Electriq’s patented solution is circular, in which the only consumables are energy and hydrogen
TIRAT CARMEL, Israel, 6-Nov-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Pilot Energy Limited and Electriq Global Limited have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the deployment of Electriq’s proprietary hydrogen powder technology—Electriq Powder and Electriq Release—in off-grid areas of Western Australia, specifically targeting the Mid-West and Gascoyne regions. Electriq Global, an innovator in solid hydrogen carriers, has developed these technologies to enable efficient hydrogen storage, transport, and power generation in ambient, non-pressurized conditions, marking a transformative advancement in energy solutions.
Through this collaboration, Pilot and Electriq aim to evaluate how Electriq’s technologies can facilitate hydrogen transport, storage, and power generation for off-grid energy users in Western Australia, leveraging clean hydrogen produced by Pilot’s Mid-West Clean Energy Project. This partnership opens up new possibilities for distributing Pilot’s hydrogen production to a broader domestic market.
Pilot’s Chairman, Brad Lingo, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, describing Electriq’s hydrogen powder solution as “a perfect fit” for addressing the energy needs of remote, off-grid users. “Our Mid-West Clean Energy Project is ideally positioned to supply clean hydrogen to these regions, and Electriq’s technology greatly enhances the efficiency and accessibility of hydrogen storage and delivery,” Lingo said.
Baruch Halpert, CEO of Electriq Global, noted the synergy between the companies’ goals, emphasizing the potential for Electriq Powder to support low-carbon hydrogen initiatives. “This collaboration offers a unique chance to partner with like-minded innovators to advance the energy transition across Australia,” Halpert remarked.
MÜNCHEN, 10-Aug-2022 — /EPR ENERGY NEWS/ — Autel ist heute die weltweite Nummer 1 in den Bereichen Kfz-Diagnose, Batterie-Analyse-Systeme und Digitale Reparaturlösungen. Das Unternehmen entwickelt unter anderem intelligente Ladesysteme, die neuartige Technologie mit herausragendem Design kombinieren.
Mit dem Autel MaxiCharger AC hat das Unternehmen nun ein hochmodernes, vielseitiges AC-Ladegerät für Elektroautos auf den Markt gebracht. Als MaxiCharger AC-Wallbox lässt es sich innen wie außen montieren und deckt somit jedes denkbare Ladeszenario ab – von Wohnbereich und Garage über den Arbeitsplatz bis hin zu gewerblichen Parkplätzen und Autowerkstätten.
Mit der MaxiCharger AC-Wallbox lassen sich Elektroautos schnell und sicher aufladen. Die Weltneuheit von Autel ist für Fahrzeuge mit dem Ladestecker Typ 2 geeignet, somit deckt sie die wichtigsten Ladestandards ab und ist mit praktisch allen aktuellen Elektroautos kompatibel. Es ist erhältlich in den drei Leistungsstufen 7 kW, 11 kW und 22 kW.
Zu den Vorteilen des MaxiCharger zählt unter anderem ein hoher Sicherheitsstandard: Eine dreifache Schutztechnologie mit Echtzeit-Überwachung gewährleistet das sichere Aufladen, vermeidet ein Überladen der Batterie und schützt diese zuverlässig vor Schäden. Das aktive Lastmanagement und der dynamische Lastausgleich der Wallbox sorgen außerdem dafür, dass mehrere Autos gleichzeitig laden können – ohne schädliche Leistungsspitzen.
Dank IP65-Schutzklasse ist der MaxiCharger AC jederzeit sicher vor Staub, Öl und Wasser geschützt und meistert problemlos den Außenbetrieb. Sein branchenführender AI-Algorithmus und eine intelligente Batterie-Diagnose-Technologie verlängern die Akkulebensdauer um bis zu 20 Prozent.
Die MaxiCharger AC-Wallbox zählt als Investition zur Steigerung der Energieeffizienz und erfüllt die Kriterien für eine KfW-Förderung. Die KfW (Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau) ist eine der führenden Förderbanken der Welt, die nachhaltige Modernisierungsprojekte mit zinsÂgünstigen Krediten oder Zuschüssen unterstützt.
Ein besonderes Merkmal des MaxiCharger AC ist auch der hohe Komfort: Das Gerät lässt sich innerhalb von nur 8 Minuten leicht installieren. Zum Leistungsumfang der Firmware gehören dabei auch die Fernaktualisierung sowie eine Fehlerbehebung. Mit der zugehörigen Autel Charge App überwachen Kunden auch außerhalb der Sichtweite des MaxiCharger AC ganz bequem das Laden, checken den Zustand des Akkus und verwalten sogar mehrere Ladegeräte gleichzeitig.
Mit seinem fortschrittlichen und modernen Design überzeugt der MaxiCharger AC übrigens auch rein optisch. Aus diesem Grund wurde er mit dem reddot Design Award 2022 ausgezeichnet.
Die Produktionskapazität für die MaxiCharger AC-Wallbox beträgt derzeit bis zu 1.200.000 Einheiten pro Jahr und kann noch weiter gesteigert werden. Selbstverständlich ist das fortschrittliche und intelligente Gerät auch in Deutschland verfügbar: mit MediaMarkt und Saturn sogar bei zwei der wichtigsten Online und Einzelhandelspartner für Elektronik im deutschen Markt.
Ãœber AutelÂ
Die Autel Automotive Intelligence Group wurde im Jahr 2004 gegründet. Das Unternehmen ist heute mit seinem integrierten Marketingnetz in mehr als 70 Ländern und Regionen weltweit vertreten. Autel unterhält zwei Produktionsstätten im Guangming-Distrikt der Stadt Shenzhen, China, sowie in Haiphong, Vietnam, mit einer Fläche von 15.000 Quadratmetern bzw. 20.067 Quadratmetern.
