In new research published in the Journal of Cleaner Production, they show that electrifying Ukraine’s steel sector to have near zero emissions would generate $164 billion worth of additional gross value added, compared to a pathway based on traditional coal-based steelmaking.

Electrifying eastern Ukraine’s coal-fired forges to run on low carbon renewables could radically also shift the nation’s steel industry from the coal fields of the Donbas towards western and southern regions, and accelerate economic growth.

Robust production of green steel would have ripple effects across Ukraine’s entire economy, argues lead author Dr Alli Devlin, from Oxford University’s Department of Engineering Science

“The vast destruction of Ukraine’s iron and steelmaking assets represents a stark opportunity to rebuild a thriving industrial sector which is independent of fossil fuels”, writes Dr Devlin.

“Ukraine is well positioned to supply European green steel markets, which will provide employment throughout the value chain, and deliver returns to the economy well beyond the original investments.”

Steel makes up a big chunk of Ukraine’s economy. Before Putin’s psychosis, its 21.4 million tonnes produced in 2021 ranked Ukraine as the world’s 14th biggest producer.  But its steel is among the world’s dirtiest, with 2020’s 48 Megatonnes of CO_{2 equivalent}, making up 15% of the country’s entire carbon emissions.

Ukraine wants to join the Eurpoean Union. When it succeeds, it will become subject to the trading block’s EU Green Deal’ target, which mandates for steel at near zero emissions by 2030.

Curiously, south Wales nurtured eastern Ukraine’s early history of producing iron, then steel in industrial volumes, first for Imperial Russia, then for the Soviet Union.

Donetsk, capital of the Donbas coalfield, was named Yuzovka for nearly 50 years until 1919, in honour of Merthyr Tydfil-born John Hughes. Hughes was the forgemaster who sailed from Britain in 1869with over 100 of his countrymen, miners and skilled iron smelters, to set up one of Imperial Russia’s first high-volume iron furnaces.

A Welsh-speaking community in eastern Ukraine with an English-language school and churches dedicated to saints David & George, prospered until 1919. In that year Russia’s new Bolshevik government nationalised the town’s iron works, forcing many families to return to Wales.

So great was Donetsk’s affinity with Britain that, after Putin’s annexation of the Donas region in 2014, locals even jokily campaigned to have Britain assume sovereignty of the city, in view of the region’s debt to John Hughes.

In their new paper, Dr Devlin & colleagues suggest new electrified steel mills should be situated close to cross-border rail hubs and close to the best sources for solar & wind energy.

This strategy would significantly increase demand for land and sea transport services, re-routing them towards Western/EU markets, and also create new demand for the production of green hydrogen and green ammonia for fossil-free fuels.

The report lays out an investment bill of $62 billion over 20 years for Ukraine’s full recovery in steelmaking: $46bn for renewable energy kit, $7bn for energy storage, and $9 billion for electric furnaces. Based on recent performance, the team believe every $1 invested in Ukraine’s basic metals industry would yield an additional $3.28 elsewhere in the economy.

The World Bank estimates that Ukraine’s full post-war recovery and reconstruction needs will require $486 billion.

The Oxford paper says Ukraine’s green steel requirements amount to only 6% of the country’s total $486 bn post-war reconstruction bill, as calculated by the World Bank for the nation’s first decade free of Russian attack.

Ultimately, says the paper, Ukraine could provide the world’s template for the urgently needed transition towards low-emission steel . Now comprising around 8% of total global emissions, steel ranks top of all human production sectors, at 2.8 Gigatonnes of CO₂ per year. In comparison, air transport accounts for only 2.5%.

The war-ravaged country last year outranked England in the new capacityof onshore wind capacity which it commissioned.

With prospective international donors and private investors gathering in Berlin today and tomorrow for the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2024 , the Oxford researchers hope that green steel will be high on the agenda.

“This research is not just another feasibility study”, declared report co-author Dr Vlad Mykhnenko, the university’s associate professor of sustainable urban development.

“It is a call to action for steelmakers, investors, and politicians to ensure that after the war we really build back better.

“Green steel would become a sustainable growth promotion machine for Ukraine’s post-war development, and would generate almost twice as much economic growth than the traditional coal-based steel. This means more income and higher living standards for all Ukrainians”.

Through its research commercialisation arm Oxford University Innovation, Oxford is the number one filer of patents among Britain’s universities.  It’s ranked first in Britain too for commercial spin-offs, having created more than 300 new companies since 1988. Over a third of those have sprung into life since 2019.

