News 34
Phillips 66 continues to reinforce its retail position in the UK with its new JET branding being rolled out across its 300+ sites nationwide and the hugely popular ‘Keep On Moving’ TV campaign due to be back on our screens at the end of May.
As the industry continues to diversify many retail sites are following suit and reinventing themselves beyond the traditional fuels offering. The recent reopening of JET’s New North Road station in Ilford is a prime example of a forecourt and retail transformation.
Owned and managed by Janu Patel for the past 20 years, the ambitious makeover has been driven by Kayur, Janu’s son – who has joined his father in running the business.
The new-look forecourt demands attention with JETs iconic colour palette of yellow, blue and grey. The canopy, complete with a silver-grey fascia, includes distinctive yellow LED lighting that as well as improving visibility also facilitates greater levels of safety. Every element of the new branding has been designed to be welcoming and friendly – to deliver a first-rate forecourt experience.
“This transformation is extremely impressive,” says Chris Murphy, retail account manager, Phillips 66 Limited “and it’s testament to Janu and Kayur’s belief in the business and their ambitions for its future. At JET we have enjoyed a 20-year partnership with New North Road that continues to go from strength to strength and we couldn’t be happier that the new-look forecourt has been received so positively.”
Commenting on the makeover Kayur Patel says: “My father has been serving the community for the past 20 years – and this investment in the business is a big commitment for us as a family. I was recently asked for any significant stand-out moments in the last 20 years and this is it, 2021 is the standout year. We have a great relationship with JET and the new branding is fresh and modern – and really stands out. We look forward to 20 more years”.
Essar Oil UK, the owner of the Stanlow Refinery, reports that it has successfully addressed the required financing to replace the previous receivables facility.
The refinery continues to operate as normal, with uninterrupted supply of products to meet the needs of our customers. Demand for the refinery’s products continues to strengthen alongside the easing of lockdown restrictions in the UK.
This is further demonstrated by the significant increase of products being sold at the refinery, which is now generating positive EBITDA in the region of US$40 million for the second calendar quarter of 2021 (which compares to negative US$18 million in the corresponding quarter of 2020). The company will also benefit further from the anticipated recovery in aviation fuel demand in the coming months.
After the disruption caused by the pandemic, the company is continuing with its plans to strengthen its balance sheet and is therefore expecting to conclude a further financing by the end of June 2021. The company is confident that this further financing will be concluded swiftly, based on the proposals it has received. The company will also deliver operational cost reduction initiatives during the year to further improve the position.
A spokesperson for Essar said: “We are delighted to report on the positive developments at the refinery. We are grateful for the support we have received, and continue to receive, from our customers, suppliers and the Government through the last year. We look forward to continuing to serve our customers with high-value products and progressing our post-carbon transformation plans.”
One of the UK’s leading bulk liquid storage specialists, Liverpool-headquartered UM Terminals, has appointed an experienced commercial director.
Vic Brodrick takes up his new role on May 1 having previously worked as a consultant with responsibility for sales strategy.
Vic has an extensive background working in senior roles in the oil, aviation and shipping and logistics sectors including spells with Essar Oil, Peel Ports and Peel Airports.
UM Terminals recently put in place a new strategic growth plan to build on the substantial investment the business has made into upgrading its facilities and operations.
UM Terminals operates out of 8 terminals, strategically located across the UK, handling over 40 different products.
It currently has a capacity of over 300,000 cubic metres of bulk liquid storage, but the plan is to grow this to over 400,000 cubic metres.
Product solutions include vegetable oils, industrial, food and feed, chemical, fertiliser, fuels, biofuels and base oils.
Vic said: “I am delighted to be joining UM Terminals as commercial director. The business is at an exciting stage with an ambitious strategic growth plan. I have also been hugely impressed by the culture, customer-centric approach and can-do attitude of the company since I first joined as a consultant in November 2019.”
Bryan Davies, managing director of UM Terminals, said: “Vic’s appointment is an important one for our business and I look forward to continuing to work with him to create and develop a range of exciting customer partnerships.
“Our strategic plan includes maximising our UK capability, harnessing the assets of the wider UM Group and looking for potential acquisition targets that are a good fit.”
