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There’s a place for you at January’s Facilities Management Forum

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The Facilities Management Forum is fast-approaching and as an energy management professional you’re eligible for a free delegate pass – Register today!

22nd & 23rd January 2024

Radisson Blu Hotel, London Stansted Airport

Your FREE pass includes;

🤝 Your own personalised “corporate speed-dating” itinerary with cost-saving and innovative suppliers

💡 A seat at our insightful seminar sessions, led by industry thought leaders

💤 Overnight accommodation at the venue – Radisson Blu Hotel, London Stansted Airport

☕ Complimentary meals and refreshments throughout the two days

👋 Networking opportunities with fellow facilities management professionals

⌚ Personalised attendance options to suit your schedule

🥂 An invitation to our evening networking dinner with a showcase of entertainment

This two-day, focused event brings together top industry suppliers offering the very best products/services, ready to help you with your upcoming projects. Let us know whether you will be attending here.

If you would like to nominate a colleague to attend, or for more information on the event, please contact me below:

Register Here

CTP secures 200m euros from European Investment Bank for solar energy roll-out

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CTP, Europe’s largest listed developer, owner, and manager of industrial and logistics properties by gross lettable area (GLA), has secured €200 million in financing from the European Investment Bank (EIB) for the roll-out of its large-scale programme of solar panel installation across its European business park portfolio.

The 10-year unsecured loan will contribute to accelerating the energy transition, strengthen the security of power supply, and boost climate action and social and economic cohesion. It is part of the EIB’s dedicated contribution to REPowerEU, the plan designed to end Europe’s dependence on fossil-fuel imports, and has been offered at attractive terms.

CTP, which has a portfolio of 10.9 million sqm (GLA) across the CEE, with a growing focus on Western Europe, in markets like Germany, Austria and the Netherlands, is targeting rapid growth in the generation of renewable energy across its portfolio and has established its own energy company to oversee an ambitious programme of solar PV installation.

Since 2020 CTP has ensured that all its industrial and logistics buildings are ‘solar ready’. The developer and operator targets a 15% YoC return on its solar investments and ended 2022 with 38MWp of installed PV capacity on roof space and is on target to add an additional 100MWp during 2023. The EIB financing will support CTP’s medium-term goal of reaching 400MWp by 2026. Where onsite renewable energy is not currently available, CTP partners with energy suppliers to provide clients with 100% renewable energy.

CTP plans to nearly double its portfolio to 20 million sqm by the end of the decade and over the longer-term CTP plans to create completely energy independent industrial parks—where all energy used onsite is created within the park and excess energy is supplied into the local electricity grid to support neighbouring communities. This will reduce the total occupancy costs for CTP’s clients and assist in creating a more resilient and secure energy grid, while also lowering the carbon footprint of both CTP and its clients.

The EIB financing comes after CTP published its first Sustainability Report, which transparently sets out how CTP is progessing against its ESG commitments and how they are aligned with EU Taxonomy requirements. The report is aligned with Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards, the EPRA sustainability Best Practices Recommendations, and the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD).

Richard Wilkinson, Group Chief Financial Officer, CTP, said: “The backing of the European Investment Bank is testament to the robust business strategy we have in place to deliver on the large-scale installation of solar PV across our portfolio, and allows us to obtain long-term unsecured financing at attractive conditions. Sustainable financing is the way forward, and we are proud to add the European Investment Bank as a new financial partner in this.”

Peter Ceresnik, Chief Operating Officer, CTP, said: “CTP has long been a pioneer in the development of sustainable industrial and logistics space and we now applying the same long-term vision and ambition to renewable enery. The European Investment Bank’s financing will accelerate our plans to maximize the solar potential of our portfolio and help us meet our medium-term goal of installing 400MWp by 2026. It will also help us achieve our longer-term vision for our parks to become energypositive, meaning they can produce and share excess renewable energy, benefitting not only our clients and the local communities where we operate, but also the planet.”

These are the solutions Energy Management professionals need in 2023/24

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Renewable Energy, Carbon Management and Energy Management Systems are topping the list of technologies the UK’s energy management professionals are sourcing for 2023/24, according to our exclusive research.

The findings have been revealed in the run up to the Energy Management Summit, which takes place on October 10th & 11th in London and are based on delegate requirements.

Delegates registering to attend are asked which technologies they needed to invest in during 2023/24 and beyond.

Energy Efficiency Solutions and Onsite Renewables rounded out the Top 5.

