Can the UK grid cope with the EV Revolution?

Sally Bailey

From site power limits to dynamic energy distribution in DC Charging, the demand that EV cars, trucks and buses are putting on the grid and the technology supporting it is enormous – and expanding rapidly.

Sally Bailey, Head of EVC Sales UK at Vestel Mobility, the brand behind a significant part of Europe’s EV DC charging hardware landscape, explains the challenges and ramifications of DC load balancing for energy companies, charging operators, fleet operators and end users alike.

As DC electric vehicle charging infrastructure accelerates across fleets, forecourts and public-sector estates, one constraint quietly governs almost every deployment decision. With a grid network never designed to cope with such high demand, available power is becoming the major bottleneck to a future of electrified transportation.

Whether a site is limited by grid connection capacity, transformer headroom, or long-term energy strategy, the challenge remains the same. The answer is ever more sophisticated load balancing to ensure multiple high-power DC chargers coexist on a single site without overwhelming infrastructure, inflating connection costs or compromising the user experience. Yet, in DC charging environments, load balancing is not a simple act of sharing power evenly. It is a dynamic, real-time control process that determines how finite electrical capacity is allocated across multiple charging sessions, constantly adapting to vehicle demand, site constraints and wider energy considerations.

At its most fundamental level, load balancing ensures that the total power drawn by a site never exceeds a defined limit. In DC systems, this principle is applied in a far more sophisticated way than with simple clusters of standalone AC chargers. Most modern DC installations use shared power architectures, where a central pool of power modules feeds multiple charging dispensers. Rather than each charger having a fixed maximum output, available capacity is distributed dynamically, responding second by second to what vehicles need.

This distinction is critical because vehicles do not draw DC power in a linear or accurately predictable way. Charging curves vary by vehicle design and software, battery temperature and state of charge. Load balancing systems continuously monitor these variables and adjust power delivery accordingly, increasing output where it can be used efficiently and reducing it where demand naturally tapers. The result is a site that operates closer to its true capacity, rather than one designed around theoretical worst-case scenarios.

Historically, DC charging sites were engineered conservatively. Each charger was allocated a fixed power envelope sized for peak demand, often requiring expensive grid upgrades and oversized electrical infrastructure. That is costly, disruptive and time consuming. An alternative was to simply throttle back the maximum output of each dispenser.

While either approach simplifies design architecture, it also left large amounts of capacity unused for much of the day. Load balancing replaces that static model with dynamic energy distribution, allowing sites to support more chargers within the same grid connection while maintaining operational control.

Opportunity and complexity

For business end users such as charge point operators, fleet managers and local authorities, this shift introduces both opportunity and complexity. On the positive side, load balancing enables higher charger density and faster deployment without the cost and delay of grid reinforcement. It also improves utilisation, allowing assets to work harder across a wider range of operating conditions.

The challenge lies in predictability and perception. Because load-balanced sites deliberately vary output, charging power is no longer constant. A vehicle may initially charge at high power, then see output reduced as additional vehicles connect. For fleet operators, this variability must be factored into scheduling and route planning. For public charging providers, it shapes customer experience and dwell times. The key is transparency and system design that aligns power-sharing behaviour with real-world usage patterns.

Those responsible for specifying DC charging infrastructure face a different set of challenges. Load balancing allows installers to extract maximum value from limited site capacity, but only if it is properly engineered. Misjudging vehicle arrival patterns, dwell times or vehicle mix can lead to congestion at peak periods, undermining the benefits of the system. Designing effective load balancing therefore requires a detailed understanding of how the site will be used, not just its electrical characteristics.

Integration adds another layer of complexity. DC load balancing relies on continuous communication between power cabinets, dispensers, site controllers and, increasingly, energy management platforms. Installers must ensure that these systems operate reliably under all conditions, including partial failures or communication loss, and that safety limits are enforced regardless of software state. As a result, DC charging projects are becoming less about installing individual components and more about delivering fully integrated energy systems.

Beyond simple constraint management, load-balanced DC sites are also well positioned to participate in future energy markets. As flexibility services, dynamic tariffs and local energy optimisation become more prevalent, intelligent power distribution at site level will be essential. In this context, load balancing is not merely a protective measure but a foundation for grid-interactive charging infrastructure.

Implementation challenge

Technically, DC load balancing can be implemented through a variety of architectures. Centralised systems use shared power cabinets and a site controller to allocate energy across multiple dispensers, offering fine-grained control and high efficiency. Distributed approaches embed intelligence within individual chargers, coordinating power allocation across the site. In practice, many modern deployments combine elements of both, balancing modularity with system-wide optimisation.

What unites these approaches is the need for deep engineering expertise. Effective load balancing depends on understanding power electronics, charging behaviour, grid constraints and operational realities. It is not a marketing feature that can be added late in the design process, but a core capability that must be considered from the earliest planning stages.

As DC EV charging moves from early adoption into national infrastructure, load balancing will increasingly determine how scalable, resilient and cost-effective sites can be. Vestel Mobility is already installing MW-scale DC chargers for operators in the UK, and across Europe and the most successful deployments are those that treat EV charging as a system-level strategy rather than an add-on afterthought.

Whichever energy provider, CPO, infrastructure partner or hardware manufacturer you use to support your DC charging requirements, the real challenge remains ensuring that power is not just available but intelligently distributed to where and when it is needed most.

DC load balancing vs. BESS Buffering

As DC charging sites scale in power and complexity, particularly for fleet, bus and heavy-duty applications, two approaches are commonly used to manage site power constraints: dynamic DC load balancing and battery-buffered charging.

