Octopus Energy backs solar farm in Morocco to power heat pumps

Octopus Energy has announced a financial and strategic partnership with Xlinks. Xlinks will speed up the UK’s transition to net zero by laying four 3,800km-long subsea cables to connect a huge renewable energy farm in the Moroccan desert with Devon, South West England. The site will supply 3.6 GW of reliable, clean power to the UK for an average of 20 hours a day, enough green energy to power about seven million heat pumps all year round. The project will diversify UK supply routes and boost energy security. It is currently in the development phase, undertaking economic, environmental and archaeological impact assessments. It is scheduled to become operational in 2027. This investment marks the beginning of the partnership between the two companies, with further investments already under discussion. The companies are also exploring potential off taking rights for Octopus and an agreement that would see Octopus’s proprietary tech platform KrakenFlex being used to increase value to consumers, and the opportunity to power millions of heat pumps all year round with cheap green electricity. The partnership is helmed by a team of energy experts and business entrepreneurs, including Chairman Sir Dave Lewis, CEO Simon Morrish and Project Director Nigel Williams who oversaw North Sea Link, the world’s longest subsea interconnector linking the UK and Norway, delivering it on time and under budget. Morocco is setting its sights on becoming a world leader in solar energy, already boasting some of the world’s largest solar arrays, and meeting two-fifths of its electricity demand with renewables. There will be huge economic benefits to both countries involved, with Xlinks bringing green energy and engineering jobs to both the UK and Morocco. The partnership comes as the UK government is working on strengthening the country's energy supply routes as outlined in its Energy Security Strategy, lowering its dependence on Russian gas imports whilst lowering prices for consumers and moving the country closer to net zero. Greg Jackson, founder of Octopus Energy Group, who also personally invested in the project a number of years ago to demonstrate his support, comments: “Going green will cut energy costs for Britain. Freeing ourselves from volatile fossil fuels was already important to help combat climate change, but it’s now clear we need to do this for affordability and security. “Layering different sources of green energy helps answer the question ‘what do we do when the wind’s not blowing’. This project is magic because it’s all proven technology - on a huge and ambitious scale. The renewables revolution has not just begun, it’s now accelerating at an unprecedented pace for the good of people and the planet.” Simon Morrish, CEO of Xlinks, says: “This partnership presents an enormous opportunity to bring down energy bills significantly and help the UK achieve net zero. “The investment demonstrates the ambition of both Xlinks and Octopus to deliver a cheaper, greener future for the UK public.”

Morrison Energy Services awarded place on EV charging framework for North of England

Morrison Energy Services has entered a framework agreement with electric vehicle (EV) charging provider Be.EV to help deliver more than 1,000 chargers and four big charging hubs across the North of England. The agreement covers the installation of EV charge points, including site surveys and feasibility studies, civils and electrical design, as well as electrical infrastructure installations, such as contestable installation works where new supplies are required. Jamie Doyle, Contract Director at Morrison Energy Services, says: “We are delighted to have been invited onto the framework, which will allow us to further expand our presence in the EV charging market. “This is a great opportunity to combine the strengths of Morrison Energy Services as an established energy networks service provider to support a major EV charging roll-out with a client who is already working with key local authorities and other partners to build a strong regional network in the North.” Be.EV operates the biggest public charging network in Greater Manchester and is expanding dramatically across the whole of the north of England. It works with Transport for Greater Manchester, local authorities, public sector organisations and private business to build dense regional networks of public chargers that are accessible to all. Asif Ghafoor, CEO of Be.EV, comments: “We deliver working, future-proof EV charging solutions on private and public land. In our model we plan, take care of, and pay for both the infrastructure and power upgrades. We’re currently getting ready for our next-phase network expansion, with 1,000 charger installations. For that, we need the help of trusted partners who have the right scale and expertise. We’re delighted to welcome Morrison Energy Services as one of them.”

NAPIT releases new guide to electric vehicle charge point installations

NAPIT’s technical team has produced a new ‘Top 10 Tips’ guide to help those installing electric vehicle charge points avoid commonly overlooked errors. In response to the recent Government funded audit into the installation of Domestic Electric Vehicle charge points (EVCPs) under the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme, NAPIT has created a Top 10 Tips leaflet to provide valuable advice to installers of EVCPs. The audits revealed several areas that should be enhanced to enable greater safety and compliance and made a series of useful recommendations to support the installation of EVCPs. This new Top 10 Tips guide outlines some key areas of focus for installers of EVCPs and encourages all those who undertake EVCP installations to take some time to read it as part of their Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Areas of focus within the guide include how to approach existing electrical installation checks, ensuring the correct earthing of charge points, adequacy of supply, how to alert the DNO and labelling and certification requirements. Commenting on the new guide, Frank Bertie, Chief Technical Officer at NAPIT says: ‘The Audits commissioned by the Office of Zero Emission Vehicles into domestic charge points outlined several common oversights made by installers that were often quite simple to rectify. In response to the findings, NAPIT’s technical team have created this Top 10 Tips guide to highlight these to installers of EVCP and encourage them to take the advice into consideration for future installs. We hope this guide will enable greater compliance and safety standards as we remain committed to supporting our members and the wider industry enhance their understanding as new technological advancements are made.’