Die Unternehmensgruppe unterhält enge Geschäftsbeziehungen zu den vier großen Autoteile-Einzelhandelsketten wie Advanced Auto Parts und Genuine Parts sowie zu großen integrierten Großhändlern auf dem nordamerikanischen Kfz-Ersatzteilmarkt, darunter MedcoTool und Integrated Supply Network. Darüber hinaus deckt das Autel Netzwerk mit seinen Produkten den Bedarf von mehr als 500.000 unabhängigen Werkstätten ab. Die Investitionen in Forschung und Entwicklung machen heute mehr als 15 % des Umsatzes aus. Mehr als 60 Prozent der Mitarbeiter arbeiten bereits im F&E-Bereich.
BERKSHIRE, UK, 15-Mar-2022 — /EPR ENERGY NEWS/ — Vestel and Eneco eMobility have announced a new partnership, that is set to make it easier for more drivers across Europe to switch to electric vehicles. Through the installation of Vestel EVC04 Electric Vehicle Chargers in the Benelux region, and Germany, Eneco eMobility can offer its customers a convenient, user-friendly, and ultra-efficient EV charging solution.
While the Vestel EVC04 model simplifies installation and boosts efficiency, Eneco eMobility ensures that every customer can charge on 100% renewable energy.
Offering a safe, fast, and easy way to charge electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug in hybrids (PHEVs), the Vestel EVC04 EV Charger overcomes the usual challenges of installation for homes and small businesses. As well as offering compatibility with three-phase and single-phase power supplies, the 22kW model comes with adjustable power settings between 3,7- 22 kW to suit more installation sites.
When connected to the Eneco OCP management system, the standard EVC04 MID-certified smart charger further maximises energy and cost efficiency, ensuring customers are only ever billed for precisely the amount of electricity used.
IK10 and IP54-rated, both the entry and standard versions are shock-resistant and weather-proof, and safely balance the power consumption, thanks to their dynamic load management feature.
Recently rated highly in a review conducted by the ADAC, Germany’s largest motoring association, the RFID reader-enabled EVC04 model has quickly established global multi-sector technology company, Vestel, as a driving force in electromobility.
The partnership with Eneco eMobility is, according to Turan ErdoÄŸan, Vestel Chief Executive Officer, the next step in realising the company’s ambitious plans to facilitate large scale vehicle electrification: “With Eneco as a partner, we not only have the opportunity to scale up and fulfil demand for a simplified mainstream EV charging solution, but also to further the sustainability goals of individuals and small businesses alike. When installed with Eneco, the EVC04 EV Charger greatly reduces carbon emissions, enabling every customer to support a circular economy through the use of renewable wind and solar energy.â€
Leonie Baneke, Eneco eMobility Chief Executive Officer, adds: “Vestel shares our passion for making the transition to electric vehicles seamless and easy, making it a great international partner for us. With the Vestel roll-out of a uniform, adaptable and user-friendly EV charger that is simpler to install, Eneco can support a wider range of small businesses and households, reducing the cost, and complexity of EV charging.â€
-ENDS-
Editor’s Notes:
Vestel
Comprised of 28 companies, Vestel Group is a multi-industry manufacturer that operates in consumer electronics, major domestic appliances, professional displays, automotive and battery solutions, and EV Chargers. Testimony to the global importance of Zorlu Holding across multiple technology sectors, Vestel is not only thriving at home in Turkey, but also through a further 10 subsidiaries that have been set up in various other parts of the world. Thanks to its renowned manufacturing and R&D complex, Vestel exports to 158 countries and keeps its position as a global player.
Sydney, NSW, Australia, 2018-Jan-15 — /EPR ENERGY NEWS/ — When you need to recharge yourself and your 12V system, look no further than an Adventure Kings Solar charging system.
We have pioneered a range that starts from a simple 10W USB solar charger to a fully fledged 250W output array with MPPT Regulation for absolute maximum output to give you the options to power your setup no matter what you take camping with you.
All Adventure Kings Solar panels use Monocrystalline silicone cell construction which is the most efficient panel design available remaining lightweight and compact whilst still outputting effective power for use at home or in the bush.
We have fully standalone systems that include a solar regulator in both hard framed designs or the more flexible folding solar blankets which are excellent for space saving in the back of your vehicle or for emergency use.
We even have a fully customisable 110W Hard mounted system that includes fittings so you can easily and permanently mount it to your vehicle, camper trailer, campervan, caravan or boat with your choice of solar regulator.
We stock both the easy to operate low cost PWM style of regulator that has become the standard across the industry, or you can upgrade to one of our high efficiency, high output MPPT style regulators which gives you up to 30% more efficiency in cloudy or overcast conditions ensuring you get the most out of your solar setup no matter what the weather conditions.
Adventure Kings maintains its reputation for supplying functional camping setups whilst also still offering some of the most affordable solar setups available to the Australian market!
Whatever your 12V setup, Adventure Kings has a Solar charging system to efficiently top up your batteries and run accessories, with zero running costs and zero noise, whilst you kick back and relax and enjoy your favorite campsite in peace and quiet….When you are looking for a solar panel setup, you can’t look past an Adventure Kings Solar setup.
When you’re building a tourer or planning a campsite in your head, solar panels should always be a consideration – they are a source of free, limitless power after all – but how do you know what panel to choose!?
Luckily Adventure Kings has a wide range of panels, that won’t break the bank.
There are two main considerations to make when choosing a solar panel – how much power you use and how much space you have to pack your panel/s.
First, to calculate your requirements, consider how many 12 volt accessories you use at camp.
Generally all electrical products will have a wattage listed (check for a sticker near the power cord) you can use this wattage to calculate the real-time amps the product will use while it’s on. Some products may also list an Amp/Hour rating which simply gives an average on the total amount of amps used per hour the product is turned on. For example, the Adventure Kings 60L fridge/freezer is rated to use less than 1 amp/hour when the interior is set at 5°C and the outside temperature is 32°C.
