Lighting up Britain

British GasLangage power station p24

National GridTraining Centre p26

E.ONP2 Pelamis Wave Machine p22

“The power and gas sector has shown particular resilience within most regions during the recession, being one of only a few sectors to increase jobs at a time when generally unemployment was on the rise.”Powering the UK – Ernst & Young report (September 2011)

Some of Britain’s Energy Expertise

SSEGreater Gabbard Wind Farm p28

EDF EnergyLondon Warm Zone p34Good Energy

Delabole Wind Farm p30

E.ON Smart Meter Centre of Excellence p32

Scottish PowerWhitelee Wind Farm p14

Energy UKHome Heat Helpline p16

EDF EnergyHunterston and Torness power stations p18

SSETraining Centre p20

RWE npowerAberthaw power station p8

RWE npowerHealth Through Warmthp10

British Gas Green Skills Centre p12

Scottish PowerPowerwise p6

Foreword

The energy industry has a crucial role to play in our economic recovery. Research from Ernst & Young shows that the power and gas sector contributed £28 billion to the wider UK economy in 2010 and contributed more to the nations and regions than many other sectors.

Almost £17 billion was invested in the sector between 2008 and 2010. And around 45,000 new jobs were created.

A great many of these new jobs require a skilled workforce, And the industry has been investing significantly to train people around the country to the necessary high standards.

This report highlights examples of investments large and small that companies have been making in low-carbon generation, skills, education and in schemes to help the most vulnerable people in society.

The energy industry stands ready to invest further, leading the way in creating jobs and driving innovation.

5

Christine McGourtyDirector of Energy UK

ScottishPowerPowerwisePioneering safety education programme in Wales

In February 2011, ScottishPower began the next phase of its primary school safety education programme in Llanystumdwy when pupils at Ysgol Llanystumdwy were paid a visit by the energy company’s specialist safety teacher – assisted by Sparky the Crow.

Pupils from Reception to Year 6 took part in lively interactive sessions which taught them how to identify potential electrical safety hazards. This ranged from household dangers, such as the risk of using cutlery to retrieve bread from a toaster, to staying safe near substations and overhead power lines outdoors.

Mrs Davey, Head Teacher at Ysgol Llanystumdwy, said: “The lesson was very professional and very worthwhile – the children have thoroughly enjoyed the experience.”

• ScottishPower’s Powerwise education programme, in the Manweb distribution area, is focused on making primary school children more aware of the dangers of electricity.

• It has been delivered to over 330,000 school children. The programme is delivered bilingually to schools in Wales and is supported by a bilingual interactive website.

The lesson was very professional and very worthwhile – the children have thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Sparky the Crow with ScottishPower’s specialist safety teacher

WALES

76

RWE npowerAberthaw power stationFlexible power from coal – teaching the next generation

The Climate Cops programme shows young people how they can take a lead in being greener at home and school. By the end of the year, over 1,000 South Wales primary school pupils will have taken part in its activities. The Aberthaw Centre will also be used for local community events and as a training centre for power station staff.

Phil Allen, Aberthaw Power Station Manager, said: “We hope that many people from across the region will be able to benefi t from the new Centre for Energy and Environment here at Aberthaw. We want the centre itself to be an example of sustainability and energy effi ciency, providing the perfect setting for young people to learn about these important issues.”

• Aberthaw can generate 1,500MW of electricity which is enough power to meet the needs of around 1.5 million people.

• npower have recently completed a £230 million environmental upgrade, making Aberthaw one of the most effi cient coal-fi red power stations in the UK.

• The power station also contributes around £50 million to the Welsh economy every year.

• In January 2011, building work was completed on the construction of the £1 million Aberthaw Centre for Energy and Environment. The Centre will deliver interactive educational programmes, building on the work of npower’s Climate Cops programme

We hope that many people from across the region will be able to benefi t from the new Centre for Energy and Environment here at Aberthaw.

WALES

Aberthaw power station, South Wales

98

RWE npowerHealth Through WarmthWorking together in Wales for warmer homes and better health

Doreen Byrne, aged 62 from Barry, in the Vale of Glamorgan, has severe arthritis and diabetes. She contacted the Health Through Warmth Co-ordinator in March 2011 and needed a new boiler. Doreen was not eligible for a government grant, so a contribution of £1,185 was made by The Royal British Legion as Doreen’s late husband had served in the Armed Forces. The remaining balance of £1,185 was obtained from the unique npower Health Through Warmth Crisis Fund.