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The government is approaching international nuclear builders & operators for another try at reviving nuclear generation on the island. Britain purchased the site this year from Hitachi for £160 million, after the Japanese firm in September 2020 cut its losses of £2 billion, incurred over its twelve years of attempting revive nuclear generation on the island.

Hitachi had intended to build two advanced boiling water reactors (ABWRs), with a combined capacity of 3GW on a site to the south of the existing Wylfa complex. The company’s plans foundered for reasons including concerns about a Contracts for Difference funding model of their venture.

in December 2015 the second of Wylfa’s two earlier Magnox reactors, each capable of 0.49GW, were shut down, forty four years after the plant was first commissioned.

This morning’s statement by energy secretary Claire Coutinho hails the Wylfa decision as part of the Sunak government’s biggest expansion of British nuclear generation for 70 years. Quadrupling the source before mid century by up to 24GW will be achieved through a mix of large-scale traditional plants and small modular reactors, which are quicker to build, said the minister.

A revived Wylfa will fall in the same supra-3GW capacity bracket as Hinkley Point C and the planned Sizewell C.

The government’s development entity Great British Nuclear, tasked with delivering the world’s fastest small modular reactor competition, recently secured Wylfa and Oldbury-on-Severn in Gloucestershire as possible sites for new nuclear projects. It was the first time the government acquired land for nuclear since the 1960s.

“Anglesey has a proud nuclear history. It’s only right that, once again, it can play a central role in boosting the UK’s energy security”, Coutinho declared.  Wylfa would contribute clean reliable power to millions of homes, she claimed, adding that it could create thousands of well-paid jobs.

Her cabinet colleagu Welsh secretary David TC Davies added: “Alongside the revival of Wylfa, recent measures we have announced include a freeport for Anglesey, £17 million in Levelling Up money for Holyhead and electrification of the North Wales rail line. These show that the UK government continues to deliver for Anglesey and for North Wales”.

Sam Richards, CEO of regeneration lobbyists Britain Remade, added: “News that Wylfa is a preferred site for a new gigawatt scale power station will come as a huge relief to local islanders who are crying out for a new reactor”.

“It’s critical that the planning red-tape that has slowed down building Hinkley Point C, and added huge costs, are quickly addressed by government.

“With the announcement of new nuclear at Wylfa, the case for a third Menai crossing is stronger than ever. The governments in Westminster and Cardiff should now work together to deliver.”

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Britain’s 29,000 schools need up to £5.4 billion invested in lighting upgrades and on-roof solar power generation, if they are to achieve the government’s Net Zero targets by mid-century, new research claims.

The figure – equivalent to 5% of all government spending on education last year – comes in a report from eEnergy, a commercial provider of energy efficiency services.  Its study accuses ministers of doing too little to help the nation’s primary & secondary maintained sectors meet the Net Zero goals overseen by energy ministry D-ESNZ.

“A catastrophic combination of increased impact caused by our current energy consumption, and rising operational costs for schools, has resulted in Net Zero energy infrastructure in schools being pushed down the agenda”, it charges.

The government budgeted to spend £107 billion last year on all public education, including universities, schools and colleges.  The Energyst thus calculates that eEnergy’s £ 5.4 Billion estimate equates to 5% of all public spending on education.

Around 70% of UK schools are still using outdated lighting, eEnergy’s study finds.   Easily switching out of fluorescent tubes & old-style thermal bulbs, then switching in LED devices, can axe bills for lighting alone by over 90%.

LEDs alone, eEnergy calculates, can save Britain’s schools as much as £2.3 Billion over ten years.

Ministers lag, still emitting more heat than light

Increasing numbers of schools now make their own energy on-site, whether via PV panels making clean electricity on roofs, or devices such as heat pumps. But eEnergy calculates asmuch as 30% of all energy generated on site is wasted, since that share is made during school holidays or at weekends.

The solution is on-site storage of clean power, the study implies, in forms such as batteries, now dropping in price.   

eEnergy says its own projects in practical energy efficiency look set to yield £102.3 million net savings for clients over a ten-year period.

It has worked with 840 schools to date, installing LEDs and solar panels, advising on efficiency measures and behaviour change by users.

In one year alone, the service provider says it has helped UK schools save £13 million, the cost of 5.4 million free school meals.

Replacing hot-running, wasteful bulbs with cooler, cheaper-to-run LEDs is also a revenue earner for many of England’s 300-or so volunteer-led clean energy co-operatives.   Local groups of volunteers affiliated to lobbyists Community Energy England or its Welsh & Scots equivalents, raise money in small sums from private individuals. The co-ops strike binding deals with schools & other public bodies, earning agreed revenue from savings or sales of excess generation atop classrooms.