So let’s work through an example:
You arrive at camp at 6pm on Friday, and it’s 32°C – your fridge is down to temperature at 5°C thanks to being plugged in while you drive and you’re ready for an icy cold beverage while you light the campfire, roll out your swag and set up the awning. Then you set up an Illuminator Strip Light and as the sun sets you turn it on and wind it down for ambient light.
As the temperature drops into the night your fridge will use less power, but every time you open it for a bevvy it has to work to cool back down again, so we’ll assume the fridge is using the rated 0.83Amp/Hours all night and into the morning. 6pm to 8am the fridge has used around 12 amp hours. The Illuminator strip light was on for 5 hours total and uses 0.4A at its low level for a total of 2A
So between 6pm and 8am you used 14 Amps total – whether you have a 98AH or 115AH deep cycle battery you’ve still got plenty of juice.
But throughout the next day your fridge will continue to use power. Between 8am Saturday and 8am Sunday it will use another 24 Amps. Add another 5 hours of strip light use for 2Amps and add in a phone charge using a cig socket USB adapter rated at 12W – that’s another Amp per hour your phone is on charge. In this case your phone is charged in 2 hours so that’s another 2Amps. Plus you use your Thumper to inflate some inner tubes to relax and float in the river – you use your Thumper for 15 minutes. To calculate the amps used per hour, you find the instantaneous power listed on the sticker (45Amps) and because you’ve used it for a quarter of an hour, calculate one quarter of 45. For this example we’ll call it 12Amp/Hours.
So Saturday to Sunday morning 8am you’ve used 40Amp/Hours – combine this with the Friday night total 14Amps and you’re looking at 54Amp/Hours – at this point your Deep cycle battery has used over 55% capacity if you’ve got the 98AH battery, and over 46% capacity if you’re using a 115AH battery.
You’re planning to leave camp at 4pm so the fridge still needs to be powered by your battery for a further eight hours. That’s another 8Amp/Hours, bringing the total weekend use up to 62Amp/Hours. 63% of your 98AH battery and 53% of your 115AH battery – you should definitely add a solar panel to keep those batteries charged!
Now you can look at the output of the different solar panels available.
4WD Supacentre offers a 110W fixed solar panel, a 120W Folding Solar blanket (with PWM regulator) a 160W Folding solar kit (with PWM regulator) and a 250W folding solar panel kit (with PWM regulator). The table below shows their maximum charging amperage (assuming the same PWM regulator for all panels) as well as the estimated total Amp/Hours after 6,8 and 10 hours of sun light.
So even six hours of sunlight on the Saturday and Sunday and your battery will have recharged at least 72A/H with a 110W Fixed Solar Panel (with added PWM regulator.) This would cover your power usage and keep your batteries charged. Of course, this is only a guide and your actual consumption may vary depending on many factors including, but not limited to, the outside temperature, fridge temperature, battery condition, wiring size and condition, solar panel angle and position etc etc.
The second consideration is the amount of space you have in your vehicle – for smaller vehicles, a 120W portable Solar blanket is perfect as it packs down to a compact size and still packs a punch.
For permanent mounting solar panels, the choice is obvious – a 110W fixed solar panel (or two!) These feature a thicker aluminium frame and don’t come with a regulator so you can connect your own, use a DC to DC charger and even connect multiple.
For bigger vehicle where space is less of a priority a 160 or 250 watt folding solar panel is ideal. You can set these at varying angles to catch the sun, and they mean you can park in the shade and have your panel in the sun doing the hard work! They also provide plenty of power for bigger camp setups or hotter conditions where your fridge is working more to keep your drinks cool.
California’s Direct Access (DA) Program is Poised to Expand in PG&E, SCE and SDG&E
Many Commercial & Industrial DA Companies Currently Save 10-25%
Pismo Beach, CA, June 02, 2015 — /EPR ENERGY NEWS/ — On April 21, 2015, California Senate Bill SB286 passed a Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee (11-0) and indicates the legislature’s desire to support both individual choice (increase the DA CAP) and renewable energy.
This is Great News – and is Electricity Deregulation in Action
Many companies currently participating in the DA program appreciate substantial savings between 10-25% on their generation costs over fully-bundled utility rates, which is why the DA program is so popular and in high demand.
Going forward, we expect the bill to be amended to either phase in the CAP increases or impose some alternative type of participation CAP, and include a renewable energy purchase obligation for new participants.
The Committee Chairman supports the bill and would like to see the bill amended to increase the CAP by 8,000 GWh and would also like to see any new participants be taken from the utility wait list.
** This “Wait List†and Timing are Extremely Important **
To be considered for participation into the DA program, a Six-Month Notice to Transfer to Direct Access needs to be submitted by a company to their utility. With these notices, each utility creates their “Wait List†for any future DA openings that may occur under the CAP for the following year.
“It is extremely important that companies realize that the utility Wait Lists for 2016 are being formed NOW,” says Robert Kramb, president of Bmark Energy, “and the deadline is June 12 for any 2016 DA openings.”
Six-Month Notice to Transfer to Direct Access forms are sent to the utility June 8, 2015 – June 12, 2015. If you miss the June 12, 2015 deadline, any DA opportunity for 2016 is eliminated.
Next Steps to Take:
1- Contact us at Bmark Energy at: 805-773-3762 Ext. 3
2- Email your electric utility invoice to: robertk@bmarkenergy.com
3- We will complete the form and return it to you for your signature.
4- We will then submit the form during the utility enrollment period.
Here are links to additional information on Direct Access, regarding FAQs, as well as savings charts and graphs.
Bmark Energy follows the political-regulatory energy changes in California and understands the DA process. We have been alerting California companies to utility-regulatory changes and assisting them in obtaining lower energy costs for over 22 years for both natural gas and electricity. There are two ways to reach us for more information.
Direct Access (DA) is an option that allows eligible companies the ability to purchase their electricity directly from competitive electric service providers (ESPs). PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E continue to transport and deliver electricity and their utility services for all companies in this utility DA program.
