Rising Gas Prices Push UK Businesses to Rethink Heating Strategy, Driving Shift Toward Infrared Solutions

Stephen Levy

UK businesses are accelerating a shift away from traditional gas heating systems as widening price disparities between gas and electricity begin to fundamentally reshape commercial energy strategies.

Recent national reporting indicates that gas prices could rise by as much as 80%, compared to electricity increases of approximately 30%, placing sustained pressure on operating costs across commercial and industrial sectors. 

This divergence is prompting businesses to reassess how heat is generated, delivered, and controlled within their premises.

Industry experts say the shift isn't simply a response to rising costs, but a structural change in how heating efficiency is understood.

“Businesses are starting to realise that heating vast volumes of air in large or poorly insulated spaces is inherently inefficient,” Stephen Levy, CEO and Founder of Shadow Industrial told That's Business.

“When energy costs rise at this scale, those inefficiencies become impossible to justify.”

Infrared heating systems, which use electricity to deliver radiant heat directly to people and surfaces rather than heating the surrounding air, are increasingly being adopted as an alternative in warehouses, factories, retail environments and heritage buildings.

Unlike conventional gas systems, infrared technology enables targeted, on-demand heating, reducing energy waste in large or intermittently occupied spaces. 

Real-world installations across commercial settings have demonstrated cost reductions of up to 50% compared to gas-based systems, with further gains expected as the gap between gas and electricity prices continues to widen.

Analysts suggest if current pricing trends persist, the relative cost advantage of infrared heating could increase significantly, potentially exceeding 70% in certain applications.

The shift is also being reinforced by broader market dynamics. The UK remains exposed to volatile global gas markets influenced by geopolitical factors and supply constraints, while electricity is expected to benefit from increasing integration of renewable energy sources, improving long-term price stability.

Alongside the energy source itself, advances in digital heat management are playing a key role in improving efficiency outcomes.

Modern infrared systems can be integrated with intelligent controls, allowing businesses to heat specific zones at precise times and only to the required output.

“Wasting money heating empty industrial space is increasingly seen as an avoidable cost,” Levy added. “The technology now exists to heat only what is needed, when it is needed and that changes the economics entirely.”

For commercial operators, the implications are becoming clearer:

- Reduced operational costs through targeted heat delivery

- Improved energy efficiency in large or high-ceiling environments

- Greater control via zoned and digitally managed systems

- Reduced reliance on fossil fuels in line with decarbonisation goals

As energy costs become a central driver of business performance, the transition away from gas heating is shifting from a long-term sustainability goal to an immediate financial priority.

Industry observers expect infrared heating technologies to play an increasingly prominent role in this transition, particularly in sectors where traditional heating systems have historically struggled to deliver efficient results.

https://www.shadowindustrial.co.uk

AI Needs Power. PoweringAI Thinks It’s Found It

There’s a quiet truth behind all the AI hype: none of it works without serious power and serious infrastructure. 

And right now, Europe doesn’t have enough of either.

Enter PoweringAI, a new pan-European venture with a simple but ambitious idea: stop waiting for perfect sites, and start transforming the ones we already have.

Launched as a spin-off from advisory firm Xynteo (and backed by Leon Capital), PoweringAI isn’t playing the usual data centre game. 

Instead of battling over scarce land and grid connections, it’s going after overlooked industrial and port sites,  the kind of places that already have the one thing AI desperately needs: power.

And it’s not starting small. The company launches with a hefty 350 MW pipeline (with ambitions pushing closer to 500 MW), positioning itself as a serious contender in Europe’s race to build AI-ready infrastructure.

From Rust to Revenue

PoweringAI’s model is as pragmatic as it is clever: take legacy industrial land, plug it into modern energy systems, and turn it into high-performance compute hubs.

Think less “greenfield dream” and more “industrial reinvention.”

It’s a strategy that ticks multiple boxes:

Brings dormant sites back into productive use

Supports local job creation in post-industrial areas

Speeds up delivery by bypassing land and power bottlenecks

Aligns neatly with Europe’s sustainability and circular economy goals

In short: it’s infrastructure with a second life, and a business case.

Why This Matters Now

AI isn’t slowing down. If anything, demand for compute is accelerating faster than most infrastructure pipelines can keep up.

The real constraint? Not chips. Not software. Not even talent.

Power.

PoweringAI is betting that the winners in the next phase of the AI boom won’t just be the companies building smarter models, but the ones solving the unglamorous, foundational problem of where all that compute actually lives.

