E-METHANE & OFF GRID FUELS: WHAT THEY ARE – AND WILL THEY BECOME UK MARKET RELEVANT?

 

 
 
Chris Goggin explains what E-methane is, how it is produced and its potential relevance inside the UK alternative gasses market. An informed synopsis of the current off grid gas and energy market will be used to highlight how E-methane and other lesser well-known gasses such as Bio-LPG and biomethane can contribute towards off-grid NetZero aims and support commercial enterprises.

 

 

To attain NetZero status future usage of fossil fuels will need to be limited in the medium term and eventually nullified, completely. A range of alternative energies that include renewables, hydrogen and clean electrification will replace fossil fuels. E-Methane is a new gas that has been identified as an additional low carbon gaseous alternative capable of performing the same role as fossil fuels.

E-methane is the abbreviated name given to electro-methane, a gas which is created by extracting captured carbon dioxide and blending with green hydrogen, itself produced via renewable energy.

The number of e-methane production plants across Europe and Australia is notably increasing. Danish energy supplier, Andel, and Danish biogas company, Nature Energy, have invested DKK 100 million in constructing and operating an e-methane plant located in Glansager, Denmark.

Australia is the chosen location of three Japanese energy concerns who are exploring e-methane production possibilities. Tokyo Gas, Toho Gas, Osaka Gas Australia (OGA) alongside Australian oil and gas company Santos have entered into an agreement that will focus on producing 130,000 tonnes of e-methane annually. E-methane is 1 of 14 priorities that the Japanese government’s Green Growth Strategy has highlighted as a major component towards Japanese decarbonisation objectives.

Finnish energy company Nordic Ren-Gas Oy is developing a Power-to-Gas project located in Tampere, Finland. The production facility will manufacture hydrogen and e-methane as well as provide power for local district heating sourced through waste heat. Nordic Ren-Gas Oy are actively seeking to introduce a decentralised e-methane production network throughout Finland that assists in reducing fossil fuel usage.

E-methane is remarkably like biomethane which is produced in a separate process – methane is captured from natural biological waste and forms during a natural process called ‘anaerobic digestion.’  In the absence of oxygen microorganisms will begin to break down matter yielding a gas – methane. Once impurities are removed the methane gas becomes upgraded and biomethane is created.

Both biomethane and e-methane are capable of identical operating behaviour when compared to fossil fuels and can therefore be placed into existing infrastructure. Biomethane and e-methane can immediately fulfil the role of fossil fuels without any fracture towards appliance operating efficiency, commercial activity, or societal cohesion.

E-methane and biomethane are potential fuels that can be used in off-grid applications also. The UK off-grid fuel market is a growing economic entity and is also a hard-to-decarbonise section of society. The UK’s gas grid network extends to 84% of UK households. Of the remaining 16%, 2 million properties are rural off grid homes and require daily power.

The primary power source used to fuel off grid UK properties and commercial activities is LPG and there is growing usage of BioLPG. The tourism and leisure sector also relies on off grid fuels and utilises both LPG and BioLPG as its main source of power. There are 2,643 businesses in the Caravan & Camping Sites industry in the United Kingdom, which has grown at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 3.6 % between 2020 and 2025.

LPG is created through the refining of crude oil or extracted during the process of manufacturing natural gas. LPG consists of butane and propane and is considered a low carbon alternative to fossil fuels.

BioLPG contains an almost identical chemical structure to LPG. BioLPG is produced from renewable materials derived from a diverse mix of sustainable biological feedstocks and processes. Supported through cleaner sourced chemical ingredients BioLPG provides huge benefits in carbon reductions and air quality, compared to traditional off-grid fuels such as heating oil.

BioLPG is conceptually renewable and sustainable, as it is made from a blend of waste, residues, and sustainably sourced materials. BioLPG, can be described as an eco-propane, the chemical makeup of this gas is identical to LPG and is therefore compatible with existing in situ LPG products from a combustion perspective.

The market for synthetic and biogas in Europe is expanding, UK liquefied petroleum gas market is projected to lead the regional market in terms of revenue in 2030. In the UK, around 10% of off-grid properties use LPG for heating, which translates to approximately 220,000 users. In terms of revenue, UK accounted for 4.3% of the global liquefied petroleum gas market in 2023.

Off grid fuels, synthetic gasses and biogas are areas in which growth is expected to rise steadily through the up-and-coming decade. E-methane is considered a convenient alternative capable of being placed in existing infrastructure and successfully fulfilling the role of natural gas. European and the Asia-Pacific regions are refining strategies that centre on the production and distribution of e-methane and are confident that commercial sales will follow.

Biogas and synthetic gasses such as BioLPG, LPG, e-methane and Biomethane will play a discernible role in the global pursuit of NetZero. Current UK and European off grid gas markets maintain an upward trajectory.

