Despite a strong 2020 and 2021 for the UK Chemical sector, the economic headwinds faced throughout 2022 and so far in 2023 has put the industry in recessionary territory, having contracted in the last three quarters. This can be largely attributed to the increase in… Read More »Taking control of energy costs in UK chemical manufacturing
The Grid’s limited capabilities pose a real threat to the UK’s ability to switch from fossil fuel reliance to renewables. There are several hurdles that must be overcome in order to achieve low carbon power generation: Outdated infrastructure – The existing infrastructure was built to… Read More »Increasing difficulties connecting to the UK Grid
The revised F-gas regulations announced last April are expected to come into force in the UK and EU in 2024. The proposal aims to achieve a 95% reduction in F-gas availability by 2030, instead of the initial 75%. This steeper phase-down will be supported by tighter equipment regulations and… Read More »How can the F-Gas regulations be used as an opportunity to achieve early compliance and lower energy costs?
Last week, the European Commission announced their response to the US’ Inflation Reduction Act, similarly offering up large subsidies and other incentives for green industries. So, where does this leave the UK? Without being able to level the playing field, the UK runs a very… Read More »Is the UK at a competitive disadvantage in encouraging investment in green industries?
Food and drink prices are rising at the fastest rate since 1977, hitting a 16.9% inflation rate in December. So, what is to blame? Energy prices are a large overhead for food manufacturers, and the wholesale price of gas and electricity has increased significantly over… Read More »Are food and drink manufacturers to blame for rising prices?
Cold stores operate 24/7 with a semi-fixed refrigeration infrastructure, so short of replacing that refrigeration equipment what can they do to reduce their energy costs ? First focus should be on efficiency (reducing kWh consumed). There are three main practical areas that should be acted on:1. Physical… Read More »What can cold stores do to reduce energy costs?
Challenges facing energy intensive businesses in 2023? 2023 promises to be an interesting year for energy intensive businesses with the Energy Bill Relief Scheme (EBRS) ending on 31 March. The Treasury is reviewing a successor to the EBRS from 1 April, but fewer industries are expected to qualify… Read More »Challenges facing energy intensive businesses in 2023?
As part of the Autumn statement the Government announced that from 2025 it would double its annual investment in energy efficiency measures, with the intent of reducing energy consumption 15% by 2030. This shows a level of acknowledgement towards the importance of managing energy usage.… Read More »Government committing £6.6bn to improve energy efficiency of buildings and industry.
The war in Ukraine has highlighted the issue of energy security. It also highlights the reliance on the long-time scales and funding vulnerability of major projects in the climate of rising interest rates. Sizewell C is expected to generate up to 7% of the UK’s… Read More »Is the Sizewell C nuclear plant the right way forward?
Is now the time to consider CHP? Combined heat and power (CHP) has played a valuable role for many organisations in generating both electricity and heat “behind the meter” and saved many tens of millions of pounds in the process. At pre-energy crisis levels, a… Read More »Is now the time to consider CHP?