The company, which employs 63 people, rebranded from UM Storage to UM Terminals last year to better reflect the range of services the company offers its clients. It is part of the UM Group which has a distinguished history stretching back almost 100 years.
A significant safety milestone at the Stanlow Manufacturing Complex has seen a £3,000 donation made to Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND) charity, Families United (Warrington).
UKIFDA has revealed the sponsor for the first day of the two-day Future Fuels conference on 7-8 July as insurance broker Aon, and for the second day of the conference, Cobo Tankers and Services Ltd.
Long standing supporters of UKIFDA EXPO, Aon and Cobo Tankers and Services Ltd will sponsor this year’s inaugural virtual conference – and join headline sponsor Phillips 66 Ltd as supporters of this annual event, which is this year, celebrating its 40th anniversary.
UKIFDA chief executive, Ken Cronin says: “This year’s EXPO promises to be just as positive and rewarding for those involved as all our previous events have been and we’re hugely excited that this will be our first virtual EXPO in its 40-year history.
“Given all that we are doing as an industry to contribute to the Government’s net zero target, we wanted to ensure the opportunity that EXPO presents for exhibitors, Members and delegates to discuss and showcase the transition to renewable liquid fuels, went ahead this year.”
UKIFDA made the decision back in January to make this year’s exhibition virtual for the first time in order to enable everyone to attend and participate in the two days’ programmes in the safest possible way without any Covid-related restrictions or worries.
John Jenkins, Aon says: “It is fantastic to be sponsoring the opening day of the first ever virtual UKIFDA EXPO as Aon. Having been involved in so many of the previous EXPOs over the years as both The John Reynolds Group and Henderson Insurance Brokers, it’s wonderful that as our first year fully integrated into Aon that we are able to support the Future Fuels conference in its new online format.
“We know that exhibitors and visitors will enjoy the virtual experience and get so much from it as it really is the industry’s key event and provides the chance to discuss important issues and connect with others from across the sector.”
Fernando Gomis, Cobo Tankers and Services UK Ltd says: “We’re delighted to be sponsoring day two of the first ever virtual UKIFDA EXPO. It’s such welcome news UKIFDA found a way to make it safe for the annual event to take place in the current climate, and we’re proud to be involved in such a big way in the programme plans for the second day which focuses on the future of the industry and future fuels.”
As well as being sponsors of the 2nd day of the conference Cobo Tankers and Services is also exhibiting and are promising exciting new things to showcase to visitors to their virtual exhibition booth.
Dawn Shakespeare, UKIFDA membership and events manager, comments: “With three months left to go before the exhibition takes place, we have over 25 confirmed exhibitors already. These include longstanding exhibitors such as Phillips 66 Ltd, Cobo Tankers and Services Ltd, Dunraven Systems Ltd, Greenergy, Fuelsoft, Williams Tanker Services, Maygar SA, Oilshield and Mechtronic and new and returning exhibitors such as Commercial Fuel Solutions Ltd, Kingspan Water & Energy and Hospital & Medical Care Association. We are anticipating around 50 exhibitors in total online this year and are looking forward to booking more exhibitors over the next few months.”
Ken Cronin adds: “We’ve turned our initial disappointment at not having a physical EXPO this year into determination to make our first virtual event the best it can be – and just as successful as previous EXPOs have been for the past 40 years. We’ve realised that as well as bigger challenges to arranging a virtual event there are bigger opportunities too, and we intend to seize both and work hard to make this virtual exhibition a real achievement for everyone involved with it.
“We’re excited by the line-up for the two days as it’s varied, current and future-focussed. Every aspect of the days has been designed for easy discussion and interaction with our online audience, both exhibitors and delegates alike.
“Across both days, we will showcase the industry’s hard work with regard to meeting carbon emission targets through the introduction of renewable liquid fuels and a roadmap for a decarbonised future.
“We want as many companies and individuals, exhibitors and visitors, as possible to join us virtually on 7th and 8th July and join our discussions across the two-day event – and can’t wait to connect with everyone.”
