AWARD APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME OF THE YEAR
AWARD BUSINESS GROWTH & STRATEGY AWARD
AWARD ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY AWARD
AWARD ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCT OF THE YEAR
AWARD INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY AWARD
AWARD PROJECT OF THE YEAR
AWARD MEMBER COMPANY OF THE YEAR!
The Lowry Hotel, Salford will host this year’s AMPS Awards Gala Dinner on Wednesday 19th November ENTRIES FROM AMPS MEMBERS OPEN SOON For further information email Robert.Bennison@amps.org.uk
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Alan
39: EVENTS DIARY
The public agenda has never been more relevant to AMPS members.
This year’s AMPS Conference – covered some big subjects such as the challenge of the circular economy, net zero and the impact of AI (see page 15 et seq). A few short years ago AI was for the IT boffins, today you can see its influence in new product offerings and every day in the images we see and the articles we read. Government policies embodied in their new 10-year strategies have embraced the need for an efficient digital, physical and energy infrastructure to boost the economy. AMPS is well qualified to address these policy areas, and our member companies are well prepared to meet these generational opportunities.
As ever, if you have news or articles for consideration for publication in AMPS Power be sure to contact me.
Rob Oliver
Director General: Alan Beech – amps@amps.org.uk
AMPS Chair: Louise Hazel - amps@amps.org.uk
AMPS enquiries: amps@amps.org.uk
AMPS Power (editorial & advertising): ampsmagazine@amps.org.uk
This summer, the UK’s infrastructure and energy landscape stands on the cusp of significant transformation. His Majesty’s Government has announced its new infrastructure strategy—one that will prioritise energy reform and spatial planning. For the construction sector and our members in power generation, this is a crucial moment. Our industry sits at the heart of national resilience and growth, and we must be ready to respond with innovation, agility, and capability.
Economically, the backdrop remains complex.
The long tail of President Trump’s tariff wars continues to disrupt global trade dynamics, leaving lingering volatility in supply chains, commodity pricing, and export conditions.
For manufacturers and suppliers in our sector, the pressure to remain competitive while absorbing rising costs and navigating geopolitical uncertainty is very real. At AMPS, we’re ready— supported by your engagement—to work directly with policymakers to ensure the UK’s regulatory environment encourages sustainable investment and supports homegrown capability.
Recent events also underscore our industry’s critical role. The power outages at Heathrow Airport and across parts of Spain served as stark reminders of the urgent need for reliable, rapid-response backup power solutions. These incidents present real opportunities for AMPS members to showcase the essential value of modern, resilient power systems—not just in moments of crisis, but as part of long-
term infrastructure planning and national preparedness.
In that spirit of resilience and readiness, it was a pleasure to welcome so many of you to the AMPS Annual General Meeting on 30th April at One Great George Street. The day was filled with valuable dialogue and the collaborative energy that defines our association. I continued those conversations at the AMPS Golf Day on 2nd June at Forest Pines and look forward to our Awards Dinner at The Lowry Hotel, Salford, on 19th November—as well as at other touchpoints throughout the year.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support and commitment. Our industry is stepping up at a pivotal time, and together we are powering the future—literally and economically. AMPS is funded and run by its members—you—so I encourage you to participate in our working groups and committees to ensure true value is delivered for all.
This year’s AMPS AGM elected a record five new members to the governing Council.
The AMPS Council welcomed some new and experienced talent to its membership. David McDonald boasts a 31-year record working for Aggreko. His current role is as Head of Product Engineering based at Aggreko’s Lomondgate facility. He is joined on the Council by Wernick Power Solutions’ Managing Director Nick Crane. He has a 10-year record with AMPS and is responsible for the £20m generator business within Wernick.
The third “newbie” is Barry Hughes who marks the return of Atlas Copco to the Council. He is Business Development Manager for Power & Lighting for the company. Another new recruit is Michael Yeadon. He is the Business Development and Sustainability Manager for Generator Power Ltd – in which role he is involved in evaluating new technologies for rental applications.
The final new appointment is a familiar face. Having completed his term as AMPS Director General, David Oates has kept up his support for the organisation, now as CEO of Allam Power.
The role of the Council is to help to devise, develop and deliver AMPS’ priorities on behalf of its 100 member companies. It is led by AMPS Chair Louise Hazel, Managing Director of the IPU Group, with Alan Beech, as Director General of the trade association. Members of the Council are formal directors of AMPS, which is a company limited by guarantee.
Meanwhile Carlos Vicente relinquished his position on the Council on his retirement from Eminox Ltd.
AMPS Power records its thanks to past, new and continuing members of the Council for their efforts on behalf of our industry. For a full list of Council members see page 38.
Rehlko, formerly Kohler Energy, is modernizing the look and feel of its industrial generators and enclosures to reflect its new brand, announced last autumn.
The Rehlko brand comes from a re-ordering of the Kohler name.
““This rebranding is more than just a clever name change. The letters that comprise the name Rehlko reflect our 100-plus years of rich heritage under the Kohler brand and represent a bold step forward in our journey to continue building and powering a sustainable energy future,” said Francis Perrin, Chief Brand and Sustainability Officer at Rehlko.
The transformation reflects Rehlko’s evolution from its heritage as a power product supplier to an energy resilience technology leader. The fresh new look features a new colour called Rehlko Light Gray, complemented by stand-out lettering in Rehlko New
Energy Blue, delivering a more contemporary look for today’s technological landscape.
Discover more: Visit www.rehlko.com for further details on Rehlko’s brand transformation.
The 20th Annual AMPS’ Golf Day took place at the stunning Forest Pines Golf Course Hotel & Spa, near Brigg in Lincolnshire. AMPS Members and guests were welcomed for a day of friendly competition, networking, and camaraderie.
With competitive individuals and enthusiastic company teams representing leading industry names, the event maintained its signature mix of relaxed atmosphere and spirited play. Congratulations to the Mecc Alte/Cabel UK team who came out on top this year – that’s Andy Bell, James Long, Bob Hendy and Mark Tinkler.
Kintore-based power solutions specialist, Genny Hire Ltd, has reached a significant milestone by achieving ISO 9001 certification, reinforcing its commitment to delivering the highest quality products and services across multiple industries.
ISO 9001 is the world’s most recognized quality management standard and certification marks a major achievement for Genny Hire Ltd as it continues to expand its presence in the oil & gas, maritime, renewables, agriculture, and events sectors.
Managing Director Lorna Clark expressed pride in the company’s accomplishment, stating, “This certification is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team. At Genny Hire Ltd, quality has always been at the heart of everything we do, and achieving ISO 9001 ensures our customers receive the highest level of service and reliability.”
For more information about Genny Hire Ltd and its range of certified power solutions, visit www.gennyhire.com or email info@gennyhire.com
Mansfield Pollard, a leader in air management and acoustic control solutions, is redefining its acoustic control division through a significant investment into its people, facilities, product and service offerings.
Recent investments into the business include new ten-tonne and five-tonne cranes, an advanced industrial spray booth, and enhanced welding capabilities. These upgrades collectively enable the production of large-scale, technically demanding enclosures with increased complexity and precision.
The company’s 321,000 sq ft Bradford facility now boasts end-to-end in house manufacturing capabilities, streamlining processes to reduce lead times and improve efficiency. This has been backed by a significant expansion of its acoustic control team.
Lou Ellis-Frankland, CEO at Mansfield Pollard, said: “Our investment in people, facilities, and processes has been pivotal in strengthening our market position. We’ve built a talented team that can deliver complex, high-quality solutions. With all manufacturing under one roof, we’re in a unique position to combine expertise from across the entire business to deliver innovative results for our clients.”
As part of the investments, the company has launched a market-first product – the ALX Aluminium Enclosure. Featuring superior acoustic performance and an industry-leading strength-toweight ratio, this innovation addresses the rising demand for efficient, cost-effective systems and repositions the company as a key player in enclosures for power generation, data centre, and industrial applications sectors.
To find out more information about Mansfield Pollard’s other acoustic control solutions visit www.mansfieldpollard.co.uk
Wernick Power Solutions report on their successful opening of their new 2-acre flagship Walsall Depot, located at Vigo Place.
The two-day event welcomed an esteemed group of suppliers, valued and prospective customers, and key stakeholders. Attendees were provided with a comprehensive showcase of the innovative power solutions and sustainability initiatives that are at the heart of Wernick Power Solutions.
The event marked a pivotal moment in Wernick Power Solutions’ growth and commitment to excellence. In addition to unveiling the new depot, guests had the opportunity to explore two state-of-theart facilities: the Centre of Excellence and the Power Optimisation Centre. The Centre of Excellence provides staff and customers with valuable, hands-on education in the temporary power sector. Meanwhile, the Power Optimisation Centre serves as a dynamic live data hub for the business information specialists, enabling fleet performance monitoring, delivering detailed sustainability reports, and optimising customer and project performance to ensure maximum carbon reduction.