A Different Kind of Developer

Backed by Xynteo’s industrial network and over a year of groundwork in site origination and development, PoweringAI is positioning itself at the intersection of three forces:

Energy transition

Industrial regeneration

Digital infrastructure

That’s a crowded Venn diagram, but also where the biggest opportunities tend to sit.

The Bottom Line

While others are still wrestling with planning delays and grid constraints, PoweringAI is effectively saying: the infrastructure we need is already here, we just need to rethink it.

If it delivers, this won’t just be another data centre developer. It could be a blueprint for how Europe powers its AI future, faster, smarter, and with a bit of industrial common sense thrown in.

And in a sector obsessed with the future, that’s a refreshingly grounded place to start.

https://wearepowering.ai

Anderman & Company Successfully Completes Annual ISO Audit

Images courtesy Anderman & Co.

Anderman & Company is pleased to announce the successful completion of its annual ISO audit, reinforcing the company’s ongoing commitment to quality, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.

The independent audit, conducted as part of Anderman’s certification requirements, reviewed key processes across the business to ensure full compliance with internationally recognised ISO standards. 

The positive outcome demonstrates the strength of Anderman’s quality management systems and the consistent focus on quality across its teams. This marks the 6th consecutive year of successful ISO certification for Anderman.

“This achievement reflects the hard work and focus of everyone across the organisation,” Gary Hateley, Commercial Director, told That's Business.

“Completing the audit successfully is not just about meeting standards, it’s about maintaining the highest level of performance for our customers and continuously improving how we operate.”

ISO certification is widely regarded as a benchmark for quality and consistency, providing customers with confidence that products and services are delivered through robust, well-managed processes. 

For Anderman Ceramics, the audit outcome highlights the company’s ability to meet demanding industry requirements while continuing to innovate and support long-term customer partnerships.

The annual audit covered a wide range of areas including manufacturing controls, documentation practices, risk management, customer feedback and ongoing improvement initiatives. Its successful completion underscores Anderman’s proactive approach to ensuring reliable supply and maintaining the highest standards across its operations.

Anderman remains focused on delivering high-performance ceramic solutions to customers worldwide, supported by strong governance, skilled expertise, and a culture the priorities quality.

With the audit now complete, the company looks forward to another year of growth, strengthening customer relationships, and building on its reputation as a trusted supplier in the advanced ceramics sector.

https://anderman.com

West Sussex County Council accelerates towards carbon neutrality with innovative energy initiatives

West Sussex County Council is making important strides toward its ambitious goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030, thanks to their comprehensive climate strategy, innovative funding models, and strong partnerships with industry leaders.

Since setting its carbon neutral target in 2019, West Sussex County Council has implemented a robust Climate Change Strategy, supported by a five-year Council Plan (2021–2026), a Climate Action Adaptation Plan (CAAP), and a dedicated Energy Strategy. 

These frameworks guide the Council’s efforts across buildings, transport, procurement, and community engagement, with 20 priority actions identified to deliver the greatest impact in carbon emissions reduction between 2024 and 2027.

Innovative solutions to overcome financial challenges

“Funding is always a challenge, but we’ve secured grants like the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) and even developed our own internal funding models to support our local schools with decarbonisation,” Steven Fall, Energy Manager at West Sussex County Council told That's Business.

“This has enabled us to continue energy efficiency upgrades, without upfront costs.” The Council has also tackled grid connection delays and has been faced with the complexities of modernising historic building whilst also ensuring essential services remain uninterrupted.

When finding ways to decarbonise their buildings, innovation has taken centre stage for West Sussex Council. Key initiatives include the deployment of solar PV, two large solar farms and over 80 rooftop systems in schools, extensive LED lighting upgrades, air source heat pumps, and advanced battery storage solutions.

The Council’s solar farms, developed on surplus land including a former landfill site, generate around 13 GWh of renewable energy annually, providing significant carbon savings and a valuable revenue stream to support further council operations.

The innovative solar PV scheme for schools allows participating institutions to access discounted renewable energy, resulting in substantial cost savings. “For some schools, this has meant saving tens of thousands of pounds compared to grid electricity,” Fall noted.

Collaboration has been central to the Council’s progress, with energy partners supporting the Council’s procurement, project delivery, and grid connections.

The Council’s Energy Services team relies on TEAM’s Sigma Energy Management Software as the “beating heart” of its operations. The platform is fundamental to carbon reporting, energy consumption tracking, and financial appraisals, enabling the Council to make informed decisions and respond rapidly to new regulations and funding opportunities.

