For a limited time, the new site won’t be charging for electricity in a bid to test the new technology and encourage residents and visitors to visit the new site.
Monks Cross HyperHub is one of the largest charging hubs in Northern England with four 175kW ultra-rapid chargers, four 50kW rapid chargers, with an adjacent area having 30 7kW chargepoints. A solar canopy allows the site to generate renewable energy which can be stored in batteries.
The unique project is the result of a partnership between City of York Council and EvoEnergy.
Cllr Keith Aspden, leader of City of York Council, said: “York is now proud to be the home of one of the largest electric vehicle charging hubs in Northern England.
“The new Hyperhubs not only offer sustainability, convenience and speed but are also one the cheapest places in the UK for Rapid and Ultra Rapid charging (25 pence per kWh).
“Our Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy and work with EvoEnergy are key to the success of this project. The HyperHubs are just the latest part of city wide work to support more sustainable travel and our efforts to make York cleaner and greener.”
Cllr Andy D’Agorne, deputy leader of City of York Council, added: “York’s HyperHubs will allow electric vehicle drivers to charge easily and quickly using renewable energy. This will help to reduce emissions and improve York’s air quality, supporting our ambitions to become carbon neutral by 2030.
“Over the past few years, electric vehicle technology has progressed at pace, with many drivers switching to these next generation cars. To enable the use of electric vehicles the right infrastructure is crucial, so I’m delighted to see these new sites open alongside other council car park chargers.”
Jonathan Roper, senior design engineer at EvoEnergy, added: “The York HyperHubs, with elements such as rapid and ultra-rapid chargers, solar energy generation and battery storage, act as a technology showcase.
“Combined with GridBeyond’s management of the battery for participation in grid balancing services, the sites actually help to strengthen the electricity grid and will allow the latest electric vehicles – and the next generation of EVs – to charge in a hassle-free way, helping to reduce emissions from road transport in York.”
Future of EV charging arrives as York’s new HyperHub opens
York’s new electric vehicle HyperHub at Monks Cross is now open.
Kirmington firms signs new energy deal as part of growth trajectory
Sustainable energy provider British power Group has announced a new partnership with carbon and cost reduction company Renewable Energy Hub Ltd as it continues to broaden its services and product ranges.
The latest move is part of a series of new developments for the Kirmington-based company, in the wake of increasing demand from clients across the country for greener energy. The new partnership with Bridgnorth-based Renewable Energy Hub Ltd follows the announcement of new larger premises and active team recruitment, with further business growth news to follow over the coming months.
Renewable Energy Hub Ltd will be working closely with British Power Group to supply not only core Voltage Optimisation equipment but also a number of other sustainable products that will be of benefit to both British Power Group’s existing and new clients.
New product ranges will include LED lighting, heating solutions, HVAC, refrigeration and cooling, and Ozone sanitation technology. The two companies will also be working together to offer ESOS surveys, carry out water reviews and waste management. Combined, the new offerings will only enhance existing services and help to support business owners or leaders who are looking for increasing ways to implement smarter sustainable practice at their premises.
Based in Kirmington, North Lincolnshire, British Power Group says it makes a sustainable future an achievable and cost-effective reality for businesses. Its smart eco-charged projects have been designed to cover a whole range of financial benefits to clients, including solar PV, voltage optimisation, electric car charge units and energy brokerage, each bringing huge energy saving and cost reduction benefits, and collectively really packing a punch.
Steven Cullum, Director of British Power Group said: “We are thrilled to announce this partnership with Renewable Energy Hub Ltd. The company demonstrates an outstanding commitment to reducing carbon footprint and helping businesses to save money, and this ethos aligns with our own principles of building a sustainable, greener future and helping businesses to cut costs without a conscience.
“We are also delighted that by partnering with the team at Renewable Energy Hub Ltd we can offer an even broader range of products which we are certain will be greatly received by our clients.”
Green light granted for 289 new homes in village near Leeds
Redrow has been given the green light by city planners to build 289 new homes in a village near Leeds.
