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The Election: Will it be a Brave New World?

  

WHAT MIGHT THE GENERAL ELECTION MEAN TO THE INDUSTRY?

WILL IT BE A BRAVE NEW WORLD OR JUST MORE OF THE SAME?

 

 

Chris Goggin reviews the NetZero policy statements espoused by both of the main political parties this side of the General Election and considers the viability of these plans and  gives a summary of the key issues regarding investment, infrastructure and cost evaluated against the trajectory of the international energy market and realistic domestic requirements.

 

 

A potential change of government is thought to be likely after the forthcoming General Election. If a change of direction in UK governance is introduced a redrafting of every major UK policy will take place. One area of legislation that remains an important pillar of political discussion is the question of energy – its supply, its price, its security and its impact on NetZero.

To provide a brief overview: the current opposition believes that renewable generation should be expanded far beyond the present government’s ambitions. Nuclear expansion will also be pursued whilst all North Sea drilling contracts will be honored. However, the opposition’s long-term plan is to shelve oil and gas usage in favour of carbon reducing alternative energies.

A more detailed look reveals discrepancies between the opposition and the current government’s approach to all critical areas of UK energy. However, additional renewable energy integration into the UK grid is reliant upon electrical grid upgrades that assist in renewable grid connections. Both political parties have separate plans for UK electric grid upgrading, later visited in this article.

Solar power will be tripled from 15.6 GW to 50 GW of installed capacity, whilst onshore wind will be more than doubled from 15 GW to 35 GW. Green hydrogen targets will also be doubled from 5 GW to 10 GW. Existing nuclear projects will also be completed alongside the completion of smaller nuclear projects such as the construction of small modular reactors.  Clean offshore wind production will be quadrupled to 55GW by 2030.

Although the opposition has pledged to increase investment into hydrogen and CCUS (Carbon Capture & Storage) it has not been highlighted how this strategy would best result in a mutually beneficial outcome. For instance, the opposition has not stated whether they will purchase or invest in privately owned hydrogen projects or construct their own hydrogen projects.

A cornerstone of the opposition’s energy policy will be the creation of GB Energy which has been recently described in The Guardian as:

“a state-owned investment vehicle and company working alongside and often in partnership with the existing private sector suppliers. The plan is for it to be largely invisible to households, not offering electricity directly to consumers but financing and helping to build low-carbon infrastructure, from windfarms to – potentially – nuclear reactors.”

GB Energy will have access to £8.3 billion of capital to assist in the completion of strategic objectives. £3.3 billion will be directed towards the construction of localized smaller power projects whilst £5 billion will be invested into larger projects and supply chains. This money will be raised through the taxing of North Sea fossil fuel companies.

Both UK political parties believe that decarbonising the national electricity grid remains a priority that will enable cheaper customer costs and increase clean energy usage across the entire UK. However, they are yet to agree on an appropriate pathway that secures beneficial economic and societal benefits.

The opposition believe decarbonising the UK energy grid by 2030 can be achieved through capacitating £116 billion of investment, whilst the current government’s plan is to extend the 2030 timeline to 2035 and absorb £104 billion of additional subsidy. Time and finance are central issues to both strategies. Both approaches have been labelled as viable and non-realistic, according to which political party an individual subscribes to.

A financial breakdown report was commissioned by Policy Exchange, a research institute that aims to influence domestic and international policy. The report was completed by an independent energy market analytics company – Aurora Energy Research

The current opposition will require huge amounts of capital investment to achieve their aim of decarbonising. Aurora has calculated that £15.6 billion a year until 2030 is required (total £93.5 billion) and a further £4.4 billion a year from 2031 – 2035 (£22.5 billion) equating to a total of £116 billion over the next 11 years.

In contrast current government plans to decarbonise the UK’s power grid by 2035 will require £8.2 billion a year of additional investment until 2030 – a total of £49.3 billon. A further £11.1 billion a year of additional investment from 2031 – 2035 a total of £55.3 billion. The total accumulative investment over 11 years will amount to £104.6 billion over the next 11 years.

The approach undertaken by the current opposition when compared to the present Govt party focuses on the expanding of renewables, hydrogen and nuclear in a shorter span of time at increased financial expense.

