NEWS & APPOINTMENTS
Data centre builds suffer ongoing project disruptions
A new Europe-wide report has found external site disruptions and inflationary pressures are causing delays to the construction of new data centres and preventing such projects from adopting greener practices. This comes from the second half of a two-part report series from Aggreko, titled Uptime on the Line, which explores the challenges affecting data centre construction projects, such as skills and equipment shortages, the viability of renewable alternatives and power procurement. The report highlights the majority of contractors are
having to extend timelines due to supply difficulties, with rising costs compounding the sectors difficulties – only 8% of those surveyed reported no delays due to supply chain- related disruption. The research uses insights from a survey of 700 data centre professionals consulting for large businesses in the UK, Ireland, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden. As pressures mount for adopting low-carbon construction, the report also explores the sector challenges preventing uptake of greener practices. For example, lack of skills was among the top two challenges for adopting renewable energy during the construction phase in every surveyed region besides France. Billy Durie, global sector head – data centres at Aggreko, said: “Exponential increases in global internet usage and the rise of high-performance computing mean demand for new data centres is set to rise rapidly. Coping with such traffic now seems vital to not only the data centre space, but Europe’s wider economic growth. “Market disruptions, rising costs and regulatory pressures, however, mean challenges outside of contractors’ control are jeopardising project schedules. The demand for new sites to cope with traffic volumes mean this will soon become unsustainable.” To support the data centre market with these challenges, Aggreko’s report highlights the bridging solutions designed to keep data centre builds on track. Such approaches use tactical strategies and new technologies to; secure power, integrate greener power, maximise energy efficiency, minimise delays and counter weather conditions. “As the demand for data centres becomes more intense, the bridging solutions discussed in Aggreko’s report offer the stability contractors need to deliver projects on- time,” Mr Durie concluded.
Appointments
EUA welcomes Martyn Bridges as President
The Energy and Utilities Alliance (EUA), has announced the appointment of Martyn Bridges, director of technical services at Worcester Bosch, as its new president. With an impressive 45 years in the heating industry and prior experience as the Vice President, Martyn assumes this role with great pride and enthusiasm, bringing an extensive knowledge and experience. Martyn is highly active in the industry holding a number of positions on various trade associations including, the Hot Water Association, OFTEC, where he has been a board member since 2005, CIPHE, the Heat pump Association and BEAMA. Martyn also chairs the technical panel at the HHIC. Newly appointed President Martyn Bridges exclaimed: “I am delighted to be taking on this position at such a pivotal time in the Heating industry. I have seen first-hand the valuable work the EUA undertakes in the 30 or so years I’ve been involved with the SBGI and now of course the EUA. The intention to get to Net Zero by 2050 will involve some seismic changes to all involved and I look forward to the challenge of working towards achieving this.”
Baxi MD appointed HHIC chair
Karen Boswell OBE, managing director of Baxi UK and Ireland, has been appointed the new chair of the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC). Succeeding the outgoing chair Steve Keeton,
Director of External Affairs and Future Portfolio at Vaillant, Karen is the first female chair of the HHIC and is set to lead the membership following the Council’s recent AGM.
Since joining Baxi as managing director almost
Mitsubishi Electric celebrates 30th anniversary of Livingston factory
Mitsubishi Electric has marked the 30th anniversary of its factory in Livingston, Scotland, an advanced facility for the manufacture of heat pumps as the nation looks to reach Net Zero.
Established in 1993, the Livingston plant has been manufacturing air conditioning units for 30 years and producing heat pumps for installation across the UK and Europe since 2009. Today, it is the largest heat pump manufacturer in the UK, employing 1,840 people and helping to support investment in Scotland’s green economy and the wider transition to low-carbon heating. To mark the occasion, Mitsubishi Electric hosted an anniversary event at the factory on 6 July. Key government and industry figures attended included Patrick Harvie, Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings, Hannah Bardell, MP for Livingston, and Tadashi Fujiwara, the Consul General of Japan in Edinburgh. Continued investment by Mitsubishi Electric, together with support from Scottish Enterprise, has seen the Livingston factory expand and grow in heat pump production. Rodney Ayre, senior department manager at Livingston, said: “The Livingston factory has been manufacturing heat pumps for well over a decade now, and today offers an important opportunity to mark its invaluable contribution to the green economy. By supporting the manufacturing and installation of heat pumps, the factory plays a vital role in the transition to low carbon heating across the UK and Europe.” Alongside the 30th anniversary, Mitsubishi Electric also marked the factory’s production of its fifth-million product – the new Ecodan R290 air source heat pump for residential buildings. With its low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerant, and flow temperatures of up to 75°C, the R290 heat pump brings unbeatable benefits for home heating. Russell Dean, residential product group director at Mitsubishi Electric, said: “We must decarbonise our building stock now, and changing the way we heat our homes will play a critical role in how this is achieved. The production of the Ecodan R290 means we can now provide a heat pump for every home, helping to drive heat pump adoption across the UK and Europe.”
4 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER AUGUST 2023
three years ago, Karen has successfully led Baxi at the forefront of innovations in low carbon technology and installer support as the heating industry looks to decarbonise. This includes recent work with Government to make training more affordable and attractive to installers through the Heat Training Grant, which was launched this month. Karen also brings rich experience as a leader in the engineering space across multiple industries – most notably the rail industry heading up Hitachi Rail’s UK division. In her new role as chair of the HHIC, she brings strong focus on business improvement and accelerating growth, is passionate about equality, diversity and inclusion and has extensive experience in manufacturing, supply chain and customer service. Karen said: “I’m delighted and privileged to have been selected to Chair the HHIC
Board. One of my clear focus areas will be on growing our skills base to deliver this critical, transformational role. We must attract, train and reward new talent from all walks of life, reflecting the customers and communities we serve. The decarbonisation agenda is a great career opportunity and we need to work better at demonstrating how attractive this sector is.”
AEMT announces new President
At its recent AGM, the Association for Electrical and Mechanical Trades (AEMT) announced the appointment of James Stevens as its new honorary President, taking over the position from outgoing President, Central Group Director Shaun Sutton. James, a director at coil winding manufacturer and supplier Preformed Windings, took the President’s position after spending the previous two years as Vice President.
Commenting on his appointment, he said: “As I embark on my term as President, my vision is to build upon the fantastic work that’s been done over the past few years by Shaun and the wider team, building those clear value propositions for our members, and I’d specifically like to focus on the engagement of all of our membership groups including the international members, building opportunities for knowledge sharing at all levels and increasing our membership base. “I’m truly honoured to be named the President of the AEMT.” In addition to appointing a new President, Mark Brady, Director at electromechanical
repair specialist Haley247, took over the role of Vice President and Andy Patten from ADC Electrical became Junior Vice President and interim Treasurer.
Read the latest at:
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