Benjamin Wilkinson

UK installs 647 MW of solar in H1 The UK government’s quarterly energy report finds solar leading the pack in new capacity terms. Meanwhile, provisional data to the end of June 2024 reveals the United Kingdom is on course to comfortably exceed 17 GW of recorded capacity during summer months. For anyone interested in learning more, the article is in my comments. #solarpower #solarenergy #hiring #solarjobs #renewablejobs

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🌍 Have you read the November edition of the All Things Renewables newsletter?🌎 Filled with the latest in renewable energy from exciting LSP updates to current news within the industry, and of course the latest and greatest job roles. Read now⬇️ https://lnkd.in/exCjqCDy #RenewableEnergy #RenewableNewsletter #RenewableRecruitment

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❓What's the average tenure of a Development Manager? ❓How many companies in the UK are developing onshore renewables (Solar/BESS/Onshore Wind)? ❓What companies are just engaging with TCPA scale projects, and who are exploring projects that are NSIP scale? Having a niche, and knowing the market in detail is something that we pride ourselves on at OXBO, and something we believe sets us apart. Over the past few months, we have conducted some market research and found some interesting results that have shaped how we advise both our candidates and clients. If you're interested in learning more about the market, seeing what opportunities are out there, or are after some salary information, don't hesitate to reach out! #Recruitment #MarketResearch #Renewables #RenewableEnergy

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Hi SP Energy Networks, a subsidiary of ScottishPower, has announced the winners of a £5.4 billion contract to undertake the largest overhaul of the UK's national electricity grid since its inception. The deal includes up to £3 billion for new overhead power lines and £2.4 billion for new and upgraded substations, encompassing design, engineering, construction, and electrical work. Nineteen companies have been selected as preferred partners for this strategic partnership, which will run for an initial five years with the option to extend up to 10 years. The partnership is expected to unlock growth, free up network capacity, and support new homes, businesses, and clean energy projects across central and southern Scotland. Nicola Connelly, CEO of SP Energy Networks, hailed this as "the biggest overhaul of the electricity grid ever seen," stating that it will give suppliers the confidence to invest in themselves, grow their workforce, and create new opportunities for the UK supply chain. She emphasised that every pound spent will directly benefit the local infrastructure for decades to come. SP Energy Networks owns and operates over 4,500 km of overhead electricity lines, 600 km of underground cables, and 150 substations in central and southern Scotland. The company was also recently given the go-ahead to progress with a new underwater superhighway off the east coast of Britain. This announcement comes on the heels of ScottishPower's decision to double its investment in the UK's electricity networks to £24 billion by 2028, with two-thirds of that focus on grid infrastructure. The winning firms are: Preferred partners to the Strategic Agreement for Transmission Overhead Line Works: Balfour Beatty plc. Cobra Brasil I Keltbray Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure. Morrison Energy Services (Transmission Networks). PAINHAS SA. POWER LINES, PIPES AND CABLES LIMITED Wood Transmission And Distribution. Preferred partners to the Strategic Agreement for Substation Works: Adman Civil Projects Ltd. Amalgamated Construction Group Inc. | Atlantic Roofing. GEORGE LESLIE. I & H Brown Ltd. Keltbray Energy. Kirby Group Engineering (UK). Linxon UK. Luddon Construction Limited Construction. Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure. Morrison Energy Services (Transmission Networks). Northstone (NI). Painhas. R.J. MCLEOD (CONTRACTORS) LIMITED Siemens Energy. UK Grid Connections Ltd . Read more: [https://lnkd.in/e_Sh6B4d]

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Exciting news from New South Wales, Australia! Bids for access rights in the South West Renewable Energy Zone have exceeded the target by nearly four times, showcasing an impressive 15 GW of power generation and storage capacity. The recent tender, part of the state's Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap, offered 3.98 GW of capacity, with the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO Services) revealing the results and emphasizing the high demand and value proposition of the zone. Notably, the tender attracted significant interest from hybrid projects integrating wind and solar technologies with energy storage systems. Bids for long-duration energy storage (LDES) infrastructure also surpassed the 1 GW target, indicating a strong industry commitment to sustainable energy initiatives.

