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We’re all four flexibility
The UK is a world-leader in Smart Grid technology and Flexibility has a key role to play as we move towards a decarbonised, decentralised and digitised network. Claire Perry, Energy and Clean Growth Minister, recently announced four smart energy systems demonstrator projects across the UK. They range from charging electric vehicles and managing heating and power through machine learning to storing power with lithium ion batteries and using heat pumps. The projects are designed to show how the very latest in energy innovation can help to provide cheaper, cleaner energy for us all. The projects include: The Energy Superhub, Oxford, led by Pivot Power LLP Incorporating what is claimed to be the world’s first transmission-connected hybrid battery system using lithium-ion batteries alongside redox flow machines supplied by redT. A network of 320 ground source heat pumps will be installed and AI-powered software will be adopted to forecast energy demand and supply. ReFLEX Orkney, Orkney, led by the European Marine Energy Centre Establishing a virtual energy system on the isle, combining local power transport and heat networks into centrally controlled system. Peer-to-peer energy trading networks will be introduced alongside storage and electric vehicle-related technologies. Project Leo (Local Energy Oxfordshire), led by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks Establishing a local energy marketplace in Oxford, enabling virtual aggregation of loads and the dispatch of flexibility on the Oxfordshire distribution grid. Smart Hub SLES, West Sussex, led by Advanced Infrastructure Work on the integration of energy management technologies across council housing, private residential properties, commercial properties and transport infrastructure throughout West Sussex. Looking local These projects are designed to show how businesses can develop local energy approaches at scale. All with the aim of creating better energy outcomes for consumers and promoting economic growth for the UK. Working to a deadline of the early 2020s, their aim is to prove that smarter local energy systems can deliver cleaner and cheaper energy services. Claire Perry stated: “We are at the start of a green revolution, as we move to more digital, data-driven smart systems that will bring us cleaner and cheaper energy. These projects, backed by government funding, are set to spark a transformation and change the way we interact with energy for the better as part of our modern Industrial Strategy. We’re excited to see how these businesses and project partners reveal how innovative tech, such as energy storage, heat networks and electric vehicles, can set us on the path to a smarter energy future. This is tomorrow’s world, today”. The Government is investing in a new “Prospering from the Energy Revolution Challenge” and UK Research and Innovation has announced further details of its fund for research and industry to develop future smart energy systems and prove their use at scale. Rob Saunders the Deputy Challenge Director from Prospering from the Energy Revolution, UK Research and Innovation said: “We all need energy systems that are cheaper, cleaner and consumer-friendly. We have a great opportunity with these demonstrators to show just how innovation can deliver this energy ambition for the future. These projects can drive investment, create high-quality jobs and grow companies with export potential”. Which is great news for the UK and the energy industry as a whole. The £102.5 million Prospering from the Energy Revolution Challenge will develop cutting-edge capabilities locally that deliver cleaner, cheaper and more resilient energy for consumers, while also creating high-value jobs for the UK. Cleaner energy aligned with jobs growth appears – there’s nothing not to like in this scenario! Bringing together businesses working with the best research brains and technical expertise will transform the way energy is delivered and used. Providing energy that customers want by linking low-carbon power, heating and transport systems with energy storage and advanced IT to create intelligent local energy systems and services. This really is tomorrow’s world, today! Employment opportunities With the projects mentioned above demonstrating new, smarter, local energy approaches at scale, providing cleaner, cheaper energy which leads to more resilient and self-sufficient communities, they will also prove the models work and can be replicated. Ultimately leading higher levels of investment and growth in the sector – and therefore jobs. The funding has allowed the UK to create the best environment for research and innovation to flourish, creating more jobs and opening up opportunities. However, for this to be sustainable market expertise and knowledge, and people who are used to operating in the marketplace, need to be nurtured and training put in place to ensure skills are available for the future. Investment also needs to be made in training and education to ensure that we’re not only leading the field today but are well placed for years to come. As we’re moving into new areas and different technologies, we need to ensure the skills are in the sector to keep up this momentum. The war for talent in this area is likely to increase (as roles in new technologies become ever more technical) and therefore getting smarter, skilled and experienced candidates is only going to become more challenging. That’s why at ALLEN & YORK we’re focusing on this area right now. With an Energy Sector specific team, keeping up with technical innovation, employment market movement, skills and technologies, we can provide businesses with the best candidates and those candidates with the best roles. Get in touch to find out how. Information sources: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/four-leading-edge-demonstrators-to-jumpstart-energy-revolution https://www.current-news.co.uk/news/government-unveils-cutting-edge-energy-tech-demonstrator-projects