Potential usage of alternative gasses can only increase as NetZero time limits recede, meaning that any gas capable of operational capabilities and behavioural similarities to natural gas will instantly be viewed favourably due to current infrastructure and natural gas reliance.

As the continued pursuit of low carbon and zero carbon energy and power sources continues both BioLPG and e-methane are promising variants on the road to net zero.

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Rinnai follows all domestic and international developments in current and future energy information. Doing so, provides potential customers with a solid foundation of information that assists product purchase. Any news relating to appliance or energy options that is shaped by legislation will be immediately shared with UK customers. Access to information that affects customer judgment is an area that is Rinnai values.

RINNAI’S H3 DECARBONISATION OFFERS PATHWAYS & CUSTOMER COST REDUCTIONS
FOR COMMERCIAL, DOMESTIC AND OFF-GRID HEATING & HOT WATER DELIVERY
www.rinnai-uk.co.uk/about us/H3

Rinnai’s H3 range of decarbonising products include hydrogen / BioLPG ready technology, hybrid systems, and a wide range of LOW GWP heat pumps and solar thermal. Also, within Rinnai’s H3 range is Infinity hydrogen blend ready and BioLPG ready continuous flow water heaters which are stacked with a multitude of features that ensure long life, robust & durable use, customer satisfaction and product efficiency.

Rinnai’s range of decarbonising products – H1/H2/H3 – consists of heat pump, solar, hydrogen in any configuration, hybrid formats for either residential or commercial applications. Rinnai’s H3 range of products offer contractors, consultants and end users a range of efficient, robust and affordable decarbonising appliances which create practical, economic and technically feasible solutions. The range covers all forms of fuels and appliances currently available – electric, gas, hydrogen, BioLPG, DME solar thermal, low GWP heat pumps and electric water heaters.

Rinnai H1 continuous water heaters and boilers offer practical and economic decarbonization delivered through technological innovation in hydrogen and renewable liquid gas ready technology.

Rinnai’s H1 option is centred on hydrogen, as it is anticipated that clean hydrogen fuels will become internationally energy market-relevant in the future; Rinnai water heaters are hydrogen 20% blends ready and include the world’s first 100% hydrogen-ready hot water heating technology.

Rinnai H2 – Decarbonization simplified with renewable gas-ready units, Solar Thermal and Heat Pump Hybrids. Rinnai H2 is designed to introduce a practical and low-cost option which may suit specific sites and enable multiple decarbonisation pathways with the addition of high performance.

Rinnai H3 – Low-GWP heat pump technology made easy – Rinnai heat pumps are available for domestic and commercial usage with an extensive range of 4 – 115kW appliances.

Rinnai’s H3 heat pumps utilise R32 refrigerant and have favourable COP and SCOP.

Rinnai is a world leading manufacturer of hot water heaters and produces over two million units a year, operating on each of the five continents. The brand has gained an established reputation for producing products that offer high performance, cost efficiency and extended working lives.

Rinnai’s commercial and domestic continuous flow water heaters offer a limitless supply of instantaneous temperature controlled hot water and all units are designed to align with present and future energy sources. Rinnai condensing water heaters accept either existing fuel or hydrogen gas blends. Rinnai units are also suited for off-grid customers who require LPG and BioLPG or DME.

Rinnai products are UKCA certified, A-rated water efficiency, accessed through multiple fuel options and are available for purchase 24/7, 365 days a year. Any unit can be delivered to any UK site within 24 hours. Rinnai offer carbon and cost comparison services that will calculate financial and carbon savings made when investing in a Rinnai system. Rinnai also provide a system design service that will suggest an appropriate system for the property in question. Rinnai offer comprehensive training courses and technical support in all aspects of the water heating industry including detailed CPD’s.

 

 

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE RINNAI WEBSITE

or HERE to EMAIL RINNAI

CLICK HERE For more information on the RINNAI product range

 

 

 

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TRILUX Lights Spain’s Most Sustainable Office Building

   

Colón Towers in Madrid sets new standards with NZEB, WELL and LEED certifications

TRILUX has completed a landmark lighting project at Colón Towers (Torres Colón) in Madrid – now recognised as Spain’s most sustainable office building. Owned by insurance group Mutua Madrileña, the 31-storey building is the first in the country to achieve certification as a Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB) and will also receive WELL and LEED certifications in recognition of its outstanding environmental and workplace credentials.

An integral part of meeting these ambitious standards was the smart, energy-efficient lighting solution designed and delivered by TRILUX Spain. Around 3,000 luminaires were installed throughout the building, offering not only optimal light quality and visual comfort, but also integrated intelligence and digital control.