Grant sources such as the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme offer cash for capital upgrades to boost efficiency.   But bidders greatly outnumber donors, and schools must compete with NHS- or council-managed presmises, such as leisure centres, swimming pools and hospitals

eEnerygy’s report quotes evidence that only 21% of the £1.27 billion handed out over the last two phases of the PSDS scheme went to schools, a 20% drop in value since the first funding wave in 2020.

“Cuts in school funding since 2014 have made funding projects aiding schools’ Net Zero transition unrealistic”, it claims

“Following the latest budget announcement, 2024-2025 funding is due to be 3% lower in real terms than it was in 2010. And the lack of available capital has been compounded by soaring running costs driven by external shocks to energy markets. These have  further depleted schools’ already tight budgets”.

Read eEnergy’s report here.

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The facility enables transmission of up to 2GW of low carbon & renewable electricity from international interconnectors and turbines in the Thames Estuary & southern North Sea into a theoretical maximum of 1.5 million homes.

Since June 2019, NG’s power transmission division has worked with contractors Balfour Beatty and GE Vernova’s Grid Solutions to replace an existing substation on the north Kent site.

Innovative new cooling technology has eliminated the new plant’s reliance on sulphur hexafluoride (SF₆), the industry mainstay used by substation builders to stop overheating circuits fritzing out.

Engineers have deployed GE Vernova Grid Solutions’ innovative g3 gas-insulated busbar equipment, pictured, which is SF6-free.

As much as 5.6 tonnes of the atmosphere-scorching gas was saved, in line with NG’s ambition to halve its SF₆ emissions this decade, and clean all SF₆ from its electrical assets by 2050.

Net Zero construction methods were followed throughout the project, saving over 5,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions against conventional means.  An onsite biodigester to handle waste water, steel manufactured in Britain, solar-powered electrics and EV charging points were among methods deployed.

Twelve miles off the north Kent coast is the 175-turbine London Array, jointly owned by RWE, Greencoat UK Wind, Emirati investors Masdar & a Québecquois bank.   At 630MW, the London Array was the world’s most powerful marine park when opened in 2013.

Four existing super grid transformers were moved from Littlebrook’s old substation to its replacement. A new transformer was delivered in July 2022.

Installation of underground cabling, overhead line connections and GE’s switchgear – the circuit board used to control, protect, and isolate electrical equipment – all featured.

Laura Mulcahy, senior project manager for NG Electricity Transmission, said: “Getting Littlebrook completed is a huge achievement for the team. We’ve had to overcome some difficult engineering and programme challenges. Reach this milestone is a real testament to the commitment and strong relationships of everyone involved.”

 Mark Wilson of GE Vernova’s Grid Solutions paid tribute. “National Grid has been a leader in removing SF6 from its network”.

“They energised our very first g3 product at their Sellindge substation in 2016”, Wilson recalled.

“This project represents the latest vote of confidence in GE Vernova’s SF6-free products which deliver the same performance and product footprint as traditional SF6 equipment, while delivering a 99% reduction in the gas contribution to global warming.”

Tony Wilson, managing director at Balfour Beatty Power Transmission and Distribution, said: “We are proud to have delivered this vital work on behalf of National Grid, using our extensive knowledge and integrated solutions in power transmission, to supply secure power to over 1.5 million homes for generations to come.”

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The power distributor is pledging up to £2.7 million until 2029 to help schools in poor areas reach Net Zero goals. Schools in its DNO catchments of south Wales, England’s south west and the Midlands are eligible.

Working with outreach body Solar for Schools, the £2.7 million commitment forms part of NG’s Social Contract, which aims to add value to the environment and to the lives of communities and workers.

Ellie Patey, the DNO’s community engagement manager manages the money. She said: “This new fund aims to help more schools adopt solar power to decarbonise and to reduce energy costs. It’s also an important way to engage pupils in ways to reduce carbon and emissions”.

Two Birmingham colleges have already benefitted.  The Ark Victoria Academy and Ark Kings Academy have had solar systems installed, saving £3,500 in a single month. Over the lifetime of the PV panels, savings are forecast to be more than £1.2 million.

The systems are expected to save more than 1,153 tonnes of CO₂ over their lifetime, the same benefit as removing 260 fossil-fuelled cars off the road for a year.  Savings will be channelled back into the schools’ budgets or vital infrastructure.

Educational pluses from the project have already seen 2,000 students at both colleges  take part in workshops & themed assemblies. They have built up a store of STEM-related resources, covering energy, efficiency, sustainability and economics.

