Grid Edge secures funding in drive to reduce carbon impact of buildings

Grid Edge has closed a new £2m funding round with participation from bp ventures, Goldacre and Aston University. This latest injection will accelerate the company’s mission to reduce the carbon footprint of the built environment, highlighted by Grid Edge’s partnerships with major British property development and investment company Hammerson PLC and the Royal Opera House. Grid Edge also unlocks flexibility in commercial buildings to advance to a green electric future, as seen with its partnership with Smartest Energy and Marubeni. The additional funding recognises the value and growth that Grid Edge has continued to deliver despite the significant impact of the pandemic on its core market, including shopping centres, airports and universities. The funding provides a platform to scale up and mature the business over the next 18-24 months. It will enable the company to reach more customers, develop new products and further grow its skilled team. Following COP26, the critical importance of reducing carbon emissions has never been more widely recognised. The race to Net Zero is on and with commercial buildings making up 40% of global carbon emissions, this funding marks an exciting turning point in reducing environmental impact in the built environment. Tom Anderson, co-founder at Grid Edge, says: “This funding round further strengthens our collaboration with bp, Goldacre and Aston University, who have shown equal ambitions in accelerating the growth of Grid Edge. Optimising energy demand to reach net zero is now an essential requirement for businesses. We are proud to provide many leading companies with predictive AI technology to reduce energy consumption and save money.” David Bloom, founding partner at Goldacre (Noé Group), says: “We saw the huge potential in Grid Edge back in 2019 and wanted to help support the business in scaling up and expanding its service delivery. Now more than ever optimal energy management is an essential demand of businesses and consumers and so by leveraging smarter digital technologies, we can significantly reduce carbon emissions whilst making buildings more energy efficient. We look forward to supporting the Grid Edge team as they enter this exciting new business phase.” Nacho Gimenez, managing partner at bp ventures, comments: “Grid Edge’s predictive AI technology empowers building managers to reduce their energy demand, decrease costs and lower their carbon footprint, without the need for additional investment. It is a smart, simple and effective solution that is already making a difference to many building owners in the UK. We are delighted to continue to support them as they scale up and help drive forward the energy transition.” Neil Scott, chief operating officer at Aston University, concludes: “This is wonderful news for all parties involved and is further testament to the work being done at Grid Edge. I look forward to continuing my work within Aston University and the Grid Edge board in working towards a Net-Zero world through collaboration and innovation. It is something we are all proud to be part of.”  

Industry looks to ACS580MV drive to reduce energy consumption

The growing need to reduce energy use and CO2 emissions, while cutting operational costs, is seeing ‘unprecedented levels’ of interest in energy-efficient technologies – including low and medium voltage drives - across sub-Saharan Africa, says power and automation technology group ABB. Drives have a significant potential for energy-saving across a range of industries, including power, water and wastewater, cement, mining, metals and pulp and paper. By controlling the speed and torque of motors, drives can reduce energy usage by between 30%-50%, thereby significantly improving industrial energy efficiency. Drives are used to adapt the motor speed to the actual need, which optimises energy consumption and lowers environmental impact. ABB Product Marketing Manager Sean McCree said while financial decision-makers were generally attracted by the potential of drives to save costs and reduce energy consumption, electrical engineers were realising major benefits through greater network reliability, reduction of maintenance and greater mechanical equipment longevity. “There’s a growing demand for energy-efficient products in the sub-Saharan market that takes into account the region’s specific requirements, from the voltage level to protection design, to ensure that drives can work optimally in a variety of complex, harsh working environments. At the same time, clients are looking for products that are easy to operate and maintain,” says McCree. ABB recently relaunched its ACS580MV drive in the local market, offering higher efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and ease of implementation to the industrial sector, with applications specifically for pumps and fans. Built-in energy calculators, including used and saved kWh, CO2 reduction and money saved, help users monitor and fine-tune their processes to ensure optimal energy use. The ACS580MV is also fully compatible with the company’s ABB Ability condition monitoring services, which allow customers to obtain real-time data about the status and performance of the monitored equipment from any location. The drive is supplied “Ready to connect” to the ABB Ability condition monitoring services, which simplifies on-demand remote support. “Since the launch of the 3.3kV voltage range, we have seen a significant growth in local order intake from both existing and new customers. This is a clear indication that the market has realized the product is well positioned to offer a value proposition backed by a very well established local service team”, McCree adds.

