Vital Energi Migration Prototyping

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  • Vital Energi Invests in a Sustainable Future With 20 New Apprenticeships

    Vital Energi Invests in a Sustainable Future With 20 New Apprenticeships

    

    Vital Energi Invests in a Sustainable Future With 20 New ‘Green’ Apprenticeships

    Vital Energi today marked a milestone in its investment in the future of decarbonisation, with the announcement of plans to recruit 20 new apprentices in 2021.  The company is committed to developing the key industry skills needed to achieve net zero and create a sustainable workforce of the future, as well as helping tackle the post-Covid economic recovery across the UK.

    The program will support the wider goals set out by the UK Government’s 10 point green recovery plan to create 250,000 clean energy jobs in the industry. Vital Energi specialises in low/zero carbon energy generation and heat networks which will play an increasingly important role in meeting the UK’s net zero objectives.  Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, The Rt Hon Kwasi Kwarteng MP, recently called for up to £1billion of investment in the industry by 2030.

    There can be no denying that the last 12 months have been immensely challenging for everyone. Announcing the creation of these roles during National Apprenticeship Week will be a welcome boost to many local communities, young people and education centres throughout the UK. As we begin to build the sustainable workforce of the future, our apprenticeships are a fantastic way for both school leavers and graduates to forge exciting new career paths in clean energy. The bespoke skills and experiences we can offer will be vital to meeting growing demand for low carbon technologies and helping local authorities meet their net zero targets.

    Rob Callaghan, Vital Energi’s Managing Director London & South

    As part of the ambitious Vital Energi Training Centre and its well established apprentice programme, the company has already employed its first Building Services Design Technician apprentice, Alex Spencer, under the new initiative.  The creation of this new role will allow Vital Energi to meet growing demand from new and existing clients by linking green ambition with new talent.

    Alex is studying through Liverpool City College and has been recruited locally to work on local projects, creating local jobs and supporting the local community. One of the projects Alex is working on is 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.

    Alex Spencer, Vital Energi’s newest recruit said: “I wanted to be a part of a community that makes the planet a greener place.  I am excited to be joining the company at such a pivotal time for the whole world as we look for new solutions to tackle climate change. Its amazing reputation, makes Vital Energi a great place to learn the skills I need for a successful career in clean energy.”

    Vital Energi is looking to recruit apprentices to all areas of the business, site and office based, from design engineers through to project delivery engineers and operational engineers as well as support service opportunities.

    Training of recruits will be done through a blended system of online and classroom learning at the company’s new £2m state-of-the-art training academy.  Currently training is delivered online during the national lockdown.

    Vital Energi’s training academy aims to be a ‘centre for excellence’ and has been designed to provide hands-on product training as well integrating with courses at other universities and colleges with practical and theoretical education.

    The company has purpose-built two district heating demonstration trenches which will be used to educate students and existing employees about techniques such as jointing and welding pipes, insulation processes and moisture control.

    Training on buried underground services and smart end user products including heat interface units, metering and billing electronic platforms is available in the centre where all products are displayed for demonstration and have dedicated areas for testing new products.

    The facility will also benefit Vital Energi’s existing employees by providing engineers and designers with skills development opportunities and state-of-the-art collaboration areas.

    Colleges and universities are invited to collaborate with Vital Energi to develop further opportunities for students, graduates and the community.

    If you’d like more information on Vital Energi’s apprenticeship scheme please email [email protected]

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

    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 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
  • 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
  • Vital Energi to Deliver £17m Energy Infrastructure Package at Nine Elms

    Vital Energi to Deliver £17m Energy Infrastructure Package at Nine Elms

    

    Vital Energi Set to Deliver £17m Energy Infrastructure Package for Nine Elms Park

    Vital Energi have won the £17m contract to deliver the primary energy infrastructure package for the Greystar and Henderson Park, Nine Elms Park plots B and D development which will be situated on the former Royal Mail centre.

    The 14-acre development, which lays between Battersea & Vauxhall, south of the River Thames, will create a total of 894 rental homes in plots B and D with the addition of high spec amenity areas and retail units at ground floor. Each block will be served via their own district heating, chilled and water services plant and the development will be future proofed to enable easy connection to a wider district heating network in the future.

    Not only are Greystar and Henderson Park, with their delivery partner Telford Homes, creating much-needed, high quality rental housing in London, they are doing it with sustainability at its heart. The overall Nine Elms Park development will deliver a vibrant community with a school, retail units and community facilities and at full build out will deliver almost 2,000 new homes where they are needed. This will be a fantastic addition to the Vauxhall, Nine Elms and Battersea Regeneration Area (known as VNEB) and London in general and we look forward to beginning work on this exciting new development.

    Rob Callaghan, Regional Director at Vital Energi

    New build
    Related Work

    Vital Energi awarded £6.8m M&E Package on Phase 2 of Royal Warwick Square

    Vital Energi awarded £6.8m M&E Package on Phase 2 of Royal Warwick Square

  • Decarbonising Islington Waste and Recycling Centre

    Decarbonising Islington Waste and Recycling Centre

    

    Decarbonising Islington Waste and Recycling Centre

    Islington Council had a target for their Waste and Recycling Centre to be decarbonised and to take steps towards a greener and healthier future for the borough. The project is now complete, and this milestone achievement marks a significant step forward in the Council’s efforts towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2030. The Waste and Recycling Centre will be the first council building to be completely transformed with energy saving upgrades.

