Vital Energi Migration Prototyping

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  • New Energy Platform to Revolutionise Metering & Billing of Heat Networks

    New Energy Platform to Revolutionise Metering & Billing of Heat Networks

    

    New Energy Platform Set to Revolutionise Metering and Billing of Heat Networks

    A new smart energy app and portal that gives heat network customers greater control of their energy consumption and spend has today been launched by Vital Energi, helping service operators at one pilot project to reduce debt by 12.5% in under 6 months.

    Named Glass, the software gives heat network users the visibility and control to better manage their energy and allows users to top-up or pay their bills anytime, anywhere. Additionally, heat network operators can access energy consumption and financial data via a dedicated portal that allows them to better serve customers and optimise network performance.

    Housing associations, local authorities, developers and other service managers can view data across multiple sites as well as individual properties. This can help identify and proactively support residents by providing energy saving and payment advice to reduce debt and ensure bills are paid on time.

    Operators and service managers will be able to send payment reminder alerts and notifications to residents through the app to help aid their financial management, and recent pilot schemes have shown Glass has helped improve revenue collection by up to 44% within weeks of being implemented.

    Since 27th November of this year, the Government’s new Heat Metering & Billing Regulations has ensured that energy customers only pay for what they consume. Glass will give users and operators the ability to view real time consumption data and support operators in achieving compliance.

    Glass has been successfully trialled across four projects being delivered by Vital Energi, and it is currently working with residential rental company UNCLE to support over 200 properties as part of a £100million build-to-rent development at Wembley.

    From early next year, Glass will support 137 homes to manage and reduce their energy use at Peel L&P’s Liverpool Waters as part of a £5 billion regeneration project to transform the city’s northern docks. The project will provide heat both for homes and commercial space connected to Peel L&P’s Mersey Heat district heat network, with the potential for 9,000 homes to benefit from the software over the coming years.

    For more information about Glass, please click here.

    Ian Whitelock, Chief Executive Officer at Vital Energi, said: “Glass integrates our comprehensive district heating expertise and understanding into one user-friendly platform. We’ve already received strong initial feedback from our pilot projects and we’re confident that the app’s functionality is significantly greater than any similar tool in the market. We recognise that, more than ever, people need the ability to manage their energy use effectively, in a manner that is easy to understand and simple to use. For residents who use a pay-as-you-go and credit billing energy supply, the ability to review and pay bills instantly from home using a smart device or online portal is something we’re really proud of. The platform also delivers significant benefits to heat network operators, by providing greater data visibility that improves energy efficiency and reduces debt risk. Glass can be easily retrofitted to properties using our new vPort solution which makes previously difficult data, visible and accessible using modern communication.

    Ian Whitelock, Chief Executive Officer

    Further education
  • A green future for Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

    A green future for Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

    

    Vital Energi shapes a green future for Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

    Vital Energi are working with Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to reduce their carbon footprint by 1,700 tonnes through the installation of a range of energy solutions which provide guaranteed savings in excess of £750,000 per year.

    Both Cheltenham General Hospital and Gloucestershire Royal Hospital will secure a sustainable future through the installation of renewable generation and energy conservation measures across their sites, whilst also benefitting from improved energy supply resilience.

    Vital Energi supported the Trust through their PSDS application, from which they obtained £13.7m of grant funding which will support the implementation of a range of low carbon energy generation systems at both hospitals, including 4MW of battery energy storage systems, 400kW of air source heat pumps and 380kW of solar PV systems.

    Vital Energi will also implement a range of Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs) across the two hospital estates, including full replacement of the BEMS systems, installation of voltage optimisation systems, replacement of high voltage transformers, replacement of forced-draught fan units with low-energy fan systems (EC Fans), and thermal insulation solutions.

    The integration of battery energy storage systems will include the installation of a local smart grid system at the hospitals, which will enable the Trust to operate both the new and existing energy systems to maximise carbon reduction whilst minimising impact on revenue costs and also enable to uptake of off-site low carbon generation systems.

    “We are delighted to be working with Vital Energi to deliver some key environmental upgrades to our hospitals. Climate change presents a profound and growing threat to people’s health and not only will these exciting projects deliver on carbon savings, but it will also help to contribute to a healthier community.”

    Deborah Lee, Chief Executive , Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

    Steve Black, Vital’s Account Director who developed and led the project, said:

    “Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is committed to reducing its carbon emissions, and we’re delighted to be working with the Trust teams in developing and delivering low and zero carbon energy solutions.

    “The installation of the innovative multi-technology low-carbon solutions implemented under the first round of PSDS funding is a major step in reducing energy related carbon emissions and also provides a platform on which the Trust can build to achieve its net zero carbon goals in line with government targets.”

