Nuaire ventilation systems now with Passivhaus certification

Indoor air quality and ventilation manufacturing specialist Nuaire has announced 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 aims to provide solutions to deliver net-zero-ready buildings that also provide a high level of occupant health and wellbeing. 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. Independently tested under realistic conditions to ensure they meet the strict 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 AHUs designed and engineered with the intention of providing an efficient, high-performing, compact solution for various applications. These feature a double-lined acoustic end panel insulated with Rockwool for reduced noise breakout and low leakage, as well as 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. XBC Passivhaus are heat recovery units designed to improve indoor air quality whilst saving energy. F7 and G4 extract filters have been installed, whilst airtight seals aim to prevent heat or air loss up to L2 leakage classification. They have been designed with the lowest possible noise breakout for user acceptance, and intend to be 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.

Rolec launches new UltraCharge range with EVbee

UK manufacturer Rolec, which specialises in DC rapid and ultra-rapid charging, has launched its upgraded UltraCharge range in partnership with EVbee. The collaboration brings together two companies who both seek to accelerate the rollout of EV infrastructure. EVbee, a Dutch design and engineering company known for its EV charging technology, has a strong presence across Europe. The two companies have jointly announced four new additions to the UltraCharge range. The result, they say, is a more well-rounded and premium package, better supported, and more future proof. The range has been launched with the intent to serve a broader spectrum of commercial and public sector applications, offering wider power outputs, from 40kW to 1.6MW+, and greater flexibility to meet diverse site requirements. Rolec has upgraded the standard specifications, including improved LCD screens and advanced cable management. Frankie Mellon, Managing Director at Rolec, says, “Both companies have a strong green tech synergy and a shared focus on DC expansion and agile design. A common drive for compact, modular, and user-friendly unit design, remote diagnostics, and adaptable mounting options, enables faster and more versatile deployment. Backed by Rolec’s UK-based technical support, localised industry experience, and nationwide installer network. Rolec actively seeks out innovative partners who are working closely with R&D, technology, people, and progress. EVbee perfectly fits that vision.” Tao Yang, Founder and CTO of EVbee, adds, “Partnering with Rolec was a natural choice for EVbee. Their strong presence in the UK and trusted reputation in the industry align perfectly with our ambition to push innovation to the next level. We share a common drive for quality, adaptability, and intelligent design, which makes this collaboration both exciting and impactful. We’re confident this partnership will not only accelerate the adoption of DC charging but also lead to many more pioneering projects together in the UK.” Installers may be pleased to know that the new units are advertised to offer a smaller footprint and easier installation, from initial configuration to continued maintenance and servicing. The UltraCharge 40 is a compact DC charger delivering up to 40kW, targeted at small businesses, workshops, and workplaces requiring rapid charging, and available wall or post mounted. The UltraCharge 80 is an alternative option for businesses looking to future-proof their charging network. Targeted at busy commercial and public transport sites, dealerships, and depots, this unit delivers up to 80kW of charging potential, offering dual charging capabilities using power sharing via 5m 250A Peak and 150A Nominal charging cables capable of delivering 80kW charge rate to a standard 400V vehicle. The UltraCharge 180 is a high-performance charger built for high-traffic environments, such as motorways, retail outlets, and shopping centres, and features an integrated advertising screen for additional ROI. It is capable of simultaneous vehicle charging via dual 5m 350A peak and 250A nominal CCS2 universal charging cables, and the unit can be up or downgraded in 30kW increments from 120kW up to 180kW of power. Like the rest of the range, the UltraCharge 180 is fitted with safety features such as under/over voltage, DC overcurrent, over-temp and surge protection, built-in 30mA Type A RCD protection, and IK10 impact protection rating and IP54 weatherproofing. The UltraCharge 400 aims to deliver ultra-rapid charging at scale, with modular power upgrades from 200kW up to 400kW, supporting dual-vehicle charging. With its 150V-1000V dual power output segment, the unit has an improved power utilisation ratio, speeding up charging times and decreasing vehicle downtime. This means the charger should be able to meet the low voltage charging needs of conventional EVs but also meet the requirements for charging larger commercial vehicles such as HGVs, electric trucks, buses, and boats - delivering up to 80% charge in under 10 minutes. Each unit is built with future-ready connectivity (Wi-Fi, ethernet, and 4G) and full compliance with PAS 1899 standards. Charging can be controlled either via ISO15118 plug & charge, RFID, any OCPP app, or contactless payment for pay-to-charge functionality. Frankie comments, “Our new UltraCharge lineup reflects Rolec’s commitment to delivering flexible, cost-efficient, and future-focused solutions that meet the evolving demands of fleet and public EV infrastructure. We’ve upgraded the standard specifications while maintaining competitive pricing. This portfolio combines advanced functionality with a broader range of power outputs – designed to maximise performance, scalability, and ROI. We’re proud to offer an improved solution that gives our customers long-term value and complete confidence as they power the future with us.” For more from Rolec, click here.

