Energy Manager Magazine July/Aug 2025

PIONEERING STEAM AND THERMAL ENERGY INNOVATIONS TO BUILD A MORE SUSTAINABLE WORLD IS PART OF WHO WE ARE.

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JULY/AUGUST 2025

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INSIDE

UK to Host Landmark Clean Energy Summit in South Yorkshire

The UK is set to host a pivotal national event, the UK Clean Energy Summit 2025, on September 11th and 12th at the Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham, South Yorkshire. The summit aims to solidify the nation’s ambition of becoming a global clean energy superpower, focusing on accelerating the journey to net-zero while stimulating economic growth, creating high-value jobs, and attracting significant investment.

Hosted by the University of Sheffield, this two-day conference and exhibition will convene leading figures from industry, policy, and academia. Discussions will centre on the critical role of groundbreaking research and development, innovative industrial practices, and effective government policy in achieving the UK’s clean energy goals.

The choice of Magna as the venue is particularly symbolic. This unique events space, set within a former industrial steelworks, is located in the heart of South Yorkshire, a region boasting the UK’s largest clean-tech cluster. The summit

will showcase the latest advancements from both industry and academia across a diverse energy landscape, including:

• Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)

• Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF)

• Industrial Decarbonisation

The Hydrogen Supply Chain

Offshore Wind

Financing and Investing in Clean Energy

Attendees can expect a dynamic program featuring keynote speeches from prominent political leaders and industry heavyweights, alongside interactive workshops and panel discussions with pioneering businesses and academics. These sessions will delve into the major challenges and opportunities for unlocking substantial growth and ensuring long-term sustainability within the clean energy sector.

A significant focus will also be placed on the vital role that UK regions, particularly those in the North, can play in driving the clean energy transition. The summit will provide ample opportunities for networking among delegates, culminating in a special dinner featuring a high-profile speaker.

NPOWER BUSINESS SOLUTIONS COMMITS £10 MILLION TO COMMUNITY FUND

Business energy supplier, npower Business Solutions (nBS), has confirmed it is committing an additional £5 million to its community fund, the npower Business Solutions (nBS) Foundation, bringing its total funding to £10 million.

Launched in Spring 2024, the nBS Foundation provides grants of up to £100,000 to community and not-for-profit organisations located within a 50 mile radius of its offices in Solihull and Leeds, and supported 89 projects during its first year.

These included funds for 190 solar panels, over 200 full and part time charity roles, six electric vehicles, 15 redeveloped outside spaces and the renovation of more than 20 buildings and community spaces.

The announcement of the new £5 million funding was made at a recent event in Birmingham to mark the first successful year of the nBS Foundation, which also saw the unveiling of a new photography exhibition, featuring several of the projects the fund has supported over the past 12 months.

Those featured include Jericho in Birmingham, which provides supported work opportunities for people facing

extreme challenges in getting a job, including marginalised young people and survivors of modern slavery. The nBS Foundation provided funding to help improve its sustainable supported workspace, the Wood Shack.

Carriers of Hope, a Coventry-based charity supporting refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants with essential items, community connection, and access to vital services, also featured.

The nBS Foundation provided funding to Carriers of Hope to help expand their furniture and recycling projects, providing essential household items to vulnerable people and reducing landfill waste.

Anthony Ainsworth, Chief Operating Officer at npower Business Solutions, said: “The nBS Foundation was set up with a specific aim of supporting the many ambitious not-for-profit organisations, charities and educational institutions across the Midlands and Yorkshire. Those organisations which are eager to make long-lasting change, but need the funding to turn their ambitions into reality.

The UK Clean Energy Summit is a collaborative effort, primarily hosted by the University of Sheffield and its Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC). The University is renowned for its worldleading pilot-scale research centres that work closely with industry to develop and test green energy solutions. The event is further supported by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, underscoring a strong commitment to regional and national progress in clean energy. https://www.amrc.co.uk/events/ the-uk-clean-energy-summit-2025

both regions that give hope to some of the most vulnerable people in the towns and cities across the Midlands and Yorkshire.

“It is also a huge honour to be able to announce a further £5 million in funding, bringing the total to a huge £10 million, so we can continue to support projects that are taking vital steps to decarbonise and safeguard our world, support the growth of responsible businesses, promote social innovation, and champion local skills or employment.

“So, the message is – if you know, or are involved with, a suitable organisation who could be eligible for our support, please visit npowerbusinesssolutions.com/ foundation to find out more.”

“We have been able to support some of the essential projects, charities, community groups and educational organisations across

Applications to the nBS Foundation and the allocation of funding is managed by Charis Grants, an independent organisation specialising in the distribution of financial and product support to vulnerable individuals and community projects.

We enable and inspire organisations to achieve net zero and create better places to live and work

Every day our expert teams are committed to supporting organisations achieve their carbon reduction targets, improving the lives of communities across the country.

We’re committed to working with governments across the UK to reduce our carbon emissions

Our job is to deliver and administer grant and loan funding on behalf of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, Scottish and Welsh governments and more. This is delivered across the public sector as well as housing with schemes including the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund and Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.

We are passionate about delivering energy efficiency projects across the UK, making buildings across the public sector as well as our homes better places in which to live, work and enjoy.

We are keen to help create spaces where people can thrive, whether it’s hospitals, schools, leisure centres or homes. We’re on a mission to save the planet.

Find out more about us through our website where we have a variety of tools and resources available.

We also host a series of events – have a look at our events area of our website and sign up to a webinar.

Scan the QR code to find out more

MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC AND SNG’S INNOVATIVE HEAT PUMP APPROACH LEADS THE WAY IN COST-SAVING, LOWDISRUPTION RESIDENTIAL RETROFITS TO ACCELERATE DECARBONISATION

Mitsubishi Electric and SNG (Sovereign Network Group) have joined forces to deliver a pioneering retrofit programme that has the opportunity to transform the social housing renewable heating landscape in the UK.

By leveraging Mitsubishi Electric’s Ecodan R290 high-temperature air source heat pumps in homes with existing microbore/ small bore pipework, the initiative cuts costs, reduces disruption, and could accelerate decarbonisation across SNG’s housing portfolio.

SNG, which manages more than 84,000 homes for 210,000 customers across London and southern England, is piloting the use of high-temperature Ecodan heat pumps which work effectively and efficiently with legacy microbore/small bore systems—narrow pipework once thought incompatible with heat pump technology.

This innovative approach, backed by Mitsubishi Electric and SNG’s extensive research and paper on microbore/ small bore compatibility, removes one

of the biggest barriers to large-scale heat pump retrofitting in older homes.

Jim Dyer, Built Environment Director at SNG, explains: “This solution emerged from our desire to innovate and balance key priorities for both our customers and SNG: minimising disruption, cutting fuel bills, avoiding early replacement of components, and reducing both installation cost and the ongoing maintenance costs. It’s an ambitious holistic approach that places our customers’ wellbeing and operational cost-effectiveness at its core.”

The benefits of this retrofit strategy are far-reaching:

• Reduced disruption to residents by avoiding the need to replace radiators and pipework or remove and replace floor coverings

• Significant capital savings by retaining existing pipework and radiators

• Improved energy efficiency and fuel bill reduction—crucial for tackling fuel poverty

• Lower operational and longterm maintenance costs

Faster installation timelines, with SNG’s trusted contractor reporting installations completed in as little as two days

The project builds on the strengths of Mitsubishi Electric’s R290 Ecodan system, which offers up to 300% efficiency, reliable performance in sub-zero temperatures, and the use of a natural refrigerant with a global warming potential of just 0.02. It is an ideal match for both retrofit and new-build social housing.

By retaining the radiators and microbore/small bore infrastructure (plastic and copper pipework), the direct replacement of gas heating with a heat pump is possible. Mitsubishi’s Electric R290’s Ecodan system is the key enabler in this approach.

James Chaplen, Mitsubishi Electric Head of Product Marketing and Communications said: “The ability to retain microbore/small bore pipework of all types is a game-changer for retrofit projects. With our Ecodan heat pumps working effectively with existing systems, we’re removing a major financial and logistical hurdle. This opens the door for housing providers like SNG to scale-up their net zero efforts without compromising on resident comfort or driving up costs.”

Mitsubishi Electric’s and SNG’s partnership reflects a priority in the housing sector for smart, scalable, and resident-friendly solutions to decarbonise UK homes. With a firm commitment to achieving net zero by 2050, this programme demonstrates how innovation, when paired with local insight, can drive real change—now. https://les.mitsubishielectric.co.uk/ microbore

SPENDING REVIEW URGED TO ADDRESS ENERGY COSTS HITTING SCHOOLS

Two fifths of English schools say pupils’ education is suffering as high energy prices bite, raising the question of whether the 2025 Spending Review will go far enough.

More than half (56%) of secondary schools or Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) in England report they are currently operating in a financial deficit lasting a year or more, and energy bills were cited by a fifth (21%) as one of the main areas where spend has had to be reduced to balance the books.

Although energy bills represent one part of a broader funding challenge schools face, their con-tinued volatility is adding significant pressure on already stretched school budgets, yet just one in five (19%) of schools say they currently plan to seek external

advice on reducing energy spend.

To help balance budgets, (17%) are considering combining class sizes or reducing extra-curricular activities to save money, while 15% are exploring cuts to subjects such as languages, arts, or music. One in six plan to turn heating off or down in classrooms, and 22% are switching lights off during the day to reduce costs.

Matt Johnson, CEO of Commercial Services Group, said: “School leaders are juggling enormous challenges – energy costs are just one part of a much bigger picture. An extra £4.5 billion is welcomed but it must also translate into a significant boost to budgets to cover utility costs. We need a more joined-up effort between government, energy providers, and education partners to raise awareness of the support that exists and help schools make informed, strategic decisions. By sharing what works and ensuring access to trusted advice is easier, we can relieve some of the pressure and help protect vital learning experiences for pupils.”

Strained budgets have had an impact on educational outcomes, according to 43% of school leaders, with 15.5% saying

they’ve had a major impact. More than half (55%) of the 500 senior leaders and head teachers to respond to the survey by Commercial Services Group say pupil wellbeing has been affected by the need to meet energy bills, and 51% say staff wellbeing has been affected.

LASER, part of the public-sector owned Commercial Services Group, has supported schools with energy and energysaving advice for more than 30 years and currently works with more than 5,000 schools to help minimise energy bills.

The survey also revealed that, while 31% of schools say they are aiming to use financial planning tools to help reduce their financial burden, nearly a quarter are considering cutting back on teaching resources such as stationery, computers, and science equipment.

Commercial Services Group is a public sector-owned organisation that reinvests every penny back into the communities it serves.

To find out more, visit LASER School Energy and www. commercialservices.org.uk

INSIGHT: Ensuring compliance - preparing for Ofgem's heat network regulation

Ofgem’s role as the regulator for heat networks will focus on key areas such as consumer protection, ensuring fair pricing, reliability, and service standards, as well as technical and performance requirements, including efficiency and metering obligations. Regulatory licensing will become available to heat network entities, providing statutory rights like other utilities, such as access to public highways enabling construction and maintenance of assets.

All heat networks will have to be authorised by Ofgem to be able to operate and supply heat, this will be achieved at the entity level rather than per scheme. The purpose of authorisation is to ensure that all heat networks adhere to standards set in consumer protections and technical assurance requirements. We are well-placed to ensure authorisation due to our standardised designs and construction processes. There will also be an emphasis on aligning with the UK’s net-zero objectives and the Future Homes Standard.

Our existing business model and infrastructure already align with these regulatory principles in several ways. The company operates transparent and predictable pricing models, ensuring competitive rates for housebuilders and end-users. Through its smart thermostat controllers, consumers can monitor and control their heat usage efficiently, improving transparency and billing accuracy. We adhere to best practices in customer service, ensuring responsiveness and clear communication with end-users, which is a key regulatory requirement.

We also have a price promise, where we guarantee to our customers that the price they will be paying for their heat will be the same or lower to the closest counterfactual heating solution. For example, on our electrified Community Heat Hub solution the price promise is linked to individual air sourced heat pumps. Therefore, the solution ensures that consumers can expect a similar or better outcome compared to counterfactuals, while simultaneously helping house developers alleviate some of the increasing issues obtaining energy

John Marsh, GTC COO

The UK’s transition to net-zero carbon emissions has driven regulatory changes across the energy sector, with Ofgem set to oversee the heat network industry, as established in the Energy Act (2023). Under current proposals, we expect Ofgem to formally undertake their role as regulator of the heat sector from 26th January 2026, followed by a 12-month transition period. It’s essential for heat network providers to proactively positioned themselves to comply with upcoming regulations. Here we look at what can be done to prepare for Ofgem’s regulatory framework and how we are leveraging compliance as a competitive advantage.

loads from the upstream electricity networks, which remains a challenge for individual air sourced solutions.