We need to keep in mind also that future energy policy by both UK political parties is dependent on wider international energy market conditions and geopolitical influences. There is no doubt that there are no easy or quick answers to the question of providing energy to both commercial and domestic markets.

Rinnai follows all news and developments connected to national and international energy policy, investment and legislation. Rinnai will continue to provide updated information and data-driven knowledge to all UK customers on events that could potentially affect cost and energy options.

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RINNAI OFFERS CLEAR PATHWAYS TO LOWER CARBON AND DECARBONISATION

PLUS CUSTOMER COST REDUCTIONS FOR COMMERCIAL, DOMESTIC

AND OFF-GRID HEATING & HOT WATER DELIVERY 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT H3

 

  • Rinnai’s range of decarbonising products – H1/H2/H3 – consists of hot water heating units in gas/BioLPG/DME, hydrogen ready units, electric instantaneous hot water heaters, electric storage cylinders and buffer vessels, a comprehensive range of heat pumps, solar, hydrogen-ready or natural gas in any configuration of hybrid formats for either residential or commercial applications. Rinnai’s H1/2/3 range of products and systems offer contractors, consultants and end users a range of efficient, robust and affordable low carbon/decarbonising appliances which create practical, economic and technically feasible solutions.
  • 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 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.
  • The Rinnai 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 More information can be found on Rinnai’s website and its “Help Me Choose” webpage.

RINNAI FULL PRODUCT AVAILABILITY 24/7

FOR NEXT DAY DELIVERY of ALL HOT

WATER HEATING UNIT MODELS INCLUDING 48-58kW UNITS-

SAVINGS OF

20%                REDUCTION of opex cost

30%                REDUCTION of initial cost

15%                REDUCTION in carbon

75%                REDUCTION of space

CLICK HERE for the Rinnai Website

Or email engineer@rinnaiUK.com 

Or CLICK HERE for more information on the RINNAI product range

 

 

 

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RINNAI WARMS UP THE BONNY BANKS LOCH LOMOND

  

RINNAI WARMS UP THE BONNY BANKS OF HOLIDAY LODGES ON LOCH LOMOND WITH OFF-GRID LPG CONTINUOUS FLOW HOT WATER HEATING UNITS

 

Rinnai 1600e continuous flow water heaters, powered by LPG, have been installed in accommodation units at an off-grid holiday park on the banks of Scotland’s Loch Lomond, the UK’s biggest body of freshwater at just over 36 kilometres long.

 

The Loch Lomond & Trossachs area is also a highly popular National Park – 1,865 sq. km (720 sq. miles) – and has a boundary length of 350km (220miles). Just over 50% of Scotland’s population lives within an hour’s drive of this National Park

 

The site, towards the southern end of the loch, is popular all-year round, as it is just 40 minutes from Glasgow. The site has a selection of lodges and chalets, many with outdoor hot tubs, accommodating up to 10 people per each unit. There is a leisure centre, swimming pool, restaurants and cafes plus communal areas used for concerts, especially tribute acts.

 

The Rinnai LPG water heaters are powered by LPG but can work just as efficiently on BioLPG – a lower carbon intensive alternative source of fuel. LPG is one of the lowest carbon emitting sources of fuel for the 15% of UK businesses and domiciles that function off-grid. Bio-LPG could be one of the replacements for LPG in the future meaning that off-grid sites can “drop-in” lower carbon fuels of the future and Rinnai continuous flow water heaters will be ready, thus futureproofing their hot water heating provisions.

 

BioLPG consists of 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.

 

Further alternative fuel sources such as renewable biofuel Dimethyl ether (DME) can also be employed by Rinnai continuous flow water heaters. Renewable DME is like LPG. It is a molecule-based fuel that can be produced through a wide range of renewable feedstocks which allows for quick and long-term sustainable production.

 

DME combusts cleanly and releases no “soot” emissions. Dimethyl ether has many fuel properties that make it easily used in sites and appliances using heating oil. It has a remarkably high cetane number, which is a measure of the fuel’s ignitibility in compression ignition engines. The energy efficiency and power ratings of DME and heating oil engines are virtually the same. R DME is safe and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 85% better improving local air quality.