Nexans to connect Oseberg Field Centre with renewable energy

Nexans has won a more than 80 million euros contract to manufacture and install a power cable system that will deliver electricity directly from the Norwegian power grid to its Oseberg Field Centre. The cable system will provide renewable energy to the field and the contract is an important part of Equinor’s ongoing commitment to reduce its carbon footprint. Oseberg is located in the North Sea, around 140 kilometers north-west of Bergen. Nexans’ tailor-made power cable solution will be installed through Nexans’ Aurora vessel, which has the industry-leading capability to lay the cables in one compact installation. Not only does this save time and lower costs, it also reduces the environmental impact of the operation due to smaller transport distances. The cable system consists of a one 3-core 132kV AC cable with the capacity to transport and supply 180 MW  to the main platform at Oseberg. The power cables will include two fiber optic cables, each fitted with 48 SM fiber optic elements. They will be connected to a central DTS system which crucially allows operators to detect early warning signs of any technical issues in the cables. The cables will be manufactured at Nexans’ plant in Halden, Norway. Installation is due to start in 2023. Nexans is Equinor’s long-term partner in renewable energy projects and provides expertise and technology to connect Oseberg with renewable energy power. Nexans cabling system will allow Oseberg to operate using renewable energy harnessed from hydropower and achieve about 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in those areas of the field. Executive Vice President, Nexans Subsea & Land Systems Business Group, Ragnhild Katteland said: “Electrifying business operations in the energy sector plays an important part in reducing CO2 emissions and supporting the global transition to net zero. Equinor continues to make strong progress in achieving this, and our ongoing partnership with them is just another step in Nexans’ ongoing journey to electrify the future.”

BGEN secures multi-million pound dual fuel contracts with National Grid

BGEN has been awarded two multi-million pound framework agreements by National Grid. The agreements, with National Grid Electrical Transmission (NGET) and National Grid Gas (NGG), will see BGEN undertake a range of electrical-related services to help maintain and upgrade the company’s infrastructure. The five-year agreement will see BGEN become one of six companies responsible for delivering work under the Auxiliary Systems Lot of the Light Current Turnkey Works Agreement. The framework includes the design, manufacture, installation and commissioning of works within a live high-voltage transmission network substation environment. It also incorporates relevant cyber elements within substations as part of National Grid’s asset replacement and build programme. For NGG, BGEN, along with one other company, will deliver work under the Electrical Lot, one of four lots of a five-year framework. The framework aims to bring together the best suppliers in the electrical, control and instrumentation market to deliver asset replacements and upgrades across its network. “The contracts secured with National Grid are testament to our excellent track record and comprehensive range of services we offer to companies in the utilities sector,” says Ian Oliver, managing director – technology, at BGEN. “We have an experienced and diverse workforce in place to provide a range of services to help deliver National Grid’s asset replacement and upgrade programmes.” The National Grid framework wins build on BGEN’s impressive credentials in the utilities sector. The company was one of seven businesses recently awarded a £5 billion contract by Scottish Water to deliver one of the country’s biggest capital investment infrastructure programmes. Following several contract wins over the summer, the company is currently on a major recruitment drive, looking to expand its workforce from 860 to more than 1,000 employees.

