To deliver heat networks, we need to rewrite the EfW narrative

Energy-from-waste (EfW) facilities have vast but underutilised potential to power the UK’s growing supply of heat networks, according to an Environmental Services Association (ESA) report published this month.

This supports an emerging consensus that, in order to circumvent geographical and grid constraints limiting options for heat networks while maximising the benefits of existing waste management processes, EfW should be central to heat network expansion.

The report identifies several barriers to EfW heat offtake – from the number of stakeholders involved on both sides of the planning process, to widespread uncertainty surrounding heat network delivery timelines.

One of the most significant yet overlooked barriers it notes though has nothing to do with planning or construction. Ultimately, EfW has an image problem: and until it can shed that, it can’t drive decarbonisation of heating.

Addressing the problem

There is a widespread perception that generating heat using EfW is a dirty compromise which, rather than advancing our sustainability goals, undermines the pursuit for truly clean energy.

This can be seen anecdotally. An online search for “energy from waste” will tell you everything you need to know about public attitudes. Despite the promise EfW holds to reduce our carbon footprint, news results invariably focus on backlash to proposed developments and fears about their emission impacts.

We encounter this frequently at Copper Consultancy, where we specialise in engaging stakeholders with sustainable infrastructure developments.

Only recently, I met with a journalist to discuss our heat network portfolio, who asked how our clients “defend” their use of EfW, as though it were a mark against them. Unfortunately, this is a view we hear echoed all too commonly in our public engagement work as well.

Changing the narrative

The difficulty here lies in communicating the value of a domestic heating solution that Hackney Council, defending plans to utilise EfW in its heat networks, once described as: “currently the least environmentally damaging” option at their disposal.

This may be a common sentiment, but it is not one that inspires advocacy.

Those responsible for championing EfW heat offtake need to rethink their messaging to focus on the positives that its use can bring, and shift perception away from current thinking.

How to win public support

At Copper, we help drive the energy transition by helping bring the public with us on the path to a greener future. In support of this, we’ve developed three principles to guide effective public engagement around the use of energy-from-waste (EfW) in heat networks.

Firstly, it’s important to reinforce the common-sense argument that if waste management plants are already generating heat, we should use it. This logic is gaining traction in the data centre sector, where “waste heat” is increasingly being reframed as “repurposed heat”, to highlight the benefits of getting more out of processes that are taking place regardless.

Secondly, we need to educate the public about the true cost of heating. People need to understand why decarbonising heat is important, and why every available heat source, including EfW, is necessary to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.

We regularly engage with members of the public from across the UK and all walks of life through public consultations, engagement events, and our original research. This has taught us that, while awareness of the importance of tackling climate change is high, detailed knowledge is often lacking.

Most people are shocked to learn, for example, that heating accounts for about 37% of total UK carbon emissions, and this reaction is the first step to motivating positive action. Embedding educational information such as this into materials, from social media content to leaflets and letters, is crucial to build a foundation of knowledge that will encourage support for EfW utilisation.

Finally, it’s essential to also emphasise the local, as well as the environmental benefits, when discussing the potential of EfW offtake. Our recent research into public attitudes toward net zero shows that, while many struggle to see how the concept of net zero connects to their daily lives, they are keen to find out about the tangible affects it will have on their communities such as job creation and improved quality of life.

EfW and heat networks are increasingly becoming part of the industrial fabric of cities and towns, supporting high-skilled jobs across the UK, and this should celebrated more by both sectors.

Taking things forward

ESA’s report makes clear that widespread utilisation of EfW is essential to expanding heat networks and unlocking the associated sustainability and energy security benefits. However, the perception of EfW as a major polluter could fuel opposition that blocks the proposals needed to succeed.

If the EfW and heat network sectors present a unified front, which clearly and compellingly sets out the benefits of EfW-powered heating though, we can begin to challenge the negative perceptions holding back its use.

If we rethink how we communicate with and engage stakeholders in this way, we can unlock this vital heat source for future generations and help the UK meet its climate and energy resilience targets.