DC load balancing works entirely within the limits of the site’s grid connection. It dynamically distributes available power across multiple DC chargers in real time, adjusting output as vehicles connect, disconnect and naturally taper their demand.

Battery-buffered charging adds on-site energy storage to the system. Batteries are charged gradually from the grid and discharged rapidly when demand exceeds the grid’s instantaneous capacity.

In practice, load balancing provides the control foundation, while batteries extend capability.

www.vestel-mobility.co.uk

This article appeared in the May 2026 issue of Energy Manager magazine. Subscribe here.

Free cooling from waste heat: The breakthrough Data Centres can’t afford to ignore

Mihir Nandkeolyar

Mihir Nandkeolyar, Director Business Development Global Data Centre Solutions at Johnson Controls

What if, for half, or even more, of the energy you need to cool your on-site generation data centre, you needed almost no electricity at all?

It sounds like wishful thinking, but it’s exactly the kind of breakthrough already possible with absorption chillers, which turn waste heat into cooling power. That kind of dreaming, and doing, is becoming essential as the AI era slams data centers into a very real physical constraint: the electric grid.

Across major markets, operators are facing delayed connections, caps on available power, rising energy prices and mounting uncertainty around future capacity. This tightening grid landscape is fundamentally reshaping how data centres plan, build and scale.  As a result, onsite power is rapidly shifting from optional to integral. By 2030, some forecasts suggest that roughly a third of data centres will operate fully onsite-powered campuses. And here’s the opportunity hiding in plain sight: when generating power onsite, only 35–50% of fuel becomes electricity, the rest becomes high temperature thermal energy. Instead of wasting it, that heat can be harnessed to drive cooling “for free.”

The question is no longer just how to cool increasingly dense compute, but how to do it without adding further strain to an already overburdened grid.

Cooling powered by heat, not the grid

One pivotal approach is the application of absorption chillers to create a Combined Cooling and Power (CCP) plant. These plants recover otherwise wasted energy from gas turbines, fuel cells or engine-driven generators to power the thermally driven chiller to produce cooling.  

Absorption chillers are not new; Johnson Controls deployed YORK absorption systems over a century ago and today have many thousands in operation worldwide. Their use has been common where thermal energy is more easily or economically available than electricity.  Today’s absorption chillers represent a major leap forward in cooling innovation, enhancing reliability and sustainable performance. Modern systems are engineered to maintain optimal operating conditions with ease, ensuring smooth, uninterrupted cooling even in demanding environments. By harnessing a combination of varying grades of waste heat as their energy source, next generation absorption chillers provide a powerful and sustainable alternative to traditional electric cooling, cutting energy and water use, reducing emissions, and helping organisations move toward a cleaner, more efficient future.

For this reason, their application at large data centres where vast amounts of high temperature waste heat is abundantly and economically available from onsite generation sources – is ideal. They also deliver significant energy efficiency benefits: for every 2 MW of cooling supplied, an absorption chiller needs only 20 – 25 kW of electrical input compared to 500 kW or more for an electric chiller. That’s more than an 90% reduction in needed electricity.

Absorption chillers use waste heat as the driving force for cooling, replacing the mechanical compressor found in traditional refrigeration systems with a thermally driven process. In these systems, the shifting concentration of the absorbent solution is both a powering mechanism and a heat transfer mechanism. Through a coordinated sequence of evaporation, absorption, generation, and condensation – each governed by changes in temperature and pressure – the refrigerant and absorbent circulate to produce chilled water.

Absorption chillers can be easily combined with other thermal management technologies if additional cooling demand is needed.  

Data centres over the next decade

Moving forward, data centres will not be defined by raw compute power alone, they will be defined by how intelligently they utilise energy, heat and water.  Efficient cooling is quickly becoming an enabler for competitiveness in an increasingly constrained environment. Absorption chillers are reshaping what is possible in real time at onsite-powered data centres.

While some operators will remain stuck with long grid connection delays and rising energy costs, those operators that turn waste heat from a costly byproduct into a strategic resource gain a significant edge, becoming more efficient, resilient, and sustainable while delivering greater benefits to their communities.

By turning waste heat from a costly byproduct into a strategic resource, operators can become more efficient, resilient, sustainable and positively impact their communities.

This article appeared in the May 2026 issue of Energy Manager magazine. Subscribe here.

Unlocking the business value of energy storage for C&I buildings

Jean-Marc Guillou

Jean-Marc Guillou, Business Unit Director of Energy Storage, Socomec

Rising electrification is reshaping the energy landscape for commercial and industrial (C&I) buildings, as geopolitical disruption continues to drive volatile energy prices and reinforce the shift towards more domestically produced, clean energy systems. This transition creates both cost‑saving opportunities and operational challenges: while onsite renewable generation can deliver lower‑cost electricity, its output does not always align with periods of highest demand. Against this backdrop, battery energy storage (BESS) offers C&I buildings a practical and forward‑looking way to manage costs more proactively and exercise greater control over their energy use.

Bridging the gap between production and consumption

Onsite renewables, such as solar, are an effective route to lowering long‑term energy costs. Research commissioned by the UK Warehousing Association (UKWA) shows that solar in industrial and commercial sectors has the potential to reduce annual electricity costs by 40-80 percent, with the country’s top largest warehouses capable of supporting around 15GW of rooftop solar capacity alone.

