Aiming to be the UK’s largest free case study-led conference programme, this year’s Energy Event lined up a host of high-calibre speakers alongside an exhibition of around 150 leading suppliers, brokers, manufacturers and service providers.
The show hit the ground running with a Day One keynote speech on the future of the UK energy market from Energy and Climate Change Minister Charles Hendry. His address at the Energy Insight Conference touched on topics such as Electricity Market Reform, the CRC energy efficiency scheme, the Green Deal — and he discussed what he believes will be the required energy mix to address the UK’s future energy gap and secure energy supply.
And the event drew complimentary comments from among the 2000 visitors on the opening day:
"It's a really good day. Speakers are great. Karren Brady was fantastic!" — Carbon Manager, Lloyds Banking Group.
"This is my first time here. It has been very useful for networking. There is a good selection of exhibitors." — Energy Engineering, Weetabix Ltd.
"Extremely informative. I like the new venue — great layout. There is a very good range of exhibitors and some great incentives a the event which have made it an interactive experience." — Energy Manager, London Borough of Waltham Forest.
"The event is really good. I really like the seminars and speakers. Charles Hendry's presentation was very informative." — Environment & Energy Manager, Surrey Police.
Now in its 11th year, for 2011 The Energy Event moved across the road from the National Motorcycle Museum and into the NEC where the line-up of speakers included radio and TV presenter John Humphrys; vice-chairman of West Ham United and Alan Sugar's aide on The Apprentice, Karren Brady; and former DG of the CBI Lord Digby Jones. Conference and seminar sessions tackled a host of topics of concern to energy managers:
- Gain a deeper understanding of Feed-In-Tarrifs and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme — how can you benefit?
- Take away practical knowledge from industry experts, ready for implementation
- Discover the actual results of technology and new solutions: what can you expect to achieve?
- Learn how to benchmark and report the results of measures you’ve implemented
- Overcome resistance to new measures and demonstrate the ROI of solutions you’re implementing
- Understand how to have the greatest impact on your energy use
- with lowest risk and lowest possible investment
Organiser Emap says The Energy Event is aimed at all businesses, large and small, wanting to get a grip of their energy use, comply with legislation and procure energy more intelligently. The seminars, lectures and exhibition were relevant to CEOs, FDs and MDs, to energy and facilities managers, engineers and consultants, and to policy makers and influencers.
Nord Pool Spot a sponsor for Energy Insight Conference
Operator of the largest market for electrical energy — almost 340 companies from 18 countries trade on the exchange — Nord Pool Spot sponsored the event's Energy Insight Conference. Nord Pool Spot’s CEO, Mikael Lundin, also delivered a presentation during day two of the conference on 'Energy Procurement – The Value of an Exchange'. He said: “Nord Pool Spot is pleased to be supporting The Energy Event. We see this as a unique opportunity to engage with large-end industrial companies to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the UK power market”. www.nordpoolspot.com
Take a closer look at power quality
Carlo Gavazzi UK showed its range of energy meters and power quality analysers, with demonstrations of its latest energy management devices and MID meters to meet the requirements of commercial buildings, industry and production facilities and infrastructures.
Highlights included the EM-series of energy meters and analysers, which are designed for use with PV and wind power grid-connected systems and feature a number of benefits such as a wide and bright display, compact size, easy connection and easy programming using dedicated software. Also on show were the EM10 one-phase energy meter, EM11 one-phase network analyser, EM24 1/2/3-phase energy analyser, EM26 energy analyser with one/two/three-phase energy meter connection, EM21 three-phase energy meter with detachable display and the EM23 three-phase energy analyser. Meters are available with MID certification. www.carlogavazzi.co.uk
Converting to Smart meters
Using advanced sensor technology, Meter-Mimic from UPL can convert an existing meter into a ‘smart meter’ in around 20 minutes. Data is then transmitted via Meter-Mimic’s internal GPRS modem to a central server database. Couple with UPL's sophisticated data management system Energylive Pro — also on show at The Energy Event — and users get 24/7 access to the data needed to monitor and manage utility usage.
UPL says that Meter-Mimic can read every utility meter worldwide and needs no physical connections. It reads meters with and without a pulsed output and, with an adapter, one unit can read up to three utility meters. www.up-ltd.co.uk
Wireless systems provide remote energy monitoring
Radio-Tech's Observe and Economise wireless energy monitoring ranges were shown by Halma Water Management (HWM) — Radio-Tech is now part of HWM — with visitors being introduced to the company’s Observe and Economise systems.
HWM's technology can measure, record and analyse the energy consumption and allocation of resources. The Observe range focuses on environmental monitoring and has been designed to meet the Energy Saving Trust’s specification as outlined in 'Evaluating energy and carbon performance in the Retrofit for the Future demonstrator projects'. Observe even works seamlessly across multiple sites and projects by providing a web-based interface for remote data access and analysis.