The new 64-acre development in West Ardsley will include 246 homes for private sale, ranging in size from two to five-bedrooms, alongside 43 affordable properties.
A significant area of the site, located off Haigh Moor Road and Westerton Road, will be retained as woodland and managed open space, with multiple green areas and playgrounds.
John Handley, Managing Director for Yorkshire, said: “We’re pleased our plans for this brand new development have been given the go ahead and we look forward to bringing almost 300 much-needed homes to the Leeds market.
“Demand from buyers in this area for high quality housing continues to outweigh local supply, and we expect our Heritage Collection homes will be particularly sought after due to their in-built energy efficiency and high specification.
“Creating more than just homes, we build thriving new communities that offer a better way to live for our customers. This development will feature a large swathe of green space and the focal point of the retained Haigh Wood through the centre, providing a brilliant environment for families looking to put down roots.”
Redrow will also contribute towards improvements to highways at the nearby M62 junction as well as providing monies towards a residential travel plan fund, both via its section 106 contributions, agreed as part of the planning process.
Work is due to start on site imminently and the first homes are due to go on sale this summer.
ABP picks Spencer Group to help deliver national investment programme
Hull-based civil engineering and construction contractor Spencer Group has been appointed by Associated British Ports to be part of a major national investment programme.
The Group has been appointed to the Industrial Buildings Framework Contract to build large-scale industrial buildings for ABP in four out of five regions across the UK where the port owner operates – South East and North West England, Scotland and Wales.
The framework will run for five years, with scope to extend to a further two years, during which ABP plans to invest a significant value across the four regions with specific projects determined by port requirements in each location.
The success for Spencer Group’s industrial division follows an extensive competitive tendering selection process involving both regional and national contractors across the UK.
Spencer Group Off Site Construction Director Richard Green-Morgan, who leads the industrial division of the business, said: “This is a very significant contract for us and a positive continuation of our strong working relationship with ABP.
“Being appointed by ABP in each of these regions is further evidence of our excellent reputation as a leading provider of multi-disciplinary engineering and construction projects across the UK.
“It will also strengthen our presence and position these locations, undoubtedly creating opportunities to work with new partners and SMEs to jointly support ABP’s ambitious plans for the future.
“We’re looking forward to getting started and working with ABP on these important projects.”
Spencer Group MD Gary Thornton added: “Our appointment to the Industrial Buildings Frameworks Contract is very positive news for Spencer Group.
“The framework is yet another example of our developing relationship with ABP, which started over 30 years ago. Our ability to provide technical support, design and delivery capabilities to provide new and enhanced existing assets and infrastructure mean we are able to support ABP’s investment decisions and meet their customer demands.
“We’re proud of the faith shown in us by ABP and are looking forward to starting work under this new framework to deliver exceptional value to ABP and their customers.”
ABP is the UK’s leading ports group and its network of 21 ports supports 119,000 jobs and handles about a quarter of the UK’s seaborne trade, worth £150bn annually.
Government pledges revamp of Consumer Credit Act to help businesses
The government has pledged to reform the Consumer Credit Act – which regulates all credit card purchases and personal loans – cutting costs for businesses and simplifying rules for consumers.
In an announcement today it’s said a consultation on the direction of reform is expected to be published by the end of the year
The Consumer Credit Act, which came into force in 1974 and governs billions of credit card purchases and loans each year, is felt to be highly prescriptive and increasingly cumbersome and inflexible – confusing consumers and adding unnecessary costs to businesses when implementing its requirements.
The government will move much of the Act from statute to sit under the Financial Conduct Authority – enabling the regulator to quickly respond to emerging developments in the consumer credit market, rather than having to amend existing legislation. It will also simplify ambiguous technical terms to make clear to consumers what protections they have – and make it easier and more cost effective for businesses to comply with regulation.
Economic Secretary to the Treasury John Glen said: “The Consumer Credit Act has been in place for almost 50 years – and it needs to be reformed to keep pace with the modern world.
“We want to create a regulatory regime that fosters innovation but also maintains high levels of consumer protection. That’s why I have committed to undertake this ambitious long-term reform – and it’s exactly what I’ll deliver.”
