News
Power
Renationalisation would risk UK missing net-zero target, report claims
Labour's plans for renationalising energy networks would put at risk the UK's efforts of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050, according to a new report.
Gas
Drone trials hailed a success
A project, exploring how drone technology can be used to inspect network infrastructure, has completed the the first stage of beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flight trials in segregated airspace.
Power
Data sharing project will highlight underground cables
A project that is being led by UK Power Networks will produce an accurate picture of cables hidden under UK streets, and help reduce the risk of diggers damaging underground electricity cables.
Power
UK Power Networks Services wins framework place
UK Power Networks Services has been accepted onto a framework that will deliver projects to renew and upgrade Manchester Metrolink's electrical infrastructure to help support Transport for Greater Manchester's (TfGM's) green transport strategy.
Heat
ADE director stands down
Dr Tim Rotheray has stepped down from his role as director of the Association for Decentralised Energy (ADE).
People & Skills
Six new faces join Smith Brothers
High-voltage power contractors Smith Brothers has added six new faces to its team - alongside a newly promoted managing director.
Customers
EDF signs new EV co-operation agreement with Nissan
EDF Group has signed an agreement with Nissan to accelerate the delivery of electric vehicles (EVs), specifically through smart charging solutions.
Technology & Operations
Engineering firm makes leadership pledge
Burns & McDonnell has pledged that a third of its senior leadership team will be female by 2023.
Gas
Ideas sought for £90m annual innovation competition
Up to £90 million of funding will be up for grabs in the upcoming Network Innovation Competition, with the Energy Networks Association (ENA) issuing a call for ideas.
Power
Green light for Orkney transmission link
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) plans for a new 220MW transmission link between the Orkney Islands and the mainland have been approved by Ofgem.
Gas
Network Awards 2020 open for entries
Following a successful inaugural year in 2019, the Network Awards will return on 17th March 2020, shining a light once more on the good work taking place across the UK's energy networks, their supply chains and stakeholders.
Power
Almost 100 apprentices start work at SSE
SSE is putting its latest generation of energy workers at the forefront of tackling climate change with the appointment of almost 100 apprentices who started work this week.
Power
UKPN boosts safety with introduction of location technology
UK Power Networks is adopting new location technology which could save the lives of rural workers and landowners.
Heat
BEAMA members commit to net zero
A number of BEAMA's member companies have made a commitment to reduce their emissions to net zero by 2050.
Gas
Blackout report highlights need for review of security of supply standards
National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO) has suggested that there should be a review of the security and quality of supply standards (SQSS) to determine whether it is appropriate to provide higher levels of resilience in the UK's electricity system following last month's blackout.
Gas
£70m investment in rapid charging points
The government is investing £70 million to create 3,000 new rapid charging points for electric vehicles across the UK.
Heat
ESC calls on SMEs to apply for Innovation Support
The Energy Systems Catapult is inviting SMEs focused on 'digital platforms and data services' to apply for the third intake of their Innovator Support Platform to receive tailored business incubation and acceleration support.
Gas
Net-zero at heart of upcoming conference
The subject of net-zero will be at the heart of this month's Network Asset Performance Conference in Birmingham with industry experts providing their views on how to deliver the asset base for the net-zero challenge.
Heat
Bristol aiming to become first zero-carbon smart city
Bristol City Council has launched a global search to deliver up to £1 billion of investment to support its ambition to become the UK's first carbon neutral city by 2030.
Technology & Operations
Johnson quits as MP and BEIS minister
Jo Johnson, the younger brother of Prime Minister Boris Johnson, is resigning as an MP and minister of state at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).
Customers
New Energy Resilience Framework launched by Arup
Arup has launched an Energy Resilience Framework which is designed to support those responsible for energy systems in evaluating their overall resilience to disruptors and to identify improvement measures.
Gas
Gas and electricity infrastructure well protected, report finds
A record 62% of all UK excavation work is now preceded by a thorough search for underground assets, such as pipes and cables, according to a report by LSBUD (Linesearch BeforeUdig).
Gas
Catapult chooses five SMEs for Innovator Support Platform
Five SMEs working on innovative heating and cooling solutions have been selected by Energy Systems Catapult to receive tailored business incubation and acceleration support.
Gas
Call for more local energy trials at universities
The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) has called on the government to support more local energy trials on UK university campuses.
Gas
Hydrogen project wins government funding
SGN will be able to progress a study into the supply of green hydrogen after being awarded £500,000 of funding from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).
Power
NPG appoints McCracken as chair of CEG
Northern Powergrid has appointed Justin McCracken as the chair of its new customer engagement group (CEG).
Gas
UK’s first municipal waste gasification plant developed
Aldridge-based Kew Technology, in partnership with the Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) has developed the UK's first municipal waste gasification plant which can be used to produce clean electricity, heat, hydrogen and liquid fuels from waste.
Power
£2.8m substation boosts Perth’s electricity network
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) has completed a £2.8 million substation upgrade in Perth.
Power
EV battery emissions offset by lower carbon electricity system
Britain's EVs emit on average just one quarter of the CO2 of conventional petrol and diesel cars, according to research carried out by Imperial College London on behalf of Drax Electric Insights.
Power
£7.5m strategic EV partnership launched
Two network operators have joined forces with the Scottish Government and Transport Scotland on a £7.5 million project which will see more electric vehicle charging points installed in the country.
Customers
Former Ofgem director appointed as chair of CEG at SPEN
John Howard has been appointed as the chair of SP Energy Networks new RIIO-ED2 Customer Engagement Group (CEG).