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Our Head Offices were built in 2016 with sustainability, and off-setting of our site and Warehouse activities in mind – solar panels were installed on the roof, along with energy efficient LED lighting which is on a timed motion sensor. We try to use as much green energy as possible and anything we don’t use is shared back to the grid.
A number of departments have committed to going paperless, and employees are encouraged to shut their computers and laptops down at the end of the working day – rather than putting them to sleep. Our old IT and electrical equipment is given to charities in need to avoid equipment needlessly going into landfill.
On site, where possible all site-power generators are solar powered. Our Warehouse facility also had its lighting upgraded in 2020 to more efficient LED lighting.
The past year has seen an unprecedented working environment, not just for g2 Energy but across the globe. Research by o2 Business, in partnership with YouGov in August 2020, showed considerable benefits to the environment, as a result of any changes in commuting habits. O2’s research showed that if UK workers (who can work remotely) choose to work from home twice a week, the UK would see an annual 14.3 megatonne CO2e decrease in greenhouse gas emissions from travel – more than the total emissions for the whole of Northern Ireland*.
g2 Energy has found its monthly staff newsletter more important than ever during these remote working times, and the inclusion of the Environmental section has evolved throughout the pandemic to raise environmental awareness in our employees so they can use the information to improve their own carbon footprint at home, as well as at work.
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]]>The post g2 Energy proudly supports National Apprenticeship Week appeared first on g2 Energy.
]]>g2 Energy currently employ five apprentices, three of whom are based at our Head Office in Buckinghamshire, and two at our Warehouse facility in Milton Keynes. The company are supporting the apprentices at the beginning of their careers in a number of disciplines including Accountancy, Electrical Engineering and Business Administration. g2 also currently employ one of our now-qualified apprentices in a site-based role.
According to the UK Government website in the first three quarters of the 2019/20 academic year (August to April), there were 275,900 apprenticeship starts. The Government website also states that after qualifying, 72% of apprentices remain working for the company they trained with.
“Apprenticeships are a great way of finding and developing young talent within the workplace,” Kelvin Ruck, Managing Director says “it gives employers the ability to train their apprentices with the specific skills they need to match the companies long term plans. Young people embarking on an apprenticeship are demonstrating their keenness to learn and often bring fresh new ideas into a business through the external training they must also complete as part of the scheme.
“We are very lucky to have five apprentices across the business at present, and three are soon to complete their apprenticeships – two working towards Business Support & Administration at our Head Office, and an Electrical Technician working at our Warehouse who is due to complete a 4-year apprenticeship. All of these colleagues will be very valuable to the g2 team, fully qualified in their respective fields. In addition, we have two further apprentices currently training within the Business Support & Electrical Technical teams who are showing great promise and we look forward to watching their careers progress with us.
“38 years ago, as a 16-year-old, I began my working life as an Underground Electrical Craft Apprentice with the National Coal Board” Kelvin continues, “and now as Managing Director of g2 Energy, I am extremely supportive of the National Apprenticeship scheme, as my career is testament to where an apprenticeship can eventually lead you.”
g2 Energy are excited to continue their work in support of encouraging young people to work in STEM careers through our work with local schools, as well as the continued employment of apprentices throughout the company.
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]]>The post Covid-19 Update appeared first on g2 Energy.
]]>Our sites continue to operate with strict social distancing, and as always, safe working practices across the sites. Whenever possible, site staff are also encouraged to work remotely from home and keep travelling to a minimum.
The safety of our staff, contractors and customers is of the highest importance, and so the situation is being continuously monitored. This will ensure we are working in line with government guidance, and in a way which ensures the highest level of safety for our staff and stakeholders.
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]]>The post Are Battery Storage and Gas Generation Clean Energy? appeared first on g2 Energy.
]]>The grid network is under increasing strain due to a number of factors, including the huge increase in demand for electricity. The closure of large, centralised Coal and Nuclear Power Stations – while great for the environment – has only increased the strain on our electricity grid. Enter: Wind and Solar Power. A huge bonus for the environment, the landowners and our countries green targets (despite them being set long after the introduction of Wind and Solar power to the UK).
Wind and Solar Power, the original, and more traditional forms of Clean Energy have a huge number of positives for consumers, the environment and the UK’s Electricity network. However, the weather in the UK is particularly changeable, meaning that these sources of power can be both intermittent and somewhat unpredictable.
These factors all mean that the electricity grid network is coming under increasing strain. In response, Energy Storage and Gas Peaking Plants are becoming increasingly acknowledged as a viable and sustainable solution to support the growth in clean energy technologies.
Energy Storage (via the use of batteries) is the storing and release of energy when required – therefore offering rapid flexibility during periods of fluctuating energy generation and demand – such as the 3pm cuppa or Christmas morning! Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are often situated alongside more traditional renewable energy systems, such as Solar Farms or Wind Farms, and therefore store the surplus energy created by this means. This is then released back to the National Grid when required to meet excess demand, thus balancing the grid.
