Charging hubs to power Northumberland’s scenic routes

Northumberland is set to benefit from three ultra-rapid electric vehicle (EV) Charging Hubs, installed by national charging network Be.EV, in a bid to drive sustainable tourism. The chargers mark the beginning of Be.EV's partnership with development company, Advance Northumberland, providing both residents and visitors to the region with convenient access to ultra-easy, ultra-rapid charging with added amenities. The sites come at a time when the region is making a broader effort to enhance its green infrastructure and support its eco-tourism industry, in step with wider efforts nationally to become carbon neutral by 2030. The new charging hubs are to be located at Tyne Valley Retail Park in Hexham, Ramparts Business Park in Berwick, and Manor Walks Shopping Centre in Cramlington. All of these hubs are strategically positioned near major transport routes, making them ideal for both 'on-the-go' charging for travellers passing through and convenient 'dwell' charging for those visiting nearby retail parks and attractions. Tyne Valley Retail Park offers a convenient stop for travellers heading to Vindolanda, one of Britain’s most visited Roman archaeological sites, just south of Hadrian's Wall. Ramparts Business Park provides access for those exploring the Northumberland coast and Bamburgh Castle, while Manor Walks Shopping Centre is ideal for visitors heading to Tynemouth and surrounding coastal areas. The sites feature a total of 18 ultra-rapid charging bays, each capable of adding up to 125 miles of range in just 20 minutes. The first wave of chargers were set to go live in November, starting with Tyne Valley Retail Park, with Ramparts Business Park Berwick and Manor Walks Shopping Centre to follow in Q1 2025. With 3,000 miles of footpaths winding through its picturesque countryside, and the region already seeing over 10 million annual visitors, it’s positioned to become a leader in sustainable tourism. As demand for eco-tourism continues to rise - searches for "sustainable holidays" increased by 191% on Google since 2019 - the introduction of Be.EV charging hubs is a pivotal step in making sustainable travel more accessible and convenient. The number of public EV chargers in Northumberland has increased by 37% over the last year, with 383 chargers now available. This growth is essential as the region's infrastructure supports the rising demand for eco-friendly travel options. Asif Ghafoor, CEO of Be.EV., says, “These new hubs mark a milestone in Northumberland’s journey toward a sustainable future. Our mission is to make EV charging simple, accessible, and integral to the travel experience. "By creating hubs in community-focused locations, we’re not only promoting sustainable travel but also supporting local businesses and enhancing the quality of life for residents. “Drivers can conveniently recharge their vehicles while shopping, dining, or exploring nearby attractions, encouraging longer visits. Northumberland’s iconic locations, from Hadrian’s Wall to Kielder Forest, are now more accessible than ever to eco-conscious travellers.” Lee Farrier, Head of Commercial and Workspace at Advance Northumberland, adds, “This partnership is about much more than EV chargers. It’s about preparing Northumberland for the future while delivering tangible benefits for our communities. “From supporting eco-tourism to helping residents embrace low-carbon transport options, these hubs are a vital part of our region’s green strategy.” The charging hubs are open to all EV drivers, with discounted rates available to Be.EV members. Local residents will also see direct benefits, as a share of the revenue generated will be reinvested into the community through Advance Northumberland. For more from Be.EV, click here.