“Sigma is an essential tool for our carbon reporting, energy consumption tracking, and financial appraisals. It supports us with vital grant applications and has become indispensable to our team,” said Steven Fall.

With plans to expand the solar and battery program to include more schools, develop a new 16MW battery storage site, electrify its fleet, and install more EV charge points, West Sussex County Council remains committed to its 2030 carbon neutral goal.

“Despite challenges, we continue to innovate and collaborate to make it happen,” said Fall. “With local government reform underway, strong relationships with local partners are vital to ensure a smooth transition and continued progress.”

www.teamenergy.com

https://www.teamenergy.com/discover/blog/customer-spotlight-west-sussex-county-council

Puredrive Energy CEO Named Family Business Entrepreneur of the Year

Cheltenham-based battery manufacturer, Mark Millar has been named entrepreneur of the year for the second year running.

Puredrive Energy is celebrating a landmark achievement as CEO Mark Millar has been crowned Family Business Entrepreneur of the Year at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards (GBEA) 2025. 

After his previous Scale-Up Entrepreneur win at the GBEA awards in 2024, Mark’s second consecutive win places him among the UK’s most respected leading in the clean-tech and manufacturing sectors.

The ceremony which was held last week at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London is the biggest celebration for founders and their businesses in the UK.

The Great British Entrepreneur Awards is often described as “The Grammys for Entrepreneurship” and shines a spotlight on the individuals and businesses driving innovation, creating jobs, and shaping the future of the UK economy. The awards honour remarkable stories of entrepreneurial success, perseverance, and vision.

Based in Gloucestershire, Puredrive Energy originated as a family-run start-up with four employees. Today it is the UK’s fastest-growing home battery manufacturer, working with over 400 active installers across the UK and Europe. The business is best known for its high-performance Duracell Energy home storage systems, designed in the UK.

In 2022, Puredrive secured a brand licence to manufacture, market, and distribute Duracell-branded home energy storage products. This partnership has helped the business scale rapidly while supporting thousands of UK homeowners in storing low-cost, renewable energy to reduce both bills and carbon emissions. Today, the business exclusively supplies Duracell Energy storage products, reinforcing its commitment to quality and reliability.

The GBEA judges said that its identity as a true family business is what sets Puredrive apart in the energy sector. Mark heads the company alongside his two sons: Oliver, Head of Marketing, and Daniel, Head of Sales. Their shared vision has shaped a culture built on resilience, innovation, and agility. During a year marked by industry-wide economic, political and environmental pressures, these qualities have proven essential.

Despite challenges that have forced several competitors to reduce the scale of their operations or exit the market, Puredrive has continued to grow, increasing its market share and achieving significant revenue uplift. The company credits its success to its ability to adapt quickly to shifting demand and global logistics uncertainty, which is particularly important for a business operating across the UK, Europe, and South Africa.

This latest accolade follows an impressive run of recognition for Puredrive in 2025. The company reached the finals at the Gloucestershire Business Awards and secured two UK Contact Centre Forum awards for excellence in customer service.

Mark Millar, CEO of Puredrive Energy, told That's Business:  “This award means a lot to me and to our family team. 

"We’ve always believed that if you stay focused, stay adaptable, and keep pushing for better, good things follow, even in a challenging year like this one. What really matters is that we’re helping more homeowners take control of their energy and become more self-sufficient. 

"That’s what drives us every day. This recognition is a reminder that we’re on the right path, and we’re excited to keep building, keep improving, and keep supporting people who want a cleaner, more reliable way to power their homes.”

Looking ahead, the company is preparing for a milestone year, with business on target to increase by 50%. Puredrive is set to launch a new generation of energy storage products and expand its operations in the Benelux region, further strengthening its position as a leader in the European energy storage market.

https://www.puredrive-energy.co.uk

https://www.duracellenergy.com

Navigating Unprecedented Energy Costs and the cost of living crisis: Strategies for UK Businesses

The year 2024 has brought a wave of challenges for businesses across the United Kingdom. Among them, the surge in energy costs and the general cost of living crisis stand out as formidable obstacles. 

As businesses grapple with these unprecedented challenges, finding ways to mitigate their impact becomes paramount for survival and sustainability. In this blog post, we'll explore strategies that businesses in the UK can adopt to navigate through these turbulent times.

1. Embrace Energy Efficiency:

One of the most effective ways for businesses to mitigate high energy costs is by prioritising energy efficiency measures. Conducting energy audits to identify areas of waste and inefficiency can uncover opportunities for significant savings. Simple steps such as upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, improving insulation, and implementing smart lighting and heating systems can lead to substantial reductions in energy consumption and costs over time.

