Long queues for east of England EV drivers

Electric vehicle drivers in the east of England sit in longer queues and charge their vehicles at slower speeds than the rest of the country, according to new findings from the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA). Most councils in the region fell behind their own targets to install new fast EV public charge points (22kw or above) in 2022. Fewer than 1 in 10 councils (8%) reached their targets. For the majority (80%) of East of England councils, the most common charging speed is still 7kw or slower. The data, gathered as part of a Freedom of Information request by ECA, also revealed that fewer than half of local councils in the East of England operate their own public EV charging points. When quizzed on the possibility of installing new EVCPs in future, over half (52%) said that energy network constraints in the region would prevent them from doing so. Sean Gilvey, Managing Director at ECA Member firm Impact Renewable Energy in Norfolk, says, “In the last few years, we have seen momentum gathering behind electric vehicles and demand for public charging points. But we have now reached a stage where people don’t have anywhere to charge their cars, and if they do, they face prohibitively long queues and waiting times. “The east’s infrastructure has fallen out of step with demand, and the public’s enthusiasm for electric cars is now, sadly, declining. As a business we saw a sharp increase in demand for EV charge points around 2020 and 2021, but in the last year or so, this has dramatically reduced.” The government has set ambitious targets for the uptake of EVs, with plans to phase out the sale of new internal combustion engine cars by 2030 and install 300,000 new charge points. But, with only seven years to go, recent figures suggest we could be up to 20 years off-target. Luke Osborne, ECA’s Energy and Emerging Technologies Solutions Advisor, says, “More than 8,700 EV charge points were installed in 2022, bringing the UK total up to 37,000. But this is simply not fast enough to keep up with demand, let alone government’s target of 300,000 charge points by 2030. “Right now, there are an average of 30 electric vehicles to every charge point in the UK. We must act fast to reduce this disparity and make it as easy to charge an EV as it is to fill up on petrol or diesel. “With time running out until the sale of new petrol and diesel cars are banned, we desperately need joined-up policy from central government that is passed down to local authorities, and then to the electrotechnical and engineering services businesses who will be collectively upgrading the nation’s infrastructure and making Britain net zero ready.” ECA’s research also found that the number of local authorities actively investing in public on-street charging points was growing steadily, but patchily, because of different approaches and levels of funding form central government.

#CEFLIVE23 returns in June 2023

#CEFLIVE23 returns to the NEC Birmingham on 8 and 9 June, 2023 - and it’s set to be bigger and better than ever. CEF is hosting the event and showcasing what it has to offer, including expert advice, training opportunities and services. The two-day, must-attend event of the year will bring electrical experts together to share ideas, discover the latest products and innovations, and gain insights into the emerging technologies that are driving the electrical industry forwards. #CEFLIVE23 highlights Over 90 leading brand suppliers, showcasing the latest products and innovations. Seven CPD accredited TechTalks presented by CEF's Head of Technical Solutions, Darren Staniforth, Dave Austin, Technical Presenter of the Learning Lounge and guest speaker Mark Coles, Head of Technical Regulations at the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). Money-saving deals - only available at #CEFLIVE23. Games, competitions and product demonstrations. VIP celebrity guests. Free on the day calibration. Giveaways, plus a £50 discount voucher to spend online after the event. Free parking. Free food and refreshments. Who is #CEFLIVE23 for? #CEFLIVE23 is for professionals working across the electrical sector looking to discover the latest trends in the electrical industry and pick up some of the latest products at unbeatable prices. How much does it cost? #CEFLIVE23 is a free event and visitors can attend over one or both days. Parking and food and refreshments are also free during the event. Book your place here.