Leaving the EU has provided additional opportunity for regulatory reform and the government will examine which parts of EU retained legislation can be repealed or replaced to ensure regulation is better suited to the needs of the British people.
The reforms will allow lenders to provide a wider range of finance whilst maintaining high levels of consumer protection. For example, we will ensure that the information a consumer receives throughout the lending process is easy to understand and will be both screen and print-friendly. We will also ensure that lenders are able to more easily provide credit for emerging and new technologies such as electric cars, helping millions of people embrace technological innovation.
The reforms will build on the recommendations of the Financial Conduct Authority’s retained provisions report and the Woolard Review – which both made recommendations for a reformed regime.
A consultation is expected to be published by the end of this year outlining the government’s proposals, and seeking views from stakeholders on how the Act should be reformed.
£80m investment programme gets underway at British Steel
British Steel has started work on £80 million of investments to enhance its product range and improve operational and environmental performance.
The bulk of the investment – £48 million – is financing the installation of a new billet caster at the company’s Scunthorpe site. At the same time, its Scunthorpe Rod Mill is being given a £32 million upgrade while further investments are being made at FN Steel, British Steel’s sister company in the Netherlands.
The announcement comes a short time after British Steel announced it was conducting a feasibility study into the use of green hydrogen as a fuel source.
Xifeng Han, British Steel’s CEO, said: “This is an incredibly exciting time for our business with unprecedented levels of investment – fuelled by the drive of our employees – powering us towards a sustainable future.
“While we’re still in the early stages of our transformation, these projects are a major step forward for British Steel and our customers. The new technology and manufacturing capabilities will significantly enhance our product range and deliver improved operational performance and efficiencies.
“Steel is vital to modern economies and investments like these will ensure we keep delivering the steel our customers and the world need while playing a central role in transitioning to a low-carbon, circular economy.”
The new billet caster, which will manufacture lengths of semi-finished steel known as billets, is being installed by Danieli and is expected to be commissioned at the end of the year. It will enable the company to both increase capacity and grow into new markets.
Richard Longbottom, technical manager, Steelmaking Development, said: “The new caster will produce billets of an even higher standard, with much better internal and surface qualities. We’ll also have a broader product range, enabling us to become more competitive and expand our offering to customers.”
Work is also underway to install state-of-the-art mill equipment to significantly extend engineering capabilities at British Steel’s Scunthorpe Rod Mill. Part of a £50 million investment announced in 2018, the scheme had been paused but is now being resumed under British Steel’s new ownership. Once the high-tech upgrade is complete, the company’s wire rod offering will have much-improved tolerances and surface quality with an extended product range with diameters up to 28mm. The product range will also offer customers considerably improved mechanical properties and enhanced options for supply condition such as normalised rolled and low-temperature rolled wire rod.
The reconfigured mill layout and new equipment are expected to be commissioned in 2023.
Phil Knowles, British Steel’s commercial director for Wire Rod, said: “Our bespoke new facility will be a real game changer. We’ll be able to manufacture wire rod with tighter tolerance control, improved ovality and world-class surface quality, key factors in meeting current and future customer requirements.
“Our existing customers will also be able to take advantage of our enhanced package solutions as we open up a comprehensive product range. Our service excellence together with improved efficiencies for our customers mean this investment will deliver world-leading capabilities. We’ll be able to explore new market opportunities too, securing a strong future for our wire rod business. I’m very much looking forward to seeing our strategic plans become a reality.”
Local coffee legends make huge strides in sustainability
120-year-old family firm, Stokes Tea & Coffee are well known for their top-notch coffee – now they’re also becoming quite the pioneers in eco-friendly innovations.
In its latest developments, the company is installing a cutting-edge heating system that will not only cut carbon emissions by more than a third but enable the company to reduce energy usage and harness solar power too.
The new system is being installed at Stokes’ HQ (where its roastery is also based), at the Lawn Building, a 19th Century former asylum on Union Road in Lincoln. The company moved operations here in 2017 following an extensive £2million refurbishment and restoration project which took two years to complete.
