Emerging Technologies for Sustainable Steam Generation

The Future of Steam: Reducing Carbon & Cutting Costs

As industries across the UK and Ireland strive towards Net Zero, the way we generate and use steam is evolving. Steam remains the backbone of countless manufacturing and process operations, but emerging technologies are reshaping its sustainability and efficiency. The good news? Cutting carbon doesn’t have to mean cutting into profits. With the right solutions, businesses can reduce emissions and drive long-term cost savings simultaneously.

How Steam Technologies Deliver Carbon Reduction & Cost Savings

Decarbonisation is high on every agenda but achieving it while maintaining operational efficiency and managing costs can be a challenge. Fortunately, the latest steam generation technologies are proving that sustainability and financial viability go hand in hand.

1. High-Efficiency Boilers & Alternative Fuels

Traditional boilers are being replaced or upgraded with high-efficiency models that significantly reduce fuel consumption and emissions. The integration of hydrogen-ready and biofuel-compatible boilers allows businesses to transition smoothly towards greener energy sources without major overhauls.

Modern condensing boilers can achieve efficiencies of over 95%, capturing latent heat from flue gases that would otherwise be lost. Meanwhile, alternative fuels such as biogas, synthetic methane, and green hydrogen offer viable pathways to significantly reduce carbon footprints while ensuring energy security.

2. Electrification of Steam Generation

With grid decarbonisation advancing, electric steam boilers are an increasingly viable option. They eliminate combustion-related emissions and offer precise control, making them an excellent fit for sites with access to renewable electricity or carbon-free energy contracts.

Advances in electrode boiler technology enable rapid steam generation with high energy efficiency, reducing the reliance on fossil fuel-based generation. Coupling electric boilers with renewable energy sources or battery storage solutions can further enhance their sustainability credentials.

3. Heat Recovery & Reuse

Capturing and repurposing waste heat is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve steam system efficiency. Technologies such as economisers, flash steam recovery, and condensate return systems help businesses reduce energy demand while lowering fuel costs and emissions.

Economisers recover heat from exhaust gases to preheat feedwater, improving overall thermal efficiency.
Flash steam recovery captures excess steam from condensate return systems, reducing energy waste and fuel consumption.
Condensate return systems recycle hot condensate, reducing water and chemical treatment costs while enhancing system efficiency.

4. Smart Steam System Control & Digitalisation

Advancements in digital steam management provide real-time insights into system performance, allowing operators to optimise usage, detect inefficiencies, and prevent costly energy losses. Smart monitoring ensures that steam is used precisely when and where it’s needed, minimising waste and maximising efficiency.

The integration of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) sensors, AI-driven analytics, and cloud-based monitoring platforms enhances visibility into steam systems. These technologies enable predictive maintenance, reducing unplanned downtime, and improving overall equipment lifespan.

Balancing CAPEX & Long-Term OPEX Benefits

Investing in sustainable steam generation requires careful consideration of both capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operational expenditure (OPEX). While some emerging technologies may require upfront investment, the long-term returns often far outweigh the initial costs.

Energy cost savings: Reduced fuel consumption and optimised steam usage lead to significant cost reductions over time.
Lower maintenance costs: Advanced, high-efficiency systems require less maintenance and experience fewer breakdowns, minimising downtime.
Regulatory compliance & futureproofing: Investing now in low-carbon solutions helps businesses stay ahead of evolving environmental regulations and avoid potential carbon taxation.
Enhanced operational efficiency: Smarter steam systems improve process performance, reducing waste and enhancing productivity.
Financial incentives & funding: Various government grants, carbon credit schemes, and tax incentives can help offset CAPEX investments in sustainable steam technologies.

Moving Forward: A Sustainable, Cost-Effective Steam Future

The transition to sustainable steam generation is not just about meeting environmental targets—it’s about future-proofing operations for efficiency, cost savings, and long-term resilience. Whether through electrification, waste heat recovery, digitalisation, or alternative fuels, businesses have a range of options to achieve decarbonisation while maintaining financial sustainability.

At Spirax Sarco, we’re committed to helping industries optimise their steam systems for a greener future. Our experts can assess your current steam infrastructure, identify efficiency opportunities, and provide tailored solutions that align with your sustainability and financial goals.

Speak to our specialists today to explore the right steam technologies for your business.

www.spiraxsarco.com

This article appeared in the May 2025 issue of Energy Manager magazine. Subscribe here.

Time to reimagine community-led decarbonisation

The way we plan, fund and deliver change in the built environment is negatively impacting the resilience and wellbeing of individuals, communities and neighbourhoods. However, changes at the neighbourhood level – specifically around decarbonisation, can make a substantial difference. Alex Calkin, Sustainability and Social Impact Consultant and Eliott Higgins, an Associate from the Energy team at Buro Happold discuss how they used the learning from their Urban C:Lab project to address these challenges head-on.

Transitioning to low-carbon heat sources, changing to electric vehicles, etc. all come with a 0hefty price tag. However, by shifting the perspective from ‘me’ to ‘we’ and addressing the challenge at a neighbourhood level, communities can tackle decarbonisation effectively.

So how would this work?