    Vital Energi installed 852 solar panels on the roof of the recycling centre and delivered essential mechanical and electrical work which included the replacement of six Air Handling Units (AHUs) with electric and refrigerant coils. The generation system in the plantroom which was run by two Direct Gas Fired Domestic Hot Water (DHW) now runs via an air-to-water source heat pump DHW system which supplies the centre with hot water.

    Vital Energi upgraded the Low Voltage (LV) electrical infrastructure by building a new LV switch room which included the installation of lighting, power, containment, fire alarm and protection services. This upgrade will improve energy efficiency, increase carbon savings to the environment and reduce energy consumptions and costs.

    “Islington Council has a commitment to achieving their carbon net zero target by 2030 and this project not only displays the importance of renewable technologies, but it also takes the council a step further towards reaching their goal. Great to see the impact social value initiatives have had on the charity and local football clubs, strengthening the community whilst ensuring we are protecting the planet for our future generations”.

    Gerry Davies, Regional Director, Vital Energi

    To celebrate the completion of the project, the council organised a ceremony which saw the attendance of the Mayor of Islington, Council Champion, and many others present at the inauguration of the new project.

    “As a council, we’re committed to making the borough a greener, healthier place for everyone. To truly tackle the climate emergency, it is going to need the whole borough to play its part. I’m delighted that we can lead the way by making existing buildings as green as possible, using the best technologies available including solar power to create clean energy, and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. The transformation of the Waste and Recycling Centre shows the huge benefits and impact that greener technologies can bring, and how vital it is for local and national government to work together on projects like this. By taking advantage of state-of-the-art technology, we are reducing our environmental impact and showing how we can make a difference, leading by example in combatting climate change.”

    Cllr Rowena Champion, Islington Council’s Executive Member

    Vital Energi share the council’s passion for maximising the social value of the project and were able to sponsor Kentish Town under 12s girls football team, Vital Energi organised two football tournaments which we titled ‘The Vital Energi Cup’ with a family fun day theme held at Market Road Football Pitches in Islington. The tournament helped raise more than £700 for Kentish Town F.C., all proceedings went towards equipment and pitch hire, and we provided a new kit to one of the Kentish Town teams.

    Vital Energi went further and raised over £7000 for Islington Giving towards their Islington Winter Appeal which helps to make an impact in the local community, helping to create opportunities for isolated older people to make connections and beat loneliness.

    “Since the beginning of our partnership with Vital Energi, the team have gone above and beyond in their social value commitments. In addition to significant contributions to the work of Islington Giving, Ben and the Vital team have been all hands on deck to organise fundraising events – from raffles to an under 13’s community football tournament – and support our events and campaigns. Their support is helping to making a real difference to the lives of people in Islington, providing essential funding to a range of local community projects like Grub Club – helping isolated older men to make connections and build confidence in the kitchen, and Mother2Mother – a group providing therapeutic support for female caregivers. We are so grateful to the team for their enthusiasm and dedication and look forward to continuing to work together to make Islington a more equal place, where everyone has the opportunity to live a good life”.

    Lisa Robinson at Islington Giving, Director of Communications and Development

  • We Welcome 3,000 NHG Residents to O&M and Metering & Billing Services

    We Welcome 3,000 NHG Residents to O&M and Metering & Billing Services

    

    Vital Energi Welcome 3,000 Notting Hill Genesis Residents to O&M and Metering & Billing Services

    Vital Energi are delighted to announce that they have been awarded a 5-year contract to deliver Operation and Maintenance (O&M) and Metering & Billing (M&B) services to over 3,000 residents connected to district and communal heat networks in and around the London area on behalf of Notting Hill Genesis, one of the UK’s largest housing associations.

    Katy Lister, Client Relationship Director for Vital Energi explains, “We’re delighted to have the opportunity to partner with Notting Hill Genesis and play a crucial role in ensuring the efficiency, reliability and sustainability of their heat networks, and we are committed to providing an exceptional service to enhance the communities we serve.”

    “We are now working to upgrade some of the heat networks to ensure reliable heat and hot water is delivered to residents, the energy centres perform optimally, and the in-home heating systems are all performing as expected. Thank you to Notting Hill Genesis for entrusting us with this important responsibility. We are excited about the opportunity to make a positive impact and build a long-lasting partnership.”

    Having well-run, efficient heat networks on our estates is so important to the residents living there, so we’re pleased to have agreed this five-year contract with Vital Energi which will offer consistency of service across those estates. The maintenance of some of our heat networks has been a challenge over recent years, and Vital Energi’s knowledge and expertise has been central to our efforts to give residents the quality of service we aspire to, and they deserve.

    Laura Coleman, Heat Network Operations Manager, NHG

    Resident Drop In Image NHG Press Release 15042024

    Vital Energi are already working collaboratively with Notting Hill Genesis to engage with residents within local communities and have hosted resident drop-in sessions at the purpose-built Community Hub at The Factory Quarter, and Woodberry Grove developments. The sessions have given residents the opportunity to meet the team, share any concerns and discuss key topics such as the imminent upgrades to the heat interface units within their homes, improvements to the energy centre and the roll-out of their new metering and billing services. Residents also have the chance to share their ideas the types of social value initiatives they would like to see in their communities.

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