The star quintet showed outstanding promise among participants in the DNO’s ‘Power Among Us’ programme. They now receive apprenticeships in craft roles related to the capital’s power grid.

The ‘Power Among Us’ programme saw UK Power Networks reaching out for the first time to various youth groups across the capital, to offer work experience for young people from communities so far under-represented in the energy industry.

The initiative was inspired by the UK’s cost-of-living crisis, where significant levels of unemployment are being experienced in London. Opportunities were given to nine individuals not in employment, education or training (aka ‘NEETs’).

Participants spent two weeks in UKPN’s offices where they developed soft skills in communication and interaction with colleagues, at the same time growing to understand how the UKPN operates.

The second half of the programme saw them go out with trained engineers to see first-hand how the power network is maintained.

UK Power Networks aimed to provide interns with employability skills that can be transferred into a variety of industry sectors.  The enterprise has judged  ‘Power Among Us’ first cohort to be a success, with every intern displaying skill and determination to learn about the industry.

The regional netco, a Top 50 Inclusive Employer, has made been at pains to give opportunities to youngsters who have traditionally not considered or had difficulty in accessing careers in electrical engineering. It plans to expand the initiative to the South East and East, after the programme’s success.

UKPN’s outreach and development specialist Natasha Paramasamy was among the initiative’s leaders. “The progress and growing maturity observed in our interns are commendable, “ she noted.

“They have dedicated themselves wholeheartedly, embracing an open mindset throughout the programme. The presentations they delivered at its end reflect the positive influence it has had on their personal and professional development.”

UKPN’s director of network operations Patrick Clarke began his career as an apprentice. He added:

“I think the industry has got some way to go. It’s still not seen as an attractive industry to some young people, and certainly not to young people from diverse backgrounds.

“To make this change, fishing in many different pools is essential, so when we cast our nets there will be interest from all types of people – because the best candidates come from every part of society”.

Kamron Nicely is one of the chosen five.  “The skills that I’ve developed is learning the difference between an electrician and an electrical engineer”, he said.

“If I wasn’t offered this opportunity, I would be doing voluntary work for an electrician, which is what I was doing before this. I would say this will have a good impact on my life and change my life because hopefully, I can get to a place where I want to be.

‌”It’s going to improve my future”, Kamron added, “by giving me the experience to come across business people, working class people and build networks in the future. I’m ready to start at UK Power Networks right away to be honest. They’re saying May or September, but hopefully it will be May”.

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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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New research commissioned by NatWest from Boston Consulting quantifies the need, as well as policy precursors including consistent spending signals from ministers, closer working between the Treasury and private investors, and steady commitments from energy companies to put new technologies on the market.

Flagging up the scale of spending needed, the duo highlight more investment in renewables and  network switches and cables, and new technologies such as energy storage systems, carbon capture and storage, and hydrogen.  The study draws on recent analysis by bodies such as analysis as the Climate Change Committee, the International Energy Agency and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

The report suggests businesses should deliver change by working together to test low-carbon solutions, building greater security and resilience into the energy system, and unlocking revenue from UK participants.

“Investment in green infrastructure will help to pay for itself through generating jobs and economic growth, so it’s vital the entire value chain works together to make this happen,” said Andy Gray, the bank’s managing director of commercial mid-market operations.

“The UK needs clean, stable and affordable energy supplies, but huge capital expenditure is needed to make this a reality.”

“To decarbonise the UK’s energy supply, the industry needs to scale its infrastructure and technology, all of which will require finance. It’s clear that there needs to be greater collaboration between policy, regulation and finance to enable this to happen,

“This report estimates that the UK’s energy supply needs over £900 billion to reach net zero by 2050. Mobilising the capital needed will be complex, and the findings serve as a clear call for all actors across the system to work together to find solutions.

“Society has gone through energy transitions in the past — but nothing like this one”, Boston Consulting partner Eriola Beetz added.   “We are just at the beginning of the journey.