High-performance lighting for modern workspaces

TRILUX developed bespoke linear luminaires specifically for this project, all equipped with integrated presence and daylight sensors. The luminaires adjust automatically to the time of day and occupancy, supporting both energy efficiency and user wellbeing.

Lighting colour temperature (4,200 Kelvin), high colour rendering (CRI 90), and a unified glare rating of 19 ensure compliance with WELL certification criteria, helping to promote productivity and comfort. For added design value, Sonnos pendant luminaires in black were also selected to enhance aesthetics in key areas.

Smart, connected and future-proof

Lighting throughout the building is controlled using the Casambi system, with each floor connected to a central gateway. This enables the building team to manage lighting remotely, monitor performance in real time, and streamline maintenance. If a luminaire needs replacing, reprogramming is not required – delivering both time and cost savings.

This project underlines TRILUX’s capability in delivering cutting-edge lighting solutions that meet the highest sustainability and workplace standards, supporting building owners and occupiers alike.

CLICK HERE to visit the TRILUX website for further information

 

 

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Zoo Hardware Offers Complete Fire Door Hardware Set

 

Zoo Hardware is now able to offer customers the full range of components for a complete door assembly thanks to its newly added kickplate offering.

This development solidifies Zoo Hardware’s position as a true “one stop shop” for customers specifying door hardware, offering both convenience and cost efficiency.

With kickplate options the final product addition required to reach this point, Zoo Hardware can now help eliminate the need to manage multiple vendors, ensuring consistency in quality, compliance, and lead times.

Zoo Hardware offers a comprehensive range of architectural hardware solutions, including door handles, locks, hinges, and fully certified fire door components. Known for quality, reliability, and service, Zoo supports both commercial and residential projects with products designed for performance and compliance.

Tracy Logan DipGAI, Internal Sales Advisor at Zoo Hardware, said:

“Our customers value reliability, and being able to order a complete range  from one supplier saves time, simplifies ordering, and ultimately saves money.

“It’s all about making life easier for them — and now we can deliver on that, completely.”

As the demand for fully certified and compliant fire door solutions grows, Zoo’s comprehensive offering ensures customers can specify with confidence, knowing every component is backed by a brand known for quality and customer support.

For more information on Zoo Hardware’s complete fire door solutions, visit www.zoohardware.co.uk

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Nuaire ventilation systems now with Passivhaus certification

 

Indoor air quality and ventilation manufacturing specialist Nuaire is pleased to announce Passivhaus certification has been achieved on BPS Passivhaus air handling units (AHU) and XBC Passivhaus packaged heat recovery units.

 

With buildings contributing significantly to harmful carbon emissions, Passivhaus provides proven solutions to deliver net-zero-ready buildings that also provide a high level of occupant health and wellbeing.  Passivhaus adopts a whole-building approach with clear, measured targets, focused on high-quality construction, certified through an exacting quality assurance process.  For a building to achieve the Passivhaus Standard in the UK, a mechanical ventilation system with highly efficient heat recovery is considered a core principle.

Rigorously independently tested under realistic conditions to ensure they meet the strict Passivhaus efficiency, thermal comfort, and indoor air quality criteria, Nuaire’s BPS Passivhaus AHUs in sizes 12,17, 22, 32 and 42, and XBC Passivhaus packaged heat recovery units in sizes 55 and 65 have now been certified as Passivhaus compliant components.

BPS Passivhaus is a range of high specification packaged AHUs designed and engineered to provide an efficient, high performing, compact solution for a multitude of applications.  Efficiency comes from a dual compressor system that uses less energy than one single large compressor, a high efficiency thermal wheel, and minimal air leakage (it has the top L1 leakage classification).  BPS Passivhaus AHUs feature a high quality double lined acoustic end panel insulated with Rockwool for reduced noise breakout and low leakage, ensuring the unit is airtight.  BPS Passivhaus AHUs feature M5 extract air filters, enabling pollutants as small as 1 micron to be captured, and G4 and G7 supply air filters which are designed to stop larger pollutant particles from entering.

With a plate heat exchanger with efficiencies of up to 95%, XBC Passivhaus are high performance packaged heat recovery units designed to improve indoor air quality whilst saving energy.  High classification F7 and G4 extract filters have been installed to ensure the units meet the high Passivhaus air quality standards, whilst airtight seals prevent heat or air loss up to L2 leakage classification.  They have been designed with the lowest possible noise breakout for user acceptance, and are easy to install, commission and maintain.  XBC Passivhaus is available with LPHW or electric heating options as standard, with cooling modules also available as an ancillary.

Both BPS Passivhaus and XBC Passivhaus are fitted with high classification class 3 dampers to ensure the units remain airtight, mitigating weak points in a Passivhaus build.