Top 10 solutions being sourced by Energy Management Summit delegates 2023/24:

Renewable Energy

Carbon Management

Energy Management Systems

Energy Efficiency Solutions

Onsite Renewables

Solar/PV

Building Management Systems

Waste Management

Energy Dashboards

Sustainable Buildings

Sarah Beall, Managing Director at Forum Events & Media, said: “The way we match buyers and suppliers at the Energy Management Summit gives us a unique insight into the types of products and services the industry is looking for right now. Not only does it mean we can deliver a highly-targeted B2B event with proven outcomes for all attendees, but we can deliver valuable insights into how the market is developing at what is a hugely exciting time for all stakeholders.”

To find out more about the Energy Management Summit, visit https://energymanagementsummit.co.uk

For more information about the buying trends data and the Energy Management Summit, contact Nick Stannard on 01992 374092 | n.stannard@forumevents.co.uk 

How AI can make Energy Management more efficient

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In the realm of energy management, professionals are always on the hunt for tools and technologies to make their tasks more efficient. As energy consumption patterns grow more complex, the need for advanced solutions becomes paramount. Enter Artificial Intelligence (AI). This technology, which seemed futuristic a decade ago, is now at the forefront of revolutionising energy management. Here’s how AI is assisting energy professionals in their daily operations…

  1. Predictive Maintenance:
    • Function: AI algorithms can predict when equipment is likely to fail or require maintenance by analysing vast amounts of data on equipment usage and performance.
    • Benefit: This predictive approach results in reduced downtime, extending the lifespan of equipment and ensuring optimal performance.
  2. Demand Forecasting:
    • Function: By analysing historical data and integrating real-time variables such as weather patterns and occupancy rates, AI can accurately predict energy demand.
    • Benefit: Accurate forecasting allows for better allocation of resources, ensuring that energy production meets demand without excessive wastage.
  3. Optimisation of Energy Consumption:
    • Function: AI systems can monitor energy usage patterns and make real-time adjustments to HVAC systems, lighting, and other energy-consuming devices.
    • Benefit: This dynamic approach to energy consumption ensures maximum efficiency, reducing costs and carbon footprints.
  4. Integration of Renewable Sources:
    • Function: AI can manage the integration of multiple energy sources, especially renewables like wind and solar, by predicting their output and balancing it with the grid’s demand.
    • Benefit: Ensuring a smooth blend of renewable sources reduces reliance on fossil fuels and promotes sustainable energy practices.
  5. Advanced Data Analytics:
    • Function: AI-powered data analytics tools can sift through vast datasets to identify patterns, inefficiencies, or anomalies in energy consumption.
    • Benefit: With insights gleaned from this data, energy managers can make informed decisions, identify areas for improvement, and implement strategies for energy conservation.
  6. Automated Reporting:
    • Function: AI tools can automatically generate detailed reports on energy usage, cost savings, or carbon emissions without manual intervention.
    • Benefit: Automated reports save time, ensure accuracy, and provide stakeholders with timely information to make strategic decisions.
  7. Enhanced Security:
    • Function: With the increasing threat of cyberattacks on energy grids and infrastructure, AI can monitor network activities, detect anomalies, and deploy countermeasures in real-time.
    • Benefit: Enhanced security ensures the uninterrupted supply of energy and protects sensitive data.

As energy landscapes evolve, the role of AI in energy management is proving to be indispensable. With its ability to process massive amounts of data, make predictive analyses, and automate mundane tasks, AI is not only making the life of energy management professionals easier but also paving the way for a more efficient and sustainable energy future. For professionals in the sector, embracing AI is not just a smart move; it’s a necessary step towards modernisation.

The Energy Management Summit offers insights and solutions when it comes to AI – Register today!

Do you specialise in Lighting solutions? We want to hear from you!

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Each month on Energy Management Briefing we’re shining the spotlight on a different part of the market – and in October we’ll be focussing on Lighting.

It’s all part of our ‘Recommended’ editorial feature, designed to help energy management buyers find the best products and services available today.

So, if you’re a supplier of Lighting solutions and would like to be included as part of this exciting new shop window, we’d love to hear from you – for more info, contact Danielle James on 01992 374085 / d.james@forumevents.co.uk. 