A good starting point for implementing ‘Hyper:Shared’ infrastructure – a methodology designed to enable community-led reimagination of neighbourhoods – would be to identify the community’s specific needs . Fortunately, there are already successful examples of neighbourhood decarbonisation across the UK, from community-owned renewable energy generation to Libraries of Things, so starting from scratch wouldn’t be required. Communities could also choose from a toolkit of potential interventions, including energy cooperatives, neighbourhood-wide retrofit schemes, green infrastructure, and shared solutions for transport and resources.

The next step would be to identify opportunities and eliminate barriers to shared and co-owned infrastructure and services. A key barrier to both community-led initiatives and holistic decarbonisation schemes alike is their ability to commercialise projects and secure funding. Hyper:Shared seeks to resolve this though ‘bundling’ various neighbourhood-level initiatives to create and investible portfolio. Projects can then be matched with green finance initiatives, carbon offsets, biodiversity net gain credits and other relevant funding sources.

Hyper:Shared encompasses a technical assistance programme, an open-source methodology, an investible portfolio and a governance and funding structure. The initiative would act as a bridge, assisting communities in obtaining the necessary finance to implement initiatives simultaneously within existing neighbourhoods, thereby expanding the scope and effectiveness of decarbonisation efforts.

Finally, the approach would look to ensure that money is retained and reinvested within the neighbourhoods, fostering local resilience and prosperity.

Why now?

Available data shows an existing pipeline of projects that require commercialisation. There is also a surfeit of green finance looking for projects. The ideal would be to connect the two. Ultimately this can be broadened to capture a wider sweep of interventions, such as transport, green infrastructure, retrofit and resource use.

Examples include Civic Square’s community-led work in Birmingham, and the Ambition Lawrence Weston CIC that delivered England’s largest onshore wind turbine with 100% community ownership. Human Nature’s Phoenix development in Lewes has adopted some bold principles around shared spaces and resources, as have many Community Land Trusts. ShareOurCars in Oxford managed to create a community-run car share club that can be scaled to the level of a residential street.

At the present time smaller scale projects are not that attractive to potential investors and quite laborious when it comes to setting them up individually. This is where Hyper:Shared can respond, creating an over-arching governance to make the set-up process easier for communities, while remaining community-centric in both approach and methodology.

With rising council tax and other bills, it’s necessary to realise the greater decarbonisation potential with schemes such as these, where the wealth is retained in the local area. Schemes reviewed in isolation can then be bundled together to create an investible portfolio, delivering multiple interventions at speed and executing community and stakeholder engagement for buy-in.

A critical next step will be a delivery mechanism that attracts investment to enable the viable delivery of dozens of multifaceted schemes simultaneously. The Cities Commission for Climate Investment (3Ci)’s work is focussed on this issue and Buro Happold has signed up as a partner. The West Midlands Combined Authority’s Local Net Zero Accelerator Programme, currently in development also has huge potential. The funding and commercialisation mechanism they’re exploring is very similar to Hyper:Shared, which is encouraging.

Benefits

There are four key benefits to Hyper: Shared which will have a positive impact on communities.

Greater decarbonisation potential – decarbonise more efficiently and effectively.
Financial reward – reduced cost of living and retainment of wealth in the local area.
Greater system resilience – to future financial shocks and existing grid constraints.
Increased wellbeing – positive impact on health, participation, and equity.

Where next?

Immediate action around the climate crisis is essential. While this methodology is currently high-level, Calkin and Higgins are actively seeking collaboration partners to co-create processes and projects.

www.burohappold.com

This article appeared in the May 2025 issue of Energy Manager magazine. Subscribe here.

New green energy agreement launched, offering price stability for sustainable power across UK public sector

Public sector funding will be channelled into UK renewable energy projects, boosting growth and driving investment in UK based renewable energy technology.

A new commercial agreement from Crown Commercial Service (CCS), entitled the Provision of Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), gives central government and wider public sector organisations direct access to UK-based renewable energy and competitive long-term contracts with suppliers.

Procured under PCR 2015, the innovative agreement offers a unique combination of renewable energy sourcing, long-term fixed pricing, and UK-based supply security that has never been available at this scale. This is a significant step forward in supporting public sector organisations to meet their net-zero targets while providing wider access to the market and greater budget certainty.

The agreement went live on 15 April 2025 and will be in place for 4 years.

What are Power Purchase Agreements?

Corporate PPAs are long-term power contracts between customers and suppliers that allow for the purchase of agreed volumes of green energy directly from renewable generators for a fixed period. Renewable generation may come from various sources, such as onshore and offshore wind turbines and solar PV farms.

John Welch, Commercial Director – Estates at Crown Commercial Service, explains:

“This new agreement represents an important step forward in our commitment to supporting public sector organisations in meeting their sustainability goals while securing predictable energy costs. By enabling access to a UK-based renewable energy supply through long-term contracts, we’re helping the public sector reduce its environmental impact and contribute to the government’s net-zero ambitions.”

Sustainable energy solutions with predictable, long-term pricing

Market intelligence gathered has shown the need for CCS customers to have access to greener energy with a clear, concise route to market. This new agreement gives CCS customers and the wider public sector direct access to green electricity with price certainty, protecting them from market volatility while accelerating progress towards net zero targets.