Rinnai is pioneering product development to support the green fuels of the future so that
LPG water heaters and boilers today are ready for a greener tomorrow.

 

  Find out more about renewable liquid fuels CLICK HERE AND JOIN our newsletter

Rinnai’s range of products include domestic and commercial heat pumps that offer immediate
property decarbonisation.  Rinnai is determined to provide UK customers with cost effective
low carbon solutions towards domestic and commercial hot water and building heating provision.

 

RINNAI OFFERS CLEAR PATHWAYS TO LOWER CARBON AND DECARBONISATION PLUS CUSTOMER COST REDUCTIONS FOR COMMERCIAL, DOMESTIC AND OFF-GRID HEATING & HOT WATER DELIVERY 

www.rinnai-uk.co.uk/about us/H3 

 

  • Rinnai’s range of decarbonising products – H1/H2/H3 – consists of hot water heating units in gas/BioLPG/DME, hydrogen ready units, electric instantaneous hot water heaters, electric storage cylinders and buffer vessels, a comprehensive range of heat pumps, solar, hydrogen-ready or natural gas in any configuration of hybrid formats for either residential or commercial applications. Rinnai’s H1/2/3 range of products and systems offer contractors, consultants and end users a range of efficient, robust and affordable low carbon/decarbonising appliances which create practical, economic and technically feasible solutions.
  • 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 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.
  • The Rinnai 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 More information can be found on Rinnai’s website and its “Help Me Choose” webpage.

 

RINNAI FULL PRODUCT AVAILABILITY 24/7 FOR NEXT DAY DELIVERY of

ALL HOT WATER HEATING UNIT MODELS INCLUDING 48-58kW UNITS-

 

20%                REDUCTION of opex cost,

30%                REDUCTION of initial cost

15%                REDUCTION in carbon

75%                REDUCTION of space

 

CLICK HERE for the Rinnai Website

Or email engineer@rinaiuk.com 

Or CLICK HERE for more information on the RINNAI product range

 

 

 

 

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LOGICAL THINKING MAKES RINNAI’s H1 – Hydrogen THE informed CHOICE

LOGICAL THINKING MAKES RINNAI’s

H1 – Hydrogen / BioLPG ready – H2 – Hybrid Solar Thermal and heat pump – H3 LOW-GWP heat pumps

THE informed CHOICE

 

Chris Goggin argues that when logically thinking of current UK national energy legislation, Rinnai’s range of H3 products can deliver all commercial, domestic and off-grid properties heating and hot water solutions. Rinnai’s H3 range is well placed to deliver heating and hot water to all UK sites that are interested in low-cost decarbonisation.

 

 

 

[Visit www.rinnaiuk.co.uk or call 0300 373 0660 to find out more]

 

UK customers of energy and energy related products are presently experiencing increased levels of financial turbulence. UK energy policy stipulates that fossil fuels will be gradually withdrawn from power options and renewable energy alternatives being used in replacement.

The UK government views renewable sources of energy as cost-effective and sustainable. When thinking of investing in a heating or hot water system for a domestic or commercial property it is worth pausing to consider current and future legislative direction.

As fossil fuels are targeted for actively being phased out of circulation, seeking a decarbonising heating and hot water system has become a prominent issue to UK customers. UK customers must now think logically when considering future energy and energy related products.

Current domestic UK policy is keen on expanding on and offshore wind farms for electrical generation. Construction of on and offshore wind farms are continuing with several beginning operations soon, or have already started production, such as Triton Knoll and Hornsea 2.

Only recently wind farms across the UK have set a record for secondary power generation. National Grid ESO said that during a 30-minute period on the 2nd of November, wind farms accounted for 53% of Britain’s electricity. The previous record was set last week when 19,936MW of electricity was provided towards national demand by on and offshore wind farms in a half hour period.

UK acceptance of renewable wind farms has been gradually growing since initial introduction in the 1980s. Communities strongly opposed plans to install wind farms as they were viewed as distorting natural scenery and therefore potentially affecting house prices.

