Pharos is a permanent guest at Brisbane's Hotel X

Striking a pose on the skyline of the hip city of Brisbane, Australia, the new Hotel X is the ultimate in chic destinations. Located in the centre of the city’s Fortitude Valley, also known as the ‘Valley’, this new five-star offering has been designed to reflect its lively and bold neighbourhood. With its distinctive white geometric façade, Hotel X makes a fantastic first impression before guests even enter the lobby, and its custom façade lighting system has been carefully created to reflect the Valley’s progressive and dynamic atmosphere. To deliver this large-scale, high-profile façade lighting system, integrated solutions provider bluebottle was appointed to the project. Given its sheer size, LED fixtures were the only choice to fulfil the requirements, with Color Kinetics the chosen brand. The iColor Flex LMX gen2 RGB luminaires were used; mounted in a custom aluminium channel that forms part of the building façade. To fulfil the control elements of the lighting scheme, bluebottle partnered with Pharos Architectural Controls. A Pharos VLC 500, directly controls the hotel’s façade fixtures creating a showpiece, celebrating notable events, calendar dates, and much more. The Pharos VLC – Video Lighting Controller – is an extremely capable and cost-effective architectural lighting control solution for large LED pixel arrays such as building façades. For this reason, it was the perfect choice for this large-scale project. Commenting on their collaboration with Pharos, Claire Enoka, Technical Sales from bluebottle says: “The Pharos VLC 500 Controller handles the pixel mapping of over 40,000 nodes. Used in conjunction with the bluebottle remote management portal, it has allowed for an intuitive, easy-to-use system with full visibility of status, shows and schedules for the facility manager. “To date some of the more notable shows we’ve been able to achieve have celebrated Easter, The State of Origin Rugby and Brisbane’s successful 2032 Olympic bid.” Tony Symms, Regional Manager from Pharos adds: “The façade of Brisbane’s Hotel X is incredibly striking, making it a fantastic new addition to the city’s skyline. Pharos is delighted to have worked with bluebottle in playing an important role in bringing this to life.” Hotel X has fast become one of the most-popular destinations in the Valley to meet, drink and dine. With a number of bars, restaurants, a roof top pool and a state-of-the-art gym, it is easy to see why it has made such an impression on locals and travellers. The hotel’s façade, which projects over the Valley, perfectly enhances its appeal. Project team: Solutions Provider - bluebottle Light fixtures - Color Kinetics Client - Pointcorp Architect - Cotteeparker Photography - Justin Nicholas Lighting control - Pharos (1 x VLC 500)

Battery energy storage facility supports renewable energy mix

One of the biggest battery energy storage facilities in the UK has been connected to the electricity network in Burgess Hill to support renewable energy. UK Power Networks recently connected the new battery plant to the distribution network for the site’s developers, Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV), part of Abdul Latif Jameel Energy, and Harmony Energy. The system of 28 Tesla Megapack lithium-ion batteries, covering about the same size as a football pitch, can store renewable energy, such as wind and solar power, when electricity demand is low and release it to the network when demand is high, supporting the renewable energy mix. The system can flexibly store and release up to 34 megawatts of energy, capable of serving the equivalent of thousands of homes, to smooth out the intermittency of renewable energy. Harmony Energy and FRV will have the capability to store energy and increase flexibility of the national transmission system. Peter Kavanagh, chief executive of Harmony Energy, says: “Energy storage plants are vital as we increase our use of renewable energy such as wind and solar energy. The more storage we have, the more intermittent generation from wind and solar we can enable. Batteries are therefore key in enabling net zero by 2050. “For Harmony, this is the latest step in our continued growth as we play our role in supporting the UK’s future energy security. We have around 600MW of battery energy storage projects construction-ready and will continue to work with investors to help bring those to reality without subsidies. “It has been a pleasure working with UK Power Networks on this project.” David Menéndez, head of FRV-X, comments: “The start-up of Contego plant holds enormous significance for FRV, as it brings us closer to our goal of expanding our portfolio of energy storage projects internationally. It is the second one we have operating in the United Kingdom, while we have another one under construction in Australia. In doing so, we are also making a significant contribution to the evolution towards a more sustainable energy model in the country, one of our strategic objectives as a company.” UK Power Networks connected the site to a local electricity substation via a new 1.4km underground cable that involved a 70m directional drill to overcome a special engineering challenge. The company’s switchroom was modified to accommodate the new 33,000-volt circuit needed to import and export electricity from the electricity storage site. Work to energise the new circuit progressed outside normal working hours to increase network resilience in the local area while engineers turned off part of the network to safely connect the site. Saadat Hussain, connections project manager at UK Power Networks, adds: “The next decade is set to be a transformative time for the electricity sector as we progress towards achieving Net Zero as a country. We look forward to playing a key role in connecting more renewable energy and electricity storage sites like this one to our electricity networks. The electrical infrastructure work to provide a new 34-megawatt power connection to the battery plant is now complete and the site can start playing an important role in enabling the low carbon transition.” The batteries at Burgess Hill use Tesla’s advanced Autobidder AI software for real-time trading and control. Harmony Energy and FRV have just announced the launch of work on the UK’s biggest battery storage development project at Clay Tye in Essex, which will also be connected to UK Power Networks’ distribution network. Clay Tye will be nearly three times the capacity of the site in West Sussex at 99 megawatts / 198 megawatt hours and will also support decarbonisation of the energy grid.