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🌞 Exciting news in the renewable energy sector! Bayware, in collaboration with Grüne Energien, has received the green light for the construction of a 40MW solar plant in Somerset, England What makes this project particularly noteworthy is Bayware's commitment to preserving the land's biodiversity while harnessing solar energy. By ensuring that the site remains suitable for agricultural use (sheep will continue to graze on this land), Bayware and Grüne Energien demonstrate their dedication to sustainability and harmonious coexistence with nature. "This achievement showcases the success of our solar development team," said Nick Kay, Head of Solar - Bayware UK. "We are proud to contribute to the renewable energy landscape and are currently focused on delivering a 1.5GW pipeline in the UK." Moreover, Bayware's collaboration with Grüne Energien underscores the importance of strategic partnerships in advancing renewable energy initiatives. Together, they are driving innovation and progress towards a greener future. Stay tuned for more updates as continue to make strides in renewable energy development! #RenewableEnergy #SolarPower #Sustainability #GreenTech

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A prime example of the industry’s challenges in meeting net-zero targets, frameworks like the newly developed TMO4+ aim to streamline and accelerate grid connections, especially for renewable energy projects, which, once implemented should make life easier for everyone involved. Britain's first electric vehicle factory, run by Stellantis at Ellesmere Port, is facing a significant delay connecting its 4 MW solar array to the national grid, with a potential connection not expected until 2035. This prevents Stellantis from selling surplus renewable energy, impacts financial returns, and complicates its carbon reduction targets. The delay underscores a broader issue as companies across the UK wait years to connect renewable projects, threatening national clean energy goals. Solutions based on “Transmission and Market Operations 4+” (TMO4+) principles could help address this, focusing on: - Digital Grid Management: Advanced forecasting to optimise grid capacity for renewables. - Decentralised Energy and Microgrids: Localised grids allow factories like Stellantis to use and share renewable energy on-site. - Battery Storage and Demand Response: Flexible systems to store and adjust power flow, bridging the gap while awaiting grid connections. - Prioritising Ready-to-Connect Projects: Formal policies could fast-track projects that are near completion, unclogging the current queue. - Regulatory Reforms: Updating connection codes to allow more efficient grid use and timely connections. These TMO4+ strategies can ease grid congestion, support renewable growth, and help industries meet emissions targets more affordably. #RenewableEnergy #GridModernisation #ElectricVehicles #ClimateGoals #SustainableIndustry #GreenEnergy

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UK's clean energy landscape gets a major uplift with streamlined grid connections, enabling an additional 8GW for renewable projects. We can now expect quicker access for wind, solar, or hydro power initiatives as we shift towards a sustainable, resilient energy network. #CleanEnergy #GridConnection #RenewableEnergy

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West Burton Power Station has been purchased by TotalEnergies from EIG for £450 million. West Burton Energy operates the West Burton B gas-fired power plant in Nottinghamshire, which has three combined-cycle gas turbines with a total output of 1.3 GW, enough to power about 1.8 million homes. This acquisition is expected to boost TotalEnergies' trading capabilities in the UK's electricity and gas markets, enabling it to supply energy to around 300,000 customer sites in the UK. Additionally, TotalEnergies plans to leverage its 30% share in UK natural gas production to supply the West Burton B plant. With this acquisition, TotalEnergies' global flexible power generation portfolio grows to roughly 7 GW, complementing its 23 GW of renewable capacity. A big change for the iconic West Burton Power Station!!

