Vital Energi Migration Prototyping

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  • Vital Break into The Sunday Times Grant Thornton Top Track 250

    

    Vital Break into The Sunday Times Grant Thornton Top Track 250

    We are pleased to announce that we have made our first appearance in the Sunday Times Grant Thornton Top Track 250 after being named 183rd on the list of Britain’s leading private mid-market growth companies, and are one of only 29 North West based companies on the list.

    Previously named in The Sunday Times’ ‘Ones to Watch’ list after missing out on a spot in the Top Track 250 last year, we have grown significantly over the last 12 months, with annual turnover increasing by 30% and operating profit by 15% in 2019, to not only enter the list, but to achieve a ranking of 183.

    Some of the recent major projects we are delivering across the UK include:

    • Leeds PIPES Network– one of the UK’s largest heat networks supplying heat and hot water to 2,000 properties and businesses in Leeds City Centre
    • Manchester Civic Quarter Heat Network– generating and distributing low carbon energy to some of Manchester’s most iconic buildings
    • Battersea Power Station– bringing the iconic Grade II listed power station back to life with the construction of a modern day energy centre
    • Queens Quay – Scotland’s first ever large scale water source heat pump scheme

    To have our growth in the sector recognised nationally is a fantastic achievement for Vital and a testament to the hard work and commitment of all of our dedicated staff. We are currently working on 146 projects throughout the UK and continue to secure new opportunities. Headcount has increased by 17% as we continue to invest in the growth of staff numbers and their development, researching new technologies and energy services to help the UK achieve its carbon reduction goals. We collaborate with clients, consultants and specialist suppliers to deliver increasing low carbon solutions to meet the future demand for resilience and efficiency in the production and use of energy.

    Ian Whitelock, Vital’s Joint Managing Director

    Karen Campbell-Williams, Partner at Grant Thornton UK LLP, the title sponsor of the league table, praised the companies for their performance, “Whilst the headwinds of political and economic uncertainty have been a consistent feature of the UK economy over the past year, mid-market firms have continued to prove their resilience. They’ve demonstrated their adaptability to uncertain times and found opportunities for growth, both at home and abroad.”

    To access the full list, please visit the official website by clicking here.

    Government estate
  • Vital Chosen to Deliver Heat Network for First Phase of £6bn Development

    Vital Chosen to Deliver Heat Network for First Phase of £6bn Development

    

    Vital Chosen to Deliver Heat Network for First Phase of £6bn Development

    Vistry Partnerships have chosen Vital Energi to deliver the district heating network contract which will connect Meridian One – the first residential-led phase of the Meridian Water regeneration program – to the wider Enfield community.

    Meridian Water is a £6bn major regeneration project which will deliver over 10,000 homes across the next 20 years. Vital Energi have been appointed to deliver the district heating extension which will add a further 2.5km of pipework to the network.

    This is a development of national significance, so it’s very exciting to be involved in delivering the green infrastructure which sits at its heart. The lifecycle of a district heating network can be well in excess of 50 years, so it is essential that it is installed to the highest standards and can serve the community by delivering low carbon heat for many decades to come.”

    Ashley Walsh, Managing Director – Heat Networks

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    The Meridian One district heating network will connect into the wider Enfield network as it continues to expand across the borough, linking up multiple connections and bringing low carbon heat and hot water to customers.

    Wash concludes, “The council made it clear that this heat network is primarily for the benefit of local residents and we will be installing it to the highest standards and implementing a range of quality control initiatives to ensure it will deliver year after year.  All welds will undergo ultrasonic testing, the pipework will be subject to pressure testing and hydraulic flush, and our solution includes a built-in alarm system which can identify developing network issues before they become a problem.”

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    In addition to connecting Meridian One, Vital Energi have future proofed the network to make it easier to connect future developments

    Works are now underway and are scheduled to be complete in late 2022.