Doreen said: “I didn’t think I was eligible for any help until I contacted npower Health Through Warmth. I couldn’t be more thankful for what the scheme has done for me and for the organisations that came forward to provide funding. The new boiler and radiators have been invaluable.”

• npower runs the Health Through Warmth Programme which provides targeted support to those whose health is adversely affected by cold, damp living conditions – irrespective of whether they are npower customers.

• In Wales, npower has spent over £440,000 on a crisis fund for vulnerable people not eligible for government grants, and has also part-funded a number of staff to help with operational support and fundraising.

• npower has provided support for both Wrexham & Flintshire and Vale of Glamorgan Health Through Warmth schemes.

I couldn’t be more thankful for what the scheme has done for me and for the organisations that came forward to provide funding.

WALES

Gary Ford and Nikki Cush from Health Through Warmth talk to Mrs Byrne about the scheme

1110

British GasGreen Skills CentreState-of-the-art training in the heart of the Welsh Valleys

Mark Hibbs is 39 and lives in Six Bells, Abertillery and had previously worked for civil engineering and manufacturing companies. After a fruitless three year search for work, he applied for the smart meter traineeship because he saw it as an opportunity to work for a secure, blue chip company.

Following an intensive six month training course covering smart meters, gas safety and electrical and gas installations, Mark has now been offered a full time job with British Gas as a smart meter engineer.

• The British Gas Green Skills Centre in Tredegar is an investment targeted at the rapidly growing green energy sector and has established the UK’s fi rst dedicated centre of excellence in green skills training.

• It offers practical training and qualifi cations for would-be energy effi ciency assessors, and installers of new green technologies. It also offers opportunities for existing British Gas engineers to improve their skills, as well as being a community training facility accessed by local businesses, groups and schools.

• The Centre was developed in partnership with the Welsh Government, JobMatch, Jobcentre Plus, Summit Skills and Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council.

I really enjoyed the training and it’s exciting to be involved in a job with technology that is going to change the way that people think about using energy in future.

WALES

Mark Hibbs, smart meter engineer with British Gas

1312

ScottishPowerWhitelee Wind Farm Visitors fl ock to Europe’s largest onshore wind farm

ScottishPower Renewables’ £2m visitor centre at Whitelee is the fi rst of its kind in Scotland and was built as part of the development of the wind farm. Managed by Glasgow Science Centre, it has already welcomed over 120,000 people through its doors.

The wind farm has also proved to be a hugely popular destination for educational visits. More than 4,500 school pupils have visited Whitelee as part of school groups to learn about renewable energy from the staff in the interactive learning zone.

• ScottishPower Renewables’ onshore wind farm at Whitelee is Europe’s largest, and is located on Eaglesham Moor just 20 minutes from central Glasgow.

• With over 500 people involved in its construction, the wind farm cost around £300 million to build and consists of 140 turbines generating 322 MW of electricity, enough to power around 180,000 homes.

• Work on a 75 turbine extension is currently underway. This means that it will gain an additional 217 MW of capacity, enough for over 124,000 homes.

• ScottishPower was awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development for its commitment to sustainability in the development, construction and on-going operation of Whitelee wind farm. The project was an example of best practice in habitat management and the site is home to birds such as merlin and black grouse. There was also a strong commitment to encourage the local community to be involved.

With 140 turbines generating 322 MW of electricity, Whitelee produces enough to power around 180,000 homes.

SCOTLAND

Winter at Whitelee Wind Farm

1514

Energy UKHome Heat Helpline Providing advice and support for vulnerable consumers

Irene Dixon, 74, said: “I am registered disabled and suffer from arthritis so it’s important that my husband and I keep the house as warm as possible during the winter months.”

“My carer advised me to call the Home Heat Helpline. The person I spoke to was very helpful and advised me about free insulation and reduced tariffs. She said that my supplier might be able to give me a rebate of £85 off my bill, so I was put directly though to my supplier to discuss it.”

“The help and advice given to me by the Home Heat Helpline was really useful and I would defi nitely recommend it to any friends or relatives who may be in a similar position.”