2. Invest in Renewable Energy:

Transitioning to renewable energy sources can provide long-term relief from volatile energy prices while also demonstrating a commitment to sustainability. Installing solar panels, wind turbines, or investing in community renewable energy projects can help businesses reduce their reliance on traditional energy sources and insulate themselves from future price fluctuations.

3. Negotiate Contracts Wisely:

In times of soaring energy costs, renegotiating energy contracts can be a prudent strategy. Businesses should explore options such as fixed-rate contracts or hedging strategies to lock in favourable prices and shield themselves from sudden spikes in energy prices. Collaborating with energy consultants or brokers can provide valuable insights and help businesses navigate complex energy markets to secure the best possible deals.

4. Implement Flexible Working Practices:

With remote and flexible working becoming increasingly common, businesses can leverage these practices to reduce their energy consumption and overhead costs. Encouraging employees to work remotely or implementing flexible scheduling can lead to lower energy bills associated with office spaces and facilities. Additionally, embracing digital communication tools can minimise the need for travel, further reducing energy expenditure and environmental impact.

5. Optimise Supply Chain and Operations:

Streamlining supply chain processes and optimising operational efficiency can yield cost savings that buffer against rising energy expenses. Embracing lean principles, adopting just-in-time inventory management, and optimising transportation routes can reduce energy-intensive activities and enhance overall productivity. Collaborating closely with suppliers and partners to identify opportunities for mutual cost savings can also yield significant benefits for all parties involved.

6. Prioritise Employee Well-being:

The cost of living crisis not only impacts businesses directly but also affects employees' financial well-being. Prioritising employee well-being through measures such as offering competitive wages, flexible working arrangements, and comprehensive benefits packages can help businesses retain talent and maintain morale during challenging times. Moreover, supporting employees with financial planning resources and wellness programmes can alleviate some of the financial burdens they may be facing outside of work.

7. Advocate for Policy Changes:

Finally, businesses can play a proactive role in advocating for policy changes that address the root causes of the energy crisis and cost of living challenges. Engaging with policymakers, industry associations, and community organisations to support initiatives that promote renewable energy investment, energy efficiency incentives, and measures to alleviate financial strain on households can create a more conducive environment for businesses to thrive.

In conclusion, while the current energy crisis and cost of living challenges pose significant hurdles for businesses in the UK, proactive measures and strategic planning can help mitigate their impact. By embracing energy efficiency, investing in renewables, negotiating contracts wisely, implementing flexible working practices, optimising operations, prioritizing employee well-being, and advocating for policy changes, businesses can navigate through these turbulent times and emerge stronger and more resilient in the face of future uncertainties.

The following links will be of help:-

Energy Consultants Association:-

https://energyconsultantsassociation.co.uk

Business Comparison 

https://www.businesscomparison.com

Employees need new skills to make the energy transition a reality, say experts

Our working life is changing at a faster pace than ever before, and so too are the competencies employees need to develop, says Tom Lindholm, Managing Director of Aalto University Executive Education and Professional Development (Aalto EE).

This was a central focus of Aalto EE’s event “Making Energy Transition a Reality – Closing the Competence gap,” which Lindholm opened in December 2023.

Drawing on insights from the World Economic Forum and a report by the Technology Industries of Finland, Lindholm says workforces must gain broader competencies and learn new skills instead of simply updating existing ones.

Throughout the event, many speakers highlighted the importance of long-term and systemic thinking, the ability to see the big picture and build collaborations to solve complex problems.

Guest speaker Tuukka Hartikka, Head of BU (Hydrogen and Power to X) from Helen Ltd spoke about the energy transition from an energy company’s point of view.

He said the rapid development of AI and technologies are major factors driving the need to re- and upskill employees, in addition to the climate crisis.

During the panel discussion, Ulla Heinonen – Director, Green Growth at the Confederation of Finnish Industries EK – emphasised the importance of taking care of young people’s skills in basic education and having all children and adolescents on board.

Ismo Laukkanen, Head of Learning and Development at ABB, advocated thinking about what support and funding can be provided for re- and upskilling nationally.

Other panellists were Annareetta Lumme-Timonen, Investment Director at Solidium, and Johanna Fräki, Head of Open Innovation and Innovation Marketing at Neste. The panel was moderated by Ulla-Maija Uusitalo, Sales and Account Director at Aalto EE.

Businesses! Act Now to Maximise Your Energy Efficiency in 2024

Casey Streat

Embedding good practices to help your business be more energy efficient doesn’t have to be complicated.

