Thinking big: Titon launches its most powerful MVHR unit

Titon has added the energy efficient HRV20 Q Plus to its range of MVHR products. The new model has been designed to offer increased airflows of up to 194 l/s (700m3/h), making it the most powerful MVHR unit Titon has ever produced.

The HRV20 Q Plus has been specifically designed to enhance SAP performance via Appendix Q, by combining extremely low power consumption and a heat exchanger capable of achieving efficiencies of 89%. As a result, units can easily be fitted as part of a ventilation system inside larger apartments or dwellings.

The HRV20 Q Plus is available in two models – the Eco HMB and the Eco B – each boasting a 100% airflow diverting Summer Bypass, as recognised in the UK Product Characteristics Database. Intelligent humidity options are also available. The Eco HMB is fitted with the new aura-tTM touch screen controller, which is integrated as part of the unit itself as standard. The Eco B Model is compatible with the Eco aura range of controls (auralite® status indicator, aura-tTM, auramode® and aurastat® controllers), or has the option of having an aura-tTM unit.

Other benefits of the new unit include an extremely low specific fan power (SFP) of 0.43 W/l/s, plus features such as a fully adjustable boost overrun timer, which can be used with a non-latching (momentary) switch to prevent the unit from accidentally being left in ‘boost’ mode. This is complemented by intelligent frost protection and independent fan adjustment. All models are volt free, with live switching control also on B models. The filters are ISO Coarse 65% (G4) supplied as standard, with the option of upgrading to the ISO Coarse 65% (F7) type.

Commenting on the new product, Lee Caulfield, Sales Director, Titon Vent Systems Division, said: “The new HRV20 Q Plus unit offers higher airflow rates than previously available, as requested by our customers’ requirements. Not only is this the highest capacity unit in our entire range, it also benefits from an array of control options, without compromising on energy efficiency, making it ideal for architects, contractors and mechanical engineers alike. The new HRV20 Q Plus reflects Titon’s commitment to development and understanding market needs, while showcasing our engineering expertise and capabilities.”

Available in the UK and Europe, the new HRV20 Q Plus is effective at reducing pollutants in the home and improving indoor air quality (IAQ), helping to combat the risk of Toxic Home Syndrome. All models accept 200mm diameter ducting and are supplied complete with a 3-year guarantee as standard.

For further information about Titon and its range of ventilation systems, please visit: www.titon.co.uk.
/0 Comments/by

Kee Safety Guards Oslo Congress Centre

A combination of safety products from Kee Safety have been installed on the roof of the Oslo Kongressenter building in Norway to provide a first-class edge protection solution for maintenance and inspection teams accessing the rooftop.

Located in the heart of Oslo in Norway, Oslo Kongressenter is a state-of-the-art conference centre consisting of more than 20 event rooms. The Congress Centre hosts nearly 1,000 events every year, ranging from smaller meetings and major conferences to banquets, Christmas dinners and concerts. The history of the “People’s House” dates back to the end of the 19th century, however today’s building was completed in 1989.

With maintenance teams regularly accessing the roof to carry out work on the building services equipment, the client required a complete roof edge protection and safe access solution. Kee Safety partnered with long-standing distributor, Unisystemer to provide technical assistance by carrying out a full site survey, as well as making layout plans and detailed technical drawings, which were used in the presentation to the end user.

Due to the client specifying that no holes should penetrate the watertight membrane on the roof of this iconic building, KeeGuard® free-standing roof edge protection and Kee Walk® Step-Overs were the chosen Kee Safety solutions. 380 linear meters of KeeGuard® Standard and Premium systems were installed along all sides and roof levels, while Kee Walk® Step-over platforms were fitted to provide a safe means of access over pipework and other equipment.

Compatible with a range of roof membranes, including concrete, asphalt, PVC membrane, metal and felt, KeeGuard® offers a free-standing roof edge protection system capable of keeping workers on the roof safe without endangering the roof membrane itself. It does not penetrate the roof surface and can be used on flat roofs up to 10° slope. Employing a proven counterweight system, KeeGuard® combines a non-slip secure base with galvanised fittings and tube arranged in a modular configuration. Fully modular and versatile enough to adapt to most roof edge profiles and level changes, sections can be easily taken down and re-erected as necessary.