CLICK HERE for more information on Nuaire’s BPS Passivhaus and XBC Passivhaus products

 

 

 

 

 

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HARD WATER ISSUES – DHW SYSTEM MAINTENANCE EXPLAINED

 

Pete Seddon, Head of Technical at Rinnai UK, explains the terms “hard and soft water” and expands on the long-term effects hard water has on DHW systems. Further attention is given to how system maintenance is provided to combat DHW system component fatigue –  a result of untreated hard water.

 

Hard water areas can affect the internal components of DHW systems which gives less than an optimal performance and a reduction of system efficiency, as well as longevity. Hard water is an overlooked contributor towards a hot water system’s performance decline. This article will explain what hard water is, where hard water is located, the effects that hard water can have on a UK customers appliance, prevention and removal.

“Hard water” is water that contains a high concentration of dissolved minerals such as magnesium and calcium. Hard water forms once dissolved minerals are transported by flowing rainwater over certain rocks like chalk and limestone.

Hard water filters into the UK water supply once surface sources such as rivers, reservoirs and groundwater locations like aquifers collect. Rainwater accumulates that added mineral content.

Water companies then collect from these sources, chemically treat the water and then distribute through UK pipelines. However, minerals that are collected through this process remain present in drinking water, as there is no harm to human health.

The main areas around the UK that have access to a water supply that mostly contains “hard water” are predominately the south and south-east. Areas most affected are Thames Valley corridor, the Cotswolds, London and a large part of the Home Counties such as Kent, Sussex and Surrey due to the proliferation of chalk and limestone in the areas.  Having said that there are also other areas dotted around the UK that can receive hard water. Most water suppliers will have postcode checkers on their websites which will allow you to find out what your water hardness is.

The effects of hard water upon a hot water system are long-term and can affect the performance and longevity of a DHW unit.  One main characteristic of consistent use of hard water is a concentration of limescale inside hot water systems. Once limescale attaches itself to the internal components of a DHW unit, performance and efficiency is compromised by a build-up of limescale.

A buildup of limescale is formed by excess minerals within the water tank and connecting pipes of a DHW system. The limescale behaves as an insulator preventing the heat being transferred in to the water. As heat is absorbed by limescale the unit must work harder and longer to get the heat into the water resulting in higher energy costs and increased component fragility. This additional heat also exacerbates further build-up of limescale.

As a result of limescale on the internal metal components of a boiler, storage water heater or continuous flow water heater powered DHW system can begin to cause corrosion and erosion. Customers will have to confront leaks, an increase in maintenance costs, structural damage, operative failure and finally an early end to the product lifecycle.

Hard water impact and limescale infestation upon DHW systems and indoor plumbing pipes has been recognised as a major factor that requires problem solving. To prevent the forming of debilitating substances access to several technologies, chemical as well as natural solutions and techniques are readily available.

Water softeners are one potential route of limescale prevention but can also remove existing limescale build up albeit the removal will take time. Once a water softener is attached to in-coming water main a process called ‘ion exchange’ begins. Ion exchange replaces calcium and magnesium with sodium as well as potassium to soften the water content. Due to this technology physically softening the water, it is one of the best solutions however it does have its drawbacks so research should be carried out when choosing the most suitable treatment.

Limescale converters such as Aquabion are another option that reverses the effects of DHW systems that are reliant on hard water. A mechanism that resembles a pipe is inserted into the plumbing pipework and instantly starts to treat the hard water when drawn off. These devices could also start to disintegrate any formations of limescale within the system. Unlike a salt softener, limescale converters typically use a physical process to alter the structure of lime particles in the water. This process often involves using a device with a sacrificial anode, typically zinc. As water flows through the device, the lime particles are modified, becoming less likely to stick to surfaces and forming less hard deposits. This method can be preferred due to the minerals within the water being kept but also adding zinc into the water, all of which can add to health benefits.

Magnetic and electronic water conditioners are two further devices that supply a non-chemical solution to eliminating hard water limescale removal. The structure of minerals such as calcium and magnesium is altered using magnetic and electronic fields that disrupt usually associated behavioural patterns making limescale far less likely to attach itself to the internal elements of a hot water system.

If limescale is already present within an appliance or system, at a basic level a light acidic solution such as white vinegar can be used to breakdown limescale. White vinegar contains acidic properties that are ideal in dissolving nefarious hard water accumulations. Various chemical descaling solutions are also available – all acids such as hydrochloric, phosphoric, sulfamic, lactic and oxalic acid compounds are all well suited to destroying limescale.  It is always preferable to use a suitable descaling solution rather than rely on the treatment options mentioned earlier because a limescale remover will be far more effective and take less time to remove any build up or deposits.