For more information please visit: http://www.copperconsultancy.com

Energy Outlook 2026: What UK Businesses Need to Know

AdobeStock_1809073783-(1) — NGP © Adobe Stock

UK organisations begin 2026 with a clearer view of the forces shaping energy costs for the rest of the decade. Wholesale prices have steadied since the turbulence of 2022–23, but total electricity bills continue to rise as network charges and policy costs increase. Budget 2025 confirmed this overall direction and reinforced a system where fixed charges matter more than before.

Where the market stood before the 2025 Budget

Before the Chancellor delivered the 2025 Budget, several forces were already shaping the energy landscape for 2026.

1. Wholesale prices had stabilised.
Improved gas storage levels, better nuclear availability and reduced geopolitical risk had calmed the forward market compared with 2022–23. Many organisations coming off high-priced contracts were already seeing improved wholesale opportunities.

2. Network and policy charges were rising and becoming more fixed.
NESO’s published forecasts showed sharp increases in TNUoS charges from 2026 onwards. Most of these costs were set to be recovered through standing charges, making the number of meters and capacity levels more important than overall consumption.

3. Policy-driven line items were already increasing.
The nuclear RAB levy was scheduled to rise again in early 2026. Climate Change Levy rates were already confirmed to increase with RPI from April 2026. Market-Wide Half-Hourly Settlement was progressing as planned, creating stronger time-of-use signals.

Targeted reliefs and a focus on manufacturing

Government support is becoming more selective.

From April 2026, the uplift in NCC means eligible energy-intensive industries can receive up to a 90% discount on certain network charges. This delivers significant savings for steel, glass, paper, chemicals and other heavy users, but shifts a larger share of system costs onto customers that do not qualify.

The British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS), due to launch in 2027, follows the same logic. While rules are still being finalised, it is expected to reduce electricity costs for thousands of manufacturers in automotive, aerospace, clean technology and foundational supply chains by exempting them from several legacy policy costs.

For sectors outside these schemes, including logistics, data centres, retail, hospitality and many service businesses, there is little direct relief on the horizon. Their main options are efficiency, flexibility, better data and more strategic procurement.

Nuclear, networks and long-term costs

Budget 2025 confirmed nuclear power as a core element of the UK’s net zero and energy security strategy by bringing it into the UK Green Financing Framework. Sizewell C has reached financial close, the first small modular reactor site has been confirmed at Wylfa, and reforms aim to speed up regulation.

At the same time, RIIO-3 and NESO investment plans commit to major upgrades of transmission and distribution networks. These projects are essential for decarbonisation and security of supply, but they also anchor higher TNUoS and other network costs across the rest of the decade.

Carbon pricing and trade exposure

From January 2027 the CBAM begins to phase in for selected sectors, with indirect emissions potentially included from 2029. Combined with higher CCL rates, this raises the value of accurate emissions data and robust reporting, especially for trade-exposed manufacturers seeking reliefs.

Practical priorities for 2026

Against this backdrop, four priorities stand out for boards, CFOs and energy leaders.

1. Map non-commodity exposure meter by meter.
Break every supply into wholesale, network, levies and taxes. Overlay projected TNUoS increases, RAB charges and CCL rates to identify which sites face structural cost growth and which elements remain sensitive to procurement timing.

2. Secure eligible reliefs early.
If any part of the organisation could qualify for Energy-Intensive Industry status, Climate Change Agreements or future BICS support, ensure sector codes, metering arrangements and documentation are correct before schemes close or caps are reached.

3. Refresh the business case for flexibility and on-site assets.
Rising standing charges and sharper time-of-use signals strengthen the economics of on-site generation, storage, demand-side response and electrification of heat and processes. Investment appraisals in 2026 should use updated assumptions that reflect the growing weight of non-commodity costs.

4. Treat energy as a core financial risk.
Given the scale and irreversibility of nuclear and network investment, energy cost risk now sits alongside currency, interest rate and supply-chain risks. It warrants clear metrics, limits and decision points at board level, not isolated attention when contracts come up for renewal.