For further information on this year’s virtual UKIFDA EXPO, please contact Dawn Shakespeare via email ds@ukifda.org or visit ukifda.org/ukifda-expo to sign up to the exhibition or to book a stand.
Fuel Oil News is saddened to report the passing of Mark Mackenzie, on 23rd March 2021, aged 38 years.
Following feedback from the industry to improve the speed efficiency of microbial fuel testing, Conidia, one of the principal companies operating in this field, has launched a totally upgraded digital verification tool FUELSTAT® Result.
A free, downloadable mobile app, FUELSTAT® allows operators to complete compliance testing on-site without paper and without the need to register, representing a significant productivity improvement and allows users to verify fuel test results and instantly create a professional report that can be immediately printed or emailed from the user’s phone or tablet.
The app works alongside the FUELSTAT® test kit. Once samples have been taken and results are ready, the app uses the phone’s camera to read and interpret the results. A record of the last 10 results is kept locally on the phone and the user can add information about location, asset and any additional notes.
Myrsini Chronopoulou, research & development manager at Conidia, said: “This is so incredibly easy to use. From taking fuel samples to having the test report ready to send can be completed on site in as little as 15 minutes compared with sending samples to a laboratory, which can take up to 10 days. There are no special skills necessary and, even if the user is not familiar with the test process, the app will guide them.”
Stewart Elder, business development at MBG Fuel Test, comments: “The FUELSTAT® Result app really helps to differentiate FUELSTAT® from other products. It is the only on-site digital fuel testing product that gives full results and a complete, professional report in a matter of minutes. Users love the simplicity of use and quick, easy and secure access to detailed information, allowing them to make informed decisions regarding fuel management.”
UKIFDA has launched the 2021 UKIFDA Green Awards in collaboration with insurance and risk management solution Oilshield.
Now in its third year, the UKIFDA Green Award is sponsored by Oilshield and raises awareness of environmental initiatives within the liquid fuel distribution industry – recognising and rewarding those who are leading the way in sustainability and environmental performance for a decarbonised future.
The awards will be presented during the first Future Fuels conference at this year’s virtual UKIFDA EXPO on 7th-8th July.
Judges (Oilshield and UKIFDA) are looking for a company who can demonstrate:
Essar Oil UK is pleased to announce the further strengthening of its executive leadership team with the appointment of Mark Pennifold as chief people officer.
Greenergy has completed the acquisition of Amber Petroleum (‘Amber’), an independent fuel retailer and distributor based in the Republic of Ireland. The completion of this transaction gives Greenergy a growing presence in Ireland where it currently markets through Inver Energy.
Christian Flach, Greenergy CEO said:
“This transaction is a key part of our growth strategy in our key markets and it will allow us to continue to expand our integrated platform in Ireland, building on our existing infrastructure, supply and retail operations. I look forward to welcoming the Amber team to Greenergy.”
Amber’s existing management team and staff will remain in place.
Following a year when liquid fuel distributor drivers have been classed as key workers and kept busy delivering fuel for farms, essential heating oil for homes as more people worked remotely and helped keep the construction industry going throughout the pandemic, UKIFDA is particularly proud to launch the search for the best tanker driver in the industry.
A significant safety milestone reached at Essar Stanlow has seen a £3,000 donation made to The Alzheimer’s Society. The award recognises the recent achievement of reaching one million hours without a recordable injury at the Ellesmere Port site. The funds were raised through Essar’s ‘Let’s Give’ scheme, which links the company’s commitment to safety directly with charitable giving. Essar employees and business partners nominate a chosen charity as safety milestones are met.
Shell has announced that its contactless fuel delivery service, TapUp, is expanding to the northern city of Manchester.
Fuelling on site is not only convenient, it also reduces environmental impact and increases productivity. Fleets will not have to be driven miles to refuel, reducing associated emissions and refuelling can be done quickly with no need to plan for constant refuelling, saving time and improving efficiency.
The expansion comes as the region experiences an increase in its need for clean, contactless mobile fuel delivery. Since the start of Covid-19, Shell has increased its support for fleets providing essentials services such as parcel delivery, logistics, food delivery and construction.