But onsite generation only delivers value when the electricity generated is utilised in ways that maximise operational and financial return. Renewable energy output rarely mirrors business demand, meaning sites often generate excess power during quieter periods while still facing high grid costs at peak times. For many C&I buildings, this mismatch limits the return on electrification and leaves sites exposed to volatile grid prices at the moments energy matters most.

Meeting today’s energy challenges requires the effective utilisation of onsite renewable output, which is where energy storage becomes essential. As the bridge between when power is generated and when it is needed, intelligent BESS functions as a financial asset for C&I buildings, increasingly adopted at scale across the UK to lower costs and strengthen resilience without added operational complexity.

BESS for cost efficiency and optimisation

BESS opens a variety of financial opportunities that go beyond reducing exposure to high energy prices. One of the immediate advantages lies in mitigating demand charges. When electricity is stored during off‑peak hours and used during periods of highest demand, businesses can reduce the peak demand charges that make up a significant share of their electricity bills. This peak shaving is enabled by continuous measurement of building consumption and battery state of charge, allowing energy to be released precisely when demand peaks occur. The same capability underpins tariff optimisation, allowing organisations to purchase electricity when prices are lowest and rely on stored energy when rates increase.

Storage also supports renewable self‑consumption, ensuring more onsite generation is used onsite rather than exported at comparatively low value. When building operators manage energy storage as part of the site’s electrical architecture, these cost optimisation strategies become repeatable operating modes rather than one-off interventions.

Unlocking new revenue streams

Alongside these savings, BESS introduces a range of revenue‑generating mechanisms that enhance its business value. By managing both active and reactive power across a wide operating range, BESS can provide grid‑support services such as frequency and voltage regulation. In capacity markets – which have expanded significantly in recent years – businesses are paid for making their stored energy available during periods of high demand, turning flexibility into a commercial advantage.

Energy trading provides a further opportunity to strengthen returns, with energy flows managed through an integrated control platform, while demand‑response programmes offer additional earnings by compensating businesses for reducing grid consumption. Collectively, these mechanisms show storage delivers value beyond storage, improving long‑term financial performance of C&I facilities.

The role of BESS in safeguarding business continuity

At a time when geopolitical shocks are pushing up gas prices that still feed directly into electricity costs in many markets, BESS does more than deliver financial value. As networks operate closer to their limits, price shocks are increasingly accompanied by constraints and instability, making on‑site resilience a practical requirement rather than a contingency.

BESS supports business continuity by providing backup energy during grid outages, reducing reliance on conventional gensets. Integrated into a site’s electrical architecture, storage can supply power during blackouts and strengthen overall resilience. Where configured with black‑start capability, BESS can also enable facilities to re‑energise key systems independently of the external grid – an increasingly important capability as network pressures intensify.

A strategic asset for C&I buildings

The opportunities unlocked by BESS give businesses an innovative way to manage costs, protect critical processes and invest in onsite renewables with greater confidence. In a more constrained and volatile energy landscape, BESS enables businesses to modernise their operations while maximising financial return – giving C&I buildings a competitive advantage today.

This article appeared in the May 2026 issue of Energy Manager magazine. Subscribe here.

The smart road to net zero: how data-driven monitoring can unlock carbon reduction in buildings

Ashley Avery & Isabelle Clement

Ashley Avery (Partner) and Isabelle Clement (Managing Associate) at Foot Anstey LLP

As the UK accelerates toward its net‑zero carbon commitments, the public sector faces pressure to improve the environmental performance of its buildings. Local authorities, housing providers, NHS Trusts and educational institutions manage large property portfolios. The global commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 requires significant cuts in carbon emissions. With public buildings responsible for significant operational emissions, improving energy efficiency is no longer optional: it is essential to meeting climate targets and manage escalating energy costs.

Achieving net zero will require more than investment in low‑carbon technologies. It also demands a deeper understanding of how buildings are used, how systems perform on a day‑to‑day basis and how occupants interact with the spaces around them. Increasingly, monitoring technologies (ranging from simple sensors to complex building‑management platforms) are providing organisations with the data they need to drive smarter, more sustainable decisions. However, data collection and processing must comply with data protection law to ensure trust and maximise sustainability gains.

How monitoring behaviour drives net-zero

Technical upgrades alone cannot unlock the full carbon‑reduction potential of homes and buildings. Many facilities operate long hours, serve varied users and rely on outdated systems, meaning inefficiencies can persist unnoticed. Data‑driven monitoring offers a powerful way to address these challenges.

When implemented responsibly it enables organisations to identify inefficiencies and operational patterns. Smart meters, occupancy sensors and environmental monitors can reveal high‑impact behaviours, such as unnecessary heating of unused spaces, excessive electricity use during off‑peak hours or poor ventilation practices. Understanding these patterns allows institutions to design targeted interventions, adjust system settings or communicate more effectively with building occupants.

It also allows organisations to optimise building performance in real time. Modern building management systems can automatically adjust heating, cooling and lighting based on real‑time demand. This ensures energy is not wasted on empty rooms or underused spaces, generating emissions savings and operational efficiencies.

Data-driven approaches also support integration of renewable technologies and inform retrofit priorities. As homes and public buildings increasingly install solar panels and batteries, monitoring energy consumption and production further helps balance supply and demand, maximising the use of clean energy and minimising reliance on fossil-fuel-based grid power.

Detailed performance data helps identify where improvements will have the greatest impact across large estates. This ensures retrofit budgets, are directed to where they matter most. The UK’s Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund supports retrofits combined with smart monitoring technology in social housing. Housing providers collect usage data (with tenant consent) to inform interventions, detect faults early, and engage tenants through energy dashboards, thereby contributing to measurable emission reductions aligned with the UK’s net-zero targets.