NGP can support by producing a detailed 2026 cost outlook across your full energy portfolio and by working with your team to align procurement, risk controls and investment choices with the cost structure now shaping the year ahead.

The NHS National Rehabilitation Centre selects Schneider Electric to deliver innovative solutions to improve patient care and efficiencies

Schneider Electric, a global energy technology leader, has announced it is working with the NHS National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) to improve patient care and energy efficiency.

The NRC is a purpose-built 70-bed facility for people who have experienced a life-changing illness or injury and is operated by Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) NHS Trust. It comes following a £105 million investment as part of the Government’s New Hospital Programme.

As the first building in England to meet the NHS Net Zero Operational Building Standard, it is a key milestone in the NHS’ journey to reach net-zero by 2040.

Following successful live trials at Linden Lodge, NUH’s 25-bed neuro-rehabilitation unit, Schneider Electric is now deploying its technology at the NHS NRC. This includes:

EcoStruxure Connected Room Solution for Healthcare – this gives patients the ability to control temperature, blinds, and lighting in their rooms using a bedside terminal, body movements or voice activation for those with reduced mobility. This autonomy means patients are less reliant on clinical staff for these adjustments, alleviating pressure on staff and giving them more time to focus on care.
Schneider Electric’s Building Data Platform – this platform connects directly with the Connected Room Solution, securely linking and controlling the IoT-enabled devices in each room.
EcoStruxure Building Operation – Schneider Electric’s advanced Building Management System, has been installed to monitor and control equipment across the facility including HVAC, lighting, and security systems. It can adapt environmental conditions in the building based on occupancy to improve building performance, enhance occupant comfort, and reduce energy consumption and operational costs. It uses the latest software from Schneider Electric to deliver more visual and easy-to-interpret reporting and analysis and is integrated into the hospital’s lighting, package heat recovery units, and bivalent air source heat pumps.

Lisa Yates, Senior Commercial Analyst for the NRC, said “Building the National Rehabilitation Centre has been a major undertaking.”

“It’s been many years in the making, which has allowed us to really understand the challenges for staff and patients and to test the technology in a live environment to see what’s possible and practical, ahead of us moving into the brand-new NRC.”

“Working in close collaboration with Schneider Electric we’ve been able to roll out solutions that are exactly what we hoped for, setting new standards for patient care, efficiency, and sustainability.”

Alice Williams, Schneider Electric’s VP of Digital Energy for UK&I said: “We are incredibly proud to partner with the National Rehabilitation Centre on this landmark project. Delivering the NHS’s first building to meet NHS Net-Zero Operational Building Standard is a testament to what’s possible when innovation, sustainability, and patient care come together.”

New data shows businesses are underestimating the scale of rising non-commodity charges

npower Business Solutions (nBS) has released new findings from its Energy Cost Calculator, showing that businesses could be facing far sharper increases in non-commodity energy costs than many currently expect.

Since its launch in October 2025, almost 130 organisations have used the industry-first tool, providing early insights into the projected impact of rising non-commodity charges by 2030.

The initial data reveals:

An average projected increase of 84.2% in non-commodity costs
The highest forecast increase was 181.5%
The lowest forecast increase was 55.8%

These early projections suggest that, although many businesses anticipated some rise in non-commodity costs, most may still be underestimating the scale of the increases ahead. nBS’s Business Energy Tracker 2025 found that 49% of organisations expected their non-commodity charges to rise by 25% or more.

However, the calculator’s early results suggest that the increases many businesses may face could be significantly higher, with all projections to date exceeding this level.

The calculator data comes at a time when energy is already the top business concern, as highlighted in the Business Energy Tracker 2025. More than half of organisations say energy costs are undermining their confidence, and 87% of senior leadership teams remain worried about energy risks, underlining the pressure facing businesses as they look ahead.

nBS notes that rising non-commodity charges, which include the policy, network and system costs that fund the UK’s electricity infrastructure, remain a key consideration for businesses as they look to plan and invest. Anthony Ainsworth, Chief Operating Officer (COO) at nBS, said:

“Since launching our Energy Cost Calculator, the early data has confirmed the scale of the challenge facing businesses. While our Business Energy Tracker 2025 showed many expected a rise in non-commodity costs, the calculator is already revealing significantly higher projections.