NAPIT leads sponsored walk on Bolsover Loop

A team of enthusiastic employees from NAPIT, a Bolsover-based company developing green skills and compliance, led a successful sponsored walk on the newly waymarked Bolsover Loop on Friday, 23 May 2025. The sponsored walk raised money for mental health charity Samaritans, while celebrating the opening of the newly waymarked route through the Bolsover countryside. The event brought together NAPIT staff and supporters, who collectively walked 22 miles from their HQ at Pleasley Vale Mills, along scenic trails that showcase the natural beauty of the local area, from rolling hills and woodlands to panoramic viewpoints and historic paths. The walk, organised in partnership with the Bolsover Place Programme team, marked one of the first events exploring the newly waymarked route, which extends through Clowne, Creswell, Bolsover, Shirebrook, and Pleasley - developed to encourage outdoor activity, support local tourism, and improve access to the countryside. “We’re incredibly proud of our NAPIT team for coming together to support such a worthy cause,” says Mike Andrews, Divisional Managing Director for Phenna Group and Bolsover Place Board Member. “The walk gave us a chance to connect outside the workplace, give back to the community, and enjoy the fantastic new trails right on our doorstep. We even got the sunshine!” Funds raised will go directly to Samaritans, supporting their work in providing emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland. The success of the walk also highlighted the potential of the new routes to host future events and community initiatives, with many participants praising the clear signage, accessible route, and breathtaking scenery. The new signage and waymarking have been made possible through UK Government funding, via Dragonfly Management (Bolsover) and Bolsover District Council. For more from NAPIT, click here.

myenergi launches zappi GLO EV charger

British smart home energy technology manufacturer myenergi has unveiled its next-generation zappi GLO EV charger. The 7kW compact, plug-and-go device has been designed with the future in mind. Featuring eco-smart functionality, including out-of-the-box energy tariff integration, bundled scheduling, and automated solar compatibility, the screenless, buttonless single-phase device intends to offer simple, integrated charging control. Controlled via the myenergi app, users have the option to plug-and-go or explore toggle options to adjust settings, set timers, and monitor performance. The device can integrate with third party energy apps, and the addition of tap-to-charge functionality with RFID provides access for up to 126 users with unique identification for tracking. The charger is manufactured in the UK and users are set to benefit from Grid Protection functionality, as well as compatibility with Gridpay, a myenergi service that rewards households for supporting the energy grid during peak times or using excess supply in quieter periods. Commenting on the announcement, Andrew Clint, Group CEO at myenergi, says, “The launch of zappi GLO marks the next exciting chapter in our remarkable journey. Specifically designed for the EV driver of tomorrow, GLO represents the future of plug-and-go charging technology – effortless operation, eco-smart capability, out-of-the-box tariff integration, and unmatched functionality without the complexity. “The first device in a series of game-changing energy management technologies, each designed to challenge convention and revolutionise home energy, GLO demonstrates our ambitions for the future. Born out of customer feedback, the device aligns perfectly with the market’s desire for total charging simplicity, while still delivering powerful, intelligent, sophisticated functionality.” The company has also designed its new Assistant App with the intent for installers to benefit from a step-by-step process for fitting, as well as to guarantee replicability. Installers can access the app through myenergi’s Installer Centre and can apply for the Product Champion Scheme to be put on the ‘Find an Installer’ map and receive customer enquiries directly to their inboxes. Available as a 7kW single-phase plug-and-go device with 6.5m tethered Type 2 cable, zappi GLO is available for pre-order now, with dispatch from 1 June 2025. Supporting WiFi, Bluetooth, and local radio communication, the IP-rated unit features impact resistance, tamper detection, and integrated 6mA DC fault protection. The myenergi zappi 2.1 remains available for users who prefer on-device control. For more from myenergi, click here.