Networked Ground Source Heat Pumps and Community Heat Hubs provide highly efficient and low-carbon heat networks that align with Ofgem’s efficiency and reliability criteria. The modular design of the Community Heat Hubs ensures scalability and compliance with future performance standards.

As an established multi-utility provider, GTC is already accustomed to operating under Ofgem’s regulations in the electricity and gas markets. This experience ensures a smooth transition into heat network regulation. The company’s governance structure supports regulatory compliance, including data reporting, consumer complaint handling and service level commitments. We are actively engaging with Ofgem, industry bodies and housing developers to ensure our heat network models align with expected licensing conditions.

The Networked Ground Source Heat Pump and Community Heat Hub solutions align with the Future Homes Standard by providing lowcarbon alternatives to gas boilers, ensuring housebuilders meet the 2025 regulatory requirements. By integrating heat networks with other utilities

such as electricity, water, and fibre, a holistic multi-utility solution is offered, making it easier for developers to comply with net-zero legislation. These systems are designed to integrate with renewable energy sources, ensuring long-term sustainability and resilience against future regulatory changes.

With regulation approaching, heat network providers will need to adapt quickly to meet Ofgem’s requirements. Our proactive compliance strategy provides several advantages. By already meeting regulatory expectations, we can differentiate ourselves from competitors still adapting to compliance.

We can already demonstrate our compliance with the expected regulatory regime through our Heat Trust Scheme membership and accredited heat networks, combined with our designs and operation complying with the industry led CP1 technical standards, both of which have been used as a basis to develop the incoming regulations.

Compliance ahead of regulation is a strategic advantage for heat network providers. By staying ahead of regulatory changes and continuing to bring innovation to the sector, we can drive the adoption of sustainable, future-proofed heating solutions across the UK housing market. https://www.gtc-uk.co.uk/

LEADING LOCAL AUTHORITIES IN RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATION AND CAPACITY

New Uswitch analysis of government data has revealed the UK’s top-performing local authorities for renewable energy generation per household, with Moray in Scotland emerging as the national leader.

Moray leads the UK with 47.4 MW per 1,000 households, followed by North East Lincolnshire at 41.4 MW. Other notable regions include

Boston (32.0 MW), East Lothian (27.3 MW), and Highland (26.3 MW).

Scottish local authorities rank highly, reflecting a mix of strong investment and favourable conditions for wind power, such as higher wind speeds and suitable terrain. The data highlights how both geography and different local approaches play a role in shaping the UK’s renewable energy landscape.

Table 1: Top ten local authorities with the largest renewable energy

Table 2: Top ten local authorities with the largest growth in renewable energy capacity over 5 years (2018–2023)

AREAS WITH THE MOST SOLAR AND WIND POWER

The UK regions with the highest solar, onshore, and offshore wind capacity per household (excluding other renewable sources due to data limitations).

Solar photovoltaics: East Cambridgeshire leads with 4.4 MW per 1,000 households, followed by South Cambridgeshire (4.3 MW). Pembrokeshire and Torridge each generate 4.0 MW, with several rural areas making strong gains in solar capacity.

Onshore wind: Highland tops the list with 18.3 MW per 1,000 households, followed by Dumfries and Galloway (13.1 MW) and South Ayrshire (12.7 MW), showcasing Scotland’s dominance in wind energy.

Offshore wind: North East Lincolnshire leads with 40.4 MW per 1,000 homes, followed by Moray at 35.0 MW. Other key contributors include Boston and East Lothian, highlighting the importance of coastal regions in offshore wind generation. North East Lincolnshire’s growth is driven by major projects like the Hornsea Wind Farm series, Hornsea One and Two, with capacities of 1.2 GW and 1.4 GW respectively. They are the largest offshore wind farms in the world as part of Ørsted’s East Coast Hub in Grimsby.

North East Lincolnshire leads with a 1,017% growth in renewable energy capacity from 2018 to 2023, followed by Boston (985%) and East Lothian (734%). Urban areas like Sutton, Hammersmith and Fulham, and Barnet also show substantial increases, reflecting rapid growth in both rural and urban renewable energy generation.

METHODOLOGY & SOURCES

We took UK government data on renewable energy generation for the last 10 years and used it to calculate:

• The overall change in renewable capacity from 2014-2023.

The top local authorities by renewable capacity (2023)

The top local authorities by increase/ decrease in renewable capacity (2018-2023)

• The biggest types of renewable energy generation in the UK by capacity (2023)

• The local authorities with the most solar and wind capacity (2023)

Where local authority changes had taken place in the period covered data from the old authorities was grouped into the relevant new authority to allow for comparisons.

https://www.gov.uk/government/ statistics/regional-renewable-statistics

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HOW ENERGY EFFICIENCY STANDARDS ARE TRANSFORMING LONDON’S COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS INTO MORE RESILIENT AND MORE INVESTABLE ASSETS

In today’s market, commercial buildings are recognised not only for the income they generate, but for the broader role they play in shaping local economies, investment quality and environmental outcomes. These buildings are no longer just spaces to let: they influence how towns grow, how capital is allocated, and how communities operate.

Recent studies show that sustainability credentials are becoming a clear driver of market performance. A single EPC band improvement can deliver a 1 to 4 percent uplift in rental income or capital value. Green certifications such as BREEAM often attract rent premiums of 6 to 12 percent and capital uplifts of 14 to 21 percent, with some examples showing even greater returns.

These findings confirm what many of us are seeing in practice: buildings with stronger energy and wellbeing credentials are becoming more valuable, more desirable and more resilient. That applies not just to new builds, but also to existing assets, including those with architectural or historical significance.

Against this backdrop, energy performance is now central to how buildings are assessed and managed. Since April 2018, landlords in England and Wales have not been permitted to grant new leases on commercial properties rated below E on the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). In April 2023, the rules were extended to apply to ongoing leases too, making it unlawful to continue letting buildings rated F or G unless exempt. Another step came in April 2025: all let commercial buildings must now hold a valid EPC at all times. This shifts the requirement from a one-off check to an ongoing legal duty. Government policy is also advancing. In 2021, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy proposed raising the minimum requirement to EPC C by 2027 and EPC B by 2030. While the formal response to that consultation is still pending, in April 2025 the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero confirmed an update would be published by the end of June. Officials have indicated that future rules will be designed to balance ambition with practical delivery across the sector.

Tassos

Kougionis, Director of Sustainability and ESG, McBains

The scale of potential improvement is significant. According to data from the Valuation Office Agency and BEIS, England and Wales have around 400 to 450 million square metres of commercial floorspace. In seven major cities, including London, Birmingham and Manchester, a recent British Property Federation study found that 83 percent of commercial buildings were rated below EPC B. This suggests that over 170 million square metres of space could benefit from energy upgrades.

Much of this stock is already reaching key lifecycle moments. Services may be nearing the end of their design life. Occupier needs are shifting. General refurbishment or reconfiguration is often due. These are natural points at which to consider energy performance improvements. A technology-neutral review of the asset, considering systems, layout, use, condition and regulation, helps identify the right opportunities.

From there, value impact analysis can guide planning. This process explores how different retrofit approaches align with investment plans, lease cycles and occupant needs. It combines scenario testing, cost planning and risk management. Frameworks like PAS 2038 provide practical structure to this process, helping ensure upgrades support long-term performance.

The wider economic environment reinforces the need for this kind of thinking. Construction and material costs remain high. Fuel prices have been volatile, with diesel prices in Europe rising more than 10 percent in June 2025 due to geopolitical instability. Delivery times and supply chains remain under pressure. In this context, buildings that are well-performing and cost-stable are easier to manage and more attractive to investors.

Other regulations are also shaping the future. The Building Safety Act is raising standards for design, maintenance and handover. The new building regulator is reframing how owners and dutyholders manage long-term safety and operational risk. National strategies for energy use, housing and net zero are reinforcing a direction of travel toward higherperforming buildings across the board. Properties that meet Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) requirements but also align with wider quality frameworks like BREEAM or WELL often outperform their peers. They attract tenants more easily, achieve better terms in funding and insurance, and reduce exposure to future compliance issues. In my own work, I’ve seen how lifecycle cost modelling, Choosing by Advantages and structured decision tools help unlock both performance and long-term value in retrofit projects.

Financial institutions are also responding. Banks and insurers increasingly prefer buildings that are future-ready and demonstrate strong operational control. These assets are seen as lower risk, more adaptable and better aligned with ESG goals. A further change is expected in 2026, with EPC methodology reform likely to place greater emphasis on real-world energy use. This will make performance more transparent and bring design and operation closer together.

MEES is not just a minimum legal standard. It is part of a wider shift in how we define quality in commercial real estate. Buildings that combine energy strategy, occupant wellbeing, capital planning and operational reliability will lead the way. They will be more stable, more investable, and more valuable in the years ahead. https://mcbains.co.uk/

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Radisson Hotel & Conference Centre, London Heathrow 22nd & 23rd September 2025

WHAT’S REMA – AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR UK BUSINESSES?

The Review of Electricity Market Arrangements (REMA) is a highly significant reform programme. It will affect the commercial, regulatory and policy aspects of the UK power industry, and could have a fundamental impact on all power consumers.

In fact, it’s the most complete review of the GB power market since the early 2000s. That period saw the introduction of the New Electricity Trading Arrangements (NETA) and British Trading and Transmission Arrangements (BETTA).

The aim of REMA is to ensure the wholesale electricity market, and its associated policies, ancillary services and balancing operations, are all suited to delivering a net zero future. While current market arrangements have successfully delivered the early phases of power sector decarbonisation, the government believes the market needs changing to be fit for the future. This is due to the importance of delivering on the country’s decarbonisation ambitions while also ensuring affordability and security of supply for consumers.

WHY CHANGE NOW?

One of the cornerstones of the GB energy system is the presence of a single national price for wholesale electricity. Even so, it’s one of the key features of the current arrangements that the government’s thinking about changing (to a zonal pricing model). That’s because it questions whether or not the existing approach results in the most efficient operation of the system and the cheapest outcomes for consumers.

growing number of power stations being deployed at the geographical edges of the existing system. These deployment areas include the North Sea, the coastline, and the generally wild and windy parts of the country.

In addition, the UK has increased its interconnectivity with Europe, as a means of sharing resources and improving the availability of capacity.

These competing priorities have long been termed the ‘energy trilemma’. Can we minimise costs while supporting the transition to a sustainable, low carbon future – and ensuring UK energy security? The intention of REMA is to enable all three, by revising the market arrangements to reflect its changing dynamics – more locationally constrained, becoming more decarbonised and less centralised.

What’s more, a fundamental question underpins the REMA programme. Will the predicted system benefits of the proposed changes outweigh the costs (and the time and trouble) that’s likely to be involved in implementing the reforms? Although we can’t answer that, we can look at why electricity market reform is happening now, and what might be changing. We’ll also consider how those changes might affect the country’s businesses and other organisations.

Finances are crucial. With the system increasingly congested in certain areas, the country’s spending billions of pounds a year on managing network constraints by getting generators to turn on/off, up or down. This is one of the challenges REMA hopes to address, while also delivering a more costeffective solution for energy users.

The fact that intermittent renewable sources like wind and solar now play a much bigger role in the electricity system is a key factor. While this evolution delivers greener energy, it also makes it harder for the National Energy System Operator (NESO) to keep demand and supply in balance. Accordingly, certain generation assets, storage technologies and demand side response (DSR) schemes all need to be capable of responding quickly and flexibly.

The transition to wind (and, to a lesser extent, solar) has seen a

With a higher number of renewable power sources now part of the nation’s energy system, we’re using less gas than we did in 2010 (or even 2018).

Increasingly then, gas is transitioning from being a source of baseload power to being a back-up resource the system relies upon when it’s needed. One of the negative impacts of this situation is environmental: gas is a fossil fuel. The economic downside is that, as the ‘marginal plant’ being brought online on many occasions, gas often sets the single national electricity price. This has proved expensive in recent years – particularly since the Russia-Ukraine conflict caused gas prices to rise dramatically.