“Our education programme links the solar on the roof with the curriculum in the classroom”, declared Ann Flaherty, director at Solar for Schools.  “Learn from your school buildings, not just inside them, is what we say”.

“By getting solar on the roofs, we’re helping students to see they can do something locally to reduce carbon.  That helps meet national targets, and helps globally to reduce emissions.”

Ark Schools’ property head Bryan Knope oversees the foundation’s 39 academies, many in inner cities.  He enthused: “We’re delighted to receive National Grid’s funding and install solar PV at our schools in Birmingham, London and Hastings.

“Reducing CO₂ emissions is a top priority for Ark”, Knope added. “We’ve set ourselves a tough target to cut consumption by 20% this year.  Solar for Schools’ live energy-savings dashboard helps provide a detailed picture of consumption”.

National Grid’s £2.7 million is targeted to spur independent investors to raise an intended £10 million, securing more PV arrays on roofs of schools otherwise too poor to “go solar”.

Robert Schrimpff, Solar for Schools’ CEO, said: “We hope that other companies will follow National Grid’s example to drive impactful change and decarbonisation.”

Applications are now open. Schools should look here.

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Construction of the £400m project, due to start this summer, will allow more renewable and low-carbon energy to move onto electricity grid and into homes and businesses, both in Yorkshire and further afield.

The reinforcement will help deliver the government’s Net Zero targets as well as enable a cleaner, more affordable, and more resilient energy system.

Deemed a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project, Yorkshire GREEN is the first of seven onshore projects proposed by National Grid across England and Wales required to be consented through a DCO.

The project also is part of the Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment (ASTI) framework established by Ofgem.

National Grid has been engaging with communities and local stakeholders on the project since 2020, including two rounds of public consultation and further localised targeted consultations. Feedback from local stakeholders, communities and wider consultees has helped shape the proposals, and we are committed to continuing this engagement as we work to ensure the project leaves a lasting legacy in its host communities.

Contractors have been appointed.  Morrison Energy Services has been selected to deliver the new overhead line and existing overhead line refurbishment. Murphy will deliver two new substations in Overton and Monk Fryston.  Hyosung and Hyundai will supply transformers to the substations.

Matt Staley, National Grid director of onshore delivery said: “I am delighted after months of consideration the government has granted development consent to build Yorkshire GREEN.

“This marks a major milestone for The Great Grid Upgrade, and as the first project to have been given consent to begin construction, it will help the UK to meet its Net Zero and energy security ambitions, reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and contribute to lower energy bills over the long-term.

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The figures from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero cover installations to the end of December 2023.

Of 20,000 homes targeted by ministers for improvement under SHDF Wave 1, measures have been delivered in 13,100 properties, or 66% of the planned total. With Wave 1 winding down and more projects being delivered under Wave 2.1, it is increasingly unlikely that the government’s target will be met.

The vast majority of homes were upgraded from EPC rating D to C.  Under SHDF Wave 1, 19% of measures were installed in the North West, 15% in the West Midlands and 14% in the North East.  The South East and South West regions registered just 5% and 3% of their respective target.

Industry experts Procure Plus have helped organisations navigate challenges in delivering projects.

While some organisations have faced challenges in delivering projects under the scheme, market-leading procurement business Procure Plus say that they have been able to assist with unlocking the ‘huge opportunities’ that SHDF offers.

The company, which helps to deliver value for money in the social housing sector has had particular success working with organisations in the North West and West Midlands to navigate the complexities of the scheme, as well as labour market and supply chain issues.

Regional variations

Government statistics report that, of the 25,000 measures installed under SHDF Wave 1, 4,800 measures (19%) were installed in the North West region, with 3,900 measures installed in the West Midlands (15%) and 3,500 measures in the North East (14%). The South West (3%) and South East (5%) had the lowest proportion of measures delivered.

The figures show that 77% of the properties upgraded under Wave 1 were previously EPC rating D, with 5% from C, 15% from EPC E, F and G. The EPC rating of the other 3% was previously unknown.

Of the properties that started in EPC D, 77% moved into EPC C, with 12% reaching EPC B and just 1% achieving EPC A.

This reflects the fact that the vast majority of measures installed under Wave 1 were ‘fabric first,’ comprising insulation (14,500 measures, 58%) and windows and doors (5,300 measures, 21%).

Despite low take up in its first wave, the SHDF programme continues.  The majority of measures installed so far under SHDF Wave 2.1 are following a similar fabric first approach to Wave 1.