More Click & Collect points for IronmongeryDirect and ElectricalDirect customers

IronmongeryDirect and ElectricalDirect have expanded their Click & Collect service, offering tradespeople more flexibility and convenience. 270 new pick-up points have been added to an expanding network of over 6,000 UK shops, with more planned for the coming months. This added benefit for customers forms part of IronmongeryDirect and ElectricalDirect’s ‘trusted to deliver’ promise to provide tradespeople with the products they want, when they want them. The new Click & Collect pick-up points join a growing suite of flexible delivery options for tradespeople looking to schedule orders around project lead times and demand. The two companies recently launched a same day delivery service for those ordering deliveries to selected Essex postcodes including Southend-on-Sea, Chelmsford, Romford Ilford and East London. In addition, IronmongeryDirect and ElectricalDirect customers are now able to secure next day delivery on orders placed online up until 9pm. Marco Verdonkschot, Managing Director at IronmongeryDirect and ElectricalDirect says: “As part of our ‘trusted to deliver’ brand promise, we have expanded our delivery offering, so we can get products to our customers quickly and reliably to a timeframe that works for them. We now offer same day, free next day and click and collect deliveries, as well as extended late night ordering for next day delivery by 9pm. “By offering a variety of different delivery options, we aim to provide greater flexibility for our customers, allowing them to work as smoothly as possible, especially when meeting tight project schedules.”

Group Horizon aims to 'fill the void' of trained Energy Managers

Group Horizon believes the impact of lockdown plus the increasing need for energy efficiency in buildings can inspire a new generation of Energy Managers that will help organisations meet their own sustainability targets and reduce costs. Peter Behan, Director at Group Horizon, says: “There is a major shortage of trained Energy Managers and we want to help fill the void. The Junior Energy Management apprenticeship programme really is open to anybody and an Energy Manager could come from any previous background, whether you have worked in banking, manufacturing or construction or something else entirely. It will also provide the apprentice with a new set of skills and invaluable knowledge that could potentially open a lot of doors for them later in their career.” With many commercial buildings left virtually empty during lockdown many businesses have had to reassess their approach to how they manage their premises. As more businesses come to realise that running their building at 100% capacity is neither cost nor energy efficient when it is only partially occupied, there is a growing demand for the deployment of in-house energy managers. What’s more, it presents a fantastic opportunity for anybody who has been considering a change of career – especially during lockdown when the jobs market has been competitive and people have been assessing their career options. Liam Doughty, from Gateshead, previously worked in Facilities Management before starting a new role as an Energy Technician within Gateshead Council. Liam did not have any previous background within the energy industry, so he took up the Junior Energy Management apprenticeship opportunity with Group Horizon, a move that he is now reaping the benefits from. Liam comments: “The qualification has provided me with a massive opportunity allowing me to not only progress with my knowledge and skills in the energy industry but help me move forward in my career.” Liam is hoping that this is just the start of his career in the industry saying: “The training has provided me with a foundation to start within the energy industry, allowing me to then further my education in this field. My goal is to complete the Junior Energy Manager apprenticeship with sight to go on to a higher-level education within this field.”