Designed for optimum safety, the complete KeeGuard® system complies fully with all legislative requirements and even allows for an integral kickboard fixing to further save time and cost on site. The recycled PVC base weights used with KeeGuard® bring a number of advantages, particularly making installation quicker and easier, thus saving time and money. Made from 100% recycled material, they provide an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional weights.

Kee Walk® Step-overs are modular systems that can accommodate changes in roof levels and can fit over pipework or equipment to offer a safe, anti-slip, level walking surface onto and across roofs. With adjustable step sections, and non-penetrative fixing options, the step-overs have the inherent flexibility to not only protect those accessing the roof, but to also protect the roof sheet from unnecessary foot traffic and potential damage by providing a clearly defined access path. There is the ability to meet virtually any design requirement, with the end result always being a safe, secure and compliant access platform.

Kee Walk® Step-overs are constructed using Kee Klamp® tubular fittings. Each fitting incorporates an internal set screw to lock the respective fitting safely and securely onto the tube to create a strong, stable and safe structure. This method eliminates the need for time-consuming welding or specialist skills or tools, saving contractors both time and money on site. The Kee Walk® Step-over range has been designed in accordance to EN 14122-2/3:2016 for assured safe operation with the Kee Walk® being compliant to EN 516 Class 1-C.

Watch the case study video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eARFgPkmJno

For further information please visit www.keesafety.co.uk
/0 Comments/by

Festool Tools helps design students build new hall on campus

Located in Hooke Park, Dorset, Wakeford Hall has been constructed by students as part of the Architectural Association School of Architecture’s Design and Make Programme. The project includes the construction of a brand new library, lecture theatre and reception facilities, all of which have been built using tools from leading power tool manufacturer, Festool. Once completed, Wakeford Hall will provide a beautiful working environment for both the students based at Hooke Park campus and the general public.

The six-year project, due to be completed in 2023, will see students of the Design and Make programme construct the entirety of Wakeford Hall, a 210sqm building within Hooke Park. Currently, the students are working on the library area, which will consist of an 85sqm ground floor and 40sqm mezzanine space. The students have carefully considered the surrounding forest area throughout the construction process to incorporate innovative uses of timber within their designs. Working together, the students adopted buildability through the use of models and prototypes of the structure, which assisted them in creating a beautiful library that can be used by the next generation of students to study at Hooke Park, as well as the general public.

The project is using an extensive range of Festool products on the site. Most recently the students have been using the circular saws to cut and shape the stack laminated wood that is being used for the structural frame of the library – the structure includes 14 interlocking glue-laminated timer frames, showcasing the students’ innovative approach to timer construction. Combining Festool’s circular saw with the guide rails have ensured that the students are producing precise quality cuts, repeatedly. With the spring-mounted guide wedge, preventing kickback, the Festool circular saws help minimize the risk of injury to the students – a key consideration for the project managers overseeing the students’ work.

Festool’s cordless drills are also being used on the Wakeford Hall project. The cordless drills enable the freedom of movement of battery powered tools with torque needed to drill into the wood effortlessly. Festool’s QUADRIVE cordless percussion drill in particular has been proved to be popular enabling the team to drill long timber screws easily, guaranteeing the stability of the structure.

Project Manager at Wakeford Hall, Jack Draper, said: “Festool’s tools have been a huge assistance to us on site. The students have been able to create cuts and finishes that would have been far more difficult to achieve with alternative products. The guide rail has enabled us to achieve pin-point accuracy with cuts, and the long battery life of the cordless products has allowed the team to work on site for longer, without the need to constantly recharging or replacing the battery packs.

“Festool’s SYSTAINER T-LOC system has been another major benefit to us. Working in a forest means that all of our tools have to be packed away at the end of each day and brought back onto site the following day. This can be a lengthy process, however the SYSTAINER T-LOC enables us to connect multiple tools together and transport them easily to and from the workshop. We could not be happier with the functionality of the Festool system and the work that it has enabled us to achieve at Wakeford Hall so far.”

The Wakeford Hall project has been divided into phases – each year, the new Masters-level students on the Design and Build programme complete a new phase of the build. So far, Phase 0 (the prototype and development stage) and Phase 1 (planning and constructing the library structural frame) have been completed. The students are now in Phase 2, the development of the library structure and construction of its external envelope.

To date, 19 Design and Build students have taken part in the project, along with a further 68 from the Architectural Association’s Summerbuild programme, an intensive course for architecture, design and engineering students and young professionals looking for hands-on experience.