“With energy remaining the biggest business risk for the fourth year running, this comes at a time when confidence is fragile. There is a real opportunity for the UK government to help ease pressure by considering measures including extending targeted relief schemes such as the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme, or adopting a fairer sliding-scale approach to levies, supporting competitiveness as the UK continues its clean power transition.

“The Energy Cost Calculator only takes 60 seconds to complete, so I would encourage all businesses to look at what their non-commodity costs could be over the next five years.”

The Energy Cost Calculator provides organisations with a personalised projection of how their non-commodity charges could change based on their sector and annual consumption. It uses modelling from the nBS Optimisation Desk, which forecasts that non-commodity costs will make up 75% of a customer’s electricity invoice by 2030.

The Energy Cost Calculator is available now at: https://npowerbusinesssolutions.com/businessconfidence/energycostcalculator

Rinnai – new CPD on ‘Water Neutrality’

Rinnai has produced a new CPD titled ‘Water Neutrality’ and it details a subject that will become increasingly important as UK water supplies become less accessible due to overpopulation and climate change. Rinnai aims to increase awareness of this issue as well as supply verified information and industry insight into the question: should water neutrality be added to national legislation?

This recent addition to the company’s extensive list of industry relevant CPDs including ‘SPF – Seasonal Performance Factors and Heat Pump Design’; ‘Retrofitting Heat Pumps into the Leisure Sector through CCA & SPF Analysis’. And now the ‘Introduction to Water Neutrality.’

All the CPDs provide updated insights into significant issues concerning contractors, consultants, specifiers, system designers, and installers operating in the UK HVAC market.

Water neutrality specifically relates to the construction of developments that do not increase the amount of water being extracted from local water supplies. Property & buildings construction, as well as the HVAC industry, are now open to a new field of criteria that could affect a new project’s viability.

Water neutrality aims to ensure building developments are planned and completed as to not increase water consumption in the surrounding area. Water neutrality aims to achieve this aim by reducing water use, reusing water and offsetting water demand.

Rinnai’s new CPD presents the three key stages of achieving water neutrality and highlights reducing water usage as opposed to offsetting water usage. The ‘Water Neutrality’ CPD then leads into a case study which focuses on reducing water usage during the refurbishment of a commercial building and demonstrates several direct and indirect benefits on water consumption, cost and carbon production.

Rinnai’s aim with this CPD is to inform the audience of:

How the water neutrality process can be applied to both new developments and refurbished buildings.
Providing information on each step of water neutrality, methods of successfully completing each step as well as the benefits and disadvantages.
A case study application verifying the benefits of adopting a water neutral approach and the range of benefits this can have on performance, cost and carbon.

Rinnai UK’s new division – Rinnai Applied – is also offering an opportunity to gain bursaries of £200 when those eligible successfully complete three specific CPDs.

The CPDs are on the following subjects:

Seasonal Performance Factors (SPF) and Heat Pump Design
Introduction to Water Neutrality
Retrofitting Heat Pumps into the Leisure Sector through CCA & SPF Analysis

Rinnai continues to inform the UK market of system operating details that provide an accurate statement of system performance, while considering the effects on operational expenditure, economic investment, and environmental impact.

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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/about us/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

Visit www.rinnai-uk.co.uk or email engineer@rinaiuk.com

For more information on the RINNAI product range visit www.rinnaiuk.com

This article appeared in the Jan/Feb 2026 issue of Energy Manager magazine. Subscribe here.

How infrastructure industries can reduce environmental impact through smarter waste management

Emma Cooke, Operations Manager at tech specialist waste management firm, Envirovue

It’s a crucial time for infrastructure industries to mitigate environmental impact. From transport, water, utilities, health and logistics, infrastructure industries underpin modern economic growth.

They build the physical systems that keep society moving – from roads and power grids to ports and data networks. Yet, these same sectors are the largest producers of emissions worldwide through discarded materials, causing detrimental environmental impact.

