Baxi boilers to be used in hydrogen-to-homes demonstration

Baxi will be supplying its 100% hydrogen boilers for the H100 Fife project, a hydrogen-to-homes demonstration delivered through a partnership between SGN and Fife Council - in cooperation with industry regulator Ofgem. Baxi attended an event hosted by SGN on 8 March to mark the beginning of construction of the H100 Fife hydrogen homes demonstration facility. Due to open to the public this summer, the new facility will comprise two hydrogen show homes where visitors will be able to try out domestic hydrogen appliances, including Baxi’s 100% pure hydrogen boilers. The H100 Fife project enables households, in the Buckhaven and Denbeath areas of historic Methil on the south Fife coast, to opt-in to be supplied with hydrogen through a new network which is due to go live in 2024. The scheme has already signed up over 300 householders who want to be part of the first 100% green hydrogen-to-homes zero carbon network anywhere in the world. Their participation will provide important behavioural and social evidence, critical to help the UK decarbonise home heating. Green hydrogen will be supplied via the dedicated ORE Catapult 7MW wind turbine connected to an on-site electrolyser and storage facility. Modelling shows that the turbine could provide the energy to produce enough hydrogen for up to 900 homes a year. The H100 Fife Project is the latest in a line of hydrogen projects to benefit from Baxi’s involvement, with the company having already supplied its full hydrogen and 20% blend compatible boilers to residential projects such as HyDeploy, Hy4Heat, HyStreet, Northern Gas Network’s 100% hydrogen home near Gateshead. In the commercial heating space, Baxi also recently signed a MoU with H2GO Power to deliver a commercial hydrogen boiler and demonstrate the technology’s potential to decarbonise multiple industries. Karen Boswell, Managing Director of Baxi UK and Ireland, says, “We are thrilled to be providing our 100% hydrogen boilers to another innovative, world-first demonstration project. It’s great to see the support for this project from the local community and hands-on involvement from Fife council and other important stakeholders in the area. With such projects, we can help the public, government and wider heating industry to better understand the potential of hydrogen to provide safe and low-carbon heating in the future, alongside other options available today such as heat pumps, hybrid systems and heat networks.”

Timeguard adds Wi-Fi control to LED lights

Timeguard has added Wi-Fi control to its super-compact PIR floodlight range. The new LED200WFB’s twin 10W floodlights deliver 2,000l of bright light. Alternatively, a hi-lo setting allows for the lights to stay on at a subdued, low level if required, boosting to full power automatically when someone enters the PIR detection field. With the main body of the lights fitting neatly into the palm of your hand and the equally compact floodlights providing powerful illumination, these new units are great for commercial and domestic properties, especially where space is at a premium and looks matter. The LED200WFB is controlled via the TuYa app, which is free to users. Fast becoming the de-facto global standard for home and light-commercial Wi-Fi control the app enables users to trigger other Tuya Smart devices, from any manufacturer, when the PIR detects someone in the area.

Octopus Energy announces investment in French energy market

Octopus Energy has announced plans to invest €1 billion in the French green energy market over the next two years. The investment will be used to accelerate the energy transition in France and generate enough local green power to supply 300,000 households. Building on its investments already made in France, the company is launching a new European tech hub in Paris through its subsidiary, Kraken. The new hub will create hundreds of clean energy jobs and support millions of customers across the continent. Octopus Energy France is also helping and rewarding French households to lower their energy consumption through innovative products. The company's customers already use 10% less energy than the average French household, and Octopus is committed to continue innovating to help French consumers use less, but stay warm. Announcing the plans at the 36th Franco-British Summit, Octopus Energy CEO and Founder, Greg Jackson, comments, “Octopus operates across 10 European countries, and today we’re delighted to announce a huge increase in our cooperation with France. “We’re planning to invest an extra billion Euros in French generation - but we’re also going to make Paris our EU technology hub. This is testament to the mutual commitment to investing in a clean energy system, and pioneering the digitisation which will drive costs down alongside carbon.” Vincent Maillard, CEO of Octopus Energy France, comments, “We are very proud to see Octopus Energy's role in France's energy transition recognised at the highest level of the French government. “In doing so, the group combines retail energy expertise, major investments in renewable generation and cutting-edge technology to unlock innovative tariffs and deliver an outstanding customer experience to French households."