Octopus teams with Sainsbury's for EV charging initiative

Festive shopping has become greener and easier for electric car drivers thanks to a new partnership between Octopus Energy’s Electroverse platform and Sainsbury’s Smart Charge. Drivers can now access over 560 Smart Charge ultra-rapid electric vehicle (EV) chargers at 68 Sainsbury’s UK stores nationwide just by tapping their Octopus Electroverse card. These chargers can power up an EV in under 30 minutes, charging batteries to the brim in the time it takes to pick up groceries. As an added bonus, between 16 December and 10 January, every £1 spent on charging earns drivers five Nectar points, unlocking savings on customers’ festive shopping. Smart Charge powered by Sainsbury’s launched at the start of this year, with 100% of its sites having fully accessible bays and a reliable service with over 99% uptime. It joins over 1,000 charging brands for drivers to use in over 40 countries on Octopus Electroverse, giving drivers access to more than 920,000 chargers around Europe. Octopus Electroverse’s ‘one card, one app’ model simplifies public charging, eliminating the inconvenience of downloading multiple apps. The disruptor is now Europe’s largest consumer charging platform, Octopus reports. This comes as a record number of nearly 90,000 public EV chargers are installed in the UK. Research also shows four in five EV drivers have had a good experience with public charging in the UK. Matt Davies, Director of Octopus Electroverse, says, “It’s fantastic to welcome Sainsbury’s Smart Charge chargers to Electroverse. Their rapidly increasing number of ultra-rapid supermarket chargers helps fit electric car charging perfectly into daily routines. Drivers also get extra Nectar points when powering up with Electroverse over the next few weeks - just in time for the festive season.” Patrick Dunne, Director of Property, Procurement and EV ventures at Sainsbury’s, adds, “Smart Charge continues to go from strength to strength and we’re delighted that Octopus Electroverse has chosen to collaborate with us, giving all its customers direct access to our 24/7, convenient and reliable ultra-rapid charging hubs. This partnership represents another critical step in our ambition to make EV charging simple and accessible to all – it couldn’t come at a better time for us as Sainsbury’s gears up to create a Big Christmas for all, with something to satisfy every customer’s taste and budget.” Drivers interested can sign up to Octopus Electroverse online or via the app, and their card will arrive in the post. Users can plug in at Smart Charge stations right away using the Electroverse card, with app charging coming in the New Year. For more from Octopus, click here.

Definity Complete - now in a Matte Bronze finish

With the rising demand for decorative wiring accessories, electrical contractors are seeking stylish, sophisticated solutions to enhance modern interiors. That's why Scolmore has expanded its popular Definity Complete range - celebrated for its screwless, push-fit face plates - to now include a sleek new Matte Bronze finish. Find out more here. 

Legrand launches adaptable cable tray fittings

Legrand UK & Ireland has expanded its Cablofil range with the launch of Cablobend, a flexible and configurable product that improves the steel wire cable tray installation process. Cablobend allows for quick changes in cable direction and minimises the need for cutting or additional materials. It offers ease of use, enabling installers to easily create bends, drops and configurations by hand. Available in three heights and widths between 100mm and 600mm, Cablobend is compatible with Fasclic+ and standard Cablofil lengths, ensuring it can seamlessly integrate into existing installations. Designed to meet the needs of diverse settings, such as data centres, renewable energy plants and food processing environments, Cablobend ensures quick, safe and flexible installations, without the need for specialised tools. The range also comes in four finishes, including 304 L stainless steel, 316 L stainless steel, electrozinc plated and pre-galvanised zinc aluminium coating. The inclusion of Cablofil’s T-shaped welded safety edge and rounded steel wires makes Cablobend even safer to use both during installation and when pulling cables into or out of position. Cablobend’s simple to use design reduces labour time, costs and material wastage, making it an ideal solution for contractors working on projects with tight deadlines or specific technical demands. Mark Williams, Lead Marketing Manager – Cable Management at Legrand UK & Ireland, says, “Speed and safety are the twin lodestars of anyone in our industry, so we created Cablobend to help maximise both. It can be quickly adjusted by hand, saving time and cost, all the while making it possible for contractors to provide safe and reliable cable management that is easily customised to best serve each individual project. For more from Legrand, click here.