FESTOOL

Philipp Glaser, Marketing Manager at Festool said: “We are thrilled to have been able to assist in the creation of Wakeford Hall and be a part of the education of the next generation of architects and builders. The Festool system has been designed for improved usability and fantastic results – the work completed by the students so far has showcased this.”

Hooke Park is a 130 hectare working forest, which was acquired by the Architectural Association in 2002. In 2010, the Design and Make programme for Masters students was created, with the aim of providing hands-on experience for those interested in architecture – with a focus on the innovative use of timber within construction.

To find out more about Festool and its range of products please visit: www.festool.co.uk
/0 Comments/by

EQUITONE specified for Scottish School sports pavilion

EQUITONE [linea] fibre cement facade material has created a durable, low maintenance exterior for a brand new sports pavilion in Edinburgh.

The facility at St George’s School for Girls – the city’s only all-girls’ schools – has been given a crisp aesthetic by the EQUITONE facade, which displays a linear surface that highlights the raw inner texture of the core fibre cement material.

The new build facility was designed by local architects DRD Architects and is one of the first projects in Scotland to use EQUITONE [linea] in this scale.

Joanna Smith, architect at DRD Architects, said: “Due to the buildings location beside sports pitches, we wanted a high-quality material that was durable and able to withstand all weathers. The school was also very keen on a finish on the building that was as low-maintenance as possible.

“These factors led to us choosing EQUITONE for the facade, and we chose EQUITONE [linea] as we particularly liked the way we could create light and shadow on the facade by rotating the boards in different orientations, allowing the texture of each one to create different light patterns.”

The project used approximately 340m2 of EQUITONE [linea], and incorporates new changing facilities, ancillary accommodation, and a multi-function meeting and conference facility.

EQUITONE

Joanna added: “The overall look of the facade is very uniform and precise, yet the patterns the boards form when the light shines on them make each elevation look different and visually interesting.

“The quality of the material is high and it looks great on the building. Overall, we think the look of the material has been successful and its durability will also bring a key added benefit.”

EQUITONE [linea] is a unique 3D shaped, through-coloured facade material that plays with light and shadow and has a life expectancy of at least 50 years and a fire classification of A2-s1, d0. All EQUITONE materials are available in a range of colours, finishes and fixing options, giving full creative scope.

For more information on EQUITONE facade materials, visit www.equitone.com/en-gb.
/0 Comments/by

The Brio Style Council – Options for Architects

Dave Newton of Brio looks at developments and trends in exterior and interior door openings

With such a high demand for internal and external bi-folding and straight sliding doors in both domestic and commercial settings many architects are continually challenging themselves to come up with designs that are getting ever closer to the ‘cutting edge’.

According to David Newton, General Manager at Brio UK, that means manufacturers of sliding and bi-folding door architectural hardware need to keep pace, if not outstrip, the architect’s need for creating innovative product that can transform anything they design on paper into reality.

Newton explains: “At one end of the scale there is a call for glass doors with ceiling inset runners that that give the appearance of the door floating elegantly in the space – creating a physical yet ephemeral acoustic barrier – while at the other end there is demand for a rustic, even industrial, robustness that makes a feature out of fixings on barn-like partitions, where they actually become an integral part of the design. And, of course there is still a need for sliding and bi-folding doors of wood, aluminium and composite materials, with or without glass, that make the most of the available light while offering variety in how the space is used.”

Basically, the options open to architects when designing doors and windows are wood, steel/aluminium, composite and glass – or a combination of those. But what architectural hardware is best suited to the job of moving the finished product?

According to Newton this is where a good working partnership with a quality solution provider really pays off for architects. A leading architectural hardware manufacturer with a large range of fixings for all types of door creates a whole world of choice, and one that goes the extra mile for customers, takes on specification for them and is prepared to be flexible makes things a whole lot easier too.

Architects need a manufacturer partner which will ensure the correct architectural hardware is supplied. We work in partnership with the marketplace and are dedicated to producing bespoke, made to measure quality products.

He cites a project undertaken by a joinery firm commissioned to make sliding doors for a leisure centre according to the architect’s specifications and deliver the wood, facias and trim to site for the contractor’s joiners to assemble there. The area taken up by the sliding doors exceeded 13 metres and bought in 10 x 1in boards and laminated them together to make each 63mm door. They made their own oak laminate because, although there is ready laminated product, it is only 3-4ft in length, which was no good for that project. The doors were supplied to site with Brio Stainless Steel Timberoll sliding door gear teamed with Timberoll Brass tracks. This was the ideal combination for the area and the doors work beautifully, gliding effortlessly with just a fingertip push.