• Based in Glasgow, the national freephone Home Heat Helpline (0800 33 66 99) is run by the Energy Retail Association on behalf of the major gas and electricity suppliers.

• Operated by expert advisors, it is a central point of contact for people in need of advice and support regarding their energy bills and assistance in reducing their energy costs.

• Callers receive information on the grants, insulation measures, benefi ts and payment schemes to which they may be entitled.

• In 2010, the Helpline gave information to over 50,000 people on energy effi ciency and how to get money off their bills.

My carer advised me to call the Home Heat Helpline. The person I spoke to was very helpful and advised me about free insulation and reduced tariffs.

SCOTLAND

Irene Dixon received help and advice by calling the Home Heat Helpline

1716

EDF EnergyHunterston and Torness power stations: Schools Engineering Challenge 2011Generating electricity and interest in Scottish schools

Selvin Roberts, EDF Energy Technical and Safety Manager at Torness, said: “The engineering challenge was a fantastic way to teach young children how different forms of energy are sourced and generated, and encouraged them to look at the environment in which they live, in a different way. We were delighted to have supported this year’s challenge and have enjoyed regular contact with the schools as the children work their way through the tasks.”

• EDF Energy owns and operates two nuclear power stations Hunterston B and Torness which generate enough power to provide over 42% of Scotland’s entire electricity. Between them they employ over 1,100 people as well as at least 300 permanent contractors.

• In order to encourage local children to think about the environment and how electricity is generated, EDF Energy’s Torness power station and Babcock International Group supported the Schools Engineering Challenge 2011.

• Teams of children from six schools in East Lothian and the Borders competed to see which team could generate the most electricity.

• EDF Energy staff at Torness acted as mentors providing guidance and assistance to the children, who spent ten weeks building a hydro-unit that could generate electricity and light.

The engineering challenge was a fantastic way to teach young children how different forms of energy are sourced and generated, and encouraged them to look at the environment in which they live, in a different way.

SCOTLAND

Oscar the friendly robot with children who took part in the Schools Engineering Challenge 2011

1918

SSETraining CentreImproving skills and providing jobs in tough economic times

The state-of-the-art Training Centre in Perth is making an important contribution towards the country’s economic recovery by improving skills and offering training to school-leavers and apprentices.

The Centre provides trainees with development opportunities and the operational skills for working in all parts of SSE, including electricity generation, electricity and gas networks, home services, energy effi ciency, electrical and utility contracting, and smart meter installation.

Jim McPhillimy, Group Services Director said: “High quality training is good for the people receiving it, for the organisations that employ them and for the economy as a whole. SSE’s Training Centre is a state-of-the-art facility which will help add to the skills base in SSE and in Scotland. It is a very worthwhile and exciting development.”

• SSE’s new £5 million Training Centre will provide instruction to improve staff skills across all parts of the company’s business as well as management training.

• Over 2,000 trainees are expected to pass through the Training Centre each year. In 2010/11, SSE recruited around 200 school leavers, trainees, graduates and apprentices in Scotland, all of whom benefi ted from the new facility.

High quality training is good for the people receiving it, for the organisations that employ them and for the economy as a whole.

SCOTLAND

Class in progress at SSE’s new £5 million Training Centre

2120

E.ONP2 Pelamis wave machineDeveloping innovative marine energy off the coast of Orkney

Les Atkinson is an Operations Engineer and part of E.ON’s marine energy team. He joined the project in March 2011 and is responsible for looking after E.ON’s operational marine assets – of which Pelamis is the fi rst.

His eight years’ experience in the Navy has stood him in good stead at E.ON and he has a long-standing passion for all things marine. He believes marine energy could be “the next big thing” and is committed to harnessing this untapped resource in the best way possible.

• E.ON is currently testing a P2 Pelamis wave machine, the fi rst of its kind in Britain, off the west coast of Orkney at the European Marine Energy Centre.

• This innovative technology is at an early testing stage, but in certain conditions the Pelamis machine has recorded bursts of power in excess of 1MW. The amount of electricity it generates is expected to rise substantially as the project progresses.

• The machine was named Vágr Atferð (Old Norse for wave power) by Orkney schoolboy Matthew Rendall, and was offi cially launched by Rt Hon Alex Salmond, the First Minister of Scotland.