Procure Plus managing director Gwen Beeken said: “The Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund brings significant opportunity to ensure our ageing housing stock is fit for the future, as well as being more comfortable and affordable for tenants.

“We often hear from the sector that there can be significant challenges in delivering SHDF projects, including issues with the labour market and supply chain.

“But that doesn’t need to be the case, appropriately considering the risks and opportunities, engaging with the supply chain and structuring the project correctly means we have many great examples across the UK of this investment being delivered successfully – on budget and on time. In all of them, the ability of landlords to work collaboratively with others to pull together, manage and continuously improve commercial arrangements has been key.

“We look forward to continuing to assisting even more fantastic organisations to rise to the challenge of SHDF.”

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Ninety volunteer-led energy schemes are among the 200 and more projects whose backers have used Ethex as a fund-raising source to promote environmental change. Alongside solar cooperatives in Bristol and Wales, the platform’s energy ventures include:

• Solar for Schools, which raised £6.1 million to work with schools and communities to provide decarbonisation and energy education by means of PV installations across the UK.
• Low Carbon Hub, which raised £9.6 million for a range of pioneering green energy hubs in Oxforshire, from community solar to electric transport
• Energy Garden, which raised over £1 million for community solar and green spaces in London

Having directed £120 million of small backers’ and trust money to projects, now the platform led by Lisa Ashford MBE pictured, aims to raise another £200 million by 2029.

Timed for its birthday, the social investment fund launches a new survey showing that two-thirds (67%) of UK investors and savers want to see their money being used to positively impact the planet and society. But 56% told the platform’s researchers that they’re unsure where it actually goes.

Conducted by OnePoll, the survey reveals that the younger people are, the more likely they are to want money to do good. Almost four-fifths of under 24s, or 79%, stated this goal was important for them.

CEO Lisa Ashford was awarded the MBE in 2023 for services to impact investment

She said: “If you care about creating a better future for all, what you choose to do with your money is just as important as recycling, saving energy or supporting charities. It’s encouraging that our survey shows such a high level of awareness of the importance of investing for a positive impact, especially among younger people. But it also shows that there isn’t nearly enough transparency from the financial sector about how they use the money people trust them with. Savers and investors rightly need to know exactly what their money is being used for.”

Since its launch, the non-profit outfit has built a registered investor base of more than 25,000 people.

The survey is being published in tandem with Ethex’s 10-year Impact Report as the company  celebrates 10 years of making ethical investments accessible to all.

It faces challenges. Awareness of the ethical investment alternatives remains low, at only 39% – although younger people are more savvy, with 63% of 18 – 34 year olds in particular keen to invest in companies or projects tackling climate change.

CEO Ashford explained: “As the cost of living continues to rise and climate change is an even bigger threat, our mission at Ethex is more relevant than ever.

Lisa Ashford added: “We believe that our money is the most powerful transformational force for environmental and social change. Over the last decade, we have seen the power of people’s pounds in action. We have connected thousands of ordinary people with extraordinary projects, making it easy for them to use their money to support organisations taking real steps to accelerate climate action, build stronger communities and reduce poverty.”

“We plan to become bigger and bolder and get many more people involved to create a huge collective impact – reaching an ambitious £200 million deployed to do good in the next 5 years”

More details here.

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A boost early in 2024 by its SP Energy Networks business for suppliers of capital goods is the company’s biggest issued contract opportunity ever and will see major investment in green energy infrastructure and green jobs which will bolster the grid for decades to come.

With electricity demand forecast to double in the next ten years, the International Energy Agency says the UK needs more than 600,000km of new or upgraded electricity lines to meet its needs.  

 A division of Bilbao-headquartered transnational Iberdrola, ScottishPower says it is at the forefront of unlocking green growth and now has billions of pounds in contracts on offer for the supply chain to support its electricity network ambitions and a net zero future.  

 Keith Anderson, ScottishPower CEO, said: “We’re kickstarting the largest overhaul of the grid since its inception. Our investment plans will help grow our electricity networks, grow our workforce and will provide a massive opportunity for the supply chain whilst unlocking growth for the wider economy.”

“It is vital we get serious about getting on with the job of consenting and getting this new grid built so that we can take advantage of clean green renewables, transport it around the country and lock in our energy security and maintain the UK’s track record in leading on decarbonisation”

 ScottishPower’s grid business SP Energy Networks is now encouraging companies with the skills and experience to bid for contracts to design, develop and upgrade new and existing strategic transmission infrastructure.  

 This will include new high voltage substations, overhead line construction as well as design, engineering, construction, and electrical works.  