As we near the end of the year, your business planning will start to look towards 2024.

Whether you are a large company, a public sector organisation or an SME, there will be an overarching strategy that will include milestones and targets along the way. It will also cover energy management commitments. To help you, Energy Consultant at TEAM, Casey Streat, has put together five things to consider ensuring minimised energy expenditure and reduced emissions, keeping you on track to your long-term sustainability or net zero goals.

1 Mitigate uncertainty of energy prices

Energy budgets have been challenged over the past several years. Despite the Energy Bill Relief Scheme and the Energy Bills Discount Scheme (EBDS), as well as wholesale energy prices falling from their highest peak, energy still accounts for a much larger cost than it did a few years ago.

Many businesses have had to acclimatise to the higher prices and try, wherever they can, to keep their consumption reduced. However, as we enter the winter months consumption will inevitably once again be on the rise again.

To help offset that rise, manage your energy efficiency by keeping a close eye on your data. If you have a BEMS system or energy management software, real-time alerts that detect unusual consumption behaviour, like the HVAC system running overnight, can help you take appropriate and rapid action to prevent the situation worsening. If you have access to dashboards, use them to establish transparency around consumption; this can help if you are trying to change consumption behaviours in the workplace.

Establishing these good practices now to continue into next year and beyond will offer carbon reduction benefits and help keep consumption low to mitigate any further unit price rises.

2 Energy legislation

With a General Election which could be set for May 2024, there will be ongoing uncertainty around current legislation and awaited updates.

Recently, the UK Government announced some policy changes that may have an impact on your business’s approach to net zero or how it manages any compliance commitments.

The changes to the Government’s green commitments announced by Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, included a delay on a ban of new diesel and petrol vehicles to 2035, an exemption to phase out fossil fuel boilers by 2035, pushed back from 2026, and the delay of changes to Energy Performance Certificates for domestic properties. However, the mission to be net zero by 2050 remains, and the Prime Minister has confirmed his attendance to COP28 where he has promised to “set out the next stage in our ambitious environmental agenda”.

On the other side of the fence, the Labour party’s mission is to make the UK “a clean energy superpower.” Their plan is to cut energy bills, create jobs in the sector and deliver energy security with cheaper, zero-carbon electricity by 2030.

The Liberal Democrats however, plan to invest in renewable generation so that Britain gets 80% of its electricity from “green energy” by 2030.

The long-term future of energy legislation entirely depends on who wins the next election, so for now you must continue working to any legislation you do now.

3 Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS)

We already know those businesses in scope for ESOS have extra time to complete their submission with the Phase 3 deadline pushed back to 5 June 2024. If you are one of those businesses, ensure your data analysis is up to date as the 12-month consecutive period data must include 31 December 2022 and that window will soon be closed. Make the most of the delayed deadline and appoint an ESOS lead assessor in good time.

Revisit previous ESOS recommendations, or reports from DECs and EPCs, and investigate the possibilities for implementing energy efficiency projects; there may be some low cost or free opportunities that could provide payback in the short term.

4 Make an energy saving plan that suits your estate

Most businesses have adopted new ways of working over the past couple of years and many employees have settled into hybrid working. However, in our experience, we see that building occupancies, whilst lower than in 2019, tend to fluctuate. Businesses are much more agile now and occupancy peaks and troughs throughout the week will cause energy usage to change dramatically from one day to another.

Does your building work efficiently to match this?

Any adjustments made when your business first became a hybrid working space may need to be reviewed to ensure that working areas are efficient when at full capacity and not wasteful at minimal capacity. It might be worth prioritising an upgrade that implements area sensors for underused spaces and zonal lighting and heating that can be agile along with the workforce.

If you already have temperature sensors, conduct an audit to ensure they are situated away from draughts or heat sources. If you have an external temperature sensor, check that it is serviced and placed out of the way of direct sunlight or a frost pocket so as not to inadvertently affect your heating and air conditioning use.

5 Achieving some goals

In addition to uncertain energy prices, many factors are currently testing UK businesses, including high interest rates, the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, supply chain issues, technology, and the pressing need to address emissions. More than ever, leaders need mitigating strategies to ensure their businesses thrive.

Within the context of the long-term business plan, make 2024 the year that you set some realistic, ambitious and timebound goals that could boost your commitment to a carbon reduction strategy.

To help you achieve your goals, the following key players are crucial:

• Top level support

You need at least one senior lead for any project to support your goals. Help them understand the full potential; whether it offers financial savings, improved green reputation or enhanced efficiency. Recognise what matters to this individual or group and demonstrate how your goals contribute to this.