Wessex completes fit out at Truck & Bus Wales & West new £8m HQ

Wessex Electricals and Wessex Fire & Security teams joined Truck & Bus Wales & West and Britannia Construction to officially open their new £8m HQ in Avonmouth. Truck & Bus Wales & West bought the site in early 2020 after a decade long search for the right location. The new facility houses all operations under one roof which is far more efficient as previously the company was operating across two separate sites. Wessex Electricals are the preferred electrical contractors for Truck & Bus Wales & West and were responsible for the design, compliance & installation of all internal and external power and lighting. Wessex Fire & Security are the preferred contractors responsible for Fire, life safety and security systems. The teams started work on the brand new facility in July 2021, coordinating with Britannia Construction who built the site for Truck & Bus Wales & West. The official handover to the client was on schedule by all teams - delivered on Tuesday 26th October. Truck & Bus Wales & West became operational on the site from the 27th October whilst completing their own specialist fit out works including Compressed Air and Oil pipe work and tanks, Parts carousels, brake test machines along with modular sales office. Internally, the team installed office, facilities and stores LED lighting and high bay lighting within the workshops. The whole office complex has a Passive InfraRed (PIR) / Absence detection system, with the workshops monitored by a daylight saving system to enhance overall energy efficiency of the entire scheme. The company operates from 7am – midnight five days a week and on Saturday mornings with at least 40 trucks coming through the workshop per day. Therefore, Wessex Electricals installed a split metered main LV infrastructure to allow the client to integrate their energy usage and manage their facility in a more efficient way not only with current workload but also with capacity for the new exciting future of Electric trucks. The offices on site are fitted out with a data and small power network along with heating supplies for AC Units & MVHR units. The Wessex team have also designed and installed external lighting tailored to the different areas of the site, along with 40 Kw Solar PV system on the building and 22Kw three phase electric car charging points. Alongside this extensive project, the Wessex Fire & Security teams have installed an extensive camera CCTV system, intruder alarm system, Fire Alarm system, refuge voice system and refuge call points. Additionally, disabled WC alarms have been installed and integrated to the Refuge system to provide seamless life safety systems throughout the site, along with full site specification regulatory Fire Extinguishers. Managing Director of Truck & Bus Wales & West, Billy Nairn says “This is a game changer for us, our business operations can operate far more effectively and efficiently as well as providing high quality facilities for the staff. The calibre of work from Wessex exceeded expectation and we are thrilled to open our new HQ. We look forward to taking the business on to the next level at this fantastic new site for our operations, serving the South West & Wales.” Contracts Manager at Wessex Electricals, Jim O’Brien comments “This has been an exceptional project to work on, the whole team have integrated seamlessly with the client and partner teams to deliver this brand new state of the art HQ for the client. We look forward now to managing the site going forward and maintaining a close relationship with Billy and the team.” Damien Poulter, Managing Director, Britannia Construction adds “We are delighted to have delivered this high specification facility for Truck & Bus Wales & West. The operational efficiency and technical know how of all the teams ensured smooth collaborative working practices throughout the project.”

ESF’s 13th annual product safety conference

Electrical Safety First’s 13th annual product safety conference had the theme of The Connected Consumer. The event, which attracted an international audience of over 600 delegates, explored the connected consumer from the key perspectives of sustainability, designing for inclusivity, and the evolving legislative context. Hosted online over two mornings, the conference was opened by Lesley Rudd, Chief Executive of Electrical Safety First, followed by a keynote speech from Paul Scully, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Small Business, Consumers and Labour Markets). The Minister outlined the Government’s approach to product safety in the C21st and the opportunities and challenges following the UK’s exit from the single market. A popular start to the day was the ‘Ask Us Anything’ regulators panel. Delegates quizzed a panel which included representatives from several Government Departments, including: the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS); the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA); the Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS); and the Department for Transport’s (DfT) Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV). Next, a range of contributors considered inclusion in safe design, from manufacturers’ response to the issue, to the need for diverse voices to help in standard setting. Day one of the event then ended with OPSS sharing its research on the fridge of the future and the safety of white goods. The second morning focused on the speed of innovation of connected products and related issues around security, safety, and interoperability. Expert speakers included representatives from Google, Alphabet Core Engineering Solutions, the Alan Turing Institute, Intertek and OPSS. They considered the governance and regulation of smart products (and the ethical implications); the challenges to business in terms of certification and compliance; and a look at how manufacturers are adapting to address environmental concerns. A memorable moment in the day was the announcement of the winner of the charity’s Safety Innovation Award. The award was established to acknowledge an innovative product or project placing safety of consumers at the heart of its development. This year’s worthy winner was Aico’s Ei1000G SmartLINK Gateway. Developed in collaboration with housing associations and social landlords, this alarm maintenance and asset management device uses a cloud portal without the need for local Wi-Fi. Although fire, smoke and carbon monoxide detection are well established in industry, the monitoring of, for example, humidity and air quality – plus the ability to influence consumer behaviour via direct messaging – made Aico the winning entry. The final conference sessions included contributions from BEKO, law firm Hogan Lovells LLP, the Household Electrical and Electronic Servicing Training Forum (HEEST), and SE24 Safety and Energy Consultants, who considered the legislative landscape and potential conflicts between sustainability and safety. Delegates heard about global regulatory developments and how to make reuse and repair a viable and sustainable business proposition. Last but not least was an OPSS presentation detailing its research on consumer attitudes to produce safety – and the essential role of trust in the ‘contract’ between consumers, retailers, and manufacturers.