Data is powering the future for solar energy, survey reveals

Fluke Corporation, a provider of safe, rugged, and reliable industrial tools and integrated software, has released new survey findings highlighting key challenges for the solar industry on its path to a net zero future. The survey identifies improving panel efficiency, transitioning from reactive to predictive maintenance, and adopting smart technologies as top priorities. Crucially, data emerges as the driving force behind innovation and operational efficiency, offering solutions to these pressing challenges. The survey, conducted by Censuswide on behalf of Fluke, engaged over 400 solar OEMs, technicians, and installers across the UK, Germany, Spain and USA to gain insights into their perspectives on the pressing challenges facing the solar industry. The survey results also highlighted their attitudes toward emerging trends and their expectations for how the future of solar energy is likely to evolve in the coming years. The research revealed that nearly two-thirds of respondents (63%) believe solar will become the dominant energy source in their country. However, it also highlighted significant challenges that must be addressed to turn this optimistic vision into reality and pave the way for a solar-powered future. “The adoption of smart technologies is going to be critical for companies to gain a strategic edge,” says Vineet Thuvara, Chief Product Officer, Fluke. “Businesses are increasingly keen to automate their maintenance operations, with approaches like condition monitoring and predictive maintenance, and those that don’t utilise new AI enabled technologies - and their capabilities for collecting more data and gaining more knowledge - will be left behind.” One of the challenges that emerged in the survey’s findings is the need to rapidly shift from reactive maintenance to a more proactive approach. With 91% of those surveyed reporting concerns about the efficiency of the current generation of solar modules and 39% of respondents identifying inverter failures as a common issue, it’s clear an effective maintenance strategy is a necessity. Nearly a third of all respondents described their current maintenance strategy as reactive, while more than half indicated that implementing predictive maintenance was a key priority. Vineet continues, “The next step, and the real opportunity to overcome the challenges facing the future of the solar industry, lies in the use of smart tools to analyse this data, and benchmark new data against historical data to detect issues before they risk causing failures. This is where using advanced diagnostic tools, and training technicians on how to use them, will help maximise solar panel and maintenance efficiency.” The skills shortage emerged as a significant concern, especially as data tracking through smart technologies becomes more integral to the solar industry's future. A notable 59% of respondents emphasised the importance of training technicians to effectively use advanced diagnostic tools to meet evolving challenges. Additionally, 53% highlighted the need for more focused training in electrical troubleshooting and diagnostics, underscoring the urgent need to equip the workforce with the skills to navigate the industry's technological shift. In a positive sign, nearly all respondents are taking proactive steps to improve system efficiency through diverse strategies, including investments in module optimisation software and collaborations with research institutions. Notably, 45% of respondents see the integration of AI in solar panel design, optimisation and maintenance as a promising opportunity for advancement. Additionally, 36% are eager to adopt AI-powered diagnostics to enhance maintenance efficiency. However, challenges remain: 28.7% are still relying on a reactive maintenance approach, with over 52% depending on external services rather than in-house maintenance teams. More than half of those surveyed also identified supply chain resilience as a major concern for installers, with macro-economic and geopolitical trends continuing to create uncertainty. Fluke’s Will White, Solar Application Specialist, explains, “Organisations are continuing to search for solutions to tackle persistent supply chain issues, aiming to find the sweet spot between adaptability, transparency, affordability, and accessibility. It’s positive to see that the industry remains confident in finding this sweet spot to enable solar to be the dominant renewable energy source in the future.” For more from Fluke, click here.

Help decorate the EIC tree and support those in need

The Electrical Industries Charity has launched its Christmas fundraising campaign and needs your help to bring it to life!  The charity is decorating its digital Christmas tree and with every donation, more decorations and presents will appear. It’s a fun and meaningful way to spread joy and help those in need. Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference and adds a little more magic to the tree. Your support will help the Electrical Industries Charity continue its vital work, offering a lifeline to individuals and families in the electrical and energy industries. Please donate if you can here.

MCS launches new Heat Load Calculator tool

MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme), the UK’s quality mark for renewable energy technologies, has launched its new Heat Load Calculator tool for certified installers. The new online tool will help MCS certified low-carbon heating installers complete a BS EN 12831-1: 2017 compliant heat load calculation, as required in the Heat Pump Design Standard (MIS 3005-D) and The Biomass Installation Standard (MIS 3004). Installers will be able to calculate room by room heat load calculations of a property, which is crucial for ensuring a heat pump or biomass system is sized correctly and meets the requirements of MCS Standards. Equipped with guidance prompts, pop-ups, and real-time support, the new online tool will streamline the process for installers. This will help to reduce errors and improve efficiency, giving installers more time to focus on delivering high-quality low-carbon heating installations for their customers. Once calculations are complete, the tool generates a comprehensive report that can be saved directly on the platform or downloaded for use in quotations, audits and compliance checks. Every MCS certified low-carbon heating installer will have their own account and will be able to share calculations seamlessly across their business. Access to the Heat Load Calculator is exclusive to MCS certified installers and, from January, those who are in the process of gaining certification. The existing Excel-based tool remains available on the MCS website but will no longer be supported or updated. Ian Rippin, CEO at MCS, says, "We’re excited to introduce the MCS Heat Load Calculator, a new tool that empowers our 2,000 certified heat pump and biomass installers with precision and efficiency in determining property heat load. We know how important these calculations are for a quality heat pump installation, so we’ve created this user-friendly tool to help installers achieve compliance with MCS standards.” MCS certified installers can register for the Heat Load Calculator here, and those who are in the process of obtaining MCS certification can request access from January. For more from MCS, click here.  