A highlight of the event was the ribbon-cutting ceremony, presided over by the Mayor of Walsall, Louise Harrison, alongside David Wernick, Chairman of the Wernick Group. Guests had the opportunity to explore a comprehensive range of power products from Wernick Power Solutions, as well as offerings from sister company, Wernick Hire. A standout feature was a series of presentations from JCB, one of Wernick’s trusted suppliers, who showcased the latest advancements in hydrogen-powered generators. Guests even had the opportunity to win a variety of prizes – including a pair of tickets to see Robbie Williams!
The opening of the Walsall Depot is more than just a business milestone; it is a powerful testament to the shared commitment to building a sustainable future for Wernick and its customers.
MD Nick Crane, commented “I was delighted that so many of our customers, prospective customers, suppliers, colleagues and friends could attend. It was great to have Louise Harrison, Mayor, take the time out of her busy week to visit and spend it with us, on what was only day 3 of her appointment. It was also great to welcome Louise Hazel, Chair of AMPS, and Alan Beech, Director General of AMPS. It’s rare that we have the opportunity to bring AMPS to our doorstep, even though they work so hard in the background, leading the way in the power industry.”
Wernick recorded thanks to everyone who attended, supported, and contributed to the success of the grand opening. With a special mention to Western Global and Groundhog, who generously sponsored the event, and other key suppliers who made everything such a success.
This summer’s EUROPGEN General Assembly saw the launch of the organisation’s Generating Sets’ Manifesto. This article sets out the key points which will inform EUROPGEN’s lobby of the EU institutions.
The Manifesto gives voice to an industry often hidden, yet essential: Emergency Standby Generating Sets form the critical backbone of Europe’s energy resilience and digital infrastructure.
Europe’s decarbonization and digitalization goals depend on electricity generated in a sustainable way:
ʝ The electrification of consumption and production increases reliance on continuous power.
ʝ Renewable sources like solar and wind, while essential, introduce variability and decentralization, increasing grid complexity.
ʝ Digital infrastructures, particularly data centres, demand constant uptime to protect critical data and operations.
Emergency Standby Generating Sets are no longer marginal or optional: they are enabling technologies at the heart of Europe’s energy and digital transitions.
Despite common misconceptions, Emergency Standby Generating Sets have a limited environmental footprint:
ʝ Their typical runtime is approximately 10 hours per year, minimizing CO₂ emissions.
ʝ Switching from diesel to hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) can reduce lifecycle emissions by up to 90%.
ʝ Their long operational lifespan (20–40+ years) and recyclability (currently over 70%, with potential to exceed 90% through ecodesign) further strengthen their sustainability profile.
Emergency Standby Generating Sets and battery systems (such as UPS or BESS) serve different but complementary roles: batteries provide immediate, short-term power; Generating Sets deliver sustained backup over hours or even days. Together, they form robust, hybrid solutions essential for microgrid resilience.
Without secure, reliable backup power, Europe’s electrification and
digital ambitions cannot succeed. Emergency Standby Generating Sets are:
ʝ A strategic safeguard for critical infrastructures.
ʝ An enabling technology of the energy and digital transitions.
ʝ A low-impact technology aligned with Europe’s environmental goals when properly supported by renewable fuels and circular design.
The Manifesto calls on European policymakers to:
ʝ Establish a unified European regulatory framework for Emergency Standby Generating Sets, ensuring consistent quality and environmental standards.
ʝ Mandate reliable backup systems for essential services across sectors such as healthcare, energy, digital infrastructure, and public services.
ʝ Encourage the use of renewable fuels and circular practices to minimize environmental impact.
ʝ Promote certification schemes (such as Environmental Product Declarations) to highlight the performance of high-quality European manufacturing.
ʝ Recognize the installed fleet of Emergency Standby Generating Sets as a strategic asset for grid resilience, including potential contributions to grid support operations like peak shaving.
ʝ Create a European (or national) registry of installed Emergency Standby Generating Sets to map, monitor, and harness their role as distributed resilience assets.
In summary, the Manifesto frames Emergency Standby Generating Sets not as mere backup machines, but as indispensable technologies for a resilient, secure, and sustainable Europe.
For the full Manifesto go to https://europgen.eu/download-themanifesto/. AMPS is a founder member of EUROPGEN.
Great power never stands still. It adapts, evolves, and strengthens.
Our refreshed generator sets mark a new transformation, proving that resilience is reinvention. Power in a new shade. Same trusted performance.
ʝ Housing: supporting delivery of 1.5m new homes this Parliament, through the 10-year Affordable Homes Programme and with investment from the National Housing Bank.
ʝ Transport: Transport for City Regions (TCR) settlement, capital funding to progress work on the Lower Thames Crossing and a new Structures Fund to repair major structures on the road network.
ʝ Water: water companies to quadruple investment in new water infrastructure over the next five years, including developing 9 new reservoirs.
ʝ National Wealth Fund: helping crowd in private investment and drive growth across the UK.
June 2025 was packed full of government announcements including the results of the longawaited Spending Review. Of potential far reaching importance to business and AMPS members was the publication of the 10-year Infrastructure Strategy and the Modern Industrial Strategy .
ʝ Clean Energy: including investment by GB Energy, the UK’s first regional hydrogen transport network and store, strategic electricity transmission network investment and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
ʝ Nuclear energy: investment to enable one of Europe’s first Small Modular Reactor programmes and for nuclear fusion, alongside Sizewell C.
ʝ Schools: deliver rebuilding projects at over 500 schools within the existing School Rebuilding Programme and provide funding certainty out to 2034-35, enabling a further 250 schools to enter the programme.
ʝ Hospitals: delivering 35 hospitals in England via the New Hospital Programme.
ʝ Essential maintenance: providing funding certainty up to 2035 for schools, colleges, prisons, courts and hospitals maintenance programmes.
ʝ Digital connectivity: continuing investment in high-speed internet access via Project Gigabit.
ʝ Flood resilience: ensuring long term readiness via the 10-year flood defence investment programme.
ʝ Justice: three new prisons in England by 2031.
ʝ Defence: committing to 2.6% of GDP by 2027 on NATO qualifying defence spending.
Whilst the Spending Review concentrated on the allocation of scarce resources for revenue expenditure, the Infrastructure Strategy deals with promised capital expenditure which is not subject to the same financial policy constraints.
The government plans to fund at least £725 billion of economic and social infrastructure over the next decade, ensuring that public infrastructure capital funding continues to grow at least in line with inflation after the current Spending Review period ends (2029/30).
The government's strategy emphasizes the importance of digital infrastructure for economic growth, particularly in AI. This includes strengthening national connectivity and accelerating the rollout of advanced mobile networks. Of particular interest to AMPS members is that data centres are seen as a key component of this digital infrastructure, powering various sectors and services. The restated commitment to clean energy and investment in the electricity transmission network will also be of interest to the standby power market. The well publicised home building target has been the subject of much analysis. The project may benefit from the relaxation of planning rules but may also be hampered by the human resource shortage in the construction sector. The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) estimates that 251,500 additional construction workers are needed by 2028 to meet demand.
NISTA, the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority, was launched in April. It combines the functions of the National Infrastructure Commission and the Infrastructure and Projects Authority. NISTA has a key role in the piece as it aims to improve the delivery of infrastructure and major projects in the UK by bringing together strategy and delivery oversight. Its effectiveness will be judged over time if the equivalents of the decades long wait for a third Heathrow runway and the runaway costs of HS2 are avoided. The plan is for NISTA to set out a new Infrastructure Pipeline which, over time, will provide a single source of data across the major infrastructure market.
Prime Minister Starmer told a conference of business leaders last autumn that he was “Not in the business of picking winners” – nevertheless the eight sectors found deserving of a role in the government’s new Industrial Strategy may see themselves as winners picked for their potential for growth. The “IS-8” represent about 30% of the UK economy – and are estimated to be on average 27.1% more productive than the UK national average. The strategy sets out clear targets for each sector to reach by 2035.
Eyecatchers in the Industrial Strategy document include the promise to make electricity cheaper for manufacturing industries in the IS-8 and foundational industries and accelerating grid connection timelines for major investment projects. The two 10-year strategies are designed to outlast two parliaments with the incumbent government hoping that their administration can have at least matching longevity. As with all plans they may face being blown off course by the headwinds of events. For example, close upon the publication of the Industrial Strategy the government committed to the target of spending 5% of GDP on defence and security by the same deadline of 2035.
It was certainly a busy June for the government, as the poet wrote, “June is the time for dreams to take flight and soar into reality."
ʝ The UK’s Advanced Manufacturing sector will achieve a near doubling of business investment to £39 billion per year.
ʝ The UK will be Europe’s leading Defence exporter, will have closed the gap for venture capital investment into Defence with the US by half, and will radically reduce the time to contract across all segments of Defence procurements.
ʝ Business investment in frontier Clean Energy Industries will at least double to over £30 billion.
ʝ The UK will be the leading European hub to create, invest in, and scale fastgrowing Digital and Technology businesses, with £3 of private R&D investment in the sector for every £1 of public R&D funding.
ʝ The Creative Industries sector will significantly increase business investment to £31 billion.
