A SPOTLIGHT ON THE UK’S ENERGY SECTOR
S PA R K I N G CHANGE IN THE ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY As the powerhouse behind one of the UK’s most crucial industries, we discuss net zero targets and solutions with former CEO Howard Porter and current CEO Yselkla Farmer, as the British Electrical and Manufacturing Association undergoes its own transition Writer: Rachel Carr | Project Manager: Deane Anderton
T
he global energy sector is rapidly changing as the world faces a climate crisis. The UK, in particular, is renowned as a world leader in cutting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions faster than any other G7 economy. However, the retail energy market, responsible for delivering vital changes to help households and businesses reach net zero, has suffered a setback
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as the government has changed its energy policies. The British Electrical and Manufacturing Association (BEAMA) is the UK trade association for manufacturers, providing energy infrastructure technologies and systems. BEAMA has sent a letter to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, stating the detrimental effect of moving the UK’s green targets.
BRITISH ELECTRICAL AND MANUFACTURING ASSOCIATION (BEAMA) INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT
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THE UK ENERGY INDUSTRY IN NUMBERS industry,” declares Howard Porter, former CEO of BEAMA. Modern technologies such as • £149 billion in economic activity across the energy sector and electric vehicles (EVs) and heat supply chain pumps are more efficient than vehicles with internal combustion • 66 percent emissions reduction in the power sector since 1990 engines (ICEs) and gas heaters; • 56 percent of electricity generated from low-carbon sources in therefore, the potential for long-term 2022 financial gains has increased. Today, BEAMA has around 40 EV • 48,459 EV charging points across 29,062 UK locations, infrastructure manufacturers within representing a 42 percent increase since August 2022 its membership, which signifies the change within the energy and utilities sector. However, with the net zero target being pushed back after the UK government made critical policy changes, BEAMA is Representing over 200 companies, from start-ups to concerned about the manufacturers it represents as their small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and large products are essential to energy security, affordability, and multinationals, BEAMA’s members ensure that low-carbon energy and environmental grid services are delivered decarbonisation. “The real challenge facing BEAMA as a trade body is safely, securely, and efficiently to the UK’s homes, that we represent a wide range of suppliers in the electrical businesses, transport, and grid networks. space. The sector benefits from how we deliver services “BEAMA was formed 115 years ago, but the focus of our for members because we can facilitate conversations activities has changed. When I started in 1988, there was no strategy on climate change and very little on energy between heat pump manufacturers and EV charging point manufacturers,” adds Yselkla Farmer, BEAMA’s new CEO. efficiency. BEAMA has subsequently helped to evolve the • £100 billion planned investment in new energy sources over the next decade
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BRITISH ELECTRICAL AND MANUFACTURING ASSOCIATION (BEAMA) INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT
A CHARGED STATEMENT As recently as six months ago, the UK government’s Powering Up Britain document stated that it was “setting a clear policy framework on energy security and net zero”. This month’s public statement from the Prime Minister discussed slowing efforts to reduce dependency on fossil fuels, which is not only expensively volatile in cost but also jeopardises the economic benefits and opportunities that the transition towards net zero brings in terms of employment. “Our focus is now on low-carbon technologies, and net zero is currently at the forefront of what we do as an organisation. From BEAMA’s perspective, we are moving to a future where every member is committed to net zero,” explains Farmer. “All companies must do what they can to alleviate climate change and work together to develop an entirely electrical future,” Porter adds. For example, businesses can invest and innovate to reduce the cost of low-carbon technologies needed for EVs and heat pumps. However, when making such long-term investments, these companies need certainty and stability as any sudden change to net zero policies or targets could be damaging. EME Outlook Issue 55 | 5
BRITISH ELECTRICAL AND MANUFACTURING ASSOCIATION (BEAMA) INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT
“A L L C O M P A N I E S M U S T D O W H AT T H E Y C A N T O A L L E V I AT E C L I M AT E C H A N G E A N D W O R K T O G E T H E R T O D E V E L O P A N E N T I R E LY E L E C T R I C A L F U T U R E ” – H O WA R D P O R T E R , F O R M E R C E O , B E A M A
According to Farmer, investors need certainty and commitment from the government, and UK net zero targets represent a huge opportunity for employment and inward investment in the energy sector. However, the progress made in the energy industry is now suffering a setback due to instability caused by the government’s statement, as businesses and finance markets are conflicted about the suitability of investment in clean technology. Despite the delayed green targets, the transition to a more sustainable and resilient energy system continues to be a priority for the UK electrical industry and its stakeholders. The industry has continued to grow, evolve, and make substantial efforts to move towards renewable energy resources. 6 | EME Outlook Issue 55
The bombshell government announcement outlined plans to shelve the 2030 ban on selling new petrol and diesel cars for five years. Broader global trends towards cleaner energy are reflected in the growth of the UK’s EV sector, so if the scheduled ban on petrol and diesel car sales was to go ahead, the boost to the electrical manufacturing industry would have accelerated the development of EV infrastructure. “A lot of innovation is happening, but the EV charging network is one of our most significant growth areas,” Farmer confirms. The new approach has also loosened the 2035 phasing out of gas boiler sales when landlords will not be obliged to insulate their rental properties to a higher standard. The phasing in of heat pumps, meanwhile, allows consumers to stop relying on ever-more expensive gas.
