Jamie Hughes

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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Is delivering the energy transition the hottest topic in utilities right now?🔥 Ben Wilson, Chief Strategy & External Affairs Officer, National Grid is live on Green Stage giving his keynote 'Delivering the energy transition: a view from National Grid’. Join him now to discover what the road to Net Zero holds. #FoUSummit24 #energy #utilites #NetZero #energytransition  

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SP Energy Networks, part of ScottishPower, has confirmed 19 preferred contractor partners to its initial five-year programme to rewire the electricity grid. The agreement includes up to £3 billion of new overhead lines and £2.4 billion of new and upgraded substations, including design, engineering, construction, and electrical works.  “With electricity demand forecast to double, Britain’s grid needs a major upgrade to transport power around the country,” said SP Energy Networks. Here is a list of some of the construction and engineering contractors appointed to the scheme: Balfour Beatty  Adman Group    Amco Giffen  Keltbray  Kirby Group    Morgan Sindall ScottishPower promised to create 1,000 new jobs and deliver tens of thousands more in the supply chain.   In the coming weeks, SP Energy Networks will submit its business plan for the period 2026 to 2031 to the energy regulator, Ofgem.   The strategic partnership will run for an initial five years, with the option to extend up to 10. “We’re delivering the biggest overhaul of the electricity grid ever seen to unlock growth and free up network capacity for new homes, businesses and clean energy projects,” said Nicola Connelly, CEO of SP Energy Networks. “These strategic partnerships will give suppliers the confidence to invest in themselves, growing their workforce, opening new offices across the country and creating even greater opportunities for the UK. “This is great news for the UK and Scottish supply chains, with every pound spent directly benefiting central southern Scotland and its infrastructure for decades to come.”  [Construction Wave] #infrastructure #energy #electricity #scottishpower

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At Threepwood Consulting, we’re partnering with Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks to provide independent assurance for the Distribution Network Options Assessment (DNOA) reports—an essential step in preparing the electricity network for the future. This quarterly series ensures that SSEN’s high-value projects (over £2M) are robust, transparent, and aligned with the increasing demand for greener energy solutions. Our work supports investment in the electricity network to enable the transition to net zero—ensuring people can install heat pumps, charge electric vehicles, and embrace low-carbon technologies. Key Highlights from Our March 2024 Assurance Report include: Future-Proof Planning Our assessment confirms SSEN’s forward-thinking approach, modelling network needs up to 2050 using Distribution Future Energy Scenarios (DFES). Evaluating Flexibility and Reinforcement We assessed options like flexibility and reinforcement in projects such as Abernethy and Birdham, ensuring the network can handle capacity and voltage constraints while supporting the shift to a sustainable future. Opportunities for Growth We identified areas for improvement, including better documentation of DNO interactions and increased consideration of social and environmental factors in decision-making. This report demonstrates our commitment to independent oversight, helping SSEN build a resilient electricity network that supports the UK’s net-zero ambitions. We look forward to continuing this important work each quarter, ensuring the network evolves to meet the challenges of a decarbonised future. Keep your eyes open for future reports as we collaborate with SSEN to drive sustainable, resilient energy networks.

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Solar Energy UK Chief Executive Chris Hewett has responded to Energy Secretary Ed Miliband's announcement that he wants 'to unleash a UK solar rooftop revolution'. Key among the suite of new policies announced by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero to achieve this is reactivating the Solar Taskforce. The joint government-industry body is co-chaired by Chris Hewett, now alongside Ed Miliband, and was charged during the previous parliament with establishing the practical measures needed to reach 70GW of generation capacity by 2035. Solar Energy UK says the taskforce's Solar Roadmap, almost ready for publication when the general election was called, 'will need to be revised slightly to align with Labour’s goal of 50GW by 2030 and its enthusiasm for faster delivery'. 🗣 Commenting on the challenges ahead to deliver the new government's ambitious targets, Chris Hewett (pictured) explained: “A lot of the groundwork for the Solar Roadmap has been done already. I have every confidence that we will be able to publish it within a few months." He continued: "However, the new government’s eagerness to generate more solar power means redoubling efforts to make the electricity networks fit for purpose, equip Britain’s workforce with the right skills for the solar rollout, and invest in a UK supply chain in areas like batteries, steel mounting and engineering, procurement & construction. This will ensure the UK economy really gains from the growth in clean power." 👀Find out more: https://lnkd.in/eJvbWN8C #solarpower #energyefficiency #sustainability #rooftoppower #roofers #roofingcontractors #installers #roofingsector

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We're helping Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks to build a #sustainable future. By upgrading the communications infrastructure to their UK substations network, we will improve #efficiency and help achieve output targets at lower OPEX. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/eUcpXd_G #transmission #distribution #operationaltechnology #controlsystems #safetysystems #realtimeinformation

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The need to decarbonise the UK’s power system at speed is critical, and we welcome the findings of the Royal Academy of Engineering report. The roadmap to decarbonisation must be aligned to a long-term industrial strategy, encompass planning reforms to accelerate the delivery of clean energy infrastructure, and drive partnership with industry to grow the green skills pipeline and supply chain resilience. A decarbonised electricity system will deliver economic growth, new jobs, increased energy security and lower bills over the long-term. Read the report here: https://natgrid.com/38

