Schneider Electric podcast demystifies digital infrastructure

Schneider Electric has launched the DDI Podcast – a brand new podcast platform which aims to challenge and demystify the misconceptions surrounding the digital infrastructure sector, and share key insights from the people and the businesses transforming life as we know it through tech. Hosted by Mark Yeeles, VP Secure Power Division, Schneider Electric UK and Ireland, the DDI Podcast aims to drive a greater understanding of the leading role that digital infrastructure plays in the digital economy and bridge the gap between businesses and consumers. Moreover, by increasing awareness of how technologies support our everyday lives and by telling the stories of the people working within the sector, the company aims to accelerate opportunities to engage those pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), address the talent shortage and help encourage a more diverse workforce. The first episode features guest Tom Gorman, Senior Operations Director, EMEA, Digital Realty, and explores Ireland as a tech hub, the local energy and sustainability challenges, and the role of data centres in the digital economy. Across the series, guests will also be covering key topics including the global impact of artificial intelligence (AI), data centres, networks and the cloud, the energy crisis, renewables, and sustainability, skills shortage and early talent. “I’m proud to introduce a new podcast platform as we begin to demystify some of the key questions at the heart of a sector which impacts so many globally,” says Mark Yeeles, Vice President, Secure Power Division, Schneider Electric, UK and Ireland. “Through the DDI Podcast and our guests, I hope we can not only inform and educate our listeners, but help them understand the role of this critical industry and showcase the achievements of organisations who are leading the charge in sustainability and ultimately, the mission to reach net zero.” “Data centres are leading the charge in terms of innovation and embracing new technologies,” says Tom. “One of the biggest challenges we face is educating people and raising awareness of the industry and how it underpins so much of our everyday lives. I was delighted to be the inaugural guest on the DDI podcast talking to Mark about the sector – discussing some of the key topics, which I hope will encourage others to want to learn more.” The DDI Podcast is available to download and stream from all major podcast platforms.

Carrier hosts decarbonisation technology webinar

Carrier has hosted an educational webinar to discuss how heat pump technology can play a vital role in decarbonising the commercial heating segment and help companies in different industries move closer to net zero. The journey to decarbonisation and net zero using heat pump technology, is available to watch on-demand for free. The hour-long webinar provides insight and practical guidance into Carrier’s approach and solutions to decarbonisation and highlighted government incentives available to support the adoption of heat pump technology. Carrier Commercial HVAC UK experts have explained how heat pumps operate and how customers can harness the technology to reduce their carbon footprint, become more energy efficient and cut energy costs. Guest speaker, David Sullivan, General Manager at E.ON’s Citigen district heating network, detailed how E.ON is using heat pumps to power heat networks. This heat network project in London supplies renewable, low-carbon heating and cooling to buildings across the Square Mile. Three Carrier AquaForce 61XWHZE high-temperature heat pumps, which operate on hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) R-1234ze refrigerant, extract thermal energy from water pumped from deep boreholes in the aquifer 200m beneath the capital. Groundwater sourced from the aquifer is used in the heat pump system and recirculated back to source for reuse in E.ON’s application or by others. The heat pumps also harness waste heat from the existing combined heat and power plant that would otherwise be lost to the atmosphere. "We were really excited to host this webinar and share our expertise on decarbonisation and heat pumps,” says Paul Smith, Commercial HVAC Director UK&I, Carrier. "We want to help our customers meet their decarbonisation goals and this session provides practical advice about how our high-performance heat pump-based solutions can help them do that. Harnessing the power of heat pumps can have huge benefits for our customers, not just in terms of heating and cooling, but for the environment and their return on investment." Innovative, efficient heat pump solutions support Carrier’s aim of helping customers reduce their GHG emissions by more than one gigaton by 2030 as part of its own 2030 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goals.

Grant & Stone ‘electrify’ football team's future with new sponsorship

Grant & Stone is delighted to be the new kit sponsor of Oxfordshire-based, Wheatley Men’s Football Club for the 2023/2024 season. The company, which has builders merchants, electrical wholesalers, plumbers merchants and bathroom showrooms across the county, says it is proud to support the club. New match day shirts displaying the Grant & Stone logo have been issued to the team, and were worn for the first time during their recent 9-1 pre-season win over local rivals Barton United Football Club. Liam Webb from Wheatley Men’s Football Club, comments, “We’re really excited to have a major regional company sponsoring the team. This fantastically generous sponsorship is invaluable and helps our club to continue operating and contributes to a professional match day experience. We are so very grateful to Grant & Stone for their generosity.” Peter Cudd, Group Managing Director at Grant & Stone and local to the area, comments, “Organisations like Wheatley Men’s Football Club do so much for their local community, and we are delighted to be making this commitment to the team – the kit looks great. We wish the squad the very best of luck for the season and look forward to hearing about their results.” Click here for more latest news.