Baxi gets hands-on with engineering skills

Primary school teachers in the Preston area are set to introduce the world of engineering to key stages 1 and 2 children through a series of engaging classroom projects created by Primary Engineer in partnership with Baxi. This is the second year running that Baxi is supporting the Primary Engineer programmes in Preston. Working with Primary Engineer, the company’s engineers will support teachers as they deliver the Primary Engineer construction project to children in 10 local primary schools. The first milestone of the project was a training session for the participating teachers on the construction projects, held at Preston College and joined by Baxi engineers. These projects have been carefully designed to help the children develop skills such as visualisation, creative problem solving, testing and evaluation, and teamwork and communication. The Mayor of Preston, Neil Darby, came to watch as together the teachers and Baxi engineers built the projects which will bring engineering to a new generation. Nathalie Cachet-Gaujard, Head of Partnerships for north of England, Primary Engineer, says, "We are delighted to have the support and commitment of Baxi to help raise awareness of engineering and the career opportunities it offers, whilst helping to build a diverse generation of future engineers.” Karen Boswell, Managing Director of Baxi UK and Ireland, says, “Baxi has been part of the Preston community for over 150 years and we’re delighted to continue supporting local schools with this programme. Engineering offers so many varied and exciting opportunities, including designing and building products and services that help decarbonise heat for communities and the environment. Initiatives such as Primary Engineer give us the confidence that we can continue to commit investment in capable and career focused school leavers and graduates to help us grow in the years ahead.” Harrison Carey, Product Design Engineer at Baxi, is one of the 10 Baxi engineers who volunteered to take part in the Primary Engineer's programme. He says, “Primary Engineer is a fun and hands-on way to introduce children to the world of engineering. It’s fantastic to see the children unleash their imagination using skills they’ve learnt in the classroom. This will be my second year working with Primary Engineer and I hope to contribute for many more to come. Engineering plays such a vital role in our communities and it’s rewarding to see children showing interest from such a young age.”

Baxi and H2GO Power tackle heat decarbonisation

Baxi and H2GO Power have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) formalising their commitment to develop green hydrogen-based technology that will tackle both heat decarbonisation and energy reliability. The MoU was signed by Baxi’s MD Karen Boswell and Enass Abo-Hamed, H2GO’s CEO, at a presentation of its carbon-neutral heat-in-a-box system held at Baxi’s Dartford training centre. The partnership includes an upcoming industrial-scale trial of this containerised pre-heating solution, which will be hosted by Northern Gas Networks (NGN) at its Low Thornley test facility. Pre-heating is an essential part of distributing gas. Before it can be transported to homes and businesses through the network, the pressure of the gas must be reduced. This process can cause it to freeze, so pre-heating takes place to allow the gas to flow. Traditional pre-heating units are highly energy and cost intensive. Heat-in-the-box will lower the cost of pre-heating, while delivering the supply at much lower costs for applications at a massive scale. The aim of the trial is to demonstrate how the heat-in-a-box system can supply heat for gas pre-heating in a safe and carbon-neutral manner, with the potential to supply renewable heating for other operations. Heat-in-a-box combines electrolysis, hydrogen storage technology and Baxi’s hydrogen boiler. The end-to-end system will be powered by solar photovoltaics and supported by an AI-enabled optimisation software platform. As heat-in-a-box can help maximise self-generated renewable electricity, it offers an interesting solution for multiple use cases - including decarbonising heat in non-domestic buildings. Karen says, “This partnership will deliver the world’s first commercial pure hydrogen boiler that will provide customers with greater flexibility in meeting their emissions reduction targets. Innovation projects like this are critical to understanding the role hydrogen can play in helping to decarbonise a range of sectors - including the difficult ones like heat.” Enass says, “We are pleased to be part of this world-first initiative. Today’s demonstration is a significant step as we explore the opportunities that could be unlocked through Heat-in-the box. Demand for heat is three times higher than the demand for power, while responsible for 40% of all global emissions. And we are determined to deliver a carbon neutral solution without compromising on cost and productivity to be used across key industries including as ceramics, glass, cement, food and beverage and chemicals.”

Colchester Foodbank dishes up self-heating meals

One of the busiest foodbanks in the east has taken delivery of 18,000 self-heating meals to help homeless people, sofa surfers, refugees and struggling families across the Colchester area. Electricity firm UK Power Networks donated two lorry-loads of long-life meals to Colchester Foodbank, after they proved a hit with engineering crews working from their vans, often in remote locations and around the clock. Each box includes a heat pad that can be activated to warm the meal. Colchester Foodbank Chief Officer Mike Beckett said they will help people living without access to kitchen facilities, and save on cooking costs for cash-strapped families. He says, “We haven’t had self-heating meals before, and it opens up a whole new way we can help people. Not everybody has access to a kitchen, for example a refugee family living in a hotel may have a kettle but not much else to cook with. Many people will really appreciate having a self-heating curry or an all-day breakfast - and our team have tried them and say they’re excellent! “We will see a further increase in the need for food parcels this year. We sent out 700 nutritionally balanced food parcels last month, and if we send out 1,000 parcels next month they can include three ready meals each - so we can use the 18,000 within six months.” Mike adds, “We will work collaboratively with our partner organisations and 11 satellite centres across Colchester and Tendring to make sure these meals go to where they will do the most good. Thank you to UK Power Networks for thinking of us and making a difference for the communities we serve.” UK Power Networks’ Gurdip Tumber, who was on hand for the unloading of the pallets, says, “We know that in the current economic climate some people are having to choose between heating and eating. As a company we partner with many local and expert organisations to help support people living in vulnerable circumstances and this is one small way we can help.”