• Estates or facilities

Those who manage and maintain the facilities for your company are a key group of people to engage with when setting energy goals. This group of stakeholders is a powerhouse and will help implement and measure any projects that fall within your goals.

• Procurement

The decisions made at times of purchase can have a substantial impact in terms of energy use for many years. The need to endorse a ‘whole life’ approach to costing when considering new infrastructure and capital investments will significantly improve energy management outcomes. Working with the team responsible for your organisation’s procurement policy and setting out the energy priorities will go a long way to achieve this alignment.

Embedding good practices to help your business be more energy efficient doesn’t have to be complicated, it can start with some good intentions and some forward planning. Starting soon, even if it is with one or two simple steps, can really pay off in the long term. If you would like further guidance about monitoring your energy, implementing energy efficiency projects or meeting your compliance deadlines, Energy Consultants, like Casey Streat, can help.

https://www.teamenergy.com

That's Business would like to thank Casey Streat and TEAM for their help with this blogpost.

Over 700 homes set to benefit from reduced energy bills

Residents at the Reed Mere estate in Immingham and the Willows estate in Grimsby are set to benefit from lower energy bills and more comfortable homes thanks to external wall insulation (EWI) funded by the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) and Lincolnshire Housing Partnership (LHP).

The project will be managed and delivered by E.ON, with Gateshead-based Thrift Energy, an experienced installer of energy saving retrofit improvements.

Installations begin on the first homes in Immingham this month as phase 1 begins, with up to 291 Reed Mere estate properties scheduled for completion by the end of March next year, 2024. The EWI improvements for up to 733 properties across both estates will be completed by the end of March 2025.

The project marks a commitment from LHP to help tackle fuel poverty amongst residents by reducing the amount of heating they require. The EWI installation will help to prevent heat loss through the walls of each property, driving down bills for residents. 

All properties will also receive ventilation upgrades, further increasing the comfort of the home whilst reducing risks associated with poor air quality, damp, and mould growth. Besides providing a warmer and more energy efficient living environment, the improvements will also reduce carbon emissions, and all work will be carried out by Thrift Energy’s experienced teams while residents remain able to stay in their homes.

Daniel Wyer, Corporate Head of Asset Management at Lincolnshire Housing Partnership explains: “The SHDF was made available to improve social housing properties currently below Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating ‘C’ to bring homes up to that standard. 

"We were successful in securing a share of the up to £800 million allocated by the government to support the installation of energy performance measures in social homes in England and are now working with E.ON and Thrift Energy to improve up to 733 local homes.

“The improvements will not only help reduce bills for our residents; they'll also help enhance health and wellbeing by enabling residents to use their heating when they need to and enjoy a warmer, more comfortable home. The project will also provide aesthetic improvements, giving the estates a refreshed look.”

The Reed Mere and Willows projects are two of over 30 sites E.ON will deliver for social housing clients across the UK until 2025 supporting SHDF programmes, as E.ON continues to be market leader for green funding delivery with a demonstrable track record successful programme delivery.

Sarah Farmer, Director of Residential Solutions at E.ON UK, said: “We are committed to helping people reduce their energy use and costs while also taking action to tackle the climate crisis. Insulation is fundamental in helping improve the fabric of our nation’s homes, enabling people to stay warm and well whilst also helping bring down energy use and bills. This project has been a real team effort and we're excited to begin the process of transforming hundreds of local homes.”

EWI involves wrapping each property’s exterior walls in a layer of insulation, which improves thermal performance by increasing airtightness and reducing heat loss. Working on behalf of E.ON, Thrift Energy, a finalist in the National Energy Efficiency Awards Insulation & Fabric Installer category with more than a decade’s experience of EWI projects, has an experienced team ready to start the project.

Thrift Energy’s Commercial Director, Josh Raffo comments: “We have installed EWI improvements for 588 properties in the past year alone, many of them on behalf of E.ON, as part of the first phase of SHDF, but this is by far the largest project we have been involved with.

“Our teams will work closely with LHP and E.ON to ensure that residents are fully aware of the programme and the timetable for work on their property, as well as providing information on EWI, how it is installed and what it will mean for their home. We will provide a complete service, including all scaffolding, installation and finishes, ensuring residents benefit from a home that is warmer, cheaper to run and looks great.”