• It will be joined by a second P2 Pelamis owned by ScottishPower Renewables later in 2011.

Les Atkinson is an Operations Engineer and part of E.ON’s marine energy team. He joined the project in March 2011 and is responsible for looking after E.ON’s operational marine assets – of which Pelamis is the fi rst.

SCOTLAND

Pelamis in action

2322

British GasLangage power stationSecuring power and gas supplies for Britain’s homes and businesses

Former Chief Petty Offi cer Nigel Gibbs left the Navy to join Centrica as an operations technician at Langage Energy Centre. He spends half his time running the plant and the other half maintaining it. Nigel also has to watch for on-going instructions from the National Grid and traders in the energy markets.

Nigel said: “I’m responsible for the operation of all the plant – the starting and stopping of equipment and the working of all the plant when it is running. I had experience of gas turbines, boilers and water treatment plants from my time on ships and although the basic principles are the same, this is on a lot bigger scale!”

• Langage Power Station can generate up to 900 MW and is capable of delivering electricity to power nearly 1 million homes.

• British Gas completed the construction of the £400m gas fi red power station in 2010.

• It was designed to blend into the natural beauty of Devon’s Dartmoor National Park. The modern design of the facility ensures that fi ts in with its surroundings and has a minimum impact on its immediate environment.

• Langage is one of the most advanced gas fi red power stations in the world with carbon emissions levels amongst the lowest for this kind of facility.

I had experience of gas turbines, boilers and water treatment plants from my time on ships and although the basic principles are the same, this is on a lot bigger scale!

ENGLAND

‘Langage power station, Devon

2524

National GridEakring Training Centre A highly skilled workforce – expert training in the energy industry

Advanced apprentice Carla Amers has combined her on-the-job learning with structured training modules at Eakring. Carla’s work involves maintenance of the high voltage switchgear in National Grid’s transmission network. She is now studying for a two year part time Electrical Power Engineering Foundation Degree at Aston University.

Carla said: “The training facilities used throughout my apprenticeship were really good and gave a true representation of the equipment and substation environment I would be working in. I enjoyed my apprenticeship and it’s given me a solid foundation to progress in my career.”

• National Grid’s Training Centre, in Eakring, north of Nottingham, has a crucial role in providing expert training across the energy industry. From electricity overhead lines to virtual reality suites, the centre provides a comprehensive range of technical and leadership development programmes.

• The centre also manages the training for National Grid’s Gas Transmission business through a specialist gas skills facility.

• It has 45 fully equipped training rooms, a learning resource centre, four specialist practical training workshops and accommodation for the trainees.

• Nearly £10 million is being spent on extending and improving facilities and a new workshop and switchgear centre will open in September 2011.

The training facilities used throughout my apprenticeship were really good and gave a true representation of the equipment and substation environment I would be working in.

ENGLAND

Carla Amers, advanced apprentice at Eakring Training Centre

2726

SSEGreater Gabbard Wind Farm Leading the world in offshore wind

The project has invested around £1.5 million in the development of an operations and maintenance base at the old Waveney Fish Market in Lowestoft. Around 100 jobs will be created at the base, with some employees already in place. Local fi shermen are transporting men and equipment out to the wind farm during construction.

Steve Rose, Offshore Wind Operations Manager said: “The Greater Gabbard Offshore Wind Farm is a big project and we needed a fi rst class operations base in order to carry out the job effi ciently and effectively. The new development at Lowestoft helps us deliver this and is also providing local jobs which are much needed in the region.”

• SSE is currently constructing one of the world’s largest offshore wind farms at Greater Gabbard in the North Sea, in a joint venture with RWE npower renewables.

• The project will cost approximately £1.3 billion. The wind farm, approximately 25 kilometres off the coast of Suffolk, will consist of 140 wind turbines and, when fully operational in 2012, will provide enough clean electricity to power around 530,000 homes.

• 108 turbines have already been installed and the foundations laid for all the proposed turbines. The fi rst power was generated in 2011.

The Greater Gabbard Offshore Wind Farm is a big project and we needed a fi rst class operations base in order to carry out the job effi ciently and effectively.