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Looking ahead to a greener 2050
Eliminating greenhouse gas emissions from the UK economy by 2050 is the recommendation from the UK’s Committee on Climate Change (CCC) and this would certainly have an impact on the current energy systems. We would need four-times as much low carbon power output, doubling electricity demand and a more aggressive electric vehicle initiative than we’re currently seeing today. If we are to achieve the ambition of wide-scale deployment of low carbon power, especially renewables, we need to start in the early 2020s to meet the 2050 deadline. Starting with phasing out coal, the 2030s and 2040s would drive continued expansion of renewables and decarbonisation of peak power generation (developing hydrogen as a fuel for existing plants). Whilst the CCC hasn’t proposed the methods of generating cleaner power it does suggest that it’s possible to deploy 75GW of offshore wind power 2050, which is almost ten times the current output, suggesting wind and solar – the cheapest options – will be at the forefront of energy evolution. But how much will this cost? The CCC have forecasted that solar PV electricity could be as cheap as £41/MWh by 2050 with offshore wind reducing from £69/MWh in 2025 to just £51/MWh by 2050 – which is great news, but what about the subsidies? They’re not expected to decline any time soon. Current levies are expected to rise from £7 billion to around £12 billion by 2030, they should then fall however £4 billion per year will still be in place from 2050 onwards. The CCC caveat that the cost of low carbon policies has been more than offset by energy efficiency improvements and the expectation is for greater improvements in the future. Generation leads to distribution It’s not just the actual power generation we need to think of – it will all need to be transmitted and distributed to its destination, calling for a rapid expansion of infrastructure to support this over the next 30 years. Networks undoubtedly will need to be upgraded and the CCC suggests future-proofing to ensure this doesn’t need to be done multiple times prior to 2050 (to relieve customers of further costs and ensure the system can cope during peak demand). All of which will need to be supported by the government working in partnership with the National Infrastructure Commission Will driving Electric Vehicles (EV) help? By 2030 there could be 21 million electric vehicles on the road globally* and if the UK is meet the 2050 net zero target, the electric vehicle market needs a push right now to ensure further adoption of zero emission vehicles. We’re already falling short of our neighbours in Scotland and Norway with our 2040 deadline banning new petrol and diesel car sales. The growth in adoption of electric vehicles could cut annual net costs of transport by £5 billion by 2050 but these vehicles will require more comprehensive charging networks than currently available. As many as 1,200 rapid chargers (near major roads) and 27,000 public chargers (in and around towns), are needed by 2030 if we are to support this initiative. Whatever the future brings, with the diversification of technologies, fast-moving innovation and the looming deadlines ahead, this potentially could see excellent opportunities in this sector for new roles and prospects for progression. In offshore wind alone, Renewable UK predict they are looking to support 27,000** direct jobs by 2030. Jobs in this sector build the future energy systems to help the environment for years to come so the world is a better place to be. If you are part of this exciting, change driven sector, get in touch with Richard Hawkesford to talk about roles you need to fill or perhaps even your next career move. Source: www.current-news.co.uk/blogs/what-a-net-zero-compliant-energy-system-might-look-like *www.thedriven.io/2019/01/23/report-predicts-21m-ev-2030-price-parity-2022/ ** www.renewableuk.com/page/Careers
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20 years at Allen & York
Cake and bucks fizz for breakfast – what better way to start the post-bank holiday week? Today we saw Lester Lockyer celebrate 20 years of working at Allen & York – from Recruitment Consultant to Managing Director. Starting his employment in 1999 - the year the Euro launched (strangely topical even today), when Westlife topped the charts with “Swear it again” (possibly one of their lesser known hits) and the year his beloved Spurs finished 11th in the FA Premier League - Lester has proven hard work and commitment pay off. With a speech from our CEO, Mark Allen, gifts included a personalised Snooker Cue, tickets to see Russell Howard and a (fake) voucher to become a Professional Musical Theatre Performer for the day, he was suitably embarrassed by us all. Congratulations on your work anniversary Lester – here’s to the next 20 years!
