NEWS & APPOINTMENTS Energy resilience warning to industry
With grid instability and energy security continuing to prove challenging to industry across Europe, a new report is highlighting solutions for high energy users to navigate a complex energy market and avoid downtime from grid resilience issues. As rising costs resulting from
Europe’s energy crisis begin to settle, the report, titled Race to Resilience, indicates that ongoing energy instability means power supply remains a major concern for energy intense industries at risk of shortfalls. According to Aggreko, high
energy users across Europe are in a precarious position in terms of future energy supply and security, particularly as investment in capacity for renewables for the grid is increased. As the relief packages for businesses’ energy bills across multiple European countries finish in 2024 and the EU’s gas price cap agreement ends in February 2024, concern is being raised that this will compound issues further. From this, the report explores how facilities can secure enough power both now, and in the future, highlighting a revised approach to decentralised energy as the route capable of improving security of supply, reducing transmission losses and lowering carbon emissions. Chris Rason, Managing Director, Aggreko Energy Services, comments: “The unpredictability
of Europe’s power network, combined with ongoing energy instability means wide-scale uptake of autonomous models has the potential to transform Europe’s energy system. And while many high energy users have taken initial steps towards decentralised models, a revaluated approach to on-site power is crucial for industry to move forward – especially given the critical issues in play. “Aggreko’s Race to Resilience report therefore aims to bridge the gap between today’s challenges of exponential energy demand and supply disruptions, with tomorrow’s objectives of security and sustainability.” The report gives prominence to microgrids, gas-powered generators, combined heat and power, and energy storage as decentralised solutions able to deliver enhanced energy resilience and gives practical examples of these in action. One scenario was a 12MW industrial facility facing a planned shutdown of local power infrastructure. Here a microgrid was deployed using a diesel system alongside gas and battery solutions, to give the site a complete standalone solution.
Chris concluded: “The development of new technologies has paved a way to resilience
through a more autonomous, smarter and greener energy model. However, with upgrades through outright purchases proving difficult due to supply chain disruption and capex costs, bridging solutions offer a risk-free way to make this step and balance plant, profit and product.
“While volatile markets have always been difficult to navigate, the current state of energy instability, compounded by ailing grid infrastructures and pressure to reduce emissions has put high energy users at a key turning point. The solutions put forward in Aggreko’s latest report therefore aim to light the path towards new energy models for Europe’s biggest industries.”
Appointments
New managing director of Elta Fans
Elta Fans, part of the global Elta Group, has announced the appointment of Vikrant Bhatt as its new managing director of their Building Services division. Vikrant joined Elta Group in 2013 as the sales manager for Fantech in New Zealand. During that time, he progressed to a directorial level position before moving to Australia to oversee operations at Fantech across Victoria. Now, with over a decade’s worth of experience, Vikrant is applying his knowledge to the UK business and markets, determined to remove barriers around air quality in the UK along the way. Discussing the challenges, Vikrant highlights that the UK is ‘one of the most progressive countries’ in terms of air quality, but he recognises that there are commercial obstacles related to the interpretation of regulations. Vikrant said: “When I visited the UK in 2022, I was pleasantly surprised with the country’s level of progressiveness, especially regarding Building Regulations and the Approved Documents that help guide the industry. I was very impressed with the awareness of energy consumption in the building services sector. “There is of course still work to be done. My mission is to educate the UK on the expanding capability of Elta Fans and its extensive offering of solution far beyond just fans, such as control systems, improved acoustics and AHUs.”
Alpha strengthens customer service team
Leading heating expert Alpha has strengthened its customer service and operations team with the appointment of James Owen as head of customer services.
James will focus on restructuring and developing the team to help manage the increase in customer call volumes and interactions due to the recent growth and demand within the business.
Commenting on his appointment, James said: “I am thrilled to have stepped into this new position with Alpha and look forward to implementing positive changes and making a real impact on improving the customer journey. Due to recent growth within the business, my focus is to work with my team to manage the rising number of
E-learning courses launched to meet diverse training needs
Develop, one of the UK’s accredited providers of compliance, technical and safety training, has launched a new series of digital e-learning training programmes that will be available on a learning management system called LEDA. The launched set of 64 e-learning courses focus on team development, leadership & management, IOSH, and a range of general health & safety courses from manual handling to fire safety awareness. More categories are set to be added in the coming months following collaboration and feedback from users.
This online content enhances Develop’s existing range of courses and provides an easy to use, convenient and flexible learning experience, catering to the diverse needs of Develop’s customers.
Develop has a history in innovative training courses for the utilities, engineering and facilities management industries. In 2021, Develop launched the first ever City & Guild’s accredited blended learning training course for workers who handle high voltage electrical systems. John Kerr, managing director at Develop, said: “One of the key advantages of Develop’s
e-learning is the ability for employers to incorporate their own bespoke content, tailoring the learning experience to their specific business requirements. This flexibility allows businesses to address their unique training needs efficiently and effectively.”
Matthew Gray, head of operations & training at Develop, commented: “The industries we work with are changing. In today’s market, our customers have seen an interruption to business from the effects of COVID-19 as well as supply chain disruptions and increased costs. Because of this, there has been a shift towards businesses needing to train their employees in a variety of ways. “Develop has historically provided on-site practical training – and that will continue to be our main focus. However, following the successful launch of our virtual and blended training programmes, we have worked with industry professionals to develop a range of e-learning courses, many of which are professionally accredited by external awarding organisations. This will allow our customers to choose the delivery methods best suited to their employees’ needs.”
4 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER JULY 2023
enquiries and effectively work to better customer interactions. I will also be working to build stronger installer connections in rural areas so that customers receive a quicker response and home visits in those harder-to-reach locations. We’re proud to already be seeing improvements and hope to continue to make positive progress in the coming months.” Andrea Carmeli, managing director for Alpha, commented: “We’re delighted to have James take on the lead in this department and, as our business continues to grow and develop, his expertise will be crucial in maintaining a positive experience for our customers.
A-Gas announces head of government affairs
A-Gas has appointed Hans Craen as head of government affairs Europe. In his new role, Hans will be advising the company on policy and regulatory procedure. He will represent A-Gas, the specialist in the supply and lifecycle management of refrigerants and associated products and services, in its relationship with trade associations and will work with decision-makers involved in the EU and at a national level in the UK. Hans is based in Brussels and has been employed in public affairs for the past two decades. With his background of working with trade associations he has gained wide experience of understanding the impact that policy has on business development. He is a former EU Affairs Coordinator for Hitachi and a Senior Vice-President for Kellen, a public affairs consultancy company. Hans has a wealth of knowledge involving sustainability-related issues, the circular economy and regulatory alignment – core policy areas for A-Gas as it looks to become a net-zero company by 2035.
He said: “I have always been interested in the business opportunities created by sustainability and green policies. This is at the heart of what we do at A-Gas and I am looking forward to being part of this development by ensuring that the company’s goals are reflected in the relevant EU and national policies.”
Read the latest at:
www.bsee.co.uk
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