Toolstation launches latest catalogue with over 1,000 new products

Toolstation has launched a new catalogue in stores and online, offering over 1,000 new products, new brands, fantastic offers, and a new Smart Home category. As Britain begins to prepare for the autumn and winter seasons, the catalogue features an array of trade and DIY focused products to suit all needs, from heating and lighting to plumbing and decorating. Tradespeople and eager DIYers will be able to collect a catalogue from their local store or view the whole range online and via the Toolstation app. The catalogue arrives after recent research from Toolstation revealed that 22 October is the day when most households will turn on their central heating. Toolstation also found that over half of households (51%) were concerned about the costs of keeping their power on and have argued with other household members about when to turn the heating on for winter, while 54% were worried about the cost of their lighting during the darker months. Over 1,000 new products are available, including new ranges from existing brands including Bosch, Trend and Minotaur. Extended ranges from customer favourites including DeWalt, and new introductory offers across many products are available, including up to £100 off a DeWalt 18V XR Brushless Compact Twin Kit, up to 30% off selected Drayton products, and up to £50 off Triton showers. On top of this, the catalogue will also feature a whole new Smart Home category, with five new brands and multiple extended ranges available. Simon Oram, Category Manager for Smart Homes states: “The popularity of Smart Home Technology has increased dramatically in recent years as people become more invested in the digital world. So we've teamed up with the leading brands to bring customers a selection of the very best, market leading innovative solutions.” New brands include Tado (Smart Thermostats), TP Link (Home Networking), Arlo (Smart Cameras), Lightwave and Energenie (Smart Wiring Accessories). There will be new products in the Google Nest, Philips Hue outdoor and Princess ranges, and the brand new V3 thermostat available from Hive. Toolstation customers will be able to scan the range using the brand-new customer app, providing the quickest and easiest way for trade and DIY customers to shop with Toolstation. Once signed in, the app can help customers find and order from over 22,000 products with real-time stock-availability. Customers can choose to Click & Collect from five minutes at their nearest branch or deliver to site or home. The app will also mean Trade Credit customers can fully manage their accounts on the go. They can pay for orders, check their credit account, pay balances, and download invoices.

Bob Cairney steps up as Director of Technical Services at SELECT

SELECT, has further enhanced the quality of its technical operation with the appointment of Bob Cairney as its new Director of Technical Services. Bob will start his role next month, taking the reins from colleague Dave Forrester, who is retiring from SELECT. He will oversee the development of technical and training services to SELECT members, reflecting the increasing reliance on electrical technology and the game-changing impact of renewable energy sources. Bob says: “It is a huge honour to be offered this important role at a time when it is increasingly clear that the future is electric. “Our members operate in a highly technical, fast-moving and fast-changing environment and it is crucial that they are able to access, through SELECT, the most up-to-date and forward-looking technical advice, guidance and training opportunities.” Bob has a long association with SELECT, having previously served for 11 years as Senior Technical Adviser and for five years as Technical Services Manager. He was also Head of the Electrical Section within the University of Dundee Estates and Buildings Services. For the past four years, he has been SELECT’s Technical Standards Adviser, providing technical assistance and advice to members, as well as acting as secretary of SELECT’s Electrotechnical Committee and providing external representation on many industry committees including JPEL/64, which is responsible for the development and maintenance of BS 7671, the IET Wiring Regulations. Alan Wilson, Managing Director of SELECT, says: “Bob is highly respected in the sector and knows the organisation and the industry intimately. He is also aware of the value and importance of reliable and understandable advice and guidance to assist members as we move into a new electrical age. “In addition, as our campaign for professional recognition for electricians moves forward in the Scottish Parliament, Bob’s team will play a key role in keeping our members on top of, and ahead of, the skills and complexities of one of the most exciting sectors in the country.” Bob’s appointment was confirmed at a meeting of the SELECT Central Board, chaired by the association’s President, Donald W Orr. Donald comments: “All our members know that Bob has a firm grounding in the values of SELECT and that he will build on the excellent work of his predecessor. “Dave spent five years as Head of Services and seven years as Director of Technical Services, creating a team which has performed an invaluable service to the industry. Bob will now take up the baton and drive our technical services towards the next level.”

Vfast to launch in Medway following CityFibre’s full fibre investment

CityFibre and Vfast have announced an agreement that will bring reliable, Gigabit speed broadband services to homes and businesses in parts of Medway. CityFibre is currently engaged in an up to £4billion Gigabit City Investment Programme and Vfast will be the latest consumer internet service provider to join its rapidly expanding open access networks. CityFibre’s build is steadily gathering pace and services are expected to go live with Kent based ISP Vfast in January 2022.     The service will be delivered over Chatham and Gillingham’s full fibre network, which CityFibre is deploying as part of a £40million private investment that will bring next-generation digital connectivity within reach of almost every home and business in both towns. CityFibre began construction of the network in February this year. Aideen Sadler, City Manager at CityFibre, says: “We are delighted to announce Vfast’s arrival in Chatham and Gillingham, offering an exciting and sought-after Gigabit broadband home service. “We are proud of our network. It will help support Medway’s many communities as we adapt to living with COVID-19 which means they will have access to the fastest and most reliable broadband speeds in the UK. “We look forward to seeing even more homes and businesses take advantage of this level of connectivity and what it can enable in the future.” Benjamin Doherty, Chief Technical Officer of Vfast, comments: “We’re thrilled to be working with CityFibre on its Kent expansion project. We will be offering pure fibre to the residents of Medway, backed by Vfast’s first class support from our Kent based call centre. “The appetite for consumer bandwidth is only growing and we are proud to be one of the ISPs at the fore front of this revolution. “Our local network and local approach will provide customers with gigabit services, whilst allowing us to bring our services to a whole new audience.”