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Pedal potential?
With only 2% of children in England cycling to school – less than the 3% of adults regularly cycling to work – does work need to be done on planning provision for cyclists? With buses, white vans and Chelsea tractors remaining prevalent across commuter hours - and the school run - it’s no wonder these figures are so low. Cycling environments are pretty hostile wherever you may live but especially in cities and large towns; yet planning for school cycling barely gets a mention. For many years’ children have been taught cycling skills, via the national Bikeability programme (cycling proficiency for those of a certain age!), but little is done to ensure they have somewhere to ride. During the school run the roads are often gridlocked, with drivers parked illegally - on double yellows or even on the pavement – whilst parents endeavour to drop their children off to get an education. Transport planning has been focused on traffic heading to work rather than children’s ability to cycle to school (which would have more effect than just reducing the school run traffic – think well-being both mental and physical). Getting this on the mainstream transport planning agenda will require leadership and funding (necessary to improve the 2%) but data and planning tools also have their part to play. We aren’t currently aware of how many children would cycle to school or which areas would have the greatest potential for cycle routes. In terms of data, there is the state-funded Propensity to Cycle Tool (PCT) and based on analysis from the National School Census in 2011 (which included all state primary and secondary schools in England) if children in England cycled to school as much as Dutch children, more than two in five children would be biking to school. Using data from the Dutch travel survey, around a third of Dutch primary school children might cycle 2-3km to school, but the drop off rate is significant (one in nine) when the distance rises to 4km. However, even mirroring these numbers, would mean a 22-fold increase from the current levels. If you look at Cambridge, one of the best performing areas, the numbers would rise from 30% to 53%. If we could match the Dutch model, we could see at least 16% of trips to school cycled – even in more rural or undulating locations. Using the PCT to map cycling routes to schools, some roads could see over 500 or even 1,000 or more children pedalling along them and safety should be paramount. By prioritising children over cars, creating so called “school streets” whereby car access is restricted at school times will mean quieter streets for cycling (and walking, playing and socialising too!) without fear of traffic injury. In Enfield, Kingston, and Waltham Forest they are running schemes whereby some streets are closed to through motor traffic. When you take traffic out of the equation, so called “rat runs” can become play areas or provide bike parking, and results are looking promising – there has already been an increase in walking and cycling in these areas. The PCT shows that if we delivered the potential possible, physical activity among pupils would see an increase of 57% and carbon emissions would reduce by 81 kilotonnes per year. There’s a long way to go before cycling to school is the norm but the benefits could be a great motivator. Improved health and wellbeing, less cars on the road, greater child (and parental) mobility and independence. We need to see a shift in mindset, and priorities. Moving the focus from car-convenience to children’s health would be a start. The initial evidence is there (helped by the PCT data) so now we need to encourage local policymakers to plan for, and prioritise, child cycling for the good of us all. Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/transport-planning-cycling-school-bicycle-a8831561.html
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Powerful growth
The global battery storage market is set ‘to be worth more than $13bn by 2023’ according to data and analytics experts GlobalData as the sector is anticipated to grow by 7% globally over the next four years. GlobalData suggests Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, will be the dominant markets in these four years and expects falling technology prices – alongside the increasing pace of development - to be the driving factors of this growth. They note lithium-ion batteries will continue to be the preferred technology type. The Asia-Pacific region is predicted to continue as the largest market (it accounted for 45% of the global market installed capacity in 2018) and will reach a staggering total value of $6 billion (£4.6bn) in 2023. The EMEA battery energy storage sector was next in line with 26% of the global market in 2018. This too is expected to grow as a result of strong demand for flexibility. The US market is also predicted to hit nearly $3 billion (£2.8bn) in 2023, giving it almost a quarter of all global activity. Bhavana Sri, Power Analyst for GlobalData, stated: “As the power sector evolves to accommodate new technologies and adapt to varying market trends, energy storage will play a central role in the transition and transformation of the power sector.” This is great news for Energy professionals looking to make their name in the Energy market. With more investment, and growth in the sector, there will be more opportunities for career progression across many different markets. Contact Richard Hawkesford on +44(0)1202 888986, ext. 294 or rhawkesford@allen-york.com to talk about current roles available. https://www.energylivenews.com/2019/05/01/global-battery-storage-market-to-be-worth-more-than-13bn-by-2023/