Since the 1980s a climate emergency has been imposed and energy costs have reached exorbitant levels. A survey taken by RenewableUK demonstrates that the UK public now overwhelmingly supports the installation of new solar, wind (on and offshore) and wave power facilities to tackle on-going issues relating to the cost-of-living crises and energy costs.

RenewableUK gathered the following results when asking if the public was in favour of renewable energy installations that reduce electricity bills: 81% were in favour of solar energy, 76% of people backed offshore wind, 74% in favour of onshore wind and 72% support tidal and wave power.

To protect UK customers against market volatility and enhance domestic energy security, the UK government must seek alternative and sustainable methods of energy cultivation. As a result, renewable sources of energy will be steadily introduced into the UK domestic energy mix.

Public support and relaxed legislation will see renewable energy production and dispersal become widespread. Rinnai hold a selection of products capable of fulfilling any UK customer requirements regarding the purchase of a decarbonising heating and hot water system.

Rinnai’s H3 range includes all mainstream varieties of renewable energy alternative options including, solar thermal, heat pumps, Bio LPG water heaters and boilers and solar thermal tube collectors. All options focus on decarbonisation and reducing customer cost across all stages of product life cycle.

Rinnai can offer multiple avenues of cost reducing decarbonisation across various energy vectors. To create a healthier way of living, Rinnai is offering customer choices in hot water provision as well as heating domestic and commercial buildings through a wide range of renewable energy systems.

Rinnai’s solar thermal water heating systems are a decarbonising commercial option. Rinnai’s Solar thermal VirtuHOT units are designed and manufactured in conjunction with Naked Energy. Core design values of VirtuHOT has benefited from multiple workshops with experienced installers, whose valuable insights have been integrated into design and innovation. VirtuHOT saves up to 3.5x more carbon per m2 compared to conventional solar technology.

Rinnai’s H3 range of decarbonising products include commercial and domestic heat pumps that contain a variety of features: the HPIH range of commercial heat pumps is suited towards schools, restaurants and small retail outlets. Rinnai’s HPIH Monobloc Air Source Heat Pumps – 21, 26, 28 & 32kW range can allow for up to seven units to be cascaded together or operate alone as one unit. Once joined together – can serve increased demand for heating and hot water.

The HPIH series includes a range of controls and system peripherals which ensures that all technical machinations can be monitored. Rinnai’s HPIH commercial heat pumps also deploy the refrigerant – R32, which contains a low GWP. The HPIH use maintains an ERP rating of A++ making this range of heat pumps an ideal economic and environmental option for refurbishment projects.

Rinnai’s HPHP series of domestic heat pumps arrive with the ability to save up to 25% of power input, enhancing efficiency and operational performance. State-of-the-art technology added in the injection process outperforms gas compression technology and ensures that even with outside temperatures of –25 Celsius, heating and hot water of up to 60 + Celsius can still be delivered.

Rinnai’s HPI SL range models perform with ultra-low sound capability ensuring compatibility with areas that hold strict sound compliance standards. All units operate in three different modes: heating, cooling and DHW. All three models include specific system programmes that enhances product performance in all modes.

UK energy policy is aimed towards long term renewable energy production that is sustainable and free from outside malign market influences. Logical thinking infers that the UK customer must begin considering investing in decarbonising renewable heating and hot water provision. For more information and details contact

www.rinnaiuk.com.

RINNAI H3 PRODUCT ROADMAP TO LOWER CARBON AND NET ZERO DE-CARBONISATION

Rinnai’s product and service offering is based on H3- Hydrogen, Heating and Heat Pumps – which allows any site in either residential or commercial sites to maximise the energy efficiency and performance in striving for NetZero and Decarbonisation. Additionally, Rinnai is developing and introducing electrical formats to all existing product ranges within the next few months. Rinnai’s new “H3” range of products includes a wide selection of commercial heat pumps as well as hydrogen blends-ready and hybrid hot water heating systems.

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

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

Rinnai units 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. System design services are available if needed and cost comparison services are accessible to all customers who require further cost detail.

Rinnai’s Innovation Manifesto clearly outlines the path to carbon neutrality and maintains a pledge to fully decarbonize company operations by 2050. Rinnai will further support the global clean energy transition by introducing a wide variety of domestic heating options across multiple energy vectors.

