NEWS
Pure hydrogen boiler for commercial applications launched and ready for trials
H
eating and hot water solutions manufacturer
Baxi, part of the BDR Thermea Group, is preparing for the first real-life trials of pure hydrogen-operated boilers for commercial applications.
This is an important next step in the energy transition agenda and follows successful trials of 100% hydrogen boilers for residential use at the Hydrogen Homes in Low Thornley and HyStreet at Spadeadam. The pure hydrogen boilers will enable commercial users, such as businesses and public sector bodies, to tap into the incredible potential of hydrogen, whether used on their own or in a multivalent configuration with a heat pump.
“We’re playing our part in the energy transition and that includes in commercial buildings,” said Karen Boswell, Managing Director at Baxi UK & Ireland. “Green hydrogen is one way to help larger buildings decarbonise because it can store renewable power over long periods of time and help avoid heavy peak loads on the electricity grid.” Following extensive testing of the hydrogen-powered technology at the company’s R&D Centre, Baxi is preparing prototypes for real-life demonstrations in the UK and Europe, which could be live by the end of the year. The different applications of the hydrogen boiler will be demonstrated, such as when it is deployed at sites of local hydrogen generation and storage solutions, and/or in a multivalent set-up with a heat pump, in which hydrogen would cover the peak loads on the electricity grid. This trial stage also represents a valuable opportunity for all stakeholders – from utilities to energy grid providers, governments and building owners – to learn more about the potential of hydrogen for heating. “As we navigate the energy transition, we want to deliver flexibility for our customers,” said Karen. “With this
FETA poll shows concern over labour market
T
he latest poll of FETA members suggests that the labour market is currently the number one area of
concern for firms operating in the built environment.
Industry uncertainty and a shortage of skilled labour has pushed labour costs higher and left businesses struggling to
recruit the experienced personnel they need. What’s more, with the labour market stretched, many firms also face concerns over retaining existing workers. With 43% of respondents to the poll citing the labour market as the biggest issue facing their business, it’s clear that recruitment become a significant problem for FETA members, however this is by no means the only area of concern. Availability of raw materials (21%) and rising energy costs (14%) were also high on the list of issues being faced by respondents – problems that could well get worse before they get better. Chris Yates, FETA chief executive, commented on the findings: “The results of this poll reflect the challenging labour market and ongoing skills shortage in the industry. At FETA we are committed to supporting members struggling to fill vacancies by assisting our associations in the development of training pathways and encouraging employers to explore recruitment schemes such as the Government’s Way to Work programme.” The Way to Work campaign is a national push to fill vacancies and help individuals back into the world of work. Those looking to fill a vacancy are allocated a named employer adviser in a local Jobcentre and granted access to a range of recruitment services.
Swegon qp BSEE July22.qxp_Layout 1 23/6/22 13:43 Page 1
in mind, we’re currently working to make our full range of commercial boilers 100% hydrogen ready. “Our Remeha commercial boiler ranges are 20%
hydrogen ready, but we will also be launching a conversion kit for future boilers to switch from natural gas to 100% hydrogen. This will allow commercial users to prepare themselves for the energy switch, offering them more options to decarbonise heat.”
Panasonic accelerates investment in air-to-water heat pump production
P anasonic Corporation has
announced that it would invest about €145 million in its Czech plant by the fiscal year ending in March 2026 to strengthen the production of air-to-water heat pumps (A2W), which have been experiencing growing demand in Europe. Air-to-water heat pumps, which collect and use heat from the air, emit less CO2 than conventional combustion heaters that use fossil fuels. Demand for these eco- friendly heating systems is growing in the European market.
Panasonic started the production of A2W indoor units at its plant in Plzen, Czech Republic (Panasonic AVC Networks Czech [PAVCCZ]) in 2018. Since then, it has been quickly responding to the European market needs while saving further emissions by local production for local markets in Europe. Currently, a shift in energy sources
reducing gas and other fossil fuels while enabling for more electrification is rapidly taking place in Europe. Due to the rising environmental awareness and the recent circumstances surrounding energy supply, there has been a pressing need for Panasonic to establish a production capacity to meet such growing demand. The investment will enable PAVCCZ to start the production of outdoor units in the next fiscal year, in addition to indoor units already being manufactured. The
company aims to increase its annual production capacity to 500,000 units by the fiscal year ending in March 2026.
GEYSER SKY Reversible heat pump with natural refrigerant
• Ideal for boiler replacement • High comfort thanks to the variable speed technology • Propane (R290), future proof refrigerant • No Ozone layer impact & close to zero global warming potential • Meets the highest seasonal efficiency standard
Visit:
www.swegon.com/uk to find out more Read the latest at:
www.bsee.co.uk
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