New vision includes £20 million Foundation fund

UK Power Networks has set out how it will ensure nobody is left behind in the transition to Net Zero, by planning a new £20 million Foundation to support communities. The fund is among many new initiatives in the firm’s £4.6 billion Business Plan for 2023-2028 to Ofgem, which has been submitted to industry regulator Ofgem. The number of ‘fuel poor’ customers struggling to pay their energy bills in London, the East and South East is now over 900,000 so the company is taking a twin track approach of reducing its part of the energy bill and targeting investment where it is needed - while at the same time helping the most vulnerable people in society. The UK Power Networks Foundation will include £9 million to help 500,000 customers in or at risk of entering, fuel poverty. The remaining £11 million will be part of a social fund to help customers in vulnerable circumstances through the energy transition to Net Zero. The firm’s plan also includes: 15% reduction (in real terms) in its part of the energy bill whilst increasing investment in the networks, to set the lowest cost pathway to Net Zero Enabling people to connect low carbon technologies including increasing numbers of Electric Vehicles and heat pumps, and support chargepoint installers to connect rapid EV chargers every 30 miles across its footprint area A Local Area Energy Planning framework co-developed with regional authorities and relevant to the energy issues they face. The firm’s dedicated team would help 127 councils use this framework to convert ‘climate emergencies’ into practical plans Creating a new £12 million Digital Skills Academy to build best-in-class specialist energy system and digital skills, deliver 510 NVQs in leadership and management, and 200 industry-accredited apprenticeships Ensuring all customers in vulnerable circumstances only need to register once for the free extra help available under Priority Services, through new automated links with other utilities Introducing a new Social Contract bringing together all its commitments in one place, and updating its Articles of Association to embed a clear public interest commitment The firm, which employs 6,000 staff, is a Top 25 UK employer and earlier this year it became the first network operator to partner with the Levelling Up Goals initiative to promote equal opportunities for employees and the local communities it serves. Director of strategy and customer service Sul Alli says: “Our plan with the foundation very clearly builds on our Vision to be a respected and trusted corporate citizen, acting in the best interests of our customers and the communities we serve. These new initiatives demonstrate how social purpose is at the heart of all we do, and align with our ambition to be the most socially and environmentally- responsible network operator.” He added that the Plan also has the flexibility to adapt so that the electricity network enables low carbon technologies like heat pumps and electric cars to be used, regardless of the speed and scale that they are adopted by the public.

Electricians vote Scolmore’s Elucian Consumer Unit top product for 2021

It was only launched six months ago, but the Elucian Consumer Unit and Circuit Protection range is already proving a hit with installers and has just been crowned a Professional Electrician & Installer 2021 ‘Top Product’ award winner. [embed]http://youtu.be/m0D8Vw9n_1c[/embed] The awards are recognition for those top manufacturers and suppliers that have made a real difference to the electrical contractor’s ability to get the job done efficiently, safely and professionally, whether this is in the form of innovative products, tools or time-saving solutions. [embed]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAfIaeUGTI4[/embed] Elucian is an extensive range of metal consumer units that covers a broad range of installations and offers a number of features and benefits that will enhance the products’ convenience, flexibility and safety properties. There are 58 individual lines in the Elucian range and they fall under five main product groups: 100A Mains Switch Consumer Unit. Dual RCCB Consumer Unit – 100A Mains Switch + 2 x 80A Type A RCCB. Dual RCCB/SPD Consumer Unit – 100A Mains Switch + 2 x 80A RCCB + 2 Pole SPD. Combination Unit – 100A Mains Switch + 2 x 80A RCCB. RCD Incomer – Mini Board – RCD. The Elucian circuit protection range comprises Mains Isolator Switches, RCCBs, SPDs, MCBs, RCBOs and blank modules. [embed]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=famZ4O0mXXs[/embed] Katie Plumstead, Scolmore Group marketing manager, comments: “The launch of the Elucian range in June 2021 followed months of extensive research and consultation with contractors to come up with a range of products that best suit their requirements and are compliant with the latest regulations. We have had some extremely positive feedback as well as an unprecedented level of orders since the launch and this award is the icing on the cake for the whole team involved in getting the range out in the market. “The extensive Elucian consumer unit and circuit protection range completes our offer in the wiring accessories category and means that wholesalers and installers now have access to a one-stop shop for everything wiring accessories related from one of the industry’s most trusted and reliable brands.”

