News

SCOTLAND POWERS AHEAD IN RENEWABLE ENERGY SUPPLY

Scotland is leading the way in renewable energy use, with almost 12 million tonnes of CO2 emissions displaced in 2013 alone.

The reduction – an average of a million tonnes a month – is the highest ever recorded in Scotland and a 14 per cent increase on 2012. The figures were published in a report by the UK energy minister Amber Rudd in December.

Joss Blamire, senior policy manager at Scottish Renewables, said: “Not only are renewables now the number-one source of electricity in Scotland, but we have prevented a record amount of harmful carbon emissions from being released.

“Renewable energy in Scotland is doing exactly what it was designed to do: creating jobs, securing our energy supplies and, most importantly, reducing our carbon emissions to help limit climate change.”

Wind turbines continue to provide the bulk of power in Scotland, generating up to 812,890MWh of National Grid electricity in November 2014, more than meeting the total demand from all Scottish households.

In addition, Scottish Power Renewables has awarded a multi-million pound contract to Schneider Electric to install grid equipment that will support the installation of 215MW of new wind farm capacity. Schneider will supply, install and manage 33kV primary switchgear and wind turbine integrated substations for Scottish Power. • See more on renewables on page 12

Free NICEIC registration roadshows for Scotland

NICEIC is heading to Scotland! Join us in March 2015 at a free registration roadshow event – a series of technical seminars to help electrical contractors get to grips with BS 7671: Amendment 3. You can also learn more about NICEIC registration at these events.

To find out how we can help your business, or if you are already a registered contractor with NICEIC, come along to meet the team and gain valuable technical knowledge at a venue near you. Tickets are free and the first 50 attendees at each event will receive a free copy of BS 7671: Amendment 3, worth £85 rrp.

The registration roadshows will be held on: 10 March at Glynhill Hotel, Glasgow; 11 March at Regent Hotel, Oban; 17 March at New Drumossie Hotel, Inverness; 18 March at Mercure Aberdeen Ardoe House Hotel, Aberdeen.

Running from 8.30am-1pm, each event is packed with technical content, covering Amendment 3, certification options in Scotland, benefits of NICEIC registration and a technical Q&A session.

Complimentary refreshments and lunch will be provided. So don’t miss out, register for your free place today by calling 01582 539 120 or emailing events@niceic.com. You can also visit niceicscotland.com for more information.

New Scottish training partnership

Next month sees the start of a partnership between NICEIC and West College Scotland to deliver a range of NICEIC-approved training courses in West Central Scotland.

West College Scotland currently teaches 30,000 students from its three main campuses in Paisley, Clydebank and Greenock, working closely with many industry partners, such as BAE Systems, Babcock Marine, RBS and Ikea.

The college’s impressive Institute of Construction and Engineering building at Paisley contains excellent facilities that deliver a full range of electrotechnical courses, including renewables. Its central location, flexible opening hours, extensive onsite parking and catering, as well as its focus on quality, make it a strong addition to NICEIC’s national network of training options.

“West College Scotland is delighted to partner with NICEIC in this exciting initiative to provide first-class training and education across our three campus locations,” said Liz Connolly, vice-principal, corporate development, West College Scotland.

The first NICEIC course to be delivered by the college will be a third amendment update course on 12 February at the Abercorn Building in Paisley. Please contact our training team on 0870 0130389 or traininginfo@niceic.com for more information.

Get up to speed on third amendment

The third amendment to IET Wiring Regulations BS 7671: 2008 became eff ective from 1 January 2015 and is now the new national standard for electrical installation work in the UK.

Contractors now have a six-month transition period to get up to speed with the changes. All electrical installations designed and periodically inspected after 30 June 2015 will have to comply with the updated rules.

NICEIC has a range of options available for electrical contractors to ensure their work is compliant. The new guidance is available now from www.3rdamendment.co.uk, at the specially discounted price of £69.99 (£85 rrp).

Contractors can also attend a one-day workshop or learn online for a greater understanding of the impact of the new rules.

NICEIC will also be providing more information about the regulation changes at its upcoming registration roadshow events across Scotland. See above for more details.

To order your copy of the Third Amendment, or to find out more about the range of options available, call 0843 290 3398 or visit www.3rdamendment.co.uk