The creation of Zero Clearance Glass by Brio was in response to a need for recessed ceiling fittings for ‘floating’ glass doors and it’s not just top and bottom gear that needs to be innovative and fit for purpose. Locking mechanisms and hinges are all part of the complete package and they have to be top standard too. Brio never stops innovating. For example, the 286 Dual Point Lock for Weatherfold 4s with timber or aluminium panels has been developed as an optional for alternative to using flush bolts on panels. Aesthetically it’s better on the eye, as well as being easier to operate, as there is no bending down or reaching up to lock or unlocks the door which is the downside of flush bolts. This makes it very friendly with regards to disabled access.

At the end of the day, door hardware needs to be aesthetically pleasing, durable and reasonably priced. Architects and specifiers will always demand products that tick many boxes – visual appearance is important, as well as durability of the product but in the main they will be looking for a product that looks good, and, can also offer years of trouble-free use. This is true whatever the material they are made from.

Brio is a global company focused on bringing adventurous ideas to life, converting the conceptual thoughts of our customers into exciting reality. I sincerely believe the Brio range of quality, well designed product combined with expert technical resources makes us a world leader in design and quality.

For more details on the BRIO product range visit www.briouk.com
/0 Comments/by

Armstrong Ceilings top a ground-breaking laboratory facility

Systems, including a custom one, toe the visual line for collaborative teaching.

A myriad of metal wall-to-wall systems by Armstrong Ceilings were specified for a next-generation laboratory facility for their cost-effectiveness and versatility.

A total of 2,500m2 of them feature on the University of Birmingham’s Collaborative Teaching Laboratory (CTL) building which aims to replace traditional, discipline-specific laboratories with a range of innovative teaching methods beyond the classical bench-style laboratory model.

Armstrong’s DGS (Drywall Grid) system for plasterboard interfaces features as bulkheads alongside metal S-Clip F planks in laboratories, classrooms and meeting rooms while the metal clip-in F-L601 system has been used in corridors.

But arguably the most striking system is the custom C-Profile linear modular metal system used on the ceiling and the walls of the three-storey atrium as well as in corridors and break-out areas.

Rated BREEAM “Excellent”, the 72,120ft2 CTL building takes the shape of a robust brick structure with variation in materials and form to represent the three different internal laboratory environments. Large angled brise soleil made from gold anodised aluminium, which project over the main entrance, are reflected internally for continuity.

The purpose-built CTL building comprises wet, dry and e-laboratories, and along with a recent new laboratory in the School of Engineering building, represents a £40 million investment in Science, Technology and Mathematics (STEM) subjects at the university.

They enable the university to re-think the way STEM subjects are taught by making more effective use of staff time and resources through the efficient use of practical teaching space, innovations in teaching delivery and the reinvention of practical classes. This allows both undergraduate and postgraduate students to benefit from transformational teaching in a space designed to encourage and facilitate collaborative and interdisciplinary working.

In addition, the CTL on the university’s Edgbaston campus provides a visually stimulating and interactive environment in which to showcase STEM subjects to a wider audience, providing a flexible space for outreach and business engagement activities, open days, events and CPD.

The recyclable ceiling systems were designed in conjunction with architects Sheppard Robson to reflect this focus on aesthetics but without loss of acoustic performance.

Armstrong Ceiling Solutions

Timothy Clement, design manager (construction) for main contractor Morgan Sindall, added: “The Armstrong systems were specified as a more cost-effective option to a system that was originally proposed while maintaining a similar aesthetic and quality for the client.”

Armstrong’s DGS is typically faster and easier to install than traditional drywall framing and at the CTL building the metal S-Clip F planks and metal clip-in F-L601 tiles were perforated for even greater acoustic performance. Despite its slender frames the C-Profile linear system incorporates services such as lighting and sprinklers.

The highly light-reflecting white Armstrong Ceiling Solutions were installed over six months by a team of up to 30 operatives from specialist sub-contractor Grimes Finishings, a member of Armstrong’s approved national network of Omega installers.

Grimes’ head of commercial operations Rob Harriman said: “In 25 years of working with suspended ceilings I believe this was the most technically challenging ceiling project I’ve ever been involved with or am aware of by some margin.

“But the Armstrong systems performed excellently and integrated into the build seamlessly and the project support from the Armstrong team was second to none.”