Vicky Kelsall, CEO of SP Energy Networks, said: “This is one of the most significant infrastructure roll outs to upgrade the grid to support the electricification of the wider economy. We’ve got the plans and we’ve got the financial capital to invest, and the UK supply chain stands ready to benefit to the tune of billions.”

Covering the decade to 2034, the £5.4bn portfolio features transmission projects across central and southern Scotland, connecting 80 to 85GW of clean renewable energy to the GB transmission system.  It will help move more green energy across the country and reduce the UK’s reliance on fossil fuels.   

In November, the UK government announced plans to halve the time it takes to build high voltage power lines and cut the time it takes to connect to the grid. Its package of measures aims to support economic growth and cement Britain as one of the best countries in the world to invest in renewables.  

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The London Efficient & Decentralised Generation of Energy (EDGE) fund will support new low-carbon infrastructure projects across the capital’s 32 boroughs.

Khan has committed £50 million from City Hall funds, to be matched pound for pound from SDCL’s resources. The asset managers will also manage the public-private EDGE project.

The EDGE fund’s remit is to invest in projects which promise significant reductions in energy usage, greenhouse gas emissions or other pollutants across London.

SDCL first floated its EDGE concept in July 2019. Building on the private asset managers’ expertise in low-carbon infrastructure, EGDE will focus on energy efficiency, on-site generation and clean energy. Projects will include installing building management systems, heat pumps, solar panels and EV-charging.

Running until 2027, EDGE will nurture projects accelerating London’s shift to Net Zero. Its backers claim it will set a global example of how private finance and cities can work together to achieve decarbonisation goals by investing in projects promoting green jobs and low-carbon infrastructure.

EDGE monies will take the lead in attracting private investment, acting as a keystone investment for the London Climate Finance Facility, which also includes the Green Finance Fund.

Khan’s faces re-election for a third term in May. His 2021 manifesto promised a finance facility dedicated to the capital. The GLA commissioned advice on methods and structures needed for a London Climate Finance Facility (LCFF).

In 2018 under Khan’s leadership London was the first global city to declare a climate emergency. He wants it to reach Net Zero by 2030, ahead of the UK Government’s 2050 goal.   The Mayor’s office cites the EDGE Fund as one of several ways he works with private investors to cut London’s carbon emissions.

Khan declared: “I’m committed to making London Net Zero by 2030. This is achievable, as long as we work closely together to help deliver energy efficient and low carbon projects.

“This new fund will help us unlock additional investment from the private sector and enable us to support many more organisations across the city as they make energy efficient choices.

“London is a world-leading city and this fund will support hundreds of companies as we build a better, cleaner and greener London for all.”

SDCL’s founder and CEO Jonathan Maxwell said: “London is a global hub for servicing the transition we need.

“Since SDCL launched we’ve worked with industrial customers around the world to help improve their economic competitiveness and drive their decarbonisation strategies”.

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The Shipley-headquartered company’s ICON connected heat interface unit was named ‘Domestic Heating Product of the Year’ at the HVR Awards, recognising exceptional performance and customer satisfaction delivered by the unit to UK homes.

Similar to traditional gas combi boilers, the connected HIU product transfers heat from the network’s central plant room directly into home systems.

The ICON unit is electronically controlled and remotely connected, allowing for monitoring, adjustments and maintenance to be carried out remotely, thereby improving network efficiency & cutting maintenance costs.

Ian Allan, the firm’s head of market strategy, pictured, was awarded ‘Energy Champion of the Year – Individual Achievement’ at the Energy Awards. These celebrate exceptional individuals who have made a significant impact on the industry.

The prize recognises Allan’s contributions to advancing innovation in the heat network sector through digital technologies.

A 30-year veteran of heat networks, Allan has advised the Government on regulation and helped to shape policy,  through work with The Association for Decentralised Energy (ADE) and Heat Trust.

He is an authority on smart metering, data management and billing systems, and is responsible for designing and developing Switch2’s award-winning ICON Unit.

Switch2 Energy CEO Richard Harrison commented:  “We are hugely proud to have won this award for our ICON Heat Interface Unit. To have our product recognised in this way reinforces our aim to drive innovation and efficiency in the sector and continue to deliver user-friendly solutions in the transition to net zero”.

“It is also fantastic to see Ian recognised once again for the impact he has had on the sector. Given his knowledge and commitment to shaping a net-zero future through customer-centric technology, he is hugely deserving of the award and title of ‘Energy Champion.

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They are now seeking a UK industry partner to host the pilot project which will produce low-cost steam up to 150C, a sweet spot for many industries.

