NEWS
Smith Brothers powers up the UK’s biggest battery
Power engineering specialist Smith Brothers has contributed its high voltage expertise to powering up the UK’s largest standalone battery storage site. Acting as the Independent Connections Provider (ICP)
for the 15MW Lockleaze Fast Frequency Response (FFR) facility in Bristol, the Elland-based firm was enlisted by contractor Metka-EGN to carry out the high voltage electri- cal connections and substation construction. Commissioned by clean energy giant Hazel Capital in
partnership with Noriker Power, the prestigious project was developed by renewables experts Aura Power and is expected to set a new precedent for battery generation export capacity in the UK energy sector. As part of the contract, Smith Brothers was tasked with
the design, project management and delivery of the 33kV infrastructural connection to the battery storage facility. The point of connection (POC) was close to the site at the existing Western Power Distribution (WPD) Lockleaze BSP 132/33kV substation, and the firm carried out 80m of trenching works to install three single core 33kV 185mm2 CU EPR cables. The 12-strong team was also responsible for the civil
design and construction of the 33kV Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) substation for WPD, along with the design, supply, install and commission of the HV internal equip- ment – including a 2-panel NXPlus Siemens switchboard. Further to undertaking the contestable works as the ICP,
the electrical engineering firm also provided a container- ised solution on the private side of the project. This involved fitting a nine-panel switchboard as well as installing and commissioning the interconnecting cables between the private and DNO sides. Smith Brothers had to overcome significant challenges
posed by strict timescales, but by quickly sourcing alterna- tive solutions, they managed to complete the work in advance of the deadline. Commenting on the assignment success, project man-
ager Iliana Malatra said: “Thanks to the ongoing effort, dedication and solution-focused attitude of our team – as well as the excellent cooperation from all other parties involved in the project – we didn’t just hit our target, but actually delivered the ICP works two weeks early.” Working on high voltage assignments across the renewables, commercial and industrial, water treatment and capacity management sectors, Smith Brothers specialises in providing turnkey services for large-scale and complex electrical engineering projects. Developers and contractors with similar project require-
ments should contact Smith Brothers’ business develop- ment manager Danielle Tile for further information.
Delivering compliant, effective metering for heat networks
Heat metering in district and community heating schemes is rising up the agenda since the introduction of the Heat Network (Metering and Billing) Regulations, says Ian Allan, Head of R&D for Switch2 Energy. “Heat meters are not just about regulatory compliance; they are essential for measur- ing and managing heat network efficiency,” reports Allan. “They are used to monitor and record essential data (flow rates, temperatures, etc.), not only for the recovery of energy costs, but also for data analysis. This highlights any inefficiencies so that actions can be taken to optimise system operation, reduce energy waste and shrink customers’ carbon foot- prints. Use of effective smart metering can lead to big
benefits for the end customer – helping them to monitor and control their energy consump- tion and improve their budget- ing by seeing how much it is costing them.” Modern smart metering
be involved – starting with system designers and devel- opers, and including those who will use, manage and maintain the heat network. “These may include finance departments responsible for accurate billing; operations and maintenance managers; housing managers, and, most importantly, the resident or end customer,” he reports. Switch2 Energy feels a metering strategy should include a clear and detailed proposal of the metering which will be installed. It should be made clear how
systems can also combine a flexible, simple & convenient payment and billing system, either on a prepayment or credit basis. Switch2's smart metering partnership with a number of heat suppliers in the social housing sector has achieved a dramatic reduction in wasted heat, leading to cost savings of up to 50%. Alan says: “It is essential to consider a metering (and billing) strategy at the planning stage of district and community heating projects, rather than treating it as an afterthought, as this has historically been the case. A broad range of stakeholders
it will be connected for data collection and management. It is important to consider and agree: • The level of system metering and submetering requirements • Selection of effective MID approved metering equipment that is reliable and correctly specified • Data collection strategy – obtaining the meter read- ings can be the biggest challenge, so Automatic Meter Reading solutions are recommended. • A clear and complete metering schematic, including a detailed meter point schedule, to ensure all stake- holders fully understand the metering strategy.
Further information can be found at the following website:
www.switch2.co.uk
New sales give BSR strong platform to grow business supporting growth of solar and storage
he BSR Group has sold four solar parks to NextEnergy Solar Fund and will now manage them within its 465MW portfolio of UK solar generation, the company announced today as it released strong financial results. In the year to June 30th, 2017, BSR converted net liabilities of £10.4 million to net assets of £9.9 million through a strong financial performance. The sales further strengthen that position, leaving the group well positioned to drive forward its business in the UK and internationally building, connecting and managing solar and energy storage assets. BSR built and connected the four 5MW solar parks in the first quarter of 2017, with construction funding provided by NextEnergy, which has a £590 million solar investment portfolio. The parks - at Aller Court and Bowden in Somerset, and Stalbridge and Rampisham in Dorset - are together capable of supplying more than 6,600 homes. Graham Harding, Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer of BSR Group, said: “We are delighted to have been able to extend our successful relationship with NextEnergy, and this deal leaves us in a strong position to grow our business as a provider of expert services to low- carbon developers. Our mission is to create the smart energy systems we need for a low- carbon future. We are uniquely positioned to form long-term partnerships with developers and investors in the UK and internationally, supporting them every step of the way through building, connecting and operating their assets.”
T 12 SEPTEMBER‐OCTOBER 2017 UK POWER NEWS
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