ʝ The UK will be the location of choice for Financial Services firms to invest, grow, and sell their services to the world with the sector increasing its contribution of exports to UK GVA.
ʝ The UK will, by 2030, be the leading Life Sciences economy in Europe; and by 2035, the third most important Life Sciences economy globally, after the US and China.
ʝ The Professional and Business Services sector will double business investment to £65 billion.
Mecc Alte explain how to simplify genset fleet operations by incorporating the M3KS
The rental power market demands exceptional flexibility, durability and simplicity. Equipment must perform reliably across diverse sites and applications while being easy to deploy, monitor and maintain.
Mecc Alte, the world's largest independent alternator manufacturer, has developed integrated power solutions specifically designed to meet these unique challenges.
The M3KS is designed for Rental - intelligent flexibility for varied deployments
When one generator isn't enough, multiple units can work together to deliver the necessary power. Rental applications particularly benefit from this capability, as equipment must be quickly deployed in different configurations at various sites.
When generators operate in parallel, they need to share the electrical load evenly - similar to two people carrying a heavy object together.
The M3KS’ in-built DROOP and autotuning function manages this reactive current and load sharing automatically, eliminating the need for intensive onsite activity that is time consuming and labour intensive.
For OEMs, this integration simplifies design, reduces component count and improves overall system reliability. The autotuning feature further streamlines commissioning by automatically establishing stable operation parameters - the generators essentially figure out how to work together without complex manual programming, saving significant time during factory setup and ensuring consistent performance.
Rental fleet operators can quickly deploy and synchronise multiple generators without specialised configuration, while service engineers can replace AVRs without stability re-tuning - like swapping components without restarting the entire system. The M3KS' autorecovering of stability settings in case of undesired modification provides an additional safety net for maintenance personnel, preventing power disruptions due to incorrect adjustments.
In challenging environments such as construction sites, reliability and continuous uptime is essential. Engineered specifically for rental
applications, Mecc Alte's Rental ONE Power Component Kit (PCK) is built to last whether facing dust, vibration or constant relocation.
The Rental ONE's V-Type alternator, featuring the latest M3KS from the MxK Digital AVR series, is the result of Mecc Alte's collaboration with rental and hire companies, built for endurance and reliability with an advanced insulation system and Mecc Alte's exclusive VT+ heavy-duty winding treatment. Backed by an extended warranty, this is Mecc Alte's most resilient alternator ever, designed to deliver long, trouble-free periods of uptime even in tough conditions. Alternators remain open ventilated and without penalty of oversize or commercial impact.
This comprehensive kit also provides a GC400 controller, ideally suited for managing different types of parallel applications. The GC400 version is perfect for applications where load management in multi-sets is required to avoid interruptions to the load supply, with efficiency of sets in operation. With built-in GPRS/GPS tracking, it's particularly valuable for rental applications to asset track and monitor equipment.
The seamless integration between the M3KS AVR and the GC400 controller through CANbus communication enables comprehensive system management optimising paralleling capabilities, with a single safe HMI. This intelligent connectivity allows monitoring and troubleshooting of power situations even when away from site – an invaluable tool for rental fleet managers responsible for equipment deployed across multiple locations.
For rental businesses where equipment reliability directly impacts customer satisfaction and profitability, these components indicate Mecc Alte's commitment to providing intelligent power to facilitate the circumstances end-users and operators face using hired equipment. OEMs benefit from simplified designs with fewer components, rental operators enjoy reduced maintenance requirements, and end-users receive consistent, reliable power regardless of application or location.
To explore how MxK or The Rental ONE can enhance your rental power applications, speak to your local Mecc Alte team > www. meccalte.com
Our thanks once again to PowerGen’s Roman Mocaër in providing this commentary on market trends in key sales segments.
The generator market in Europe is now following different growth trends, depending on power nodes and applications, but today we can distinguish three trends in relation to: Rental/Mobile, Data Centers and Other Standby.
Generally speaking, the market is still growing, thanks to Data Centers but let’s have a look at the different sales segments:
After several years of growth - driven by the post-COVID recovery and major construction projects - this segment experienced a sharp decline in 2024, dropping by 40%. The downturn is primarily due to a slowdown in construction activity across Europe, as well as the conclusion of one-off events like the Olympics, which had significantly boosted the French market in 2023.
Looking ahead, 2025 is expected to remain relatively stable, albeit at low market levels, with no significant recovery anticipated before 2026. However, this segment has specific characteristics in terms of generator usage. Although rental companies are currently reducing investments due to underutilized fleets, the market is inherently cyclical. After two years of low investment, a rebound is expected, starting in 2026.
One notable trend is the increasing use of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), which now account for around 10% of
rental generator volumes. These are often used alongside Stage V generators to help manage their specific technical requirements. The share of BESS is growing and is projected to reach 15–20% over the next few years.
As we reported in the Spring issue of AMPS Power, this segment is experiencing rapid growth, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15% over the next five years. This expansion is occurring globally, including in Europe. The UK currently hosts the highest number of established data centers, but Germany has emerged as the leader in new data center installations. Other countries such as France, Italy, and Spain are also seeing strong growth.
The rise of AI is driving demand to new heights, despite challenges related to environmental regulations and grid availability in certain regions.
It’s also worth noting the recent entry of new players in the engine and generator set market. While four manufacturers— MTU, Kohler (Rehlko), Caterpillar, and Cummins—still dominate around 80% of the European data center generator segment, the sector’s rapid expansion has attracted broader interest. Several manufacturers have introduced new engines specifically designed for this application, which could reshape the competitive landscape (at least for small to medium-sized colocation
data centers). Companies like Himoinsa (in collaboration with Yanmar), Moteurs Baudouin (offering both engines and generator sets) are emerging as viable alternatives.
After a few years of heightened demand— driven by post-COVID recovery and concerns over the energy crisis triggered by the conflict in Ukraine and gas supply uncertainties—this segment declined in 2024 for two main reasons: a return to normal market conditions and a significant buildup of inventory, particularly in generators below 400 kVA.
Whilst the market is not expected to return to the exceptional levels seen in 2022–2023, 2025 is projected to show improvement over 2024, largely due to the reduction in excess stock.
In the short-medium term, the impact of recent events such as the blackout in Spain and Portugal and the Heathrow Airport shutdown should also be closely monitored. These incidents have likely heightened awareness among governments, local authorities, and businesses of the critical need for reliable emergency standby power solutions.
For more information on PowerGen services and statistics go to www. powergen-statistics.com
The historic One Great George Street, within earshot of Parliament’s Division Bell, again hosted AMPS’ AGM, Conference and Lunch.
The sold-out event featured expert speakers covering topics as diverse as the Purple Transition (Professor Simon Michaux), getting the best out of Artificial Intelligence (Rob May) and Market Trend Influences (James Dorling). Bill Esterson MP also spoke on the work of his Commons Select Committee for Energy Security and Net Zero See the following pages for some of the speakers’ insights.
Lunchtime speaker was football legend Bruce Grobbelaar – a man with 6 league titles and the European Cup to his name.
AMPS RECORDS ITS THANKS TO THE SPONSORS OF ANOTHER GREAT DAY AT ONE GREAT GEORGE STREET
plan explained by Simon P. Michaux , Senior Scientist, MTR Mineral Economic Solutions Unit, Geological Survey of Finland.
As society moves to phase out fossil fuels, a comprehensive industrial transition is essential. Even a successful Green Transition may lack the capacity and flexibility of fossil fuels, with raw material supply potentially becoming a bottleneck. If the green plan falls short, alternative strategies must focus on ensuring reliable, stable, and low-impact electricity, delivered efficiently and with minimal material use, to support a resilient, sustainable future.
Additionally, we require a low-energy transport network capable of long-distance movement, and a self-reliant manufacturing system producing durable, recyclable technology units with minimal waste.
Society must also balance human and ecological systems, supporting tasks like ocean plastic cleanup, land rehabilitation, and replacing petrochemical fertilizers. Managing resources responsibly, reimagining sourcing methods, and embracing unorthodox solutions will be essential if and when conventional methods fail.
The proposed Purple Transition centres on five core technologies within a rethought resource sector, offering a strategic counter to the impracticality of current plans.
Each of the new technologies proposed, are all based on scientific principles, and engineering methodology that is now mature. All but one of these technologies are in the advanced stages of being commercialised.
This approach reorganizes our industrial system, enabling it to shrink in size and decentralize, resulting in simpler, smaller units and many existing plants remaining operational, improving efficiency and resilience.
An EV fleet is needed but will use alternative batteries, such as sodium, fluoride, or zinc, instead of lithium-ion.
with hydrogen or syngas. This syngas could be produced through pyrolysis of human sewage, transforming waste into an energy source.
Long range transport, for example the maritime shipping industry, and intercity freight trains would be powered by ammonia fuelled internal combustion engines.
Though unorthodox, this industrial system faces fewer barriers and bottlenecks than ongoing fossil fuel use or the current Green Transition.
