STEAM TECHNOLOGY
about staff shortages, maintenance, and unexpected breakdowns.
A skills gap of this nature was also an issue raised in Aggreko’s research, where almost the entire surveyed sample agreed that it was more difficult to hire staff with the necessary skills to operate and maintain steam systems. Although hire cannot solve this long-standing skills gap issue, it can ease the burden of labour shortages – by providing businesses with equipment and dedicated support to navigate difficult periods. This short- to mid-term approach may also suit the healthcare sector, where old steam solutions are gradually being outmoded in favour of other utilities, including LTHW systems.
‘It is clear that innovative short-term solutions will be required to manage current demand levels.’
around peaking demand, reduced budgets, and rising energy bills, show that issues may arise. Indeed, the peaking steam requirements of the UK healthcare sector have rendered the gap between old technology and new even larger than usual. However, the hire of newer steam boiler technologies is one potential solution that could temporarily alleviate sector pressure, and bridge the gap while capex budgets recover. Interim boilers would be brought in to temporarily bolster the output of steam, allowing hospitals and healthcare facilities to introduce more efficient technology without disrupting key processes such as cleaning and sterilisation. Specifically, by renting, organisations are able to access the benefits associated with newer steam boiler equipment, while maintaining maximum uptime on their processes. Aggreko’s survey into the technology indicates that this idea is popular across multiple UK sectors, with 85% of those surveyed saying they would consider renting a steam boiler. When queried on their reasons, lowering environmental impact to fall in line with new Net Zero regulations was the most popular response, with cost-effectiveness and support for peaking and fluctuating demand following shortly behind.
Assisting transitions
Legislative pressure surrounding climate change, and the continually rising requirements for key utilities, are clear drivers for investment in new technology, but the logistical issues surrounding the UK healthcare sector's burgeoning energy demands are making this difficult for most. The already high walls to adopting new technology have been rendered even higher thanks to the pandemic, so whether it be by renting or by other means, short-term solutions will be required in order to enable the transition between old and new.
Interim steam boilers also offer UK 58 Health Estate Journal October 2021
hospitals and healthcare facilities the crucial flexibility that they need to meet ever-growing demand, supplementing steam output for as short or as long as possible while newer solutions are equipped to take over. Hire services, like those offered by Aggreko, could prove a pragmatic, cost-effective solution, as Estates and Facilities managers adjust to the demands of the sector post- pandemic.
Minding the skills gap
Additionally, hired equipment can not only bypass capex restrictions, but also allows for the provision of the risk-free support facilities needed to achieve greater resilience. Support of this kind also comes with third-party assistance, meaning that businesses can take on extra equipment without worrying
In conclusion, Aggreko’s research demonstrates that the healthcare sector is fighting on multiple fronts, including contending with ageing steam equipment, higher energy prices, constantly rising demand, and tightening environmental legislation. These issues have been further worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, and require innovative strategies to overcome. By incorporating newer, more efficient steam assets on a temporary basis, hospitals and healthcare facilities will be able to effectively manage the transition to a high-performance Net Zero future without disruption or continued overreliance on existing, deteriorating systems
n For more information on attitudes to adopting steam power in the UK, download Aggreko’s full report: Steaming Ahead with Sustainability and Productivity, at:
https://www.aggreko.com/en-gb/ steam-boiler-report
Craig Fleming and Aggreko
With over 13 years’ experience in the energy and equipment hire sector, Craig Fleming has a strong track record delivering power, heating, and cooling solutions for the healthcare industry. In his role as Sector leader for NHS & Government Services at Aggreko, he works in close partnership with key stakeholders in this vital sector. His expertise helps ensure that a wide variety of healthcare buildings and facilities receive efficient and flexible solutions that provide constant power and temperature control, without unscheduled or unplanned interruptions. This includes providing a wide variety of installations for planned electrical and mechanical shutdowns, unplanned emergencies and onsite equipment replacement, or for supplementary power, heating, or cooling requirements.
Aggreko describes itself as ‘a world-leading provider’ of mobile modular power, temperature control, and energy services. It specialises in serving eight key sectors: Oil & Gas, Manufacturing, Mining, Petrochemicals & Refining, Business Services & Construction, Events, Data Centres, and Utilities. Since 1962, Aggreko has grown from a small local business to a global energy pioneer, with over 7,300 employees operating in around 100 countries.
hej.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112