Rinnai aims to supply customers with all possible information that provides key knowledge enabling hot water and heating systems to perform at the optimum standard for a complete lifecycle. Rinnai will continue to seek out and share information that equips installers, specifiers, contractors and end-customers to arrive at a data-based choice of appliance and system based on practical, economic and technical criteria.

RINNAI’S H3 DECARBONISATION OFFERS PATHWAYS & CUSTOMER COST REDUCTIONS
FOR COMMERCIAL, DOMESTIC AND OFF-GRID HEATING & HOT WATER DELIVERY
www.rinnai-uk.co.uk/about us/H3

Rinnai’s H3 range of decarbonising products include hydrogen / BioLPG ready technology, hybrid systems, and a wide range of LOW GWP heat pumps and solar thermal. Also, within Rinnai’s H3 range is Infinity hydrogen blend ready and BioLPG ready continuous flow water heaters which are stacked with a multitude of features that ensure long life, robust & durable use, customer satisfaction and product efficiency.

Rinnai’s range of decarbonising products – H1/H2/H3 – consists of heat pump, solar, hydrogen in any configuration, hybrid formats for either residential or commercial applications. Rinnai’s H3 range of products offer contractors, consultants and end users a range of efficient, robust and affordable decarbonising appliances which create practical, economic and technically feasible solutions. The range covers all forms of fuels and appliances currently available – electric, gas, hydrogen, BioLPG, DME solar thermal, low GWP heat pumps and electric water heaters.

Rinnai H1 continuous water heaters and boilers offer practical and economic decarbonization delivered through technological innovation in hydrogen and renewable liquid gas ready technology.

Rinnai’s H1 option is centred on hydrogen, as it is anticipated that clean hydrogen fuels will become internationally energy market-relevant in the future; Rinnai water heaters are hydrogen 20% blends ready and include the world’s first 100% hydrogen-ready hot water heating technology.

Rinnai H2 – Decarbonization simplified with renewable gas-ready units, Solar Thermal and Heat Pump Hybrids. Rinnai H2 is designed to introduce a practical and low-cost option which may suit specific sites and enable multiple decarbonisation pathways with the addition of high performance.

Rinnai H3 – Low-GWP heat pump technology made easy – Rinnai heat pumps are available for domestic and commercial usage with an extensive range of 4 – 115kW appliances.

Rinnai’s H3 heat pumps utilise R32 refrigerant and have favourable COP and SCOP.

Rinnai is a world leading manufacturer of hot water heaters and produces over two million units a year, operating on each of the five continents. The brand has gained an established reputation for producing products that offer high performance, cost efficiency and extended working lives.

Rinnai’s commercial and domestic continuous flow water heaters offer a limitless supply of instantaneous temperature controlled hot water and all units are designed to align with present and future energy sources. Rinnai condensing water heaters accept either existing fuel or hydrogen gas blends. Rinnai units are also suited for off-grid customers who require LPG and BioLPG or DME.

Rinnai products are UKCA certified, A-rated water efficiency, accessed through multiple fuel options and are available for purchase 24/7, 365 days a year. Any unit can be delivered to any UK site within 24 hours. Rinnai offer carbon and cost comparison services that will calculate financial and carbon savings made when investing in a Rinnai system. Rinnai also provide a system design service that will suggest an appropriate system for the property in question. Rinnai offer comprehensive training courses and technical support in all aspects of the water heating industry including detailed CPD’s.

 

 

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE RINNAI WEBSITE

or HERE to EMAIL RINNAI

CLICK HERE For more information on the RINNAI product range

 

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New ‘Providing the Specification Edge’ Guide from Ideal Heating Commercial Now Available

 

Ideal Heating Commercial has launched a new Providing the Specification Edge brochure which outlines the range of services and support available from its specification team to help building services consultants, engineers and specifiers when designing and specifying commercial heating systems, providing them with greater confidence and clarity.

 

Providing the Specification Edge highlights Ideal Heating Commercial’s team of industry leading specification professionals who understand the complexity of commercial heating systems and that each project is unique.  Their knowledge and expertise are available to support consultants through every stage of a heating project, making the specification process simple and stress-free.

Commencing with a brief overview of the company and Groupe Atlantic, of which Ideal Heating Commercial is a part, the publication looks at the sizeable investments the company has made in low carbon heating in the UK; this includes £12.5 million into a research and development facility, and over £22.5 million in to a heat pump facility and in to expanding its international distribution centre and national training centre in Hull.  Providing the Specification Edge also showcases Ideal Heating Commercial’s full range of high-efficiency heating solutions, including market-leading condensing boilers, the ECOMOD commercial heat pump range, and hybrid systems, all of which come with BIM objects available to download.

Additional content includes information on building regulations, refrigerant choices for heat pumps, available funding schemes, and Ideal Heating’s UK-wide training and CPD services.