C.K Tools’ new drill bits promise to get users out of tight spots

C.K Tools has launched the shortest fluted wood bits on the market. The Fast4Access drill bits, just 80mm in length, will allow users to drill through wood to create clean and fast holes in limited space. 50% shorter than the existing Fast4 range, and 30% shorter than similar products on the market, Fast4Access is ideal when space is too tight to drill a hole head on, or accuracy is essential. Designed for tight corners, smaller joists, and jobs where a smooth run is critical - for example, installing pipe through multiple joists - Fast4Access promises fast, tidy results when drilling into wood. The drill bits boast a threaded screw tip for faster drilling speed, and four cutting faces, giving clean, accurate holes at speed. Its four-flute design also ensures the rapid removal of wood chips and debris. Fast4Access is made from high carbon steel with black oxide coating, making it job site ready and safe from corrosion. For added durability, it can also be sharpened by the user. Its 6.35mm hex shank and range of core sizes (16mm, 20mm, 22mm and 25mm) add to Fast4Access’ ease of use. Brinley Buckley Roberts, Brand Manager at C.K Tools, says, “This latest range promises all the traits of our standard Fast4 line-up - durability, speed, precision, cleanliness - in the smallest package on the market. It’s going to simplify and tidy tricky jobs in countless scenarios, removing the need to drill at an angle and producing neat and tidy holes without sacrificing speed or power. “As with all our products, the range has been crafted with precision engineering and promises longevity as well as great results. These bits might be tiny, but they’re set to make a big impact.”

Morgan Sindall Infrastructure and Juice Technology speed up electrification

Morgan Sindall Infrastructure says that it is committed to converting its entire fleet of vehicles to EVs by 2030 in order to reduce the environmental impact of their use. Since the company adopted a hybrid and full-EV car policy, all of its colleagues drive electric or hybrid cars. In addition, the company is now increasingly switching its commercial vehicles over. Morgan Sindall Infrastructure manages a total fleet of 450 commercial vehicles, and around 700 company cars involved in the infrastructure business, of which 50% are already electric. The rest are set to make the switch in the next three years. Rising to the challenge with Juice Technology as a partner Managing the fleet can be challenging due to the limited range of some commercial vehicles. Slow charging, in addition to a lack of charging points in the public network, puts the brakes on workers’ day-to-day activities. So, how can a company combine its business, focused on building infrastructure, with sustainable mobility? Due to the nature of its business delivering some of the UK’s most important and critical infrastructure, Morgan Sindall Infrastructure felt the need to independently manage the charging process for vehicles involved in infrastructure activities at its own sites, where it would like to install charging points that are available to drivers. It needed a simple and flexible charging solution in order to supply the various electric vehicles at its sites throughout the UK with electricity. Juice Technology will supply Juice Booster 2 charging stations to support the company in achieving its business goals by giving the EV fleet access to energy anywhere, any time. Portable chargers bridge gaps in the charging network The Juice Booster 2 is a 22kW portable charging station, designed for maximum flexibility and safety throughout the charging process. Thanks to a number of different adapters, it facilitates EV charging wherever power is available, whether at a public charging station or elsewhere. In addition to this, the technology in the charging station allows EV drivers to safely take advantage of maximum charging speed. Simply locate a socket and plug the cable in. Whatever the connection type, this portable device will automatically adjust to the correct configuration and start charging. Taken together, these factors make the Juice Booster 2 the perfect solution for Morgan Sindall Infrastructure. The company has yet to find another product which is so flexible and easy to use, and above all with the ability to adapt to different types of vehicles and to situations in which it is not always possible to rely on public charging stations - charging infrastructure is still expanding and has not yet reached the expected efficiency. It also provides a wealth of options in terms of connections and different adaptors, depending on the site power generator or changes during the life of the project. Charging processes on work sites, where three-phase electric power is usually available, can take advantage of the full potential of a 22kW charging station and bring the charging time down as much as possible, even with AC power. With its Juice Booster 2 portable charging station, Juice Technology is now helping to streamline the company’s transition to electric, making this process smoother for everyone involved. Portable chargers bridge gaps in the charging network by enabling users to charge wherever their car is parked, providing access to energy whether public charging stations are available or not. Increasing use of units like these can make the transition to electric mobility faster, smoother, more flexible, and more economical. Juice Booster 2 - a single solution for every situation Juice Technology has always developed its charging solutions from the user’s perspective. The Swiss producer believes that electricity is available everywhere, you just need to make it accessible. This is what Juice Booster 2 does, helping to make the transition to electric mobility faster, more flexible, and more economical.