Providing occupants with accessible dashboards or tailored feedback can also encourage behavioural changes. In homes, tenants may adjust heating or ventilation habits; in offices and schools, staff and students can become more conscious of energy use.

Data compliance: a prerequisite for trust and effective implementation

With increased monitoring comes increased responsibility. Housing providers and public bodies handle volumes of personal data and must uphold the highest standards of data protection, legally and ethically. Poor practices risk undermining public trust, which is critical for successful implementation of sustainability initiatives.

To comply with the UK GDPR and build confidence among occupants, providers should adopt strong data‑governance principles such as providing transparent and meaningful privacy notices to ensure occupants understand the data being collected, the purpose behind the monitoring and how the information will be used. Clear, accessible communication is essential for building trust, as is only collecting data that is strictly necessary for monitoring and energy efficiency purposes. Avoiding unnecessary or intrusive data collection protects privacy and reduces risk.

Strong security controls are another non-negotiable: encryption, access controls and secure storage systems all help safeguard personal information from misuse or breaches. Before introducing monitoring technologies, organisations should conduct Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) to identify risks and implement appropriate safeguards.

Conclusion

The path to net zero across the public sector is challenging and requires both technological innovation and cultural change. Monitoring technologies offer powerful opportunities to enhance efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. However, these benefits can only be realised when paired with transparent, proportionate and ethical data practices.

Trust is fundamental. When occupants clearly understand how their information is used, and how monitoring supports more comfortable spaces, lower energy bills and national climate goals, they are more likely to engage positively. Integrating smart monitoring with robust data governance provides a responsible, future‑proof approach to sustainability, enabling public sector organisations to meet net‑zero ambitions while maintaining the confidence of the communities they serve.

www.footanstey.com

This article appeared in the May 2026 issue of Energy Manager magazine. Subscribe here.

Why heat electrification is the key to unlocking 2030 net zero goals

Steve Horrax

Stephen Horrax, Director of Energy for UK & Ireland, Ramboll

Since the Science Based Target initiative was established in 2015, over 10,000 companies around the world have committed to achieving net zero through it.

Of these companies, 71% of non-service sector firms based in the UK pledged to reduce their emissions 40-50% by 2030. With this deadline rapidly approaching, and decarbonisation not keeping pace, this commitment runs the risk of becoming a broken promise. But that raises an important question – what will the material consequences be for businesses who fail to sufficiently reduce their emissions?

On the surface, and in a climate landscape increasingly affected by geopolitical uncertainty, it’s tempting to assume these missed targets can be safely swept under the rug as ambitious but ultimately unachievable. However, real risks remain for companies who miss these targets. Reputational damage, wavering investor confidence, and falling behind greener competitors are all potential dangers that ought to be taken seriously. Most importantly, decarbonisation is an increasingly core element of a company’s resilience, both against the operational vulnerabilities climate change introduces, such as extreme weather and mounting carbon costs, but also against mounting regulatory scrutiny.

It is a misconception that policy is no longer encouraging companies to pursue the energy transition. Instead, government initiatives such as the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy and the EU’s €1 billion Innovation Fund 25 all offer meaningful incentives and opportunities to facilitate industrial electrification. Disclosure requirements are also more stringent than ever, and a rising number of environmental law firms are finding ways to hold companies to account for arguably inadequate climate action. Companies that don’t take the initiative to achieve net zero now could find themselves under uncomfortable external pressure in the future.

So, what is achievable before 2030? Early efforts to go green may have focused on small-scale, commercially viable changes, such as upgrading lighting, improving HVAC systems, and purchasing renewable energy certificates. Organisations now face a more complex and urgent challenge to meet short-term carbon targets and please investors, regulators, and the public. This will involve decisive systematic transformation and a focus on energy resilience.

Electrifying heat

Where companies have made progress in reducing their emissions, these have primarily been Scope 2 emissions: indirect emissions from purchased energy. The other half of the equation are Scope 1 emissions produced by a company’s own processes, especially those that demand industrial heat such as drying, pasteurising, and chemical transformation. These tend to still rely heavily on fossil fuels, especially natural gas, and until this is remedied, progress on net zero will remain an uphill battle.

In light of this, electrifying heat is crucial and better yet, achievable. The answer lies in industrial heat pumps which are emerging as the most promising low carbon solution for low-temperature (<200°C) processes. Offering three to five times the efficiency of gas boilers, when powered by clean electricity they can eliminate Scope 1 emissions entirely.

This technology is revolutionary – but it cannot be integrated overnight. Delivering an industrial heat pump project can take as long as 2.5 years, an estimate which excludes grid upgrades. Organisations with 2030 targets, therefore, need to act now to assess practical considerations such as viability, costs, and integration pathways. This investment of time, money, and focus will pay off exponentially in the long run.

Systematic solutions

Heat decarbonisation should be the first step on a company’s journey towards a sustainable future. Embedding sustainability demands a systems thinking approach that acknowledges the way in which heat, power, storage, and flexibility exist in an interconnected nexus. Addressing one whilst neglecting another can create more problems than it solves, and a successful energy transition will require considering all dependencies in tandem.

Alongside big picture changes like electrification, companies should not overlook changes to transport fleets, the technical and economical demands on energy networks, and digital opportunities to automate energy flows between energy and storage. Adopting an integrated energy strategy over a project-by-project approach not only increases energy resilience, but also financial viability, proving once again that sustainability is both a business’ responsibility and in its economic interest.