Octopus Energy and UK Power Networks offer free energy

Octopus Energy has teamed up with UK Power Networks to offer households free energy to help the grid exploit excess renewable power. Participating customers will get free electricity when there is excess electricity on the local grid from abundant renewables. Based on UK Power Networks’ forecasts, Octopus will send customers a notification of the times they can ‘Power-ups’ their homes for free a day in advance. In recent years, the transmission grid has begun to face challenges of imbalance when energy supply exceeds demand, such as sunny or windy weather, leading to excess renewably generated power. Innovative grid operators like UK Power Networks are currently looking into alternative means of balancing the grid, to avoid turning off these renewable generators during surplus. Octopus has long championed a far better solution - unlock this energy to benefit customers, reduce consumption at other times, avoid wastage, stabilise the grid and most importantly put money back into customer’s pockets. Last winter, Octopus spearheaded the first ‘demand response’ project ever run by National Grid’s Demand Flexibility Service (DFS). 700,000 Octopus Energy customers signed up to use less at times of stress on the grid - and diverted £5.4 million to UK householders rather than gas power plants. Octopus and UK Power Networks also have a history in innovation. In 2019, the pair launched ‘Powerloop’, the first ever vehicle-to-grid (V2G) trial, where participating customers were paid each time they discharged energy from their electric car back to the grid. Alex Schoch, Head of Flexibility at Octopus Energy Group, says, "Thanks to Octopus’ proprietary technology rewarding ‘demand turn up’, we no longer need to switch off bountiful solar and wind power when consumers can use it up for free instead. It’s good for the grid and good for the planet - a win for everybody. ‘Power-ups’ is yet another arrow in the quiver of ‘demand flexibility’ and it’s great to work with an innovator like UK Power Networks.” Sotiris Georgiopoulos, Director of Distribution System Operator at UK Power Networks, says, “In response to growing volumes of renewable power, UK Power Networks is the first distribution system operator to call for ‘demand turn up’. We’re delighted to have seen a strong response to the requirements we issued in December, including from innovators like Octopus. Tapping into customer flexibility means we can connect more renewable energy, keeping costs down for our customers.” Customers interested in joining ‘Power-ups’ can check their eligibility and sign up here. Dates/times of ‘Power-ups’ will vary.

Carhartt’s LWD Relaxed Fit Short-Sleeve T-Shirt

Carhartt understands the importance of peak performance in every kind of weather condition and has introduced the LWD Relaxed Fit Short-Sleeve T-Shirt (105858), designed to keep you comfortable and productive in even the most warm or humid conditions. The Carhartt LWD Relaxed Fit Short-Sleeve T-Shirt is made from 95% polyester and 5% elastane jersey knit, making it super lightweight and airy, so you feel your best when the mercury rises. Carhartt's FastDry technology takes centre stage here – it wicks away sweat while you work hard even on the most demanding jobs, ensuring you remain cool, dry and comfortable throughout the day. This t-shirt also dries fast and features plenty of stretch. It comes with built-in, long lasting odour control so you can stay fresh and confident, even during the most demanding tasks. The ventilated design and the tagless neck label and flatlock seams eliminate irritation, so the t-shirt always feels cool and smooth against the skin. Safety is paramount for those working out on construction sites. The t-shirt has reflective taping on the arms and back, providing increased visibility for those working early mornings or late evenings. Don't let the heat compromise your focus and productivity. The Carhartt LWD Relaxed Fit Short-Sleeve T-Shirt will help you stay cool, comfortable and on top of your game, no matter how high the temperature rises. Click here for more on Carhartt.