Richard Brown, Head of Specification at Ideal Heating Commercial, comments:

“With the growing importance of low carbon heating technologies and more complex regulations, early engagement and expert guidance are critical. This brochure brings together our most valuable insights and support services into a single document to help make specification easier and more effective for our partners across the UK.

“Whether you’re designing for a new build or retrofit, Ideal Heating Commercial has the in-depth industry and product knowledge to help you find the most efficient, cost-effective heating solution for you and your client.  Through our dedicated team offering nationwide specification assistance, we can provide you with design and plant selection advice to ensure the perfect fit for your project.”

Ideal Heating Commercial is the UK’s leading commercial heating manufacturer, with a strong reputation for innovation, quality, and UK-based manufacturing. The company is part of Groupe Atlantic – a European leader in thermal comfort.

CLICK HERE to download a digital copy of the new Providing the Specification Edge guide

or contact your local specification manager

 

 

 

 

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Energy – £14.1b to Sizewell, £2.5b to Fusion Development

Ten thousand jobs will be created as the government announces a £14.2 billion investment to build Sizewell C nuclear plant as part of the Spending Review, ending years of delay and uncertainty.

The Chancellor is set to confirm the funding at the GMB Congress later today ahead of the government’s Spending Review, as the Energy Secretary vows a ‘golden age’ of nuclear to boost the UK’s energy security.

The government’s investment will go towards creating 10,000 jobs, including 1,500 apprenticeships, and support thousands more jobs across the UK.

The company has already signed £330 million in contracts with local companies and will boost supply chains across the UK with 70% of contracts predicted to go to 3,500 British suppliers – supporting new jobs in construction, welding, and hospitality.

The equivalent of around six million of today’s homes will be powered with clean homegrown energy from Sizewell C. The investment in clean, homegrown power brings to an end decades of dithering and delay, with the government backing the builders in the drive for energy security and kick-starting economic growth.

Sizewell C

Sizewell C will provide 10,000 people with employment at peak construction and support thousands more jobs across the UK, including 1,500 apprenticeships. The company has already signed £330 million in contracts with local companies and will boost supply chains across the UK with 70% of contracts predicted to go to 3,500 British suppliers – supporting new jobs in construction, welding, and hospitality. Jobs in the nuclear industry pay well above national averages and the government is committed to working with nuclear trade unions such as the GMB, Unite, and Prospect, who will continue to play a pivotal role in building the industry.

Despite the UK’s strong nuclear legacy, opening the world’s first commercial nuclear power station in the 1950s, no new nuclear plant has opened in the UK since 1995, with all of the existing fleet except Sizewell B likely to be phased out by the early 2030s.

Sizewell C was one of eight sites identified in 2009 by then-Energy Secretary Ed Miliband as a potential site for new nuclear. However, the project was not fully funded in the 14 years that followed under subsequent governments.

The government’s nuclear programme is now the most ambitious for a generation – once small modular reactors and Sizewell C come online in the 2030s, combined with Hinkley Point C, this will deliver more new nuclear to grid than over the previous half century combined.

 

Fusion Energy

The government is also making a record investment in R&D for fusion energy, investing over £2.5 billion over 5 years. This includes progressing the STEP programme (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production), the world-leading fusion plant in Nottinghamshire, creating thousands of new jobs and with the potential to unlock limitless clean power.

This builds on the UK’s global leadership to turbocharge economic growth in the Oxford-Cambridge corridor, while helping deliver the UK’s flagship programme to design and build a prototype fusion power station on the site of a former coal-fired plant.

 

Mike Clancy, General Secretary of Prospect, said:

Delivering this funding for Sizewell C is a vital step forward, this project is critical to securing the future of the nuclear industry in the UK.

New nuclear is essential to achieving net zero, providing a baseload of clean and secure energy, as well as supporting good, unionised jobs.

Further investment in SMRs and fusion research shows we are finally serious about developing a 21st century nuclear industry. All funding must be backed up by a whole-industry plan to ensure we have the workforce and skills we need for these plans to succeed.

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MAYPLAS THERMAL SOFFIT ACHIEVES A2 REACTION TO FIRE CLASSIFICATION

  

Mayplas’ Thermal Soffit, just launched in March, has now achieved an A2 Reaction to Fire classification and has been renamed ‘Thermafire A2 Soffit’.  The product is part of a range of insulation that Mayplas, a specialist manufacturer of passive fire protection, acoustic and thermal insulation, offers the housebuilding and construction industries.

Confirmed following testing as Reaction to Fire A2-s1,d0 according to BS EN 13501-1, the limited combustibility slab provides thermal and acoustic insulation within the soffit at the party wall junction.