Gas Peaking Plants, or Gas Generation Plants work in a similar way, and are also only run with rapid start-ups when electricity demand is high. They, however, use compressed natural gas to generate the power and so do have some effects on the environment. Another option is to use Biogas or Biomethane, which provides a more renewable solution.
Battery Storage Solutions, and Gas Peaking Plants (even if to a lower degree) can help to decarbonise the UK energy supply and are therefore being branded as a key component in the UK reaching the target for emissions reduction under the Climate Change Act.
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]]>The post g2 Energy achieve ISO45001 accreditation status appeared first on g2 Energy.
]]>You can read more about Alcumus ISO accreditations here or you can visit g2 Energy’s accreditations page to find out more about the accreditations we hold!
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]]>The post g2 Energy COVID-19 statement – protecting our staff, our contractors and our customers appeared first on g2 Energy.
]]>Our HSEQ team have been working throughout the pandemic to ensure a safe environment for all our employees, contractors and stakeholders. The team have worked with the Directors & Senior Management team, and meticulously tracked Government guidelines in order to establish policies and procedures to help keep our sites, warehouse and offices safe.
Some of the changes we have implemented involve;
For any Covid-19 specific queries, please contact us on [email protected], alternatively you can click here to contact us about anything else.
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]]>The post RIDDOR reportable accidents milestone appeared first on g2 Energy.
]]>Adhering to high Health & Safety standards is embedded in the ethos of our company; and the use of Toolbox Talks, Site Safety Inspections and regular audits, as well as investigating Near Misses have all contributed to this milestone.
Under the 2013 Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurences Regulations (RIDDOR), must be reported to the HSE (Health and Safety Executive). RIDDOR reportable accidents are major accidents/incidents which fit into one of the following categories;
More information, and an extensive list can be found on the HSE website.
g2 Energy are committed to a safe environment for our staff, contractors, customers and all our other stakeholders, if you would like to discuss our HSEQ policies, or anything else with a member of the team please do not hesitate to contact us.
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]]>The post Frequently Asked Questions… appeared first on g2 Energy.
]]>What is an Independent Connection Provider? An Independent Connection Provider (ICP) is an accredited company that carries out works on behalf of clients on the electricity network. These networks are normally owned by either a Distribution Network Operator (DNO) or an Independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO). You can find a full list of ICP’s online on the Lloyd’s NERS Register.
What does ‘Balance of Plant’ mean? Balance of Plant refers to all the systems and components which are required to deliver the energy aside from the actual generating unit.
What are Contestable Works? Contestable works are works which are completed by an accredited Independent Connections Provider (ICP). For example, Electrical Design, Cable Laying & Jointing, Substation Installation and Civil works.
What are Non-Contestable Works? Non-contestable works are works which can only be undertaken by a Distribution Network Operator. Typically, this would be work on their existing apparatus.
What is Embedded Generation? Embedded generation is where electricity is generated at a specific location and connected the distribution network.
What is a Distribution Network Operator? The UK is split into Geographical regions, each of which are looked after by companies who are licensed to distribute electricity across the country. These companies own and operate the infrastructure, including cables, towers and substations which bring electricity from the National Grid to homes and businesses.
What is an Independent Distribution Network Operator? Independent Distribution Network Operators develop, operate and maintain local electricity distribution networks. They can be directly connected to the Distribution Network Operator networks or indirectly via another IDNO.
What is a Substation? A substation is part of an electrical distribution system. While they can perform several different functions, the ones that are most commonly seen reduce the High Voltage of electrical power transmission down to a suitable voltage level for supply to consumers.
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]]>The post 50MW Planning Threshold To Be Removed… appeared first on g2 Energy.
]]>Generation projects above this 50MW threshold in England and 350MW in Wales are currently considered to be a “Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP)” and must therefore obtain a Development Consent Order (DCO) from the Planning Inspectorate.
As a result, few battery projects above 50MW were even getting into planning due to the NSIP threshold, due to the associated time and financial costs. These are fundamental factors in any project and add to that the speed at which the Storage industry is currently moving, any delay can considerably affect a business case for storage. A two-year wait for planning approval through the NSIP process could mean a project loses preferred or important contracts, or that the project plan set out at the start of the process is no longer viable. The preferred option for those in the industry is to remove all electrical storage, with the exception of pumped hydro, from the NSIP regime altogether.
We are now at the cusp of intense activity in an area of critical importance for the UK’s current and future power requirements and an essential time for delivering on the UK’s legally binding net-zero commitments by 2050.
When the government free up these planning restrictions, it will remove a significant barrier to the sector’s growth. This, overall, will support job creation in cleantech design, reduce the relevant pre-construction costs for larger projects, it will allow more flexibility in the system and mean that energy storage projects generally get connected quicker.
At g2 Energy, we are UK leaders in the design, build and connection of battery storage projects with a large portfolio of completed sites, equating to over 250MW – which is only increasing! Get in touch with us to discuss your project requirements as soon as you can.
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]]>The post When and why should I replace my High Voltage equipment? appeared first on g2 Energy.
]]>A replacement strategy for high voltage assets is therefore essential for the ongoing, safe and reliable operation of any major facility.