Having more renewable power on the system also presents a significant challenge in terms of infrastructure.

As NESO has stated: “Around four times as much new transmission network will be needed in the next seven years as was built since 1990”.

To help overcome this issue, the Transmission Acceleration Action Plan

aims to halve the timeline for building new transmission network infrastructure from 14 to 7 years. If successful, this will help to save money as well as time, since doing nothing will mean delays continuing and – probably – causing annual constraint costs to rise.

In 2023, NESO (then known as the Electricity System Operator, ESO) published its analysis. It suggested these costs may go up from around £2 billion per year (£80 per household annually) in 2022 to £7-8 billion in the late 2020s. Given this timeline, it’s encouraging that the end of the policy design phase is close. In summer 2025, we’re expecting the government to provide a high-level outline of some of its key decisions.

WHAT REFORM OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE?

Since pretty much every aspect of the GB electricity system is on the table for discussion, it’s easier to start by explaining what’s not in scope. The industry expects the Contracts for Difference (CfD) and Capacity Market (CM) schemes to stay (although with changes to the detail likely – see below). As now, both will be integral to delivering a net zero system.

At the second (and most recent) round of the REMA consultation in March 2024, the following options were still under consideration:

WHY DO BUSINESSES CARE?

With the exact date of the Government’s REMA announcement still unknown, there’s still uncertainty across the industry and amongst business customers.

In the industry, generators and suppliers (Drax occupies both camps) need clarification as soon as possible to function efficiently and cost-effectively. Those with generation assets need to understand how much their power is likely to be worth in the future, both for existing assets and potential investments. For assets that use biomass or gas, their planning includes securing the feedstock they’ll need (well ahead of when they need it). It may also involve working out when they can schedule maintenance and outages.

Suppliers will already be making similar predictions about how much electricity they’ll need to buy (to ensure they can meet demand) and how much it will cost. Suppliers crucially need certainty on price so they can offer fixed-price, fixed-term contracts to consumers. For business suppliers handling the needs of energy intensive industries (EII) and

other high-demand organisations, these calculations can account for contracts lasting many years. In addition, power purchase agreements (PPAs) and corporate PPAs (CPPAs) tend to go beyond even these timeframes, making the uncertainty even more impactful.

Investors considering whether to back renewable power also need clarity. While they remain uncertain, they’re likely to stall their investments

– further hindering the transition to a net zero energy system and economy.

Like all the players in the industry, and our customers, we look forward to gaining clarification and certainty about REMA very soon. Once we have it, we’ll be compiling and releasing new Intelligence content to help you make sense of it all.

For more insights into the UK energy market, head to energy.drax.com/insights

SMARTER, CLEANER, LEANER: UTILITY STRATEGY AT A TURNING POINT

When it comes to energy and water, complexity is now the constant. Utility users face a convergence of demands: from carbon reduction and cost control to shifting policies and the need for operational resilience. This is not a phase to be ridden out. It is a new environment that calls for sharper strategy and stronger collaboration.

Yet within this pressure lies potential. The UK Government’s Industrial Strategy has framed infrastructure investment, clean growth and innovation as national imperatives. Utility management is central to that agenda. It connects operations to outcomes and risk to resilience.

BEYOND THE BASELINE

The way large organisations engage with utilities has moved far beyond fixed rates and volume deals. Today’s strategies are built around flexibility, balancing risk with forward hedging and often spreading decisions across seasonal windows and multi-year horizons. What defines the more capable teams is not size but adaptability. They are using digital tools more intelligently, questioning data with purpose, and embedding decisions within broader planning frameworks. These professionals have stepped beyond back-office functions. They are delivery leaders, shaping outcomes across cost, carbon and consumption.

At MEUC, we see how the role of energy and water teams continues to evolve. They have moved from purchasers to pioneers, becoming enablers of change.

FROM ASPIRATION TO IMPLEMENTATION

Delivering cleaner operations is rarely straightforward. Goals may be clear, but turning them into viable action plans requires patience, technical alignment and internal consensus. This is especially true across large estates or complex portfolios.

Onsite generation, power purchase agreements, flexibility, connections, water efficiency and decarbonisation all hold promise. But they also require legal input, engineering review, business case approvals and, often, cultural change. Those making the most credible progress are not always the loudest, just the most persistent.

This is where real conversation matters. The most valuable insights often emerge not in place of structured case studies or sharp presentations, but around them, through honest exchanges that reveal the context, challenges and compromises behind the slides.

PRECISION OVER PANIC

With rising costs, it’s tempting to focus solely on reductions. Yet leaner systems are

Robin Hale, Chief Executive, MEUC

not about cutting corners. They are about improving precision. Demand side management, smart metering, and behaviour-focused initiatives can all offer small gains that scale.

The Government’s Clean Growth Strategy supports this direction. Energy and water teams are no longer peripheral. They are agents of delivery, putting strategic decisions into action. Each gain reinforces competitiveness and environmental credibility; and the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) continues to highlight the growing expectation for large organisations to deliver real, trackable savings.

RESILIENCE IS DESIGNED, NOT DECLARED

Strategic risk now comes from all angles, contract terms, market volatility, policy change, and supply gaps. Resilience cannot be added after the fact. It must be designed into utility strategies from the outset. Flexible contracting, regulatory fluency and market awareness now represent the minimum capability needed to remain credible. Equally, human resilience matters. Organisations are upskilling teams, strengthening peer networks and broadening their perspective.

THE VALUE OF LISTENING, NOT JUST LOOKING

In a digital world, face-to-face dialogue is still very much needed. Not for novelty, but for nuance. Contributor sessions and solution showcases remain the useful context

to drive the conversations around them that deliver lasting value.

That’s what defines events like MEUC’s Autumn BUU Live Conference and Exhibition. The focus is not on showmanship, but substance. People attend to explore, question and connect with others who understand what’s at stake.

As one regulatory lead from a water retailer put it: “It’s really great coming to MEUC events because I get to hear firsthand from customers what they want from retailers and the wider market.”

And from the user side, a senior category manager in a major utility user noted: “Great opportunity to network with large corporates in the energy sector and to understand their challenges within the industry and help discussions within our organisation.”

A STRATEGIC PAUSE WITH PURPOSE

Although no single event provides all the answers, the need to step out of the everyday, to reflect, recalibrate and challenge assumptions has never been more important. Expectations are rising and margins for error are tightening.

BUU Live is not a spectacle. It’s a strategic pause, an opportunity for industrial and commercial energy and water users to sharpen their questions, deepen their insight, and return to the everyday more prepared.

If you are responsible for buying or using utilities, this is where the next wave of leadership, clarity and connection is taking shape. Visit meucnetwork.co.uk

– you really should be in the room.

MONITORING AND METERING: CORNERSTONES OF A NET ZERO STRATEGY IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR

As the UK increases its efforts to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050, public sector organisations are still a central role in driving this transformation.

Through funding initiatives such as the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) and the increasing emphasis on transparency in energy performance, accurate monitoring and metering have become foundational to achieving real, measurable change. I believe these tools are essential not only for managing energy use, but also for ensuring that implemented measures deliver the carbon reductions they promise.

We can see how the urgency for better energy management is highlighted by the impacts of climate change already visible across the UK.

Record-breaking heatwaves and extreme weather events place unprecedented stress on public buildings, particularly hospitals, schools, and care facilities. Climate adaptation requires not just more resilient infrastructure but also smarter energy use. Accurate monitoring of energy systems ensures buildings are operating efficiently, even under stress, and helps prioritise improvements to support occupant health and operational continuity.

To achieve net zero, public organisations must implement a wide range of measures from fabric upgrades and LED lighting to low-carbon heating systems and renewable energy generation. Without robust monitoring in place, these measures risk falling short of their potential. Metering enables organisations to identify inefficiencies, set baselines, and verify actual savings, ensuring a continuous feedback loop that supports performance improvement.

For instance, replacing a gas-fired boiler with a heat pump can substantially reduce carbon emissions. However, the real-world impact of this change pivots on proper commissioning, ongoing monitoring, and adaptive control. Heat pumps can underperform if not properly integrated with the building’s heating demand or if users are not adequately trained in their operation. Monitoring provides the data necessary to fine-tune these systems and maximise their carbon-saving potential.

Effective energy and carbon accounting

Davide Natuzzi, assistant director, energy, carbon and technical, Salix

is critical for public bodies to track performance, set targets, and comply with carbon reduction mandates. Rather than relying solely on utility bills, this approach requires a strategic framework, establishing clear governance, integrating sub-metering and energy management systems, and utilising advanced software platforms to turn raw data into meaningful analytics.

However, limitations continue. Many public sector buildings, particularly historic or complex estates, lack granular metering infrastructure. Data gaps, inconsistent formats, and legacy systems can make it difficult to establish accurate baselines or measure performance over time. Additionally, shared energy systems and mixed-use spaces complicate allocation of emissions to specific departments or activities.

To overcome these barriers, organisations can invest in modern Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) that allow for real-time energy tracking and remote diagnostics. Cloud-based platforms can help centralise and standardise data, making it easier to benchmark performance across sites. Furthermore, smart meters and IoT sensors provide high-resolution data that can reveal usage patterns and identify opportunities for behavioural or technical interventions.

Another valuable strategy is to adopt recognised standards for Measurement and Verification (M&V), such as the International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol (IPMVP). This framework provides a structured approach for quantifying the impact of energy-saving measures, using either whole building analysis or isolating specific systems. Applying IPMVP ensures that reported savings are credible and replicable critical for securing ongoing investment and stakeholder support.

The UK’s building regulations increasingly reflect the need for better energy monitoring. Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Power) mandates energy performance standards for new and existing non-domestic buildings, including requirements for metering and submetering systems in larger facilities. These regulations are pushing public

sector organisations to embed metering in both refurbishment and new build projects, ensuring long-term accountability.

However, compliance does not always guarantee performance. A building that meets regulatory standards on paper may still operate inefficiently due to user behaviour or control issues. This is where metering becomes not just a compliance tool but a continuous improvement mechanism.

One of the most promising examples of metering and verification in action is how we at Salix have administered the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme since 2000. Across its multiple phases, the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme has funded thousands of low-carbon projects, until now, in local authorities, universities, NHS trusts, schools and more. A key requirement for recipients is to demonstrate energy and carbon savings, turning metering from a technical requirement into a strategic asset.

By requiring robust M&V plans aligned with standards like IPMVP, we are helping the public sector build a culture of accountability and continuous learning. This not only ensures public funds are spent effectively but also accelerates the development of best practice for carbon measurement and management.

Monitoring and metering are no longer optional components of energy management; they are strategic enablers of the public sector’s transition to net zero. From mitigating the risks of climate change to complying with regulatory requirements and demonstrating value for money, data is at the heart of the journey.

As public bodies continue to implement ambitious carbon reduction programmes, their success will depend not just on the measures they take, but on how well they measure them. Through smart technology, robust standards, and supportive funding mechanisms like the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, the sector can lead by example - transforming good intentions into verified outcomes.

https://www.salixfinance.co.uk/

THE INVISIBLE COSTS OF INEFFICIENCY IN INDUSTRIAL SYSTEMS

Monitoring energy consumption has become essential for organisations aiming to cut expenses and improve operational efficiency – particularly in the face of rising electricity prices. Tracking power usage across a facility helps businesses shine a light on hidden inefficiencies that drag down performance and drive-up costs. It reveals the real culprits behind soaring energy bills and frequent equipment breakdowns, turning guesswork into actionable insight.

Elliot Ajose, Regional Sales & Technical Manager at Chauvin Arnoux UK, highlights the most common issues in today’s industrial setups and shows how engineers and maintenance teams can use smart energy monitoring devices to uncover and fix them.

In recent years, studies by the Carbon Trust have shown that businesses can slash energy use by up to 20% simply by upgrading outdated equipment and adopting smart solutions like variable- speed drives for fans, pumps, and motors. Meanwhile, a British Gas survey of smart meters across 6,000 UK SMEs found that "out-of-hours" electricity usage accounted for 46% of total consumption. This was due to lighting, heating, and IT equipment being left on in unoccupied offices, as well as car park lighting operating around the clock.

Office equipment plays a significant role in energy consumption. Simply turning off non-essential equipment at the end of the day can result in 12% energy savings. Moreover, leaving office equipment on standby during weekends and bank holidays can cost an average SME up to £6,000 per year.