The agreement creates significant value for the nation, providing energy security, economic efficiency, market innovation, and carbon reduction.

For example, by focusing on UK-based renewable assets, this agreement strengthens national energy independence, reducing our reliance on imported energy. The agreement will also support the government’s mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower.

Encouraging innovation in the renewable energy sector advances the UK’s commitment to reach net zero by 2050. As a result, customers using the new agreement will benefit from:

access to UK-based renewable energy assets
competitive rates
fixed-term pricing options, allowing for more efficient budgeting and future cost estimation
a simplified procurement process that provides access to call-off contract terms aligned with the PPA market
support toward net zero targets

Find out more

To learn more about the new Provision of Power Purchase Agreement framework, please visit the agreement page or contact the CCS Service Desk at info@crowncommercial.gov.uk or 0345 410 2222.

This article appeared in the May 2025 issue of Energy Manager magazine. Subscribe here.

Babcock Wanson Launches New Electric Thermal Fluid Heaters

Industrial process heating equipment and solutions specialist Babcock Wanson has launched the EPC EL range of electric thermal fluid heaters, providing customers with an effective low carbon process heater with no direct emissions. The key functionality required by thermal fluid heaters are high turndown, low heat flux, accurate temperature control and high safety level which is incorporated in the design.

A multi-tubular type thermal fluid heater, with a series of flanged electrical heating elements inserted within the carbon steel exchange tubes where the thermal fluid circulates at high velocity, the EPC EL ensures a precise forecast of the fluid temperature at each point of the thermal fluid internal path, with no internal significant recirculation. The 1-D fluid arrangement allows for a more compact volume and greater protection of the thermal fluid when compared to a single vessel design, for improved fluid longevity.

Modular in design, EPC EL electric thermal fluid heaters can be configured in series and parallel to meet different applications and site requirements. The single functional unit is composed of two thermal heater elements, each with a maximum power of 60kW. In the event of a thermal heater failure, the EPC EL can continue to operate at reduced power, excluding only the faulty element. A single 100 A thyristor controls the power, for flexibility and modulation.

For temperature limitation the heating elements are equipped with temperature sensors, connected directly to the surfaces of the heating elements.

The EPC EL is supplied with a separate power and control panel housed in a standard cabinet for ease of access. The panel is fitted with PLC with HMI for simple and clear operator interface.

As with all Babcock Wanson process heaters, the EPC EL is extremely durable and easy to maintain. Inside the casing the tubing is fully welded to prevent leakage points. The heating section is installed inside a protective steel frame housing, closed by thermal insulating sandwich panels which are easily removable for inspection. The front of the heater, where the electric elements are located, is protected by a light cover, fitted with fast release bolts and handles that can be lifted by a single operator.

The EPC EL is the latest addition to Babcock Wanson’s range of thermal fluid heaters, which include heaters with integrated gas, oil or dual fuel burners to meet the needs of modern industry.

For more information, please contact Babcock Wanson on 020 8953 7111 or info@babcock-wanson.com or go to www.babcock-wanson.com

This article appeared in the May 2025 issue of Energy Manager magazine. Subscribe here.

Shining a light on solar carports

Sandeep Kang, Senior Product Manager at Energy Systems Catapult

Local authorities face a familiar paradox: land is at a premium, yet the imperative to deploy renewable capacity grows more urgent. Rooftop solar continues to be a mainstay of council‑led decarbonisation, but many towns and cities lack enough contiguous roof area or sites for ground‑mounted farms. Solar carports have emerged as a practical, high‑impact solution, transforming existing parking estates into low‑carbon generation hubs without requiring additional land allocation.

The growing case for car park photovoltaics

Solar PV in the UK has expanded rapidly in recent years: between January 2024 and January 2025, installed capacity rose by over 1.15 GW, taking the national total to almost 17.9 GW. In 2023 alone, solar generated roughly 27.2 TWh of electricity, equivalent to around 10% of Britain’s annual demand. Yet this impressive growth belies an even larger untapped resource, our 629,000‑plus public and private parking spaces. Research indicates that equipping just half a million suitable parking bays with canopies could yield an additional 1.57 GW of capacity and over 1,450 GWh of clean energy each year.

For local authorities, the appeal of solar carports extends beyond raw generation figures. Parked cars stay cooler under PV canopies, reducing urban heat island effects and vehicle air‑conditioning loads. Canopies can be designed to integrate electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, tackling two pillars of climate policy – clean electricity and transport decarbonisation – simultaneously. Moreover, because car parks sit adjacent to existing distribution networks, grid connections often require minimal reinforcement, keeping project development costs in check.

A council‑led pilot: from plan to canopy

A leading local authority recently demonstrated an innovative approach in exploring alternative solar deployments. Following the completion of its Local Area Energy Plan (LAEP), the authority was keen to advance the identified sustainability pathways despite facing the common urban challenge of limited suitable land for traditional solar farms.

The authority already possessed an impressive record in renewable energy, with an operational solar farm, a hydro scheme, and a heat network under development. Yet it recognised that meeting ambitious Net Zero targets required a different strategy.