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    Site View

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  • Vital Apprenticeship Duo Distinguish Themselves at BESA & CIBSE Awards

    Vital Apprenticeship Duo Distinguish Themselves at BESA & CIBSE Awards

    

    Vital Apprenticeship Duo Distinguish Themselves at BESA & CIBSE Awards

    Vital Energi are celebrating after two of the apprentices on our Green Energy programme have been named as finalists at two of the industry’s top apprenticeship awards.

    1 Panel Session Abby Whitelock Steve Hunt Nick Gosling Harvey Hudson

    Harvey Hudson, one of our Building Services Engineering Apprenticeships had been named as one of the 6 people on the CIBSE Apprentice of the Year Award (Level 3-4).

    Harvey has been working in various departments, such as Design, Work Winning and Commercial and is now excited to be moving onto site-based work whilst continuing his studies at The City of Liverpool College.

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    We founded our Apprenticeship programme to address the skills gap in the green energy industry and identify future leaders who will drive the industry forwards to achieve Net Zero and I believe that in Harvey and Leah we have found two exceptionally talented youngsters. I’d like to congratulate them, and all the other candidates, on their amazing achievements and contribution to the industry.

    Jenny Jackson, Resource Manager – Vital Energi

    Leah

    Leah Hardaker, an Apprentice Mechanical Engineer with Vital Energi was named as the winner of the BESA North West Heating & Ventilation Level 2&3 Apprentice of the year and will now go on to represent the North West at the BESA National Awards taking place in London on the 20th October.

    This is a fantastic achievement for Leah, who joined us as a Mechanical Engineer (Pipe Fitter) as part of our Pre-Fabrication team and is taking a 4-year apprenticeship with us.  Leah is site-based and works on a variety of projects whilst also attending Salford City College.

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  • Update on the Leeds PIPES District Heating Network

    

    Update on the Leeds PIPES District Heating Network

    Civic buildings in the city centre are due to be connected to waste-powered heat and hot water ahead of schedule thanks to progress over the lockdown period.

    Senior councillors discussed the development of the city’s district heating network and new proposals for a third phase of the scheme at a meeting of the executive board today.

    The network provides sustainable heat and hot water to homes, businesses and civic buildings using heat generated from household waste at the city’s Recycling and Energy Recovery Facility (RERF).

    Work to install the second phase of the 19km network has progressed faster than planned in recent months due to a reduction in city centre traffic. The progress means that well known buildings including the Civic Hall, Town Hall, Leeds Art Gallery, Central Library and Leeds City Museum can connect to sustainable heating sooner than expected.

    Once fully built out, the district heating network will save a combined 11,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases every year.

    The project has helped employ more than 430 people in the local low carbon sector including 36 apprentices. Throughout the lockdown period, construction has been undertaken safely and in line with government guidance on social distancing.

    Leeds City Council has also published its vision to significantly extend the network by 2.4 kilometres, subject to securing external funding.

    The third phase of the network would see the scheme extended into the South Bank area to connect to even more buildings, including the Leeds Discovery Centre, reducing the city’s carbon footprint by 3,000 tonnes.

    I would like to thank everyone for working so hard and safely over the lockdown period to accelerate Leeds’ journey to becoming a carbon-neutral city. Our district heating network is a great example of why heating homes and buildings sustainably is a key focus of our work to tackle the climate emergency. We will continue to work with local and national partners to secure additional investments—and jobs—in green infrastructure for Leeds as part of our vision for a sustainable and inclusive recovery.

    Cllr Lisa Mulherin, LCC’s Exec Member for Climate Change

    Rob Falcon, Project Director, Vital Energi, said:

    “Leeds City Council have developed a visionary scheme which will have a huge, positive impact on both reducing carbon emissions, air quality and alleviating the levels of fuel poverty in the area.

    “The Leeds PIPES network is now expanding to connect some of Leeds’ iconic civic buildings, making it more efficient and delivering further energy cost reductions.

    “We are delighted to continue to support Leeds City Council with this essential energy project which will become a significant part of the UK’s energy infrastructure.”