A thorium molten salt reactor (MSR) uses liquid thorium fluoride salt as both fuel and coolant, operating at high temperatures for efficient energy conversion. It breeds uranium-233 from thorium-232, offering inherent safety, low waste, and high thermal efficiency. It’s considered a promising, sustainable option for future nuclear power.
Burning fine iron powder could replace coal in high-temperature manufacturing, generating almost no emissions. The iron oxidizes into rust, which can be recycled into sponge iron by removing oxygen
These ideas are documented in full in Scenario HI and supporting appendices in this report –
“Assessment of the scope of tasks to completely phase out fossil fuels in Hawai‘i”.
Link> https://tupa.gtk.fi/raportti/arkisto/29_2025.pdf - see Page 461 of Main Report / Page 477 of pdf.
The AMPS Conference in April, featured a keynote talk from Rob May on Harnessing AI, which offered an engaging, down-to-earth look at what AI really means for the way we work.
Rob, founder of ramsac and a widely respected voice in cybersecurity and AI leadership, opened with a reminder that’s easy to forget: AI isn’t about replacing people, it’s about assisting them. Or in his words, “It’s a Copilot, not an Autopilot.”
The session cut through the hype and got to the heart of the matter. AI is everywhere, yes, but that doesn’t mean it’s always being used well. Rob urged us to maintain a healthy scepticism in a world of “AI washing” and focus on practical outcomes. The key question isn’t “What is AI?” but rather, “What process are you trying to improve?”
One of the most valuable takeaways was on prompting, the single biggest skill gap for many professionals right now. And that’s exactly where Rob’s latest book, Prompt Smart, comes in.
Prompt Smart is written for leaders, learners and anyone trying to get real work done with AI. It is a practical guide packed with 100 hands-on lessons to help you write better prompts, get clearer results and build confidence using AI at work. There’s no jargon, no dense theory, just straightforward techniques that you can apply today.
As Rob put it, “We all know AI is everywhere, but very few people know how to prompt it well. That’s the skill that makes the difference.”
Whether you're running a team, empowering your staff, or simply sharpening your own skills, Prompt Smart is designed with you in mind. It’s available now on Amazon, designed for learners and built for better business. As we look ahead, the message is clear: AI isn’t going to slow down. But we can get smarter, together. And that starts by giving ourselves and our teams the tools to succeed.
Let’s continue the journey with intention. Start with a strategy, not just another app. Include your people. Train every level. And as Rob reminded us, AI won’t replace humans, but humans using AI will replace those who don’t.
You can download free prompting resources at www.ramsac.com/ prompting and find Prompt Smart on Amazon now. If you read it, use it, or share it, Rob would love to hear your feedback.
Let’s keep learning, keep experimenting, and most of all, keep the human at the heart of the machine.
his market
based on his presentation to the
The world is entering an era of unprecedented energy demand. By 2050, we may need two to three times more electricity generation than we had in 2020, depending on the forecast. This shift is driven by the electrification of transport, heating, and industry, as well as the digital infrastructure supporting AI and data services.
Building this low-carbon future is a multi-decade process. It involves construction, retrofitting, decentralisation, and the rollout of new fuel and storage systems. Throughout this transition, one technology will quietly ensure continuity: the internal combustion genset. Gensets are not the driving force of the transition, but they are its safety net. As new systems are built and existing ones strained, gensets will provide resilience in the background, supporting construction, backing up infrastructure, and bridging gaps during outages or delays. From residential to data centre, their importance is only growing.
This is where gensets, particularly high-powered diesel and gas units, continue to play a crucial role. They are the safety net beneath the high-wire act of modern energy systems. While the future includes hydrogen, low-carbon alternative fuel, battery storage, and hybrid solutions, the dependable genset remains the anchor. Demand for large-scale units over 1.5MW, particularly for data centres, mining, and heavy infrastructure, is expected to surge over the next decade.
However, global competition is intensifying. Chinese manufacturers are expanding quickly, especially in Africa and the Middle East. These are high-growth regions where long-term influence is at stake. This is no longer just a volume race, but one of strategic positioning and lasting relationships.
Legislation adds another layer of complexity. Stage V in Europe has already been disruptive, and Stage VI is expected around 2031-33. In
the United States, California and several other states are preparing Tier 5 rules by 2028. Whether the EPA follows and makes it a nationwide requirement remains uncertain.
Still, regulatory pressure brings opportunity. European manufacturers, having already navigated the world’s most stringent emissions standards, are well placed to export both technology and expertise as global markets align.
In summary, the genset sector is evolving. Over the next 10 to 15 years, both volume and value will grow. By blending proven reliability with emerging low-carbon technologies, gensets will remain a vital part of the global energy future.
KGP Automotive Intelligence are members of AMPS – find out more about their services at https://www.kgpauto.com/.
Chart: Genset Production by Compliance Globally
Genset Production by Emissions Legislation (000s)
Source: KGP Auto Global Non-Road Powertrain Forecast Q1 2025
Bill Esterson MP , Chair of the Commons Select Committee for Energy Security and Net Zero took time out from his parliamentary duties to address the AMPS Conference – and acknowledge AMPS’ contributions to the work of his committee.
Last year AMPS was selected from over 200 organisations to be one of the expert industry advisers chosen to present our strategy to the then newly formed Energy Security and Net Zero Committee. Mr Esterson explained the role of the Committee in providing key inputs into the policies of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). He thanked AMPS for its constructive role, together with other trade bodies, in inputting its practical perspective on net zero challenges. This was a further example of the increasing influence of AMPS on issues of public policy.
AMPS used the occasion of its 2025 AGM to formally sign an agreement to endorse the CESAR ECV initiative – the plant marking and registration scheme designed to help tackle machine theft and support emissions compliance.
The CESAR Scheme, established in 2008 and owned by the Construction Equipment Association (CEA), is the official UK security and registration scheme for construction and agricultural equipment. It has been instrumental in reducing theft and protecting over 650,000 machines. CESAR ECV (Emissions Compliance Verification) extends the system’s benefits, offering a quick and reliable way to
Peeps HR specialise in providing HR support and advice to small UK businesses in the engineering, manufacturing and distribution sectors.
To find out how the forthcoming changes to the Employment Rights Act will a ect your business and how Jayne and associates can make sure that you are ready for them, get in touch now.
verify a machine’s emissions category. The system uses tamperevident, colour-coded labels featuring a unique alphanumeric code linked securely to the machine’s CESAR identity.
Under the new arrangement, AMPS members will also benefit from a discounted rate for CESAR ECV kits.
AMPS DG Alan Beech stated: “Any effort to combat crime—whether theft or the blatant disregard for the law—deserves strong support. As the representative of AMPS, I am proud to endorse this initiative because it is simply the right thing to do.”
JCB, a long-standing AMPS member and one of the world’s leading construction and power equipment manufacturers, is the first to adopt the scheme. JCB plans to fit CESAR ECV across its RS range of Stage V generators, which have been specifically developed for the power rental market. As a major brand, JCB’s decision to lead the adoption of CESAR ECV is seen as a significant endorsement of the scheme’s value in strengthening equipment security and meeting the growing demand for emissions transparency.
Viki Bell, Chief Executive of the CEA, welcomed the announcement, saying: “The AMPS membership represents some of the most important businesses in the power sector. Having a major name like JCB leading the way sets a strong example for the wider industry.” Kevin Howells, MD of Datatag ID, CESAR’s delivery partner, added: “CESAR has become a recognised and trusted system across the construction and agricultural markets. Extending its reach into the power sector through AMPS shows the value industry places on clear, reliable machine identification. We are proud to support AMPS members in strengthening both their security and environmental standards.”
CESAR ECV gives AMPS members a straightforward way to help protect valuable equipment and meet the growing focus on emissions compliance across the rental and construction markets.
For more information see https://www.cesarscheme.org/.
What
to
Several social, political, and economic factors are converging to reshape employment law. The post-pandemic shift toward flexible working, a growing emphasis on employee wellbeing, and a push for greater inclusivity and fairness in the workplace have all placed pressure on lawmakers to modernise employment protections.
While not all changes have been finalised, a number of reforms are widely anticipated — and businesses would be wise to start preparing now.
While specifics are still emerging, these are some of the likely areas where updates to the Employment Rights Act may occur:
ʝ Protected Employment Rights from Day One: One of the most significant expected changes is the extension of certain employment protections to begin on an employee's first day, rather than after a qualifying period. This may include rights related to unfair dismissal, redundancy pay, and flexible working, signalling a shift toward stronger job security from the outset.
ʝ Flexible Working as a Day-One Right: Current rules allow employees to request flexible working after 26 weeks. The new reforms may shift this to a day-one right, requiring businesses to review how roles can accommodate different working patterns from the outset.
ʝ Extended Redundancy Protections: Pregnant employees and those returning from maternity, adoption, or shared parental leave may receive greater protection against redundancy for a longer post-leave period.
ʝ Carer’s Leave: A new statutory right to unpaid leave for employees with long-term caring responsibilities is expected to be introduced.