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🚨Great news for the UK's solar industry ☀️ Congrats to all of the developers who were successful in the auction, some of the success stories below: - 6 Innova projects, totalling over 130MW received CfDs - Aukera Energy successfully secured CfDs for 220MW of solar projects - Aura Power have 4 projects amounting to around 175MW receiving CfDs - 4 Enso Energy projects awarded CfDs equalling 164MW - Low Carbon have achieved almost 900MW of CfDs in the past 3 auctions, adding 178MW in the most recent one

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The UK's renewable energy sector is making significant strides with the £2bn Eastern Green Link 1 (EGL1) project. This initiative is poised to deliver 2GW of wind energy through a 196km subsea and underground cable. Ofgem's swift approval highlights the project's importance in advancing the UK's Clean Power 2030 objectives. Key points to consider include: - Financial Impact: The EGL1 project is projected to save £870m annually by mitigating wind curtailment and reducing energy bills. - Energy Transition: By expediting the delivery of wind energy in the UK, EGL1 aims to decrease the country's reliance on gas for power generation. - Community Benefits: The project is set to provide £7.9m in community benefits to regions in Scotland and Northeast England. As one of Ofgem's prioritized energy endeavours, EGL1, alongside 25 other critical projects, is leading the way towards a more sustainable grid and enhanced access to clean energy. This approach could potentially revolutionise the scalability of renewables and shape the future of energy production. https://lnkd.in/ehqzTFDu Share your insights on whether this strategy could be a game-changer for expanding renewable energy capabilities in the comments below! #Renewables #WindEnergy #CleanPower2030 #EnergyInnovation

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UK Solar Energy Update: November 2024 The UK's solar capacity now stands at a remarkable 17 GW, equivalent to 5.7 million 3kWp solar installations—an 18,000% jump since 2010! This surge began with the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) scheme, which incentivised installations, though growth slowed after FiT cuts in 2016. However, rising energy bills and smart export tariffs have reignited interest, pushing installations higher since 2021. Today, 1.4 million UK homes have solar panels, a 4,862% increase since 2010. With momentum building, 1.5 million homes are expected to be solar-equipped by early 2025. Public demand remains strong, with 66% of UK homeowners considering solar, and over half open to local solar farms. The South East leads in installations, but the South West has the highest household adoption rate at 7.1%. The UK is on an inspiring path toward greener energy and it has never been a better time to join an exciting and thriving industry! If you are looking for a career within the renewable sector, or looking for your next move. Please reach out and I would love to have a chat! I have opportunities throughout the UK! #solar #onshorewind #commercial #domestic #hiring #renewableenergy

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A few weeks ago my colleague, Sonny Hudson, shared a very interesting post about BESS and its active involvement in stabilizing the UK grid. I wanted to share this with my US connections! The US grid could see similar stability benefits by integrating large-scale battery storage. As we transition to renewables, the flexibility batteries provide in emergencies and their role in balancing energy flows are essential for a resilient power system. The UK’s success story highlights an achievable future for the US, where energy storage bolsters grid reliability and supports a cleaner, more stable energy landscape. #BatteryStorage #BESS #USAStorage

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🚨 The UK Government Unveils Plan to Accelerate Grid Connections for Clean Energy Transition by 2030 🚨 With 722GW of pending grid requests causing delays in clean energy projects, the plan shifts from a ‘first come, first served’ to a ‘first ready, first connected’ policy, prioritizing projects based on readiness. In partnership with the National Energy System Operator, the government will also implement criteria to prioritize connections by technology and location, supporting a balanced energy mix. Ofgem will consult on new licence conditions to align connections with energy goals. #CleanEnergy #GridConnection #NetZero #EnergyTransition #UKEnergy #Ofgem #RenewableEnergy #EnergyStorage #Sustainability #FutureofEnergy #EnergyIndustry #Energy