More information is accessible via the Armstrong Ceilings website https://www.armstrongceilings.com/commercial/en-gb/.
/0 Comments/by

“Trusted” Armstrong Ceilings deliver a contemporary aesthetic

Bespoke mesh metal ceilings bring form and function to an office refurbishment.

When architects TP Bennett needed a trusted supplier to deliver their vision for a central London office refurbishment they knew immediately where to look.

And it was Armstrong Ceiling Solutions, specifically 150m2 of the manufacturer’s configurable mesh metal K-H 400 MT tile and grid system featuring versatile hook-on planks, that they specified for areas of the ground floor of 65 Gresham Street.

Project director Pragna Shah said: “The product needed to suit an adaptive, flexible and creative design for our work with a client that is an industry disruptor and has a brand message of ‘out of the ordinary’.”

And that proved the case from the moment go as the Armstrong systems were originally specified for a dining hall and informal lounge with adjacent booths on one side but by the time it came to installation the dining hall had become open-plan office space.

Nevertheless, the jet black (RAL 9005 with 5% gloss) mesh metal tiles from Armstrong, customised with a larger-than-usual 70% open area mesh and installed using a standard crossing box and c-profile suspension system with 75mm trim strips and custom metal bulkheads around the complete perimeter of the space, deliver the industrial aesthetic the architect was looking for, complete with functionality as the exposed services above the ceiling needed to be accessible.

Pragna Shah said: “The Armstrong system suited the design intent. The mesh ceiling was complicated in that it needed to meet lots of criteria, such as access and fixed sizes, and we needed a trusted supplier to help us deliver our vision.

“It helps to create a more contemporary and industrial aesthetic with the addition of up lighting creating an inviting atmosphere. The client is an exciting organisation and our partnership has delivered a workspace that enables new ways of working and captures the vitality and essence of their brand.”

The Armstrong systems were installed over two months by a team of up to 10 from specialist sub-contractor OCP Contracts for fit-out and refurbishment specialists BW: Workplace Experts who required the installation to be defect free at completion. OCP are a member of Armstrong’s Omega network of approved ceiling installers.

OCP’s contracts manager Charles Corbyn said: “Due to the complex nature of the bespoke mesh metal ceiling, OCP liaised with Armstrong’s technical department and together ensured we could achieve procurement for the project.

‘With OCP’s team of specialist fixers, it allowed for a straightforward and perfect installation which is versatile and met what the client had specified. OCP were privileged to have been given the opportunity to install the bespoke ceiling system and are excited by the changes within the industry towards more specialist ceiling systems and unique designs.”

More information is accessible via the Armstrong Ceilings website https://www.armstrongceilings.com/commercial/en-gb/.

Photos: Tom Green

/0 Comments/by

Redefining public spaces with AG’s Plaza Lineal®

AG, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of innovative concrete products has launched a brand new premium paving product; answering industry demand for a flagstone that is durable, versatile and strong whilst possessing an aesthetically pleasing plank-like appearance.

Plaza Lineal®, a premium water-etched, lightly textured, granite aggregate paving that is 120mm deep comes in a range of rectangular dimensions and six colours that can be ‘mixed and matched’ to create a broad range of patterns that blend seamlessly with any outdoor environment.

The factory-developed paving is durable and hard wearing with a minimum surface layer of 5mm that is made up of 90% natural granite and quartz aggregate – a resilient combination. This robust surface makes Plaza Lineal® especially well-suited to spaces with heavy footfall and the associated abrasive effects.

As part of the production process, state of the art factory-controlled vapour curing significantly reduces efflorescence on the surface of the product; a naturally occurring chemical reaction that leads to unsightly blemishes – a common concern within the market.

Plaza lineal has been designed in a way that optimises bending strength (>3.5Mpa) thereby tackling another issue that can arise with other rectangular paving solutions on the market. The paving has also been designed with slip resistance (USRV >75) making it especially safe and suitable for commercial and residential projects alike.

As with any AG product, clients can rest assured that the highest quality and standards have been employed in the production of Plaza Lineal®; the paving is manufactured in a strict factory environment to comply with BS EN 1338/1339:2003.

Plaza Lineal® clients also have the added benefit of knowing they are using a solution that is environmentally friendly; it is 100% renewable, produced using 90% recycled water and is 100% recyclable. An A BREEAM rating can be achieved when the paving is used in conjunction with a prepared recycling sub-base.