ʝ Enhanced Predictability for Workers: Measures may be brought in to offer more predictable hours and contracts for individuals in insecure or irregular work — particularly those in the gig economy or zero-hours arrangements.
ʝ Improved Enforcement and Penalties: There may be increased scrutiny of employer compliance and a tightening of penalties for non-compliance with core employment rights.
Jayne Boucher, Peeps HR
While the exact legislative timetable is still unfolding, now is the right time to assess your organisation’s readiness. Here are a few proactive steps to consider:
1. Review Current Policies
Audit your HR policies and employment contracts to identify areas that may be impacted — particularly around probationary periods, flexible working, leave entitlements, and redundancy procedures.
2. Train Line Managers
Your managers are on the front lines of implementing employment law. Make sure they understand both current obligations and likely upcoming changes.
3. Foster a Culture of Openness and Flexibility
Many of the anticipated reforms align with broader employee expectations around fairness, flexibility, and support. Start cultivating these values now to ease the transition.
4. Stay Informed
Employment law is a fast-moving landscape. Assign someone in your organisation to monitor updates or subscribe to relevant newsletters and briefings.
5. Align HR systems
It will be even more important to ensure that key dates are not missed, and the correct procedures are followed particularly probationary period review dates.
6. Get help from your HR Advisors
They can help identify risks and advise on gradual adjustments, rather than scrambling to comply at the last minute.
The upcoming changes to the Employment Rights Act represent more than a legal shift — they reflect a broader transformation in how work is viewed and valued. By preparing early and embracing a forward-thinking mindset, business leaders can turn legal compliance into a competitive advantage, attracting and retaining top talent in an increasingly employee-conscious market.
BioteCH4, a UK-based commercial food waste management company, has implemented a decentralised microgrid and hybrid energy solution at its Holme Bioenergy site in North Yorkshire.
The system combines Combined Heat and Power (CHP) engines, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), and Standby Generation to overcome grid limitations, reduce carbon emissions, and cut energy costs by 50% annually.
ʝ Energy Resilience: The microgrid operates in island mode due to grid constraints, with 1MW/1hr BESS ensuring stable power.
ʝ CO2 Reduction: Transitioning from diesel to gas CHP saves 2,500 tonnes of CO2 annually.
ʝ Cost Savings: Lower operational costs following the end of the UK’s red diesel rebate scheme.
ʝ Future-Proofing: Hydrogen-ready CHP and potential green HVO diesel backup support long-term sustainability.
Holme Bioenergy processes 80,000 tonnes of organic waste annually, producing 11MWth of biogas through anaerobic digestion (AD). Upgraded to biomethane, this renewable gas is injected into the national grid, supporting a circular economy.
Previously reliant on diesel generators due to no grid connection, rising fuel costs and sustainability goals prompted BioteCH4 to adopt gas CHP and BESS. The hybrid system, designed by Edina, integrates:
ʝ Two 1.2MWe MWM hydrogen-ready gas engines configured for CHP (90% energy efficiency in winter).
ʝ 1MW BESS to stabilise load demands.
ʝ Standby diesel generator (future HVO-compatible) for backup.
ʝ Private wire network enabling surplus power export to neighbouring businesses.
Edina, a distributed energy solutions provider for CHP and a systemintegrator for battery energy storage system (BESS) solutions, proposed a microgrid hybrid solution co-locating reciprocating gas engines and battery energy storage, controlled by an energy management system.
Edina supplied and installed two, duty and standby, hydrogen-ready CHP plants rated at 1.2MW electrical output each. The heat output from the gas engines is captured and meets the site process demand for heating and hot water and achieves energy utilisation of up to 90% during the winter months, which is significant when comparing import grid electricity and conventional heat production.
When compared to the previous diesel power generation, the transition to gas CHP saves the site an additional 2,500 tonnes CO2 per year and reduces site energy costs by 50% per year.
The inclusion of a 1MW one hour duration BESS provides energy resilience and smooths out the site energy demand to within the operating load step capabilities of the baseload gas engines. The BESS includes three CATL EnerOne Li-Ion LFP racks, EPC inverter, and Edina Energy Management System pre-mounted on an Edina engineered skid.
Finally, a standby diesel generator with the potential to be fuelled by green Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) provides an additional level of energy resilience.
The inclusion of a private wire network allows BioteCH4 to export surplus power to its neighbouring engineering and construction business Park Fabrications for expansion and business growth.
Russ Baker, Chief Technical Officer, concluded, “The team of experts we have both within the group and those we chose to partner with allow us the flexibility to adapt in times of change and we’re in a fortunate position that our business is agile enough to implement that change relatively quickly so we recognise the benefits quicker too.”
By combining CHP, BESS, and Standby Generation, BioteCH4 ensures energy security, cost efficiency, and progress toward netzero - setting a benchmark for sustainable waste management.
The solution aligns with BioteCH4’s commitment to carbon neutrality, offering flexibility for renewable fuel use. Following this success, BioteCH4 has replicated the model at its R100 Energy site in Goole, deploying two 1MWe CHP units and a 1MW BESS.
BioteCH4’s microgrid hybrid solution proves that energy resilience, cost savings, and sustainability are within reach - even with grid constraints.
Is your business facing similar challenges? Visit Edina today at www.edina.eu to explore how CHP, Battery Storage, and Standby Generation can secure your power, cut costs, and accelerate your net-zero journey.
In an era where industrial air management has become critical to operational efficiency and environmental compliance, Bradford-based Mansfield Pollard stands as a testament to British manufacturing and innovation.
What started as a small sheet metal business in 1866 has grown into one of the UK's leading specialists in industrial air handling units, acoustic control products, and data centre cooling solutions. But it's the last few years that have really set Mansfield Pollard apart.
CEO Lou Ellis-Frankland led a management buyout in 2020, taking full ownership just three weeks before the pandemic hit. Rather than holding back, the company pushed forward, and the results speak for themselves. The company’s 20% year-on-year growth trajectory positions Mansfield Pollard to achieve its ambitious £50 million turnover target by 2026.
Strategic investment has been central to this growth story. The company recently consolidated operations into a single 321,000 square foot manufacturing facility, more than doubling available production space. This move, combined with investment in industryleading machinery, has significantly improved production times and enhanced operational capabilities. The facility includes a state-ofthe-art 10,000 square foot office space designed with employee wellbeing at its core, featuring collaboration spaces, nap rooms, and a free-to-use gym.
Mansfield Pollard's commitment to workplace culture has earned widespread recognition. Last year alone the company achieved a haul of accolades: the coveted Sunday Times Best Places to Work award,
UK Employer of the Year, People Excellence in SMEs, and Yorkshire Medium Business of the Year
Sustainability runs deep at Mansfield Pollard, which has been carbon negative for five continuous years. The company has achieved a 35% reduction in CO2 emissions per £1 million turnover in the past year alone - well above its 20% target. Mansfield Pollard’s commitment demonstrates that growth and environmental responsibility go hand in hand when sustainability becomes part of the business DNA.
The company's expanding capabilities include cutting-edge enclosures and containers, exemplified by the launch of their marketfirst ALX Aluminium Enclosure - a lightweight, high-performance acoustics solution. The ALX is redefining standards for power generation and industrial applications, combining superior acoustic performance with an industry-leading strength-to-weight ratio.
With a strong pipeline of national projects and continued investment in research and development, Mansfield Pollard shows how traditional British manufacturing can thrive. The combination of technical expertise, dedicated leadership, and genuine care for both employees and the environment has created a business that's built to last, and grow, for another 155 years.
For more information see https://www.mansfieldpollard.co.uk
An exclusive offer* to provide private medical plans for members of AMPS has been arranged with HMCA, including a £100 gift card or £150 off your first-year subscription upon joining a private medical plan.
If you already have a private medical plan, are you paying too much? You could save money by transferring to HMCA. Why not request a no obligation quote ahead of your renewal? You may transfer to HMCA at any age, without a medical examination and will receive guaranteed acceptance under our transfer facility.
This offer is also available to you if you do not currently have private medical cover. With hospital waiting lists at a record high, there has never been a better time to start a private medical plan.
ʝ Your choice of hospital and specialist
ʝ NHS queues avoided
ʝ No age limits
ʝ Tax free NHS cash benefit
ʝ Claims settled promptly
ʝ Excellent UK based service
HMCA offer four levels of private medical plans for individuals, family groups and companies as well as dental plans, hospital cash plans, travel plans and vehicle breakdown recovery. Our many years of experience ensures we have a plan to suit your needs at the best possible price.
The Hospital Sickness & Injury Money Plan provides tax free cash should you need to stay in hospital overnight as a result of sickness or injury.
The Dental Plan provides cover for routine examinations, hygiene, X-rays, and remedial and restorative treatment with a private or NHS dentist. Cover is also provided for emergencies, accidents and oral cancer.
The Travel Plan provides medical expenses cover up to £10 million when you travel overseas. You can cover single trips inexpensively and regular travellers can have an annual contract.
The Breakdown Recovery Club gives full cover, at a low cost, for home-starts, roadside assistance and recovery following an accident or breakdown.