Welsh Government highlights ECA in green skills action plan

ECA has been highlighted in a new Welsh Government net zero skills action plan, designed to create a stronger, fairer, greener Wales. The plan commits Wales to a just transition away from the fossil-fuelled economy, with skills playing a central role. It features ECA’s Leading the Charge initiative, which showcased the low-carbon engineering services work of Welsh ECA Member, EFT Consult. ECA members are at the forefront of the electrification of transport, heat and the whole of the built economy. ECA works closely with its members, industry partners and government to improve skills provision and standards in the electrotechnical sector, with a special focus on ‘green skills’ that will enable the transition to net zero carbon by 2050. Jeremy Parkin, Director of Welsh ECA Member firm Powerlink Electrical Services, adds, “ECA members and the electricians and apprentices whom we employ are absolutely essential to a successful green transition for Wales. We welcome Welsh Government’s recognition of this fact in their excellent net zero skills action plan, and look forward to ever closer collaboration between government, the education sector and ourselves to help make Wales’s green, electrified future a reality.” Chris Jenkins, Director of Welsh ECA Member firm EFT Consult, says, “Any companies that are considering investing in training and technology, I’d say go for it. Net zero and the demand for electrification is not something that’s going to go away. It’s only going to grow. Make the commitment and I believe it’ll pay off.” Vaughan Gething MS, Welsh Minister for Economy, comments, “Skills will be a key enabler as we transition to a net zero economy. Everyone needs to take responsibility and play their part in taking action to improve practices, investing in people and communities to innovate and build a more resilient economy. “This is just the start of this process and government cannot tackle the challenge alone. A ‘team Wales’ approach is the only way we can drive forward these changes and meet our net zero commitments. The programme made clear our focus on driving a stronger, more competitive Welsh economy by narrowing the skills divide and tackling inequality - to boost good jobs and lift people out of poverty.” The Welsh Government's net zero skills action plan prioritises seven key areas of action: Gain an understanding of the current skills position for each emission sector. Build a shared understanding of net zero skills across Wales. Grow a skills workforce to meet Wales’s net zero commitments. Strengthen the skills system. Promote opportunities for early years and young people to realise their potential. Cross-government and partnership approach to meet the skills commitment. Just transition.

Last mile fleets risk delays to electrification plans

Mer works with delivery fleets to solve conflicts between ambitious electrification goals and challenges around power availability. The company is seeing that many businesses are focused on whether existing vehicle fleets can be switched to EVs, but are omitting to factor in the challenges of charging them all. Mer has produced a new guide to help last mile logistics managers properly understand the process and ensure that their fleet electrification plans don’t get stuck in a bottleneck. Natasha Fry, Head of Strategic Accounts at Mer, says, “Delivery fleet managers are very data-driven when it comes to identifying which vehicles can be electrified and the best way to optimise those assets. However, they need to start taking the same analytical approach to charging infrastructure and planning for how vehicles will be charged, how much power it’ll require and establishing where that power comes from. “Final mile fleets are among those driving electrification, and many have set ambitious goals to go even further. But without a true understanding of the power availability at each depot, and the cost implications of upgrading those grid connections, their rollouts of EVs risk being delayed while budgets are revised upwards.” Mer’s free guide covers the importance of including each depot’s energy capacity as a metric when setting fleet electrification targets. It also explains how to calculate power availability and the solutions to overcoming grid limitations. Other steps covered in the guide include: Identifying whether fast or rapid chargers will best suit a last mile operator’s needs. Managing the procurement process. Getting installation right the first time. How to minimise charger downtime for mission critical EVs. Mer recommends site surveys at every depot to properly understand the implications of corporate electrification objectives on each site. “Upgrading your grid connection comes at a price and takes time,” adds Natasha. “But understanding that in the early stages means you go into it with your eyes open. Some last mile logistics operators will be prepared to increase budgets to meet existing targets, while others might prefer to take a more phased approach. “To run an effective last mile logistics business, data is king. Being armed with the right information on EV charging will ensure you make evidence-based decisions on electrification, rather than make costly mistakes.”