New panel extends room control capabilities

Siemens continues to expand the offering from its KNX Gamma building control range with the release of the second generation of the KNX Touch Control TC5 panel. Building on its predecessor, the new version retains the elegant and modern design but offers a number of new features, further improving the aesthetics and operating concept of the product. The 5in aluminium and glass panel device is available in a black or white finish and can be mounted in portrait or landscape orientations, making it suited to an even wider range of applications. With its updated firmware, the TC5 offers the potential to operate as an all-in-one KNX room control device, with multiple pages to enable configuration of all desired room functions through the ETS software, including the display of data gathered by external sensors. This software also allows numerous settings, such as the three different options for temperature display on the homepage, internal sensor, external sensor or alternating every five seconds. The room temperature controller supports a range of HVAC applications, from heating and ventilating to fan coils, VRF (variable refrigerant flow), chilled ceiling and floor heating. Comprehensive lighting functionality is provided for switching and dimming, as well as the capacity for human centric lighting and solar protection through shading control. It also optimises indoor air quality, providing alerts for even the smallest of harmful particles such as PM2.5, PM10, CO2 and VOC (volatile organic compounds). Up to five different alarm functions can be configured, with the option for acoustic and/or visual signalling. Security is enhanced through the device’s password protection, with window contact and proximity sensors also adding to its integrated automatic capabilities. Recognising the importance of controlling a room’s conditions in achieving a productive and healthy working environment, the TC5 has also been designed with building performance and optimised energy use in mind as part of the move towards smart buildings. While it is characterised by its capacity to customise a wide range of room comfort contributory factors, the ETS configuration can be used to lock various HVAC functions so that they cannot be over-ridden by the end user.

Klima-Therm extends its range of heat pumps

Klima-Therm is to distribute the Rhoss POKER290, a new range of high-temperature, low global warming potential (GWP), air-cooled reversible heat pumps with silent, brushless EC axial fans and compressors. This heat pump produces high water temperatures and a wide span of operational limits. It features scroll hermetic compressors and natural, non-toxic, eco-friendly R290 (propane) refrigerant gas which has a GWP of 3, so there are no harmful greenhouse gas emissions or F-gas requirements. Suitable for a host of applications, including hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, theatres, universities, hospitals, and nursing homes, the modular POKER290 allows heating capacity to be increased easily according to plant load requirements. This is achieved quickly and simply by connecting up to four units to produce domestic hot water covering a capacity range from around 48-190kW. The heat pump's modular feature also ensures full system redundancy for the ultimate in reliability. Offering high efficiency both at full and partial loads (COP in A class, SCOP 3,2 MT, SCOP 3,81 LT, A+ Class), POKER290 modules are completely independent but managed in a synergic way. The versatile POKER290 can generate temperatures up to 75°C with outdoor air as low as -20°C. It is also possible to make the most of the heat pump in summer mode, producing cold water for air conditioning as well as chilled water at down to -10°C. The charge of this A3 refrigerant is less than 5kg for any kind of installation, maximising safety and allowing for outdoor installation without any restrictions. Moreover, the heat pump is fitted with an infrared gas sensor so, if there is a refrigerant leak, the unit is automatically disconnected from power supply and the technical compartment is ventilated. Other features of the POKER290 include integrated anti-legionella cycle management and low noise operation of just 76dB(A). Furthermore, easy, complete accessibility to the unit makes it fast and simple to service and maintain. Finally, there is an option of a touch screen and the POKER290 can be interfaced with Rhoss's System Touch Manager (SYS-TO) to manage fan coils, air handling unit, and auxiliary sources.