To identify suitable locations for solar carports, the authority partnered with Energy Systems Catapult for a data-driven solution. Through the Net Zero Data product, a comprehensive dataset was developed. The dataset identified existing car parks potentially suitable for solar carport installation and estimated the potential energy generation capacity at each site. The data also assessed the electricity network capacity in the surrounding areas and reported on available headroom at nearby substations.

This approach enabled the authority to quickly evaluate and prioritise potential sites based on reliable, up-to-date information. The bespoke dataset was delivered within two months, a pace considerably faster than traditional consultancy methods.

Quantifying the national opportunity

Energy Systems Catapult’s Net Zero Data has mapped over 252,996 council-owned car parks across Britain comprising 201,760 sites in England, 13,541 in Wales and 31,888 in Scotland. Together, they represent up to 24 GW of deployable PV capacity, with estimated annual generation of 23 TWh (18.75 TWh / 1.23 TWh / 2.11 TWh respectively). Even installing canopies on just the top 5% of these sites would yield around 1.6 GW of capacity and 1.5 TWh per year, enough to power over 400,000 average UK homes. Expanding to 10% coverage boosts figures to almost 2.9 GW and 2.75 TWh annually.

To put these numbers in context, National Grid’s Future Energy Scenarios forecasts UK electricity demand growing to between 533 TWh and 700 TWh by 2050. Even at the lower bound, fully utilising just 5% of council car park potential could contribute nearly 0.3% of future demand, an appreciable slice for a single asset class, achieved without eating into urban land budgets.

Building the business case

The financial and operational rationale for solar carports is compelling:

Reduced energy costs: On‑site generation can be consumed behind the meter, lowering wholesale purchases for council buildings, leisure centres and street lighting.
New revenue streams: Surplus exports can be sold into the wholesale market or via private‑wire arrangements, attracting third‑party investment and lowering capital outlay.
EV charger integration: Bundling PV with charging infrastructure increases utilisation rates potentially reducing the cost of the electricity being supplied to the chargers by using onsite generation, generating greater margins on charging revenues, and strengthening a project’s overall return.
Maintenance synergies: Co‑locating PV arrays with council maintenance depots can streamline O&M schedules and share security infrastructure.

Capital costs for canopy installation vary by site complexity, but innovative financing models such as lease‑purchase, green bonds or energy‑performance‑contract structures, can mitigate upfront expenditure. By demonstrating predictable, long‑term cash flows from energy savings and export revenues, councils can secure competitive borrowing rates or attract solar investors.

Overcoming challenges

Despite the clear upside, solar carports have not yet become ubiquitous. Key barriers include:

Data gaps: Without granular intelligence on roof geometry, shading and local network headroom, councils may err on the side of caution or abandon studies prematurely.
Grid interface complexity: Early engagement with Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) is essential to understand reinforcement requirements and avoid late‑stage surprises.
Planning and heritage constraints: In conservation areas or listed sites, canopy design may need to be sensitively tailored to local character.
Internal capacity: Many authorities lack in‑house technical expertise to scope, procure and manage bespoke solar canopy projects.

By partnering with bodies such as Energy Systems Catapult, councils can access turnkey data solutions that streamline each phase of delivery. This collaborative model reduces reliance on lengthy, high‑cost consultancy engagements and embeds best‑practice insights directly into local decisions.

Looking forward

As renewable deployment intensifies and urban demand for EV charging grows, solar carports stand at the nexus of energy and transport decarbonisation. By adopting a data‑driven framework councils can rapidly mobilise projects that deliver clean power and cost savings.

Net Zero Data crystallises this opportunity, offering councils the insights to prioritise high‑value sites and build robust business cases. With careful planning and innovative financing, the car park canopy can become a pillar of decarbonisation providing tangible benefits for residents and the climate.

Want to find out more? Head to the website: https://www.netzeromarket.org.uk/s/product/detail/01tTv00000APZw5IAH

This article appeared in the May 2025 issue of Energy Manager magazine. Subscribe here.

Top Tips to Leverage Solar in Public Sector Buildings

18--Image-from-Shawton-Energy---Burnley-College-(3) — Power Optimizers track the performance of solar panels in real-time and provide pinpointed alerts to system issues in order to reduce trips to the site and time spent on site.

As more public sector operators turn to solar to provide clean, low-cost energy for their buildings, many energy managers are finding their roles extended to managing what’s on the roof as well as inside the building. For those new to solar, this shift may feel daunting. However, help is at hand. Here, Christelle Barnes, UK Country Manager at SolarEdge Technologies, discusses recent advancements in solar technology that help to optimise energy production, reduce O&M costs, and make solar even safer.

What are the top priorities for individuals charged with responsibility for a solar installation?

As the deployment of PV (photovoltaic) solar systems accelerates and existing systems mature, PV installations are being viewed as more than just a source of clean energy. Instead, they are regarded as long-term investments that need to be closely managed in order to improve their ROI and bottom line. As with any investment, the two main ways to improve the ROI of a PV system is to increase the revenue it provides and decrease the lifetime cost of ownership.

