INDUSTRY NEWS


AI TO DRIVE ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN BUILDINGS, SAYS NEW REPORT Gathering and interpreting real-time data is the


According to new market research by Technavio, the global building automation and control systems market is expected to expand by €28 billion until 2028. The report underscores the growing demand for energy-efficient solutions, particularly within the commercial sector, where automation systems are becoming essential. “AI-driven energy management in commercial


buildings tackles the most important issue - these buildings contribute to global emissions the most,” said Donatas Karčiauskas, CEO of Exergio, a company developing AI-based tools for energy performance in buildings. “Aside from global sustainability efforts, we aim to ensure that such AI solutions


do not stop at optimising operations. The goal is to provide predictive analytics that help address inefficiencies before they escalate.” While the Technavio report emphasises the role of


building automation systems in enhancing building management, experts at Exergio believe that the future lies beyond simple automation. “Automation is just the first, though inevitable


and important, step,” Karčiauskas noted. “What truly sets AI apart is its ability to predict and take action. That is why our goal is to take a step further from automation. We can already anticipate and optimise energy use in real-time, which makes our platforms more advanced.”


E.ON NEXT AND DUDLEY COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY


E.ON is expanding its work with Dudley College of Technology to develop a new Net Zero solutions training centre. The centre will serve as a hub for training and innovation, giving both students and the wider community hands- on experience in the latest low-carbon technologies including


only way to efficiently achieve Net Zero goals. AI-based platforms can optimise energy use across heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), lighting, and other systems. It is particularly important in large office buildings, where thousands of data points are generated hourly, and even small efficiency gains can translate into financial savings. While the commercial sector is the primary focus, the Technavio report also notes significant growth in the residential segment, particularly with the rise of smart home technologies.


www.technavio.com


COLLABORATE ON NET ZERO TRAINING CENTRE BMW INSTALLS ‘MOTIONLESS’ WIND ENERGY SYSTEM AT OXFORD PLANT


solar panels, electric vehicle chargers, heat pumps and battery storage. The centre will not only offer practical training opportunities but will also help


reduce the college’s carbon footprint by operating as a fully self-sustained building, using the latest heat pump, solar and EV charging technology. Phil Gilbert, Net Zero delivery director at E.ON Next, said: “Our partnership


with Dudley College will be vital to our goal of developing green skills and sustainable jobs here in the West Midlands. The new solutions training centre will provide a unique space for students and community members to engage with cutting-edge technologies, ensuring our home region remains a leader in the transition to a low-carbon future.” Karl Townsend, curriculum manager at Dudley College, said: “The relationship that has been built up between the College and E.ON is the perfect example of a local college working directly with an employer to help learners gain the skills they need to get good jobs and increase their prospects. It’s great to have an active employer partner like E.ON, who can see the benefits not only to their own company but to the region by supporting training opportunities to create a skilled workforce for the future.” www.eonenergy.com https://dudleycol.ac.uk/


COMMENT W


elcome to the Autumn issue of Energy & Sustainability Solutions. This is going to print just as the weather starts to cool down


and we all begin thinking about turning our heating on and the benefits of smart energy solutions. Harnessing the power of green energy is seen as


one way to cut energy bills. In fact in our Renewable technologies section you will be able to find out about the cost savings seen by numerous companies who have introduce solar panels - from manufacturing


companies to football stadiums and dairies. As Christelle Barnes from SolarEdge Technologies explains in her article in our Facilities management section on page 30, as more commercial operators look to provide clean, low-cost energy for their buildings, many facilities managers are finding their job description now includes responsibility for managing what is on the roof, not just what is under it!


Rachael Morling - Editor www.root-power.com 4ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY SOLUTIONS - Autumn 2024 www.essmag.co.uk


BMW Group has announced the installation of the UK’s first ‘motionless’ wind energy system at the MINI manufacturing plant in Oxford. Utilising Aeromine Technologies’ innovative, low-impact technology, the system harnesses wind power to produce clean energy without visible moving parts. The plant will serve as a testbed for this cutting- edge technology, assessing its potential to enhance energy efficiency across BMW Group sites around the world, as well as commercial buildings in the UK. This new innovative energy project is part of the BMW Startup Garage, a business unit dedicated to supporting early-stage startups working on cutting-edge technologies. Aeromine Technologies has designed the wind energy unit, which is installed


on the edge of a building, oriented towards the prevailing wind. The unit features wing-like vertical airfoils that create a vacuum effect, drawing air behind an internal propeller to generate clean electricity. Unlike traditional wind turbines, the bladeless design minimises noise and vibrations, and it is constructed from highly durable, recyclable materials. The new wind energy unit is designed to complement MINI Plant Oxford’s


existing solar arrays across the buildings on site. www.bmwstartupgarage.com/


ROOT-POWER BEGINS CONSTRUCTION OF NEW BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SITE


Root-Power, which launched earlier this year with the backing of the YLEM Group, has announced it has begun construction on its latest battery energy storage site, Coryton Energy Park, in Corringham, Essex. The 11MW site will go live in Q1 2025 and has been designed with a two- hour storage duration, enough to power around 22,000 homes. Neil Brooks, managing director at Root-Power said: “We are making excellent progress at our Coryton project; however, the hard work doesn’t stop here. The southeast of England is a key area of focus for us with multiple projects with planning submitted and awaiting planning consent. “Following the announcement earlier


this month that our 12MW/48MWh project in Caterham Surrey has received planning permission, we look forward to growing our portfolio in this region over the coming months.”


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