During the post-war economic industrial boom period of the 1960s and 70s large volumes of High Voltage transformers and switchgear were installed throughout Britain as manufacturing soared and the demand for power followed. It is now understood that high voltage asset stock from this period has exceeded its design life cycle, and replacement should be considered in order to maintain a safe and reliable power supply.
Although switchgear and transformers can be replaced based upon an assessment of various factors that cause degradation, such as operating conditions and environment, plus the type of equipment and maintenance history, ultimately age plays a key role in the decision-making process for replacement.
Within the high voltage engineering community there is a well-regarded industry rule of thumb that switchgear and transformers have a service design life of around 40 years. However, independent service life-cycle theories have also focused on the one element that prevents the high voltage assets from faulting, internal insulation. These theories suggest that insulation performance could not be verified beyond 25 years due to time-based deterioration of the dielectric materials used, such as polymers, ceramics, resins and oil impregnated papers. Following discussions with suppliers of high voltage equipment they also concur with this theory and will not normally verify the integrity of equipment beyond 25 years.
The risks associated with high voltage oil filled switchgear and transformers can be significant. Operating high voltage equipment beyond recommended design life expectancy can result in catastrophic failure, due to internal dielectric and mechanical deterioration, with potentially fatal consequences. In extreme cases this can result in the closure of facilities by the HSE pending investigations as well as the prosecution of individuals under modern corporate manslaughter law. In order to make a risk assessment, we look at the likelihood of failure of equipment, balanced against the consequences. If we look at the consequences first, the HSE state:
“Failure of switchgear can lead to fires and where oil-filled equipment is involved the incident can be a major one. A serious incident not only poses potential fire risk and smoke risks to people in the vicinity and to the building fabric but may also affect other plant, thus escalating the primary event”.
The likelihood of an incident occurring increases based on a number of factors, age, operating environment, number of operations, defects and lack of maintenance. Although the effects of a fire can be mitigated to a certain degree, the most comprehensive risk reduction associated with oil switchgear is achieved by replacing for a non-oil equivalent device. SF6 and Vacuum variants of switchgear are widely used now as a common replacement for oil switchgear in the effort to reduce fatal accidents to zero. Most UK DNO’s (Distribution Network Operators) adopted this asset replacement strategy in the 1990’s, with the advent of low cost 11kV SF6 circuit breakers and switches.
High Voltage assets quietly deliver power to facilities on a day to day basis, keeping the lights on in schools and universities, hospitals, prisons and ports and serving as the driving force behind UK industry. In order to keep facilities operating safely and at optimum efficiency whilst also minimising unnecessary costs and the risks of failure, a High Voltage plant replacement strategy should be a fundamental consideration for any asset management team.
The following table lists the key drivers for the replacement of high voltage assets along with the benefits of replacement:
| Action: | Replacement Driver: | Key Benefits: |
| Replace age expired HV equipment | Age expired assets carry the inherent risk of failure due to age related degradation. This is a normal progression for any plant item, but with High Voltage equipment catastrophic failure becomes a real possibility, and one that comes with severe consequences (sometimes fatal), business downtime plus ancillary costs for clean-up, re-enabling and generators.Inflated ongoing maintenance costs of older plant should be considered.The replacement of older transformers for modern high efficiency, low-loss units can provide asset owners with greatly reduced running costs and in some cases rapid payback periods. | · Reduce risk to personnel· Maintain legal compliance· Minimise Loss of Power· Maximise plant production time· Minimise costs associated with temporary generated power· Ongoing maintenance cost savings· Lower running costs· Quick payback on investment· Improved network resilience |
| Replacing non-age expired HV equipment | Replacing serviceable transformers may seem counter intuitive to most engineers. However, depending on load profiles, replacing with modern high efficiency low loss units can still prove to be a sound investment, and one that delivers a fast payback, reduced ongoing energy bills and improved carbon credentials. | · Reduced energy costs· Improved carbon credentials |
| Asset Upgrades | A new production line or expansion of your facility may require the replacement of an under rated transformer for something more capable for the task ahead. The replacement transformer will also have the benefit much more efficient and therefore will start delivering per unit energy cost savings from the moment it is powered up. | · Increased capacity· Reduced per unit energy costs |
| Replacing redundant equipment | Rationalising a high voltage network by replacing large underutilised switchboards for something modern and compact may be the right choice for your business and at the same time reduce the costly burden of maintaining redundant equipment. | · Reduced maintenance costs· Improved network resilience |
And last but by no means least the government’s Asset Investment Allowance (AIA) provides tax relief on new assets purchased for your business (up to a maximum annual allowance). This means that 100% of the cost of the investment comes out of pre-tax business profits thus providing tax relief to the value of the asset replacement, including installation costs. This is another great benefit to businesses who are looking to secure their long-term security of supplies, maximise cost saving efficiencies and reduce health and safety risks in the workplace. For 2020 (up to the 31st December) the maximum allowance has been set at £1 million – the highest figure ever set by the UK government since the scheme began in 2008!
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