While many businesses have already benefited from switching to LED lighting, further savings can be achieved through occupancy sensors, which can cut electricity use by an additional 30%.

Using daylight sensors or photocells to adjust artificial lighting based on natural light availability can lead to another 40% reduction in electricity consumption. Beyond efficiency measures, 50% of UK industrial facilities still suffer from poor Power Factor and load balancing. Power Factor measures how efficiently electrical power is used, while load balancing ensures an even distribution of electrical loads across the three supply phases. Both factors contribute significantly to increased

energy losses and higher consumption.

Identifying and addressing these inefficiencies requires a Power and Energy Logger (PEL). Whether troubleshooting specific problems or proactively optimising power distribution, PELs should be as essential to a building maintenance technician as a multimeter or thermometer.

Modern PELs are compact, lightweight electronic instruments designed to collect electrical data efficiently. They can be temporarily installed in distribution panels or various locations within a facility without interrupting the mains supply or shutting down operations. This makes them invaluable for ongoing monitoring and energy audits.

PELs are highly versatile, capable of monitoring specific equipment or entire departments. They use Rogowski coil current sensors that loop around conductors, and magnetic voltage probes that attach to MCB screw heads, ensuring a completely non-intrusive installation. Importantly, PELs can be installed by a qualified electrician without requiring them to switch off the power.

PELs gather and log critical electrical parameters such as three-phase current, voltage, power, and energy consumption over customisable periods ranging from seconds to months. Advanced models, such as the Chauvin Arnoux PEL113, also measure Power Factor, Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), and

individual current and voltage harmonic levels, storing millions of data points accessible locally or remotely via USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or internet connections.

Once local monitoring is complete, some PELs can be semi-permanently installed inside cabinets at the main supply point. They can be self-powered from the installation itself and, when connected to a local network, allow continuous monitoring with configurable alarms for immediate issue detection.

For businesses requiring permanent energy monitoring, retrofitting older installations with panel- mounted equipment often involves costly

downtime and extensive modifications. Instead, semi- permanently installing a PEL can be a cost-effective alternative, offering real-time monitoring from a PC. This enables businesses to track energy usage, Power Factor, and harmonic content over time while setting up alerts for potential issues.

A well-implemented PEL solution provides an efficient and flexible approach to energy management, helping businesses reduce costs and improve operational efficiency.

To learn more about optimising electricity consumption and cutting expenses, visit https://cauk.tv/

SMART Energy Meters for Landlords

The smart way to meter, measure and manage energy resources for Councils and residents alike.

What’s the simplest way for you to offer residents a simple but secure opportunity to pay for their gas or electric? The smartest solution undoubtedly comes from Energy Controls; making it easy for customers to pay for their energy while they’re relaxing at home

And it couldn’t be more straightforward or more rewarding.

Pay-As-You-Go

Whether you’re looking to streamline your energy overheads with automated meter readings or get paid upfront using the latest prepayment system, Energy Controls has the products and expertise to help. They have a fully hosted, web-based software solution linked to market-leading Payment Platform that enables property managers to offer tenants a simple 'Pay-As-You-Go' solution for making energy payments

Energy Controls’ award-winning SMART meters are ideal for all types of sub-metering applications, ranging from blocks of flats to travellers sites and social Housing

Business Booster

Energy Controls have been trading for 33 years and are now the leading Supplier of prepayment metering systems to the Landlord sector.

They have invested heavily in an IT infrastructure that delivers a secure, reliable and robust online payment solution which in turn gives the Council and residents alike immediate access to their energy usage data around the clock.

• G Get paid upfront for your energy supplies

• T Tenants can Top-up online or via our FREE app

• C Cashless money transfers directly into your bank

• E Emergency Credit feature

• R Remote disconnect/reconnect of power supplies

Energy top-up payments can be made online anytime from anywhere using the FREE App

“The prepayment opportunity that our SMART Meters offer our customers provides an instant boost to cash flow” Chris Smith, Managing Director.

Accurate Data

The Energy Controls’ SMART meter portal enables Property Managers and tenants to monitor their energy usage trends, on the go from anywhere and at anytime.

Our online payment platform integrates seamlessly with PayPoint to allow users to top up their meters securely, online or using our FREE App A variety of energy usage and financial reports are generated automatically and are sent directly to customers on a regular basis.

Happy Customers

But you don’t have to take Chris’s word for it. Simply read what the Gypsy and Traveller Team Manager for West Sussex County Council had to say:

“Working with Energy Controls, we have introduced a new cashless PayPoint system for the SMART meters at our Traveller Sites. This system has been a huge improvement for the Council because not only does this mean our staff no longer have to handle cash, the PayPoint service gives our residents greater flexibility and independence. would not hesitate in recommending Energy Controls and their products and services.”

The Manager at Southend YMCA went even further:

“Energy Controls supply 21st century thinking and a great web based service, with lots of useful functions, allowing you to see how much energy has been consumed on an individual basis. We highly recommend Energy Controls to any business. The whole experience of having the latest metering system installed was too good to be true and very straightforward.”

"Energy Controls supply 21st century thinking and a great web based service, with lots of useful functions, allowing you to see how much energy has been consumed on an individual basis. We highly recommend Energy Controls to any business. The whole experience of having the latest metering system installed was too good to be true and very straightforward.”

Why not email us at:sales@energycontrols.co.uk to see if you qualify for a ‘Fit for FREE’ supply and installation service. It could be the happiest move you ever make!

SMARTER HEATING - CONTROL, VISIBILITY AND INTELLIGENCE

Long gone are the days of a timer clicking a heater on and off periodically, anticipating an occupied room. But the plethora of sensors available today for monitoring temperature, energy use, efficiency etc. are generating data like never before. But how useful is this data?

The adage, ‘Data without action is just noise’ springs to mind. This is where a pragmatic approach to designing heating control systems pays dividends. Another adage, ‘the cheapest energy is the energy we don’t use’ inspired Prefect Controls to develop practical systems that physically turn heat sources on and off, informed by demand, thus not using energy unnecessarily.

With ‘ControlSensor’ energy use AND control is optimised in multi-occupancy buildings. It builds on established capabilities of the Irus BEMS, which is proven to deliver up to 50% heating load reduction, while incorporating new functions to enhance system intelligence, occupant interaction, and operational transparency.

CORE FUNCTIONALITIES

At its foundation, it retains key features such as:

• Intelligent Temperature Control: Heating output is based on real-time environmental data and occupancy.

• Adaptive Occupancy Sensing: Presence detection informs heat input, ensuring energy is only consumed when spaces are in use.

• Optimised Heating Management: Usage patterns are analysed to refine heating schedules dynamically, improving energy efficiency and reducing waste. These capabilities are particularly effective within variable occupancy environments, such as student accommodation, Build-to-Rent and Co-Living property, where consistent user behaviour cannot be predicted.

DIRECT-TO-ROOM COMMUNICATION

A notable advancement is the implementation of direct-to-room messaging. This enables the delivery of targeted notifications – such as maintenance alerts, compliance notices (e.g., fire drills), or operational messages –directly to individual rooms via it’s screen. This enhances occupant awareness and

reduces the need for physical access and manual communication, streamlining building management processes.

BEHAVIOURAL INFLUENCE VIA INTELLIGENT NUDGES

An occupant-facing behavioural modification tool has been incorporated in the form of automated Nudges. These micro-interventions are informed by continuous data analysis and influence user habits towards more sustainable behaviours. Example interventions could include comparisons of energy consumption over time, prompts to adjust set temperatures for better efficiency. recommendations to reduce shower time, or even suggestions for appropriate seasonal clothing. Nudges are generated using environmental and historical data, ensuring relevance, while avoiding intrusive messaging. Over time, such interventions contribute to measurable shifts in consumption patterns.

SYSTEM INTEGRATION AND ANALYTICS

The ControlSensor interfaces seamlessly with the broader Irus portal, which provides centralised monitoring and control across various building services. Such as, Space and Water Heating, Leak Detection, Kitchen Safety, Utility Metering and Water Waste. Data collected from is processed by a suite of analytical tools:

• Optimiser: Detects anomalies

in usage (e.g., excessive consumption, fault conditions). Then suggests corrective actions.

• Investigator: Enables detailed drill-down from building-wide to room-level diagnostics, identifying sources of inefficiency.

• Reporter: Makes sense of data. Generating structured reports from a range of data points. These tools equip facility managers with actionable insights to maintain system performance, reduce downtime, and support sustainability reporting.

EASE OF USE

Irus is suitable for both new and retrofit installations. Its modular architecture allows scalable deployment without the need for significant infrastructure overhaul. A user-friendly interface ensures accessibility for both technical and non-technical users, facilitating widespread adoption.

It exemplifies a convergence of automation, data-driven decision-making, and user engagement in building energy management. By integrating real-time analytics, direct user communication, and behavioural change methodologies, it supports a more granular and responsive control strategy. Prefect’s approach highlights the growing role of occupant-aware, adaptive systems in achieving both environmental and operational targets. A far cry from a time switch! www.prefectcontrols.com

- Cont r o l and Monitoring

SmartTank

SpaceHeat

HobSensus

UtilityMeter Controller Reporter Optimiser

Investigator

WaterSense

LeakDetect Vacant

IMPROVING YOUR ENERGY STRATEGY: HOW TO SELECT THE RIGHT TECH FOR ENHANCED EFFICIENCY

Dan

Sullivan, Vice President,

Mid-Market Sales, UK and Europe at SEFE Energy

Today, managing energy consumption is a priority for businesses across all sectors. With an imperative to reduce costs in a challenging economic environment and, often, an overarching green strategy to execute, energy efficiency is non-negotiable.

There’s no silver bullet for solving energy consumption issues but with the rapid pace of technological development it stands to reason that technology should make the journey quicker and more efficient.

According to The European Investment Bank around 61% of EU companies have invested in climate mitigation and adaptation, with 74% embracing advanced digital technologies to enhance competitiveness.

But finding that ‘best’ energy technology for a business can be tricky, with specific needs having to be considered. With many touted tech solutions coming with a prohibitive price tag, or yet to reach maturity, let’s explore what avenues should be considered and the benefits.

BUILDING A FOUNDATION

The most logical starting point, ahead of considering new tech investments, is to first take stock of existing equipment and understand whether this can be optimised or if an upgrade is required.

We would typically recommend investing the time in a detailed audit, with the support of a consultant if needed, for a more comprehensive picture of your businesses’ performance. This will likely spotlight some potential efficiencies – sometimes related to curbing bad employee habits – that can be made in the short-term.

The location of your energy meter, for example, can create potential issues. If placed incorrectly, for example in a basement or difficult to reach areas, this can impact WI-FI signal strength or make important maintenance updates more difficult. If not factored in, then meters might experience periods of downtime which can result in inaccurate readings. Likewise, your thermostat for example, it might be worth moving it to a location that’s more efficient, away from draughts, windows, and skylights. Implementing a smart meter or automated meter reading (AMR) device

which, in addition to ensuring your business is only paying for the energy it uses, can help with monitoring where you spend your money in near real-time.

INTELLIGENT MONITORING

For more energy-intensive industries such as large-scale manufacturing where even small refinements in energy usage can result in substantial financial savings, energy management systems (EMS) can be a wise investment. These are more complex systems that use real-time data, to monitor, analyse and optimise energy usage at a granular level. This includes breaking down costs per department and providing reports which helps in tracking energy performance, cost analysis, and regulatory compliance.

Taking this a step further, some businesses are exploring more advanced solutions, leveraging AI and predictive analysis. For example, Amazon is currently using AI to make its buildings and utility management systems more efficient – apparently catching utility meter issues and identifying energy leaks at loading dock doors.

In comparison to traditional EMS’s which are restricted by pre-defined rules, AI tools use machine learning to enable more advanced autonomous decisionmaking by learning from current data and historical trends. This allows them to quickly adjust to unexpected changes, such as an equipment malfunction or an increase in energy demand from an external factor like a heatwave.

Predictive analysis is another key benefit, with AI solutions able to forecast future energy demands with a higher level of sophistication. This predictive capability ensures systems are adjusted in anticipation of future needs, rather than just reacting to them. This allows organisations to continuously refine energy usage which is particularly helpful if a company has a lot of offices or warehouses to consider.