Rodney Davidson, AG’s Commercial Director commented:

“At AG we are constantly monitoring market developments to ensure we are ahead of trends. We are especially proud of Plaza Lineal® which is the result of an in-depth research and development programme that highlighted demand within the urban space, residential and commercial sectors for a rectangular paving solution that mirrored the wider interior / exterior trend favouring plank-like aesthetics.”

“By carefully designing Plaza Lineal® within a strictly controlled factory environment we have successfully developed a product that possesses a widely appealing appearance and is unique to the market in terms of its design versatility, durability and strength.”

Terrakerb®: Plaza Lineal®’s perfect partner

As a reconstituted natural granite kerb, AG’s Terrakerb® is the perfect partner for Plaza Lineal® due to its complimentary dimensions and design options. Together, the two products present an excellent cost-effective value engineering option without compromising on a premium appearance.

To find out more visit: www.ag.uk.com
/0 Comments/by

New study shows architects’ fire protection knowledge lacking

,
  • Two years after Grenfell 92% of UK architects unable to define key building fire protection terms
  • A third of architects say their current employer doesn’t spend enough on fire protection training
  • Overall, architects believe they are lacking in fully comprehensive fire protection training

Zeroignition, the fire retardant ingredient technology firm, announced findings from its latest study of architects and specifiers. Architects were asked about their understanding of four common terms relating to buildings and fire. Only 8% were able to correctly define these four basic fire protection terms.

The terms were active fire protection (systems which protect structures and people including sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers, smoke alarms), passive fire protection (whereby the spread of fire is slowed or contained through the use of fire-resistant walls, floors and doors, amongst others), fire resistance (a set of products that prevent fire spreading to other parts of the structure), and reaction to fire (methods designed to help people escape from fire).

While one in three architects (35%) were unable to correctly define the concept of active fire protection, when asked about fire protection options they’d considered in projects, smoke alarms were named by 38% and sprinklers by 33%.

Just over half (52%) of all architects couldn’t give an accurate definition of passive fire protection, where fire protection is ‘built in’. However, 54% did cite fire doors as a consideration, which is part of the passive approach. Passive technologies such as flame retardant treated materials (e.g. firewall) were considered by over a quarter (29%), plasterboard by 21%, and plywood/OSB by 8%.

58% of architects were unable to explain what ‘reaction to fire’ is and almost three quarters (71%) were unable to define fire resistance.

Fire safety

None of the architects interviewed said they’d had comprehensive fire protection training, most had some training and 8% say they’ve had none.

Ian King, chief operating officer, Zeroignition, says ‘Architects are responsible for designing safe buildings. There’s clearly a lack of understanding as to the fire basics which is worrying to say the least. Architects, their employers and the professional bodies need to invest in ensuring this knowledge is bedded in.’

Architects and interior design firm gpad london has looked at fire safety, commenting on their procedures. Jeremy Wiggins, director from the firm says, ‘Fire kills. It’s part of our duty to make sure we design safe buildings. We had a look at the RIBA fire safety consultation and tweaked our processes. We make it part of our design thinking from day one, involving end users and fire consultants as soon as practical. Beyond this we make sure that each project has a named person for fire safety responsibility.

‘We won’t take chances on this, it’s easy for knowledge to become half remembered if you don’t call on it every day and so we refer to checklists when designing as well as running ongoing CPD sessions focusing on it and new innovations.’

/0 Comments/by

Offshore wind energy could provide a third of all UK electricity by 2030

,

Clean, green offshore wind is set to power more than 30% of British electricity by 2030, Energy and Clean Growth Minister Claire Perry has announced with the launch of the new joint government-industry Offshore Wind Sector Deal.

This deal will mean for the first time in UK history there will be more electricity from renewables than fossil fuels, with 70% of British electricity predicted to be from low carbon sources by 2030 and over £40 billion of infrastructure investment in the UK.

This is the tenth Sector Deal from the modern Industrial Strategy signed by Business Secretary Greg Clark. It is backed by UK renewables companies and marks a revolution in the offshore wind industry, which 20 years ago was only in its infancy. It could see the number of jobs triple to 27,000 by 2030.