SELECT welcomes extra funding for electrical apprenticeships

SELECT has welcomed additional funding for electrical apprentices and adult trainees following a plea to government - but has joined training providers to insist that support must continue to prevent future shortfalls of talent. After making an urgent appeal to Deputy First Minister John Swinney, SELECT says it is good news that Skills Development Scotland (SDS) will now meet the cost of an outstanding 87 apprentice and 68 adult trainee places for 2022/23. But while there is relief for those recruited in 2022, the body says it is worrying that extra places won’t be funded in 2023 and beyond - and insists the Scottish Government must support the sector by providing full funding for those seeking to be apprentice electricians. Alan Wilson, Managing Director of SELECT, says, “We warmly welcome SDS’s movement on providing additional apprentice and adult trainee places for last year’s intake, and it’s fitting that this news comes during Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2023, when we celebrate the support for our talent of tomorrow. “However, it’s vital that funding is guaranteed for the next intake in 2023 as this is essential to the future of the industry if we are to upskill our workforce effectively and achieve Scotland’s net zero ambitions. “Along with other construction bodies, SELECT has been consistently lobbying the Scottish Government and a host of politicians for support for the Modern Apprenticeship scheme and, although our campaigning has paid off for 2022/23, we must ensure that any worrying shortfalls in the future are prevented. “Without apprentices and adult trainees coming through the ranks and being comprehensively trained, there simply would be no electrical industry in the future, with all the implications that would have for our wider society.” The additional funding followed an appeal by SELECT in December to John, asking him to allocate extra money to vital training as part of the nation’s transition to a net zero future. The appeal came after SDS announced a cap on additional apprentice places in October 2022, shortly after SECTT had confirmed a record intake of 960 learners for 2022/23 - some 300 over its contracted number. In previous years, SDS had found additional places, but in December it said it had no more funding, meaning an initial shortfall of 157 places at a cost to SECTT of £1.3 million. SELECT is now asking its 1,250 member firms to contact their local MSP and reinforce the need for proper funding to ensure a steady pipeline of properly trained apprentices and adult trainees is maintained. Fiona Harper, Director of Employment and Skills at SELECT, adds, “The Scottish Government is expecting that thousands of green jobs will be generated by the transition a net zero carbon and electric future, but to achieve that the industry will need highly trained and highly qualified people. “SELECT members and other interested parties can help bring this situation to the attention of decision-makers by contacting their local MSP, explaining how this decision will impact hugely on the government’s net zero ambitions.”

CEF TechTalks visit the Republic of Ireland for the first time

CEF is bringing its popular TechTalks to the Republic of Ireland in March 2023. CEF’s Head of Technical Solutions, Darren Staniforth and Technical Presenter Dave Austin will present information designed to help attendees get up to speed with Ireland's electrical standards and changes in the electrical industry. The free events focus on emerging technologies and how I.S. 10101:2020 is asking for them to be considered as part of installations complying with the national rules for electrical installations. National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) will be there to answer questions too - giving electrical contractors the chance to get answers directly from the people who write the regulations. CEF’s TechTalks are CPD accredited, meaning attendees can use information from the day as part of their on-going professional development. Darren says, “I want to demystify the jargon, clear up any confusion and help everyone who comes along to the CEF TechTalks understand the what the rules mean to them as they go about their everyday work”. TechTalk locations Sligo, Sligo Park Hotel 22 March Limerick, Radisson Blu Hotel 23 March Dublin, Croke Park 24 March What to expect at a TechTalk 08.00 Doors open - trade show exhibition 09:00 Welcome 09:10 Working safely with PME supplies 09:40 EV charge point installations 10:00 Refreshment break 10:30 RCD workshop 10:50 AFDDs explained 11:10 SPDs explained 11:30 Battery storage systems 12:00 Technical Q&A Trade show A number of key industry manufacturers will also be exhibiting the latest products and services on the day. TechTalks are free to attend, with free parking and free refreshments provided. Sign up here.

Tradespeople call for more to be done to encourage apprenticeships

The majority (85%) of tradespeople think there is a shortage of apprentices entering construction, according to the latest research from Screwfix. When it comes to attracting future talent, while nearly all (99%) tradespeople would recommend a career in the trades, 92% believe more can be done to encourage people into the industry. When quizzed on why they would recommend a career as a tradesperson, 86% said it was the pride in a job well done, while being your own boss (72%) and customer satisfaction (64%) came in second and third respectively. Looking at the support needed to take on an apprentice, just 12% said they knew how to do it, with assistance and advice for hiring (39%) and training (31%) apprentices identified as the biggest barriers. To encourage more apprentices into construction trades, and help tackle the ongoing skills shortage, last year Screwfix unveiled a new initiative to fund the training of trade apprentices. Working in partnership with TrAC, Screwfix will support both apprentices and employers with financial support to cover the cost of training. The new findings coincide with Screwfix’s annual Trade Apprentice competition, which aims to shine a light on the talent coming into construction across the UK and Ireland, and show the need for more apprentices. The competition, now in its 9th year, will see the champion receive the coveted title together with a career-boosting trade bundle worth £10,000, including £5,000 of tools, a £3,000 training bundle and £2,000 worth of technology. Jack Wallace, Screwfix Marketing Director, says, “We know that there is a shortage of apprentices coming into the trade and our latest research continues to indicate that much more needs to be done to ensure that the trade attracts future talent. The research also shows the rewarding career opportunities on offer to those working in the construction trades, with an overwhelming majority recommending it as a career. “While some tradespeople consider there to be barriers surrounding hiring and training apprentices, thankfully there is help and support available to overcome these. Our programme with TrAC, to provide financial funding for training apprentices, together with our annual competition, Screwfix Trade Apprentice, are just two of the tangible ways we continue to champion the trade and those working within it.”