Grant Aerona heat pumps awarded ECO4 45% uplift

Through the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) Scheme, installers who fit a Grant Aerona or Aerona 290 air source heat pump with an Aerona Smart Controller, which have been recognised as an ECO4 Substantial Innovation Measure by OFGEM, can now access a 45% innovation measure uplift. Through the Government’s ECO4 Scheme, funding is provided to eligible households to support the installation of energy efficiency measures into their homes with the aim of reducing fuel poverty and carbon emissions. Within the scheme, Innovation Measures are recognised which can either be Standard or Substantial. Installers who fit products or technologies which are ECO4 Innovation Measures can subsequently access additional funding with uplifts. When a Grant heat pump is installed as an ECO4 Substantial Innovation Measure, Grant UK will support the set-up of the heat pump system with one of its in-house Technical Sales Support Engineers attending the site on the first installation. Grant UK will then carry out remote monitoring checks three months after installation, and again after 12 months, to ensure that the system is set up and operating correctly. The heat pump will be supported with a 12-year guarantee as well as 12 years’ worth of annual servicing (11 visits in total) carried out by a Grant UK Field Service Engineer. Neil Sawers, Commercial Technical Manager at Grant UK, comments, “We are very pleased that Grant heat pumps have been recognised as an ECO4 Substantial Innovation Measure. “Through the 45% uplift, installers can access additional ECO4 funding to help their customers move to a low carbon heat pump while also providing the end-user with a comprehensive 12-year heat pump guarantee and 12 years’ worth of annual servicing. Furthermore, the remote monitoring functionality of the Grant Aerona Smart Controller will allow our in-house Technical Team to access the heat pump system without being on-site, to provide support with diagnostics, system efficiency, and general maintenance, allowing the end-user to benefit from minimal disruption and increased comfort.”

InstallerSHOW signs sponsorship deal with Lewis Williams

Lyrical Communications (part of Nineteen Group), organiser of InstallerSHOW, has announced a partnership deal with Lewis Williams, reigning Commonwealth Games heavyweight gold medallist, who joins the InstallerSHOW stable ahead of the 2025 event. Lewis is signed to Queensbury Promotions, home to some of the country’s best heavyweight boxers, and showcased his power and skill by stopping his opponent in the second round of his first pro fight last November. Away from the ring, Lewis – who comes from Leamington Spa – has committed to being an ambassador to support the work of The Myton Hospices. Lewis’ father, a huge supporter of his boxing ambitions, was cared for by The Myton Hospices team from his own home towards the end of his life, and it became Lewis’s dream to raise £1m for the hospice during the course of his career. “They were brilliant with dad and couldn’t have made it any easier for us or him at was an incredibly difficult and emotional time,” says Lewis. “They provided real dignity and they have hearts of gold. I said at the time that if I generated a platform to spread the message about Myton Hospice and the great work they do then it would be an honour to do it.” Lewis will be making his InstallerSHOW debut at the NEC Birmingham on Tuesday 24 June, with appearances planned for all three halls of the event throughout the day and at the InstallerMERIT awards in the evening. Lewis comments, “I’m absolutely thrilled about this new partnership. I really appreciate the support of InstallerSHOW and can’t wait for the bell to ring on the opening day of the event.” Mike Costain, Managing Director at Lyrical Communications, adds, “Like Lewis, InstallerSHOW is a successful heavyweight with a bright future. Joining him on his journey to stardom was a unanimous decision and we’re delighted to be in his corner.” InstallerSHOW 2025 takes place from 24-26 June at the NEC Birmingham, with free parking for all visitors. For more from InstallerSHOW, click here.