ENGLAND

The team at Greater Gabbard Wind Farm

2928

Good EnergyDelabole Wind FarmRenewable energy at the heart of the community

The original owners are still involved with the wind farm, with Martin Edwards sitting on the board of the Good Energy Group and managing the wind farm site.

Working closely with Martin, Juliet Davenport, CEO of Good Energy said: “We’re enormously proud of our investment in Delabole. The wind farm now accounts for around 20% of the total 100% renewable electricity supplied by Good Energy, and is the fi rst in a pipeline of new wind energy projects we’re working on, with a further 50MW of new capacity planned over the next fi ve years.”

• Built in 1991 by a local farming family, the Edwards, the wind farm was bought by Good Energy in 2002.

• In taking the UK’s fi rst commercial wind farm into its second generation in 2010, Good Energy invested £11.8 million.

• Ten old turbines were replaced with four new ones which more than doubled its output. Total capacity is now 9.2MW – enough to supply roughly 7000 homes.

• The old turbines have been shipped to Lithuania where they will continue to generate renewable electricity.

• Good Energy has also established a community fund worth £9,000 a year to fund projects that benefi t the local community.

We’re enormously proud of our investment in Delabole. The wind farm now accounts for around 20% of the total 100% renewable electricity supplied by Good Energy...

ENGLAND

Juliet Davenport at the Delabole Wind Farm launch

3130

E.ONSmart Metering Centre of ExcellencePreparing Britain for a smart energy revolution

Smart meters are the next generation of electricity and gas meters. They will bring about the end of estimated bills and give customers and energy companies accurate and up-to-date information on energy being used in the home and across the country.

The Centre allows E.ON to incorporate the feedback from its early smart meter trials into wider plans for the full scale roll out and ensure that customer have the best possible experience throughout the entire process.

Rowena Sims is one of E.ON’s Smart Advisers who has managed to reduce her own energy bills by 20% since her smart meter was installed.

• Opened in May 2011, E.ON’s Centre of Excellence is a dedicated contact centre supporting their customers with smart meters.

• Over 35,000 E.ON customers have already had smart meters fi tted and the company plans to reach a target of one million installations by the end of March 2014.

• The 100-strong team, based at the Centre of Excellence near Nottingham, all have smart meters installed in their own homes so are well placed to help customers with queries regarding all aspects of having smart meters fi tted.

Rowena Sims is one of E.ON’s Smart Advisers who has managed to reduce her own energy bills by 20% since her smart meter was installed.

ENGLAND

Smart Adviser, Rowena Sims, meets Energy Minister, Charles Hendry, at the Centre’s opening

3332

EDF EnergyLondon Warm ZoneSaving money, improving comfort, maximising income for the vulnerable

Trevor and Olive Richards, who received help to improve their home, said: “Before London Warm Zones called, our home was coal heated and carrying the coal from the cellar became increasingly diffi cult as time went on. London Warm Zone and EDF Energy installed a new gas supply, central heating and loft insulation which has made such a difference. I would absolutely recommend anyone who’s having problems with heating their homes to get in touch – you might be surprised at how much they can help.”

• The London Warm Zone scheme was established by EDF Energy in 2001 and has been since been rolled out across 24 London boroughs. This is a community programme that tackles the challenges of fuel poverty and climate change.

• The scheme works by identifying the most vulnerable people in society through a systematic door-to-door assessment process, and providing them with grants for energy saving home improvements such as insulation, regardless of income.

• More than 200,000 assessments have been carried out, helping people in around 50,000 homes and leading to an investment of £30 million.

• The scheme has allowed residents to claim £8 million worth of benefi ts by helping them claim all that they are entitled to.

I would absolutely recommend anyone who’s having problems with heating their homes to get in touch – you might be surprised at how much they can help.

ENGLAND

Martin Lawrence and Nigel Turner from EDF Energy meet Olive and Trevor Richards

3534

Energy UK was formed in 2009 and is the communications unit for Britain’s leading gas and electricity companies: British Gas, EDF Energy, E.ON, RWE npower, ScottishPower, and SSE

Tel: 020 7104 4160www.energy-uk.org.uk

September 2011

DISCLAIMER: All information contained in this book was believed to be correct at time of publication. Energy UK does not assume responsibility for errors or omissions, nor accept liability for incidental or consequential damages in connection with, or arising out of the use the information contained within.