Traditional infrastructure industries are becoming increasingly scrutinised under sustainability metrics and auditing as the UK continues its transition to net zero. In today’s low-carbon economy, efficiency, waste reduction and resource circularity are not optional – they are business imperatives.

The sustainable burden of infrastructure

Infrastructure is both indispensable, yet also responsible for a significant share of the UK’s environmental damage. Its influence on the UK’s environmental landscape is profound, with every kilometre of motorway, every pipeline and every data centre carrying embedded costs that spills across the UK’s carbon footprint.

In the transport and logistics sectors, fuel-intensive networks generate both direct emissions from vehicles and indirect emissions from the movement and storage of goods. Even the utility systems designed to power cleaner futures often depend on ageing, fossil-fuel-based grids.

This creates a persistent imbalance between economic growth and environmental sustainability. As infrastructure continues to expand, it becomes harder to curb its waste output and unless addressed, this pattern risks undermining national progress toward decarbonisation.

Pressures and targets driving transformation

The pressure for change is ultimately mounting from every direction. Government commitments to net-zero emissions are translating into strict decarbonisation mandates across infrastructure sectors. ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) reporting frameworks now demand transparency around waste management outcomes and improvements.

Public and investor scrutiny has intensified, linking sustainability directly to corporate reputation, funding access and long-term resilience. The question facing the sector is no longer whether it must change, but how to transition efficiently and effectively, which will protect economic growth whilst reducing environmental impact.

Reducing impact through tailored waste management

Sustainability in infrastructure begins with reimagining waste as a resource and designing systems that recycle waste to have redefined purposes. A circular approach, where materials, components and embedded energy are reused, recycled or recovered is the foundation of this shift.

Circular resource systems enable infrastructure projects to minimise waste throughout their lifecycle. Reclaimed construction materials, recycled metals and energy recovery from waste all contribute to reducing demand for virgin resources and cutting emissions at source.

Landfill diversion and carbon neutrality initiatives are also expanding. Companies are investing in verified carbon offset projects, advanced recycling technologies and waste systems that convert residual materials into usable resources, closing the loop between production and disposal.

Data is becoming the most valuable sustainability tool of all. Data-driven monitoring platforms can now track waste generation in real time, which allows operators to identify inefficiencies, reduce emissions and meet compliance standards with precision. With accurate data, sustainability moves from an aspiration to a measurable action.

Furthermore, progress depends on sustainable partnerships. Working with certified waste and recycling partners, accountability is ensured across the supply chain. Collaboration among contractors, utilities, technology providers and policymakers fosters continuous improvement and innovation at scale.

Building a circular future

The infrastructure sector stands at a transformative crossroads: the tools, technologies and partnerships needed for sustainable progress already exist. Now leadership is required alongside the willingness to embed circular thinking into everyday practice.

Dron & Dickson, a UK specialist in electrical equipment for hazardous environments, invested in a strategic partnership with waste management specialist, Envirovue. This partnership created live waste tracking technology, to improve segregation, eliminate landfill and reduce third-party handling.

As Dron & Dickson expanded into new energy sectors, this investment demonstrated how infrastructure-led innovation could cut emissions and support a resilient transition from traditional markets.

The company transformed its operational footprint by converting its fleet to electric and hybrid vehicles, saving around 6,500 litres of fuel. Across six UK sites, it sourced renewable energy and achieved 100 percent carbon neutral waste. This tailored approach showed how targeted upgrades to fleets, utilities, and waste systems could unlock environmental benefits while strengthening business sustainability.

Leaders should begin by auditing their organisations’ waste management strategies, identifying opportunities to recover resources, optimise performance and engage trusted partners who can make sustainability operational rather than theoretical.

By considering waste as a catalyst for resource and collaboration, the infrastructure industry can not only reduce its environmental footprint but also redefine what modern progress looks like. In doing so, it can build a future where infrastructure is both a driver of economic resilience and a cornerstone of an environmentally sound UK.