Robert Kramb
Bmark Energy, Inc.
791 Price St. #177, Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Tel. 805-773-3762 Ext. 3 – Fax 805-456-2088 Email robertk@bmarkenergy.com
BmarkEnergy (http://www.Bmarkenergy.com)
Renewable energy – if you haven’t noticed, it’s the buzz around the world. We are using an alarming amount of fossil fuels every day; fossil fuels that won’t last forever. Some experts say we will be known as the generation that destroys the earth unless we change our energy behavior now.
“Renewable Energy makes sense from both a financial and a green responsibility†says Todd Sachs, co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer of www.renewablehomeenergy.org.
“We are committed in educating consumers on how to turn their homes into Renewable Energy Homes. We help by connecting consumers with qualified installers throughout the United States so they can save money on their fast rising energy bills, create more value in their home investment, and join together in reducing dependency on fossil fuels; together reducing the carbon footprint.†Sachs says.
A recent press release from the whitehouse.gov states the following:
“President Obama is committed to an “all-of-the-above†approach that develops all American energy sources in a safe and responsible way and builds a clean and secure energy future. That’s why the President’s plan:
Challenges Americans to double renewable electricity generation again by 2020. In order to double generation from wind, solar, and geothermal sources by 2020, relative to 2012 levels, the President called on Congress to make the renewable energy Production Tax Credit permanent and refundable, which will provide incentive and certainty for investments in new clean energy. Instead of continuing century-old subsidies to oil companies, the President believes that we need to invest in the energy of the future. During the President’s first term, clean energy tax incentives attracted billions of dollars in private investment in almost 50,000 clean energy projects, creating tens of thousands of jobs. Permanent extension keeps the momentum building, while creating new jobs in clean energy.â€
Once Americans realize just how possible it is to remove their home from the grid completely and/or partially, many will turn to clean energy sources such as wind, solar and geothermal for home energy systems. Renewable Home Energy (www.renewablehomeenergy.org) just launched last week and is serving-up a great way to connect homeowners with qualified renewable energy installers throughout the entire United States.
Renewable Home Energy is committed to working with local governments, manufactures and installers to help develop affordable ways for consumers to save money with Renewable Energy to remove them from the grid and reduce the carbon footprint by reducing the usage of the finite fossil fuels.
The process is easy. Just click on www.renewablehomeenergy.org and learn about Renewable Energy for your home. You can also complete a form to connect with a Renewable Energy Installer. You will be contacted by qualified installers in your immediate area. They will review your current energy consumption and suggest the best Renewable Energy alternatives for your home.
There are great tax incentives for you to install renewable energy in your home, and great finance options with 4% or less interest rates for up to 10 year terms for qualified buyers.
Npower has announced that Clare Balding will lead a line-up of 11 successful women from the world of sport to launch the energy company’s ‘What’s Your Goal?’ initiative, offering young people once-in-a-lifetime opportunities in the football industry.
For the 2013 campaign, Clare Balding has joined forces with high profile female professionals who have shot to the top of their game and enjoyed success within the world of football. The likes of Jacqui Oatley and Kelly Smith will join Clare in a bid to encourage more girls and boys to think about a career in the nation’s favourite sport and to continue to boost the profile of sportswomen in the UK, following the success of last year’s Games.
The initiative is designed to encourage teens across the UK to start thinking about their careers. Clare Balding and the ‘What’s Your Goal?’ mentors will showcase the vast and varied jobs available to young people, both on and off the football pitch, demonstrating the range of employment opportunities available.
Working in partnership with The Football League, npower is searching for a ‘dream team’ of 11 ambitious and enthusiastic youngsters to spend a day being mentored by one of the successful sportswomen who have come on board to offer their time, knowledge, and support to the programme, offering them invaluable experience.
Having demonstrated why they should be chosen for one of the coveted roles with a CV and video application, the 11 lucky youngsters will be thrown straight into the action. One budding commentator will get to give their play-by-play account of the match alongside Jacqui Oatley at the Championship Play-off Final, while another will learn what it takes to be a top TV presenter with Clare Balding. Other roles up for grabs include reporting on all the action with Daily Mail sports reporter Laura Williamson and receiving first class professional football training with Arsenal Ladies and Team GB’s Kelly Smith.
In addition, young people can also get the chance to shadow: Everton U17s Ladies Manager Mo Marley, Sheffield United Goalkeeping Coach Leanne Hall, Exercise Scientist for Birmingham Ladies Ellie Maybury, Sports Photographer Georgie Gillard, The Football League’s most senior female referee Sasa Ihringova, MD at St George’s Park Julie Harrington and Ipswich FC Sales Manager Rosie Richardson.
Clare Balding said: “2012 was an amazing year for sporting achievement in the UK, especially for women, so I am delighted that npower will be continuing to keep up the momentum in 2013 and championing female athletes with ‘What’s Your Goal?’.”
Clare McDougall, npower’s head of education and community, added: “Last year’s sporting success had a real impact on young people’s perceptions of female athletes. We want to continue this with ‘What’s Your Goal?’ and encourage young people to think about a career within the football industry by providing them with a line up of 11 inspirational and successful women from the world of sport.”
Giving more young people across the UK a chance to try something new, ‘What’s Your Goal?’ will, again, see npower working with all 72 clubs in The Football League to offer over 350 valuable work experience placements to students in Years 10 – 11 in their local areas.
Students in Years 7 – 11 are invited to apply for the chance to spend a day shadowing one of the high profile experts such as Clare Balding, by simply filling out a job application which is downloadable at www.npower.com/whatsyourgoal.
npower research has revealed more than half (55%) of the nation’s small and medium-sized businesses will be taking an extended break over Christmas by shutting down completely from Christmas Eve until the New Year.
However, more than one quarter (28%) of those planning to shut down have no measures in place to avoid unnecessary energy wastage during the holidays, reveals new research released today from npower.