The deal will also:

  • increase the sector target for the amount of UK content in homegrown offshore wind projects to 60%, making sure that the £557 million pledged by the government in July 2018 for further clean power auctions over the next ten years will directly benefit local communities from Wick to the Isle of Wight
  • spearhead a new £250 million Offshore Wind Growth Partnership to make sure UK companies in areas like the North East, East Anglia, Humber and the Solent and continue to be competitive and are leaders internationally in the next generation of offshore wind innovations in areas such as robotics, advanced manufacturing, new materials, floating wind and larger turbines
  • boost global exports to areas like Europe, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and the United States fivefold to £2.6 billion per year by 2030 through partnership between the Department of Trade and industry to support smaller supply chain companies to export for the first time
  • reduce the cost of projects in the 2020s and overall system costs, so projects commissioning in 2030 will cost consumers less as we move towards a subsidy free world
  • see Crown Estate & Crown Estate Scotland release new seabed land from 2019 for new offshore wind developments
  • UK government alongside the deal will provide over £4 million pounds for British business to share expertise globally and open new markets for UK industry through a technical assistance programme to help countries like Indonesia, Vietnam, Pakistan and the Philippines skip dirty coal power and develop their own offshore wind projects

Claire Perry, Energy & Clean Growth Minister said “This new Sector Deal will drive a surge in the clean, green offshore wind revolution that is powering homes and businesses across the UK, bringing investment into coastal communities and ensuring we maintain our position as global leaders in this growing sector.

“By 2030 a third of our electricity will come from offshore wind, generating thousands of high-quality jobs across the UK, a strong UK supply chain and a fivefold increase in exports. This is our modern Industrial Strategy in action.”

The Co-Chair of the Offshore Wind Industry Council and Ørsted UK Country Manager for Offshore, Benj Sykes, said “Now that we’ve sealed this transformative deal with our partners in government, as a key part of the UK’s Industrial Strategy, offshore wind is set to take its place at the heart of our low-carbon, affordable and reliable electricity system of the future.

“This relentlessly innovative sector is revitalising parts of the country which have never seen opportunities like this for years, especially coastal communities from Wick in the northern Scotland to the Isle of Wight, and from Barrow-in-Furness to the Humber. Companies are burgeoning in clusters, creating new centres of excellence in this clean growth boom. The Sector Deal will ensure that even more of these companies win work not only on here, but around the world in a global offshore wind market set to be worth £30 billion a year by 2030.”

Keith Anderson, ScottishPower Chief Executive, concluded “ScottishPower is proof that offshore wind works, we’ve worked tirelessly to bring down costs and, having transitioned to 100% renewable energy, will be building more windfarms to help the UK shift to a clearer electric economy. Two of our offshore windfarms in the East Anglia will replace all of the old thermal generation we’ve sold and we are ready to invest more by actively pursuing future offshore projects both north and south of the border.

“We have a fantastic supply chain already in place in the UK, from businesses in and around East Anglia to across England, across Scotland as well as Northern Ireland. The Sector Deal will attract even more businesses in the UK to join the offshore wind supply chain and we are excited to see the transformative impact this will have on our projects.”

In addition, the deal will:

  • challenge the sector to more than double the number of women entering the industry to at least 33% by 2030, with the ambition of reaching 40% – up from 16% today
  • create an Offshore Energy Passport, recognised outside of the UK, will be developed for offshore wind workers to transfer their skills and expertise to other offshore renewable and oil and gas industries – allowing employees to work seamlessly across different offshore sectors
  • see further work with further education institutions to develop a sector-wide curriculum to deliver a skilled and diverse workforce across the country and facilitate skills transfer within the industry
  • prompt new targets for increasing the number of apprentices in the sector later this year

The cost of new offshore wind contracts has already outstripped projections and fallen by over 50% over the last two years, and today’s further investment will boost this trajectory, with offshore wind projects expected to be cheaper to build than fossil fuel plants by 2020. The Deal will see UK continuing as the largest European market for offshore wind, with 30GW of clean wind power being built by 2030 – the UK making up a fifth of global wind capacity.

The UK is already home to the world’s largest offshore wind farm, Walney Extension off the Cumbrian Coast, and construction is well underway on projects nearly double the size. Around 7,200 jobs have been created in this growing industry over the last 20 years, with a welcome surge in opportunities in everything from sea bedrock testing to expert blade production.

The Deal will look to seize on the opportunities presented by the UK’s 7,000 miles of coastline, as the industry continues to be a coastal catalyst for many of the UK’s former fishing villages and ports. Increased exports and strengthened supply chain networks will secure economic security for towns and cities across the UK.

 

/0 Comments/by