    Vital Energi has been working with Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust since 2014 when they entered into an 18-year energy performance contract (EPC).

  • Low-Carbon Revolution Set to Arrive in Woking

    Low-Carbon Revolution Set to Arrive in Woking

    

    Low-Carbon Revolution Set to Arrive in Woking

    Vital Energi have been awarded a £6.58m contract to deliver ThamesWey Energy’s Woking Power Station project which will create a state-of-the-art Combined Heat & Power energy centre providing low-carbon heating and power to local businesses and residents.

    “This is a fantastic project to be involved in as it will allow Woking to grow and develop in a sustainable way, utilising low-carbon heat to meet the town’s needs. This scheme was designed with long-term growth in mind and will be able to meet Woking’s energy needs well into the future, providing a resilient, low-carbon energy infrastructure.”

    Rob Callaghan, Regional Director for Vital Energi

    When complete, the energy centre will produce enough heat and power to supply the equivalent of 2,500 homes and it’s first customers will be the new Hilton hotel, shops and over 400 apartments currently being delivered as part of the Victoria Square development.  The energy centre has been designed to be both scalable and highly flexible, capable of generating up to 10MW of heat, and adopting progressively lower carbon technologies over the next ten years.

    The energy centre comprises a three-storey building at the junction of Poole Road and Butts Road, with energy plant and equipment based on the ground and first floors and a new headquarters for ThamesWey on the third floor.  The building is being constructed to be capable of upward extension of up to a further 17 stories of co-living space.  When complete the flues from the energy centre will measure 29.3m.

    In addition to initial energy production by Combined Heat & Power engine and generator there will be gas boilers to add resilience and three large thermal stores which will serve the dual purpose of releasing stored heat during peak times of demand and adding an interesting architectural landmark to the development.

    The project is being delivered for ThamesWey by Galliford Try.  The mechanical and engineering consultants on the project are Hulley & Kirkwood and Vital Energi have been working on the project since 2018 and recently won the contract to undertake the mechanical and electrical services installations.

    This energy centre will feed a new low temperature District Heating Network, delivering low-carbon heat to local buildings.  In addition to delivering heat, the energy centre will also provide electricity via an 11kW network within central Woking.

    Government estate
  • Vital Claim 4th District Heating Project of the Year Award

    Vital Claim 4th District Heating Project of the Year Award

    

    Vital Claim 4th District Heating Project of the Year Award

    We would like to congratulate Fife Council & RWE on the news that the Glenrothes Biomass Energy Network has taken first prize in the District Heating category of the 2020 H&V Awards.

    Vital worked in partnership with both RWE, Balfour Beatty and the council to deliver the visionary £12.9m biomass district heating project which will now provide reliable, low carbon heating for existing and new buildings on the development.

    In addition to lowering carbon emissions, the new scheme will make a substantial contribution to reducing the levels of fuel poverty in Fife, with 400 households and 30 local businesses expected to save £200,000 on energy over the next 10 years.

    This is the fourth time in 6 years that we have claimed the District Heating Project of the Year award and we’d like to thank all our clients for their commitment to building cleaner, greener energy infrastructure for the UK.

    Further education
  • Vital Continue at Royal Arsenal Riverside with £7m M&E Package

    Vital Continue at Royal Arsenal Riverside with £7m M&E Package

    

    Vital Continue at Royal Arsenal Riverside with £7m M&E Package

    After being involved with the energy scheme at the 88-acre Royal Arsenal Riverside development since 2006, we are continuing their relationship with Berkeley Homes after being awarded the £7m mechanical and infrastructure package for the next phase of the scheme.

    The work will see us provide the supply, installation, testing and commissioning of the mechanical infrastructure and apartment fit out for two residential blocks, containing a total of 282 properties. This includes low temperature hot water and boosted cold water services to each apartment, heat interface units (HIUs) for each property and ventilation systems

    We have been involved with the Royal Arsenal Riverside development for over 13 years, contributing to the regeneration of this area of Woolwich. Our experience and prior involvement in the project places us in the best position to deliver the mechanical and infrastructure package for the newest residential blocks.

    Rob Callaghan, Regional Director for the South

    Royal Arsenal Riverside is a vibrant mixed-use development that combines Grade I and II listed buildings with modern architecture to create an upcoming community within the London Borough of Greenwich. The development will eventually consist of over 5,000 homes, a Crossrail station, shops, restaurants and cafes, offices, a hotel, community healthcare, a nursery, and leisure facilities.

    We delivered the original energy centre and district heating scheme which has continued to grow as new phases are constructed. Work on this latest phase is expected to start in the coming months with a scheduled completion date of early 2021.