To find out more about Envirovue and its services, please visit: www.envirovue.io

Connecting distributed energy resources to central control

Connecting solar, wind, and other local energy sources into one smart system helps keep the grid stable and ready for the future. COPA-DATA: © Adobe Stock

From rooftop solar panels to electric vehicle fleets, the energy world is shifting toward a decentralized future. Alexander Punzenberger, President of COPA-DATA CEE/ME, explores how connecting distributed energy resources (DER) into centralized control systems is reshaping the grid — and how smart software like zenon is making it possible.

For more than a century, electricity has flowed in one direction: from large central power plants, down transmission lines and into homes and businesses. That model is breaking down.

Solar photovoltaics, wind turbines, batteries and bi-directional charging electric vehicles are no longer just add-ons to the system. These distributed energy resources — or DERs — are reshaping how electricity is produced, consumed and balanced.

When connected, DERs can act like miniature power plants. They regulate frequency, support voltage, shave peaks and even provide backup supply in emergencies. Aggregated into Virtual Power Plants (VPP) or managed through microgrids, they offer flexibility that centralized generation alone cannot.

But weaving together thousands — and soon millions — of these devices is no simple task. Without coordination, the potential of DERs risks turning into instability.

A system under pressure

The need for integration has never been greater. Across the world, power systems are straining under the weight of rapid change.

Renewables introduce variability that pushes grids beyond their original design. Legacy infrastructure often relies on outdated protocols, poorly suited for modern digital assets. At the same time, the electrification of transport and heating is accelerating electricity demand.

Cybersecurity adds another layer of complexity. Every inverter, battery, or charging station connected to the grid expands the potential attack surface. A stark reminder of the stakes is the 2015 cyberattack on Ukraine’s power grid, where hackers used malware to disrupt electricity supply for hundreds of thousands of people for several hours. In today’s digital energy systems, outages are not just technical failures — they are potential security threats.

Without seamless integration and robust cybersecurity measures, distributed energy resources (DERs) could create as many problems as they solve.

Lessons from around the world

India is one of the clearest examples of both challenge and progress. The country is deploying renewables at record speed, forcing operators to rethink how the system is planned and balanced. Large-scale integration studies have become central to this effort. Forecasting, flexibility, and better coordination between balancing areas is helping India absorb ever greater shares of solar and wind — without sacrificing reliability.

The United Kingdom offers a different perspective. Today, the country generates more power from renewables than from fossil fuels. Yet its “supergrid,” designed in the 1950s for steady coal and gas, is creaking under the strain of decentralization.

Connection queues worth hundreds of billions of pounds show how demand for clean energy has outpaced infrastructure. New digital tools, from AI-based forecasting to virtual grid replicas, are now being deployed to make the transition possible.

China highlights the integration challenge at a different scale. According to Global Energy Monitor, solar and wind capacity in China has already exceeded 1,300 GW, creating grid bottlenecks and curtailment issues. Massive investments in ultra-high voltage transmission lines, energy storage, and market reforms show that scaling renewables alone is not enough — system flexibility and smarter coordination are indispensable.

Together, India, the UK, and China prove that DER integration is not optional. It is the foundation for delivering on decarbonization promises.

Smarter connections for a resilient grid

Meeting this challenge requires intelligent control systems that can unify diverse resources into one coherent framework. This is where COPA-DATA’s zenon platform plays a decisive role.

The zenon platform speaks the many languages of the grid. Supporting standards such as IEC 61850, OPC UA, Modbus, and DNP3, it enables solar parks, wind farms, batteries, and EV chargers to share data without extra layers of translation. That makes it possible for operators to manage them all from a single control system. Real-time monitoring and advanced analytics also give operators a clear view of conditions, helping them anticipate issues and optimize performance.

And underpinning it all is security. With authentication, encryption and anomaly detection at its core, zenon takes a cybersecurity-by-design approach — a necessity in an era when a hacked charger or inverter can trigger far-reaching disruption.

Beyond integration: the future of DER

DER integration is about more than solving today’s challenges. It is about shaping the energy networks of tomorrow.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning promise sharper forecasts. Sector coupling will merge electricity, heat, mobility and hydrogen into one ecosystem. And prosumers — households and businesses that generate their own power — will become active market participants.