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The UK's energy landscape is undergoing a significant transformation   Net zero is the ultimate goal of world economies & this shift towards renewables is creating a surge in demand for skilled professionals in the Transmission & Distribution (T&D) industry. ⚡️   Here's why a career in T&D might be the perfect spark for your future:   📈 High Demand: As the UK upgrades and expands its electricity grid to accommodate renewables and ensure stable power supply, the need for T&D engineers, technicians, and project managers is booming.   🔐 Job Security: The T&D sector is crucial for the nation's infrastructure and plays a vital role in everyday life. This translates to long-term job security and stability for qualified individuals.   🤝 Diverse Opportunities: From designing and building new infrastructure to maintaining and operating existing networks, the T&D industry offers a wide range of exciting career paths to explore. ️⚙️   🌍 Making a Difference: By contributing to a sustainable energy future, T&D professionals play a vital role in combating climate change and ensuring a secure energy supply for generations to come.   Are you an engineer, technician, or someone passionate about the energy sector? Consider exploring the exciting opportunities in T&D by reaching out to me today!

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National Grid ESO proposes a £58 billion investment to modernise the GB electricity grid for full decarbonisation by 2035. The plan, detailed in the "Beyond 2030" report, includes connecting 21GW more offshore wind, increasing the total to 86GW, and integrating various low-carbon assets. Key points: Grid Modernisation: Needed for rising electrification in mobility and heating, with electricity demand projected to increase by 65% by 2035. Wind Curtailment and Energy Storage: Utilising energy storage to manage wind power better, reducing gas plant reliance and consumer costs. Infrastructure Enhancements: More undersea cabling and grid reinforcement, especially between North East Scotland and North West England, balancing community and environmental impacts. Economic Impact: Expected to boost the UK economy by £15 billion annually and create over 20,000 jobs, mainly outside London and the South East. Strategic Flexibility: Optimising existing infrastructure and strategically placing demand users to save costs. The plan is essential for economic growth, job creation, and achieving the UK's 2035 decarbonisation goals. https://lnkd.in/egH8gsEF

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Is the UK's energy transmission grid ready for a renewable revolution?   In the face of climate change, the UK's energy landscape is undergoing a transformation like never before. With Ofgem approving new subsea interconnectors, including a vital 142-kilometer link between Hunterston and Kilroot, we're on track to power approximately 700,000 homes. This shift represents not just an investment in infrastructure, but a commitment to achieving net zero goals.   Want to dive deeper into the future of the UK's energy grid? Click the link in the comments to learn more👇 Or drop me a message if you'd like to discuss how Astute can assist you in navigating these changes.   #astute #renewableenergy #energytransition

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Our Board Member Elizabeth Baxter will be speaking at #UKSolarSummit next week on: "How to Maintain Intersectional Diversity and Inclusion in Your Workforce" 🗓️ Day Two - Weds 5 June ⏰ 12:15 - 12:45 📍Novotel London West She and fellow panelists will explore: 👉 Age, gender, ethnicity, socio-economic factors are all essential when recruiting a workforce – so what’s stopping us? 👉 Why it benefits the entire industry to make succession-planning a top priority for 2025 and beyond. 👉 What are the best recruitment and retention strategies you can employ today? 👉 What government schemes are operational right now? Come and join in the discussion! Details below ... #womeninenergy #DiversityEquityandInclusion #DEI #skills #talent #recruitment #retention #SolarEnergy

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⚡🌬UK Power Networks Services is acquiring a renewables portfolio from SDCL Energy Efficiency Income Trust (SEEIT) ⚡🌬 The deal sees UK Power Networks Services taking ownership of 70 solar, wind and hydro energy plants, generating 68.7MW of electricity for United Utilities Water Limited (UUW). The portfolio is underpinned by a long-term power purchase agreement with UUW. Director of UK Power Networks Services David Mitchell said: “Our vision is to deliver sustainable, reliable energy and we see this renewables portfolio as a natural fit. “Our long-term objective is to grow our technology and geographic footprint in the renewables sector.” “We have been building our capacity in this sector in recent years and recently delivered one of the largest solar car ports in the UK. “This acquisition has been carefully negotiated to achieve a good price and is another example of us investing in large portfolios of key renewable UK assets.” reNEWS - Renewable Energy News #Renewables #energy #solar #wind #hydro

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