Based in south-west London, Furtraheat have been awarded the funds from Innovate UK’s Combined Investor Partnership programme. It will go to build their 300kW industrial heat pump. Called Greensteam 360, the pump takes low-grade waste heat and boosts it by up to 60 degrees.

This delivers useful heat back to the customer, offering potential to cut energy use by more than 80 percent, radically reducing both energy bills and CO₂.

The 18-month project will demonstrate the pilot heat pump with an early-adopter industry partner during 2024, paving the way for a commercial product thereafter.

The Innovate UK funds have been combined with existing cash from clean tech investor Clean Growth Fund. Earlier this year it invested £1.5 million in Furtraheat, en route to delivering a net £1 million scheme.

Futraheat’s high temperature heat pump is built around the firm’s patented TurboClaw compressor technology, which can cost-effectively boost waste heat to above boiling point.

Futraheat CEO Tom Taylor, pictured with the Turboclaw, said: “We are putting out a nationwide call to find an early-mover industrial user who would like to host this ground-breaking £1 million trial.

“Seventy percent of all industrial energy demand is for heat, and a significant amount of this is for process heat in the 100-to-200C range – usually delivered as high temperature steam in industries including pharmaceuticals, food and brewing.

“Usually, this heat goes to waste. Our technology recycles low-grade waste heat and boosts it by up to 60 degrees – delivering useful heat back to the customer at up to 150C. This not only slashes energy use by more than 80 percent but can also radically reduce energy bills and a business’s CO₂.”

The company is currently testing their Greensteam 330 concept demonstrator at their Surbiton test facility which uses single-stage compression to deliver a 30C temperature lift.

The Greensteam 360 pilot unit will be designed for mass manufacture and will extend the temperature lift to 60C with a two-stage TurboClaw design.

“We are grateful to Innovate UK for their significant support and look forward to developing this product with an industry partner to deliver a product which not only pays for itself but delivers an easily adopted route to lower carbon industry.

“I would encourage any interested industrial heat user to get in touch,” Taylor concludes.   Contact Futraheat by its website.

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Brighton Energy, in which the current writer invests, announced it has raised its target £700,000 of new bonds within one month.    The debt issuance is believed to be among the largest ever completed by a UK energy co-operative.

Over 100 small investors contributed to Brighton Energy’s bond issuance, chair Will Cottrell told the benefit society’s members this morning.   Most are locals or from south east England, with others distributed across the UK.

With around 700kWp in the co-op’s pipeline, the latest bond issuance amounts to one pound for every unbuilt kilowatt of potential.

The cash will go towards a pipeline of solar PV projects on community roofs.   Work on Cardinal Newman School, a comprehensive in Hove, begins next week and will last over the summer holidays.

Early September will see a 360kWp system installed on roofs at Newhaven Port.  Array erection atop Shoreham Port’s facilities will round off the co-op’s latest round.

Thanking investors, BE chair Will Cottrell – centre in image – added: “ With more than 700kWp of new solar now in progress, it just shows what we can do when we act together”.

Most co-ops operate a business model whereby they raise money in stakes sometimes as small as £50 laid by private investors including locals. The funds go to instal solar- or wind-power equipment, whose output the co-ops sell, as legally established entities, to community organisations such as schools, and at a discount guaranteed over years to the host community enterprise.

On top of dividends paid to members, many co-ops devote a chunk of trading profits back into the community, either funding drop-in clinics advising on beating fuel poverty, supporting community groups, or giving cash to renovating facilities such as village halls.

Recent innovations in funding the sector have include operators such as Ripple Energy. This aggregrates small investors’ cash, allowing them to invest in multiple solar or wind projects across the nation, and at the same time.

“Roof-leasing” is the sole business model currently open for co-ops to raise revenues.  Direct sales to of their power to investors or local communities is prohibited under Ofgem’s licencing of suppliers.   Over half of all MPs now support reform having signed up to the principle of local sale of locally generated power, in response to campaigners at Power to People.

Interest declared: This writer invests in several UK volunteer-led energy co-ops, including in Brighton Energy.

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The charge point operator said that the refinancing will help it install more than 500 new charging hubs, covering 3,000-plus new high-power charge points with speeds of up to 350kW.

The funding comprises of £326 million in committed loan facilities, with a further £200m uncommitted accordion facility for future assets – a total of £526m.

The facility consists of a £300m term loan, a £10m working capital facility and a £16m VAT facility.

The package will be undertaken under Gridserve’s Green Finance Framework.

