NEWS & APPOINTMENTS
Alternative clean heat solutions could unlock 10GW of flexibility
BEAMA – the trade association representing manufacturers of electrical products spearheading the drive to electrification and a sector valued at £14bn – has launched a new report “What Should I Do?”, which examines the role of heat electrification technologies and how to encourage customers to choose low carbon heating options.
New industry analysis estimates that the combined flexibility potential of all thermal storage systems available could be 10 GW by 2030, more than double the capacity forecast by the National Energy System Operator (NESO) in their Clean Power 2030 pathway (4GW). Unlocking this potential is essential for meeting the Climate Change Committee’s 7th carbon budget, which projects that the flexibility requirement from all thermal energy storage systems has to be at least 9.3GW by 2030. Doubled network flexibility capacity will have tangible, real world benefits for UK energy consumers, helping to drive down the cost of energy by
accelerating the connection of low carbon generation low carbon generation with less need to construct expensive and time-consuming new network infrastructure. Put simply, flexibility enables the UK to squeeze more capacity out of the existing grid. Enhanced network flexibility is essential to delivering the UK Government’s Clean Power 2030 and Economic Growth missions. BEAMA’s new research indicates that current Government targets risk neglecting the potential of alternative clean heat solutions. These technologies are essential to successfully decarbonising UK heating, tackling fuel poverty – which National Energy Action estimate affects 6.1 million households – and driving UK economic growth. It’s not a one size fits all approach for domestic heating – customer choice is critical BEAMA’s analysis shows that offering a suitable choice of low carbon heating solutions is central to persuading consumers to go electric. Industry is calling on the Government’s upcoming Clean Heat Strategy to prioritise support of a broad range of technologies and solutions to reflect the wide variation in homes, workplaces and buildings across the country, reassuring customers that they have a choice of low carbon heating options.
Alternative electric heating technologies that need to be considered from the perspective of flexible storage include: • Air to air heat pumps • Domestic hot water heat pumps • Modern high heat retention storage heating systems • Phase-change heat batteries • Smart heat batteries • Smart hot water cylinders
Further to the above storage options, we must not forget customers living in very low heat and hot water demand dwellings who would typically use panel heaters, electric radiators, electric underfloor heating and instantaneous hot water appliances. Supporting flexible storage technologies will also help to unlock investment to create local green jobs and drive UK economic growth. This is evidenced by the recent opening of a £40m manufacturing plant in Derby by BEAMA member Vaillant. The facility, producing hot water cylinders, has added 200 jobs to the local economy. BEAMA has called on the Government to create an inclusive fiscal and regulatory policy framework of Domestic Energy Support Schemes that currently fail to adequately promote alternative electric heating solutions include, such as the Warm Homes Plan. Further support should be provided by extending the current VAT exemption on heat pump installations to the full range of electric heating technologies and incorporating into the Boiler Scheme a grant which subsidises the cost of installing flexible energy stores in households. Yselkla Farmer, chief executive of BEAMA, commented: “We are at a defining moment for the electrification of heat and hot water, and our research shows that the opportunity from flexible thermal storage is being underestimated and dramatically underutilised. “Current incentives, Government, and media messaging can create a confusing
picture, leaving many consumers to wonder ‘What should I do?’ “We have a responsibility to ensure all households have all of the available options so they can find their own pathway to accelerate their electrification journey.”
Sustainable landscape lighting design guide
Collingwood Lighting has published a guide to designing and specifying sustainable landscape lighting to meet the demand for outdoor socialising while protecting the very environment that people are enjoying. Mitchel Waite, product manager for Collingwood Lighting said: “Research shows that there is a huge demand for sustainable outdoor lighting, while we want to socialise outdoors on a warm summer evening there is a realisation that it should not come at a cost to the environment, our neighbours or wildlife. “In fact, many councils insist on a minimum standard as part of their DarkSky initiatives to avoid light pollution and glare. Yet sustainable lighting can still create a relaxing ambience and add drama.” The guide outlines good lighting design practice, how to best save energy through
product selection and lighting control, avoiding lighting pollution and making the scheme wildlife friendly to protect nocturnal animals. It also challenges specifiers to specify sustainable lighting products that have a long life
and are easy to service instead of throwing away the whole fitting.
https://rb.gy/014eow
4 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER MAY 2025 Appointments
Fernox appoints Charel Marais to general manager
Fernox has appointed Charel Marais as general manager. This promotion follows the retirement of Ernie McDonald from the leading water treatment manufacturer. Charel joined Fernox in 2021 and has spent the past four years successfully leading the European commercial organisation, and more recently, overseeing global supply chain. With over 21 years of experience in senior roles within the HVAC industry, Charel is a respected and prominent figure in the market. His deep
knowledge of the sector and understanding of its customers will allow him to continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the business. Charel commented: “I’m honoured and delighted to take on this role. It’s an exciting time for Fernox as we continue to refine and strengthen our portfolio of high-quality water treatment chemistry and system filters. I am looking forward to leading this great business and its great team with a focus on expanding into new markets and building on our already strong capabilities in our existing core.” Charel’s appointment as general manager follows the retirement of Ernie McDonald at the end of March. With 26 years of experience in the industry, Ernie leaves behind a proud and successful legacy. He played a key role in establishing the original Benchmark scheme and served as the first chair of the Domestic Water Treatment Association (now BEAMA Water), leaving a lasting impact on the sector. On passing the torch to Charel, Mr McDonald said: “Under Charel’s leadership, I firmly believe the company will continue to thrive and uphold the keen emphasis we place on innovation and continuing our success as an industry leader. I would like to congratulate Charel on his new role and wish him the best in taking Fernox to the next level.”
Armstrong appoints new sustainability manager
Armstrong Fluid Technology has appointed Sophie Pinnington as sustainability manager UK and EMEA.
Sophie has a master’s degree in
environmental management and Sustainable Development from Manchester Metropolitan University, and has worked in environmental management, gas distribution, and the utilities sector since 2016.
Sophie will oversee sustainability activities
for Armstrong, bringing experience in the fields of carbon reduction and reporting, biodiversity, and supply chain sustainability. Her appointment will continue to build on the company’s sustainability achievements to date, as part of the group-wide Planet Proposition sustainability programme. In 2021 Armstrong Fluid Technology was honoured with a Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development in recognition of its leadership in sustainability, including improvements in daily operations, contributions to the sustainability of customers, and support for sustainability initiatives in local communities.
Aermec appoints regional sales engineer
Aermec UK has appointed Barry Whyler as its newest regional sales engineer, with responsibility for the midlands area. Barry is a seasoned professional with over 30 years’ experience and a has vast in-depth knowledge of the HVAC industry. He has had a long and varied career, working in design & build contracting. Along with various sales roles in HVAC, manufacturing as well as working as a design consultant he also has firsthand experience of the HVAC supply chain. His key skills and experience are based
around system concept & design in respect of
both chilled water and heat pump systems, along with airside design/control. In his new role at Aermec, Barry will identify and create new partnerships whilst being tasked with specifying Aermec’s extensive range of chillers/heat pumps/AHUs and fan coil units with mechanical design consultants. Barry will also be fostering strong relationships and assisting customers with solutions that help meet energy goals and transition towards the government’s net zero targets. “I was attracted to Aermec as it is an established family run business with a reputation for innovation and great customer support. This is also an exciting time to be joining Aermec who have a dynamic product range that I believe to be market-leading with huge potential for growth,” said Barry.
Read the latest at:
www.bsee.co.uk
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