One of the first steps to increase PV system production happens during the design process. It’s important to select a system that can meet both the site’s current and future energy needs. For example, if electric vehicle (EV) charging stations are planned, they will increase the site’s electricity demand. This should be considered during design to ensure the system can handle future needs.

Advancements in solar technology, such as more efficient solar panel materials, are making it possible to pull more power from even the most challenging roof spaces. Even more important are advancements in solar inverters. Although they account for less than 10% of solar system costs, inverters are responsible for 100% of energy generation. Therefore, choosing the right inverter has significant implications for the system’s long-term financial performance.

In a traditional inverter system, the inverter has two main functions: converting DC electricity from solar panels into AC electricity for buildings and performing maximum power point tracking (MPPT) to extract maximum power from the system. Since MPPT is the most expensive component of an inverter system, it’s common to connect as many panels as possible to each MPPT. While this may save money initially, it creates inefficiency, leading to higher long-term costs.

This is because of the energy mismatch that occurs when panels operate at different efficiencies. There are many factors that can impact panel performance, including ageing, soiling, or shading from clouds, trees or nearby buildings. In traditional inverter systems, panels are wired in series, so if one panel’s output is low, the efficiency of all connected panels is reduced, significantly lowering overall energy production.

Additionally, traditional inverter systems also require panels to be placed in identical string lengths and at the same pitch and orientation. This can limit the number of panels that can be installed and potentially make solar financially unviable.

Due to these and other limitations, there has been a notable shift from traditional string inverters to more advanced DC-optimised systems. In a DC-optimized system, Power Optimizers are installed on each pair of panels to monitor and optimize performance at the panel level, rather than the string level. This ensures that if one panel’s performance drops, only that panel is affected. Further, DC-optimized systems also provide more design flexibility, enabling larger installations on rooftops with limited space.

Q: What are the most effective maintenance strategies to help decrease PV system lifetime costs?

The most common O&M strategies for PV systems are preventative and corrective maintenance. Preventative maintenance aims to keep the system in optimal condition and minimise downtime, typically requiring an annual site visit to evaluate components and check system health. Standard inverter systems necessitate inspecting each panel to ensure proper function, which can be costly, inefficient, and dangerous for personnel working at heights and with high voltages. During preventative maintenance, latent issues may be discovered that have led to decreased energy production, triggering the need for corrective maintenance.

DC-optimised technology introduces a third option: reactive maintenance. In a DC-optimised system, Power Optimizers monitor each panel pair’s performance in real-time and send pinpointed alerts about system issues, reducing the need for site visits. This allows maintenance teams to analyse and troubleshoot remotely. For example, if a panel has a failed diode, an alert is sent to personnel, who can quickly identify the panel and provide a screenshot for a warranty claim. This way, during the next site visit, the team can replace the failed panel, instead of only learning about its existence.

In recent years there has been a notable shift away from traditional string inverters in favour of more advanced systems that leverage DC-optimisation.

What can be done to ensure solar systems are safe – and remain safe?

With millions of systems installed worldwide, solar is proven to be safe and reliable. However, as traditional solar installations can reach voltages as high as 1,500VDC, precautions should be taken to ensure the safety of people and assets.

There are two key safety features to consider when selecting solar technology. The first is the safe-DC feature, which minimises the risk of electrocution during installation, maintenance, or in the event of a fire. In traditional inverter systems, shutting down the inverter or grid connection stops the current flow, but DC voltage in the string cables remains live while the sun is shining. Safe-DC addresses this by automatically lowering the output voltage of each panel to a touch-safe 1V.

The second feature is arc fault detection. While rare, electrical arcs can be triggered by issues like loose connections. The U.S. has strict regulations for arc fault detection, and while the UK has not yet introduced similar requirements, this is expected to change. So, it’s important not to get caught out.

For more information, visit: www.solaredge.com/uk.

This article appeared in the May 2025 issue of Energy Manager magazine. Subscribe here.

Benchmarking Insights from Heating and Environmental Data

The importance of understanding heating and environmental conditions in student accommodation has grown significantly. Rising energy costs, increasing awareness of sustainability, and the need to ensure student wellbeing, mean providers are turning to data-driven solutions to optimise their living spaces. The challenge lies not in collecting data—modern sensors and smart devices do this continuously—but in extracting meaningful, actionable insights from that data.

Student rooms generate a vast array of data points. Temperature, humidity, sound pressure, CO₂ levels, occupancy patterns, and heating system performance can all be tracked. These data streams provide a real-time snapshot, helping providers ensure comfort, promote energy efficiency, and identify potential maintenance issues before they escalate.

However, raw data is rarely immediately useful. For example, a temperature sensor might report fluctuations throughout the day, but without context, it’s unclear whether those changes indicate a problem, or are just normal daily cycles. That’s where data analysis and contextualisation come in.

Sensors can produce noisy or incomplete data—perhaps due to connectivity issues or equipment faults. A system such as Irus draws on vast datasets and aligns information from different sources, such as correlating temperature readings with timestamps and room occupancy to provide sensible insights.