HMCA was established over 45 years ago and has grown to be one of the most successful membership benefit providers in the UK. HMCA membership is also one of the most exclusive as our plans are only available to the members of trade, professional and membership groups and subscribers of select publications. Therefore, HMCA is not on any comparison website. You will not see HMCA advertising to the general public and this means minimal marketing costs so we can arrange comprehensive and flexible medical plans that are great value for money.
For further information and quotations, contact HMCA by telephone on 01423 799949 or visit the exclusive HMCA AMPS website here: https://www.hmca.co.uk/amps
HMCA/SPLC(tradingasHospitalandMedicalCareAssociation,HMCAandHMCAMembers)isauthorisedandregulatedbytheFinancialConductAuthority (FRN:307587).HMCA/sPLCisacompanyregisteredinEngland,companynumber:01362094,registeredoffice:BeechHall,Knaresborough,NorthYorkshire,HG50EA. *Exclusive offer available to members of AMPS and other selected membership groups.
In today’s construction and mining sectors, sustainability isn’t optional — it’s operational. Large infrastructure contractors are embedding emissions requirements into tenders, putting new pressure on equipment rental providers to deliver low-emission solutions that work as hard as the machines they replace.
Volvo Penta is enabling this shift with a hybrid power system purpose-built for real-world use: our compact, robust, mobile Battery Energy Storage Subsystem (BESS) is designed to integrate seamlessly with our proven Stage V diesel generator engines. The result is a fully integrated solution that is designed to deliver low emissions, high uptime, and unmatched durability — all without compromise.
Volvo Penta’s hybrid power system combines a proven Stage V diesel engine with a 10ft battery energy storage unit — delivering flexible, low-emission performance in real-world rental and construction environments.
This is not a stationary or delicate energy system. Volvo Penta’s BESS is a robust mobile power unit, engineered from a platform already proven in the toughest on- and off-highway environments within the Volvo Group.
With an IP6K9K rating, the system is fully dust-tight and capable of
withstanding high-pressure, high-temperature water jets. It shrugs off the vibration, dust, moisture, and temperature swings common in ports, mining sites, and remote construction zones — making it ideal for mobile applications and temporary power deployments.
This is real-world resilience, not lab-tested theory.
At the core of a hybrid BESS system is one of Volvo Pentas Stage V engine range, working together with our proven battery system — efficient, power-dense, and emissions-compliant.
In this hybrid set up, the battery takes on low loads, peak shaving, and hushed operation, allowing the engine to run at optimal efficiency or shut down when not needed — all without compromising power availability.
Volvo Penta systems are designed for seamless integration with OEM generator sets, the hybrid system can enable rental companies to upgrade their fleets without major changes.
Volvo Penta’s approach to hybrid power is grounded in one principle: solutions must be robust enough for the realities of industrial work. With a compact mobile, rugged battery system and a globally trusted Stage V engine platform, we offer a hybrid power solution that’s integration ready, without compromising on performance, durability, or flexibility.
If you would like more information about our hybrid power solution, please don’t hesitate to contact Volvo Penta at support.pentauk.industrial@volvo.com
Learn more: https://www.volvopenta.com/en-gb/
Following on from our previous AMPS Power article introducing the AMPS Technical Committee (TC), this update focuses on the Working Groups (WGs) that drive much of the Committee’s technical output. These groups are central to AMPS' efforts to monitor developments, contribute to policy discussions, and support members across a range of regulatory and technical areas.
The TC is structured around specialist Working Groups that address key topics of interest to AMPS members. These groups are where most of the technical work is done—whether through collaboration within the group or participation in British and international standards bodies.
Working Groups rarely meet in person. Instead, they typically operate via email and conference calls. Group leads submit written updates ahead of each TC meeting, allowing the main committee meetings to remain concise and focused.
Topics for WGs are typically identified through feedback from the AMPS Council and wider membership. All TC members are expected to contribute by joining a WG or participating in external standards work—many do both. This involvement not only benefits the wider AMPS community but also provides early insights into upcoming regulatory changes.
Due to the cyclical nature of standards reviews and the timing of government consultations, the level of activity in each group may vary over time.
This group monitors legislation and compliance issues related to materials and components used in members’ products. The primary areas of focus are:
ʝ RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances)
ʝ WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) and…
ʝ REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals)
Although these are EU directives, the group also closely monitors UK-specific developments to identify any regulatory divergence post-Brexit.
Grid codes define the technical requirements for connecting generators and loads to the UK’s electricity networks. Changes to these codes can affect equipment manufacturers, system designers, integrators, and maintenance providers.
WG2 focuses on both GB and EU grid codes and maintains regular contact with the Energy Networks Association (ENA) and the National Energy System Operator (NESO). Current priorities include:
ʝ The emerging RfG2 regulations, which are expected to influence revisions to GB’s G98 and G99
ʝ OFGEM’s network code reform programme, which seeks to simplify and consolidate existing codes
Noise remains a significant issue in our sector. WG4 has recently worked with trade bodies such as the Construction Equipment Association and the Institute of Acoustics to retain alignment with the EU Noise Directive. This ensures that a single test method remains valid for both UK and EU markets, streamlining project specification and product comparison.
The group also contributes to BSI standards work, including ongoing efforts to uphold BS7445 as the benchmark for environmental sound measurement.
WG5 is involved in shaping emission standards through collaboration with European trade bodies (e.g. Europgen, EuroMot) and UK regulators. The group has also contributed to Environment Agency guidance and emission calculation tools.
Key topics include:
ʝ Non-Road Mobile Machinery (NRMM)
ʝ Stage V emissions standards
ʝ The Medium Combustion Plant Directive (MCPD) and UKspecified generator legislation
ʝ Air quality policies such as London’s SPG, Clean Air Zones, and the UK Clean Air Strategy
Originally focused on diesel, this group’s remit has expanded to include alternative fuels such as HVO, biogas, biomethane, and hydrogen.
WG6 continues to engage with other industry bodies to coordinate positions on emerging fuel technologies and policies.
This group leads AMPS’ engagement with ISO 8528, the primary international standard for gensets. Current work includes:
ʝ Final review of ISO 8528-5 (Generating Sets)
ʝ Updates to ISO 8528-4 (Controls), including a new annex
ʝ Proposals for small gensets under ISO 8528-5
ʝ Ongoing revisions to ISO 8528-13 (Safety), particularly for highvoltage sets
WG7 also monitors broader standards, referring topic-specific standards to the relevant groups where appropriate.
This recently formed group was established in response to member concerns about a lack of standards and guidance in the growing BESS sector. While still in its early stages, WG8 will become increasingly important as adoption accelerates.
WG9 has been focusing on the transition from the EU Machinery Directive to the new Machinery Regulation. This shift affects numerous referenced standards, and the group is working to prevent unintended consequences for AMPS members.
EMC relates to the emission and immunity of equipment with respect to electromagnetic interference. While activity here has been relatively low, proposed regulatory changes are being monitored closely.
The composition and focus of Working Groups evolve in response to industry needs. Recent changes, such as the creation of the BESS WG, reflect this adaptability. Potential future groups may cover topics including Data Centres, Microgrids, ESG, and Trade Policy.
If you would like to learn more or are interested in participating in a Working Group, please contact the Technical Secretary at techsec@amps.org.uk.
AMPS Power thanks Chris Marsland (AMPS TC chair) and Bernard Gospel (AMPS Technical Secretary) for contributing this briefing article.
The Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) represents hirers of construction machinery and is the largest representative organisation for that sector in the UK with almost 2,000 members. This covers an extremely broad range of machinery from diggers, dumpers and telehandlers, to cranes, pumps and generators.
There is a growing push from the public sector to decarbonise these machines. London aims to ban large diesel equipment on construction sites by 2040, government department DESNZ are currently working on a decarbonisation strategy for off-road machinery, and the UK Climate Change Committee expects a third of NRMM to be powered by alternatives to fossil fuels by 2030.
Predicting the future always attracts scepticism, especially in this diverse and inherently specialist industry. There are good use cases for low-carbon equipment, but there are also a lot of ifs and buts. Determining the best solution for each site is a technical consideration and can depend on a huge range of factors like weather conditions, location, space on site, health & safety, local infrastructure and intensity of use, and this is not nearly a comprehensive list. Some low-carbon equipment can save sites money, but that isn’t always the case. For the vast majority of sites, going zero-emission from start to finish is not viable (yet).
Gazing at a 25-year horizon is getting us nowhere, it’s too far away, both in time and reach. If government want to engage businesses, they need to make the narrative relatable to the present day, and to sites of all shapes and sizes. Power management is a good example of this, as it could incorporate anything from sensible generator sizing, through to an advanced micro-grid with renewables and
battery storage. The more advanced options will not be available, affordable or appropriate for all sites, but there will almost always be something within that broad range of solutions that they can do.
These pragmatic approaches will require decision makers to show an interest in the technical details, so they can assess environmental claims and maintain reasonable expectations. There will also need to be mechanisms in place to ensure that commitments are upheld.