Rinnai is committed to decarbonisation. Rinnai’s water heating products are all hydrogen-blends ready NOW including the world’s first 100% hydrogen powered water heater. Rinnai products also accept BioLPG capable of delivering NetZero carbon emissions. Rinnai offer comprehensive training courses and technical support in all aspects of the water heating industry. More information can be found on Rinnai’s website and its “Help Me Choose” webpage.

CLICK HERE For more information on the RINNAI product range

 

 

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

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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.

 

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Is energy affordable for households and businesses?

An independent review into the cost of energy led by Professor Dieter Helm CBE will recommend ways to keep energy prices as low as possible.

The review will consider the whole electricity supply chain – generation, transmission, distribution and supply.

An independent review into the cost of energy led by Professor Dieter Helm CBE will recommend ways to keep energy prices as low as possible as part of the Industrial Strategy, Business and Energy Secretary Greg Clark announced today.

Professor Dieter Helm, one of Britain’s leading energy experts, will look specifically at how the energy industry, government and regulators can keep the cost of electricity as low as possible, while ensuring the UK meets its domestic and international climate targets.

This ambitious review builds on the commitment made in the Industrial Strategy green paper and will consider the whole electricity supply chain – generation, transmission, distribution and supply. It will look for opportunities to reduce costs in each element and consider the implications of the changing demand for electricity, including the role of innovative technologies such as electric vehicles, storage, robotics and artificial intelligence.

The ambition is for the UK to have the lowest energy costs in Europe, for both households and businesses.

Business and Energy Secretary Greg Clark said “All homes and businesses rely on an affordable and secure energy supply and the government is upgrading our energy system to make it fit for the future. We want to ensure we continue to find the opportunities to keep energy costs as low as possible, while meeting our climate change targets, as part of the Industrial Strategy.

“The review will consider how we can take advantage of changes to our power system and new technologies to ensure clean, secure and affordable supplies over the coming decades. Professor Helm will bring invaluable expertise to the review, and I look forward to seeing his recommendations.

Professor Helm is one of Britain’s leading energy experts, a Professor of Economic Policy at the University of Oxford and a Fellow in Economics at New College Oxford, and a former member of the Council of Science and Technology, advising the UK Prime Minister from 2004 to 2007.

Professor Dieter Helm CBE added “I am delighted to take on this Review. The cost of energy always matters to households and companies, and especially now in these exceptional times, with huge investment requirements to meet the decarbonisation and security challenges ahead over the next decade and beyond. Digitalisation, electric transport and smart and decentralised systems offer great opportunities. It is imperative to do all this efficiently, to minimise the burdens. Making people and companies pay excessively for policy and market inefficiencies risks undermining the objectives themselves.

“My review will be independent and sort out the facts from the myths about the cost of energy, and make recommendations about how to more effectively achieve the overall objectives.”

The government is already taking action, and has asked the regulator to come forward with proposals to extend the price protection currently in place for some vulnerable energy consumers to more people on the poorest value tariffs. This builds on action taken to cap the price for 4 million pre-payment meter customers which came into force on 1 April 2017.

There are also a number of schemes in place to reduce energy bills by improving energy efficiency, such as the Energy Company Obligation which will upgrade 200,000 homes each year and help tackle fuel poverty. For business, the package of relief for energy intensive industries was worth £260 million last year and there are financial incentives to switch to cleaner fuels and processes.

This review will consider the electricity system as a whole and make recommendations on how to deliver affordable energy over the coming decades. It follows the plan set out in July by government and Ofgem for a smarter energy system and the commitment to ensure Britain’s energy costs are as low as possible.

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Work underway on new £2.6bn offshore windfarm

Historical maritime buildings in the harbour of Wick in Caithness, Scotland, will be brought back into operation when renovated to act as the hub for one of the largest new offshore wind farms in the UK.

Work is well underway to build the £2.6 billion, 84 turbine offshore wind farm in the outer Moray Firth. Designed by world famous Scottish engineer Thomas Telford in 1807, the conservation of the onshore maritime buildings will play a key part in generating 588MW of sustainable energy from the wind farm to go into the grid.

