New Power

UKPN to explore local hydrogen production and use to replace emergency diesel generators

New Power — Tue, 26 May 2026 15:32:29 +0000

UK Power Networks has begun the early development stage of a project that could provide backup power for communities, by using hydrogen produced locally at times when there is excess power being generated. It is working with hydrogen specialists The First Element, and engineers Frazer Nash Consultancy on the hydrogen backup system, dubbed SHARED (Smart Hydrogen and Resilient Energy Decarbonisation), which would combine an electrolyser, fuel cell and hydrogen storage.
The initial six-month project phase is focusing on developing the first of a kind unit, identifying the types of rural locations where it could be used, and testing the design requirements. If the project is successful, later phases would include test deployment.
Currently the alternative to such a system is diesel generators, which typically have to be transported on a lorry to rural locations. In the new concept the electrolyser produces hydrogen when demand for electricity is low, such as overnight. This hydrogen is then stored on site and converted into electricity through the fuel cell when needed. The system would be monitored, allowing for quick action when needed and reducing the need for engineers to travel to site.
The plan is for a modular design that can be scaled up to support a single home up to an entire village, and for periods up to several days. In this initial phase the team is looking at two module sizes, a 10kVA and 100kVA equivalent unit. They could be housed in a standard ISO containers or in the type of cubicles which are currently used for packaged distribution substations. The semi-permanent installation could be removed if additional electricity network development took place in the future.
David Francis, head of investment management and innovation at UK Power Networks, said: “SHARED gives us a chance to bring our rural customers the benefit of a more reliable power supply, and in a low carbon environmentally-friendly way. By using low cost hydrogen that can step in automatically during a power cut, we are exploring the potential to restore power in seconds”.

Ofgem to administer scheme to give bill discounts for houses near new high-power lines

New Power — Tue, 26 May 2026 11:26:21 +0000

Ofgem has been named as the administrator for the Bill Discount Scheme, which will give households that live near new electricity transmission infrastructure electricity bill discounts of up to £250 per year.
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) aims to lay regulations to implement the scheme in Summer 2026, with first payments due to households in early 2027. Ofgem’s role is to ensure the payments reach eligible households within the scheme timescales. Ofgem has said that an Administration Consultation on the delivery of the scheme will be published by July and will run for six weeks. It will seek views on key aspects of Ofgem’s plans, including identifying eligibility of households and setting up delivery mechanisms and compliance arrangements.
The government intends for this scheme to offer the electricity bill discounts, of up to £250 a year for 10 years, to households living within 500m of new or significantly upgraded electricity transmission network infrastructure. It will be funded by an obligation on electricity suppliers who can pass the costs on via customer bills.
In a consultation response in March, DESNZ said “We are conscious that this is a novel scheme; we plan to hold 2 review points within the first 5 years of delivery to gain a detailed understanding of the scheme’s roll-out, which will be informed by monitoring and evaluation activity”.
DESNZ declined to exclude second homes from the discount, saying it was “too administratively complex to exclude them” and they could not be identified. However, it said “we intend to continue exploring the feasibility of developing and introducing an exclusion once the scheme has launched”.

GBE-N appoints companies to provide data to support new nuclear at Oldbury

New Power — Tue, 26 May 2026 11:03:08 +0000

Great British Energy -Nuclear has signed up Jacobs to develop environmental baseline data for the Oldbury site in South Gloucestershire.
Oldbury, on the south bank of the Severn river, had two Magnox reactors totalling over 400MW that began operation in 1967 and 1968 and were closed in 2011 and 2012. The government bought the site back from Hitachi in 2024, along with another nuclear site at Wylfa, after Hitachi abandoned plans to build reactors there.
With AtkinsRealis and AECOM as subconsultants, the three companies will form a “multidisciplinary team to support environmental surveys, impact assessments and regulatory approvals,” said Jacobs “ to inform future potential planning, design and permitting decisions”.
Oldbury Great British Energy – Nuclear Chief Executive Simon Roddy added: “As part of our role to position Oldbury for nuclear development, it’s important we continue to deepen our understanding of the site with various packages of work, such as ground investigations and archaeological surveys…”
The contract builds on initial site characterisation activities and will help assess the suitability of the Oldbury site for potential nuclear development.