Later this year, CPA will be supporting a major sustainability feature at PlantWorx 2025, the Site Sustainability Showcase sponsored by Prolectric. It will not only demonstrate what’s currently possible and best use cases, but also discuss the practical considerations and challenges ahead to facilitate honest and open conversations about the realistic pace of decarbonisation in the sector. We’ll also be delivering tailored briefings to government regulators, public bodies, and environmental NGOs.
Come along to PlantWorx and stop by the stand, we’re more than happy to have a chat about this ever-evolving topic from a plant-hire perspective.
Thanks to Luis Bassett of the CPA for this article. The PlantWorx exhibition takes place from 23rd to 25th September at the Newark Showground.
Bernard Gospel
Technical Committee Secretary TechSec@AMPS.org.uk
This is a series of articles on the topic of the history of engineering from AMPS’ Technical Secretary Bernard Gospel . The articles are loosely based on the BBC radio programmes and podcasts ‘A History of The World In 100 objects’ and ‘50 Things That Made the Modern Economy’. This is the final part of the Roman Aqueducts story.
Marcus Drusus Sulla, Aquarius of the Aqua Augusta, was being interrogated concerning the operation of the aqueduct suppling Naples.
One of the Councillors was studying the plan. “Why does the aqueduct not follow the road?” he asked.
“The army set the roads out in a straight line wherever possible,” replied Marcus, “But aqueducts follow the contours of the land, as I said earlier, but falling gently to maintain flow.”
Marcus realised that the audience might
not understand the layout of the aqueduct system, as depicted on the plan and the section.
“If you look at the plan and section together, you will see that the librator has marked when the aqueduct is elevated over the wide valley near Napoli and where the aqueduct passes through a hill in a tunnel, the remainder is a channel as I described, with square slabs covering the channel. The structure cannot be seen as it is covered by earth to a depth of about a passus. Every one hundred passus there will be a manhole and shaft to allow access for inspection. To warn farmers about
planting crops near the aqueduct, there is a cippi, every ten passus on either side of the aqueduct.”
To Marcus’ surprise Pliny just said, “We are a lot wiser, listening to the Aquarius, shall we move on?” Pliny nodded to the Curator. The Curator cleared his throat, ‘always a sign of trouble,’ thought Marcus.
“As Curator I have records of all the decrees permitting connections to the aqueduct,” he said, looking across where his clerk had a pile of rolls at a small table. “For each,” he continued, “we have records of the fees paid. This money less expenses of operating the aqueduct is paid to the Emperor and audited by his staff.”
Marcus saw where this was going, someone was abstracting water, and they did not know how, but the man had friends in high places, the meeting had to be sure before they accused anyone of theft. Marcus nodded, “The same system as Rome,” he agreed.
“There is a vineyard, near to the start of the aqueduct section which branches to Pompeii, which thrives.” The Curator paused, embarrassed.
Marcus knew he had to help, “But the vineyard has no permit, which has perhaps been lost?” he said. The Curator smiled, grateful for the help.
“Like you, Aquarius, I took over this position after the death of my predecessor, his records were in a poor state, and took some while to resolve. There may have been some permits issued and not recorded.” The Curator said.
Marcus had the full problem now, to ask a senior roman citizen if he had a permit, would be tantamount to accusing him of theft. If he has friends in Rome, then the Curator might lose his easy well-paid job collecting fees and receiving bribes for helping speed up the bureaucratic process of obtaining a permit. Once the wasps’ nest had been disturbed, the Emperor could well send his auditors to check if there were any more wrongdoings with the Emperor’s money. All this under the nominal control of the Council, no wonder they were all worried!
“Does the vineyard have an imperial callix?” Marcus asked. He thought the Curator was going to burst into tears. “Our records are incomplete,” he said quietly.
The imperial callix was an official pipe used
as the first stage of the offtake from the aqueduct, usually from a castella. It was expensive, made of bronze and with the emperor’s seal and the diameter of the callix in pes stamped. The imperial callix was given with the decree authorising the permit.
‘So, we have an irrigated vineyard, with its own spring, which was possible, otherwise the water came from the nearby aqueduct, perhaps with a permit, perhaps not.
The emperor might be angry that one of his friends was stealing his water, or happy that he was. ‘It’s like the children’s story,’ thought Marcus, ‘They knew the gold was under the dragon, but who would lift the dragon’s tail?’
Marcus realised that it was his aqueduct and his water. His problem since he should know where the water goes. He realised one thing, his predecessor’s transfer to Syria was voluntary, who would want to have the responsibility of unravelling this? Even Homs could look attractive!
Marcus decided to make a statement to make it look as though he was taking an instruction. “Gentlemen,” he said, “Thank you for the interest in the Aqua Augusta and its operation and maintenance. I have listened to your concern and will commence at milepost thirty-two, near the first major offtake to service the citizens of Pompeii.” He paused and continued, “I consider that this section is typical of the rest of the aqueduct, and this will serve my report. For this, curator I will need to hire horses for me, and my clerk.”
Pliny spoke, “You will depart in the morning and present your initial report in four days.” He stood, his servant supporting him, meeting over.
In the morning, the group rode off along the military road east until past Pompeii. Then turned to the north. They intersected the aqueduct and turned left. Marcus noted the barren land, the two parallel rows of cippus and the cylindrical manholes just protruding above the ground.
The group came to a milestone, XXXII inscribed on it. Just ahead was a castella, the top slightly higher than the manhole covers. Marcus looked down to the valley below where he could see a vineyard laid out, in the distance a house, a patch of green in an otherwise barren landscape.
To Marcus’ surprise there was a patch of green to the south side of the castella, a
leak, perhaps? Above the gentle roar of the aqueduct could be heard a cascade somewhere, like a waterfall. On the south side of the castella was a square stone lined pit. On that wall of the castella was an opening with a stone shelf, pointing over the pit, a crude spout, over the spout poured a cascade of water, into the pit. This had been going on for some while, as the pit and pebble floor were lined in moss and ivy.
Marcus discussed this with the workman. This deliberate water spill was not unknown, in fact most aqueducts operated on what we now know as a ‘total loss system’. The source provided an excess to what was required at the termini, at the far end, and at intermediate towns, surplus water was spilled into the sewage system, to ensure that this system always flowed, and blockages prevented.
To the workmen and Marcus, this spill seemed excessive, could this be supplying the vineyard? Marcus instructed the workman to dig, adjacent to the pit. In the meantime, Marcus rode down the hill to the edge of the vineyard, looked about him, then returned up the hill.
The younger Pliny made some sketches of the result discovered by the workman before the group returned to Napoli.
On the fourth day the group reassembled near the Forum. Marcus made a presentation of their findings to the Council; he had dictated a list to his clerk:
1. The castella after milestone 32 was spilling water. The local work party had been questioned and had said that this had ‘always’ been the case, but none of them had worked there for more than ten years, the aqueduct had been built nearly one hundred years earlier.
2. The workman’s excavation had revealed a terracotta pipe from the pit, leading towards the vineyard. No imperial callix was found in place. Marcus’ ride to the valley bottom had revealed what appeared to be a spring, with a collection castella, used as a distribution point to irrigate the vineyard. Marcus had put his arm into that castella and could feel a pipe where the water flowed in, this might be from a natural spring, but there were no other springs in the area.
3. The workman had removed the manhole
cover from the mile 32 castella, the travertine level being at the same height as the water level showed that the aqueducts’ water level had not changed recently,
4. Marcus final point revealed all, the different colours of mortar and the position of the spout showed that the spill point had been modified from as built, being one course of stone lower that it should have been. Excess water was being deliberately spilled.
5. Marcus summed up: the spilled water was being piped to the vineyard, the pipe connection and the lowered spill point was not in the aqueduct’s inadequate records; the emperor’s water was being diverted from its purpose, but was any use of spilled, discarded water against the law? He left it to the council to act.
As far as we know, nothing of any consequence happened. These events took place in the year we now know as AD 79, in the month of July. On 20th August that year the mountain of Vesuvius reminded everyone in the locality that it was actually a volcano, erupting with one of the deadliest events in modern time. It was not known at the time that it was a volcano.
Pliny the Younger was at Misenum and wrote about the events. Pliny the Elder organised his
Roman unit English name Equal to Metric equivalent pes (plural: pedes) Roman foot 1 pes 296mm passus pace 5 pedes 1.48 m mille passuum Roman mile 5,000 pedes 1.48 km
navy to effect a rescue of the people across the bay of Naples affected by the eruption. Pliny the Elder did not survive the rescue.
ʝ Some of the details are taken from Robert Harris’ book ‘Pompeii’ ISBN 0-09-928261-5. The cover of the current publication seems to show a bridge aqueduct. It is unlikely this was from the Pompeii branch of the Aqua Augusta, or anywhere on the Augusta system! Mr Harris’s publishers borrowed an aqueduct, in return, we have borrowed his volcano!