    Urban networks
  • NHS Tayside’s Energy Scheme Sees Further Growth

    NHS Tayside’s Energy Scheme Sees Further Growth

    

    NHS Tayside’s Energy Scheme Sees Further Growth

    NHS Tayside’s 4MWe CHP energy scheme will see further growth with the connection of the refurbished Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and the new Children’s Theatre Suite (CTS) at Ninewells Hospital.

    The project will see us supply, install, commission, and set to work additional steam and CHP generated low temperature hot water pipework to enable the upgraded facilities to connect to the existing energy scheme that we installed in 2017. Additionally, we will be supplying and installing two 600kW plate heat exchangers into the new NICU/CTS plant room which will ensure the heat source water reaching the facilities is at the correct temperature, and installing a new 750 litre expansion vessel in the existing energy centre to manage the increase in energy demand.

    We originally completed upgrades to the existing infrastructure at Ninewells Hospital which saw substantial enhancements to the energy centre. Additionally, we implemented a range of energy conservation measures at Perth Royal Infirmary and Stracathro Hospital to reduce emissions further, along with replacing over 22,000 light sources to new energy efficient LEDs across all three sites in the largest ever lighting upgrade to take place in fully operational hospitals. This is all guaranteed in an energy performance contract which will save the Health Board £2.6m per year in energy costs for a period of 25 years, with the first year of operation saving an additional £498k and second year saving an additional £337k

    The new pipework will be adopted by Vital as an integral part of the existing system which we have been providing operation and maintenance services for since its completion in 2017. By connecting the new facilities to the existing system, the capital costs are significantly reduced for the Health Board’s latest development as there is no need to purchase energy generation equipment

    John Runniff, Vital’s Account Development Manager

    The new facilities are part of a multi-phase project which will see the construction of a modern CTS comprising pre-assessment/waiting area, two operating theatres and a 10-bed ward; a refurbished NICU and the completion of the first phase of enhancement and resilience improvements to the existing high and low voltage electricity supply distribution systems.

    We are expected to finish our works on site by April 2020.

    Healthcare
  • Vital Contributes Heat Networks Best Practice to MPs and Ministers

    Vital Contributes Heat Networks Best Practice to MPs and Ministers

    

    Vital Contributes Heat Networks Best Practice to MPs and Ministers

    Earlier this year, we were approached to contribute to this year’s Parliamentary Review as a Best Practice Representative for the Energy & Environment edition.

    The Parliamentary Review is an annual publication with several editions that features commentary from the leading journalists, Secretaries of State and Government Ministers, and is sent to over 500,000 leading business executives, Members of Parliament, policy makers and other relevant individuals. The Review is a guide to industry best practice with the aim of raising standards and demonstrating how sector leaders have responded to challenges in the political and economic environment.

    Our participation saw Nick Gosling, Vital’s Group Sales and Strategy Director, comment on how changes in policy and regulation has helped or presented opportunities to develop the heat network market further, and suggestions for future growth of the sector.

    It was a real honour to be approached to feature in this year’s Review and we are delighted that our contribution is valued in terms of thought leadership in the sector. As Vital has been delivering heat networks for over 30 years, we have the experience to add value to the industry and share our lessons learnt with the readers.

    Nick Gosling, Vital’s Group Sales and Strategy Director

    The co-chairman of The Parliamentary Review, Lord Pickles, has praised the upcoming Review as one of the most comprehensive yet. He commented that as Britain undergoes changes, it is “essential that politicians have a firm understanding of the challenges with which British organisations must contend” and that The Review once again provides a perfect platform for this.

    Writing in The Review, The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Michael Gove says “this year’s Parliamentary review comes at a momentous time for parliament, as we collectively determine the destiny of the United Kingdom.”

    You can read our entry by visiting the website on the following link: https://www.theparliamentaryreview.co.uk/organisations/vital-energi

    Government estate
  • Sustainability Director Craig Anderson Joins Vital Energi

    Sustainability Director Craig Anderson Joins Vital Energi

    

    Sustainability Director Craig Anderson Joins Vital Energi

    We are thrilled to welcome Craig Anderson as our new Director of Sustainability for London and the South. Craig has joined the company after most recently spending 6 years at Engie managing and delivering Power Generation and Sustainable development projects.

    Craig’s role will be to develop and grow the industrial and commercial portfolio in the South, whilst embedding Vital’s sustainable objectives into clients’ operations.

    Craig comments, “The exciting opportunity to join the team at Vital, the UK’s pre-eminent sustainable energy solution provider, has come at a time when the market can help support the country’s economic recovery and set the groundwork for a sustainable energy future.