Identifying Patterns

The data is analysed to identify trends and anomalies. Time-series analysis helps detect patterns over days, weeks, or even seasons. For instance, if a particular room consistently shows lower temperatures than the rest of the building, it may indicate poor insulation or a malfunctioning heat source. Alternatively, if occupants frequently open windows in winter, it might point to overheating or poor ventilation.

Clustering groups of rooms with similar environmental characteristics, helps facilities teams prioritise maintenance. And unusual behaviour can be flagged—like higher room temperatures than the system is set to—signifying the use of supplementary heaters.

Combining Environmental Data with Behavioural Insights

To extract meaningful information, environmental data should be combined with behavioural and usage data. Intelligent thermostats with multi-sensors offer a fuller picture. For example, linking low room temperatures with room absence, this can help differentiate between a technical issue and an intentional energy-saving decision.

Additionally, integrating data regarding student comfort can ground quantitative findings in real-world experience. If multiple residents report discomfort in certain rooms, data analysis helps pinpoint the root cause and validate the claims with hard evidence.

Practical Applications and Outcomes

With the right analysis, operators of buildings can achieve significant outcomes:

Energy Efficiency: Identifying overheating zones and optimising heating profiles can reduce energy consumption and costs.
Improved Comfort: Monitoring CO₂ levels, ventilation quality, and humidity ensures students have a healthy indoor environment, which is essential for concentration and wellbeing.
Preventive Maintenance: Detecting irregularities in heating systems early, and pinpointing the exact location of issues, allows for proactive maintenance, reducing downtime (and search time) and costly emergency repairs.
Informed Planning: Long-term data trends can inform renovations, retrofits, and even the design of new buildings to meet sustainability goals. Not to mention the procurement of utilities.

Irus benchmarking

Software tools within the Irus ecosystem make all this possible. With more than 75,000 Controls across 150 sites the dataset is of a significant magnitude to enable geographical or building type/age benchmarking for your property. This will return meaningful insights and recommendations for optimising both energy and operational efficiency.

This is a real step towards smarter, more sustainable, and student-centred environments. By turning raw sensor data into actionable insights, providers are making evidence-based decisions that improve the student experience and their own efficiencies. The key is in connecting the dots: contextualising, analysing, and acting on the data with a clear purpose.

www.prefectcontrols.com

This article appeared in the May 2025 issue of Energy Manager magazine. Subscribe here.

Race for grid capacity is a case of survival of the fittest

Spencer Thompson, CEO at Eclipse Power

Rapidly transitioning our energy systems is fundamental to achieving the government’s Clean Power 30 initiative and boosting economic growth. But with up to 1,000 gigawatts of capacity seeking to connect to the grid – which needs only 200 gigawatts to support the energy transition – the race to connect has become a high stakes battle of the fittest, with only the most strategic and well-connected developers likely to emerge victorious.

It is hardly news that developer applications to the UK’s electricity distribution and transmission networks have experienced a period of stasis for some time, with lengthy queues of projects waiting for connections. For some projects, it is estimated that delays could be up to 10-15 years resulting in uncertainty around final costs due to significant market volatility in both capital costs, funding costs and wholesale energy prices. Such severe delays are putting developments at risk as investors reconsider projects that may not secure connections for many years.

The National Energy System Operator (NESO) has recognised that a ‘first-in-the-queue, first served’ policy with out-dated processes over joining the connections queue, is a major problem. Through its Connections Reform process it has been inviting consultations and running working groups to find solutions to break the gridlock. However, concern is mounting that the problem is not solely a first-in-the-queue issue, but also one of only the very large, very well-funded companies having a realistic opportunity to secure their place in that queue.

The UK’s race to connect renewable energy projects to the grid has become a high-stakes battle of the fittest, with only the most strategic and well-connected developers likely to emerge victorious.

These “fittest” players are accelerating planning approvals, locking in supply chain agreements, and aggressively lobbying government and regulators to tip the scales in their favour. Meanwhile, smaller, independent developers with strong technical expertise are at risk of being left behind. Without the same resources for ongoing finance and high-level lobbying, they may see their shovel-ready projects passed over in favour of the industry giants. One developer confided they’ve poured millions into developing projects, only to see over half now at risk due to the grid connection bottleneck. 

The stakes couldn’t be higher. The UK needs hundreds of billions in investment to deliver the energy transition and meet net-zero goals. But if too many projects fall by the wayside, that vital capital could dry up, with investors taking their money elsewhere in Europe or globally.

It is developers with the deepest pockets and strongest industry connections that will reap the rewards in the current landscape. The rest face an uncertain future, their green energy plans at risk of being crowded out by the industry giants.

But could a more flexible approach to capacity help alleviate not only project inertia but improve opportunities for smaller developers? Currently, once a connection offer has been accepted, it is considered contracted generation, even when the developer is not actually ready to generate electricity. NESO analysis shows that only 30% to 40% of projects in the queue are completed. This can hold back those that are more readily able to proceed – often smaller, more agile developers.

With energy resources mainly located where there is very little demand, and demand where there is little resource, power transmission is increasingly required over greater distances, putting huge pressure on delivery of new infrastructure. Moving to regional or zonal solutions will help the GB grid.

Added to the greater distances required for power to be connected, developers can also be faced with high use of system charges due to increasingly out-of-date charging methodologies, resulting in a system that penalises investors trying to deliver a renewable energy development in a location where actual energy generation can take place.  