‘Electrician Plus’ concept launched by TESP

The new brand concept, ‘Electrician Plus’ has been launched by The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership (TESP) to highlight how the role of a qualified electrician is central to the installation of low carbon and renewable technologies. Adequate understanding of electrical scientific theory and principles and demonstrable occupational competence are critical for the safe installation of technologies such as solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, battery storage systems and electric vehicle charging points (EVCP). The core competence of a qualified electrician is the foundation from which to upskill and train in these areas. The new model highlights how once someone reaches qualified electrician status, all that is needed is top-up CPD and qualifications in specific new technologies, to enable safe, compliant and competent installations. Awarding bodies such as City & Guilds, EAL and BPEC have been leading the way in this area with their updated EVCP and solar qualifications, designed so that only electricians who meet the industry Level 3 standard can enrol on these courses, helping safeguard against non-qualified and under-qualified personnel undertaking renewable installations and the potential safety and fire risk this poses. The new Electrician Plus logo will be used to endorse relevant qualifications to show they are industry approved in terms of content and assessment, providing robust upskilling for qualified electricians who have a solid foundation of electrical skills and knowledge. “The boom of low carbon technologies has led to some misinformed claims that a whole new set of narrow occupations are needed around low carbon technology installation – this is simply not the case,” says Ruth Devine, Chair of TESP. “A significant proportion of activity is firmly within the skills remit of qualified members of the existing workforce; electricians are leading the way in this area.” “The Electrician Plus model highlights that, once armed with core electrical competence, CPD and additional qualifications can be undertaken in a variety of low carbon technologies, helping electricians and electrical contractors bring added value to their business and customers. “Working with industry and awarding bodies we want to ensure that installations are carried out competently and are safe, high-quality and effective. Look out for the Electrician Plus badge to be sure the qualification is industry-recognised and approved.” Click here for more latest news.

UK sees biggest increase in renewable energy supply

As the effects of climate change are becoming more apparent, countries are utilising renewable energy supplies at an increased rate. With this in mind, new research has revealed that the UK features amongst the top 10 countries which have seen the most significant change in renewable energy supply since 2010. As part of a new study into renewable energy across OECD countries, the team at Utility Bidder have revealed the locations with the biggest increase in renewable energy supply, as well as the countries with the highest and lowest supply of renewable energy, and the energy products with the highest percentage of worldwide energy consumption. You can view the full research here. Countries with the highest increase in renewable energy supply between 2010-2020: Rank Country % of Renewable Energy Supply (2010) % of Renewable Energy Supply (2020) Increase in Renewable Energy Supply (%) 1 Denmark 21.99% 41.38% 19.39% 2 Norway 36.13% 54.35% 18.22% 3 Sweden 34.58% 51.15% 16.56% 4 Estonia 14.63% 29.95% 15.31% 5 Latvia 32.28% 43.58% 11.30% 6 Finland 25.82% 37.02% 11.20% 7 United Kingdom 3.50% 14.66% 11.17% 8 Ireland 4.66% 14.10% 9.45% 9 Luxembourg 3.95% 12.59% 8.63% 10 Lithuania 15.25% 22.76% 7.50% Further findings from the study: Oil products make up over 44% of the total energy consumption worldwide - more than any other product. This is followed by electricity (23.01%) and natural gas (21.36%). 89.47% of Iceland’s energy supply comes from renewable sources. The two primary sources of renewable energy supply in the country are hydroelectricity and geothermal power. With only 3.36% of its total energy supply coming from renewable sources, Korea is the country with the lowest supply of renewable energy. Click here for more latest news.

Plans to extend Leeds PIPES network into new area revealed

Leeds City Council has confirmed that more people in Leeds will soon enjoy affordable, reliable, and low carbon heat, thanks to four new connections to the Leeds PIPES district heating network. New plans for two major extensions to the network, which would enable dozens more buildings to connect, have also been published by the local authority and discussed by senior members. The scheme has been supported by £5.4 million of government funding to date, and the council and its principal contractor, Vital Energi were delighted to host Lord Callanan, Parliamentary under Secretary of State, Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance, to visit the network to learn more about how the flagship scheme is transforming the city. The Minister visited several landmarks and connections on the network, including the Recycling & Energy Recovery Facility (RERF), Cross Green Energy centre and St James’s Hospital, where he met members from the NHS Estates and Facilities team. Lord Callanan also visited Shakespeare Towers and met council tenants connected to the heat network. By using heat and energy recovered from non-recyclable waste at the Recycling and Energy Recovery Facility (RERF) to provide warmth and hot water to buildings in the city, the Leeds PIPES district heating project is helping businesses and residents to move away from costly fossil fuel-powered heating systems. The council estimates that the network is helping existing customers to collectively save nearly half a million pounds (£490,000) in reduced energy costs this year alone. The £62 million network continues to expand and is regularly connecting to new buildings. Leeds Combined Court Centre and Leeds Magistrates’ Court were the latest buildings to take heat from the scheme earlier this year. Last year, the network of insulated underground pipes supplied 22,029MW/h of heating in total and helped reduce the city’s carbon footprint by 3,975t. The four latest buildings, including the first private sector residential developers, which have confirmed their intention to connect to the network within the next 12 months are: Spinner’s Yard around Margate, developed by Rise Homes Leonardo and Thoresby buildings on Gt George Street, developed by McLaren on behalf of Arrow Leonardo The redevelopment of Leeds Technology Campus on Cookridge Street, developed by Metropolitan & District Securities Leeds Conservatoire on Quarry Hill Work to develop the detailed project plans and business cases required to secure funding for and construct the new extensions is currently underway after the council successfully secured £154,000 of grant funding from the government’s Heat Network Development Unit earlier this year. The major Leeds PIPES project—delivered in partnership with Vital Energi—has helped employ more than 430 people in the local low carbon sector to date, including 36 apprentices. Click here for more latest news.