Trade suicides represented in ‘Lunch atop a Skyscraper’ photo recreation

The display was organised by IronmongeryDirect as part of its annual campaign to raise awareness of mental health amongst the UK trades. Its 2022 report found that more than four in five (82%) UK tradespeople deal with some form of mental health problem due to work, and sadly, many take their own lives as a result. Government data shows that there are 589 suicides in the industry each year, which works out at 11 per week, on average. To visualise this tragic statistic, IronmongeryDirect positioned 11 mannequins on a platform, which was then lifted 30m into the air by a crane that was kindly donated by the excellent team at Bandshire Crane Hire. This year marks the 90th anniversary of the original skyscraper photo being taken, and the number of ironworkers in the scene matches the weekly suicide figure. As part of its campaign, the Essex-based ironmongery supplier has partnered with the mental health charity, Basildon Mind, and is donating over £3,000 to support its crucial services. Emma Mamo, Head of Workspace Wellbeing at Mind, says: “In male-dominated industries such as construction, employees are often less willing and able to open up about their mental health and ask for support. This can be problematic because mental health problems often become worse if left untreated, and the consequences can be fatal. “We urge employers to create cultures where employees can speak openly and honestly about their mental health.” Dominick Sandford, Managing Director at IronmongeryDirect, says: “The Lunch atop a Skyscraper image is famous for its message of hope for the industry and camaraderie between workers, so it’s heart-breaking to think that the same number of tradespeople seen in the photo die from suicide every single week. “Unfortunately, our research found that almost nine in 10 individuals don’t feel comfortable talking about their mental health, yet this is one of the most positive steps people can take to start addressing any issues. “We hope that by raising awareness of mental health in the trades, this stigma can be removed, and the situation can start to improve.” [gallery columns="2" ids="31127,31126"]

Marshall-Tufflex marks 80 year milestone

Marshall-Tufflex is celebrating its 80th birthday this year. To mark this significant milestone, the company is undertaking a range of special activities, including a drive to increase the average recycled content in its PVC-U products to reach 80% by the end of the year. For eight decades, the company has solidified its place in the electrical industry as a market leader in cable management solutions and pioneers of plastic extrusion. Today, with warehouses in Watford and Manchester, and its head office and manufacturing facility in Hastings, the manufacturer is marking its 80-year milestone with a series of activities that reflect the company’s ambition. Notably, the company is aiming to build upon its already impressive recycling credentials, with an ambition to increase the average percentage of recycled content used in its PVC-U trunking and conduit systems this year. Jon Chamberlain, Managing Director at Marshall-Tufflex says: “We started using recycled content in our manufacturing over 25 years ago and since then, we have refined our processes to produce superior products that retain their high quality while remaining competitively priced. We want to inspire the whole supply chain to think more sustainably when it comes to any PVC-U specification.” In addition to working with customers to improve sustainability, the company has continued to innovate over the past 80 years to provide solutions that make installers work simpler and easier. The company’s recent launch of the ‘Tufflex Tile’ is testament to this commitment. This Correx pattress product replaces the use of traditional plywood or MDF for ceiling installations and makes installing spotlights, smoke detectors, PIR sensors and speakers simple. Jon adds: “We are delighted to be marking our 80th Birthday. We are all incredibly proud how far we have come since 1942 and our success is thanks to the people that make our company so great and the relationships we have built over that time. I’m looking forward to embracing the next chapter and the opportunities ahead to enable our continued growth, to take Marshall-Tufflex into the next decade and beyond.” In addition to its recycling plans, Marshall-Tufflex is also focusing on a number of fundraising initiatives to support local and international causes, as well as hosting a series of giveaways and celebratory events to commemorate its 80th year.