Investment in AI can also enable smart grids to predict supply fluctuations which for companies with high and complex

energy demands, can build more resilience into operations. While on their own smart grids can enable real-time monitoring and better distribution, AI can enhance this by amplifying predictive capabilities. This can flag potential issues such as outages and minimise downtime by notifying teams of faults before they develop. Looking forward, I expect we’ll see continued investment in this area as governments across Europe look to relieve pressure on grid infrastructure as we transition to more renewable energy sources.

STAYING THE COURSE

Energy efficiency is not a universal formula; it’s a tailored strategy shaped by the specific industry, organisational size, and individual energy objectives. These factors determine which technologies take precedence and will guide the scope of the investment that’s required.

To stay on track, businesses must gain a thorough understanding of their energy consumption nuances. This insight enables informed decision-making, ensuring the most effective solutions are prioritised and implemented for maximum impact. www.sefe-energy.co.uk

Karsten

THE ROLE OF STEAM IN A NET-ZERO FUTURE

INTRODUCTION: A NET-ZERO VISION

As industries worldwide strive to achieve net-zero carbon emissions, the role of energy systems is under scrutiny. Steam, a tried-and-tested utility for industrial processes, is often overlooked in conversations about decarbonisation. Yet, steam holds significant potential to contribute to a sustainable future when coupled with innovative approaches and modern technology.

This whitepaper explores the role of steam in a net-zero future, demonstrating how its decarbonisation can unlock opportunities for efficiency, sustainability, and innovation across industries.

STEAM: AN INDISPENSABLE INDUSTRIAL UTILITY

Steam has been the backbone of industrial energy systems for over a century. Its ability to transfer large amounts of energy efficiently and reliably makes it indispensable in sectors such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, chemical manufacturing, and power generation.

KEY ADVANTAGES OF STEAM:

• Energy Transfer Efficiency: Steam’s high energy density allows for the efficient transfer of heat and power.

• Flexibility: Steam systems can be adapted for heating, sterilisation, drying, and mechanical work, making them suitable for diverse industrial applications.

Scalability: From small-scale operations to large industrial complexes, steam systems can be tailored to meet specific energy demands.

Despite these advantages, traditional methods of steam generation often rely on fossil fuels, presenting a significant challenge for industries aiming to achieve net-zero emissions.

DECARBONISING STEAM SYSTEMS

The path to decarbonising steam systems is multi-faceted, involving improved efficiency, the adoption of renewable energy sources, and leveraging cutting-edge technologies.

ENHANCING SYSTEM EFFICIENCY

Optimising steam systems is the first step in reducing emissions. Efficiency improvements not only lower carbon footprints but also cut operational costs. Key strategies include: Reducing Heat Losses: Using advanced insulation materials for pipes, valves, and fittings can minimise energy wastage.

• Recovering Waste Energy: Implementing condensate recovery systems, flash steam recovery units, and economisers can significantly reduce fuel consumption by capturing and reusing waste energy.

• Upgrading Boiler Technology: Highefficiency boilers equipped with modern controls and automation systems ensure optimal fuel utilisation and minimise emissions.

Conducting Regular Maintenance: Preventative maintenance schedules help identify inefficiencies and extend the lifespan of system components.

Photo by

Würth on Unsplash

TRANSITIONING TO LOW-CARBON FUELS

Fuel choice directly impacts the carbon intensity of steam production. Transitioning to sustainable alternatives can drive significant emission reductions:

• Biomass and Biogas: Renewable fuels like biomass pellets and biogas are carbon-neutral options when sourced sustainably.

• Green Hydrogen: Produced using renewable electricity, hydrogen is an emerging zero-emission fuel for steam generation.

• Electrification: Electric boilers powered by renewable energy provide a direct route to decarbonisation, especially in regions with a green energy grid.

INTEGRATING RENEWABLE ENERGY

Renewable energy can complement steam systems by reducing reliance on conventional fuels. Examples include: Solar Thermal Systems: Solar collectors can preheat water, reducing the energy demand on boilers.

• Geothermal Energy: Geothermal heat can serve as a sustainable source for low-temperature steam requirements.

LEVERAGING DIGITAL TOOLS

Digitalisation empowers industries to make data-driven decisions for improved sustainability. Advanced monitoring systems, predictive analytics, and real-time performance tracking can optimise steam system efficiency and minimise waste. Technologies such as the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) enable smarter control and better integration of renewable energy sources.

STEAM IN EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES AND CIRCULAR ECONOMY MODELS

Steam’s versatility positions it as a key enabler in circular economy models and emerging technologies. For instance:

• Industrial Symbiosis: Excess steam generated by one facility can be redirected to nearby facilities, maximising resource efficiency and reducing energy waste.

• Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS): Steam plays a vital role in regenerating amines used in capturing CO2 from industrial processes.

Hydrogen Production: Steam methane reforming (SMR) and electrolysis rely on steam as a critical input for producing hydrogen efficiently.

THE BUSINESS CASE FOR DECARBONISING STEAM

Decarbonising steam systems is not only an environmental imperative but also a business opportunity.

Key Benefits Include:

• Cost Savings: Efficiency improvements lead to lower energy consumption, reducing fuel costs.

• Regulatory Compliance: As emissions standards tighten, decarbonising steam systems ensures compliance with evolving regulations.

• Enhanced Reputation: Demonstrating a commitment to sustainability builds trust with customers, stakeholders, and investors.

Future-Proofing: Transitioning to low-carbon technologies safeguards operations against rising carbon taxes and fuel costs.

SPIRAX SARCO: YOUR PARTNER IN A NET-ZERO JOURNEY

At Spirax Sarco, we believe that steam has a vital role in the net-zero future. With decades of expertise, we provide tailored solutions to help industries:

• Optimise Steam Systems: Conducting system audits and implementing efficiency upgrades to maximise performance.

• Transition to Low-Carbon Fuels: Supporting the adoption of hydrogen, biomass, and electrification technologies.

• Leverage Digital Tools: Offering advanced monitoring and analytics solutions to optimise system performance in real time. Whether you’re just beginning your decarbonisation journey or refining existing systems, our team of experts is here to guide you every step of the way.

CONCLUSION: A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE WITH STEAM

Achieving a net-zero future requires innovative thinking and a commitment to change. Steam, with its unparalleled efficiency and versatility, can remain a cornerstone of industrial energy systems when decarbonised effectively. By investing in modern technologies, adopting renewable energy sources, and partnering with experts like Spirax Sarco, industries can harness steam’s potential to drive sustainability while meeting operational and financial goals. Together, let’s make steam part of the solution for a greener tomorrow.

Contact Spirax Sarco today to learn more about decarbonising your steam system. www.spiraxsarco.com

NAVIGATING NET ZERO IN THE EMERGENCY SERVICES

The public sector has its own unique set of challenges when it comes to transitioning to net zero. As an energy and carbon consultancy, TEAM Energy’s role is to support a wide range of public sector organisations, including emergency service organisations, in achieving their net zero targets. TEAM has spoken with several of their customers in the public sector about the challenges they face and their solutions in working towards their sustainability goals.

What are the challenges

emergency services are facing when striving to become net zero?

One of the most significant challenges for emergency services is transitioning their extensive fleet of on-call vehicles to electric. Given the 24/7 operational demands, these vehicles must be ready at all times. Transitioning to electric vehicles is essential for reducing carbon emissions, as these fleets are often high carbon emitters. However, the substantial costs associated with purchasing electric vehicles and installing charging infrastructure make this commitment challenging.

As well as high cost, there are additional challenges when switching to EV, such as the time it can take to charge vehicles that need to be available on demand, the complexity of establishing sufficient charging infrastructure at emergency service stations, and the risk of having a reduced range in more rural areas of the country.

TEAM’s Business Development Manager, Andrea Shoel, works closely to support many of the business’ public sector customers, on this topic Andrea said: “For the public sector, the biggest challenge is financial constraint. For Emergency Service organisations, they face the additional difficulty of decarbonising their fleet of vehicles, with EVs costing up to 30% more than a petrol car, organisations are faced with some tough decisions on where to prioritise their budget.”

What are emergency services doing to work

towards

net zero?

Emergency services across the country are trialling electric vehicles within their fleet, such as ambulances,

police cars and fire trucks. In 2024 the London Ambulance Service deployed its first ever all electric ambulance, with other ambulance services across the country following suit.

The Metropolitan Police is also leading the way in the adoption of electric vehicles, with over 1600 EVs in their fleet, this includes marked and unmarked cars used for a wide range of activities. Additionally, hydrogen cars (FCEVs) are an alternative to EVs, using hydrogen to generate electricity these offer advantages over battery EVs. These can have much faster refuelling time making them more suited to 24/7 operations. These vehicles also offer longer driving ranges when compared to electric vehicles, which can support services that have rural parts of the country to take care of.

Andrea discusses the other successes emergency services organisations have celebrated: “Organisations in the emergency services sector have also shifted their focus to reducing energy waste in their buildings. They have installed air source heat pumps, LED lighting, and ensured that buildings are not operational when not in use to enhance energy efficiency. Additionally, some organisations have decommissioned older buildings and relocated offices to solar-powered facilities to further decrease their carbon emissions.”

What needs to change for the public sector to meet its net zero targets?

The biggest issues are the shifting goals from the UK Government. Public sector organisations need specific targets and adequate funding to implement necessary changes. The high cost of electric vehicles also needs to be addressed to enable more emergency service organisations, especially those in smaller counties with limited budgets, to transition their fleets to EVs. Currently, the high cost of these vehicles is slowing the transition from high-emitting vehicles.

PROGRESS AND COMMITMENT

There is a lot of progress being made across the UK’s emergency services to reduce carbon emissions, despite the challenges they are faced with. County services like the Gloucestershire Police have successfully integrated EVs into their fleet, with a quarter of their vehicles powered by electricity. Fire services are also committing to this transition, with some having more than 10% of their fleet fully electric.

Trials like this have demonstrated that EVs can effectively serve in various roles including rapid response and patrol duties. This means services can rely on EVs more often, reducing the use of their petrol and diesel vehicles. It also allows for challenges, such as operational downtime for charging, to be addressed and improved upon for the future. Positive results will encourage further adoption of EVs and FCEVs, allowing for expanding fleets and enhanced infrastructure.

Overall, emergency services organisations are working hard to reduce their carbon emissions with reduced budgets and limited guidance from the government. Despite this, the commitment to net zero is clear. www.teamenergy.com

Andrea Shoel

THE £57 BILLION PUBLIC SECTOR DECARBONISATION QUESTION

On 17 June 2025, the UK government’s Spending Review confirmed that no further funding will flow through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS). Since its launch in 2020, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has distributed £3.5 billion via PSDS grants, paving the way for heat decarbonisation across schools, hospitals, libraries and other public buildings. Yet, as the UK strives to cut public building emissions by 50% by March 2032 and 75% by 2037 (against a 2017 baseline), the funding shortfall has never been clearer.

THE TRUE COST OF NET ZERO FOR PUBLIC ESTATES

Our latest analysis puts the total investment needed to fully decarbonise the UK’s public estate at around £57 billion. This figure reflects the high capital expenditure of heat pump installations, fabric improvements, building energy management systems and emerging technologies such as thermal storage and demand flexibility. It also recognises that many technologies see cost reductions only after widespread deployment, as witnessed with solar PV under Feedin Tariffs and LED lighting.

Estimating these costs remains challenging. Inconsistent data on building floor areas, energy consumption profiles and system specifications can lead to wide variances in budget forecasts. To overcome these gaps, innovative data platforms such as InSite are aggregating and interpreting largescale smart energy data, delivering insights into realworld performance and helping to refine cost projections.

BEYOND GRANT FUNDING: BRIDGING THE INVESTMENT GAP

Government grants were never going to cover the full bill. With PSDS funding now stopped, private capital must shoulder a greater share of public sector decarbonisation. Fortunately, institutional investors and impact funds possess significant resources ready for deployment in sustainable infrastructure.

Matt Caville, Senior Advisor for the Decarbonisation of Complex Sites at Energy Systems Catapult

The challenge lies in structuring decarbonisation projects to meet investor requirements for clear returns and manageable risks. Energy efficiency upgrades and heat electrification often yield predictable energy cost savings and avoided carbon levies, yet these benefits need robust financial models and datadriven evidence to attract finance.

One pioneering approach has been the West of England Combined Authority’s Green Growth Impact Fund. By blending public grants with loans and equity, the fund offers a diversified riskreturn profile that appeals to both local authorities and private investors. This model demonstrates how jurisdictions can scale up investments through tailored financial products, matching finance to specific building archetypes and technology mixes.