Schneider Electric contributes to Notre Dame restoration

Schneider Electric has revealed that it has contributed, by means of donations, to the restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. The donated technologies have made it possible to secure and monitor the site's electrical facilities, the company has revealed. Specifically, the Building Management System (BMS) is able to manage and optimise the monument's energy consumption, incorporating 21st century innovations into a cathedral that represents a high point in medieval art, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991. The fire that severely damaged the cathedral in April 2019 sparked an incredible wave of solidarity that Schneider Electric wanted to be a part of. "It's an obvious move for Schneider Electric to support actions of this type for symbolic and prestigious sites, as we have done in the past for the Comédie Française state theatre and the Antarctic station," highlights Gilles Vermot Desroches, Director of Citizenship and Institutional Affairs at Schneider Electric. Schneider Electric provided expertise, products and solutions thanks to a donation agreement. As such, the Group supplied all the equipment required to supply power to the site and for its security (20 kV HV cells, a 20 kV/410V 1250 kVA transformer, general and divisional electrical switchboards, inverters, safety lighting, devices etc.), as well as the tools for the technical management of the building, making it possible to monitor the functioning of the network and control its power consumption (automatic control systems, sensors, controllers, communication buses etc.) In addition to the equipment, Schneider Electric is carrying out some of the maintenance of the electrical distribution equipment, providing some of the engineering, studies, commissioning, and programming of the installed systems, as well as the training of future users. The old electrical installation was inoperable due to the fire and without electricity, reopening was impossible. The new network ensures the distribution and security of the energy supply, incorporating innovative solutions and cutting-edge technologies that optimise the management of its electricity consumption and help ensure the safety of the cathedral. The project team opted for cutting-edge fire safety solutions, along with additional devices for enhanced fire protection and prevention (Acti9 Active AFDD) for the socket circuits, and overheating cable sensors (HeatTags) in all electrical cabinets. These two innovations ensure the facility functions properly through continuous monitoring and by sending alerts in the event of any changes, even before a problem occurs. The project team had to deal with a large number of technical issues demanding ingenuity and preparation. One such issue was the delivery and installation in early 2024 of the connected TRIHAL transformer, a key element of the cathedral's power supply. Delivered by truck and then raised onto the site above the construction area, this 3.2-tonne block was then lowered via a hoist into position in the basement of the presbytery. A specific study had to be carried out for the lifting operation. Installing the high-voltage substation in an underground vaulted cellar with considerable access and space constraints was also an issue resolved with customised equipment and support. "This is a project for which the logistics have been quite tricky and required excellent coordination with the other players on site," comments Cédric Larcher, Regional Manager of the Electrical Distribution Application Centre at Schneider Electric France, responsible for management, performance and monitoring on site. In addition to providing infrastructure, around 60 Schneider Electric employees (from factory workers to the site’s network designers) contributed knowledge and expertise as part of a skills transfer programme. Schneider Electric’s support also included training partner companies such as the panel builder Ateliers Electriques de France (based in Val-de-Marne) to install the main low-voltage cabinet, FBS Electricité (based in Seine-Maritime) to install the high-voltage substation, ERM (based in Eure) to create specific support structures and Transport Avex (based in Val-de-Marne) to carry out the extremely tricky handling operations in the basement of the presbytery. For more from Schneider Electric, click here.

Kent residents benefit from £2.9 million power upgrade

A £2.9 million investment has upgraded power supplies at an electricity substation near Canterbury, benefiting thousands of residents. UK Power Networks, which distributes electricity across Kent, has commissioned two new 41-tonne electricity transformers at Wingham. The project is part of the £800 million investment programme UK Power Networks is delivering this year to keep power supplies flowing safely and reliably to the communities it serves. The transformers receive electricity from the network at 33,000-volts and safely turn it down to 11,000 volts. Electricity is distributed from the equipment to other electricity substations and flows onwards to more than 7,000 local homes and businesses. Stephen Mortimer, Project Manager at UK Power Networks, says, “This investment project will deliver long-lasting benefits in the Wingham area. It will increase the resilience of the network for residents across a wide area and support growth in demand, including more low carbon technologies as they connect to our electricity networks.” The transformers replaced during this scheme have been well maintained over the years. These have been refurbished by specialists as part of the company’s ongoing environmental and sustainability goals. UK Power Networks maintains the network of cables, substations and power lines that deliver electricity to approximately 20 million people across the South East, London and East of England. For more from UK Power Networks, click here.

