NEWS & APPOINTMENTS
Get ready for The Building Services Forum on November 28
Appointments
BCIA strengthens training focus through Skills Working Group Chair appointment
A number of top industry names have confirmed their participation in the next Building Services Forum which will be attended by professionals from across the sector keen to hear more about carbon reduction technology in the built environment. The event, sponsored by Mitsubishi Electric, will be held on November 28 at the Building Centre in London with speakers focusing on the importance of reducing carbon emissions in heating and cooling of all new and existing buildings. The one-day briefing will include a line-up of CPD accredited seminars, a table-top exhibition area with the entire day hosted by renowned freelance journalist, Ewen Rose (pictured right).
By attending the event you will be able to hear about products and solutions from leading manufacturers, have the opportunity to network with industry experts over lunch and afternoon tea, and be encouraged to share your thoughts and challenges with a panel of professionals at the close of the event. We have some important speakers already lined up including, The Heat Pump Association’s chief executive Charlotte Lee (pictured left) with further insights offered by the following companies: • Mitsubishi Electric • Smiths Environmental Products • Kensa Group • Frese • Eurovent Book tickets at
https://bseeforum.co.uk/book-tickets/ If you would like more information about joining us on the day get in touch with Jacqui Henderson at E:
Jhenderson@datateam.co.uk T: +44 (0) 1622 699116
Report highlights need to solve UK’s electricity and gas price disparity
The European Heat Pump Association’s (EHPA) 2024 market report highlights the crucial impact of a low electricity and gas price ratio in accelerated heat pump deployment. Currently, in the UK, the electricity and gas price ratio is 3.97 which is the highest in Europe and nearly double EHPA’s recommendation of 2. The report illustrates that those European countries with a high ‘spark gap’ (the ratio between household electricity and gas prices) also have a lower annual total of sales of heat pumps per household.
A significant contributor to high electricity prices in the UK is the disproportionate application of Environmental and Social Obligations – often referred to by Government as “policy costs” and known commonly as “green levies”. Domestic electricity consumers, bear around 85% of these levies, which means a typical heat pump consumer pays £170 more than an equivalent gas boiler consumer in levy costs per annum. In November 2023, the HPA proposed the introduction of an Interim Domestic Heat
Pump Tariff Discount to provide a short-term solution to reducing the price of electricity relative to gas, whilst fundamental reforms to the electricity market were considered and implemented. This report and extensive background analysis sets out the implications of a range of options to tackle one of the key challenges in accelerating heat pump deployment, running costs. Commenting on the recently published report, Charlotte Lee, HPA Chief Executive said: “This latest data release yet again highlights the crucial need for the UK Government to act quickly to tackle the disparity between electricity and gas prices to accelerate heat pump deployment. The Labour Government have been clear they are the party of delivery, and it is imperative that the new Government now prioritise the publication of a consultation on this issue.”
UK heat pump sales per household remain the lowest across Europe with only 2.08 heat pumps per 1000 households sold. This highlights the scale of the opportunity that remains in the UK, which will only be realised if swift, decisive action is taken to reduce the price of electricity relative to gas. However, Mark Krull, director for Logic4training & LCL Awards said: “We need to be careful that in calling for a reduction in electricity costs, the levies don’t shift onto gas customers, many of whom aren’t in a financial position to fit heat pumps. Some will be having to make difficult decisions this winter on whether they heat their home or put food on the table. “The reason for the fuel price differential is complicated and, in my opinion, suggesting it’s solely down to green levies over-simplifies the situation. The cost of bailing out failing energy companies and levies relating to the Feed in Tariff are substantial. We don’t want to end up in a situation where millions of gas customers are forced into fuel poverty because of an increase in general taxation or – even worse – their gas bills. Some energy companiesoffer their customers special heat pump tariffs, which helps to reduce the ‘spark gap’. “The EHPA’s report makes interesting reading. The correlation between the cost of electricity and heat pump uptake is clear, but the last thing we need is a knee-jerk reaction which could impact some of the poorest in society. “The Government is currently reviewing how the sector works with tariffs and levies (Review of Electricity Market Arrangements (REMA)), let’s hope the outcomes of this review are fair and equitable for all energy-users.”
4 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER SEPTEMBER 2024
With a real focus on increasing the number of opportunities for young talent and developing industry-leading training schemes, Adam Broomfield has been elected the Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA)’s new Skills Working Group Chair. The current Operations Manager (London Business) at Kendra Energy, Adam has an extensive background in electrical and electronics studies, with expertise in the BEMS industry. He has worked in various roles at many of the sector’s leading companies, such as Kendra, SSE Enterprise Energy Solutions, Energy Solutions Group, Ashdown Controls Services and Saturo Controls. Adam said: “I took on the Skills Working Group Chair position because I want to give back to the industry which has provided me with so much. I’m also excited to learn from the industry myself and there is no doubt that from becoming the Chair and working closer with the BCIA, I will do so. “My aim is to ensure we have a good, strong group of individuals to support the group, now and moving forward. I’m sure there are individuals out there within the industry whom are very talented and knowledgeable and can bring lots to the table. We need their support to bolster the BEMS industry.” “With respect to the sector and association, I believe I will bring a fresh, vibrant new
approach to the table along with a gulf of industry experience and knowledge. I hope to be able to pick up and assist the association with pushing the objectives already set, such as promoting how prominent the BEMS industry is to the UK’s objectives for net zero.”
Fujitsu stregthens Applied Team
Glenn Price has joined Fujitsu General Air Conditioning UK as an Applied Specialist. He will look to support and develop the company’s offering across chillers, heat pumps and close control systems.
Following an electrical apprenticeship, Price has since spent more than 13 years in the air conditioning industry, covering installation, breakdowns and maintenance before extending his knowledge base to include chillers, heat pumps and ventilation. He joins Fujitsu from wholesaler TF Solutions where he was most recently a heat pump technical manager, having previously spent time in air conditioning technical support. Price said: “Fujitsu is highly regarded in the industry; the company’s customer-focussed approach really resonates with me. I’m here to help develop and push Fujitsu’s applied offering to the next level by giving internal staff and customers the support they need.’’ Martyn Ives, Commercial Director at Fujitsu General Air Conditioning UK, said: “We have
a strong applied line-up with more exciting developments to come, so we are delighted to welcome Glenn to the team. I’m sure his technical knowledge will prove invaluable, both to our customers and his colleagues.’’
Conex Bänninger makes senior appointment
Martin Smith has been appointed business unit director – UK & Ireland by Conex Bänninger Martin has joined from Triflow, a company within the IBP Group, where he held the position of national sales manager. His extensive industry experience includes leadership roles with Ideal Stelrad Group, Wolseley and Triton Showers. Commenting on his new role, Martin said:
“Throughout my career, I’ve been involved in sales development for key brands, establishing demand at the merchant trade counter and I’m looking forward to continuing in that vein. “Creating an environment that encourages
more plumbing, heating, air conditioning and refrigeration installers to move towards press fitting will be a key part of our team strategy moving forward. “There are numerous technical, safety and financial benefits associated with investing in press and we’ll be doing all we can to illustrate those.”
Read the latest at:
www.bsee.co.uk
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