Leading independent management, design and construction consultancy Pick Everard, based in Inverness and Glasgow, is part of the team who will be delivering the onshore aspects of the project alongside HRI/Munro Architects.

Pick Everard is delivering mechanical and engineering services for the £10 million land base which will service the windfarm commissioned by BOWL (Beatrice Offshore Windfarm Ltd). Once complete, the wind farm will power approximately 450,000 homes (around three times the number of homes in the Moray and Highland regions).

Doug Soutar, director at Pick Everard, said “This is such an exciting project to work on and one that is key in helping us to continue to deliver sustainable energy for the future.

“The onshore element of the project comprises the conservation, re-planning and part reconstruction of two blocks of the historic Old Pulteneytown area of Wick.
“These buildings are more than 200 years old and have a longstanding history of being used for maritime purposes. We are pleased to be helping to bring them back into service again following planning permission from the Highland Council.”

Wick has provided a safe haven for fishing, commercial, and leisure vessels for the last 150 years or so with the harbour consisting of three basins. The Inner and Outer Harbours are the main fishing and leisure berths, and the River Harbour is the commercial area.

Steve Wilson, senior project manager for SSE, added “Renovation of the iconic Thomas Telford buildings in Wick is well underway and has been progressing well. These buildings will become our long term Operations and Maintenance base for Beatrice Windfarm.

“These Thomas Telford buildings are a symbol of Wick’s industrial and marine past so we are really pleased to be utilising them and in doing so help continue that legacy. We’ve been very pleased with the support there has been in the area.”

The Beatrice wind farm will be operational in 2019. It is one of the largest private investments ever made in Scottish infrastructure, bringing economic and community benefits to the area. Beatrice will also create opportunities with job creations across the region, skills training, investment in Scottish ports and harbours, supply chain opportunities and community benefit funding.

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£290 million boost for clean energy in Britain

Renewable energy developers will compete for £290m worth of contracts to support the growth of clean energy in Britain, as the second Contracts for Difference auction launches.

Contracts for Difference are won through a competitive process which drives down energy costs for consumers and guarantees companies a certain price for the low-carbon electricity they produce over 15 years. This gives them the support and certainty they need to attract investment and get projects off the ground.

The contracts made available today represent the first part of the Government’s commitment to provide up to £730m of annual support for renewable electricity projects over the course of this parliament. They support a key pillar of the Industrial Strategy by ensuring a cleaner, more flexible energy supply.

Energy Minister Jesse Norman said “This auction underlines that Britain is open for business to companies seeking to invest in low carbon energy.

“It is designed to deliver clean power to a million homes, create jobs in the energy industry and provide new supply chain opportunities, while reducing carbon emissions by some 2.5 million tonnes per year.”

The scheme is funded through a levy which forms a part of energy bills and only projects that offer the best value for money will win contracts. There is no cost on energy bills until projects are up and running and generating low-carbon energy.

The auction process started yesterday (3rd April) and will continue over the coming months. It is expected to draw to a close by the autumn, when the winners of the auction and final clearing prices will be announced.

There has been £52bn of investment in renewable energy in the UK since 2010, and for the first time ever exactly half of the UK’s electricity came from low carbon sources in the third quarter of 2016. The latest contracts will help the UK build on this success.

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Offshore wind sector reaches record high

Activity in the offshore windfarm sector reached a record high in 2016, as the total construction value for projects reached £4.1 billion, increasing from £2.45 billion in 2015.

According to the latest data from construction industry analysts Barbour ABI, offshore windfarms alone accounted for 42 per cent of UK construction contract value in the utilities and power sector and 21 per cent of the entire infrastructure sector. This trend is likely to continue with the pipeline for future offshore wind developments looking healthy, with Barbour ABI reporting that £23.2 billion pounds worth of construction contract value is in planning.

Offshore

Three major projects that made a significant difference to the increase in construction contract value for offshore wind farms in 2016 were the Beatrice, Galloper and East Anglia one offshore wind farm projects, together worth a combined £3 billion pounds, which once constructed will produce over 1,600 MW of renewable energy per hour.

Commenting on the figures, Michael Dall, lead economist at Barbour ABI, said: “Back in 2013 offshore windfarms accounted for only 7.5 per cent of the annual construction value for the utilities and power sector, which increased to 42 per cent in 2016, on the back of significant investment in this type of project.