“As the clock keeps ticking, one of the key challenges we face is plugging a substantial investment gap to support the quick roll out of solutions and innovation we desperately need. Financial institutions are in an excellent position to leverage the learnings and experience from backing technologies such as wind and solar over the last decade.”

NatWest Group has targeted its provision of £100 billion of Climate and Sustainable Funding and Financing by the end of 2025. In 2020, was ranked 1st in UK project finance renewables lending.

Read the report here

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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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Greg Jackson’s privately held behemoth-in-the-making announced today its first major Asian investment, pumping up to £10 million into Japanese PV developer Yotsuya Capital, now tasked to develop 250MWp of solar farms by 2028.

The British group indicated that further investments are in its pipeline, both in Japan itself and “across the continent”.

Today’s announcement comes within days of Britain signing up alongside Japan as the only European member to date of the Asia-focussed Comprehensive and Progressive Trans Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).   Senior UK trade officials are due to visit Japan in coming weeks.  While citing CPTPP, the company’s announcement made no mention of Brexit.

Renewables at present account for around 20% of Japan’s electricity generation. Its government is aiming to nearly double this to 38% this decade, en route to hoped for Net Zero status by mid-century.

Tokyo’s policymakers see an expansion of renewables as a one tool in their economic repair kit to shake off the slumbering giant’s three decades of economic under-performance.

Consultants Wood Mackenzie calculated last month that Japan will need around $147bn investment in renewables and storage to reach its 2030 energy aspirations.

Greg Jackson’s ‘gaijin’, or foreigners, entered Japan’s energy market in 2020, launching a joint venture with local energy retailer Tokyo Gas. The new challenger provides 100% green electricity to households and recently crossed the 160,000 customer mark. It aims to serve 1 million Japanese households by 2026.

“This funding from Octopus is transformational for us”, said Yotsuya Capital’s CEO Toshiaki Isoi. “It means we can accelerate our growth to the next level and develop much more solar across Japan in the coming years.”

Hajime Nakamura, CEO of Octopus Energy in Japan, commented: “We are incredibly proud of the pace at which we’ve been able to grow our retail business here,

“This decision to invest in renewable energy power development is the next logical step on Octopus’ path to increasing its footprint in Japan, and a meaningful step to accelerate the green energy revolution across the region

His boss Zoisa North-Bond, CEO of the British firm’s generation division, was equally excited: “There’s a huge opportunity to help meet Japan’s renewables targets and accelerate its clean energy transition.

“This investment in fast-growing solar developer Yotsuya is our first step into Asian renewables – and it’s only the beginning”, she added. “We’ve got big plans to scale our team in Asia, and invest in and build even more green power across the continent.”

An investment team based in Singapore headed by Shamik Chatterjee scans Asia for Octopus’ future Asian investments.

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The chancellor made the re-classification explicit yesterday in order to attract private capital.  His words reversed a Treasury decision taken in 2021 to exclude nuclear from public finance support for green energy.

Hunt confirmed that a body called Great British Nuclear will be set up with powers to select sites for new nuclear plants, and foster the technology’s supply chain.

The government’s goal is 24 GW of nuclear capacity this decade, en route to providing 25% of UK electricity by 2050.  Last year nuclear yielded 16%.

In his first, emergency budget in November Hunt agreed £700 million of pump-priming state support for Sizewell C, the UK’s latest mega project.

Yesterday the chancellor announced an international competition to assess competitive SMRs – small & medium reactors, derived from submarine nuclear power plants. Government co-funding will result next year, the chancellor promised, if commercially viable offerings emerge.

Potential investors in nuclear have repeatedly told ministers that the technology’s long-term costs in managing waste, plus stratospheric capital costs, keep their cheque books shut.

Hoping to open them, energy secretary Grant Shapps will next week launch a Green Finance Strategy, including nuclear.  Carbon Capture Use and Storage, backed by the chancellor yesterday with a £20 billion package targeting Merseyside, north Wales and the East Coast, will also feature.