New heat pump technology from Hewer

Hewer, a family-run heating, mechanical, electrical, and renewable energy business, has launched Heat Saviour, a technology that aims to simplify heat pump installations and maintenance. As part of its Net Zero plan, the Government aims to install 600,000 heat pumps annually by 2028, with gas boilers banned in new homes from 2027. Yet, according to the Heat Pump Association, heat pump sales fell short last year, barely hitting 100,000. In response, the Government has pledged to double the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) to £295 million and launched a public awareness campaign to spotlight the £7,500 heat pump grant. Stuart Hesk, Director at Hewer, says, “Installing and retrofitting heat pumps can be complex, costly, and disruptive. They are often designed with non-universal parts, requiring entire heating systems to be ripped out – systems that could have years of use left in them. “Heat Saviour is a much smarter and cheaper way for engineers to install and maintain a heat pump, making property management easier and improving residential satisfaction. We saw the huge amounts of unnecessary waste, cost, and downtime that installing and retrofitting heat pumps was causing, and so, as a customer-first business, we set about inventing a solution to tackle these issues.” Heat Saviour is a pre-assembled unit which sits underneath a standard hot water cylinder, transferring the heat fed from the heat pump through a plate exchanger, which indirectly powers the central heating system. Unlike traditional heat pump systems which, due to their singular loop design, tie households into specific manufacturers’ components, Heat Saviour enables the use of off-the-shelf components. Operating on a dual-circuit loop, the heat pump runs independently of the existing central heating, aiming to eliminate the need for system overhauls. This intends to minimise disruption and downtime, cut labour costs by up to 20%, and deliver homeowners savings of up to £2,000 per installation. With glycol only in the heat pump circuit, it cuts glycol use by 80%. The unit also has a built-in backup heating element, which can either be switched on manually or controlled remotely using a Vericon Systems connected solution. This avoids downtime during maintenance or pump failure and reduces how often engineers need to enter the property. Stuart continues, “There [have] been no post-installation call-backs on the social housing installations since we implemented Heat Saviour. One of the reasons for this is due to the central heating circuit being separate from the heat pump. This helps to prevent sludge from older systems - often still present even after cleaning - from reaching the heat pump filters, which can reduce performance and affect reliability. “Our mission was to design a cost-effective, durable, and sustainable solution with lower upfront costs and simple servicing, which makes the Government heat pump grant go further. A design which simplifies installations from new builds to even older properties which aren’t conducive to heat pump systems, meeting the needs of all homeowners, landlords, and tenants, including social housing providers. “A compact unit which fits into a standard 600mm by 600mm cupboard, Heat Saviour works with all major heat pump brands and comes with a lifetime guarantee on its parts. It ensures that the heat pump runs more efficiently, cutting energy waste and enhancing the system’s overall effectiveness. The shelf-life of the heat pump also improves as there’s no relying on manufacturers’ own parts, which can go out of production, while less glycol in the system dramatically reduces the system's impact on the environment.” Daniel McNally, Director of heat pump installation firm EcoHeat Plumbing, Heating and Renewables, comments, “Heat Saviour has now become a standard part of our toolkit for every suitable heat pump installation. It delivers on every front, lower installation costs, simpler maintenance, and enhanced homeowner satisfaction. For us, it’s more than a product, it enables better service and advances system design.” Stuart adds, “If the Government succeeds in its goal of installing heat pumps in 600,000 UK homes a year, and each property is fitted with a Heat Saviour, that’s an annual saving of £1.2 billion for the economy. Our unit empowers more communities to adopt greener heating methods and, most importantly, offers peace of mind – delivering reliability without the fear of premature failure.”

New WEEE regulations published today

New regulations that will require online marketplaces to finance recycling of electrical waste were published today. The new waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) regulations laid before Parliament close a crucial loophole that has allowed non-compliant product to be sold via online marketplaces. Commenting on the news, Recolight CEO Nigel Harvey says, “For over a decade, online marketplaces have facilitated the sale of WEEE non-compliant products on an industrial scale. The consequences have been very damaging for legitimate UK businesses. The sellers of non-compliant products have gained an unfair advantage because they do not pay their share of recycling costs. But to add insult to injury, that has in turn meant that WEEE costs to compliant businesses have been higher than needed.” The new regulations mean that online marketplaces must report all household electricals within the scope of the existing WEEE regulations from non-UK suppliers. As a consequence, online marketplaces will incur some additional WEEE costs in 2026, with full costs being allocated from 2027. The lighting industry has been particularly impacted by the scale of freeriding on online marketplaces. A survey by the UK WEEE Scheme Forum showed that 76% of LED lamps offered for sale on a major marketplace were not registered for WEEE. Nigel adds, “This is a great day for many companies in the UK lighting industry. At last, the end is in sight for this unfair competition. Recolight has pushed long and hard for this change on behalf of our 220 members. “The mechanism that the government has chosen to implement the change is particularly efficient: rather than requiring many tens of thousands of non-UK companies to register for WEEE, they have instead placed that obligation on the small number of online marketplaces. That makes enforcement by the UK environment agencies much more straightforward.” The regulations will need to pass through both Houses of Parliament. For more from Recolight, click here.