Tim Bennett, general manager for Shell TopUp Europe, said: “We will have a well-established and fully utilised fleet in Manchester very soon. We will be supporting our growing customer base in their energy transition by providing cleaner energy and alternative fuels via Shell TapUp.”
This Spring sees OTS Group Ltd celebrating its 50th anniversary and, from its humble beginnings in 1971 in a farm cowshed to becoming a leader in the fuel industry, the company has never lost sight of its values.
Ulceby Truckstop in Immingham is the latest addition to Mabanaft’s growing portfolio of UK truckstops. Another top-tier site, Ulceby, was selected for its strategic location just outside Immingham docks.
Adrian Jackson, chief executive of the Oil and Pipelines Agency, has been elected as the new president of the Tank Storage Association (TSA), the trade association representing all aspects of the UK’s bulk liquid storage industry and associated logistics. Adrian succeeds Paul Denmead, director of terminal operations UK at World Fuel Services Europe.
In our March issue we reported on a ground-breaking industry trial.
Accepting the inevitability of an end date for the use of fossil fuels in home-heating, industry bodies UKIFDA and OFTEC, as well as tank manufacturers, distributors and many more are coming together to ensure there is a future for liquid biofuels in our industry. The first UK trials of alternative liquid fuels in home-heating were rolled out late last year and our content editor, Stephanie Samuel, caught up with UKIFDA chief executive Ken Cronin, OFTEC CEO Paul Rose and John and Robert Weedon, directors of South West based distributor Mitchell and Webber, to find out more about this forward-thinking approach that could make industry history.
“I have been hugely impressed by the work the industry has done on the winter trials,” said Ken Cronin, president of UKIFDA. “Both the Climate Change Committee (CCC) and the National Grid Future Energy Scenarios (FES) predict a significant proportion of our customers will require some form of biofuel by 2050 to help meet the UK’s net zero commitment. We support these assertions as these homes tend to be rural and therefore difficult to reach for grid purposes and/or of an age and construction that make retrofitting for other technologies difficult technically or economically.”
Enthusiastically embraced
Operating out of Cornwall, distributor Mitchell and Webber was the first company to deliver new, low carbon heating fuel for the UK trials in a partnership with OFTEC and UKIFDA. Commenting on the trials, which have seen a number of customers who previously relied on heating oil trialling HVO since December last year, John Weedon said:
“We pushed hard to be the ones to trial this first because we have thousands of customers who will have difficulty in changing heating technologies. Talking about alternative fuels can only get you so far, you’ve got to get up and make it happen.
“We’ve been in this industry for over 120 years and, even as the end date for fossil fuels gets ever closer, there are still 38,000 homes running on oil in Cornwall. As ever, we are determined to get the best alternative fuel for our customers.”
Speaking about the attitudes of their customers, Robert Weedon confirmed their enthusiastic interest:
“We are getting lots of enquiries from those who would be happy to participate in the trial, and we’ve had feedback that customers are delighted that we are looking towards the future for fuel, especially as so many are still using oil here.”
It is pleasing to see an early confidence in HVO already in Cornwall, as John explained:
“This positive attitude is great news for Mitchell and Webber customers, as the greater the demand for HVO, we very much hope the more affordable it will become. The positive response so far may be largely down to the fact that the cost of conversion to HVO, or other alternative fuels, is very minimal compared to the cost of heat pump installation, for example.”
A huge opportunity for a cost-effective solution
Ken Cronin commented:
“We believe very much in finding the right solution at the right cost with the least amount of disruption for each home. We know that customers are concerned about climate change but equally concerned about cost. What these trials are doing is showing that there is a very simple technical solution and I am delighted at the level of interest being shown.”
Robert Weedon said:
“We have to be practical about what is and isn’t a possibility for our customers. There is fuel poverty here in Cornwall. Not everyone can afford heat pumps which cost over £10k. The government grants will dry up by March this year and questions remain over the capabilities of the grid – especially with electric charging points for vehicles also a key topic here.”