Andy Jackson, project manager at Stokes Tea & Coffee, explained: “We like to make things last at Stokes, but, after 43 years of service from our heating boilers, it was time for an overhaul. Historical buildings are notoriously difficult to heat and we were determined to find a system that would rise to the challenges on both efficiency and emissions.
“We’re pleased to see the installation of our new Viessmann boilers which are so efficient we only need two instead of the previous three and each boiler is 30% more efficient which means even less energy usage and emissions. It’s clever too as it has weather compensation equipment installed which monitors changing external temperatures and automatically adjusts output. This information can be collected, and adjustments made remotely to improve efficiency and we won’t even know it’s been done.
“The new system can be set up to heat specific zones or rooms rather than the whole building, and it’s also capable of collecting and using solar energy to heat water – so the scope for further savings on emissions and wastage is huge!
“We are striving to make our Grade II* listed Lawn Building into an eco-showcase location to help share knowledge and experience in waste and emission reduction with anyone who has the challenges of owning or occupying historical buildings like ours.”
Stokes Tea & Coffee may have a long history, but this certainly isn’t holding them back when it comes to leading on cutting edge innovation, and the team remains unshakeable in its focus on achieving ambitious sustainability targets.
Other sustainable actions taken by the firm include:
- The Zero Waste scheme which is designed to cut down on packaging waste by delivering coffee and tea to Stokes’ wholesale customers in reusable buckets that keep products perfectly fresh and in peak condition, saving the use of thousands of boxes and packets
- Reducing road miles through smart logistics, remote problem-solving and a help desk for customers, and sourcing local produce for Stokes’ cafés
- Investing in recyclable packaging and re-purposing/upcycling materials
- Supporting the free top-up refill water scheme
- Planting trees in the UK and overseas
- Reducing emissions with one of the most eco-friendly coffee roasters to cut the use of natural gas and reduce CO2 emissions
- Using smart lighting in Stokes’ buildings
- Introducing a cycle-to-work scheme
NEBOSH launches new service to shake-up in-house health and safety training
NEBOSH – one of the world’s leading providers of health and safety qualifications – has launched a new solution for businesses that want to improve their in-company training.
The NEBOSH Endorsed service will – as its name suggests – endorse great health and safety training. When companies invest in training, they want to see a return. Through a collaborative approach, NEBOSH will help organisations to elevate their in-company offering and deliver measurable behavioural change that contributes to healthier and safer workplaces.
A range of solutions are available via NEBOSH Endorsed. They are all tailored to the needs of individual organisations and emphasise learning that delivers tangible impact:
- Assessment and endorsement of existing in-company learning,
- Bespoke consultation and development of in-company training.
University expertise helps secure major funding to support the future of British farming
Academics from the University of Lincoln have collaborated to secure more than £1.6m for innovative projects that will help to ensure the sustainability of British farming and agriculture.
The funding has been awarded through Defra’s Farming Innovation Programme, which seeks projects that will improve sustainability, productivity, and resilience of farming in the UK on a path to net zero.
A total of 23 projects were awarded funding, four of which have involved academic teams at the Lincoln Institute for Agri-Food Technology (LIAT) and Lincoln Centre for Autonomous Systems (L-CAS).
The projects have been developed in partnership with industry leaders and look to address issues faced by those in the industry with new, innovative solutions.
The four projects are:
- Project High Speed Header (HSH): Next Generation Combines, which is led by Eyre Trailers Ltd. This project will develop a novel tractor mounted combine harvesting implement. This simple innovation will significantly reduce harvester mass enabling a flexible tractor mounted system, reducing the environmental impact caused by traditional large machines which cause soil compaction and loss of biodiversity and carbon reservoirs from boundary hedges and ditches. Larger machines also often provide a cost barrier to new farmers; this new solution will lead to a reduction in financial costs.
- The ARWAC Attack Blackgrass in Farming project, led by ARWAC Ltd, will create a robot powered by renewable energy, which will track and hoe blackgrass in commercial wheat crops. Due to herbicide resistance, blackgrass is responsible for £300m of yearly crop losses on UK farms and represents an increasing threat to food security. This project takes mechanical weeding to the next level, using autonomous technology to increase potential wheat yield and drive productivity whilst reducing the use of chemicals, fossil fuels, and manpower. The robot will be co-created and demonstrated on Lincolnshire farms.