Available in thicknesses of 100mm and 150mm, permitting the design of thermal performance to suit the construction, the Mayplas Thermafire A2 Soffit facilitates thermal resistance values to Approved Document L.  It is suitable for both masonry and timber frame constructions.

It also provides resistance to the passage of sound, synonymous with stone mineral wool insulation.

Standard 600mm x 600mm slabs can be cut to size on site to ensure an accurate cut to fill the full soffit void at the party wall.  The soffit can be secured through the product to the timber truss or masonry block using the correct length of fixing for the width of the product.  Mayplas can supply appropriate fixings.

In terms of application, the Thermafire A2 Soffit is valid for any wooden-based substrate* and is also valid with or without a cavity to the opposite side.

“Achieving an A2-s1, d0 Reaction to Fire classification for our Thermafire soffit product is proving very useful,” comments Michael Hunter, Mayplas’ Technical Director.  “The test results open up new applications which we look forward to exploring with our housebuilder customers and with the construction industry more broadly.”

The Thermafire A2 Soffit is foil faced to provide an effective vapour barrier and the foil also prevents fibre migration.

A technical data sheet* is available at: www.mayplas.co.uk/housebuilding-solutions

Mayplas is a member of the Association for Specialist Fire Protection and the Structural Timber Association.  Mayplas manufactures a range of fire, acoustic and thermal insulation products at its facility in Bury, Greater Manchester, well located for UK-wide distribution.  Mayplas can accommodate virtually any insulation specification, working with architects, contractors, developers, distributors and merchants.  Mayplas is part of the Performance Technology Group.

CLICK HERE FOR THE MAYPLAS WEBSITE

 

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Sanicom Installations for Belfor UK Falkirk depot

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BELFOR UK is one of the UK’s leading disaster recovery businesses and has been restoring and recovering buildings, possessions, and assets for over 35 years. Dedicated to helping customers recover swiftly and efficiently after a disaster, such as fire or flood damage, BELFOR has a team of directly employed specialists and experts across the country. Headquartered in Tamworth the company has ten depots covering the whole of the UK, including NI.

Taking huge pride in its proven end-to-end service, the company has previously partially outsourced the cleaning of laundry, cutlery and crockery to third parties. Now, in a move designed to improve their service even further, the company is vertically integrating bought out services by building restoration rooms and commercial laundries into each depot. In many premises this is a part of a wider renovation of the whole building and the depot in Falkirk has just undergone such a refurb.

To discharge the waste from these new facilities, Technical Manager, Jay Scott – who is undertaking the renovations with his two sons Ryan and Josh – specified Saniflo Sanicom 1 lifting stations to discharge hot grey waste water. The powerful units can discharge water waste up to 90°C in temperature for short bursts. This was ideal for the new restoration room which features an all-singing all-dancing commercial dishwasher that runs on a minute cycle at 84°C. The new room, kitted out in hygienic stainless steel, has two large sinks for the first and second swill of cutlery and crockery with the final hot sterilisation of the goods in the dishwasher. Water from all appliances is discharged through the Sanicom, which has been plumbed in adjacent to the twin sinks. A further room – for larger items that require greater attention – backs onto the restoration room and accommodates a further stainless steel sink which connects through the wall to the Sanicom. The pipework has been impeccably installed and runs up the wall, through the ceiling and along the edge of a newly created mezzanine floor before reaching a grey soil stack dropping to the outside drain.

In the commercial laundry, two powerful washing machines and two tumbler dryers are used daily to clean and dry damaged clothing and bedding. It is also professionally ironed and bagged up. A large gas boiler is also located in this room and the grey waste water from all the appliances, including condensate from the boiler, is discharged via a second Sanicom. With no soil stack at this end of the building, the only solution was a lifting station and the Sanicom, with its multiple connection points, is the perfect product to lift up and pump away through pipework that goes up the wall, along the ceiling and down into the main soil vent pipe in the adjacent WCs.

Jay is hugely impressed with the products which are working productively and efficiently;

“The Sanicoms are very easy to fit and the runs they achieve are phenomenal. We’re lucky here in Falkirk with soft water which is very kind to the pump. In hard water areas we will be regularly using Saniflo descaler to maintain optimum performance.”

Going forwards, the next of BELFOR’S depots to undergo a similar transformation is the Swanley Depot in Greater London, followed by Haydock and Dunstable. Thanks to the exceptional performance of the Sanicoms at Falkirk, they will be deployed in each depot as the established method of waste water disposal.

“Belfor is a trailblazer in the industry and we are always looking to improve and extend our services to clients. The Sanicoms have enabled us to successfully integrate restoration and laundry services into our business helping us to provide an efficient service to each client.”

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UK Unleashes Energy Monster

llustration of the UK’s largest pumped-storage hydroelectric power station in the Scottish Highlands. Image generated by AI.