A general absence of transparent dynamic modelling also means the grid system is frequently over-engineered for assets connected to it whilst, at the same time, limiting further connections based on a very narrow band of potential peak generation that does not always match a real-world situation. In short, contracted generation isn’t necessarily aligning with actual generation.

NESO is already pursuing improvements in queue management (offering Transmission Equivalent Capacity amnesties allowing energy generators to terminate or reduce their TEC without penalty), as well as better enforcement of connection agreement milestones. The CP30 criteria for renewables on a zonal basis will help a great deal but there will be winners and losers here, and it is important that post 2030 is considered quickly also.

However, an additional flexible approach that could see significant benefits for all developers – including smaller, more innovative companies – could be for partial capacity to be awarded that would enable developers to fast-track their projects (with additional capacity granted as the project develops and grid allows). Such an approach could free up a lot of projects in a congested marketplace, rather than the current stringent either/or approach that is leaving many developers and investors in limbo.

This article appeared in the May 2025 issue of Energy Manager magazine. Subscribe here.

Rinnai hybrid heat pump systems at luxury hotel complex in the City of London

Rinnai provides Practical, economic & technical solution with Low-GWP 50kW Heat Pump, bespoke thermal stores, Plate Heat Exchangers and ten cascaded I2HY20 Hydrogen- ready continuous flow water heaters new development opened in the heart of Farringdon district of London.

On a luxury hotel development complex in the heart of the fashionable Farringdon district near the City of London, Rinnai’s Hybrid water heating H2 array of Low-GWP 50kW heat pump plus bespoke thermal water stores, with optimised coil transfer to maximize heat pump performance, have been combined with 10 x cascaded Hydrogen blends ready (I2HY20 certified) continuous flow water heaters. The systems were delivered in one complete consignment, ready for installation at the new multi-million-pound development. The expansive complex comprises a new luxury hotel, prestigious & contemporary office space plus affordable housing units.

The multi-purpose use of the site meant that only a fit-for-purpose design would satisfy the practicalities and nuances of space, demand, and energy usage in ensuring hot water requirements are met and exceeded 24/7.

The site was originally a Victorian-era schoolhouse for poor children. It was a ‘Ragged School’ – the term ‘ragged school’ was used by the London City Mission as early as 1840 to describe the establishment of schools, ‘formed exclusively for children raggedly clothed’. From around 1845 until 1881, the London ‘Ragged’ schools gave rudimentary education to about 300,000 children who were the poorest of the poor – orphans, waifs, and strays.

The expansive retrofit site pays respect to this heritage with many of the original features retained in the 150+ bedroom luxury hotel, almost 20,000 sq ft of opulent capital city office space and nine new-build affordable residential units. The hotel group already has one other unit in London with two others planned.

Comments Darren Woodward for Rinnai, ’The site is very complex and still has many original features from the Victorian era – meaning that a full and comprehensive site survey with capital expenditure, operational expenditure and carbon modelling was conducted. We paid special attention to the practical requirements of the site which included 150 luxury bedrooms that needed constant hot water on demand, but we also needed to meet the site’s decarbonisation credentials. The overall system design meant that a truly hybrid system employing a heat pump, plate heat exchangers, bespoke thermal stores plus Hydrogen-ready hot water heating units was supplied in one complete consignment.

“We believe that a solution like this is the way forward on the bigger retrofit sites in London and all other UK cities. Once we had the data for capital expenditure, operational expenditure, and carbon modelling we were able to demonstrate to the clients a value proposition of a delivered-to-site-in-one-package. This site has proven that Hybrids can create a practical, economic, and technical feasible solution whereby all technologies and appliances work efficiently in terms of operational costs and lowering the carbon footprint without impacting overall system performance.

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RINNAI’S H3 DECARBONISATION OFFERS PATHWAYS & CUSTOMER COST REDUCTIONS FOR COMMERCIAL, DOMESTIC AND OFF-GRID HEATING & HOT WATER DELIVERY

www.rinnai-uk.co.uk/about us/H3

Rinnai’s H3 range of decarbonising products include hydrogen / BioLPG ready technology, hybrid systems, and a wide range of LOW GWP heat pumps and solar thermal. Also, within Rinnai’s H3 range is Infinity hydrogen blend ready and BioLPG ready continuous flow water heaters which are stacked with a multitude of features that ensure long life, robust & durable use, customer satisfaction and product efficiency.

Rinnai’s range of decarbonising products – H1/H2/H3 – consists of heat pump, solar, hydrogen in any configuration, hybrid formats for either residential or commercial applications. Rinnai’s H3 range of products offer contractors, consultants, and end users a range of efficient, robust, and affordable decarbonising appliances which create practical, economic, and technically feasible solutions. The range covers all forms of fuels and appliances currently available – electric, gas, hydrogen, BioLPG, rDME solar thermal, low GWP heat pumps and electric water heaters.

Rinnai H1 continuous water heaters and boilers offer practical and economic decarbonization delivered through technological innovation in hydrogen and renewable liquid gas ready technology.