The future grid will be both centralized and decentralized, combining oversight with autonomy. Systems will be self-organizing and resilient, capable of adapting to real-time changes with unprecedented flexibility.

Conclusion

The energy transition demands more than renewable generation. It demands integration. From India’s vast solar parks to the UK’s congested connection queues, the global lesson is clear: connecting DER to centralized control systems is essential to building a smarter, cleaner and more secure grid.

With platforms like zenon, operators have the tools to meet that challenge — and to ensure the grid of the future is not only sustainable, but reliable and resilient.

Read our DER white paper.

Schneider Electric unveils revolutionary One Digital Grid Platform in UK & Ireland

Schneider Electric, a global energy technology leader, has launched its revolutionary One Digital Grid Platform to the UK and Ireland market.

Following its first announcements earlier this year in the United States, the platform is now being introduced to key markets around the world. The UK launch is tailored to address national energy priorities including grid modernisation, electrification, and the energy transition.

“The energy landscape is undergoing a profound transformation – it’s increasing in distributed, decarbonising and digitising,” said David Pownall, Schneider Electric’s Vice President, Power Systems, UK and Ireland. “Our One Digital Grid Platform is a game-changer, providing utilities with the digital tools they need to navigate this complexity, enhance reliability, and accelerate the transition to a low-carbon future.

“Innovation is something that is a big focus for our industry. This is often seen through new products – which are also vital for the energy transition – but I’m very excited to see this focus on innovative thinking.”

A new approach to grid management

The One Digital Grid Platform is designed to address the growing complexity of modern energy networks, which are increasingly characterised by distributed energy resources, renewable integration, and evolving consumer demands. By unifying data, analytics, and control across the entire grid ecosystem, the platform empowers operators to make smarter, faster decisions and optimise grid performance in real time.

This new approach to thinking about grid management offers a series of key features and benefits

Unified data layer: Seamlessly integrates data from the substation, distributed energy resources and customer end points for a holistic view of grid operations
Advanced analytics and AI: Leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning to predict and prevent power outages, optimise asset performance and enable proactive maintenance
Cybersecurity by design: Incorporates robust security protocols to protect critical infrastructure from evolving cyber threats
Scalable and modular: Allows the solution to grow and change as needs and demands evolve

Launched in the US and Europe earlier this year, Schneider Electric has already supported a number of companies to develop grid solutions through this new way of thinking. By providing a single source of truth and actionable insights, the platform enables collaboration across the energy value chain – from generation and transmission to distribution and end-users.

Unlocking flexibility and resilience in the UK grid

As Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) across the UK seek to manage increasing grid constraints, accelerate DER interconnections, and strengthen storm preparedness, Schneider Electric’s approach offers a pragmatic path to digital transformation, leveraging existing investments while unlocking new value.

“The One Digital Grid Platform is about helping utilities evolve their operations to become more resilient, more flexible, and simpler,” added Pownall. “It introduces a new operating model purpose-built for the energy transition”

www.se.com 

Johnson Controls Metasys 15.0 open Building Automation System sets new industry standard with market-leading scalability, resiliency and energy intelligence

Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI), the global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, has announced the launch of Metasys 15.0, its flagship open building automation system.

Engineered to meet the demands of mission-critical environments, Metasys 15.0 delivers unmatched scalability, built-in resiliency and instant energy intelligence giving facility managers the tools to optimize building performance, ensure compliance and accelerate decarbonization. New features include support for up to 1,000 IP devices per server — 60 percent more than most Building Automation Systems available today, along with multi-server redundancy offering simultaneous backup and a preconfigured ready-to-use Energy Management suite that delivers real-time insights and actionable data.

“Building operators today must navigate a complex landscape of energy goals, operational demands and evolving workforce needs,” said Kaishi Zhang, vice president of Product Management for Building Automation Systems at Johnson Controls. “The latest release of Metasys delivers a secure, intuitive BMS platform that ensures reliability, simplifies energy oversight and reduces reliance on specialized labor – essential for deploying across critical applications where performance and uptime matter more than ever before. We’re thrilled to launch this highly anticipated release, a technology that symbolizes the roots of Johnson Controls and where our experts continue to redefine building automation.”