This Giant Powerhouse Will Fuel 1.4 Million Homes Nonstop for 22 Hours Straight

In a bold move towards energy independence, the United Kingdom has announced plans to construct its largest pumped-storage hydroelectric power station in the Scottish Highlands, capable of powering 1.4 million homes for nearly a whole day.

The United Kingdom is embarking on a groundbreaking journey to bolster its energy independence with a revolutionary new project. In a bold move, the nation is set to construct its largest pumped-storage hydroelectric power station in the picturesque Scottish Highlands. This colossal 1.8 GW facility at Loch Earba aims to store excess renewable energy and provide electricity to as many as 1.4 million homes for nearly an entire day. Such an ambitious initiative marks a significant milestone in the UK’s efforts to decarbonize its electricity grid and transition to a more sustainable energy future.

The Mechanism Behind Pumped-Storage Hydroelectricity

Pumped-storage hydroelectricity operates on a straightforward yet ingenious principle. When electricity is abundant, water is pumped from a lower reservoir to a higher one. When demand peaks, the stored water is released back down through turbines, generating electricity. This method is not only efficient but also perfectly suited to complement intermittent renewable energy sources like wind power. By storing surplus energy, these systems ensure that it can be used later when needed, enhancing the reliability of renewable energy.

In the UK, where nuclear energy has faced restrictions, and fossil fuels are being phased out, pumped-storage projects represent a critical component of the energy mix. The new facility at Loch Earba will serve as a cornerstone of this strategy, promising to harness the natural energy of water to deliver clean power without emissions. This approach underscores the UK’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and enhancing energy security.

Harnessing Water Force for Extended Energy Autonomy

The upper reservoir of the project, Loch Leamhain, is designed to hold enough water to generate 1.8 GW for up to 22 hours. This capacity is akin to the output of two nuclear power stations operating at full tilt, but without the associated nuclear fuel or greenhouse gas emissions. This natural accumulator will capitalize on the UK’s abundant wind resources, storing excess energy generated during high winds or at night when demand is low.

By enabling the storage and later distribution of wind energy, this infrastructure aims to prevent the waste of renewable resources and reduce the reliance on fossil fuels during peak hours. The project represents a strategic step forward, leveraging the country’s natural resources to deliver sustainable energy solutions.

A Monumental Construction Project with Ambitious Timelines

The development of this massive hydroelectric project is spearheaded by Gilkes Energy with governmental support from Scotland. The construction will involve creating dams across two lochs, building an intricate network of underground tunnels, and setting up a comprehensive technical building for production. The project is expected to take six to seven years to complete, generating approximately 500 jobs in engineering, civil works, logistics, and project management.

Such ambitious timelines reflect the urgency and importance of expanding renewable energy infrastructure. As the UK strives to achieve its zero-emission target by 2050, projects like Loch Earba play a pivotal role in ensuring a sustainable and reliable energy supply.

The Role of Long Duration Energy Storage

Classified as Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES), the Loch Earba project is critical in stabilizing the energy grid. LDES technologies are essential for minimizing power outages, reducing dependency on gas as a supplementary energy source, and addressing the growing challenge of wind energy overproduction. In the UK, every unused kilowatt-hour of wind energy translates to financial losses for producers and higher costs for consumers.

Pumped-storage hydroelectricity provides a practical solution by smoothing energy production and reducing the need for expensive and polluting thermal power plants. This strategic investment in energy storage aims to harness the full potential of renewable sources, ensuring they contribute effectively to the grid around the clock.

A Strategic Revival of Pumped-Storage Projects

It’s been over 50 years since the UK last initiated a pumped-storage project. The current energy landscape, however, has shifted significantly, with an increased focus on offshore wind farms and a steady closure of fossil fuel plants. Without adequate storage solutions, the energy system risks becoming unstable.

Gilkes Energy, in collaboration with SSE Renewables, has already proposed a second project of similar scale, illustrating the renewed interest in this technology as part of the UK’s energy strategy. Nonetheless, financing remains a hurdle, with these capital-intensive projects requiring a secure investment framework. The proposed “Cap & Floor” mechanism aims to attract private investors while mitigating risk exposure for the state.

The evolution of the UK’s energy landscape hinges on the successful integration of clean, reliable energy systems like the Loch Earba project. These large-scale pumped-storage facilities promise long-lasting durability, with operational lifespans exceeding 60 years and efficiency rates above 75%. While they do not replace wind and solar installations, they enhance their utility, supporting the UK’s ambitious emissions reduction goals. As the nation progresses toward a 2050 carbon-neutral target, will projects like these become the backbone of a sustainable energy future?

By Gabriel Cruz

 

Source: Sustainability times

 

 

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