DESNZ steps back from proposal to require solar over car parks

New Power — Tue, 26 May 2026 10:46:54 +0000

DESNZ has said it will not take forward plans to require car parks to install PV canopies.
A DESNZ spokesperson said: “After careful consideration and close engagement with industry, we have decided against mandating solar panels on new car parks. Solar remains central to our clean power mission, and we continue to support solar panels on new buildings – including in carparks – through the Future Buildings Standard.”
The proposal was the subject of a call for evidence from 7 May to 18 June last year, alongside planning for EV chargers. The consultation sought evidence and feedback on a proposal to mandate the introduction of solar canopies on new outdoor car parks and explore opportunities for deployment on existing car parks, above a certain size. It included car parks in both public and private ownership.
However, responses suggested that there was a risk that the benefits of solar canopies in car parks would not outweigh the upfront costs.
However the option for new non-domestic buildings to install PV canopies remains open via the Future Buildings Standard. Under this standard new non-domestic buildings are expected to install solar equivalent to 40% of the building’s ground floor area, which could be met either through rooftop solar or car park canopies.

Collaboration aims to decarbonise constriction sites

New Power — Tue, 26 May 2026 10:46:07 +0000

Hitachi Energy and Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on developing end-to-end approaches for zero-emission construction sites.
The collaboration brings together electric construction equipment with clean power supply, energy management, and system integration capabilities.
The companies say that while electrification, automation, and efficient resource and asset planning offer clear pathways to reduce emissions, transitioning from individual electric machines to fully functioning zero emission construction sites requires a coordinated ecosystem of solutions and effective system integration across equipment, power infrastructure, and energy management systems.
They will work on a non-exclusive basis to assess potential technical and commercial concepts for zero-emission construction and manufacturing operations, with a focus on system integration and site-level operational execution. The scope includes joint work on business models, go to market approaches, and aftermarket and support considerations.
“Electrification is a game changer in the decarbonization puzzle, particularly for hard to abate environments such as construction sites,” said Niklas Persson, CEO of Grid Integration at Hitachi Energy. “As construction operations become more electric and more complex, success depends less on individual technologies and more on system level integration, strong execution, and close collaboration with partners like Volvo CE who share our ambition to enable zero emission construction at scale.”
The initial focus is business and go to market oriented, emphasizing practical, plug and play approaches to help customers simplify the transition to zero emission construction sites.

Community funding window opens in Suffolk and Essex

New Power — Tue, 26 May 2026 09:58:24 +0000

Community groups across Suffolk and Essex have been invited to apply by 26 June for grants of up to £20,000 to support local projects, as National Grid launches a new community fund linked to its Bramford to Twinstead electricity network upgrade. 
Charities, volunteer groups, clubs and parish councils can all apply to secure funding for projects that will deliver practical benefits in communities closest to the route. The Local Fund forms part of a wider £4.2 million community funding programme linked to the Bramford to Twinstead Reinforcement project.
The Local Fund will support 
• Improving community spaces and helping buildings save energy 
• Supporting physical health, mental well being and social connection 
• Protecting the environment and improving access to green spaces 
• Creating opportunities for young people, education and skills 
• Helping communities respond to cost-of-living pressures  
Grant levels up to £5,000,  £10,000  and £20,000 are available.
Applications will be managed by independent partner Localgiving.   The application window for the first round of funding closes on 26 June. Full eligibility guidance, application details and a postcode checker are available here.

Connections and local balancing among innovation challenges

New Power — Thu, 21 May 2026 10:23:14 +0000

Ofgem has set five strategic challenges to be addressed in its Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) for energy network innovation, and announced an application window will open on 27 May.
The challnenes are:
Industrial and business connection acceleration Major new strategic industrial sites can be energised and operational within six months by 2033
Faster build and maintenance 50% faster, 20% cheaper network build and maintenance by 2035
Instant use domestic energy devices Enable instant, plug-and-play connections of domestic energy devices and appliances by 2032
Eliminating energy outages Near-zero interruptions via autonomous reconfiguring and islanding of any section of the network by 2038
Decentralised system balancing Deliver products and services to prove the viability of autonomous local balancing and optimisation of networks at every level by 2034
The so-called ‘Cycle 6’ competition will be open for project team applications through the SIF’s multiphase approach:
• Discovery: many projects, feasibility studies lasting up to 5 months, up to £200k
• Alpha: fewer projects, proof of concept lasting up to eight months, up to £650k
• Beta: few projects, large-scale, real-world demonstrator developments lasting up to 5 years, multimillion-pound funding
• Deployment: focus on the deployment of the proven solution into business as usual, SIF funding starts at £500

Climate Change Committee warns over the cost of inaction on adapting to changing climate