Octopus Energy strikes solar supply deal with Iceland

Octopus Energy’s generation arm has inked a new partnership with Iceland Foods. The 10-year deal will see green power supplied to Iceland from the Breach solar farm in Cambridgeshire, which Octopus manages on behalf of Octopus Renewables Infrastructure Trust (ORIT). The solar farm will provide 64GWh of renewable energy every year to power 150 sites, which will cover 14% of Iceland Foods’ electricity needs for its UK stores. Iceland has nearly 1,000 stores in the UK. This deal with Octopus will reduce Iceland Foods’ emissions by 23,000t of CO2, the equivalent of removing over 12,000 petrol cars from the roads, or planting over 110,000 trees every year. Octopus Energy Generation acquired the 67MW Breach solar farm in June 2022 on behalf of ORIT. The solar farm construction began in November 2022 and is scheduled to become operational in Q4 2023. Zoisa North-Bond, CEO of Octopus Energy Generation says, “It’s great to see such a massive British firm like Iceland Foods accelerate its renewable energy journey, freezing its foods with the power of the sun. Iceland has been a trailblazer in sustainability - and the more companies that follow their lead, the quicker we can reduce our economy’s dependence on expensive fossil fuels and shift to a future powered by clean energy.” Tarsem Dhaliwal, CEO of Iceland Foods, says, “This partnership is an exciting step in our journey towards achieving net zero by 2040. It also gives us some clarity on our energy costs for the coming years - at a significant discount to the current wholesale price. This helps to mitigate the impact of the volatility that has plagued the industry for the past 12 months. Switching to more renewable forms of energy to power our sites will be a huge priority for us in the coming years, as we continue to identify solutions to optimise sustainability across the business.”

Hudson appoints new Projects Director

Hudson has appointed Paul Nolan as Projects Director. Paul brings extensive cable management expertise to the team, having worked in the industry for more than 30 years. He began his career in sales at Vantrunk and has since held senior business development roles at companies including Mita and Cablofil. At Hudson, Paul will be responsible for growing the group’s newly launched business, Milton, which specialises in corrosive and hazardous cable management. Milton has recently agreed a partnership with the Wibe Group to distribute Mita’s GRP cable management products and Wibe steel cable ladder systems to the UK. Milton joins two other companies that form part of Hudson, including RMS and Armorduct. Paul says, “There is a huge, untapped market for Wibe and Mita’s products in the UK, so it’s an exciting time to join the business. I’ll be working closely with M&E contractors to help position Milton as their first choice for cable management in hazardous and corrosive environments. Our priority is to provide cost-effective, durable solutions for demanding projects in sectors such as infrastructure, marine, power and industrial. “My vast experience of the cable management sector also means I can support the wider Hudson Group to bolster relationships with new and existing clients. With a strong vision focused on quality and innovation, Hudson has ambitious plans for growth and I’m looking forward to being part of that.” Hudson’s CEO, Simon Hudson-Smith adds, “Hudson now offers an unrivalled range of cable management products and solutions, putting the group in a strong market position and creating significant opportunities for further expansion. Paul’s expertise will be instrumental in helping us to strengthen our customer base and achieve our wider business goals. “Throughout his long and successful career, Paul has gained an extensive knowledge of cable management products which will enable us to seamlessly integrate Milton into the group and provide a new and specialist service to our clients.”

ECS Annual Review highlights raising standards

The Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) has released its 2022 Annual Review, which highlights the cross-industry engagement to raise competency standards, the ongoing success of ECS Check, and the launch of the CSCS Smart Check app. ECS works alongside more than 100 organisations across electrical, fire and security, digital, network infrastructure, building controls, audio-visual, and the wider electrotechnical sector to collectively raise standards. In collaboration with other organisations, ECS reached milestones and contributed to key industry developments that will be vital to the advancement of the electrotechnical industry. More than 2,000 organisations have now registered with ECS Check, the free to access digital system that allows main contractors and clients to verify the ECS card of electrical personnel working on projects. April 2022 saw the launch of CSCS Smart Check, representing a historical and progressive step forward in building quality and safety. For the first time, all 2.1 million cards displaying the CSCS logo can be verified using a single app. The three-page document also reports on the Building Safety Act, industry group updates to the ECS Electrical Safety Unit and the resounding success of Remote Invigilation, the online assessment service for ECS Assessments. Jay Parmar, Chief Executive of the JIB, says, “ECS continues to play a crucial role in making the electrotechnical industry a forward-thinking and progressive sector that pushes for improvements in standards and competency. This Annual Review highlights the discussions, innovations and dedicated hard work that all contribute to raising the bar across multiple related sectors. ECS will continue to be a leading voice driving forward the change agenda to improve standards and deliver innovation across the wider industry.”