A significant amount (59%) of SMEs also say they will be reducing their operating hours, but nearly one third (31%) will not be adjusting their building systems to reflect these changes, meaning they could miss out on potential savings.
The research undertaken among more than 300 SMEs across the UK also revealed energy efficiency will increase as a business priority in 2013 for nearly one third (30%) of businesses.
Phil Scholes, SME Markets Director at npower, commented: “We undertook research among SMEs just before Christmas to highlight the opportunities for businesses to save energy. There are some simple measures such as ensuring lights and equipment are switched off and that heating systems are set to reflect the changes in opening hours, which can really make a big difference.
“We’d encourage those SMEs looking to take a break this year to fully embrace this great opportunity to make some savings, and with our research revealing energy efficiency is set to increase as a business priority in 2013, why not get the year off to a good start?”
While a significant number of SMEs do not have plans in place to manage energy waste over the shut down period, some businesses have planned ahead and the research shows that switching off equipment and lights are the most popular energy saving measures for forward-thinking companies. In addition, more than two thirds (69%) of those who will be reducing their operating hours over Christmas said they will change the settings on their building systems such as heating and lighting to reflect these changes, ensuring they will be able to use energy as efficiently as possible.
Phil Scholes continued: “It is great to see some businesses are ensuring they don’t waste energy over the Christmas break. Most organisations can save up to 20 per cent on their fuel bills by better managing their energy use and investing in cost-effective measures, so there is a real opportunity for more SMEs to save in 2013.”
A large-scale project to install solar panels across eight of its key UK sites was completed by npower between April – July 2012.
Approximately 200 photovoltaic panels, which generate a total of 50kW of electricity, were installed at each site by npower’s Business Energy Services division, while battling the wet and windy weather this summer. The installations ensure that the range of buildings, from one of npower’s power stations at Little Barford in St Neots, to one of its main call centres in Houghton-le-Spring, just outside Sunderland, will benefit from reduced carbon emissions.
As solar PV is an ideal renewable energy technology for most buildings, it suited the npower premises which differed in age and location types from urban to rural surroundings and featured varying roof styles.
The new technology will help npower achieve its target of reducing the carbon emissions from its offices by 38% by 2014. It will also allow npower to generate electricity during daylight hours and export any that is unused back to the Grid, thereby saving both energy and costs. The solar PV is already having an impact on the amount of electricity the offices are taking from the Grid for power. Birch House, an npower office in Oldbury in the West Midlands, which houses around 500 employees has already seen a 16% reduction in power used from the Grid when compared to the previous year thanks to the solar PV and other measures implemented across the site.
The installation of solar PV technology is part of the company’s wider commitment toenergy efficiency. Other measures have included the installation of energy efficient air conditioning units, motion sensor lighting and new recycling facilities.
Dave Horton, property sustainability and capital investment manager from npower, commented: “npower is committed to reducing the environmental impact and carbon footprint of our sites. This project is designed to help us meet these aims. It is great to see the significant results achieved already at Birch House and across our other sites.
“The comprehensive planning that went into the project was really important to make sure it was completed on time and as efficiently as possible. It was particularly essential as not only did we have to install the solar PV on a variety of buildings and roof styles, we also had to contend with all the elements the great British summer weather threw at us. The project was completed swiftly in less than two weeks and it was crucial disruption was kept to a minimum as the sites were fully operational throughout.”
The urgent need for up to £330bn of investment in the UK’s energy infrastructure to ensure a secure energy supply, meet carbon emissions reduction targets and protect the UK economy by 2030, is highlighted in a new report from The London School of Economics and Political Science.
The npower Future Report – ‘Energy and the economy: The 2030 outlook for UK businesses’ – reflects upon the need for a balanced focus on economic growth and investment in the energy infrastructure to deliver a low carbon and strong UK economy. It also calls on businesses to act now to ensure they are protected for the future.
Three potential scenarios for the 2030 energy and economic landscape and the implications for UK business are examined in the report; from continued austerity to a sidelining of carbon emissions reduction targets in favour of cheaper energy sources to power the UK and businesses. The report shows how a number of factors will shape what 2030 will mean for UK plc.
Professor Samuel Fankhauser, author of the npower Future Report, Co-Director of the Grantham Institute on Climate Change and the Environment at The London School of Economics and Political Science and a member of the Committee on Climate Change, commented: “This report shows how fragile and delicate the equilibrium of factors is for protecting the future of the UK energy industry. A slight change of emphasis in policy, a weakening economic picture or a preference for cheaper energy sources over low carbon energy generation could result in very different operating environments for UK businesses. It is crucial UK businesses take action now to overcome the potential challenges they may face.”
Volker Beckers, CEO of RWE npower, commented: “£200bn by 2020 has been the long-held figure recognised as being key to a secure energy future. However, this report shows that almost the same amount again is needed just 10 years later to provide the right environment to balance cost, carbon and continuity of supply. It is therefore crucial that the UK energy industry, Government and businesses work collaboratively to ensure this level of investment is secured and foundations are set for economic and environmental prosperity by 2030.”
Staff from npower and Doncaster Museum and Art Gallery are celebrating the installation of a new £300,000 biomass boiler; replacing the museums two old, inefficient, oil fired boilers, which had come to the end of their useful life after 20 years of service.
The new biomass boiler is expected to give the museum at least 30 more years of heat and power, as well as saving energy and money.
The new boiler has been jointly financed by the npower Juice fund and Doncaster Council with npower financing over two-thirds of the overall cost. The project has been managed throughout by Doncaster MBC Construction Services Team.
Since the npower Juice fund was launched in 2001, it has raised more than £2 million and the money has helped to support renewable energy and community based projects all over the country. The Juice fund also helped three other community based projects over the summer holidays by installing renewable technologies which include solar panels and another biomass boiler.