In the past two years, E.ON has successfully delivered over 80 energy improvement projects, installing over 11,000 energy efficiency measures into homes, including nine successful phase 1 SHDF programmes. According to figures from the Energy Saving Trust, this activity has led to a reduction of more than 12,000 tonnes of CO2 for households nationally, supporting the UK Net Zero target on decarbonising homes.

The Megatrend to Energy Storage Without Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are not immune from the “S curve”. Their sales are expected to level off within 20 years. One reason is the arrival of better batteries but a bigger impact is coming from failure of any battery to meet certain major new needs for energy storage. This is described in the new 441-page Zhar Research report, “Battery-free electrical energy storage and storage elimination milliWh-GWh: markets, technologies 2024-2044”. 225 companies are mentioned in this context. See 31 forecast lines 2024-2044.

Future electricity grids increasingly escape from batteries

The largest new, emerging requirement comes from most of the world’s electricity grids adopting much more wind and solar power. This usually delivers the lowest cost of electricity but such power is very intermittent and it cannot follow changes in demand. A grid with only 20% wind/ solar can manage with batteries because storing the electricity for a few hours covers most of its requirements. As grids rise to around 50% wind/ solar, it becomes important to compensate solar dead at night and wind dead for similar times. That is why we already see some grids already adopting 12-hour storage where lithium-ion batteries are uneconomic. They leak energy too much and are too expensive so other batteries are used. Also used for this is storage without batteries such as pumping water up mountains (“pumped hydro”) or compressing gases then turning them back into electricity later, when needed.

Grids using mostly wind and solar power are arriving

However, many grids now plan 70-100% wind/ solar power and that makes sense only with average storage one or two months and preferably some storage from summer to winter. Winter power from solar panels is typically only one fifth of that in summer. Wind can be dead for months. No battery can achieve one month or more of storage economically. Storage without batteries, including extra options such as lifting weights or making liquid air are beginning to be used. Making hydrogen (then back to electricity) is also proposed for this. Battery-free technology replaces batteries because the needs change to where batteries are useless. Other benefits of the battery-free storage include life of up to 100 years and typically no toxic or scarce materials. Indeed, most of the non-battery options can provide both short-term and long-term grid storage.

Huge increase in needs for pulsed electricity

Another change in demand increasingly leaves batteries as useless. It is the many new forms of engineering that require pulses of power in and out. Examples are the new military laser pistols and large stationary laser cannon also planned on ships. There are even new weapons that shoot out electromagnetic energy that disables all electronics on an aircraft. Within 20 years we may also see the first thermonuclear electricity generation based on such pulsed storage. Meanwhile, Evans fit-and-forget, tantalum capacitor-supercapacitors are already used by most Tier One defense and aerospace contractors. Applications include laser targeting, communications modules, controls, cockpit displays, phased array radars and control of firing of weapons – all growth markets.

The medical sector uses electrical pulses in MRI body scanners but now many more medical devices with similar needs for pulses are arriving, including robotic treatments. The trends to fit-and-forget devices and very fast charging also make us escape from batteries. 

An example is robot vehicles in factories. The new hydrogen high-speed trains in China cannot provide the fast acceleration and capture of braking energy with batteries. In all these cases supercapacitors or their variants are chosen. The supercapacitor variants are mostly intermediate in technology between conventional capacitors and supercapacitors or between supercapacitors and batteries.

Here comes a $230 billion market for you

The current market for battery alternatives mainly consists of pumped hydro for grids at tens of billions of dollars yearly and supercapacitors at the billion-dollar level. That is only a beginning. Indeed, Zhar Research finds that the battery-free (storage without batteries) market will exceed $230 billion in 2044 with growth rate accelerating throughout the coming years. It reveals your enormous opportunities to sell materials and hardware into this new business. 

In addition the report has coverage of the move to eliminate electrical storage altogether. For example, a later stage of the planned 6G Communications may power devices from the signal beam. However, most of the Zhar Research report “Battery-free electrical energy storage and storage elimination milliWh-GWh: markets, technologies 2024-2044” analyses the huge opportunity for alternatives to batteries.

https://www.zharresearch.com

OVO Energy Cuts Its Prices - Big Six To Follow Suit?

Ovo Energy's announcement that it is cutting its prices by 5% or £55 a year is good news for consumers, says uSwitch.com, the independent price comparison and switching service.

The move follows its recent decision not to implement a planned price increase for variable rate customers and rival company Co-operative Energy's announcement that it is cutting its standard dual fuel prices by £35 a year]. However, the Co-op's price cut doesn't come into effect until 1st February while Ovo's is with immediate effect, allowing its customers to feel the benefit sooner.