SELECT comments as deadline approaches for new legislation on fire alarms

With just two months to go until new fire safety legislation comes into effect, SELECT is reminding homeowners to ensure they have compliant heat, smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms installed. The campaigning body for the electrical industry in Scotland says it’s vital that preparations are made now before new Scottish Government guidance for all Scottish homes comes into effect on February 1 2022. Scotland’s largest trade association is also reminding the public to: Employ a qualified electrician to install any hard-wired systems Ensure the correct certification is issued on completion of any work Check that any self-installed battery alarms comply with relevant standards Report any rogue door-to-door traders offering to install cut-price alarms Contact their home insurance provider to discuss any potential impact. Bob Cairney, Director of Technical Services at SELECT, says: “Our members are seeing a rise in requests for installation, but it is becoming clear that there is also still a great deal of uncertainty about what is required to be  compliant. “As part of our ongoing information campaign, we strongly recommend a hard-wired interlinked alarm system, installed by a qualified electrical professional. “Self-installed battery systems are of course also permissible, but if choosing this option, homeowners should always ensure that they only use compliant products. They should also seek help if they are unsure how to install these alarms themselves, with SELECT able to put them in touch with their nearest professional. “We’re also reminding the public that they should be given relevant certification for the installation of a fire alarm system as recommended in the industry Code of Practice BS 5839-6:2019 as amended, i.e. a certificate of design, installation and commissioning to show that an installation complies with the  standard.” Mr Cairney said the use of qualified professionals was a vital part of ensuring safety and would prevent householders being duped by rogue traders trying to take advantage of the looming deadline. He adds: “Unfortunately, there are plenty of unskilled and unscrupulous people out there looking to cash in on the introduction of this new legislation. “Our advice would be to always use the services of an accredited installer such as a SELECT Member who should be able to advise on design, installation and commissioning. Your local member can be found at www.select.org.uk and any issues with non-compliant products reported to Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000.” After recent uncertainty, the association is also advising homeowners to contact their insurer to check if the new legislation might affect their home insurance. Mr Cairney says: “We are regularly being asked how the new legislation will impact home insurance and we are currently advising that it will depend on the terms and conditions of individual home insurance policies. Homeowners should always contact their insurer to check if the new rules are included in their policy.” The new standard requires that all homes in Scotland must have a smoke alarm on every storey including hallways and landings, a smoke alarm in the most frequented part of the house, such as the lounge, a heat alarm in the kitchen and a CO alarm wherever there is a fuel burning appliance.

WERCS takes over the running of Lumicom compliance scheme

The Producer compliance scheme Lumicom, Part of the Lighting Industry Association (LIA), will be operated by WERCS an approved producer compliance scheme. Lumicom will continue to operate as a Producer compliance scheme, with staff and all existing supplier agreements transferring, including the operation of the Marwood specialised vehicles. Providing support for its existing member’s and contractors. WERCS are a producer compliance scheme, owned by Electrical Waste Recycling Group. Some key benefits to the scheme: The only WEEE producer compliance scheme in the UK with its own lamp recycling facility. Access to additional fleet to support national collections. Offer waste collection and treatment services. LIA President Terry Dean says “Lumicom will continue to be the recycler of choice for the LIA and will be working in harmony continue to provide its members with guidance and support as the sector navigates through the circular economy. With the additional links to Electrical Waste Recycling Group, we are now aligned to a recycling business that actually recycles lighting within the UK, we see this a very positive partnership for the lighting industry.” David Wright, the Chair of Lumicom comments “We have worked with Electrical Waste Recycling group for a number of years and they have been a valued part of recycling supply chain, we therefore felt that working with them was a logical and very positive step forward for members and contractors.” Managing Director Mike Bishop, Electrical Waste Recycling Group which owns WERCS concludes “This is a great opportunity to strengthen our footprint in the lighting sector, we would like to welcome the Lumicom staff, members and contractors and look forward to a very exciting future together”