The May issue of ECN is OUT NOW and packed with insights and information on the topics you care about.
From the Editor
Hello and welcome to the May issue of ECN. The sun is starting to shine and as I write this it feels like summer is finally on the way!
In April, the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) released a comprehensive independent study on the costs of installing high voltage electricity transmission lines overground, underground and sub-sea. This report aims to inform the Government’s ambitious plans to upgrade Britain’s power grid, the largest since the 1960s.
A major increase in the transmission network’s capacity is essential to harness wind energy and meet growing electricity demand, leading to greener, more affordable power. The report details the costs of different technologies, such as overhead lines, underground cables and subsea solutions. For example, a 15km, 5000MW overhead line costs nearly £40m, while an underground cable costs around £330m.
Non-cost factors like visual and environmental impacts, sustainability and engineering challenges are also considered in the report. Underground cables, though less visually intrusive, are more expensive and viable only in certain terrains. This study provides crucial insights for the UK’s journey towards a net zero power grid.
Professor Andrew Lovett, member of the report’s Project Board and Professor of Geography at the University of East Anglia, says, “This situation is complex with no simple environmental choices. When deciding between underground cables, overhead lines or subsea cables off Britain’s coast, we must consider a complex range of impacts unique to each project. Each technology needs to be evaluated based on its specific context, including engineering challenges, local impacts and costs.”
This issue covers a range of topics including Circuit Protection & Switchgear; Fire, Safety & Security; HVAC; and Lighting Controls, so you’ll have plenty to read, hopefully in the May sunshine! Plus, catch up on all the latest industry news and don’t miss our interview with Mike Costain, Managing Director of InstallerSHOW organiser Lyrical Communications, where we discuss the show’s continued expansion into the electrical sector.
And don’t forget to enter our competition to be in with a chance of winning the ultimate Trade Tub bundle, courtesy of Unicrimp.
To be kept up to date on everything that is happening in your industry, please also follow us on your socials – you can find us on LinkedIn, Instagram, X and Facebook. I hope you enjoy the issue – see you next month!
I hope you enjoy this issue – see you next month!
Carly Weller
Group Editor