Tom Lyon, energy expert at uSwitch.com, says: "This is the kind of consumer-friendly move we've come to expect from Ovo. In one fell swoop it has given cash-strapped consumers a lending hand, become the second cheapest energy supplier on the market and laid the gauntlet down to the big six suppliers. The fact that the Co-op had cut its prices could be shrugged off, but now that Ovo has followed suit the big six will be feeling the pressure as all eyes will now be on them.

"The move is another reminder why smaller players are so welcome in the market - they are nimble enough to be able to turn price cuts around far more quickly than the bigger players, making them a good consumer-friendly alternative. No doubt this appeal will have been further enhanced by the fact that Ovo Energy is now the second cheapest supplier on the market with an average annual bill size of £1,061. This offers an average saving of £66 a year compared with being with one of the big six, making Ovo a competitive and viable alternative. Only First:Utility, another small player, is cheaper.

"However, Ovo's price cut does not benefit all of its existing customers - those who are on a variable rate or whose current fixed rate is not up for renewal will not reap the rewards. Also the big six are not completely out of the picture - there are still some very competitive deals out there. But the fact is that prices have rocketed by £224 or 21% this year[3] and price cuts will take some time to trickle through - households can mitigate the impact by shopping around for a cheaper deal."

Best buy energy deals:

Supplier: First: Utility
Plan Name: iSave Dual Fuel V9
Price: £1,030

Supplier: Ovo Energy
Plan Name: New Energy Fixed
Price: £1,061

Supplier: nPower
Plan Name: Go Fix 10
Price: £1,078

Supplier: Scottish Power
Plan Name: Online Energy Saver 17
Price: £1,085

Supplier: E.On
Plan Name: Save Online 11
Price: £1,106

Supplier: Co-Op Energy
Plan Name: Pioneer
Price: £1,145

Supplier: British Gas
Plan Name: Online Fixed
Price: £1,150

Supplier: EDF Energy
Plan Name: Price Protection 2013
Price: £1,165

Supplier: SSE
Plan Name: Online Standard
Price: £1,179

Source: uSwitch.com

Based on a medium user consuming 3,300 kWh of electricity and 16,500 kWh of gas with bill sizes averaged across all regions.

For more information visit www.uSwitch.com or call 0800 093 06 07

Opus Energy signs Virgin Media as customer as impressive growth continues

Independent energy supplier to UK businesses, Opus Energy, has announced the signature of its 100,000th business site, Virgin Media. The business joins a portfolio of market-leading brands which includes Paperchase, Allied Irish Bank (GB), University of Cambridge, Halfords and KPMG, amongst others.

Opus’ success comes at a time when the energy regulator, Ofgem, is looking for ways to decrease the dominance of the ‘Big Six’ energy providers and demonstrates that independent suppliers can thrive. The company’s Corporate division, experienced 28% growth from this time last year and continues to expand rapidly.

This impressive performance is due to Opus’ market-leading solution for larger corporates, Opus Evolution, which has seen a 122% increase in customers. Opus’ corporate customers are making the switch away from traditional fixed price contracts, displaying a growing appetite for flexible purchasing solutions which enable them to take advantage of fluctuating electricity prices. Opus expects the growth to continue into 2012, as demand for Opus Extra, which gives the smaller corporate customer access to flexible purchasing on the wholesale market, grows.

Steve James, Commercial Director, responsible for the Corporate division said: "We are delighted to have hit the 100,000 mark, and welcome Virgin Media to our roster of customers, the latest in a long line of flagship brands to join us. Our growth demonstrates that there is an alternative to the Big Six suppliers and is a result of our commitment to developing innovative and flexible products driven by our customers’ needs.”

“We work with our customers to provide individual billing solutions, contract types and reporting functions tailored to their requirements, rather than by trying to squeeze them into a ‘one-size fits all’ approach.”

Opus Energy's growth has also been driven by the rapid expansion of its gas supply business. Launched in October 2009 the service now has over 8,000 live sites, an uptake or more than 75% over the business’ initial target. Designed to offer customers an affordable and reliable alternative to existing suppliers, the service allows them to access competitively priced, fixed-term contracts, shielding them from price fluctuations.

Charlie Crossley Cooke, Opus Energy's Managing Director commented: “The last 12 months have been very exciting for Opus Energy. Our continued growth and investment in our customers is reflected in not only the successful introduction of new products, services and partners but also in the increased employment of customer facing staff to help deliver the services we provide our business customers. We now look forward to continuing to expand over the next twelve months.”