    The ‘Leeds PIPES’ district heating network is being delivered in partnership between Leeds City Council and Vital Energi with funding support from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership through the Energy Accelerator programme.

    Roger Marsh, OBE, Chair of the LEP, said:

    “It’s fantastic to see how the Energy Accelerator has helped this next phase of the Leeds district heat network become a reality.

    “This is a clear demonstration of the commitment the LEP, the Combined Authority and Leeds City Council have to work together to reduce carbon emissions within the City Region whilst also lowering energy bills for businesses and households as well as improving people’s quality of life and health.”

    Urban networks

  • 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
  • Upcoming webinar

    Upcoming webinar

    

    Upcoming webinar: Why Smart Data is Central to Your Decarbonisation Strategy

    Join our free interactive webinar which discusses how smart data can be used to optimise your energy scheme and enhance your decarbonisation strategy, paving the way to net zero, on Tuesday 23 March from 2pm.

    Vital Energi advocate using smart data to inform strategy and help deliver the UK’s low carbon future and are proud to be providing organisations across the UK with innovative energy solutions to assist with their net zero ambitions.

    Submit your questions to our panel of housing and energy industry experts, who will share their smart data experiences and provide an insight into just how powerful smart data can be in shaping your decarbonisation strategy.

    Find out more about our panel and the topics they will be covering during the webinar.

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    Introduction: The webinar will be chaired by Nicholas Doyle, Co-Founder of Chirpy Heat.

    Nicholas has worked in housing for nearly 30 years and has been responsible for award-winning housing, energy, and environmental initiatives nationally and internationally. In 2018 he was a Co-Founder of Chirpy Heat, the leading provider of services to housing providers on heat networks.

    Discussion: The route to decarbonisation and the importance of data with Vital Energi’s Head of Sales, Katy Lister, and Executive Consultant, Robin Feeley.

    With 20 years’ experience within the energy utilities industry, Katy provides innovative solutions for clients across Operations & Maintenance, Metering & Billing, Heat Interface Units, and Design & Build projects.

    Robin has worked in housing for over 16 years and has hands-on experience in housing management, maintenance, regeneration, and development. In 2013, Robin transformed L&Qs approach to sustainability by setting up ‘L&Q energy’, a commercial approach to energy and sustainability, which today operates 65 heat networks and provides heat to over 10,000 customers.

    Discussion: Enabling scalable smart data and funded metering & billing solutions with Mark Winn, Energy Sector Specialist at SMS Plc.

    With over 8 years’ energy industry experience, Mark has a demonstrable record in identifying and delivering cost-saving and avoidance solutions. In his role with SMS Plc, Mark’s focus is supporting Social Housing and Local Authority Landlords in decarbonising their stock and reducing the cost of electricity for tenants, whilst making sure the solution is compliant and effective.

    Discussion: Smart data, a Housing Association perspective with Nathan Rodwell, Energy Manager at social housing giant A2Dominion.

    A Member of the Institute of Residential Property Managers, Change Management Practitioner Nathan has worked in a variety of roles in Housing and Property Management for the last 10 years including A2Dominion’s business transformation process ‘Fit for the Future’. Nathan is very proactive in tackling issues relating to climate change.

    Discussion: The Power of Smart Data – Visibility, Building Tariffs and Control with Matthew Bailey, Director at Hodkinson Consultancy, who specialise in energy and environment.

    A Chartered Environmentalist and Member of the Energy Institute, Matthew is adept at ensuring large-scale energy and sustainability strategies can be effectively implemented. He combines detailed technical knowledge with an understanding of the legal and regulatory requirements for residential buildings, providing invaluable guidance for developers.

    If you would like to join our webinar and explore more about how smart data can inform your decarbonisation journey – please register here.

    This will be an interactive question and answer led event. If you have a question for any of the panelists please email them to [email protected] by 5pm on Monday 22nd March.

  • University of Wolverhampton unveils major decarbonisation project

    University of Wolverhampton unveils major decarbonisation project

    

    University of Wolverhampton unveils major decarbonisation project

    Heat pumps, solar PV, and a heat network are just some of the technologies being introduced at the University of Wolverhampton as part of an £11m project to accelerate their journey to net zero.