Economise uses modular component sensors and remote telemetry to form a network of measurement points and parameters, from temperature and humidity levels to localised consumption of water, electricity and gas. This data is then routed through a centralised data collector, all completely wirelessly, which stores the information and acts as a secure server for data access and assisted analysis from the internet. www.hwm-water.com
Motor scrappage scheme available from Siemens
Through to the end of this year, Siemens Industry Automation & Drive Technologies (IA&DT) is running a motor scrappage scheme to ease the associated costs of the EU MEPS (European Minimum Energy Performance Standard) scheme which came into force in June. New legislation prevents the manufacture and sale of standard electric motors under IE2 (EFF1) class. All customers can claim a fixed allowance against any LV motors from any manufacturer through Siemens’ nationwide network of partners if they purchase a new Siemens IE2 motor from a partner, who will then collect the scrap motor.
“We have launched the motor scrappage scheme to assist our customers in industry in dealing with this new legislation," said Andrew Peters, divisional director for Drive Technologies at Siemens IA&DT. "We are offering this unique opportunity for all new and existing customers and hope that, combined with the Enhanced Capital Allowance (ECA) scheme, it provides an opportunity for them to replace inefficient motors while reducing the payback period. Electric motors are responsible for up to 70 per cent of energy use in industry, so it is clear that replacing the most inefficient motors can achieve tangible savings for our customers.” www.siemens.co.uk/lvmotor-scrappage-scheme
Focus on 'simplifying energy'
For consultancy EIC the focus of this year’s event was ‘simplifying energy’ — experts were on hand to help clarify the complex energy markets and the various procurement options available. EIC also hosted daily seminars at the event in the Hosted Content Area. EIC's ‘Simplifying Energy’ sessions explained what’s been happening in the energy market — and what’s likely to drive prices over the crucial winter months. Each session also outlined key buying strategies and how they work in a variety of market scenarios.
MD Simon Butterfield said, “At EIC we believe in delivering clear and concise advice. This ensures our clients can make confident and decisive choices about their energy purchasing strategy. At the Energy Event our experts offered ‘straight to the point’ advice to delegates on every aspect of energy.” www.eic.co.uk
Check out the hot spots with thermal imaging cameras
An underfloor heating panel on the FLIR Systems stand allowed visitors to put the company's range of thermal imaging cameras to the test. FLIR demonstrated its comprehensive B-Series range of cameras with dedicated features for speedy and effective detection of building faults and energy loss. Models extend from compact, troubleshooting models through to the highly powerful with every sophisticated feature necessary for advanced temperature measurement and analysis.
Latest additions to the company’s range are in the middle to high-end band. The new T600bx Series sets out to provide exceptional quality at surprisingly low price. Indeed, in that regard, these thermal imaging cameras are unique in their class. Both the T620bx and T640bx models are highly ergonomic and easy to use even when wearing personal protection equipment — and both are equipped with a state-of-the-art uncooled microbolometer detector that produces crisp, 640 x 480 pixel thermal images on which the smallest of details can be seen. Insulation and humidity alarms are standard features. www.flir.com
Report to link water efficiency to energy savings
The importance of the connection between water and energy — making the case for water efficiency measures as a way to reduce carbon emissions, as well as explaining the global threat of ‘cascading failure’ — was highlighted in a report launched at The Energy Event by water efficiency organisation Waterwise.
This link between water and energy has a little-known influence on carbon emissions, says Waterwise — yet five per cent of carbon emissions are the result of energy used to heat domestic water. In addition, a large portion of the world’s abstracted water is used for cooling power stations. In times of drought, the water in rivers can become too hot for cooling, or the river can drop below the minimum intake levels for power stations. On the other side, water requires a lot of energy to get to the end user — around one per cent of all carbon emissions in the UK come from pumping and treating water, and this interconnectivity means that the failure of one utility can lead to the failure of another.
Waterwise's report highlights these links and explore ways that water efficiency can help mitigate cascading failure and reduce carbon emissions. And on the back of this report, Waterwise says it will be speaking to the Government about the establishment of a water and energy working group. www.waterwise.org.uk
Compressed air efficiency and zero per cent finance from Atlas Copco
In addition to showing its energy efficient air compressors and blowers — and highlighting the performance and energy savings available when using fully integrated VSD technology — Atlas Copco also promoted its recently-launched zero per cent finance initiative designed to encourage investment in the latest energy-efficient compressed air solutions. Seen as a replacement for the withdrawn Carbon Trust zero per cent loans scheme, and offered through Atlas Copco Customer Finance, a wholly owned company within the Atlas Copco Group, loans can be anything from £1000 upwards and are not restricted just to SMEs. And neither are they tied solely to Atlas Copco products — just 50 per cent or more of the project must involve Atlas Copco equipment.
“The original Carbon Trust zero per cent loan scheme was a real boon for industry and we were involved in many projects which used the funding it provided," said Elwyn Smiles, Regional Sales Manager Northern Europe, Atlas Copco Customer Finance. "We do not want to see that affordable funding just disappear and so as part of our commitment to energy efficiency, the environment and the continued recovery of British industry, we are introducing our own zero per cent finance offering.” www.atlascopco.co.uk