To help with the celebrations, npower has invited Woodfield Primary School to the museum for a Climate Cops Academy day and a mini energy treasure hunt. Installing the new biomass boiler will help keep the museum warm and safe for many years, keeping Doncaster’s treasures safe for generations to come.
Councillor Cynthia Ransome, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “Of the two boilers that were in the museum, one had broken and the other was beyond the end of its economic life, so we are delighted with our new biomass boiler.
“It will help keep the museum powered for many more years to come and enable future generations to enjoy its fantastic exhibitions in warm and comfortable surroundings.”
Matthew Cole, npower’s Project Manager, added: “It’s fantastic that we were able to help Doncaster Museum as it’s a real asset to the community here. Not only will it enable the museum to stay open for at least another 30 years, but it will also save them money.”
Rosie Winterton, MP for Doncaster Central said: “It’s fantastic to see Doncaster Museum, npower and the council working together on this project. The new energy-saving measures will provide the museum with years of heat and power using renewable energy.”
Consumers looking to take control of their energy costs will be able to get the latest energy efficiency advice from npower at this year’s Grand Designs Live.
Visitors to Grand Designs will be able to meet with npower’s energy experts, receive energy efficiency advice, discuss what renewable technologies are available to them and sign up to receive more information about the Government’s new Green Deal initiative, as it progresses.
npower is inviting visitors to the stand to learn more about how to create a warmer home, including how the Green Deal might help them to achieve this. The aim of Green Deal is to revolutionise the energy efficiency of British properties and reduce carbon emissions. With the Green Deal, households will be able to receive finance in the form of a loan, to help pay for energy efficiency improvements, such as loft, cavity or solid wall insulation. It works on a ‘pay as you save’ principle allowing consumers to repay the loan in instalments via their energy bill. As well as avoiding potentially large up front costs, which can be a massive barrier, consumers can take comfort in the knowledge that repayments should not exceed the estimated savings on their energy bills – the so called ‘Golden Rule’.
Visitor’s who sign up to receive more information about the Green Deal and request an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for their home from npower, will automatically be entered into a free prize draw for up to £5,000 worth of energy efficiency improvements.
David Titterton, npower’s Director of ECO and Green Deal Delivery said: “Saving energy for consumers is key to running a successful energy services business. There are significant changes to government legislation taking place which, in principle, should make access to key energy saving improvements easier for everyone. The Green Deal is a fundamental shift in the way that people can finance energy efficiency improvements for their home.
“While the final details are still being worked on, we want to encourage as many people as possible to find out more about the Green Deal and energy efficiency. So why not come down to Grand Designs and visit us at our stand.”
Grand Designs Live is taking place until October 14th at the NEC and is the UK’s leading home show. The event will have over 500 exhibitors, across six different sections, covering interiors, gardens, home improvement, renovations and technology. Visit npower on stand B550.
RWE npower has announced that its 2000MW flagship power station in Pembroke is now fully commercially available. RWE now operates the largest and most efficient gas-fired power station fleet, as well as the largest renewable energy portfolio, in Britain
A group of officials and industry leaders joined John Hayes MP, Minister of State, Department of Energy and Climate Change, Peter Terium, Chief Executive Officer, RWE AG,and Stephen Crabb MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Wales to open the new Pembroke Power Station at a ceremony at the site.
The £1 billion state-of-the-art station is one of Europe’s largest and most efficient combined cycle gas turbine plants. At 2000MW, it will have an important role to play in the UK’s energy supply, able to respond quickly to the market to provide a highly flexible and reliable source of energy to over 3.5 million households.
Volker Beckers, Group Chief Executive Officer, RWE npower, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Pembroke Power Station into our portfolio of operational plants. This addition means RWE npower now has the largest and most efficient gas portfolio as well as the largest fleet of renewable energy technologies in the country.”
Minister of State for Energy, John Hayes MP, said: “The opening of Pembroke Power Station is great news for our energy security.
“Every new power station built is a real strategic asset for our economy. This billion-pound investment will play a vital role in our energy mix, providing a flexible, reliable energy supply for homes and businesses across the country.”
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Wales, Stephen Crabb said: “As a Pembrokeshire resident and MP, I have been fortunate enough to see first-hand how the strong collaboration of RWE npower, local businesses and the wider community has led us to where we are today. I am delighted to be here to see all that hard work come to fruition.
“Apart from the long-term jobs this state-of-the-art facility will create, it will also play a significant role in promoting the wider economic development of the local community – and Wales as a whole – for generations to come.
“With the ever-increasing demand for energy production, the UK needs new sources of power generation. I have no doubt that this facility will play a vital role in maintaining the UK’s energy supplies for the future and make its own contribution to creating economic prosperity for Wales.”
Control of the final unit of Pembroke was handed over to the station team last week, marking the end of over three years of construction, in which over 10,000 contractors worked 7.4 million man hours to complete the state-of-the-art facility. The opening ceremony was also a chance to thank all of the people have been involved in the successful construction of the plant for their commitment and hard work.
RWE has invested over £1 billion a year into the UK over the past few years. As well as the £1 billion Pembroke station and the £650 million gas-fired Staythorpe power station which opened last year, RWE is also the UK’s leading investor in renewable technologies, with more installed renewable capacity and more investment than any other major energy company in the past five years.
npower is advising large energy users to start planning their winter energy management strategy now to ensure they are well prepared to take control of their energy costs.
One key step businesses can take is to put systems in place to better manage Triads and the transmission fees that result from them.
Each year, three half-hour periods of peak energy demand, known as Triads, are called by the National Grid, and the demand in these periods is used to set transmission fees (TNUoS), which can be part of energy bills. Triads fall between November and February, usually between 5-6pm during cold weather spells, when industrial demand coincides with the high domestic tea-time period.