Rinnai’s H1 option is centred on hydrogen, as it is anticipated that clean hydrogen fuels will become internationally energy market-relevant in the future; Rinnai water heaters are hydrogen 20% blends ready and include the world’s first 100% hydrogen-ready hot water heating technology.

Rinnai H2 – Decarbonization simplified with renewable gas-ready units, Solar Thermal and Heat Pump Hybrids. Rinnai H2 is designed to introduce a practical and low-cost option which may suit specific sites and enable multiple decarbonisation pathways with the addition of high performance.

Rinnai H3 – Low-GWP heat pump technology made easy – Rinnai heat pumps are available for domestic and commercial usage with an extensive range of 4 – 115kW appliances.

Rinnai’s H3 heat pumps use R32 refrigerant and have favourable COP and SCOP.

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’s commercial and domestic continuous flow water heaters offer a limitless supply of instantaneous temperature controlled hot water and all units are designed to align with present and future energy sources. Rinnai condensing water heaters accept either existing fuel or hydrogen gas blends. Rinnai units are also suited for off-grid customers who require LPG and BioLPG or rDME.

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. More information can be found on Rinnai’s website and its “Help Me Choose” webpage.

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

This article appeared in the May 2025 issue of Energy Manager magazine. Subscribe here.

Scotland’s first Passivhaus-certified Primary School records outstanding first year energy performance results

A first-year assessment of Riverside Primary School, Scotland’s first Passivhaus-certified primary school, has revealed actual energy operational performance to be significantly below the Passivhaus primary energy demand target while consistently providing excellent comfort levels.

With an energy assessment of just 43 kWh/sqm/annum, Riverside Primary School is significantly outperforming the classic Passivhaus target of 60 kWh/sqm/annum. Helping contribute to the exceptional standards with energy-efficient hot water provision are Baxi’s Heatrae Sadia point-of-use electric water heaters.

Riverside Primary School is part of Perth & Kinross Council’s capital programme of school upgrades and improvements through hub East Central Scotland Limited. Perth & Kinross Council appointed BakerHicks Motherwell to provide mechanical and electrical design services on the project for principal contractor Robertson Tayside.

In Scotland, local authorities are required to pay upfront for the delivery of new schools, with Scottish Government providing funding through the Scottish Futures Trust (SFT) on an outcomes-based funding approach over 25 years. Projects receiving funding need to meet a clear delivered energy target of 67kWh/m²/yr for core hour/facilities with energy performance and outcome monitored at set intervals. Where the energy target is not achieved in full, funding is reduced correspondingly.

David Coulter, Associate Engineer and Certified Passivhaus Designer at BakerHicks said: “Achieving the energy target was absolutely crucial both to achieve Passivhaus accreditation and to ensure SFT funding for the Council.

“When designing the system, the hot water strategy was one of the main challenges as we needed to avoid large scale energy usage and heat losses,” he continued. “We wanted to explore using all-electric point-of-use solutions that would only generate energy when required, for example during break or lunch times, so we spoke to Baxi.”

Point-of-use electric water heaters can be an efficient solution to an immediate supply of hot water for washbasins and kitchen areas in buildings like schools. Installing a point-of-use water heater like Baxi’s Heatrae Sadia Multipoint that incorporates anti-legionella functionality, water pasteurisation and anti-tamper design, will ensure that water is adequately stored, cycled and distributed.

Baxi’s technical sales and specification team worked with David to identify the selection of Heatrae Sadia water heaters that would efficiently meet the hot water demand across the building.

“We had used Heatrae Sadia products before and were familiar with their reputation for high-quality, robust performance,” continued David. “A key benefit of these water heaters is that the units are sized, thereby providing more flexibility to meet the required volume. This meant that we could look to design down to avoid oversizing, where appropriate, and so ensure the most efficient operational performance.”

To achieve Passivhaus certification, Riverside Primary School needed to undergo a rigorous quality assurance compliance process to ensure the targets would be met.

“It was an exacting process,” David explained. “We needed to supply detailed calculations and evidence relating to the energy values of the selected technologies. And this is where we really relied on Baxi for technical support. They were great, working closely with us to provide all the information required for certification and ready to help at every stage of the project.”

With the recent report on energy operational performance demonstrating the success of the solution, BakerHicks now use this design as a template for future projects, even where Passivhaus standards are not applied.

David said: “We are pleased to see these energy results and are delighted that the building is operating far more efficiently than initially projected. The data shows significantly lower energy consumption which demonstrates the importance of strong operational performance and effective energy management. The client team and end users have adapted well to the Passivhaus strategies, learning valuable lessons learned along the way. This marks a promising step forward for future projects and building services solutions.”

Anne Wraith, Head of Commercial Product Sales at Baxi, said: “The very low heat losses of our Heatrae Sadia products were a key component in the overall project. We are extremely proud to have played a part in this ground-breaking Passivhaus primary school and at the outstanding energy results achieved.”

The architect, lead consultant and Passivhaus designer was Architype, the project manager was hub East Central Scotland, the principal contractor was Robertson Tayside, and the M&E installing contactor was FES in Stirling.

For more information on Baxi’s commercial electric heating and hot water solutions, click here.