MCS consultation receives huge cross-industry response

MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) recently ran a six-week consultation on proposals to redevelop the scheme. The consultation ran from 5 June until 17 July, seeking views from contractors, consumers, manufacturers and independent experts on how we should shape the future of MCS. MCS was pleased with the volume of responses to the consultation and the breadth of evidence and information that each of them contained. They received 106 official responses and in addition, 187 informal responses commenting on proposals or responding to surveys. Over 50% of the respondents were installers of renewable energy and heating technologies. In readiness for the consultation, MCS had engaged policy makers and industry experts, including those who are active in the MCS standards community. The consultation also saw responses from several large, recognised organisations across the industry, including the CMA (Competition and Markets Authority), Ofgem, Citizen’s Advice, industry trade bodies, and the certification bodies and consumer codes that MCS works with. MCS CEO, Ian Rippin, says, “Our proposals to redevelop our scheme represent the next step in the development of MCS and the small-scale renewables industry. The changes we have consulted on reflect the large volume of feedback we receive from the sector and its consumers, as to what works well and what needs to improve to give people confidence in low-carbon technology. As a standards setting organisation, it is important that we take time to step back and examine how MCS is working. “The consultation was critical to us because it is vitally important that our stakeholders have the opportunity to shape the industry and provide input into how it is managed. We were pleased by the number of responses, and it was particularly encouraging that we received such a high level of engagement from the installer community. We’re so grateful to everyone that took the time to consider the initial proposals and provide feedback, it will have a genuine impact on what we do. We will be taking some time to carefully consider all the feedback before we announce our finalised proposals in the coming months.” MCS will be working to collate and consider feedback before publishing a summary of responses in September. Finalised proposals to redevelop the scheme will follow with the redevelopment planned to come into effect in the second quarter of 2024. Click here for more latest news.

Moss Electrical raises £44,000 to make dreams come true for children in need

Moss Electrical, a leading name in the electrical wholesale industry, has raised money by hosting its highly anticipated Annual Golf Day on Friday, 14 July 2023, and the event failed to disappoint, yet again it was a resounding success. The golf day, held at the prestigious London Golf Club, saw an enthusiastic turnout of customers, suppliers, and partners, all coming together to support the incredible charity, The Dream Factory. The Dream Factory is a charity that grants wishes to children with life-limiting conditions, and the team at Moss Electrical was determined to make a significant impact on any future dreams. Attendees were treated to a day of exciting golf, in a world-class location and thanks to the abundant generosity, funds raised exceeded all expectations reaching a grand total of £44,000. A remarkable testament to the collective compassion of the electrical wholesale community. Among the attendees were Moss Electricals’ Directors, Robert Moss and Lindsay Goubel, who expressed their heartfelt gratitude to all those who participated and contributed. "We are truly overwhelmed by the overwhelming response and generosity of our customers, suppliers, and partners," says Robert. "Together, we have made a tremendous difference in the lives of these brave children and their families. It's heart-warming to see the electrical industry come together to support such a worthy cause." Moss Electrical extends its sincere appreciation to all who participated, donated, and supported the Annual Golf Day. The funds raised will undoubtedly make a meaningful difference in the lives of the children supported by The Dream Factory. The company remains steadfast in its dedication to giving back and is already looking forward to making the next event even more successful. Click here for more latest news.