Hinkley Point C is due to generate in 2027.  But four out of five plants in the UK’s ageing nuclear fleet will close the following year, by which time national capacity will – on current projections – have dropped to a mere 4.46GW.

Operator EDF signalled in January two-year extensions until March 2026 for its Heysham 1 and Hartlepool plants.  When acquired by the French company in 2009, both were scheduled for closure in 2014.

For the Green Party, MP Caroline Lucas tweeted that Hunt’s neglect of renewables in favour of nuclear was ‘nonsensical decision-making’.

“Rebranding nuclear as “environmentally sustainable” doesn’t make it so – and for an industry that still has no idea how to safely dispose of waste that remains radioactive for centuries to come is beyond ludicrous”, she tweeted.

“Nuclear white elephants are too slow, too expensive & too dangerous”, the Brighton MP added.

Last year, as it unveiled plans to green the EU’s grids, the European Commission made the same declaration as Hunt’s in favour of nuclear’s ‘sustainable’ financial status.  Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth and WWF responded with legal action, still before the courts.

Helen Clarkson, CEO of the Climate Group called Hunt’s budget “a missed opportunity”. “The US, EU and China are overpowering the UK in the race to decarbonise, and unfortunately, this Budget falls short of offering a plan to compete for green investment.

“While Chancellor Hunt nodded to the UK’s past achievements on expanding offshore wind and rooftop solar”, Clarkson added, “this Spring Budget overlooks cheap and clean renewable energy, and instead rebrands nuclear as ‘environmentally sustainable’ and throws cash at carbon-capture technology”.

Tom Greatrex, head of the Nuclear industry Association, welcomed Hunt’s classification as “a huge step forward for UK energy security and Net Zero.

Nuclear’s inclusion is a vital move, following the example set by other leading nuclear nations, and will drive crucial investment into new projects, making it cheaper and easier to finance new reactors”.

“The launch of Great British Nuclear…will make nuclear deployment much more efficient and give the supply chain a clear pipeline to work from,” added the industry lobbyist.

“The SMR selection will put us back in the global race, creating opportunities for home-grown technology and others to bring jobs and investment to the UK and helping us capitalise on export opportunities in a massive global market.

“We look forward to working with Great British Nuclear on delivering a fleet of large and small scale stations to make us a clean energy powerhouse of the twenty-first century.”

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D-ESNZ yesterday published its long-awaited summary of responses to its Review of Energy Market Arrangements (REMA) opinion-gathering, conducted between July and October last year.

In more than 70 questions, REMA probed structural issues such as the switch to low carbon power, reforming wholesale markets including via localised pricing, capital adequacy in the light of mass collapses of suppliers, and system operability.  More than 250 responses came from market participants, including nearly 30 from private individuals.

83% of participants agreed that current market arrangements would not deliver the change necessary to achieve decarbonisation by 2035.

Some respondents also noted the importance of avoiding an investment hiatus by providing a clear pathway to reform, and effectively managing any transition period.

Most respondents agreed with the objective of decarbonisation and highlighted how the transition to low carbon generation could be a major driver of decarbonising the economy more widely. Some noted the importance of effective grid infrastructure in facilitating mass renewable deployment.

Tom Faulkner, Cornwall Insight’s head of assets networks & infrastructure commented: “This first step in the REMA process has demonstrated what many in the energy industry have been saying all along. Energy market reform cannot be met with small changes, there must be structural transformation to existing market arrangements”.

Industry opinions on reforms in wholesale market pricing remain split, including on the options of pricing by zone or by generation nodes, Faulkner notes, meaning more consultation will be needed.  Locational pricing of retail tariffs still worries respondents, with no consensus emerging.

The consultation will continue in 2023, with the ministry publishing shorter-term decisions where they are viable.

Read the government summary here.

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