    “I have developed and delivered projects specialising in Energy Generation, Industrial Operations & Maintenance, Facilities Management and Sustainable Development and will be using these to increase Vital’s presence in the industrial and commercial sectors across the South.

    Since training in electrical engineering 23 years ago I have been involved in many public and private sector areas and will be using this experience to help tailor Vital’s offers to our clients’ needs and assist their businesses and operations in transitioning to zero carbon.

    Craig Anderson, Director of Sustainability for London & the South

    Further education
  • Vital Enters Peaking Plants Market with AMP Clean Energy Award Win

    Vital Enters Peaking Plants Market with AMP Clean Energy Award Win

    

    Vital Energi Enters Peaking Plants Market with AMP Clean Energy Award Win

    Vital Energi has reached a £4m agreement with AMP Clean Energy to design and build five Urban Reserve gas-fired electrical generator peaking plants across the UK with a total of 17MW of power, and with further projects planned.

    The peaking plants will generate flexible electricity using gas fired gensets to provide extra resilience and capacity to the local electricity grid, and support the local District Network Operators in achieving their targets. The plants will come online when alternative renewable energy sources are not producing enough electricity, such as solar or wind, and at peak demand periods.

    The decentralised peaking plants, utilising 2MW or 2.5MW gensets as single units, pairs or triples, are designed to both support the growth of intermittent renewables by providing on-demand electricity to keep the system balance, and to help provide additional capacity in places of high demand, such as urban and commercial areas.

    This is a new market for Vital Energi which will see us install our largest capacity of gensets for a single client. After being selected by AMP Clean Energy through competitive tender based on both our price and our previous extensive experience installing gensets, we are delighted to begin our relationship with them on the Urban Reserve scheme and look forward to seeing the projects develop.

    Richard Byers, Vital’s Director of Green Business

    Mark Tarry, Managing Director of AMP Clean Energy’s Urban Reserve division, adds: “It is very exciting to see our Urban Reserve projects progress to the delivery phase, and we are looking forward to working with Vital Energi to help deliver this.  Urban Reserve peaking plants develop flexible electricity to help manage energy demand peaks and ensure security of supply, which will be vital as we move to a net zero future.”

    Work will commence in autumn 2019 and is expected to complete in the first quarter of 2020.

    Industrial & Commercial
  • Vital to Deliver Mersey Heat Network at Peel L&P’s Liverpool Waters

    Vital to Deliver Mersey Heat Network at Peel L&P’s Liverpool Waters

    

    Vital Appointed to Deliver Mersey Heat Network at Peel L&P’s Liverpool Waters

    Peel Energy has appointed renewable energy company Vital Energi to deliver its Mersey Heat network which will provide heat for up to 9,000 homes and 4m sq ft of commercial space at Liverpool Waters.
    The district heating network has been designed to evolve alongside Peel L&P’s £5.5bn Liverpool Waters development and will begin with a temporary energy centre to serve the initial phases. As the energy demand increases, this will be replaced with a permanent energy centre which will deliver low carbon heat and hot water to the growing community.

    The network will see approximately 1700m of underground district heating pipe and this will be extended to connect future blocks as they come online.

    Mersey Heat, the Energy Services Company (ESCo), will own the heat network which will contribute towards the UK Government’s CO2 targets and help to make Liverpool a greener place to live, work and visit.

    The first phase of the network will deliver around 11 gigawatt hours of heat energy to people centred on the Liverpool waterfront around Princes Dock, Central Docks and Collingwood Dock to the north, funded by Mersey Catalyst Fund. The project has been developed by Peel Energy in association with district energy consultants Ener-Vate.

    Our Mersey Heat network is part of Liverpool City Region’s innovative approach to addressing low-carbon energy generation and we’re glad to have Vital Energi on board in helping us to deliver this project. “It’s the first phase of a ten-year development project which we hope will eventually supply around 9,000 homes and numerous businesses along Liverpool’s waterfront and we’re pleased to be able to provide a cost-effective low carbon offer that will benefit businesses, residents and the environment.

    Muir Miller , Managing Director of Peel Energy, part of Peel L&P

    Vital Energi’s Regional Director, Mike Cooke explains: “We were originally appointed to help develop the energy infrastructure and this new contract will see us design, build, operate and maintain what we believe will be one of the UK’s major heat networks.

    “We know Liverpool City Council has put a strong focus on reducing carbon emissions and the developers, Peel L&P have a firm commitment to creating sustainable communities and by working collaboratively together we are now able to begin work on a significant addition to Liverpool’s low-carbon ambitions.”

    Works have already begun on site.  50% of the initial district heating network has been installed successfully and works on the temporary energy centre are due to begin shortly with the “heat on” milestone scheduled for spring 2020.

    Urban networks