NICEIC expands Experienced Worker Assessment provision

NICEIC, a certification and training body for the electrical industry in the UK, has announced an expansion of its Experienced Worker Assessment (EWA) provision. This includes the introduction of a new EWA route for Domestic Electricians and the launch of the EAL Electrical Underpinning Knowledge and Understanding Test, designed to give experienced professionals without a Level 2 qualification access to the EWA pathway. This expansion comes in response to increasing demand from electricians seeking formal recognition of their skills. The introduction of the EWA Domestic Electrician route aims to enable more experienced electricians to gain a recognised Level 3 qualification and unlock new career opportunities. In addition, the Electrical Underpinning Knowledge and Understanding Test, launching in June 2025, offers a new pathway for electricians who typically have over 10 years of experience and want to undertake the EWA, but lack a Level 2 qualification. The first exam window will open in July 2025, with NICEIC being the first approved centre to deliver this new test. The EWA is tailored for electricians who have not completed a traditional apprenticeship or equivalent Level 3 vocational qualification but have extensive industry experience. Two routes are available: · Installation Electrician · Domestic Electrician Both routes are benchmarked against the same standards as formal apprenticeships, ensuring candidates are assessed to Level 3 competency. The EWA process is built around real-world evidence, allowing candidates to demonstrate their skills through practical assessment. Eligibility requirements include: · A Level 2 electrical qualification (or equivalent knowledge via the new test). · Minimum of 3 years’ experience for the Domestic Electrician route. · Minimum of 5 years’ experience for the Installation Electrician route. “NICEIC is committed to raising standards and supporting the professional development of electricians,” says Alex Robinson, Head of Product Development at NICEIC. “We’ve seen a significant increase in demand from experienced electricians who want to formalise their skills and stay competitive in a changing industry. By expanding our EWA provision to include the Domestic route and the new entry exam, we’re helping more professionals upskill, gain the recognition they deserve, and contribute to a safer, more competent workforce across the sector.” For more from NICEIC, click here.

UK Power Networks secures ‘Discovery’ funding

A project exploring the use of excess heat from data centres to warm people’s homes in the future is among four new initiatives to receive support, thanks to the Strategic Innovation Fund. Each project will use this early-stage support from OFGEM to tackle some of the energy sector’s most urgent challenges — from strengthening resilience in rural communities and improving rail infrastructure to unlocking hidden energy reserves and capturing waste heat from data centres. The projects from UK Power Networks - a Distribution Network Operator (DNO) that manages the electricity distribution network across London, the South East, and East of England - receiving discovery phase funding are: · Hot Chips – Heat recovery from data centres: This project explores how waste heat from data centres can be repurposed to support low-carbon, flexible heating. It will assess how surplus heat can be used to improve the performance of heat pumps in nearby homes, use low-temperature heat networks, store heat for later use, and test flexible pricing for heat pumps — helping to cut carbon from heating and manage demand on the electricity grid. · SHARED (Smart Hydrogen and Resilient Energy Delivery) – Hydrogen backup to improve resilience for rural communities: This project explores the use of low-cost hydrogen production and storage to improve energy resilience in rural communities. By producing hydrogen during periods of low electricity demand, the project aims to support both residential energy needs and critical infrastructure like water pumping stations. · Conductor – Flexible operation of bulk supply points on the rail network: This project explores how under-used electricity substations could provide power to electric trains and reduce the need for unnecessary network upgrades. By installing third-party-owned, large-scale battery storage at traction Bulk Supply Points, the initiative aims to reduce peak loads on the electricity network and export surplus solar energy — helping integrate more renewable energy. · Super DuPPR (Dual Purpose Power Reserves) – Unlocking backup power as a flexible resource: This project explores how backup power stored by operators such as BT can be safely shared with the electricity grid without destabilising the system. By working with customers to unlock this untapped resource, the project helps when there's less renewable energy available and shows how using backup power in a smarter way can support the whole energy system. Luca Grella, Head of Innovation at UK Power Networks, says, "Securing funding for all four of our Discovery Phase projects is a huge milestone for us, and a testament to the strength of our innovative approach to tackling some of the UK’s most pressing energy challenges. “These projects will build on our existing efforts to enable the transition to a low-carbon, more flexible energy system. We’re excited to move forward with these initiatives, knowing they will not only support our nationwide commitment to Net Zero but also deliver practical, scalable solutions that benefit both our customers and the wider energy network." Rich Marsh, Responsible Business Director at BT Group, comments, “Collaboration across organisations and sectors is vital to tackle the sustainability challenges facing the UK. Working alongside UK Power Networks will give us the opportunity to find smarter ways to support the energy system and help pave the way to a greener and more resilient future.” For more from UK Power Networks, click here.