Construction begins on EV Charging Oasis

Be.EV, one of the UK’s fastest-growing public electric vehicle (EV) charging networks, has begun construction on Manchester’s first large-scale Charging Oasis. The site, located on the corner of Reliance Street and Oldham Road, is the only project of its kind to repurpose a former petrol station into a modern EV charging hub in the UK. The plot of land was a derelict petrol station for over 15 years, and is now being regenerated as the forecourt of the future - equipped with 12 ultra-rapid charging bays capable of charging an EV to 80% in just 20 minutes. The charge points are accompanied by four labelled waiting bays, giving EV owners clear spaces to queue if the Hub becomes busy. These are ready to be converted into full charging bays, when demand requires. The Charging Oasis will also be home to a new store by Caffè Nero, which has signed a deal with Be.EV to be the exclusive retail partner on-site. The Nero Express store will serve as the latest drive-to site in Caffè Nero’s 1,100 store estate, and comes as part of the brand’s wider strategy to provide high-quality, barista-made coffee to commuters and local communities alike. Both brands are bringing a commitment to providing a welcoming space for EV drivers, with the store providing a warm and welcoming environment for drivers to recharge while their vehicles power up or grab a quick coffee to go whilst passing through. The partnership brings an additional layer of community focus to the Charging Oasis, with the project being a key part of the ongoing regeneration of the Failsworth area. Manchester City Council has already committed over £550 million to help regenerate the Failsworth area, and the site will serve as a focal point for attracting further investment to the region. Positioned on a high-traffic route between Manchester and Oldham, over 26,000 commuters pass by the site daily. With more than 1,242 registered EVs in the area, and over 150,000 EVs set to be on Manchester’s roads by 2038, there’s a clear demand for future-proof, accessible charging infrastructure. All bays will be accessible, including one fully accessible bay and one specially designed for vans, with each charger featuring a water-repellent canopy to keep drivers dry. The site also features free Wi-Fi for all users as well as CCTV to ensure members of the community are safe. The Charging Oasis marks Be.EV’s first project of this scale, and is set to serve as a model for similar Be.EV locations across the UK, with plans for more to come. Asif Ghafoor, CEO of Be.EV, says, “We’re excited to break ground on our flagship Charging Oasis - this Manchester site will be the jewel in Be.EV’s crown, and it’s an incredible moment for the business. “We’ve designed the site with EV drivers in mind - we know that they want amenities on-site, either to take an extended break from driving, or simply to pop in and grab a takeaway coffee. “Not only will the Charging Oasis provide passers-by with a calm, convenient place for them to charge their EV or get a drink, but it will also serve as a hub for the local community to enjoy a coffee and a snack. “Having Caffè Nero on board as our retail partner is a real testament to the project. The partnership elevates the site from somewhere for drivers to quickly charge their car, to a destination for them to grab a coffee and recharge their own batteries too. “Their focus on sustainability and community aligns perfectly with our mission, and together, we’re creating a space where drivers can recharge while supporting a greener future." Will Stratton Morris, CEO of Caffè Nero, adds, “With every Caffe Nero store, we aim for it to be a hub in the community where people can come together, feel welcomed and enjoy premium hand crafted coffee. “The store we are opening at the Manchester Oasis will be just that, and it matches perfectly the ambitions Be.EV have for the site. “We are delighted to partner with them on this, they are creating a truly great project which will not only benefit those with electric cars but will also strengthen the local community.” The construction of the Charging Oasis is expected to be completed by spring 2025, with the site opening shortly thereafter. Partners of the site include Architect That (who designed the site), AY (who undertook planning and discharging of conditions), Vital (who supplied chargers), Kempower (who manufactured chargers), MES (M Group) (who constructed the site), Formula Space (who consulted on and manufactured signage) and Matrix (who built infrastructure to bring power to the site). Be.EV also worked with Manchester City Council, which has been very supportive and helped to get the project to this point. For more from Be.EV, click here.