Our features list in full:

Oct – Lighting
Nov – Heating & Ventilation
Dec – Onsite Renewables
Jan 24 – Energy Management Systems
Feb 24 – Renewable Energy
Mar 24 – Carbon Management
Apr 24 – Metering & Monitoring
May 24 – Water Management/Strategy
Jun 24 – Energy Storage
Jul 24 – Data Collection & Management
Aug 24 – Waste Management
Sept 24 – Solar PV

Energy crisis putting business Net Zero goals at risk

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82% of UK business leaders say the energy crisis will impact their organisation’s ability to meet emissions reduction plans – Of that figure, around half of organisations say they are delaying planned investment in sustainability and net zero plans (49%). Just over one third of the same organisations (34%) say they now have more immediate business challenges to meet. More than a quarter of these organisations claim that taking practical action to meet targets is difficult (27%).

That’s according to research published by Schneider Electric, which says that given the direct link between lower energy use and decreased emissions, organisations that maintain efforts to meet their emissions targets will also reduce energy use as a result. This in turn will lower their overall energy costs, and provide a useful boost to the bottom line in a challenging economic climate.

Crucially, the survey of more than 1,200 large organisations reveals that business leaders still recognise the importance of working to emissions reduction targets, as 39% believe that climate change and net zero ambitions will become more of a priority over the next three years. Only a small minority (12%) believe that national net zero commitments will be diluted in that time.

“Business leaders tell us that the energy crisis should be seen alongside the many other challenges they have faced over the last twelve months, including economic pressures, cyber security and skills shortages. Yet our research suggests that some of the UK and Ireland’s largest organisations are ‘kicking the carbon emissions can down the road’, as a result of the energy crisis”, said Kelly Becker, Zone President, Schneider Electric UK and Ireland.

“As fears grow about progress against global commitments made under the Paris Agreement, and the UK’s Climate Change Committee warns of a lack of progress on emissions cuts, the UK and Ireland need businesses and organisations in the public sector to play their part and stick to their net zero and emissions reduction targets”, said Kelly Becker.

The survey also reveals that only around one in five (21%) of those surveyed believe that energy prices will fall over the next three years, while over two thirds (69%) think their organisation will still be addressing the energy crisis in 12 months’ time.

Becker also urged business leaders to re-engage with their emissions reduction ambitions: “It’s not all doom and gloom: as our research shows, business leaders still believe in their climate change ambitions – they simply need to push the subject back up the corporate agenda.

“The technology required to help businesses decarbonise is already available – and the return on investment for these solutions has never been more attractive, with payback periods measured in months rather than years. Organisations still have time to meet their net zero commitments by understanding and addressing energy use, investing in renewable energy and energy saving technology, and embedding sustainability and carbon reduction targets in their business plans,” she added.

“What’s more, those that invest in green skills and green jobs will reap the rewards of a diverse workforce for decades to come. At Schneider, we’ve seen this for ourselves through our apprenticeship and graduate programmes.”

High-voltage switchgear demand to reach $30.3 billion

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The global high-voltage (HV) switchgear market is forecast to reach $30.34 billion in 2027 from $25.02 billion in 2022, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.54% between 2023 and 2027.

GlobalData’s latest report, “Switchgears for Power Transmission, Market Size, Share and Trends Analysis by Technology, Installed Capacity, Generation, Key Players and Forecast, 2022–2027,” reveals that in 2022, the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region held the largest share of the market for HV switchgears globally, with a share of 44.60%. The region’s market share is expected to increase to 48.24%, in 2027, higher than the growth expected in all other regions.

Bhavana Sri Pullagura, Senior Power Analyst at GlobalData, said: “The growing demand for electricity is giving rise to the need for new power plants, particularly those modes of generation that have minimal impact on the environment. Several countries have begun to address deployment barriers to create a conducive market for increasing the use of renewable energy technologies and gas-based generation. The falling capital cost and low gas prices also resulted in increased development of renewables and gas power plants. This contributed to the growth of the switchgear market, which is expected to continue as countries seek to increase the share of renewables and gas in their generation mix.”

According to GlobalData’s 2023 Switchgears Market Report, the HV switchgear market in the EMEA region was estimated to be $11.16 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $14.63 billion, registering a CAGR of 5.03% over 2023-27. The economic boom in countries in the Middle East led to an increase in demand for power, contributing to the growth of the market.

In 2022, Asia-Pacific’s market value stood at $10.77 billion, accounting for a share of 43.05% in the global HV switchgear market. The HV switchgear market in the Americas is expected to reach $3.11 billion by 2027, as the grid requires upgrades to replace aging assets and to accommodate the increasing sources of renewable energy.

