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November 2011 ECA Today 3
lectrical contractors at the forefront of a third industrial revolution? The government seems to think so. In a speech in October, energy secretary Chris Huhne delivered strong backing to the renewables sector, stressing its importance and the economic benefits of investing in green energy technology. ‘Renewable energy technologies will deliver a third industrial revolution,’ he stated. ‘Its impact will be every bit as profound as the first two.’
So who’s going to deliver this green revolution? The ECA is clear that its members should be on the frontline, given that electrical contractors have precisely the skills, qualifications and expertise that are required to install and maintain the technologies needed to be meet the UK government’s tough carbon reduction targets. And it’s not only about renewables – the number of opportunities for switched on electrical contractors in the green economy is growing. From the retro-fitting of new energy efficient measures to the installation of intelligent building management systems, and from low energy lighting solutions to smart metering, the drive to cut carbon emissions through energy saving technologies points directly at electrical contractors. As we’ve said before, government initiatives and incentives, such as the Feed-in Tariff scheme (FITs), the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) and the Green Deal provide some stimulus for green energy technology take-up – but it’s a market that certainly isn’t going to get smaller any time soon if government targets are to be achieved. And it’s all about what electrical contractors do – so what better place to be than on the frontline of this revolution?
Looking ahead
While a green industrial revolution may be taking shape, the challenging economic climate isn’t helping anyone. The ECA, though, has been busy working with members to help identify and make the most of new opportunities – such as via the new Renewables and Microgeneration Interest Group online forum (see pages 20-21) – while also continuing to provide a raft of inclusive essential services, from legal assistance to debt collection, to aid members when necessary. In this issue of ECA Today, we report on a forward-looking training initiative by the
ECA to increase the representation of women in the electrical contracting industry. Wired for Success: ECA Women into the Electrical Contracting Industry is a programme that aims to bring more qualified women into the industry. It sees the ECA cooperating with like-minded partners to train female candidates in a way that could prove a blueprint for other industries. The initiative could also help address the potential future skills shortfall the electrical sector is facing over the coming decades. You can read more about Wired for Success on pages 36-41.
There’s plenty more to read in this issue of ECA Today, from a report on the innovative work on the Quadrant:MK Network Rail development in Milton Keynes (pages 30-35) to the latest in wiring solutions (page 26-29) and data communications technologies (pages 52-56). There’s also an article on the technical benefits of KNX technology (pages 50-51) – plus a feature on testing solar PV installations (pages 44- 48). Hope you make the most of the winter sunshine – see you again in January.
Phil Lattimore Editor
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