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If batteries are so critical to the future of our energy system, why have leading manufacturer Northvolt just announced so many job cuts? Firstly, batteries really will be important in our future energy system. Demand for them will multiples of where we are today - in EVs, homes, businesses and right across the wider system providing an important source of flexibility. In the short to medium term however we are seeing a significant growth in manufacturing capacity - particularly in China. This is happening at the same time as growth in global EV demand is slowing. The result is falling prices for battery prices, and squeezes for higher cost manufacturers. These tend to be those based in the West, such as Northvolt. This is good news for those who want to buy batteries in future, and we can expect the cost of things like EVs and co-located renewable and battery systems to fall further and faster. It's bad news for those making batteries though, particularly in the West, and highlights the question for policymakers once again over how they balance the need to make progress with an affordable energy transition whilst also protecting jobs and economic value at home. Link to the Northvolt announcement in the comments. Image source: Energy Storage Publishing. #batteries #energytransition #ev

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Regulations, workforce issues, social license, digitisation. How can we move at pace with the challenges we face? We can't change the deadline, but we can change how we reach it. Access our energy sector expertise and solutions to build the capabilities you need to thrive in the future of energy. #IndustryAdvantage. Gain your edge. Learn more: https://deloi.tt/3CdllSh #PowerUtilitiesRenewables

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🚀 **Solar & Storage Live 2024! - Been great so far** 🌞🔋 There are some great industry leaders, innovators, and enthusiasts at the Birmingham NEC for **Solar & Storage Live 2024**! This event is a fantastic opportunity to explore the latest advancements in solar technology and energy storage, network with top professionals, and discuss how we can accelerate the transition to a sustainable future. 🌍 With a focus on cutting-edge solutions and best practices, it’s the perfect platform to learn about the next generation of solar and storage systems, also EV integration and more. It’s amazing to see how far the industry has come, and I’m excited to see what’s next! Just imagine only a few years ago none of these companies existed. The European Solar games at the far end is a must see as well. All this talking at these events is thirsty work but don’t fear there is a pub in the middle as well to quench your thirst. If you’re attending, let’s connect and discuss how we can drive innovation and growth in the renewables sector. 👋 #SolarAndStorageLive #RenewableEnergy #SolarPower #EnergyStorage #BirminghamNEC #Sustainability #Networking

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Women in Engineering Day 2024 We are passionate about inclusion and diversity within our business, which includes working with the wider utilities industry to tackle the under-representation of women. That's why we're a WUN - Womens Utilities Network partner. The WUN was created to give women the skills and confidence needed to build lasting and fulfilling careers in the utility sector. Their mission is to help women connect with other women, share their experiences, build confidence, and develop their passion for the fast-moving world of utilities. We hope that, through this partnership, we can help create a more gender-inclusive industry that encourages, develops and benefits from more amazing female talent. #INWED24 #femaletalent #femaleengineers

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Women in Engineering Day 2024 We are passionate about inclusion and diversity within our business, which includes working with the wider utilities industry to tackle the under-representation of women. That's why we're a WUN - Womens Utilities Network partner. The WUN was created to give women the skills and confidence needed to build lasting and fulfilling careers in the utility sector. Their mission is to help women connect with other women, share their experiences, build confidence, and develop their passion for the fast-moving world of utilities. We hope that, through this partnership, we can help create a more gender-inclusive industry that encourages, develops and benefits from more amazing female talent. #INWED24 #femaletalent #femaleengineers

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Women in Engineering Day 2024 We are passionate about inclusion and diversity within our business, which includes working with the wider utilities industry to tackle the under-representation of women. That's why we're a WUN - Womens Utilities Network partner. The WUN was created to give women the skills and confidence needed to build lasting and fulfilling careers in the utility sector. Their mission is to help women connect with other women, share their experiences, build confidence, and develop their passion for the fast-moving world of utilities. We hope that, through this partnership, we can help create a more gender-inclusive industry that encourages, develops and benefits from more amazing female talent. #INWED24 #femaletalent #femaleengineers

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Weekly Industry News Update 📰 Our latest News Update, featuring our Principal Consultant, Tom Hudson. "As of mid-2024, the UK has made remarkable strides in renewable energy development. Our national commitment to a greener future is evident, with solar and wind energy leading the charge. Solar power capacity has increased by 15% this year, bolstered by advancements in photovoltaic technology and increased residential installations. Moreover, wind energy is on a strong trajectory, with offshore wind farms like Hornsea Project Four coming online, adding significant generation capacity. These advancements are making a real impact on the National Grid. As renewable contributions rise, we observe a notable reduction in dependence on fossil fuels. The recent integration of a 5% increase in renewable sources into our grid is a testament to these efforts, ensuring a more stable and sustainable energy mix for the future. According to National Grid ESO, renewable energy is now responsible for over 42% of the electricity we consume, a significant leap from 10 years ago in 2014 when this figure sat at 10.7%." #WeArePace #WeeklyNews #CleanEnergy

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Customers who use our bureau solution do for different reasons.. One reason is simply down to resource. Some energy consultants already have their own internal bureau team and reach out to us when they take on new customers which can not be managed within the current bureau resource they have. They can look to hire additional staff - But that means 3-6 months of training, finding someone who understands the energy market, adding more to the wage bill and is sometimes not always the best solution. Its sometimes worth partnering with someone like Optima so that we can instantly pick up the validations through our bureau team and become an extension of the current bureau team. No training, no additional wage bill and a team who live and breath energy and energy bills 😎 🤗 Maybe time to have a quick look at Optima.

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Are you in the queue? With approximately 700GW of energy projects in transmission and distribution awaiting connection to the UK's National Grid, Energy Networks Director Patrick Smart outlines key reforms that can expedite the connection of these shovel-ready projects and explains how this can benefit landowners, developers and owners in 2024 and beyond. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/e_JScYCf #Grid #Landowners #PowerForGood 

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