Network Infrastructure Assistant ECS card updated to include City & Guilds

A range of ECS cards are available through the Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) for the Network Infrastructure industry, previously referred to as Datacomms. After an extensive process of consultation and development to develop the new Cable Network Installer apprenticeship, work was undertaken to map across qualifications and raise standards in the sector. The Network Infrastructure Installation Assistant ECS card is for people working in the Network Infrastructure industry in a supportive role to assist other qualified staff with the installation of cables and other work under supervision. City & Guilds has now mapped its qualification to this standard and this has been approved by the relevant industry committees that oversee the process. To be eligible for the Network Infrastructure Installation Assistant card, applicants can either undertake: An Award in Communication Cabling (such as the City & Guilds 3666/3667) Or the Network Infrastructure Awareness Assessment and hold a recognised Level 1 Health and Safety qualification A current ECS Health, Safety and Environmental Assessment or valid exemption is also required with all ECS applications. Andy Reakes, ECS Head of Growth, says: “This work by City & Guilds to map across their Communications Cabling and Networks qualification is a beneficial and necessary step for those in the sector. We are working with City & Guilds and other awarding organisations, employers and providers in the sector to promote better formal training and qualification development, including Level 3 awards, the Apprenticeship Standard, which is now in place, as well as a soon-to-be-launched Experienced Worker Assessment (EWA) route.” The EWA is for industry recognition for those who have not completed an apprenticeship but have the necessary practical experience and want to demonstrate their achievement to the industry standard for skilled operatives and receive an ECS gold card. While this EWA route is being developed, Datacomms Specialist and Advanced Datacomms Specialist card holders my either move across to the new Network Infrastructure Installer occupations or continue to renew their current cards. Further announcements will be publicised once the EWA development has been completed and when this is due for launch.

SSEN awards substation framework to Morrison Energy Services

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) has awarded Morrison Energy Services, a part of M Group Services, a place on its Primary and Grid Substations Construction Multi- Site Framework. The framework has been awarded on a non-exclusive basis and will run for an initial contract term of three years, with the option to extend for an additional two years in single year increments. Morrison Energy Services has been awarded a place on Lot 2 covering 11kV and 33kV primary substation projects across SSEN’s operational region in central southern England. The work scope will include, but not be limited to, the design, supply, installation, modifications to, and commissioning of, switchgear, transformer, protection and control works, as well as civil construction and cable works at Primary and Grid Substations. Under the terms of the contract, Morrison Energy Services will also cover all commissioning and handover activities required at site. Martin Atkins, Contract Director at Morrison Energy Services, comments: “We are delighted to have been appointed to this framework that will allow us to further expand our presence in the electricity distribution market. by securing this framework agreement, we now have an opportunity to work collaboratively with SSEN as we support this important substation build and refurbishment programme over the next three years.”

The smart home EV charger that saves time and money

Easee has launched the Easee One, the latest intelligent EV charger. The Easee One is designed specifically for the home market. The 7kW smart charger can be controlled through a smartphone app for the customer’s ease of use. Its inbuilt Open PEN Fault Detection enables faster install with no need for additional earthing solutions. Effie Vraka, Country Director UK at Easee, says: “All our chargers are easy and quick to install, but the Easee One is tailor-made for UK homes. The increased speed, affordability and ease of installation will make it a real hit with UK installers.” The Easee One is future ready for aspiring multi-EV households, with an automatic load balancing system that enables up to three Easee One Charging Robots to run from a single supply. When two or more Easee One chargers are in use, they communicate to ensure vehicles are charged evenly and that the fuse is never overloaded. Effie adds: “The Easee One comes in three parts – the Easee Ready docking station, the Charging Robot, and the cover. So, if a customer thinks they might want to add more chargers at a later point, the installer can connect extra docking stations and fit them with blank covers. When a new Charging Robot is required, a competent person can clip one on within minutes.” Features include: Compact size – 69% smaller than other comparable solutions Integrated Open PEN fault detection – reduced time and cost to install and no additional earthing solution required WiFi and 4G connected Free Cloud-portal offering: Remote fault detection Site/workplace charging management Consumption reporting Five different colours to choose from Fully dynamic charging power 1.4-7.4kW Works with all EVs and PHEVs The Easee One is being launched at a time when many EV charger producers are struggling due to a global shortage of semi-conductors. However, Easee has secured significant component supplies and is well on track to meet its production targets and anticipated market demand.