Until now, many companies have measured their advance towards net zero targets in short-term wins and isolated fixes. For companies who want to meet 2030 targets, this piecemeal approach will no longer serve and must be replaced with robust, integrated strategies and coordinated efforts across engineering, finance, procurement, and operations. This is the only way to ensure long-term sustainability and resilient energy systems, as well as to avoid the reputational and financial risks of the alternative.

www.ramboll.com

This article appeared in the May 2026 issue of Energy Manager magazine. Subscribe here.

Investing Despite Uncertainty – Impacts and solution in the context of connection delays

Charles Hardcastle

Charles Hardcastle, Partner, Head of Energy & Marine, Carter Jonas

The Great Grid Upgrade is indispensable, but connection certainty has become a scarce commodity, and investors and developers are increasingly forced to plan for uncertainty.

The complexity of re-mapping of Britain’s energy system is inevitable. Previously, power flowed out from large stations. Now, with generation increasingly coming from Scotland and the coast, demand growth is uneven and involves two-way flows, storage and new high-intensity loads.

The problem is that investors do not fund principles, they fund programmes with reliable dates. In the last few months, the industry has been reminded that there is a difference between an upgrade strategy and an investable delivery plan.

Following its publication of an Update on delays to connection dates for some TMO4+ Protected Projects, Ofgem admitted frustration that of 340 transmission projects with protected dates, 210 were expected to have their connection date and or connection point changed. Likewise for anyone trying to commit or attract capital, it was disappointing that projects believed to have a degree of certainty were in fact far from certain.

Our team works in the context of consents, land rights and programme delivery and we regularly see the impact of grid delays. A connection date is not just a technical milestone, but the point at which debt can be drawn, construction risk priced, revenue assumptions clarified and supply chain commitments made. Uncertainty in the timing changes not only the programme but the risk profile too.

It is easy to underestimate the true costs of a six-month delay. Retaining development teams, and renegotiating land and procurement options can be expensive but what makes the situation more difficult is that the queue itself is changing. Before the reform reset, according to NESO, the pipeline of projects seeking connections was over 700 GW, far beyond what was envisaged.

An inability to connect power has significant consequences. The Greater London Authority’s West London Electrical Capacity Constraints paper warned in 2022 that major new applicants to the distribution network, including housing and commercial schemes, could face waits of several years for connections. The Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation went further in its Q4 2022/23 Performance and Finance Report, listing electricity capacity issues in west London as a risk that stalls delivery of new housing.

Oxfordshire has provided similarly direct testimony. Written evidence to a parliamentary committee said over 7,000 homes in Bicester had been paused while awaiting grid connection reinforcement. Furthermore, in a House of Commons debate in December, it was claimed that up to 9,000 homes north-west Bicester were stalled due to a lack of grid capacity.

Then there is strategic demand. Ofgem’s demand connections update shows contracted offers in the demand queue rising from 41 GW in November 2024 to 125 GW by June 2025.

For many, the option of waiting does not exist because capital and supply chains do not pause. The only practical response is to plan on the basis of connection uncertainty and design the project so it can survive that risk. There are investment strategies that can mitigate the impact of delay, as I have seen in practice in the work of experienced advisory teams.

One is to treat the grid as a scenario set: model a base case, a delayed case and a reconfigured case, then build decision points into the programme so that early spending buys options rather than locks in irreversible commitments.

Secondly, it can be possible to stage capital in line with deliverability evidence. Enablement works, land assembly, surveys and consents can move ahead while larger spend is held behind pending the clearance of hurdles such as a confirmed connection offer, secured route or defined reinforcement solution.

There is also the possibility of designing for modularity and flexibility, perhaps accepting a smaller connection earlier and expand later and working in flexible connections, storage and demand management.

Sometimes the answer is co-location and private wire. In others, behind-the-meter generation paired with storage can keep a site operational.

Finally, I advise aligning consenting strategy with delivery risk. Planning consents expire if not implemented. That risk needs managing from the start through phasing, conditions strategy and a clear plan for what constitutes meaningful commencement if a scheme needs to preserve a permission while the grid position is resolved.

The need for the Great Grid Upgrade is indisputable because the alternative is curtailment, higher system costs and investment drifting to jurisdictions that can offer firmer delivery. But confidence will only return through greater transparency, discipline in sequencing where possible and a more joined-up view of future demand.

www.carterjonas.co.uk

This article appeared in the May 2026 issue of Energy Manager magazine. Subscribe here.

How a broader view of onsite generation maximises value

Simone Hindmarch

Simone Hindmarch, MD and Co-founder, Commercial

For many organisations, onsite solar power generation is primarily seen as a way to reduce energy bills and demonstrate progress towards net zero. Energy price volatility and sustainability expectations are powerful drivers, and success is often measured in terms of cost and carbon savings. Yet a more holistic view is needed to fully assess lifetime costs and maximise value.

Set up a complete business case

Solar generation aligns well with commercial energy demands, since output peaks during daylight hours when business operations tend to be most active. This contributes to return on investment, which is often achieved within five years and sometimes in as little as three. Even partial onsite generation, covering a percentage of overall energy use, reduces exposure to wholesale markets, helping to stabilise costs.

However, focusing solely on payback risks overlooking opportunities to extend value. Greater returns are often realised when onsite generation is considered as part of a wider system that reflects how energy is used and managed over time. 

Storage is the logical next step for onsite generation, turning it into a more controllable, strategic business asset. This enables organisations to manage peak demand, maintain continuity during outages, and make more efficient use of the energy they generate. In this way, onsite generation shifts from a passive source of energy to an actively managed resource.