However, businesses that have TNUoS as a pass-through charge on their bill can actively manage their consumption, and therefore their costs, during these times as part of anbusiness energy management strategy. npower offers a Triad warning service for customers, issuing a prediction of when a Triad period is likely to occur a day in advance so that businesses can make an informed choice on how to manage their consumption and reduce the impact of National Grid fees. Businesses can estimate how much they could save by responding to Triad warnings using npower’s free Triad savings calculator tool athttp://bit.ly/TriadCalculator.
Wayne Mitchell, npower’s industrial and commercial markets director, added:
“We’re always working to help businesses take control of their energy costs, and planning to manage Triads is a key part of an integrated energy strategy. npower not only issues Triad warnings a day in advance, to enable businesses to incorporate any measures into their usual energy management plans, but our online savings calculator can also help businesses work out the cost benefits of signing up to the warning service.
“npower has offered a triad warning service for over 15 years and has an excellent track record for accuracy. We would urge businesses to sign up as soon as possible, so they have the alerts in place before the cold weather begins. Only then they will be able to take full advantage of the benefits offered.”
For more information on npower’s Triad warning service and how your organisation can save money visit www.npower.com/triad.
Npower has released new research which reveals 18-24 year olds are the most likely age group to give up their free time to help in their community with 85% willing to commit time to voluntary projects.
The study of 2,000 people, carried out by one of Britain’s leading energy providers, npower, shows that the iPod generation is holding up David Cameron’s vision for the Big Society, as 40% of people in this age group say they have volunteered recently compared to just one in six older adults. 41% of Brits who claim to have volunteered did so when they were under 24.
The research reveals Britain’s youth are charity champions with half of all 18-24 year olds saying that everyone should volunteer at least once in their lifetime, compared to just 38% of other ages. Putting their elders to shame, 42% of over 55s, the age group most associated with voluntary work, have never volunteered.
Despite a perceived desire to help, with 60% of all Brits saying that volunteering is important, more than one in four people aged 25-65 say they have no interest in volunteering.
This lack of action is perhaps not surprising as more than half (56%) of those questioned think people in full time employment have busier lives than those of previous generations. A staggering 60% of Brits say work commitments, their employer, or lack of time, is preventing them from getting involved in their community, whilst a third (36%) are holding off until they retire.
Bev Frain from UK volunteering charity, CSV, explained: “npower’s survey highlights that Britain’s youth are not worthy of their bad reputation and actually need to be applauded for the work they are doing. However, the research also highlights a gap in Britain’s voluntary sector, where people of working age haven’t volunteered since they were younger, citing ‘lack of time’ as the main obstacle for not getting involved.
“There is a significant appetite for volunteering in the UK and that’s why it’s important that businesses like npower encourage volunteering through the workplace and get other age groups involved. In fact, grouping together with colleagues can be the easiest way to make a big difference without committing a huge amount of time.
“Spending just one day a year supporting a local community group, or half an hour a week mentoring young people or helping primary school children improve their literacy and numeracy skills makes a huge difference to the lives of others without taking up too much time. There’s a tremendous reservoir of skill, talent and energy out there, and we want to empower people and businesses to maximise these skills to help others.”
A survey of npower volunteers in 2011 revealed that 96% of those who had taken part said they felt they had made a difference and 83% felt more positive about working for the company. Meanwhile, 74% said they’d feel more motivated at work in the future.
Npower research has revealed that many homes across the UK resorted to switching their heating on to deal with this summer’s unseasonal weather.
Findings from energy company npower reveal that 50% of UK homes had used some form of heating in the last four weeks, and this figure rose to 58% for residents over 55 years of age. With the summer weather yet to make an appearance and boiler systems usually switched off in spring still in operation, npower is encouraging Brits to ensure their boilers are operating efficiently and safely.
To help homeowners keep their heating systems in good working order, npower has launched a combined energy tariff and central heating care package, meaning that new customers signing up to the Bill Saver energy tariff can take advantage of discounted central heating care.
Npower’s new offer combines the Bill Saver tariff, which offers annual charges discounted at 7%* until August 2013, with an exclusive central heating care offer, only available to new dual fuel customers taking this tariff.
Npower’s central heating care includes unlimited callouts as well as parts and labour**. The service also includes an annual boiler service and safety check giving homeowners peace of mind that everything is operating efficiently and safely. An additional bonus is that npower’s central heating care has no call out charges.
David Bond, Customer Marketing Manager at npower, commented: “The weather over the last couple of months has seen many people in the UK reaching for the heating controls and so it’s important that heating systems are well maintained so they are ready to spring into action when needed.
“Signing up to a central heating care product now will keep systems protected over the summer and, crucially, ensures that come winter residents have access to a team of qualified engineers and a 24/7 helpline should anything go wrong. This is a limited offer so we’re encouraging homeowners to sign up now to take advantage of our Bill Saver tariff and our cheapest central heating care together.”
Npower’s central heating care offer is available until 30th July 2012. For more information please contact 0800 229 999 or visit www.npower.com.
October sees the launch in the domestic property market for the long awaited Green Deal energy efficiency initiative. Here at Just EPC we are already receiving hundreds of calls from people inquiring about Energy Performance Certificates in relation to eligibility for Green Deal finance. The Green Deal offers domestic property owners a means by which to finance energy efficiency improvements and property upgrades at no up front cost, providing the upgrades see a return equal to or above the initial investment by way of reduced energy bills.
In order for this finance to be applied for, a valid Residential EPC must be provided or commissioned first. The EPC Assessor will draft a sheet of recommendations that allows the homeowner to see how much money they could be saving if they went ahead with energy efficiency upgrades. The assessor will also apply an EPC rating to the property between ‘A. and ‘G’. This allows you to see how energy efficient your house actually is and how much money you could save if improvements were to be carried out.
The commercial property sector in relation to SMEs (small to medium enterprises) may also be eligible for Green Deal finance in October as several green deal providers have already stated that they wish to offer their services out to the commercial sector, after having received many calls from businesses in relation to upgrading their properties. A Commercial EPC would be required in order to apply for Green Deal finance in the same respect as the domestic property market.
