NEWS
UK businesses are pushing ahead with their net zero goals despite postponement of targets by the UK government, according to new research. Of companies surveyed with a workforce over 50, 96% said they would keep to their original targets, with 58% aiming for significant cutbacks within the next five years and 77% by 2030. The study, conducted by Vattenfall Network Solutions, surveyed 1,000 mid-sized industrial firms after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak relaxed a number of key net zero policies. Jim Watson, Director of the UCL Institute for Sustainable Resources, said the UK’s weakening of targets “risks increasing the costs by delaying the shift away from fossil fuels and reducing the economic benefits to the UK”. While 69% of companies with carbon reduction or net zero targets included electrification, solar PV or changes in energy use as part of their plans, 80% of respondents acknowledged guidance as necessary to meet their targets. www.group.vattenfall.com/uk UK businesses push on with net zero targets
Construction underway for first Ireland/ continental Europe interconnector
Work has commenced on the Celtic Interconnector project connecting east Cork in Ireland to the north- west coast of Brittany, France. The first interconnector between Ireland and continental Europe, the project will offer capacity to import and export enough electricity to power 450,000 homes. Construction is underway at Knockraha in east Cork, with subcontractor Sorensen Civil Engineering carrying out groundwork on behalf of cable manufacturer Nexans for EirGrid. Nexans will design and install the 575km cable between the two countries, while Siemens Energy will deliver a converter station
at Ballyadam, as well as high-voltage transmission technology required at the network connection point at Knockraha. Developed by EirGrid and its French counterpart, Réseau de Transport d’Electricité, the Celtic Interconnector is a 700MW high-voltage subsea power cable linking the electricity grids of Ireland and France. Michael Mahon, EirGrid Chief Infrastructure Officer, said, “This transformative project is set to act as a catalyst in assuring Ireland’s energy security, along with delivering many other benefits, including applying downward pressure on the cost of electricity to consumers in Ireland and France.” www.eirgrid.ie
Solar PV and electrification are among net zero solutions on the radar for mid-sized industrial firms.
ePower and Carra secure partnership with global electrification firm
Two Irish electric vehicle (EV) charging solution providers have been authorised as Value Providers with ABB, a global leader in electrification and automation. Howth-based Carra and Cork-based ePower have secured partnerships with ABB in its E-mobility domain of expertise in Ireland. ePower and Carra will have access to world-class products, technical backup and continuous training and assistance, available to EV equipment customers in Ireland requiring full turnkey solutions from design, supply and installation to ongoing charger management, maintenance and monetisation. Keith Colton, ABB Market Development Manager, E-Mobility, said, “ePower and Carra’s excellent reputation meant they very much fit in with the ethos of ABB’s Value Provider network. We’re now able to equip them with market- leading products and help them to deliver a first-class service to EV Charging Solutions customers.” The ABB Value Provider Program is a global partner programme for distributors, panel builders, service providers, system integrators and original equipment manufacturers. www.new.abb.com/ie
ePower and Carra will now have access to ABB’s world-class products and technical backup.
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