Organisations that invest in onsite generation and storage are better insulated from market volatility and sudden price increases. Recent market shocks caused by geopolitical instability reinforce the business case for reduced dependency on wholesale markets. They also illustrate the potential cost of inaction.

Understand the bigger sustainability picture

A broader perspective on sustainability is important to enable full assessment of the environmental impacts and benefits of onsite generation.

Behind every solar panel sits a global supply chain, and for key materials such as polysilicon and aluminium this presents complex concerns. The embodied carbon of solar infrastructure – emissions associated with manufacture and transportation before panels are operational – demands careful analysis. These materials are produced through energy-intensive processes which are generally offset over time but need to be properly accounted for. What’s more, they are often sourced from geographical regions associated with ethical concerns around labour practices.

These factors do not diminish the overall value of solar generation, but they do impact how organisations should approach it. Informed decision making, active risk management, and careful oversight are required.

In practice, this involves placing greater emphasis on transparency, due diligence, and active supplier engagement. Focused Supplier Relationship Management alongside use of recognised assessment frameworks such as EcoVadis can help improve supply chain visibility and provide a more informed basis for decision making.

Materials used in solar panels are just one part of a sustainability equation which encompasses the entire lifecycle of solar infrastructure. Arrays are expected to operate for decades, and their long-term impact depends on how they are maintained, optimised, and eventually decommissioned. Effective management of ongoing performance, as well as end-of-life recovery and recycling, is critical. Increasingly, organisations are expected to demonstrate more than carbon reduction – onsite generation needs to be firmly aligned with overall ESG commitments.

Take a structured approach

Viewing onsite generation as part of a broader system brings greater clarity around how energy is used, where cost-benefits can be realised, and what sustainability looks like. When it’s approached strategically and methodically, better outcomes can be realised over time.

Establishing demand profiles is a good place to start. If you understand when and where energy is consumed, generation and storage parameters can be configured more effectively to deliver tangible value. This forms a foundation for assessing how onsite generation fits within the wider energy strategy. Factors such as storage and the management of peak demand can make a significant difference to the overall impact that onsite generation has on energy use and performance.

Governance and full lifecycle thinking should be built in from the outset. This includes establishing clear approaches for supplier oversight, monitoring performance, and planning for maintenance and end-of-life management. Early consideration of these matters helps ensure systems deliver against financial and sustainability objectives for the duration of their lifetime.

Rethinking the role of onsite generation

An effective onsite generation strategy involves looking beyond the immediate benefits of lower bills and reduced emissions. Approaching it more strategically, paying attention to integration, supply chains, and lifecycle performance, can unlock greater long-term value.

Handled in a purposeful way, onsite generation becomes a powerful tool for managing risk and improving predictability around energy costs and supply. It also enables organisations to better understand and substantiate the full sustainability benefits of their investment. In an increasingly uncertain energy landscape, onsite generation can boost resilience and support more informed, future-ready decision making.

This article appeared in the May 2026 issue of Energy Manager magazine. Subscribe here.

New Electric Solutions brochure from Babcock Wanson supports customer decarbonisation journey

The Babcock Wanson Group, of which Babcock Wanson UK is a founding company, has published a new brochure dedicated to its rapidly expanding range of electrical solutions for industrial heat and steam production.

As demand grows for practical decarbonisation technologies, the new brochure provides a comprehensive guide to Babcock Wanson’s electric boiler offering and the role these systems can play in achieving sustainable, cost-effective heat generation. It explains how industrial processes that have traditionally relied on fossil fuels can now be powered by high-efficiency electric technology, supporting customers in meeting their environmental responsibilities while maintaining operational performance.

The brochure details Babcock Wanson’s complete electric boiler portfolio, beginning with its high-voltage electrode boilers, capable of delivering steam at pressures up to 85 barg and with outputs of up to 75MW. These systems combine fast start-up, zero on-site emissions and efficiency of over 99%, making them one of the most powerful tools available for decarbonising energy-intensive processes. Alongside these sit a range of low-voltage immersion heater boilers, designed for applications requiring lower power and flow rates, yet still delivering precise control, simple installation and robust reliability. For industries requiring tailored solutions, the brochure introduces the e-Pack, a highly adaptable zero-emission boiler available for up to 12 tonnes of steam per hour, while for smaller-scale or specific requirements the VAP-EL provides a compact, skid-mounted solution.

Recognising that electrification is not always an immediate or total transition, the brochure also highlights Babcock Wanson’s hybrid solutions, which allow new or existing fire-tube boilers to be fitted with electric auxiliary heating systems. These enable companies to switch seamlessly between conventional fuels and electricity depending on price, availability or regulatory requirements, providing a pragmatic route towards decarbonisation without sacrificing energy security.

Commenting on the release of this latest brochure, Etienne Fourie, Technical Sales Manager for Babcock Wanson UK’s Process Engineering Division, said:
“Our new Electrical Solutions brochure demonstrates the breadth of innovation and engineering expertise we have developed to support industry in its transition to clean energy. From large-scale electrode boilers to compact hybrid add-ons, we are offering practical, efficient and future-proofed solutions that enable manufacturers to significantly reduce their carbon footprint while retaining the flexibility they need in a changing energy landscape.”

The Electrical Solutions brochure also explains how Babcock Wanson’s equipment integrates with digital monitoring systems, providing customers with intelligent performance tracking and enabling participation in emerging grid services markets. In addition, it sets out the economic case for electrification, highlighting both the reduction in exposure to fluctuating gas prices and the availability of grants and funding for low-carbon technologies across Europe.