DATADRIVEN DECISION MAKING

Credible data is the bedrock of successful blended finance. Public bodies can build investor confidence by capturing energy consumption patterns, heat demand profiles and project performance metrics from early pilot installations. Aggregating this data across portfolios helps to smooth risk and to quantify savings at scale.

Tools like the Smart Energy Data Service (SENSE) aim to broaden access to highquality datasets for researchers, project developers and policy makers. By enhancing transparency, these platforms enable lenders to assess project viability more rigorously and support the development of standardised contract terms and performance guarantees.

PRACTICAL STEPS FOR ENERGY MANAGERS

Energy managers should start by conducting thorough energy audits

to establish accurate baseline data on how each building performs. With this information in hand, small-scale pilots of emerging technologies, such as hybrid heat pumps or thermal batteries, can help validate both cost and performance assumptions before committing to wider roll-out.

Once baseline performance and pilot outcomes are clear, exploring blended finance options becomes crucial. By leveraging local authority devolution deals or tapping into regional finance vehicles, organisations can structure projects that meet both public-sector needs and investor return expectations. Alongside finance considerations, collaboration with data-platform providers ensures that realtime consumption data feeds into central repositories, strengthening the evidence base for future investments. Finally, early stakeholder engagement aligns project goals with the priorities of both public and private partners, smoothing the path towards successful implementation.

LOOKING AHEAD

The stopping of the PSDS grants signals a shift towards marketdriven decarbonisation of public buildings. While government support will remain crucial for earlystage risk reduction, energy managers must now lead the charge in designing investable projects and harnessing private capital.

Successful decarbonisation will depend on a combination of rigorous data analysis, innovative financing structures and crosssector collaboration. By adopting these principles, public sector organisations can transform their estates, deliver substantial carbon reductions and secure longterm operational savings.

For more information, please visit: https://es.catapult.org.uk/ tools-and-labs/public-sectordecarbonisation-guidance/

E-METHANE & OFF GRID

FUELS: WHAT THEY AREAND WILL THEY BECOME UK MARKET RELEVANT?

Chris Goggin explains what E-methane is, how it is produced and its potential relevance inside the UK alternative gasses market. An informed synopsis of the current off grid gas and energy market will be used to highlight how E-methane and other lesser well-known gasses such as Bio-LPG and biomethane can contribute towards off-grid Net Zero aims and support commercial enterprises.

To attain Net Zero status future usage of fossil fuels will need to be limited in the medium term and eventually nullified, completely. A range of alternative energies that include renewables, hydrogen and clean electrification will replace fossil fuels. E-Methane is a new gas that has been identified as an additional low carbon gaseous alternative capable of performing the same role as fossil fuels.

E-methane is the abbreviated name given to electro-methane, a gas which is created by extracting captured carbon dioxide and blending with green hydrogen, itself produced via renewable energy.

The number of e-methane production plants across Europe and Australia is notably increasing. Danish energy supplier, Andel, and Danish biogas company, Nature Energy, have invested DKK 100 million in constructing and operating an e-methane plant located in Glansager, Denmark.

Australia is the chosen location of three Japanese energy concerns who are exploring e-methane production possibilities. Tokyo Gas, Toho Gas, Osaka Gas Australia (OGA) alongside

Australian oil and gas company Santos have entered into an agreement that will focus on producing 130,000 tonnes of e-methane annually. E-methane is 1 of 14 priorities that the Japanese government’s Green Growth Strategy has highlighted as a major component towards Japanese decarbonisation objectives.

Finnish energy company Nordic Ren-Gas Oy is developing a Power-toGas project located in Tampere, Finland. The production facility will manufacture hydrogen and e-methane as well as provide power for local district heating

sourced through waste heat. Nordic Ren-Gas Oy are actively seeking to introduce a decentralised e-methane production network throughout Finland that assists in reducing fossil fuel usage.

E-methane is remarkably like biomethane which is produced in a separate process – methane is captured from natural biological waste and forms during a natural process called ‘anaerobic digestion.’ In the absence of oxygen microorganisms will begin to break down matter yielding a gas – methane. Once impurities are removed the methane gas becomes upgraded and biomethane is created.

Both biomethane and e-methane are capable of identical operating

behaviour when compared to fossil fuels and can therefore be placed into existing infrastructure. Biomethane and e-methane can immediately fulfil the role of fossil fuels without any fracture towards appliance operating efficiency, commercial activity, or societal cohesion.

E-methane and biomethane are potential fuels that can be used in off-grid applications also. The UK off-grid fuel market is a growing economic entity and is also a hard-todecarbonise section of society. The UK’s gas grid network extends to 84% of UK households. Of the remaining 16%, 2 million properties are rural off grid homes and require daily power.

The primary power source used to fuel off grid UK properties and commercial activities is LPG and there is growing usage of BioLPG. The tourism and leisure sector also relies on off grid fuels and utilises both LPG and BioLPG as its main source of power. There are 2,643 businesses in the Caravan & Camping Sites industry in the United Kingdom, which has grown at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 3.6 % between 2020 and 2025.

LPG is created through the refining of crude oil or extracted during the process of manufacturing natural gas. LPG consists of butane and propane and is considered a low carbon alternative to fossil fuels.

BioLPG contains an almost identical chemical structure to LPG. BioLPG is

produced from renewable materials derived from a diverse mix of sustainable biological feedstocks and processes. Supported through cleaner sourced chemical ingredients BioLPG provides huge benefits in carbon reductions and air quality, compared to traditional off-grid fuels such as heating oil.

BioLPG is conceptually renewable and sustainable, as it is made from a blend of waste, residues, and sustainably sourced materials. BioLPG, can be described as an eco-propane, the chemical makeup of this gas is identical to LPG and is therefore compatible with existing in situ LPG products from a combustion perspective.

The market for synthetic and biogas in Europe is expanding, UK liquefied petroleum gas market is projected to lead the regional market in terms of revenue in 2030. In the UK, around 10% of off-grid properties use LPG for heating, which translates to approximately 220,000 users. In terms of revenue, UK accounted for 4.3% of the global liquefied petroleum gas market in 2023.

Off grid fuels, synthetic gasses and biogas are areas in which growth is expected to rise steadily through the up-and-coming decade. E-methane is considered a convenient alternative capable of being placed in existing infrastructure and successfully fulfilling the role of natural gas. European and the Asia-Pacific regions are refining strategies that centre on the production and distribution of

e-methane and are confident that commercial sales will follow.

Biogas and synthetic gasses such as BioLPG, LPG, e-methane and Biomethane will play a discernible role in the global pursuit of Net Zero. Current UK and European off grid gas markets maintain an upward trajectory.

Potential usage of alternative gasses can only increase as Net Zero time limits recede, meaning that any gas capable of operational capabilities and behavioural similarities to natural gas will instantly be viewed favourably due to current infrastructure and natural gas reliance.

As the continued pursuit of low carbon and zero carbon energy and power sources continues both BioLPG and e-methane are promising variants on the road to net zero. To learn more about renewable fuels and technologies follow our free newsletter at https://www.rinnai-uk. co.uk/contact-us/newsletter-sign

Rinnai follows all domestic and international developments in current and future energy information. Doing so, provides potential customers with a solid foundation of information that assists product purchase. Any news relating to appliance or energy options that is shaped by legislation will be immediately shared with UK customers. Access to information that affects customer judgment is an area that is Rinnai values. www.rinnaiuk.com

NEW STUDY FINDS

“SMART” BUILDINGS STILL RUN BLIND – EXPERTS SAY MISSING DATA BLOCKS EFFICIENCY

From

shopping malls

to office towers, AI systems are cutting energy use by up to 36% – but only when building energy systems actually talk to each other, state energy efficiency experts

Anew study published in Energy Reports evaluates the readiness of buildings for AI-based energy optimization and identifies key system-level challenges. While buildings are responsible for about 30% of global final energy consumption, the study emphasizes that the full potential of AI-driven energy tools depends on one critical factor: data quality and accessibility.

Energy efficiency experts in commercial buildings note that without proper audits and integration, even advanced technologies can’t deliver reliable performance. Most systems simply aren’t built to work together, and as a result, efficiency remains more of a theory than a reality.

Instead of just focusing on better technology, the research proposes a smarter structure. It introduces a sixlayer reference model for Intelligent Building Management Systems (IBMS) – a framework that spans everything from sensors and meters to AI-powered decision-making.

The concept proposed by researchers suggests that a building’s lighting, HVAC, occupancy, and other systems must share real-time data across layers to best optimize performance.

The study claims that the biggest roadblock isn’t missing hardware – it’s missing integration. Traditional setups often rely on fixed schedules and siloed

platforms. This means that key areas like HVAC and lighting, which together account for over 50% of energy use in commercial buildings, continue to operate inefficiently, regardless of how advanced the equipment may be.

“Everyone’s talking about smart tech – sensors, automation, analytics – but few are addressing the root issue: how fragmented building data still is,” says Donatas Karčiauskas, CEO of Exergio, a company developing AI-based platforms for energy optimization. “We’ve seen this for years. Buildings often have all the right parts, so we decided to build a system that data-connects them. Efficiency only happens when buildings act as a whole – and that starts with unified data.”

Karčiauskas pointed out that this challenge is especially visible in older buildings, where outdated hardware and isolated systems were never designed to work together. For example, HVAC systems might be controlled by one vendor’s software, lighting by another, and occupancy sensors may not connect to either – meaning no system has the full picture.

The study notes that even in new developments, mechanical, electrical, and digital systems are frequently designed and implemented separately. It also warns that without real-time data exchange between these layers, the label “intelligent” is often just branding, not a reflection of actual building performance.

But AI-based energy management can make a difference, says Karčiauskas.

Instead of treating HVAC or lighting as isolated units, IBMS can connect data streams from across the building, adjusting systems in real time to meet actual demand.

“We didn’t build another device – we built a connective layer. It links what’s already there and turns scattered data into coordinated, real-time action. That’s what makes the system intelligent – not the tools, but how they work together,” explained Karčiauskas.

This connected-systems-first approach is already delivering measurable results in real-case scenarios, not just studies.

In a large commercial shopping mall, Exergio’s platform cut electricity use by 29% and heating demand by 36% – all without replacing core infrastructure. In a network of office buildings in Poland, the same solution helped slash energy bills by €88,000 in just nine months.

These improvements weren’t the result of expensive retrofits or large-scale equipment upgrades, argued Karčiauskas. They came from activating the potential of what was already installed, transforming fragmented building systems into a unified control layer that reacts to real-time conditions, demand, and performance.

“Everyone wants smarter buildings – but too often, we start by chasing the newest tech instead of fixing the foundations. The future of energy efficiency won’t be defined by hardware – it will be defined by how well we integrate, align, and unlock the systems we already have,” concluded Karčiauskas. https://exergio.com/

CREATING RESILIENT, ENERGYEFFICIENT DATA CENTRES WITH

PREDICTIVE TECHNOLOGIES

David Pownall, Vice President, Services, Schneider Electric UK and Ireland

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, with 40 billion devices projected to be connected to the IoT by 2030, it’s no surprise that data centres are under pressure to meet soaring demand. As artificial intelligence and other energy-intensive technologies grow in popularity, data centre operators will need new and innovative ways to manage the surge in new devices and create resilient infrastructure.

In fact, three-quarters of data centres currently face increased pressure from AI-driven demands, with only three-in-ten decision makers believing that they are doing enough to enhance the energy efficiency of data centres. Creating energy efficient data centres becomes an even more prevalent concern when you consider that global data centre capacity is set to triple in size between 2022 and 2030.

As the data centre industry is catapulted into hypergrowth, operators will need new and innovative ways to manage the surge in new devices, ensuring electrical assets are dependable to minimise unplanned downtime.

PLAYING IT COOL

It is imperative that AI data centre growth is decoupled from the environmental impact. For this to be accomplished, low carbon energy sources need to be utilised, new flexible and efficient AI-ready data centre designs must be developed, and sustainable business practices must be put into place. Traditional power and cooling optimisation technologies will need to evolve if they are to support the demands of higher density racks, which accommodate even greater amounts of computing power.

Technologies such as liquid cooling, software-based cooling optimisation, and advanced airflow management are becoming increasingly popular, making it possible to maintain optimal temperatures whilst consuming less energy. With proper airflow management,

operators can ensure that cool air is distributed evenly throughout the data centre, preventing hot spots and improving overall cooling efficiency.