Schneider Electric selected by ENWL to provide platform for smart network

Schneider Electric has been selected by Electricity North West Limited (ENWL) as the preferred supplier to deliver and implement an Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS) solution across its network. ENWL is responsible for delivering electricity to five million people at 2.4 million residential and industrial locations across 12,500km2 of North West England. In addition to expanding capacity to meet future growth in energy demand and more distributed sources of power generation such as renewables, the new ADMS will enable improved resilience for customers through improved fault detection and restoration. The project is one of the biggest in the industry, replacing a range of ENWL proprietary solutions into a single standardised industry solution. This has enabled ENWL to reduce the costs and risks associated with asset protection, and remove the need to develop bespoke real-time solutions to keep up to date with UK regulatory and legislative requirements. Implementing a phased delivery approach As a trusted partner since 2014, Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure ADMS solution has been implemented to centralise ENWL’s network into a single, consistent, and intuitive UX powered by the smart platform for flexibility and end-to-end model management and, established to reduce the total cost of ownership to streamline workflows and reduce costs. A seamless transition from ENWL’s previous in-house Network Management Solution (NMS) was essential to maintain network operations. To address project delivery complexity and create a 'bumpless' transfer from the legacy solution to the new one, ENWL and Schneider Electric applied a phased delivery approach, culminating in the final system going live in October 2021. The ADMS was delivered in four phases: SCADA phase (Supervisory control and data acquisition), FLISR/CLASS phase (Customer Load Active Systems Service), ADMS/OMS phase and ANM phase (Active Network Management aka ADMS DERMS). This phased approach minimised the risk to ENWL’s business posed by the cutover process while accessing advanced functionality and customer data benefits as early as possible. With the help of Schneider Electric, ENWL now has access to an all-encompassing ADMS solution that provides complete visibility, safety and awareness for operators managing the entire ENWL network. Pat Cropper, Project Manager at Electricity North West Limited, says: “We are delighted to have collaborated with Schneider Electric on this project. Their expertise in developing full-stack, integrated solutions with minimal disruption whilst upholding reliable and safe solutions has been priceless in the implementation phase of this project. Already we are seeing the improvements it has brought our business and the benefits for our customers across the North West. Implementing the ADMS is a key facilitator in the transition to a sustainable, low carbon, low cost, greener future.”  Mark Greasley, Programme Manager for Hybrid Solutions at Schneider Electric, adds: “Schneider Electric is proud to work with ENWL to enable its transition to a zero carbon economy through implementing a secure, field-proven, reliable and unified operations platform. As a business, we have learnt immeasurable amounts through working on this complex project, so the value add is evident for both parties.”

Power company works to protect residents

The UK’s biggest electricity distributor is working with local authorities to help make sure new properties enjoy peaceful surroundings. UK Power Networks is providing the 117 planning authorities in the communities it serves with free access to a range of data about where existing electricity substations are based. Electrical transformers provide power to communities, and they emit a low frequency hum. If housing developers build near to these sites, they may need to provide noise screens and enclosures to avoid this disturbing future residents. To help councils assess planning applications for new housing developments, UK Power Networks has measured sound levels at 53 grid and 76 primary substations to identify areas which could result in noise complaints if developers were to build on land in their immediate vicinity. The noise mapping project means planning and environmental health departments are aware of any potential issues before they arise. Developers can work with UK Power Networks to find the best solutions around brownfield sites. Stephen Ninham, Lead Environment Advisor for UK Power Networks, says: “When land use around changes, the low frequency noise from any existing infrastructure can be an issue for residents of new properties, so this work with local authorities sets out to address that concern. “We want to work closely with planners and developers so that they have full visibility of any potential noise problems that new housing may bring, long before they are even built, and the right mitigation can be funded and put in place. “Our open data portal is a fantastic resource which shows noise contours around each substation giving a guide to sound levels that need to be factored in by developers. This is one way we can help new developments become successful, and that future residents can look forward to peaceful new homes.” Rebecca Brooks, Environmental Health Officer at East Suffolk Council, says: “I think that this will be a very useful resource for both local authorities and developers alike.  UK Power Networks is providing support through information and webinar sessions which are particularly useful, and I have personally found very interesting.”

Travis Perkins hire recognised for diversity and inclusion at awards

Travis Perkins Hire won an award recognising its diversity and inclusion initiatives at the Hire Awards of Excellence. The judging panel recognised Travis Perkins Hire for demonstrating a commitment to raise awareness of diversity and inclusion within its own business and beyond, in the building sector industry. It recognised the culture, colleague networks and initiatives that have been put in place, with the use of compelling marketing campaigns to shine a spotlight on big topics that have helped to educate, drive awareness and inspire change inside and outside the business. Daniel Lowans, Managing Director of Travis Perkins Hire says: “At Travis Perkins Hire we are continually fostering a working environment where everyone feels like they belong, and this is central to our family values. We want everyone to feel safe, welcome and confident to be their best selves. Our vision and ambition is to be an industry-leading inclusive and diverse employer so to win this award is a great recognition of that. “We want to shift the thinking in our sector. The diversity of our workforce is key to achieving this, so that we attract new capabilities and perspectives, sustain growth, evolve and innovate for the future. We are making it our job to take a leadership role.” As an integral part of the wider construction industry Travis Perkins Hire shares the nationwide challenge that construction has long been seen as a non-diverse sector with an ageing population. Women make up only 14% of the national workforce, those from an ethnic minority background are less than 6%, and the average age in the sector is over 45.