New Power — Thu, 21 May 2026 10:17:56 +0000

Climate Change Committee report ‘A Well-Adapted UK’ said that by 2050, 92% of homes are likely to overheat, peak river flows will be up to 45% higher and water supply shortfalls could exceed five billion litres per day.
The Committee proposed investment of around £11 billion a year, split between public and private funding.  It said the cost of inaction is far greater than the cost of acting now.
Baroness Brown, Chair of the Adaptation Committee, said:
“Our lives, our landscapes and our homes are under increasing pressure from the changing climate. But we are not powerless. In an increasingly unstable world, being well adapted to climate change is fundamental to securing our food, energy and economic security.  
“This report carries a message of hope. The solutions already exist, and proven technologies are available now to help the UK adapt effectively. With the right decisions and actions, we can protect the people and the places we love.
“We can protect patients and residents in overheated hospitals and care homes, children in nurseries and schools, and communities facing repeated flooding. We can support our farmers to maintain our food supplies. We can keep sports pitches usable, high streets open for business, and iconic British music festivals running safely.
“The public want to see change and the government now has an opportunity to step up and protect our way of life.”
[Hear directly from Professor Dame Julia King, Baroness Brown of Cambridge, who will give the 12th BIEE Future of Energy Lecture at The Royal Society on Thursday 4 June 2026. Book here ]

The industry responds:

Charles Wood, Deputy Director of Policy (Systems), EnergyUK:
“The energy sector has a long history of including climate adaptation measures when planning for new infrastructure and is constantly assessing risks for existing power stations and networks. Extreme weather events make it more important than ever to consistently assess ways to increase resilience across electricity generation and network infrastructure, avoiding the most disruption in the long-term.
“Today’s report underscores the importance of climate adaptation and resilience, highlighting the wide range of solutions that already exist to ensure the long-term resilience of the energy system and our homes and businesses. More than ever, the cost of inaction outweighs the cost of addressing climate change and its impacts on the UK.”

Tom Fewins, Head of External Affairs, Aldersgate Group:
“Today’s report identifies critical risks facing people, businesses and the UK’s economic security as climate risks intensify. Across the country, businesses are already confronting a future where buildings become too hot to work in, transport infrastructure is disrupted by flooding and supply chains are increasingly exposed to water stress.
“But as laid out by the CCC, these risks are manageable, and our response can also unlock major economic opportunities. The UK is well-placed to continue leading in climate adaptation, with strengths in engineering, life sciences and financial and professional services.
“Businesses are ready to play their part. This means providing the certainty businesses need, both in terms of policy and regulation, where they can see Government has a clear plan to make Britain fit for a climate changed future. From setting clear standards and using public procurement to targeting public investment and supporting businesses to innovate, there is so much that Government can – and must – do to support businesses in building a resilient and futureproof economy for us all.”

Charlotte Lee, CEO, Heat Pump Association UK:
“This report is a clear warning that the UK can no longer treat cooling as an afterthought. As we face more frequent and dangerous heatwaves, we must prepare our buildings- including homes, schools, offices and care settings for a future of more extreme temperatures. Heat pumps offer a practical long-term solution with many systems providing both efficient heating in winter and cooling in summer from the same technology. It is a timely reminder of the need to futureproof our buildings and energy systems now.
“Alongside accelerating the rollout of clean heating and cooling technologies, we should maximise the use of waste heat and invest in better insulation, shading and ventilation across homes and public buildings. By taking a whole-building approach, we can improve comfort, reduce pressure on the grid and better protect vulnerable people from the growing risks of extreme heat.”

Olivia Powis, CEO, CCSA:
“Today’s report is a stark reminder that climate change is already affecting lives, livelihoods and critical infrastructure across the UK.
“The Climate Change Committee is right to call for urgent action to strengthen the UK’s resilience to extreme weather. Alongside adaptation measures, the UK must continue accelerating emissions reduction and investment in resilient low-carbon infrastructure.
“CCUS technologies are essential to achieving this. They enable industries to decarbonise while protecting jobs, supporting energy security and helping the UK reach net zero at pace.”

Sue Ferns, Senior Deputy General Secretary, Prospect trade union:
“As the report sets out, funding decarbonisation is important but with some effects of climate change now baked in it is vital we also invest in adaptation and do so in a coordinated way.
“The focus on workers is welcome. Our resilience depends on protecting the people who deliver the goods and services upon which we all depend, and we look forward to working with the relevant bodies so we can get the regulation and guidance right.
“Regulation on its own is not enough though. The government must deliver a step-change in funding for the relevant bodies, such as the Health & Safety Executive, to ensure that new regulations can be effectively enforced and updated guidance properly adhered to.”