AI’S ROLE IN PREDICTIVE MONITORING AND MAINTENANCE

Though artificial intelligence is creating increased demand for data centre infrastructure, it could also hold the key to unlocking energy efficiency gains when it is integrated into data centre infrastructure management (DCIM) software. When AI is integrated within an infrastructure management system, it collects and analyses data from thousands of sensors, monitoring variables such as temperature, humidity, server loads, airflow, and energy consumption. AI can also learn from external data sources, such as weather data. Instead of controlling cooling based on a fixed schedule, AI aggregates past data and predicted future insights to make adjustments in real time.

This is a gamechanger for data centre operators looking to optimise their resources and prevent existing parts from overheating if a sudden shift in weather, such as a heatwave, occurs. With tools that track energy usage, temperature, and performance metrics around the clock, operators can confidently allocate resources, as well as identify potential areas to optimise energy use.

AI & AUTOMATION

Along with anticipating shifts in temperature, AI algorithms can forecast hardware failures and schedule maintenance before issues snowball, reducing downtime and waste resulting from burnt out parts. By switching to a more proactive approach, operators can keep equipment performant for longer periods of time, prolonging its lifespan and dependability. Proactive asset

management is already proving its worth, with some sites reporting reductions in critical asset failure by up to 60%, with maintenance visits only required every five years instead of every three.

AI technologies are also making a significant difference for data centre operators by automating tedious manual tasks, including backup management, load balancing and system updates. Delegating these tasks to AI not only reduces the margin for human error: it also enables operators to focus their energy on more strategic activities which require a more discerning human eye. AI is also advancing data centre security through tools such as remote management. By deploying cloudbased AI tools, operators can gain visibility across several sites at once: an especially valuable tool for teams working across hybrid environments. These tools offer operators automated alerting should performance deviate from an agreed baseline. Automated alerting not only reduces the likelihood of human error; it also acts as the ‘eyes and ears’ for data centre operators at any time of day, anywhere. Operators are informed at speed should potential security or equipment issues arise, so system vulnerabilities can be addressed in good time, before they impact end-users and services. Into the future, AI integrations in infrastructure management will play a vital role in facilitating resilient, future-ready data centres that the world can depend on. Tools such as remote monitoring, cooling, and predictive maintenance will all play a vital role in ensuring the longevity and resiliency of these structures as demand grows over the next decade.

https://www.se.com/uk/en/

HEATING

HARD WATER ISSUES - DHW SYSTEM MAINTENANCE EXPLAINED

Hard water areas can affect the internal components of DHW systems which gives less than an optimal performance and a reduction of system efficiency, as well as longevity. Hard water is an overlooked contributor towards a hot water system’s performance decline. This article will explain what hard water is, where hard water is located, the effects that hard water can have on a UK customers appliance, prevention and removal.

“Hard water” is water that contains a high concentration of dissolved minerals such as magnesium and calcium. Hard water forms once dissolved minerals are transported by flowing rainwater over certain rocks like chalk and limestone

Hard water filters into the UK water supply once surface sources such as rivers, reservoirs and groundwater locations like aquifers collect. Rainwater accumulates that added mineral content.

Water companies then collect from these sources, chemically treat the water and then distribute through UK pipelines. However, minerals that are collected through this process remain present in drinking water, as there is no harm to human health.

The main areas around the UK that have access to a water supply that mostly contains “hard water” are predominately the south and south-east. Areas most affected are Thames Valley corridor, the Cotswolds, London and a large part of the Home Counties such as Kent, Sussex and Surrey due to the proliferation of chalk and limestone in the areas. Having said that there are also other areas dotted around the UK that can receive hard water. Most water suppliers will have postcode checkers on their websites which will allow you to find out what your water hardness is.

The effects of hard water upon a hot water system are long-term and can affect the performance and longevity of a DHW unit. One main characteristic of consistent use of hard water is a concentration of limescale inside hot water systems. Once limescale attaches itself to the internal components of a DHW unit, performance and efficiency is compromised by a build-up of limescale.

A buildup of limescale is formed by excess minerals within the water tank and connecting pipes of a DHW system. The limescale behaves as an insulator preventing the heat being transferred in to the water. As heat is absorbed by limescale the unit must work harder and longer to get the heat into the water resulting in higher energy costs and increased component fragility. This additional heat also exacerbates

Pete Seddon, Head of Technical at Rinnai UK, explains the terms “hard and soft water” and expands on the long-term effects hard water has on DHW systems. Further attention is given to how system maintenance is provided to combat DHW system component fatigue – a result of untreated hard water.

further build-up of limescale.

As a result of limescale on the internal metal components of a boiler, storage water heater or continuous flow water heater powered DHW system can begin to cause corrosion and erosion. Customers will have to confront leaks, an increase in maintenance costs, structural damage, operative failure and finally an early end to the product lifecycle.

Hard water impact and limescale infestation upon DHW systems and indoor plumbing pipes has been recognised as a major factor that requires problem solving. To prevent the forming of debilitating substances access to several technologies, chemical as well as natural solutions and techniques are readily available.

Water softeners are one potential route of limescale prevention but can also remove existing limescale build up albeit the removal will take time. Once a water softener is attached to in-coming water main a process called ‘ion exchange’ begins. Ion exchange replaces calcium and magnesium with sodium as well as potassium to soften the water content. Due to this technology physically softening the water, it is one of the best solutions however it does have its drawbacks so research should be carried out when choosing the most suitable treatment.

Limescale converters such as Aquabion are another option that reverses the effects of DHW systems that are reliant on hard water. A mechanism that resembles a pipe is inserted into the plumbing pipework and instantly starts to treat the hard water when drawn off. These devices could also start to disintegrate any formations of limescale within the system. Unlike a salt softener, limescale converters typically use a physical process to alter the structure of lime particles in the water. This process often involves using a device with a sacrificial anode, typically zinc. As water flows through the device, the lime particles are modified, becoming less likely to stick to surfaces and forming less hard deposits. This method can be preferred due to the minerals within the water being kept but also adding zinc into the water,

all of which can add to health benefits. Magnetic and electronic water conditioners are two further devices that supply a non-chemical solution to eliminating hard water limescale removal. The structure of minerals such as calcium and magnesium is altered using magnetic and electronic fields that disrupt usually associated behavioural patterns making limescale far less likely to attach itself to the internal elements of a hot water system. If limescale is already present within an appliance or system, at a basic level a light acidic solution such as white vinegar can be used to breakdown limescale. White vinegar contains acidic properties that are ideal in dissolving nefarious hard water accumulations. Various chemical descaling solutions are also available – all acids such as hydrochloric, phosphoric, sulfamic, lactic and oxalic acid compounds are all well suited to destroying limescale. It is always preferable to use a suitable descaling solution rather than rely on the treatment options mentioned earlier because a limescale remover will be far more effective and take less time to remove any build up or deposits. Rinnai aims to supply customers with all possible information that provides key knowledge enabling hot water and heating systems to perform at the optimum standard for a complete lifecycle. Rinnai will continue to seek out and share information that equips installers, specifiers, contractors and end-customers to arrive at a data-based choice of appliance and system based on practical, economic and technical criteria. www.rinnaiuk.com

POWERING THE EV FUTURE: CAN NORTHERN IRELAND KEEP UP?

Northern Ireland is at a pivotal crossroads in the journey toward net zero – and electric vehicles (EVs) are fast becoming a central part of that story. As charging infrastructure expands and adoption accelerates, we face an urgent challenge: building an EV ecosystem that is not only fit for purpose but truly works for everyone, everywhere.

At Share Energy, we’re not here to watch from the sidelines. As a challenger brand shaking up Northern Ireland’s energy market, we believe this transition should be smart, fair, and customer-first –because the EV revolution won’t succeed unless people trust it to work in real life.

LAYING THE GROUNDWORK: RURAL GAPS CAN’T BE IGNORED

The UK’s EV charging infrastructure is accelerating at pace. In early 2025 alone, over 3,100 new charge points were installed, bringing the total to nearly 77,000 – a 29% year-on-year increase, according to Zapmap.

But in Northern Ireland, the story is more complicated.

Since ESB introduced pay-tocharge models in 2023, there has been a 24% rise in charge points and a 63% jump in ultra-rapid chargers. However, it’s still playing catch-up, both in scale and in strategy.

Rapid charging hubs, with multiple 150kW+ bays, are driving progress in key urban areas, but the rural network remains patchy and underdeveloped.

According to the Department for Transport and the Electric Vehicle Association, Northern Ireland has just 35,600 charge points per 100,000 people. Wales, by comparison, has nearly three times more. England and Scotland are even further ahead, with over 110,000 per 100,000 people.

Zoom in, and the disparities are even starker: Belfast leads with 12.9 rapid chargers per 100,000 residents, while Derry City and Strabane lag with just 4.

Damian

Wilson, CEO at Share Energy, discusses the importance of putting people at

the

heart of Northern Ireland’s EV transition.

If people can’t rely on the network, they won’t make the switch. And without demand, investment slows — creating a cycle of stagnation we can’t afford.

NI doesn’t just need more chargers. It needs a smarter, fairer deployment strategy that serves everyone.

WHAT GETS MEASURED GETS MANAGED

Smart meters are a foundational building block for a thriving EV ecosystem, especially in Northern Ireland, where most EV owners will charge their vehicles at home.

Yet, this is precisely where we continue to fall behind the rest of the UK in its EV transition. Without widespread access to smart meters, local EV drivers are missing out on essential functionality that goes far beyond traditional energy measurement.

Smart meters enable time-ofuse (TOU) tariffs, allowing electricity to be cheaper during off-peak hours. EV owners can program their vehicles to charge when rates are lowest – reducing costs, easing pressure on the grid, and promoting more sustainable usage patterns.

Last November marked a welcome step forward, with the launch of public consultations on smart meter rollout across NI. However, it remains early days – and the goal of installing 920,000 meters, as proposed by the Department for the Economy, still feels a long way off.

While Northern Ireland lags behind both Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland in terms of smart meter infrastructure, we are ready for the transition here. At Share Energy,

we’ve developed our systems with smart meters in mind, including an app that works alongside them to give customers real-time control and insights into energy consumption.

SMARTER, GREENER, MORE EMPOWERING CHARGING

The hardware is only half the equation. The future of EV charging must also be intelligent – helping people charge when it’s cheapest, greenest, and most convenient. This is where energy providers have a critical role to play.

At Share Energy, we’ve developed an EV tariff designed to reward smart behaviour. Customers are encouraged to charge during offpeak hours, when the grid is greener and the cost is lower – promoting both savings and sustainability.

Our approach reflects what we believe the market needs: innovation with empathy. A local, transparent provider that’s aligned with people’s real-world needs – not just profit margins.

Private investment from Weev, Fastned, and EasyGo is helping move the dial. But to truly build an ecosystem that lasts, infrastructure growth must go hand-in-hand with customer trust, education, and smart incentives.

This is a defining moment for the energy and transport sectors in Northern Ireland. The technology exists. The demand is growing. The public is ready.

Now we need to connect the dots.

At Share Energy, we’re committed to doing our part – not just by powering EVs, but by being a true partner to the people who drive them. https://share-energy.com/

Studied by participants from wellregarded organisations such as National Grid, The World Bank and many more, the Master in Renewable Energy Award offers the opportunity to study 12 to 15 specialised courses over 18 months, each designed to provide expert knowledge and relevant skills within the renewable energy sector.

Upon completion, you’ll earn internationally recognised certificates that strengthen your credentials in one of the world’s fastest-growing industries.

All courses are accredited by the CPD accreditation service. By studying the Master in Renewable Energy Award, you will accrue a minimum 280 CPD hours.

Study at your own pace, from anywhere in the world and fit your learning around your personal and professional commitments.

For more information, head to www.renewableinstitute.org/ training/accredited-master-inrenewable-energy-award/ or contact us by phone on +44 0131 446 9479 or by email at training@renewableinstitute.org

NEW IDEAL HEATING COMMERCIAL CPD

The latest CIBSE-approved CPD from Ideal Heating Commercial is focussed firmly on the modern plant room. It addresses plant room surveying, along with the evolution of the plant room and heat source technology over recent years brought about, in part, through legislation and product innovation.

‘Surveying the modern plant room –from boilers to heat pumps’ CPD provides invaluable advice on the various stages involved in surveying a plant room; from assessment and the requirements for a replacement heat source, through to the potential risks associated with heating system replacement and how to identify these.