China, one of the fastest-growing economies with the largest fleet of transmission substations, topped the global HV switchgear market in 2022 with a value of $7.73 billion, accounting for a 30.90% share. The country is expected to continue its leadership during the forecast period, reaching $9.19 billion in 2027.

Bhavana Sri added: “The need to build transmission infrastructure to deliver power from renewable sources in remote regions, the increasing domestic demand for electricity, large-scale renewable energy deployment, the projected growth in the gross domestic product, and rural electrification initiatives are some of the major factors aiding the growth of its HV switchgear market in China. The country is the world leader in ultra-high-voltage transmission, having made considerable investments in the development of transmission systems of voltage level of 765 kilovolts (kV) and above.”

The other major countries in the Asia-Pacific gas-insulated switchgear market include India and Japan. India ranks third after China and the US in the global HV switchgear market, with a value of $1.15 billion in 2022 and a share of 4.60%.

Bhavana Sri concluded: “GlobalData believes that policies established to address environmental challenges and capitalize on market opportunities offered by technologies would notably impact the switchgear market by the end of the forecast period.”

Exploring regulatory and licensing requirements for commercial Solar PV

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The UK has made significant strides in its transition to cleaner energy sources, with Solar Photovoltaic (PV) playing an instrumental role. However, businesses looking to harness solar energy need to be aware of the regulatory and licensing landscape. Here’s an overview of the key requirements, as detailed by delegates and attendees at the Energy Management Summit…

Planning Permissions:

Typically, solar installations on commercial premises might need planning permission, especially if they’re ground-mounted or if the building is listed or in a conservation area. Always check with your local authority.

Roof-mounted systems are generally considered ‘permitted development’ in commercial settings, but there are exceptions, including if the system protrudes more than 200mm from the roof or if installed equipment is higher than the highest part of the roof (excluding chimneys).

Building Regulations:

Any solar PV installation needs to adhere to the UK’s building regulations, ensuring that the installation does not negatively impact the building’s safety or structural integrity. Installers should notify the local building control body before installation.

Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS):

For businesses wishing to benefit from certain government incentives, the installation must be carried out by a Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) certified installer. The MCS is a mark of quality and demonstrates compliance to industry standards. It indicates that the company can install to the highest quality every time.

Grid Connection:

If you intend to connect your solar system to the grid, you need to get approval from the District Network Operator (DNO). This ensures that the grid can handle the power you generate. Depending on the size and scope of your installation, there might be additional requirements or fees.

Feed-in Tariffs (FiT):

The UK government’s Feed-in Tariff scheme ended in April 2019. However, businesses that have already installed solar PV systems and are registered can continue to receive payments. Make sure to comply with the FiT’s ongoing obligations and periodic checks. Post-FiT, the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) has been introduced, which mandates energy suppliers to pay small-scale low-carbon generators for electricity exported to the grid.

Environmental and Aesthetical Concerns:

Especially for larger installations or in areas of natural beauty, an environmental impact assessment might be necessary. The visual impact of the panels and any associated infrastructure should be considered, ensuring minimal disruption to the landscape or townscape.

Health and Safety:

Adherence to health and safety standards is non-negotiable. Risk assessments, safe working practices, and appropriate training are essential, especially considering the potential electrical and height risks associated with solar installations.

Waste Management:

Under the EU’s Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive, producers of solar panels are responsible for the costs of collecting and recycling them at end-of-life. Ensure compliance with this directive, even post-Brexit, as similar UK regulations may apply.

While Solar PV offers a plethora of benefits from an environmental and economic perspective, businesses must navigate the intricate regulatory landscape to ensure compliance. Engaging with a professional, informed, and certified installer can ease this process, ensuring your solar journey is both efficient and compliant.

Do you need Solar PV solutions for your business? The Energy Management Summit can help!

Image by Markus Spiske from Pixabay

Energy Management Summit: Seminar lineup confirmed – Register today!

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Have you secured your free spot at the Energy Management Summit, which takes place on the 10th – 11th October 2023 – Radisson Hotel & Conference Centre, London Heathrow?

The Summit will give you access to 1-2-1 meetings with innovative suppliers who can help with your upcoming sustainability and net-zero projects, networking breaks with other professionals and a series of seminar sessions.

Seminar sessions include:

“Collect data to drive energy savings”

Presented by: Tony Wright, Divisional Director – Digital Solutions, ebm-papst

“Carbon Zero in 5 years”

Presented by: Hery Henry, Managing Director – HCI

“Time for action: how to start moving towards your net zero targets.”