For a copy of the new Babcock Wanson Electric Solutions brochure, go to www.babcock-wanson-group.com/our-solutions

This article appeared in the May 2026 issue of Energy Manager magazine. Subscribe here.

Ideal Heating Commercial ECOMOD natural refrigerant heat pump range capacity increases with new 65kw Model

Building on the success of its ECOMOD 290HT natural refrigerant commercial heat pumps, Ideal Heating Commercial has expanded the range to include a 65kW model to meet demand for higher output systems.  This takes the ECOMOD 290HT range to four chassis sizes and six available outputs, from 15kW to 65kW.

ECOMOD 290HT monobloc air source heat pumps have an exceptionally low global warming potential (GWP) of just three, thanks to the use of R290 natural refrigerant. The lower the GWP, the lower the contribution to climate change. Furthermore, with the 2014 F-Gas Regulations and, more recently, the EU’s Regulation 2024/573 pushing for a refrigerant phase-down, the use of low-GWP refrigerants helps future proof investments made in natural refrigerant heat pumps.

The new ECOMOD 290HT 65kW has a maximum flow temperature of 70°C and an excellent coefficient of performance (CoP) of up to 4.6 which means it produces up to 4.6 units of heat for every single unit of electrical energy consumed.

You can also cascade up to seven of these new 65kW models for where greater heating outputs are required.  Whilst an integral control unit is included as standard, optional control units are available for cascade and where no BMS is present. 

As with other ECOMOD heat pumps, the ECOMOD 290HT 65kW can be used in a hybrid heating system.  It integrates seamlessly with other Ideal Heating Commercial products – including the EVOMAX 2 and IMAX XTRA 2 condensing boilers – to create efficient, low-carbon hybrid heating solutions.

Commenting on this latest addition to the ECOMOD range, Chris Caton, Product Director – Commercial, at Ideal Heating said: “Ideal Heating has been providing heating solutions for the UK market for well over 100 years.  We have stood the test of time and built a reputation based on our ability to deliver customers with quality, reliable commercial heating solutions that meet contemporary market conditions.  Investing further in our ECOMOD heat pump range, including our latest natural refrigerant models, enables us to provide an even wider range of outputs to meet the changing needs of our customers.  As the market for heat pumps continues to grow, we will continue to stay ahead of the curve, delivering products and solutions that will support market needs now and in to the future.”

All ECOMOD heat pumps are backed by a five-year warranty when commissioned by Ideal Heating Commercial. Ideal Heating Commercial remains the only manufacturer to continuously provide a free commissioning service across its commercial ECOMOD heat pumps and condensing boilers, helping contractors save time and reduce costs, whilst ensuring optimal system setup and performance.

Ideal Heating Commercial continues to deliver advanced commercial heating solutions developed in line with emerging technologies, market requirements, and environmental legislation. For more details, visit: idealcommercialheating.com/products/ecomod-290ht

This article appeared in the May 2026 issue of Energy Manager magazine. Subscribe here.

Skills shortages affecting the UK & global HVAC market

Rinnai’s Operations Director Chris Goggin revisits the skills shortage problem that is permeating throughout the UK and international HVAC industry. This article will look at the root causes and what action the UK government is implementing as a solution.

For information on UK policy, energy trends join our free newsletter at https://www.rinnai-uk.co.uk/contact-us/newsletter-sign

One of the primary long-term issues affecting the UK HVAC industry is a skills shortage in the arena of low carbon technology installation. What are the reasons behind this global problem and what are the solutions?

A global skills shortage in the HVAC industry is driven by three key issues. An ageing demographic of workforce; a reluctance by both customers and HVAC engineers to adopt new renewable technologies; and a lack of state sponsored financial assistance for training & education that passes on skills in renewable technology installations.

The following article will present fact-based evidence that supports these observations. Figures released by the major manufacturer Wavin indicate that 50% of UK qualified HVAC installers worked on heat pumps installations during the first quarter of 2025. In the first quarter of 2024 the figure was at 60%, highlighting a sizeable loss.

Wavin contacted hundreds of installers across Europe to identify the progress being made in adapting to renewable technologies such as heat pumps and solar. Wavin’s research in the UK reveals that four out of ten installers are not up to speed with the latest developments in environmental legislation. UK HVAC professional awareness surrounding legislation is not the only area of concern regarding NetZero objectives.

Eight out of 10 German HVAC installers are fully qualified to work on heat pumps, where the UK number is five out of ten. The UK is also underprepared in offering attractive manufacturer and customer incentives that encourage the production, purchase and wider acceptance of technology that uses sustainable energy resources.

Currently 27% of UK consumers view clean energy technology as a viable and affordable solution for providing heating and hot water. Europe’s leading nation in domestic customer renewable acceptance, The Netherlands, saw 55% of customers demand clean and alternative DHW and heating methods. Only 6% of UK customers actively seek out sustainable energy solutions.

UK trades supplier City Plumbing has produced a survey of five hundred contractors which sought to produce data on the progress of UK installers adopting renewable technologies. One of the report’s observations show that slow UK consumer demand for clean energy technology is cited as a potential cause of installers remaining reluctant to widen their skills set.

Of all those surveyed, 24% of UK installers said that they did not feel that learning new skills relating to the installation of heat pumps was a vital necessity, solely due to a lack of sustained customer demand. A further 20% of those responding believed that renewable upskilling was not an option as retirement is soon approaching.