- Led by Earth Rover Ltd, the automated selective broccoli harvesting to increase grower productivity and resilience towards net zero project will take a proof-of-concept broccoli harvesting machine to in-field testing, developing a pre-production prototype. The new automated approach will not only help address issues caused by labour shortages, with broccoli typically harvested manually, but also around food waste. The new harvester will harvest the whole broccoli plant, opening the potential to create valuable and nutritious plant-based foods from what was previously seen as crop waste
- The Collaborative fruit (Co-FRUIT) retrieval using intelligent transportation project, led by Performance Projects Ltd, proposes an innovative approach to harvesting, using a novel low-cost robot platform and collaborative human-robot teams. Artificial Intelligence is utilised to allocate tasks, maximising labour efficiency: humans undertake tasks for which they are particularly highly skilled with robots complementing the human skills. This could include robots transporting berries harvested by humans from polytunnels to the packing stations. Co-FRUIT models the activities of individual workers, while using AI and robots to demonstrate a cost-effective and efficient collaborative harvesting solution that achieves a step change in productivity in soft-fruit harvesting and helping to address well-documented labour shortages.
Plans revealed for new South Yorkshire solar energy park
Plans for a renewable energy generation and storage project to the east of Sheffield are set to be revealed.
Independent renewable energy firm Banks Renewables is developing a planning application for a new solar energy park on a 116-hectare piece of agricultural land to the west of the Todwick Road Industrial Estate in Dinnington, around three miles east of Banks’ Penny Hill wind farm.
The Common Farm solar project would have an installed capacity of up to 50MW, which would be enough to meet the annual energy requirements of up to 18,800 family homes and would displace over 11,470 tonnes of carbon dioxide from the electricity supply network each year.
A 50MW battery energy storage system linking directly into the Thurcroft electricity sub-station around three kilometres to the north of the site would also form part of the project and would help to support the long-term security of energy supplies to UK consumers.
As part of the company’s policy of delivering tangible benefits to the places in which its operations are based, at least £50,000 of the revenues generated by the Common Farm project would be made available every year as part of a package to support local good causes. This equates to more than £2,000,000 through the lifetime of the project.
A detailed ecology and biodiversity strategy is also being developed to ensure the site delivers a net benefit in biodiversity to the local community.
Banks Renewables is expecting to submit a planning application to Rotherham Council for the new scheme in the coming months, with a view to it being determined before the end of the year.
Lewis Stokes, senior community relations manager at The Banks Group, says: “Maximising the production of renewable energy from domestic sources is a crucial part of the UK’s ongoing journey towards its Net Zero targets, especially within the current energy security climate, and the Common Farm solar scheme will further extend the contribution that we’re able to make locally towards reaching these goals.
“The project is located in an area that we know very well, and having conducted a detailed search, we identified this site as providing the best opportunity to create a solar park that links directly into the Thurcroft substation.”
Jill Askew, solar and flex project manager at Banks Renewables, adds: “As more sources of renewable energy are connected to the system, more innovative ways of storing the electricity they produce will be required.
“Peaks of energy demand usually take place in the morning and early evening, but this is not necessarily when renewable energy is being generated.
“The battery energy storage system at Common Farm would help to ensure reliable, stable and balanced electricity grid operation at times of peak demand and would support the UK’s continuing drive towards its Net Zero ambitions.”
Lewis Stokes continues: “We are really looking forward to meeting and working closely with local residents, stakeholders and other community representatives to ensure we develop a comprehensive and detailed planning application, while taking on board their views on what might be delivered in a package of local benefits that will form a key part of the project.
“This will also help to ensure that this package will extend the substantial contribution we’ve been making to enhancing local communities for the best part of a decade.
“We’re excited at what can be achieved through this important project and hope that Rotherham Council’s planning committee will support the vision we’re now developing.”
