BSEE-JAN22-PG04 News.qxp_Layout 1 08/12/2021 11:15 Page 4
BSEE
Programme to create hydrogen and cut carbon emissions
advancing its programme to create the hydrogen gas supply infrastructure and decarbonise the UK energy supply.
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Believed to be the first application of its type in the UK, the company's latest development is now managing projects which incorporate electrolyser technology to derive hydrogen from water, and powering these using the low carbon electricity from its Energy Recovery Facilities (ERF). Future use of the hydrogen could include both replacing the use of fossil fuel on the gas grid and alternative zero carbon fuel for commercial vehicles.
For many years, methane gas has been used to heat homes and businesses, and used in power stations to generate electricity. As a result currently 85% of homes and 40% of the UK’s electricity rely on gas. But when methane burns it still releases carbon, which contributes to climate change.
Veolia's projects will accelerate progress towards climate protection and a Net Zero future, by replacing fossil fuels and realising the potential to decarbonise heat in industry, businesses and homes, and provide vehicle fuels. By using electrolysis, the process which uses electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, it could create hydrogen that can be stored for future energy needs. This will cut carbon emissions, and is a potential future solution for decarbonisation as water is the by-product when hydrogen is used. The gas industry is testing ways to use hydrogen in the gas grid, and Veolia is already preparing sites to be able to use this hydrogen in a range of on-site energy plants such as combined heat and power units, and industrial boiler plant.
Commenting on this latest zero carbon initiative, Donald Macphail, chief operating officer - Treatment at Veolia said: “Reducing carbon emissions and slowing environmental change is now a priority. By developing new ways of generating zero carbon hydrogen we have the potential of covering the energy needs of our modern lives, and stopping the climate damaging impact of CO2. This represents a real step forward on the route to a Net Zero world.”
Veolia currently operates 10 plants that take around 2.3 million tonnes of non-recyclable waste and transform this into electricity for over 400,000 homes. This combined generating capacity of 180MWe takes pressure off the stretched UK electrical grid and effectively avoids using fossil fuels for generation.
Storms necessitate stepping up site dehumidification strategies
ollowing warnings from meteorological experts about continued severe weather over the coming weeks, a humidity expert is warning contractors that construction sites must brace against humidity risks posed by extreme rain and snowstorms.
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In the wake of harsh conditions from recent storms, meteorologists British Weather Services have advised the UK to prepare for more of the same, with the Met Office issuing additional severe weather warnings. With this in mind, Matt Watson, moisture control expert for Aggreko Northern Europe, is imploring construction site professionals consider the long-term damage caused by ‘invisible water’ – moisture seeping into building materials from snow and rain.
“December has always been a taxing month for construction professionals, as the weather can pose significant operational challenges,” explained Mr Watson. “This includes damage to materials such as wood, plaster and paint, which can hamper increasingly tight project deadlines. Extreme weather that meteorologists are predicting stand to further disrupt these timescales.
“Yet in the rush to restart operations after these events, contractors may look to ‘blast out’ moisture with heating, quickly drying out affected areas. Yet by doing so, invisible water that has soaked into materials will not be removed, which can result in expensive long-term damage to structures. This quick-heating process can also result in mould growth, placing both on-site personnel and long-term building occupants at risk.” In order to combat such risks, Mr Watson is advocating a more controlled process to remove moisture from affected sites, including the use of dehumidification equipment. Specifically, he highlights that by more tightly regulating environmental conditions, site managers can ensure works can safely continue without the increased risk imposed by invisible water.
“Extreme weather events are nothing new in this country, but climate change means they are becoming more frequent,” Mr Watson concluded. “Consequently, site managers must become more familiar with correct dehumidification processes if they are to navigate these complications without creating further concerns later down the line. “Agility is required to address situations like these, and with COVID, skills and materials shortages squeezing capex budgets, hiring equipment such as dehumidifiers can allow for a swift response and keep building work on track.”
4 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER JANUARY 2022
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NEWS & APPOINTMENTS Appointments
Coolair strengthens team with two senior appointments
Air conditioning specialist Coolair Equipment Limited is continuing its expansion plans with two senior appointments.
David Mansell, 52, has recently joined the Midlands office of the one-stop air conditioning specialist, while Danny McLaughlin, 54, has joined the firm’s southern office in Maidstone, Kent. Both have been appointed as sales/business development specialists. Mr Mansell will be responsible for the sales, design and procurement of air conditioning and any associated services in the region. Mr McLaughlin, who has 30 years’ experience within the HVAC industry, will be introducing Coolair’s service portfolio to new and existing clients.
Mr Mansell also has vast experience across the HVAC sector with previous roles including regional sales manager for Toshiba Business Solutions and director of operations and key accounts at Celsius Solutions Limited. He said: “I am really excited to join Coolair Equipment Limited. “My path had previously crossed with Coolair Equipment Limited during my time at Toshiba, and I have always admired the company’s professionalism. Mr McLaughlin was attracted to Coolair’s forward-thinking attitude and family- orientated ethos, and has long-terms plans for his role.
He said: “I have numerous personal goals, and for sure company goals. Both align perfectly as I want to be a key member of the team, to grow and nourish the business for many years to come.
Modine names general manager for data centres
Modine has appointed Jonas Caino as general manager and managing director of the newly established Airedale by Modine global data centre cooling business unit. This follows the retirement of long-serving managing director, Tony Cole. Originally appointed by Mr Cole, Mr Caino joined Airedale in 2019 to lead the newly established data centre solutions team. Since then, he has moved into a senior commercial role, before taking over as general manager. Reporting to Eric McGinnis, vice president, building HVAC, Mr Caino will be located at Airedale’s UK headquarters. With additional responsibility for production sites in Consett (UK), Guadalajara (Spain), Buena Vista (US) and Grenada (US), this move will see the brand become truly global.
With over 20 years in the IT and data centre industry, Mr Caino has an extensive background in data centre technology and regularly speaks on the future of data centre design and trends.
He said: “This is an exciting time to be leading Airedale and I am delighted to be appointed general manager. With exponential growth in the data centre industry and the strategic realignment of our production resources across the globe, we can focus our talents, minimise waste and maximise efficiencies to allow us to deliver more of the high quality, high-efficiency cooling solutions that are currently in demand, worldwide.”
Growing land and property group makes key senior appointments
Land and property group George F. White has made several key senior appointments following strong growth across the region.
The firm has appointed Matthew Bell as partner leading tax related advice in their Commercial team.
Mr Bell brings with him a wealth of experience having worked in both regional and national firms and specialises in Capital Allowances and Fixed Asset analysis.
His appointment is part of the firm’s strategic growth plan which is further supported by the promotion of Craig Ross to equity partner and Caroline Horn to partner.
Both Craig and Caroline have been instrumental in the growth of the firm in recent years with Craig driving the expansion of the firms planning department alongside fellow partner Richard Garland. Caroline, who works in the rural surveying team, plays a key role in developing George F. White’s land and property client portfolio across Yorkshire.
Robyn Peat, Managing Partner at George F. White, said: “Matthew’s appointment is an exciting addition to the team offering a new service stream and providing further value to our clients. “Our success is testament to the commitment and skill set of our people who have worked tirelessly and determinedly despite the long-lasting challenges presented by Covid-19. “Not only have they strengthened the business and the core services we offer but they have gone above and beyond for clients who have found themselves requiring new streams of advice and support during challenging times.”
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