Metasys 15.0 simplifies deployment and can be scaled across multiple buildings and sites, bringing competitive advantages to mission critical industries such as healthcare systems, data centers and large campuses, while bolstering uptime and efficiency. Key features include:

Market-leading scalability: With support for 50,000 objects and 1,000 IP devices per server, Metasys 15.0 can be seamlessly deployed across large healthcare campuses, universities or multi-site enterprises without costly hardware upgrades. By allowing IP devices to communicate directly with the server, organizations can reduce infrastructure costs by up to 60% by eliminating the need for intermediary components.
24/7 data resiliency: New multi-server redundancy ensures critical alerts, trends, and audit logs are backed up on two Metasys servers simultaneously, helping to ensure operational continuity, data availability and compliance in mission-critical environments like hospitals and data centers.
Ready-to-use energy management applications: The Energy Management suite offers ready-to-use applications which allow users to easily access and understand data across energy management, engineering productivity and cybersecurity to improve operations and planning.
Fast industry configuration: Facility managers can now more easily configure and manage the system directly using a web client, reducing equipment setup time by nearly 95% compared to previous versions and eliminating the need for server shutdowns or external support.
Interoperability – as an open BAS solution, Metasys 15, along with previous iterations, is widely recognized by field technicians for its leading ability to support a wide range of third-party IT and OT protocols such as BACnet, MSPP, M-Bus and more.

Metasys is a cornerstone of the Johnson Controls’ product ecosystem, delivering seamless integration across a broad spectrum of building technologies to unlock energy efficiency, system-wide optimization and thermal performance. The combined impact of Metasys together with Johnson Controls’ advanced HVAC, fire, security technologies as well as the OpenBlue smart building ecosystem and network of more than 40,000 field and service technicians can deliver lower operating costs and a stronger return on investment.

To learn more about Metasys from Johnson Controls and the full range of its capabilities, visit https://www.johnsoncontrols.com/building-automation-and-controls/metasys

Understand SPF for Smarter Heat Pump System Design with Rinnai CPD

Rinnai’s CPD, ‘Seasonal Performance Factors and Heat Pump Design’, details the evaluation of SPF when measuring a heat pump system’s overall energy efficiency throughout an entire heating season, whilst further considering variations in temperature and other system factors.

Rinnai’s Seasonal Performance Factors and Heat Pump Design CPD details the potential limitations of manufacturer-issued efficiency measures for Heat pumps, namely COP (Coefficient of Performance) and SCOP (Seasonal Coefficient of Performance). Manufacturers often measure heat pump efficiency using Coefficient of Performance (COP), which is the ratio of useful heat energy produced to the electricity consumed at a specific external air temperature.

A SCOP efficiency rating solely measures the heat pump unit which may yield a lack of system congruity when considering the entire system. Consequently, relying on this performance measurement alone can affect customer expectations in system performance and carbon reductions.

Rinnai offer an alternative methodology in measuring system efficiency; a Seasonal Performance Factor approach evaluates all energy utilizing components within a commercial hot water system and measures the performance of the entire system, as opposed to solely the heat pump.

By presenting this CPD to UK customers, contractors, consultants, specifiers and installers, Rinnai aims to provide information that delivers a concise and true account of commercial hot water heating performance using the ‘Seasonal Performance Factor’ methodology.

Rinnai UK’s new division – Rinnai Applied has multiple bursaries available and to qualify you must be fully eligible and successfully complete the three CPD sessions between now and March 2026.

The CPDs are on the following subjects:

Seasonal Performance Factors (SPF) and Heat Pump Design
Introduction to Water Neutrality
Retrofitting Heat Pumps into the Leisure Sector through CCA & SPF Analysis

Rinnai continues to inform the UK market of system operating details that provide an accurate statement of performance, while considering the effects on operational expenditure, economic investment, and environmental impact.

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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/about us/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.