Four projects to share £25M ‘green heat’ funding

New Power — Wed, 20 May 2026 06:35:56 +0000

Four projects will each receive a share of over £25 million in a new award from the Green Heat Network Fund (GHNF), while the GHNF will be extended to Wales from Round 12 applications.
Vattenfall, as part of Bristol City Leap, has been awarded £13.5 million to construct the Temple Quarter heat network project. The project will bring together the existing Temple, Old Market and Redcliffe heat networks into one connected system using the existing water-source heat pump at Castle Park and prepare for a future connection to the Bath Road Energy Centre once developed.
The King’s Cross Group has secured £8.6 million in construction funding for the next phase of the King’s Cross Heating & Cooling Network. The funding will help decarbonise the established heat network, which serves more than 1,750 homes and 44 buildings. The project will support the transition of the network through a combination of ground and air source heat pumps, electric boilers and heat recovery from the existing cooling system.
Vital Energi has been awarded £2.2 million for a heat network that will provide low-carbon heating to 1,700 proposed homes in Atherstone, North Warwickshire. The project will harness waste heat from the Baddesley Energy from Waste facility nearby.
Construction of the network is set to begin in Spring 2027, with ‘heat on’ expected later in 2028. The network is also planned to connect to Aldi’s national headquarters in phase 1 of the network’s phased construction process and future connections are currently being explored to ensure the network is embedded into the wider Atherstone community.
Rochdale Borough Council has been awarded £1 million commercialisation funding for the Rochdale Town Centre district heat network. The project will connect 28GWh of low carbon heat to public, private and residential buildings across Rochdale Town Centre.
The heat network will harness heat from the local sewer, with construction planned to start in 2029. The network will initially be backed up by gas boilers, before eventually moving to a fully electric system.
The Green Heat Network Fund (GHNF) is a multi-year, capital grant fund that opened to applicants in March 2022, with funding allocated up to 2029/30. It will provide support to organisations in the public, private, and third sectors in England and Wales.
Martin McCluskey, Minister for Energy Consumers, said: “The conflict in the Middle East has shown once again why we must get off the fossil fuel rollercoaster and onto clean, homegrown power we control. Heat networks will play a crucial role in that shift, lowering bills for whole communities while strengthening our energy security.
“That’s why we’re upgrading old and inefficient systems and investing in modern, low-cost networks fit for the future.”

InstaVolt rolling out batteries across more EV charging sites

New Power — Thu, 14 May 2026 04:04:27 +0000

EV charging network InstaVolt has announced the opening of five new battery storage sites, which it says will help future-proof its charging hubs against rising grid costs and connection delays.
The five sites, each representing an investment of approximately £500,000, bring the total number of battery-equipped InstaVolt locations to eight. At least 20 further sites are planned before the end of 2026, with additional locations across Wisbech, Knutsford, Cheltenham, Blyth, Stockton-on-Tees, Penrith, York, and Thirsk already confirmed for the following financial year.
Delvin Lane, CEO, InstaVolt, said: “Battery storage is one of the most powerful tools we have for accelerating the switch to electric. It lets us deploy faster, manage our costs more effectively, and pass genuine savings on to drivers. Our batteries charge overnight when energy is cheaper and cleaner, and we draw on that stored power during the more expensive daytime hours. That saving goes to the consumer.”
The programme addresses two structural pressures that are intensifying across the public charging sector: escalating network demand charges, which increase in line with peak power draw, and grid connection delays that are holding back deployment of the rapid charging infrastructure the UK needs.
By integrating on-site battery storage, InstaVolt says its sites can draw power from stored reserves during peak charging periods, reducing exposure to demand tariffs and meaningfully increasing the total power available to drivers at any given moment. Sites can also open on smaller initial grid connections, with battery capacity compensating for the gap, cutting deployment timelines significantly.
The five sites are:
Hadfer Ltd at Bwch Moch Cafe (opened March 2026)
National Co-op at 311 Lower Addiscombe Road (opened March 2026)
Burney Group at Harwich 2 (opened April 2026)
BNP Paribas at Northampton Williams Way (opened April 2026)
Three Trees Farm Shop and Cafe (opened April 2026).
The company also said its Winchester Superhub is also supplemented by on-site solar. In March it said 91% of all energy sold was delivered during peak hours between 7am and 8pm, even though 89% of energy purchased from the grid was during off-peak hours and stored in the batteries.