list for four or six years
and some even 20 years. They know what we need and they are happy to adjust. They all know that we have a defined specification, and we are all happy to work to that together.”
Successful demonstrations of this start-to-finish approach to quality comes from around the world. At the start of the year, Enerproject completed an ammonia refrigeration unit for installation at a CO2 plant in Australia.
In May, the company celebrated the commissioning of a pilot flare recovery system for a big-name client in Thailand.
In March, a tail gas compressor unit to be used in an Olefins expansion project in Europe was sent out from the Enerproject HQ. And in July, the company announced that it would participate in a pyrolysis project to convert used tyres into carbon black, tyre pyrolysis oil, and steel wire in
Thailand. Last year, Enerproject was demonstrating its capability on site in USA, supplying compression units for helium application in Massachusetts.
Across the power generation industry, compressor technology is still widely overlooked as an essential component in wider systems. In Switzerland, the most innovative of nations, with engineering ability rarely matched elsewhere, Enerproject continues to move the market forward. Notari is clear: “If you want reliability, if you want efficiency, it you want truly world-class, we are here to support.”
IMPORTANT EVENTS AND EXHIBITIONS TAKING PLACE ACROSS THE ENERGY SECTOR, GIVING BRANDS A PLATFORM TO TELL THEIR STORY.
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ENLIT EUROPE
NOV 18-20 | BILBAO, SPAIN
Enlit are on a journey to Connect industries, Inspire action and help Europe Evolve into one decarbonised and digitalised energy system for the energy transition, across borders and across sec-tors. Along this journey, Enlit has the privilege to meet extraordinary people making their mark on the energy transition, while pursuing the common purpose that connects us: to deliver clean, affordable and reliable energy for all.
EMEX - THE NET ZERO & ENERGY MANAGEMENT EXPO
NOV 20-21 | LONDON, UK
Hosted at ExCeL London, EMEX offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from leaders in energy, carbon, and sustainability as they share their experiences, challenges, and successes. Gain insights from senior managers across sectors like data centers, energy-intensive industries, banking, healthcare, and manufacturing. Learn how they’ve collaborated on sustainable energy management plans. Sessions will explore communication, leadership, innovation, and transitioning to a smart energy future, with in-depth discussions on financial planning, carbon accounting, energy efficiency, and supply chain management.
OFFSHORE ENERGY 2024 EXHIBITION & CONFERENCE
NOV 26-27 | AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS
NOV 18 LPG WEEK CAPE TOWN, SA | NOV 18 - 22
OEEC serves as an essential gathering point for professionals, experts and companies active in the offshore energy sector and beyond. Covering a diverse spectrum, which includes offshore wind, hydrogen, oil & gas and marine energy. OEEC offers a platform for these industry stakeholders to come together, ignite innovation and shape the future of the energy transition. With expert speakers, interactive exhibits and unparalleled networking opportunities, this event is an opportunity to stay in the curve in the offshore energy game.