Presented by: Tim Kay, Commercial Director – Verco Advisory Services Limited

Also included is a complimentary buffet lunch, overnight accommodation, a networking gala dinner and refreshments throughout the day.

Wondering who’s already booked to attend?

Costa Coffee, Payabl, Owen James Group, Harwoods of Sussex Ltd, FCA, Takeda UK Ltd, RSM International, Dechert LLP, Copart UK Ltd, Brother UK Ltd, Ottobock Healthcare, Bird & Bird, DatalQ, Stockport Homes Group, Nexus Media Group and many more…

BOOK YOUR FREE PLACE HERE

Alternatively, contact us today to find out more.

A surge of cyber security for the energy sector

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By Eleanor Barlow, Content Manager, SecurityHQ

With a rapid transition towards renewable energy, the Energy sector has an increased reliance on technology. This makes it particularly vulnerable with regards to cyber security, as it depend on interconnected systems and digital technologies that make interactions a breeding ground for threats such as ransomware, and phishing attacks. In this article, we explore the current cybersecurity challenges faced by the Energy sector and discuss potential solutions to mitigate these risks…

Understanding Key Vulnerabilities

Although the Energy industry, encompassing the electric-power and gas sectors, faces cybersecurity threats like those encountered by other industries, it also has specific vulnerabilities that require specific attention. A cyber-attack against an Energy Provide can lead to widespread power outages, significant economic losses, damage to physical infrastructure, and compromise the safety of workers and the public. The widespread impact of a security breach is astronomical.

According to Statista, ‘the market will reach over two trillion U.S. dollars by 2030’. Given the expansive footprint of the energy sector, spanning across various domains and geographical locations, it becomes a prime target for cyber threats. This, in turn, opens many potential entry points for threat actors.

In addition, as energy companies continue to embrace digital transformation and leverage emerging technologies to streamline operations, it also exposes the industry to a broader attack surface.

In fact, The World Economic Forum stated that “As one of the world’s most sophisticated and complex industries makes a multifaceted transition – from analogue to digital, from centralized to distributed and from fossil-based to low-carbon – managing cyber risk and preventing cyber threats are quickly becoming critical to company value chains.”

Common Cybersecurity Threats to the Energy Industry

The critical role of the energy industry in powering economies and supporting essential services, which makes it an attractive target for cybercriminals seeking confidential information and financial gain, with 63% – 95% of attacks contributing to the latter.

Some of the common cybersecurity threats that the energy sector faces include Ransomware Attacks. The Colonial Pipeline attack of May 2021 is among one of the most significant cyberattacks against on oil infrastructure in the history of the US, wherein attackers gained access to Colonial Pipeline Co.’s network via an employee’s stolen VPN password to obtain 100 GB of data for a ransom of 75-bitcoin.

Supply chain attacks are another significant cybersecurity threat faced by the energyindustry, whereby attackers exploit vulnerabilities in the supply chain ecosystem to gain unauthorized access to critical systems or compromise the integrity of software and hardware components. One of the most notable attacks in the energy sector was the SolarWinds attack of 2020, which enabled the attackers unauthorized access into the company’s systems by injecting trojan code into their Orion software updates.

Enhancing Cyber Resilience in the Energy Sector

Robust Security Measures

Implementing robust security measures is vital to ensure the protection of critical assets and infrastructure within the energy industry. This includes network segmentation to enhance security, enabling firewalls to control network traffic, and providing comprehensive security awareness training to employees.

Comprehensive Threat Monitoring

One of the most critical aspects of mitigating cyberattacks in the energy sector is conducting comprehensive risk assessments to identify and prioritize potential cyber threats and vulnerabilities specific to the industry. SecurityHQ’s Managed Detection and Response(MDR) solution enables businesses to avoid potential cyber threats by analysing, prioritizing, and responding to incidents in real-time.

Incident Response Planning

Incident Response Planning is a crucial component of cybersecurity in the Energy industry. It involves establishing a well-defined and structured approach to handling and mitigating security incidents.

Next Steps

Considering the vulnerable nature of the Energy sector, it is imperative for the industry to prioritize cybersecurity measures. By recognizing these cybersecurity challenges and implementing appropriate solutions, the industry can mitigate risks, protect critical assets and infrastructure, and ensure the reliable and secure delivery of energy services.