    The University has joined forces with Vital Energi to deliver the multi-technology energy solution at their Walsall Campus, which will reduce carbon emissions by over 1,000 tonnes each year.

    Gas-fired equipment and end of life boilers will be replaced with an air to water source cascade heat pump system, which recovers heat from the air and boosts it to higher temperatures to provide low carbon heating and hot water to campus buildings.

    To enhance the overall efficiency of the heat pump system, Vital Energi will recover chilled water from the air source heat pumps, thereby eliminating the need to run the chillers during summer months, which will save more energy.

    Solar photovoltaics systems will be installed across a number of rooftops to allow for on-site renewable electricity generation. Energy efficiency measures will also be installed, such as air conditioning controls, pipework insulation, and improved heating and cooling controls.

    An underground network of district heating pipes, known as a heat network, will be installed, which will supply low carbon heat to five campus buildings.

    A ‘Living Lab’ will also be established, which will allow academics, researchers, and students to study the impacts of the heat pump technology, solar, and energy conservation measures. The Living Lab will offer real-life research opportunities for students and researchers, evidence-based recommendations for operational staff, and opportunities for research impact for academics.

    “At the University of Wolverhampton, we are thrilled to be making great progress towards our sustainability goals and reducing our carbon footprint. This is one of many great initiatives the university is committed to including the Green Innovation Corridor and a partnership with UNITAR to provide student education backed by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.”

    Dr. Pete Cross, Chief Financial Officer at the University

    Phil Mottershead, Project Development Director at Vital Energi, said:

    “We’re really pleased to be supporting the University’s journey to a net zero future. This project provides a large step towards full heat decarbonisation at the Walsall campus, with the inclusion of Solar PV and energy conservation measures meaning that year on year energy cost savings will also be delivered.”

    The project was made possible thanks to funding from the Phase 3c of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme totalling £8.6m, which is delivered by Salix Finance on behalf of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

    Director of public sector decarbonisation at Salix Ian Rodger said:

    “At Salix every day we’re driven to helping organisations reduce carbon emissions and introduce more energy efficiency measures.

    “In the face of climate change we have no time to waste. We’re pleased to support the University of Wolverhampton in the journey to net zero and look forward to seeing the progress made thanks to the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme funding.”

    The project will be delivered by March 2026.

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  • Unlocking Smarter Tariffs for a Fairer, Lower Cost & Lower Carbon Future

    Unlocking Smarter Tariffs for a Fairer, Lower Cost & Lower Carbon Future

    

    Unlocking Smarter Tariffs for a Fairer, Lower Cost and Lower Carbon Future

    The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has released the “Smarter Tariffs – Smarter Comparisons” report. Funded by BEIS, The Smarter Tariffs – Smarter Comparisons project developed an open-source prototype of a tool that demonstrates how individual consumers can use their smart meter data to get accurate, tailored information on the benefits of smart / time of use electricity tariffs.

    Vital Energi led a consortium of experts who assessed the market (interviewing suppliers and other key stakeholders like price comparison sites and low carbon technology solution providers) and built the tool iteratively based on consumer feedback. Two thousand representative consumers completed a quantitative survey to capture their attitudes towards smart tariffs; the findings are included in the report.

    You can read the report by clicking here.

    The half-hourly consumption and price data recorded by smart meters enables innovative products such as export tariffs, electric vehicle tariffs, and dynamic ‘time-of-use’ tariffs that reward consumers for using energy away from peak times or when there is excess clean electricity available. One of the key challenges for consumers is understanding the potential benefits of these tariffs for them and considering them alongside other options, like traditional tariff options.

    We understand, as a company, how important it is for customers to be able to access the best tariffs for them and these include tariffs which consider renewable technologies such as heat pumps and Solar PV. We saw this project as being important in promoting the use of smart meter data to benefit the end user and were delighted to lead a consortium of expert industry leaders.”