We are looking forward to the coming months as we expect to see a significant rise in the amount of EPCs requested in the build up to October for both domestic and commercial alike. With over 3000 fully registered and certified energy assessors nationwide, we are more than ready for the challenge. An EPC can be turned over in as little as seven days and in some cases 24hrs depending on circumstances with prices starting as low as GBP34.99. The process is simple and straightforward and will leave the client in a much better position to determine how best to improve the overall energy efficiency of their property, which in turn will not only reduce green house gas emissions but also help to save money on energy bills over time.
So remember if you wish to apply for Green Deal finance, then the first thing you require is a valid Energy Performance Certificate. This is the first step on the Green Deal journey and Just EPC are looking forward to playing their part in the biggest energy efficiency initiative the UK property sector has ever seen.
npower’s Burntwood office is reaping the rewards of installing renewable energy technologies, saving hundreds of pounds on its energy bills and significantly reducing its carbon emissions.
Based on the Burntwood Business Park in Cannock Chase, npower’s three-storey office is home to 100 employees. With 196 light fittings, 96 computers and six printers in constant use throughout the day, the building uses a lot of energy.
npower installed 54 solar photovoltaic panels 18 months ago onto the south-facing roof of the building. The system generates 11 Kwh of electricity and offsets more than six tonnes of carbon each year. Being able to use electricity as it is generated onsite has already saved more than £1500 on energy bills.
The solar panels generate all the electricity needed, and the building owners, J.E. Dillon Properties, also receive Feed-in-Tariff payments from the government. Feed-in-Tariffs (FITs) offer landlords or residents who have had solar panels installed payment for every unit of electricity generated, regardless of whether it is used onsite or not. If the electricity is not used, it can be exported back to the grid generating additional payment*.
Helen Booker, solar expert for npower, commented: “The npower office in Burntwood is perfectly suited to solar panels, as it has a large south-facing roof which is not shadowed by larger buildings nearby. Also, because it is in constant use throughout the day, all the electricity generated can be used onsite, making the system incredibly efficient.
“We were really pleased that our landlord decided to install solar PV panels on npower’s offices. Now, 18 months on, not only are we benefitting from significant money and carbon savings, but we can lead by example and show how successful the technology is in action.
“Clearly, businesses have an important role to play in helping the government meet its carbon reduction targets and using renewable energy technology such as solar PV is a positive step towards this.”
Mr Dillon from J.E. Dillon Properties explained: “We chose to install solar panels on the Burntwood site to benefit both npower, as our existing tenants, and also future tenants. Businesses are looking for premises which allow them to reduce their carbon emissions and energy costs while providing a visual sign of their commitment to a low carbon future.”
npower’s website includes guidance for businesses on solar PV installations. Anyone interested can also speak to one of npower’s dedicated solar experts by calling 0845 600 2039.
The youngsters from Oldfallings Youth Group were delighted to learn that their annual residential visit to the Camas Centre, on the Isle of Mull, was still going ahead, despite initial promises of funding having fallen through. Youth helper, Andy Brown (24), who lives in Oldfallings, decided to ask his employer, npower, to help out.
Around 14 youngsters were scheduled to go on the week-long trip and had been looking forward to it for some time. Andy explained: “We stay in an old fishing hut without distractions like mobile phones and TV; there is no electricity or gas and we all find out how easy it is to get along and the pleasure of being outdoors in such beautiful countryside.
“The withdrawal of funding was a huge blow to us and put the group’s finances into a precarious position. I applied for a donation from npower’s Community Volunteer Award programme and the cheque for £500 recently came through. The news was welcome relief for us all.”
The members of the youth group, who are all aged 13 to 18, take part in outward bound activities including walking, sailing and fishing. Andy, a former member, started to help the group leader, Richard Lockley, six years ago, volunteering to run activities for the youngsters at the club’s weekly Sunday evening meeting.
Michelle Barron, npower’s Charity and Volunteering officer, said the financial support is in recognition of Andy’s commitment to his youth group: “This award has meant the youngsters from Oldfallings Youth Group could enjoy their planned visit and reduce the financial burden on their leaders. We have several employees, like Andy, who give their time to help others and we are delighted to be able to support their contribution to their communities.”
npower research has revealed that a quarter (24%)of teens in Newcastle spend more time watching sport on TV than playing sport outdoors. Even more revealing is that one in four (25%) of children in Newcastle admitted they have no one to take them out or there are not enough facilities for them to enjoy the great outdoors.
The research, commissioned by npower to celebrate the launch of its No Power Hour Road Show 2012, reveals that half (50%) of Newcastle kids admit they’re addicted to TV, the computer or video games.
However, the unprecedented number of sporting events and national celebrations this summer may be inspiring a newfound wave of patriotism, uptake of sport and community spirit, with over a fifth (21%) of Newcastle’s children attending their first ever street party or picnic this year. One in four (24%) has also been inspired to take up a new sport or hobby this year, with athletics, track and field being the most popular choice (70%), closely followed by football (30%) and then swimming and/or diving (20%).
As the title sponsor of The npower Football League, the energy company is treating kids in four major cities to yet another fab free summer event with a football-tastic display of themed activity zones, including a penalty shootout area, keepy-uppy contests and a dribbling zone to practice footie skills. The npower No Power Hour. Road Shows aim to show how football can be just one of many activities kids can take part in if they just turn off their gadgets and technology for an hour each day.
Clare McDougall, npower’s head of education and community, says: “Our research shows that there is a real desire amongst children to spend time outdoors but they are constrained by being constantly switched on to video games, TV and the computer or have no one available to take them outside.
“This summer’s spectacular series of events is providing inspiration for young people to switch off technology and spend time with friends, family and neighbours, learn new sports and hobbies and get out and about within their communities.
“Our npower No Power Hour Road Show will visit four of the UK’s major cities to energise families and show just how much fun can be had outside, away from gadgets, using their own energy.”