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“OUR FOCUS IS NOW ON LOW-CARBON T E C H N O L O G I E S , A N D N E T Z E R O I S C U R R E N T LY AT T H E F O R E F R O N T O F W H AT W E D O A S A N O R G A N I S AT I O N ” – Y S E L K L A FA R M E R , C E O , B E A M A
FACING THE FUTURE BEAMA will change and evolve over the next five to 10 years as renewable energy continues to significantly grow, particularly in the offshore wind sector. During the energy transition, the national grid will also need significant investments and changes to enable the energy transition. “BEAMA needs a new vision to take it forward to become the leading organisation of the electrification of Britain – the vast majority of products required for that are 8 | EME Outlook Issue 55
under BEAMA’s umbrella,” Porter observes. “In terms of BEAMA’S future vision, it represents some sectors that are growing dramatically. The EV sector is one of them, and our focus isn’t just on EV charging infrastructure, but on electric transport overall,” elaborates Farmer. The UK can create a modern, world-leading energy system fit for the 21st century that delivers energy for everyone. The goal of net zero is an opportunity for a
BRITISH ELECTRICAL AND MANUFACTURING ASSOCIATION (BEAMA) INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT
greener and more prosperous country. “We are entering a challenging period. Some market areas have stagnated for too long, and we must progress. Our extensive growth areas are in EVs, electricity networks, and smart buildings, which come from our unique position in representing the full breadth of the supply chain. As a result, BEAMA now represents over 90 percent of the market,” states Farmer. As the industry embraces digital tools for design, simulation, and maintenance, Porter will continue to develop a digital twin after retiring from BEAMA for the UK’s energy systems, which means changing the grid assets in the cloud and then designing and implementing them at a physical level. The industry’s future is characterised by sustainability, efficiency, and innovation as it adapts to meet the world’s evolving energy needs and environmental challenges. Meanwhile, the rest of the year for BEAMA includes an upcoming annual event, which brings all its members
together with the government and key stakeholders from the utilities sector. “Jonathan Reynolds, Shadow Secretary of State for Business and Trade, will be a keynote speaker at November’s event, but the primary focus is to recap the year and look ahead at our strategy to discuss and close in on the delivery of net zero,” Farmer concludes.
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HEAVY LIFTING ENGINEERS Gabriel started out on his own in 1983 before officially setting up the business. The company was founded in 1989 by Gabriel O’Brien with one 15-tonne mobile crane on his books. Since then, the fleet has grown to one of the largest in Ireland, boasting over 50 cranes within its ranks. Gabriel now runs the company alongside his sons, Conor, Darragh and Bobby.
The entire fleet of cranes is kept in pristine condition, with a complete update carried out within the last three years. This commitment to keeping its equipment up to date has led to the company owning Ireland’s only Self Propelled Modular Transporter, an item that makes all the difference when it comes to lifting projects by being able to transport the massive hardware that can be needed to complete complicated works. Gabriel O’Brien Crane Hire has a range of cranes for hire that spans from 800-tonne mobile and 11350 crawler cranes down to 3.5-tonne spider cranes that can fit in the tightest of spaces. These are used in a wide variety of onshore and offshore industries, including the construction, oil, and wind energy sectors. The company is available 24 hours a day and offers a comprehensive service, from its free site inspection to the execution of a lift; including detailed pre-planning, fully qualified operatives, and unrivalled attention to detail. It is this thorough nature that led to the organisation being taken on to complete Cloncreen Windfarm and Lisheen 3 Windfarm as two of its recent projects alongside Clogheravaddy Windfarm in the last ten months. Across the process of each lift, the engineering expertise of Gabriel O’Brien Crane Hire shines through. Its staff are certified in both Ireland and the UK and equipped for manual handling and working at heights, and the team has a vast knowledge of lifting across a whole range of industries. Its planning process includes full CAD drawings of how the lift will be carried out, using the most modern engineering expertise to work around wind resistance, underfoot conditions and any other factors which may influence the lift.
This all goes towards ensuring that all work is completed in the most hassle-free yet fully secure environment for its clients. Due to its detailed planning and proven track record, Gabriel O’Brien Crane Hire have been trusted with some of the most challenging projects across Ireland and the UK. Its impeccable safety record goes together with its attention to detail in both the preparation and carrying out of all lifts. Most of the work is done before any lift takes place, with site investigation and careful planning, including RAMS (Risk Assessment Method Statements) and 3D CAD drawings being created to map out even the most complex projects in detail. All of this combines to make Gabriel O’Brien Crane Hire a company to trust with your project lifts.
BRITISH ELECTRICAL AND MANUFACTURING ASSOCIATION (BEAMA) Rotherwick House, 3 Thomas More Street, London, E1W 1YZ T: +44 (0) 20 7793 3000 F:+44 (0) 20 7793 3003 E: info@beama.org.uk www.beama.org.uk
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