OFTEC CEO, Paul Rose, also expressed a confidence in the biofuel and the necessity of these trials:
“We are extremely confident that HVO will be compatible with virtually all existing oil heating systems. However, undertaking rigorous trials is essential to provide the level of confidence in the new fuel that consumers and government will demand, so this is a key step in the process of bringing the fuel to market. It also enables industry to learn about the characteristics of the new fuel and to prepare the guidance information that heating technicians and fuel suppliers will require.
“The trial is in its early stages, but we have plans to make it much bigger. To do this, we are applying for government innovation funding and are hopeful this will be successful.
“There is increasing recognition by policy makers that many off-gas-grid households will not be able to convert to other types of renewable heating in a cost-effective way, due to the high cost of both the appliance and energy efficiency improvements that will be needed. Consequently, there is a huge opportunity for a renewable liquid fuel such as HVO to heat these hard-to- treat homes.
“Conversion to HVO from kerosene will lower the carbon emissions of the average home by around 88% – a huge reduction and greater than both heat pumps and biomass systems. If our industry can provide governments with the evidence that HVO offers a low cost, reliable and disruption-free solution, then we should be able to retain a significant market share and play a vital role in meeting the net zero target.”
Expansion of trials
The trial is now expanding, with other distributors trialling HVO with their own customer base. Mitchell and Webber has also expanded the appliances that they are testing HVO with, as John confirms:
“It’s working better than expected at the moment, but we are rigorously testing this over an extended period of time and also for 5 different appliances, not just boilers.”
So far, the biofuel has also been used to fuel a customer’s Aga cooker, with a pot burner conversion, and initial results show that more heat is produced with less fuel used.
Financial and policy support will be key to success
Commenting on the expansion of these trials in the UK, Paul Rose said:
“Up to now, the trials have been funded by industry itself, whether by trade associations such as OFTEC and UKIFDA, or by individual companies such as Mitchell and Webber, who are passionate about the potential that HVO offers. The fact that we have done this underlines how serious our industry is, and the good news is that this work is being coordinated by a steering committee covering both fuel distributors and OFTEC. This will enable us to capture the learning outcomes and maximise the PR and policy value of this work.”
Looking ahead to the next stages of the trials, Ken said:
“The next stage for us will be to expand the trial geographically and across the range of possible appliances and talk to government about making this a reality.”
Paul Rose also highlighted how expanding the trials will be expensive, hence the industry bodies bidding for government funding:
“The government has already supported other heating sectors – for example a massive heat pump trial is underway – so given the comparatively modest funding we will be looking for, there’s every reason to be hopeful. The aim will be to have a much-expanded trial underway for the next heating season.
Paul continues:
“This year will be important in terms of determining future heat policy and the role HVO will play. To achieve policy support for HVO, we will need to progress the field trial and overcome outstanding concerns about availability and sustainability. The latter issue should be straightforward – HVO produced in Europe already satisfies very strict sustainability regulations.
“Availability is more of a challenge because other sectors such as transportation also need the fuel. However, HVO production is ramping up rapidly and we are in direct contact with producers who are keen to supply our market. So, we are increasingly confident that supply will be available if HVO is supported in heating by government policy.
“This is essential because, at least initially, some form of subsidy may be necessary to cushion consumers from an increase in cost. However, the need to find a credible solution for hard-to-treat rural homes means that government support should be forthcoming, and this is something that everyone in our industry should be pushing for.”
In Cornwall, Mitchell and Webber continue to see successes with the trial and look ahead to welcoming the G7 leaders, who will be meeting at Carbis Bay in Cornwall, in just over two months. Commenting on why Cornwall was chosen to host this meeting to promote a better, green world, Boris Johnson was quoted in a local paper saying:
“Both these ambitions are summed up in Cornwall where the UK`s renewable energy industry and conservation projects point the way to a green industrial future.”
The visitors will include the new US President as well as the leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Australia, South Korea and the President of the EU. John Weedon commented:
“With the UK also hosting COP26 in Glasgow this November, the UK is very much under the spotlight!”
We look forward to seeing how the trials progress and expand over the next year and to covering more history-in-the-making moves from the fuel oil industry in the UK. Get all the industry insight first by subscribing here.
Channoil Consulting has relaunched as Channoil Energy and created a new division, ‘Net-Zero Solution’, to work with clients specifically on energy transition.