With Ideal Heating Commercial pioneering practical solutions for decarbonising commercial heating, the new CPD concentrates on modern, energy-efficient plant room retrofits using heat pumps. Hybrid systems, which include heat pumps with modern condensing gas boilers as a back-up, are also addressed as an alternative solution where heat pumps alone are not feasible.

The new CPD also looks at latest

MODERN PLANT ROOM

legislation and regulations, and touches on best practice when commissioning.

This new CPD, ‘Surveying the modern plant room – from boilers to heat pumps,’ is suitable for all levels of mechanical engineers from graduate through to senior, director and associate, sustainability engineers, building services engineers, engineering technicians, incorporated engineers, chartered engineers and YEN Young Engineers, as well as building contractors and consultants.

Commenting on the release of the new CPD, Richard Brown, Head of Specification at Ideal Heating Commercial, said: “With the heating industry undergoing change as we move towards decarbonisation, how we approach and survey a plant room must also be modified. Our new CPD addresses the requirement to decarbonise heating systems and improve energy efficiency from an understanding that, in many circumstances, heat pumps alone may not be viable, and we may need to consider a hybrid approach. The CPD helps engineers to look at the overall plant room and decide upon the most effective approach.”

This latest CIBSE-approved CPD joins Ideal Heating Commercial’s expanding collection of educational resources, which cover the latest industry developments and provides advice on new ways to add value, performance and efficiency to customer heating projects. Further CPDs address low carbon systems, heat networks and heat interface units, heat pump refrigerants, and boiler heat exchanger materials. For more information on any of Ideal Heating Commercial’s CPD, and to book a place, go to https://idealcommercialboilers.com/cpdcourses. CPDs are delivered by Ideal Heating Commercial’s specification team managers either online or in person nationwide.

RINNAI EXPLORES WATER NEUTRALITY: A GROWING CONCERN FOR HVAC & CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS

‘Water neutrality’ aims to ensure that when new building developments are planned and completed that there is no dramatic increase in water consumption in the surrounding area. It is planned in to achieve this aim by reducing water use, reusing water, and offsetting water demand.

Chris Goggin looks at water neutrality and the ways in which its influence will be felt across the construction and HVAC industries.

Water neutrality will become a better recognized term as localised construction projects could become cancelled due to issues relating to local water supplies.

Property construction as well as the HVAC industry is now open to a new field of criteria that could affect a new project’s viability. This new challenge is ‘Water Neutrality’ and specifically relates to the construction of developments that do not increase the amount of water being extracted from local water supplies.

An increasing population and more instances of climate change induced UK drought has created the conditions for water neutrality to become a concern for local district councils planning new construction projects. As demand for water and housing intensifies real concern is now being expressed regarding localized water supplies.

West Sussex County Council has enforced a set of measures on property developers that protect local biodiversity and natural water supplies. The West Sussex County Council’s website provides information for individuals interested in constructing property. That information reads as:

“Development proposals within the zone area that would lead to an increase in water demand will need to demonstrate and robustly evidence ‘water neutrality’.

You will be required to supply a water neutrality statement with your planning application which: confirms that there would be no increase in water consumption, for example, through a combination of water efficiency, water

recycling and offsetting measures includes a water budget showing details of the baseline and proposed water consumption, any mitigation measures proposed and mechanisms to secure them in advance of occupation or use”

A water neutral development may also have to add measures to buildings such as roof-based rainwater collection and smart meters that inform occupants of ideal water consumption levels.

A concerted effort to repel water neutrality has begun to oppose the idea that property developers should adhere to water neutrality guidelines. A consortium referred to as Houses for Homes and consisting of agents, developers, builders and the Builders Federation inside the North Sussex Supply Zone are collaborating to ensure that local developers and builders are not financially punished.

Houses for Homes believe the responsibility for local water resources rests with regional water companies –in this case: Southern Water. Houses for Homes argue that Southern Water should be responsible for demonstrating to West Sussex County Council that local water supplies are not impinged upon – not local contractors and tradesmen.

A representative of an international water technology company commented on the lack of clarity regarding the commercial as well as ecological responsibility water neutrality encourages.

“It is clear that government policy has yet to establish a clear and workable mechanism to allow water neutral developments to proceed. The need for new housing and a climate resilient water supply are both important and a clear policy is needed to balance these

two key priorities. It seems likely that this is on the agenda for the future. For now, committing to deliver a water neutral development could still strengthen the case for development, particularly in areas where water availability is constrained or likely to be in the future.”

Water neutrality is yet to be enshrined in UK policy and is therefore subject to separate interpretations from involved parties leading to a clear lack of understanding involving best practise. Technical yet-to-be established legality issues aside, the subject of water neutrality is attracting

attention for more basic reasons.

It is predicted that by 2050 the UK will have a 4 billion litre a day shortfall in water supplies, with the South-East to be the area most open to drought due to population growth and intensity. By 2050 it is also estimated that the east of England will have a daily water shortage of up to 800 million litres.

The east of England is also classified as “severely water stressed” according to the website of Water Resource East (WRE), a non-profit organization consisting of water companies and the public. WRE believe that unless

action is taken, agriculture, biodiversity and the local population could suffer from water shortages in the future. To prevent this WRE has requested £15 billion investment to ensure the East of England maintains safe, clean and substantial volumes of water for people and the local ecosystem.

The industry needs to be aware of any obstacles that become apparent in the construction and HVAC sectors. Raising awareness of issues that impact contractors, specifiers and installers is a key aim of Rinnai UK. www.rinnaiuk.com To learn more about

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LEADING HOLIDAY PARK ENHANCES HOT WATER SYSTEM WITH RINNAI N SERIES FOR PEAK SEASON DEMAND

Rinnai has installed 5 x N Series 1600i units and a 1000L storage cylinder at a leading southwest holiday resort, Northam Farm Caravan & Holiday Park in Somerset, to ensure increased demand is met with a practical, economic, and technically viable new hot water delivery system.

The holiday park, in Brean, Somerset, offers a top-class range of facilities with a selection of bars, restaurants, fishing lakes and access to a beach.

The new hot water delivery system replaced a stored system which instantly lowered carbon and costs as there was no need to constantly re-heat potable hot water. Rinnai units were first installed two years ago – at that time, the install covered twenty-six showers, forty basins, and eight wash-up areas. The installation included 6 x N1600i + 1000L storage.

The installation site was spacious which allowed for Rinnai UK’s design team to suggest a flexible system internally mounted design that met customer requirements. Rinnai can offer a multitude of systems using all fuels and energy saving technologies as solutions for heating and hot water supply to sites of any size.

Rinnai N series continuous flow water heaters arrive with a 12-year extended warranty that safeguards a customer against additional product payments. All appliances are manufactured under strict guidelines of ISO 9001 quality management and ISO 14001 environmental management and come with full manufacturers’ warranty.

Rinnai N Sensei Series continuous flow water heaters are designed to provide domestic and commercial access to vast volumes of cost-effective, clean and temperature controlled hot water. Rinnai aim to supply UK customers with practical, economic, and technical solutions for water heating.

Each Rinnai Sensei N Series water heater unit offers a more compact and enhanced combustion design that allows for convenient installation, superior operational performance, and easy accessibility when servicing is required. All additional components are designed and manufactured by Rinnai ensuring proven quality and reliability.

There are four models in the range. N1600i giving 954 litres per hour. N1600e (external) also giving 954 litres per hour (at 50 degrees).

• N1300i giving 775 litres per hour.

• N1300e also giving 775 litres per hours of temperature controlled at 50 degrees.

The two 1600s have load profiles of XXL

and are water efficiency class A rated, while the 1300s are load profile XL and are also water efficiency class A rated.

Other features include:

• Flue up to 30+ metres for concentric

• Turbo Fan

• Built-in controller as standard on both internal and external models

Cascade Cable assembly allows up to twenty-four water heaters to be connected and function as one total and complete system. Any number of N-series Rinnai water heaters can be manifolded together enabling the largest capacities on the market.

• Built in flue damper.

• Air inlet filter

• Frost Protection – minus 15°C on the internal versions and minus 20 °C on the external versions.

• New PCB Design

• Controller as standard – Lockable, set up of appliance, temperature set up to seventy-five.

Maintenance Monitor for engineers

The Sensei N Series uses Rinnai’s patented advanced burner technology with a 13-1 turn down ratio – the largest on the market – including extremely quiet operation. Integral controls on the units enable the water heater to achieve high efficiencies due to advanced burner

control and high modulation ranges. All designs in this range are low-NOx. Advanced burner controls with the Sensei N Series models ensure all appliances are well ahead of the NOx requirements set within ERP. The current level of permissible NOx set by ERP is 56 mg/Kwh. The Sensei N Series is third-party tested at 28 mg/Kwh making each unit one of the most ecological water heating appliances available on the market. As the units do not incorporate storage their ‘green credentials’ are further recognised by BREEAM and score additional credits under the building regulations.

Rinnai hot water specialists have been designing hot water solutions for the leisure sector for over twenty years, to take advantage of a free design and cost saving consultation contact us today https://www.rinnai-uk.co.uk/ contact-us/help-me-choose-product

ECOBAT BATTERY CONTINUES TO BUILD ITS REPUTATION

Reflecting its growing influence in the energy storage system (ESS) sector, Ecobat Battery is enjoying public recognition of its business services from both customers and supply partners, with an endorsement from sector specialist Wagner Renewables and a Best Distributor Award from ESS manufacturer, CNTE.

In the review hailing the positive contribution the battery distributor has made to its business, Wagner’s Sales Manager, Darren Crisp stated:

“We’ve been working with Ecobat Battery for some time now and have always found them to be a reliable and valued supplier. The team are friendly, knowledgeable, and always willing to help, which makes a real difference in day-to-day operations.

“Their stock holding is consistently strong, meaning we can usually get what we need without delays, and deliveries are quick and efficient. Pricing is also very reasonable, helping us stay competitive while maintaining quality.

“Overall, Ecobat Battery provides a great service, is a pleasure to deal with, and so are highly recommended by the Wagner Renewables team.”

Responding for Ecobat Battery, Business Development Manager Mike Sharpe said: “It’s always nice when our customers express their appreciation of the services we provide,

but more importantly, it allows us to demonstate that there is real world substance to our claim that we work with our customers to identify and then implement the best solutions for their individual requirements.”

When it comes to supply partnerships, during the recent Intersolar Europe event in München, commercial and residential ESS manufacturer CNTE took the opportunity to hold its annual awards ceremony, where Ecobat Battery was recognised with its Best Distributor Award.

In a LinkedIn post, CNTE stated: A heartfelt thank you to Ecobat Battery for the strong partnership and shared achievements! At Intersolar Europe 2025, we had the honour of presenting the “Best Distributor Award” to Ecobat Battery — a recognition of the trust, dedication, and outstanding results cultivated through our collaboration.

This partnership has played a vital role in advancing energy solutions in the European market and continues to inspire new possibilities.

Looking ahead, we are excited to deepen cooperation in C&I energy storage and EV charging, driving smarter and greener innovations together.

In response, Managing Director of Ecobat Battery Europe, Russell McBurnie said: “We are delighted to receive the award and proud to have been recognised as a strong partner of such a prominent player in the ESS sector.

“We have built our business on the strength of our reputation for delivering

great levels of service and ongoing support, but without being able supply high quality and reliable products, such as those manufactured by CNTE, we wouldn’t be able to achieve those standards. We are therefore honoured and appreciative of the Best Distributor Award that we have been presented.”

The ability to identify the most suitable solution to the varying needs of its diverse customer base, while at the same time satisfying the needs of business partners are perfect examples of how Ecobat Battery, the UK’s largest battery distributor, is achieving its rapid expansion into the ESS sector.

The company’s prominent position in the battery distribution sector means that it enjoys strong and successful partnerships with many reputable brands, and in the ESS industry, as well as CNTE, these include leading players such as Pylontech, Rolls Battery, Victron Energy and Jinko Solar. As a result, Ecobat Battery is able to ensure that quality and reliability are at the forefront of the solutions that it is able to offer.

In addition, as these two endorsements clearly testifiy, in common with its product offerings across multiple sectors, all are supported by a superb level of service, technical advice and backup, and a reputation that comes with a business that has been proactive in the battery market for more than 70 years.

For further details, please visit Ecobat Battery at: https://bit.ly/3SSav9p