ʝ There is much information on the internet about aqueducts. The book ‘Roman Aqueducts & Water Supply’ by A. Trevor Hodge ISBN 0 7156 3171 3 was published some years ago but gave TechSec a lot of information. It is available on the internet, if you cannot find it, please contact TechSec.
ʝ Bernoulli’s principle is a key concept in fluid dynamics that relates pressure, density, speed and height. Bernoulli’s principle states that an increase in the speed of a parcel of fluid occurs simultaneously with a decrease in either the pressure or the height above a datum. The principle is named after the Swiss mathematician and physicist Daniel Bernoulli.
ʝ A ‘castellum divisorium’ is the final castella where water passes to the end user, usually a council. It normally has multiple outlets leading to different types of users (fountains, baths, drinking water etc.)
ʝ Modern engineers have not abandoned the principles of aqueducts. Sewer networks for example which, being driven by gravity, usually have an open space above the fluid, have a lot in common with Roman systems. If you want to view an aqueduct, look beneath your feet!
Alan Beech , the Director General of AMPS, explains the need for resilient and sustainable solutions for the growing data centre market – and AMPS’ role in promoting industry dialogue and best practice.
In an era where digital infrastructure underpins global commerce, communication, and critical public services, data centres have emerged as the silent enablers of the digital age. At the heart of this infrastructure lies a simple but fundamental requirement: reliable and resilient power.
As the United Kingdom’s trade association for the power generation sector, AMPS represents a broad spectrum of manufacturers and suppliers committed to ensuring that mission-critical sectors— particularly data centres—are supported by robust and future-ready power systems. With growing demand, climate-related risks,
and increasing scrutiny on sustainability, the resilience of power supply in data centres is no longer just a technical issue—it is a strategic imperative.
The UK data centre market has grown significantly over the past decade, driven by exponential increases in cloud adoption, artificial intelligence (AI), edge computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT). This growth, however, brings with it a sharp increase in energy consumption and complexity of power management.
According to industry reports, data centres currently consume around 1–2% of global electricity demand, and this figure is expected to rise sharply with AI workloads. Power outages—no matter how brief—can have devastating consequences in this environment, ranging from data loss to compliance breaches and reputational harm. Uptime has never been more crucial.
Power resilience refers not only to the ability to maintain power during grid interruptions but also to recover quickly from failures,
maintain operational continuity, and adapt to evolving risks. In the data centre context, this involves a layered architecture of primary supply, backup generators, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), battery energy storage, and increasingly, renewable integrations.
The resilience discussion today is moving from simple redundancy to intelligent resilience—systems that are not only robust but also flexible and efficient. This includes predictive maintenance, smart controls, and decentralised energy solutions that enable dynamic response to grid fluctuations.
Several key trends are converging to reshape how the data centre industry must approach power resilience:
As the UK transitions to a low-carbon economy, traditional baseload generation (coal, nuclear) is being replaced by intermittent renewables. While necessary for climate goals, this transformation introduces new variables into grid stability. For data centres, which depend on a consistent and quality power supply, this presents a significant challenge.
The need for on-site or near-site resilient power sources—be it diesel or gas generators, battery systems, or hybrid solutions—is increasingly seen not just as backup, but as a part of everyday operational strategy.
Data centre operators are under increasing pressure to reduce emissions, driven by both customer expectations and evolving regulations such as the UK’s Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) and forthcoming energy efficiency directives from the EU.
Power generation equipment manufacturers are responding with cleaner-burning engines, hydrogen-ready gensets, and hybrid systems. While diesel remains a mainstay for standby power due to its
reliability, the use of alternative fuels such as HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) is gaining momentum as a low-carbon interim step.
With increased digitisation comes a new array of threats—not just from natural disasters or mechanical failures, but also from cyberattacks on power management systems. True resilience now encompasses both physical and digital safeguards, requiring tighter integration of OT (Operational Technology) and IT systems.
No single technology or fuel type provides a complete answer. Resilience comes from an integrated, multi-layered approach that leverages diverse technologies working in harmony. This includes:
ʝ Standby and Prime Generators: The backbone of emergency power, with newer models offering improved emissions profiles, noise control, and load management capabilities.
ʝ UPS and Battery Systems: Providing immediate, seamless switchover during outages, while also supporting power quality.
ʝ Microgrids and On-site Renewables: Enabling partial energy independence and grid flexibility.
ʝ Digital Monitoring and Control: Enabling real-time visibility, predictive maintenance, and faster response times.
Designing for resilience also means planning for scalability and serviceability, ensuring that systems can grow with demand and be maintained without undue disruption.
At AMPS, we see ourselves not just as representatives of our member companies, but as enablers of industry-wide dialogue and best practice. We play a vital role in helping align the capabilities of power system providers with the evolving needs of the data centre sector.
This includes:
ʝ Standards Advocacy: Ensuring that UK and international standards reflect the latest technological and environmental realities.
ʝ Knowledge Sharing: Hosting seminars, working groups, and publications that keep stakeholders informed on innovations, regulations, and risks.
ʝ Industry Collaboration: Bridging the gap between operators, engineers, manufacturers, and regulators to ensure resilient, sustainable outcomes.
As we look to the next decade, resilient power strategies in the data centre sector must evolve in three key directions:
1. Decarbonised Resilience: Embracing cleaner fuels, energy storage, and carbon tracking technologies to deliver reliable power with a lower footprint.
2. Digital Integration: Leveraging AI, digital twins, and predictive analytics to anticipate failures and optimise performance.
3. Policy Alignment: Collaborating with government bodies to create frameworks that support resilience while meeting national energy and climate targets.
The future of the UK’s digital economy rests on a foundation of resilient, intelligent, and sustainable power systems. For the data centre sector, the stakes are high—but so too are the opportunities for innovation and leadership.
At AMPS, we are committed to supporting this journey by promoting best-in-class technologies, encouraging open dialogue, and ensuring that resilience remains a shared priority across the supply chain.
In a world where digital downtime is not an option, resilient power is not just a backup plan—it’s the backbone of the future.
CHAIR
LOUISE HAZEL
IPU GROUP
COUNCIL MEMBER
PAUL AITKEN
GET POWER SOLUTIONS
COUNCIL MEMBER ANDREW BELL
MECC ALTE UK
COUNCIL MEMBER
CHRIS CALDWELL CRESTCHIC
COUNCIL MEMBER
PAUL CAMPBELL INDUSTRIAL POWER SYSTEMS LTD
COUNCIL MEMBER
RICHARD A COLLMAN
ACOUSTICAL CONTROL ENGINEERS
COUNCIL MEMBER
NICK CRANE WERNICK POWER SOLUTIONS
COUNCIL MEMBER
KÖKEN GUNES
AKSA POWER GENERATION
COUNCIL MEMBER
GEOFF HALLIDAY
WBPS LTD
COUNCIL MEMBER
GAVIN HEPBURN
DALE POWER SOLUTIONS
COUNCIL MEMBER
BARRY HUGHES ATLAS COPCO
COUNCIL MEMBER
DAVID MCDONALD
AGGREKO
COUNCIL MEMBER
DAVID OATES
ALLAM POWER
COUNCIL MEMBER
RICHARD RUSSETT
REHLKO POWER SOLUTIONS EMEA
COUNCIL MEMBER
RICCARDO SARDELLI
VOLVO GROUP
COUNCIL MEMBER
NEIL SMITH
CATERPILLAR RETAIL ELECTRIC POWER SOLUTIONS
COUNCIL MEMBER
LISA WILSHAW GREENSHIELDS JCB
COUNCIL MEMBER
MICHAEL YEADON
GENERATOR POWER LTD
PLANTWORX – 23-25 September: Newark (UK)
Solar & Storage Live UK – 24-26 September: NEC, Birmingham
Healthcare Estates (IHEEM) – 21-22 October: Manchester
AMPS INDUSTRY DAY – 21/22 January*: Volvo Penta, Warwick
Executive Hire Show – 11-12 February: CBS Arena, Coventry
DATA CENTRE WORLD – 4-5 March: ExCel, London
DISTRIBUTED ENERGY SHOW – 11-12 March: NEC, Birmingham
The Showman’s Show – 22-23 October: Newbury
AMPS AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE GALA DINNER – 19 November: The Lowry Hotel, Salford
Middle East Energy – 7-9 April: Dubai
AMPS AGM, CONFERENCE & LUNCH – 23 April: One Great George Street, London
Solar & Storage Live London – 29-30 April: ExCel, London
Key: AMPS events highlighted in RED. Events with an AMPS’ presence are shown in BOLD CAPITALS. *Subject to confirmation.
TECHNICAL COMMITTEE:
CHRIS MARSLAND (CHAIRMAN)
BERNARD GOSPEL (SECRETARY)
MARKETING COMMITTEE: RICCARDO SARDELLI (CHAIRMAN)
FINANCE COMMITTEE: RICHARD A COLLMAN (CHAIRMAN)
SECRETARIAT LEAD: JOANNA OLIVER MBE
SECRETARIAT: ROBERT BENNISON SUZANNE HUGILL (ACCOUNTS )
AMPS POWER: ROB OLIVER MBE LEE STIRK