A 2023 UK government survey “The Heating and Cooling Installer Study” released data that stated two thirds of installers were over the age of 45 years old. The ageing demographic of UK installers and a lack of widespread customer renewable demand are two issues that have combined to heighten the problem of a skills shortage in the UK HVAC industry.

City Plumbing’s report has also revealed that 73% of respondents believe there are not enough qualified heat pump installers to meet government targets of 600,000 heat pump installations a year by 2028. To establish some perspective – last year 60,000 heat pumps were installed across the UK. In 2021 the number of heat pumps installed across the UK was 55,000.

Additionally, 85% of respondents also feel that there is not enough state provided financial assistance for upskilling towards low carbon technologies.

UK government officials have recognised the importance of investing in the low carbon installation workforce and has recently announced “The Warm Homes Skills Programme,” and “Heat Training Grant.”

These new initiatives supply UK installers with funding contributions or discounts towards training that provides the requisite skills to install renewable technologies like heat pumps and solar.

The £8 million “Warm Homes Skills Programme” will supply each UK installer with subsidised training in relation to retrofitting, insulation and solar panel installation training.

The “Heat Training Grant” issues applicants with a £500 discount on courses that provide heat pump and heat network training. This scheme will be running until March 2026.

The UK government also announced earlier this year a £3 billion investment into areas like construction and engineering as part of the current government’s “Plan for Change” strategy. This investment is aimed towards attracting younger applicants to trades required in the labour force.        

Dr Anastasia Mylona, CIBSE Technical Director, commented: “This is a welcome and much-needed investment in our workforce. The building services sector is at the forefront of delivering safe, efficient, and sustainable environments – and that relies on a pipeline of skilled professionals. By strengthening training provision and attracting young people into engineering, we can not only address current shortages but also drive long-term innovation and resilience in the built environment.”

Other notable economies that possess identical issues include Germany. According to statistics released by the BDEW – the German Association of Energy and Water Industries – 73% of German companies believe the skills shortage is due to a change in demographic (age).

A potential repercussion of an ageing labour demographic could affect the momentum of a German domestic energy transition, as 85% of companies assume that progress in the energy transition will be negatively affected because of the skills shortage.

The American HVAC industry also suffers from a symmetrical skills shortage issue. There are currently 110,000 unfilled US HVAC positions nationwide, whilst around 25,000 workers exit the workforce a year. It has been predicted that the US HVAC market could have 225,000 vacant positions inside the next five years.

Again, an ageing demographic of technicians is a huge factor in the US HVAC skills shortage. National trade association the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) estimate an average age of fifty-five as an American HVAC worker. Due to the unusual political climate of America and the current administrations preference towards fossil fuels the US HVAC industry is struggling to create a clear pathway of future direction.

If there are widespread international vacancies in the HVAC sector, are large jobs not being finished or even started due to a chronic skills shortage? Will a global shortage of HVAC engineers result in a collective economic stagnation in the industry?

Rinnai evaluates all news and policy updates relating to DHW, heating, and HVAC in both the UK and abroad. Any information which could affect product or energy options will be transparently shared with the specifier, contractor installer, and UK customer.

https://www.rinnai-uk.co.uk/contact-us/ask-us-question

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RINNAI OFFERS CLEAR PATHWAYS TO LOWER CARBON AND DECARBONISATION PLUS CUSTOMER COST REDUCTIONS FOR COMMERCIAL, DOMESTIC AND OFF-GRID HEATING & HOT WATER DELIVERY  

www.rinnai-uk.co.uk/aboutus/H3

  • Rinnai’s range of decarbonising products – H1/H2/H3 – consists of hot water heating units in gas/BioLPG/DME, hydrogen ready units, electric instantaneous hot water heaters, electric storage cylinders and buffer vessels, a comprehensive range of heat pumps, solar, hydrogen-ready or natural gas  in any configuration of hybrid formats for either residential or commercial applications. Rinnai’s H1/2/3 range of products and systems offer contractors, consultants, and end users a range of efficient, robust, and affordable low carbon/decarbonising appliances which create practical, economic, and technically feasible solutions. 
  • Rinnai is a world leading manufacturer of hot water heaters and produces over two million units a year, operating on each of the five continents. The brand has gained an established reputation for producing products that offer high performance, cost efficiency and extended working lives. 
  • Rinnai products are UKCA certified, A-rated water efficiency, accessed through multiple fuel options and are available for purchase 24/7, 365 days a year. Any unit can be delivered to any UK site within 24 hours.
  • Rinnai offer carbon and cost comparison services that will calculate financial and carbon savings made when investing in a Rinnai system. Rinnai also provide a system design service that will suggest an appropriate system for the property in question.
  • Rinnai offer comprehensive training courses and technical support in all aspects of the water heating industry including detailed CPD’s.
  • The Rinnai range covers all forms of fuels and appliances currently available – electric, gas, hydrogen, BioLPG, DME solar thermal, low GWP heat pumps and electric water heaters More information can be found on Rinnai’s website and its “Help Me Choose” webpage. 

RINNAI FULL PRODUCT AVAILABILITY 24/7 FOR NEXT DAY DELIVERY of ALL HOT WATER HEATING UNIT MODELS INCLUDING 48-58kW UNITS-

SAVINGS OF

20% REDUCTION of Opex Cost,

30% REDUCTION of initial cost

15% REDUCTION in carbon

75% REDUCTION of space

For more information on the RINNAI product range visit www.rinnai-uk.co.uk

This article appeared in the May 2026 issue of Energy Manager magazine. Subscribe here.

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