Toddington Harper, founder and CEO of Gridserve, said: “To secure the largest debt raise globally for a privately-owned charge point operator is a remarkable endorsement of Gridserve’s electric vehicle charging network, our ‘sun-to-wheel’ strategy, our fantastic team and our future expansion plans.

“This financing – which was a hugely popular transaction amongst banks, attracting overwhelming market demand – will accelerate our delivery, providing customers further confidence to go electric, and fully charge Gridserve’s mission to move the needle on climate change, precisely at the time when urgent action is so critically required”.

Banks providing the debt are: CIBC, KfW Ipex, Lloyds Bank, MUFG, Natixis, NatWest, Santander and UK Infrastructure Bank.   Santander also acts as the Green Structuring Bank.  Its corporate and investment division advised Gridserve.

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The £750 million project – artist’s impression pictured – will have as its centrepiece a 1GW (1040MW / 2080MWh) device, to be located at the Trafford Low Carbon Energy Park, south of the city. Planners at Trafford Council recently green-lit the scheme.  It rounds off a projected £ 2 billion of low carbon investment in south Manchester.

Carlton anticipate construction of the mega-project will begin in 2024’s first quarter, with operations following twelve months later.  Financing talks with a prospective funder are now at an ‘advanced’ stage, the company said.

The Trafford BESS is Carlton Power’s second major energy project to be consented for its 12 hectare Trafford Energy Low Carbon Park, eight miles south of central Manchester.

The first is Carlton’s 200MW Trafford Green Hydrogen scheme. At between 15MW and 20MW, the first phase of that £50 million project is also set to serve its first customers in early 2025.

Four months ago the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero shortlisted its first phase candidates to receive finance from its Hydrogen Business Model-cum-Net Zero Hydrogen Fund in their first allocation round (HAR1).

Rated at 200MW, Trafford Green Hydrogen had been consented in September by the planners. Like today’s grid-supporting battery, it is the UK’s largest consented scheme in its respective technology.

Carlton Power also recently secured planning permission for one of the UK’s first hydrogen pipelines at the Trafford site.

New Trafford treble, as bums fail to squeak

In addition to Carlton Power’s two projects, Highview Power Storage is gearing up to operate the world’s first commercial system for liquid air storage at the Trafford Low Carbon Energy Park.

Highpower’s liquid air storage project is a £250 million, 250MWh long duration system, based on very low temperature cryogenics.

Located close to the Manchester Ship Canal, the project will stand on ground adjacent to ESB Energy’s £750m Carrington flexible gas-fired power station, which began generating in September 2016.  The plot previously accommodated a coal-fired station, closed isince the early 1990s.

Carlton Power’s founder and CEO Keith Clarke said: “We acquired the former coal fired power station in 2008 to redevelop the site for new energy projects.

“With the approval now of the battery and energy storage system, this brings the total investment value of the site to £2 billion, delivering significant economic benefits to the Greater Manchester region and helping to deliver the regional Net Zero targets.

“The investment in the Trafford Low Carbon Energy Park over the next 2-5 years demonstrates Carlton’s long-term vision and commitment to re-energising the Trafford site.”

Trafford Council’s leader Cllr Tom Ross, who doubles as Green City regional lead for Manchester, said:

“The Trafford BESS, alongside the Trafford Green Hydrogen scheme, places Trafford and Greater Manchester at the forefront of the UK’s energy transition.

“The two schemes will help address our climate crisis, and will support our region’s plan to reach a target of net zero carbon emissions by 2038.  I applaud Carlton Power’s long-term vision in developing the Trafford Low Carbon Energy Park.”

Chris McKerrow, Head of Carlton Power’s European BESS Development said: “Our BESS scheme will make a significant contribution to the resilience of the North West’s energy system and, combined with our green hydrogen scheme and the cryobattery project, underlines Trafford Park’s importance to the energy transition in the region and the journey towards Net Zero.”

“Trafford Council and other local organisations, like the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, recognize the importance of the BESS and the green hydrogen scheme to the energy transition, to inward investment and to the regeneration of land, much of it vacant for over 20 years. We are delighted to have secured planning consent for the world’s largest BESS and our focus now turns towards financing and building the scheme.”

The company has 3.5GW of battery energy storage schemes in development across England and Scotland with connections ranging from 2025 to 2031.  Its pipeline also includes more than 250MW of green hydrogen projects.

Over its 25 years of existence, Carlton Power has brought into operation over 3.5GW of gas fired generation and 9MW of solar across Britain.  It operates from offices in north Yorkshire and Edinburgh.

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