Football legends officially open MKM Aldershot branch

Footballing legend Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and commentary supreme Martin Tyler have teamed up to launch MKM’s new Aldershot branch, which officially opened its doors to the trade and public this Monday (9 May). Customers, fans, and staff all witnessed ‘Just how the pros do it’, with twice Premier League Golden Boot Winner, Hasselbaink, taking penalties against MKM Aldershot Co-Branch Director, Matthew Ince, while Martin Tyler provided expert commentary on the proceedings, all in celebration of the new merchant opening its doors. Matthew Ince, MKM Aldershot’s Co-Branch Director, comments, “Having two football icons in Jimmy and Martin come down to help officially open our new branch was absolutely fantastic. It was an incredible day, with plenty of customers in attendance to celebrate with us. We’re delighted to have opened our doors and are looking forward to providing a first-class service to customers in the local area.” In addition to Jimmy and Martin helping to officially open the new branch, MKM Aldershot also announced a charity partnership with Help for Heroes on the day, highlighting the branches’ local ties and understanding of the area’s rich military heritage. All-time leading Aldershot FC goal scorer, Mark Butler, also attended the opening, in recognition of MKM becoming a sponsor of the club, further cementing the branches’ place within its local community. Luke James, MKM Aldershot’s Co-Branch Director, says: “We’re delighted that all the hard work leading to this moment has paid off. Our goal is to provide the people of Aldershot and the surrounding areas with quality building supplies at reasonable prices. Of course, the work is only just beginning, today is day one, but we’re so happy to have had Jimmy, Martin and Mark join us for this special moment.” The new branch, on a two acre site, is conveniently located at Unit 1, Blackwater Park, just seconds off the A331, and stocks the latest in building and landscaping supplies, while also boasting a stunning kitchen and bathroom showroom. “Our new branch has created around 20 new jobs in the area, with our team carefully selected to ensure our customers have access to the best expertise and advice available, alongside the quality products we offer,” explains Matthew Ince. “That’s why we have specialists in branch for several areas, including plumbing and heating, kitchen and bathrooms, landscaping, and more. Whether you’re in the trade or just looking to add value to your home, everyone is welcome to pay us a visit, meet the team and find out how we can help with your next project.”

ECA welcomes Queen’s Speech promises with plans for skills, safety and net zero

The ECA has welcomed the Queen’s Speech, which outlined several new pieces of legislation to deliver cleaner energy, safer homes, and higher standards for skills and education. It was announced in the Queen’s Speech that the Government will introduce: An Energy Bill to deliver cheaper, cleaner, more secure energy. A UK Infrastructure Bank, to support the growth and delivery of net zero solutions. A Higher Education Bill to introduce a Lifelong Loan Entitlement for adults wishing to retrain or upskill. A simplified procurement process to provide new opportunities for small businesses. New legislation to improve the regulation of social housing, to strengthen the rights of tenants and ensure better quality, safer homes. Andrew Eldred, ECA Director of Workforce and Public Affairs, says: “Today’s speech showed a commitment to delivering net zero along with a recognition of the vital importance of better technical education and skills. “We hope to see this promise realised in a tranche of new funding and support for industry-endorsed training to deliver the EV charge points, solar panels, heat pumps and battery storage systems that will place the UK in pole position in the race to net zero carbon.” ECA Director of Legal and Business Rob Driscoll comments: “In leading the Cabinet Office’s SME Advisory Group on payment, ECA has worked hard with Government to design a post-Brexit environment allowing for simplified procurement. “The announcement in today’s speech should lay the ground for establishing UK procurement processes which embrace and unlock the potential of SME contractors as Government seeks to build back better.” Mike Smith, ECA Technical Director, says: “ECA and our industry partners have fought hard (and sometimes uphill) to improve the safety of people’s homes. While the recent Building Safety Act has brought us closer to our goal, today’s announcement should help provide a more uniform approach to electrical safety in social housing, including high rise residential buildings like Grenfell Tower. “We expect further legislation to highlight competency as a key factor in making homes safer for residents, and we will be keeping a very close eye on developments to make sure that is the case.”