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Good Korma at the Charity Quiz, Curry & Raffle Night
Friday 3rd May 2019 sees the third annual Allen & York Quiz, Curry and Raffle Night at Wimborne Town Football Club. Hosted by our very own Quiz Master, Katie Pereira, we’re supporting Diverse Abilities - the charity that supports children and adults with profound physical and learning disabilities in Dorset (diverseabilities.org.uk). We are pleased to have Daisy Roe from Diverse Abilities attending the quiz, alongside a host of other teams championing the charity on what is set to be a great night out. With teams racking their brains to answers questions about Music, Dorset, Sport and Comedy (and more) to win the top prize, that’s not all that attendees could be going home with. Over 25 raffle prizes have been donated so far – from meal discounts to haircuts to cinema vouchers – so there will be more than one winner on the night! Many thanks to all those who have generously given vouchers/time/products to support this great cause. They include: Ace Office Barford Farmhouse Bennetts Family Bakers Buyagift.com Caffe Delizia Chez Fred Coffee Club Costa Coffee Cutting It Fine Hair Salon Experience Days: www.experiencedays.co.uk Farmer Palmers Farm Park Grape Tree Greene King (kindly donated from Jo and Adi at ‘The Westbourne’) Greggs Hall & Woodhouse Long John’s Fish & Chips Longleat Safari Park Moors Valley P. Keating Family Butchers Photography by Charlotte Barnes Pizza Express Purbeck Shooting School Shining Stars Holiday Club Snowtrax Swaffield’s (Gentlemen’s Barber & Ladies Salon) The Wood Fired Piadizza Co Tivoli Theatre Weymouth Sea Life Centre Wimborne Town Football Club Wyvale Garden Centres Oh, did we mention the Curry? You’d be mad(ras) to miss it!
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What is the true cost of a bad hire?
The cost of hiring a new employee is not just the recruitment fee but also hidden costs if the candidates are not ideal. Getting recruitment right first time is the goal because the cost of hiring the wrong person undoubtedly impacts more than their worth in the first place. Bad hires, for whatever reason, will take longer to train, could produce poor quality work, not have the actual skills required for the role, could disrupt their colleagues and ultimately will always devalue the customer experience. The direct - and indirect - impact on time and cost is often underestimated massively and these bad hires need to be managed out of the business pretty swiftly (they rarely last more than 6-12 months anyway). Staff turnover is expensive, so we concentrate on getting the right person in the first place. A clear brief, telephone interviews, psychometric analysis and decision-maker questionnaires to help determine the role requirements before the search begins, will all speed up your final selection process. We strive to offer our clients a far superior service, and with the help of our retained recruitment offer - INSIGHT - help hire better candidates for our clients. We also have a unique tool to help us shed a light on the costs of poor recruitment, see how much bad hires are costing you here. Until now, there has been no remotely scientific method of calculating the cost of bad (or good) recruitment. Using the Hire Calculator you can input a few numbers to get a baseline number for how much your recruitment is costing you. Try our calculator for free and if you don't get the results you hoped for, contact us for a discussion about how we can improve your hires to save you money.
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Want to do your bit for the environment? Stay at home!
Research from Monster.co.uk suggests that employers letting their staff work from home could ‘significantly’ reduce UK’s CO2 emissions and carbon footprint. How? Doubling the number of home workers would cut CO2 emissions and the number of cars taking commuters to work massively. It appears that if we change the way we work then there could be huge positives in terms of environmental impact – both environmentally (less crowded trains, less cars on the road) but also in terms of wellness and mental health (improved work/life balance). The Office of National Statistics (ONS) reports that around 13.4% (4.33 million people) of the UK’s 32.4 million workers currently work from home. Monster.co.uk suggests that if this number were to double in the next 5 years, then there could potentially be 650,000 fewer cars on the road – across Greater London and Greater Manchester alone - in 2025. Which would have a huge impact on CO2 emissions in the UK. ‘The environmental impact of a shift to home working primarily comes from the fact that there would be fewer people commuting by car,’ Monster said. This research suggests that encouraging working from home could make a vital contribution to helping the UK meet its carbon targets. Definitely worth further consideration! https://airqualitynews.com/2019/04/24/working-from-home-could-significantly-reduce-uks-co2-emissions/