“With reports showing that the cost of producing electricity in this way have fallen significantly, the increase in construction value makes sense.”

“We have also seen a large uptake in the planning pipeline for future offshore windfarms with £23.2 billion worth of construction planned over the coming years, suggesting this burgeoning sector will continue to expand in 2017 and beyond.

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Costa Rica running on renewables for 121 days and counting!

Costa Rica is setting the precedent for other nations looking to utilise green energy and reduce their carbon footprint.

The small Central American nation has generated 100% of its electricity from renewable sources for the past 121 days, and the run isn’t over yet. The country, which draws clean energy from a variety of renewable sources, still has its sights on a full year without fossil fuels.

With a 121-day stretch of 100% renewable energy under its belt and several months left in the year, Costa Rica appears to be edging closer to its admirable target. Costa Rica could be on track to match the record set with its renewable energy production last year, which accounted for 99% of the country’s electricity. That included 285 days powered completely by renewable sources, according to the Costa Rican Electricity Institute.

Costa Rica is able to take advantage of a multitude of renewable energy sources because of its unique climate and terrain. Most of the nation’s renewable energy comes from hydropower, due to its large river system and heavy tropical rainfalls. Solar, wind, biomass, and geothermal energy also play key roles.

Green ambitions

Costa Rica have shown great ambition in the field of renewable energy over the past few years and according to the government they are aiming to be entirely free from fossil fuels by 2021. However, with large sums of money currently being invested in geothermal energy projects, it is anticipated that this impressive target could indeed be met much sooner than originally expected.

In comparison, some countries (ourselves included) could be perceived as simply not doing enough to tackle climate change and improve our energy habits. Costa Rica achieving 99% renewable energy usage this year sends a stark message to the rest of the world of what is possible when a country unites to make a concerted effort to fight global warming using sustainable energy sources and technologies already at our disposal.

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Construction begins on Europe’s largest floating solar farm

Construction work has started on what will be the largest floating solar farm in Europe. Located at the Queen Elizabeth II reservoir near London, the project is part of a greater effort by Thames Water to source a third of its energy from renewable methods by 2020.

Once completed in March, the floating array will boast the impressive accolade of being the second largest of its kind in the world.

In excess of 23,000 panels will be floated on the surface of the reservoir water, generating enough electricity per year to power the equivalent of around 1,800 homes. Once complete, the finished array will cover around a 10th of the reservoir’s surface area – roughly the same area as eight Wembley-sized football pitches.

Thames Water has confirmed that the renewable electricity produced by the 6.3MW floating array will be used to power a water treatment centre nearby.

Energy Manager, Angus Berry said “Becoming a more sustainable business is integral to our long term strategy and this innovative new project brings us one step closer to achieving our goal – this is the right thing for our customers, the right thing for our stakeholders and most importantly the right thing for the environment.”

The installation will require over 61,000 floats and 177 anchors to keep the array above water and in situ, and is been delivered by solar energy company Lightsource.

Chief Executive at Lightsource, Nick Boyle commented that as an increasing number of industries quite rightly turn their attention to lowering their carbon footprint, the solar industry will need to develop new skills in order to ensure that future projects deliver maximum efficiency.

“There is a great need from energy intensive industries to reduce their carbon footprint, as well as the amount they are spending on electricity and solar can be the perfect solution. Therefore, constantly evolving new skill sets to ensure that all of our projects deliver maximum energy generation over the lifetime of the installation” said Nick.

Floating solar farms are considered an efficient way to maximise renewable energy generation in areas where land is scarce, by using the normally redundant surface area on reservoirs and lakes.

The largest floating solar array is currently under construction on a reservoir in Japan. Once completed, it will provide enough clean electricity to power nearly 5,000 households.

Advocates of the approach argue it can also reduce evaporation from reservoirs, while the cooling effect of the water is said to help improve output from solar PV cells.

News of the floating array follows the recent announcement that wind turbine towers are set to reach heights of up to 170m – almost as high as the Gherkin in London, in the near future. This shows that in the world of energy, renewables continue to power ahead in terms of growth and innovation.

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