    Denise Neville, Vital Energi – Head of Service Delivery

    The project outputs include a working prototype under-pinned by a model which has been open sourced. This can be used as part of a tariff or energy product comparison service (such as a price comparison website), or to demonstrate low carbon technology products. The code for the tool is available to any organisation that wants to adopt it. The demonstration prototype can already implement its main functions and is ready for further development and integration to support specific market applications. While energy suppliers are currently limited in their ability to offer attractive smart tariffs, low carbon technologies are being rolled out at large scale.  As suppliers continue to develop a range of competitive smart tariffs, the tool will give consumers the information they need to switch to the best deals and integrate new products and services including energy storage, smart charging for electric vehicles, and electric heating.

    Project outputs demonstrate that by simplifying the process consumers will be more likely to switch to smart tariffs and this increased demand should lead to a wider range of products from energy providers.

    Currently there isn’t a tariff comparison tool which lets people compare smart tariffs based on their actual smart meter data; we’ve demonstrated that by accessing their smart meter data we can clearly show consumers how much they will save when they switch to a time of use tariff. Consumers will benefit from more accurate estimates based on their historical usage, and we can show them what running a new low carbon investment like an EV or Heat Pump would cost. As the market responds to increased demand for these products we expect to see a wider range of solutions to choose from.

    Josh Cooper, CEO at Hildebrand

    The consortium was led by Vital Energi and made up of Hildebrand, Prof Richard Carmichael of Imperial College London, davies + mckerr, Carbon Trust and Love experience.

    The project was funded under the BEIS Energy Innovation Programme and led by BEIS’ Smart Metering Implementation Programme. The Energy Innovation Programme has been succeeded by the Net Zero Innovation Portfolio (NZIP).

  • University of Salford Low Carbon Heating Webinar

    University of Salford Low Carbon Heating Webinar

    

    University of Salford Low Carbon Heating Webinar

    The University of Salford are running a series of Domestic Retrofit Webinars and on Tuesday 4th May, from 1pm to 4pm. Gemma Dyson and Glenn Harrison from Vital Energi will be discussing heat networks and touching on a wide array of subjects ranging from technical design through to end user experience.

    Gemma has led Vital Energi’s bids for successful low carbon energy schemes at Paddington Village for Liverpool City Council, University of Keele, University of Sheffield, University of Edinburgh and Glenrothes Heat Network for Fife Council. Glenn works with heat network operators and suppliers to identify opportunities for network data management and consumer management platforms. Access to performance and operational data from network assets helps shape consumer behaviour and drive efficiencies in system operation.

    The session will give a practical overview of domestic heat network schemes and be of interest to architects, surveyors, consultants, project managers, contractors and any other professions involved in delivering sustainable developments.

    To join the session simply use the Zoom link here.

  • UON’s Waterside Campus Named Construction Project of the Year

    

    University of Northampton’s Waterside Campus Named Construction Project of the Year

    We’d like to congratulate our clients The University of Northampton and Mace Group after the Waterside Campus was named as winner in the Construction Project of the Year category at this year’s East Midlands Property Dinner Awards.

    The evening is a celebration of the development and buildings created in the East Midlands area and the clients and professional teams who conceive and deliver them.

    The £330 million Waterside campus provides state of the art academic facilities for 15,000 students as well as sports facilities and residential premises for 1,000 students.  Importantly, the University were committed to embedding the principals of sustainability throughout the project and at its heart is 1MW biomass system which provides heat for the campus via a 1.6km district heating network.

    Whilst working on the energy infrastructure we witnessed, first hand, their commitment to quality and the energy centre is by far the most architecturally ambitious new build project we have been involved in. We’d like to congratulate the University of Northampton, Mace and all our fellow contractors on delivering such a successful project.

    Mike Cooke, Vital’s Regional Director for the North

    The project was one of nine to have made it onto the shortlist and the judges for the awards commented, “It was remarkable that such a multi-faceted and complex development was completed both on time and under budget.”

    Further education