For more than 20 years, Channoil has been at the forefront of advising the energy and transport industry, offering in-depth expertise in the continuously evolving energy market.
Net-Zero-Solution will consult and advise on both strategy and tactics, including preparing for the transition, measuring and managing carbon footprint, lower carbon fuels, renewable energy, power storage and customer solutions.
Our team of experts are already active in driving the lower carbon agenda with our clients.
Commenting on the creation of the new division, Dermot Campbell, CEO of Channoil Energy, says: “We’re excited to be launching this new division Net-Zero-Solution, which broadens our offer as a consulting business and will provide expertise and solutions to the energy sector during a time of significant change. We have built a team of renewable energy experts and look forward to working with existing and new clients.”
bp has announced that it is developing plans for the UK’s largest blue hydrogen production facility, targeting 1GW of hydrogen production by 2030. The project would capture and send for storage up to two million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO₂) per year, equivalent to capturing the emissions from the heating of one million UK households¹.
The proposed development, H2Teesside, would be a significant step in developing bp’s hydrogen business and make a major contribution to the UK Government’s target of developing 5GW of hydrogen production by 2030.
With close proximity to North Sea storage sites, pipe corridors and existing operational hydrogen storage and distribution capabilities, the area is uniquely placed for H2Teesside to help lead a low carbon transformation, supporting jobs, regeneration and the revitalisation of the surrounding area. Industries in Teesside account for over 5% of the UK’s industrial emissions and the region is home to five of the country’s top 25 emitters.
Dev Sanyal, bp’s executive vice president of gas and low carbon energy said: “Clean hydrogen is an essential complement to electrification on the path to net zero. Blue hydrogen, integrated with carbon capture and storage, can provide the scale and reliability needed by industrial processes. It can also play an essential role in decarbonising hard-to-electrify industries and driving down the cost of the energy transition.
“H2Teesside, together with NZT (Net Zero Teesside) and NEP (Northern Endurance Partnership), has the potential to transform the area into one of the first carbon neutral clusters in the UK, supporting thousands of jobs and enabling the UK’s Ten Point Plan.”
UK energy minister, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, added: “Driving the growth of low carbon hydrogen is a key part of the Prime Minister’s Ten Point Plan and our Energy White Paper and can play an important part in helping us end our contribution to climate change by 2050.
“Clean hydrogen has huge potential to help us fully decarbonise across the UK and it is great to see bp exploring its full potential on Teesside.”
The project would be located in Teesside in north-east England and, with a final investment decision (FID) in early 2024, could begin production in 2027 or earlier. bp has begun a feasibility study into the project to explore technologies that could capture up to 98% of carbon emissions from the hydrogen production process.
With large-scale, low cost production of clean hydrogen, H2Teesside could support the conversion of surrounding industries to use hydrogen in place of natural gas, playing an important role in decarbonising a cluster of industries in Teesside.
Blue hydrogen is produced by converting natural gas into hydrogen and CO₂, which is then captured and permanently stored. H2Teesside would be integrated with the region’s already-planned NZT and NEP carbon capture use and storage (CCUS) projects, both of which are led by bp as operator.
The project’s hydrogen output could provide clean energy to industry and residential homes, be used as a fuel for heavy transport and support the creation of sustainable fuels, including bio and e-fuels.
Find the full update from bp here.
Europump Maintenance Ltd has extended its partnership with global fuel and lubricant dispensing solutions company Hytek by becoming an approved verifier for its fuelling equipment.
The inclusion of the Hytek products in the Section 11A certificate issued by The Office for Product Safety and Standards means that Europump Maintenance Ltd has authority to carry out initial verification and in -service verification on the Pumptronics Alpha and C Series range of fuel dispensers.
“This is a great move for all parties concerned as it means our engineers can commission and verify the dispensers during the same visit, undertake any in service reverification following repairs, providing a cost effective solution to the customer ” explained Martyn Gent, Business Development Manager at Europump Maintenance Ltd.
Europump Maintenance Ltd has also welcomed the news that Hytek has purchased OLE Gauges.
OLE provides a wide range of high accuracy tank gauge equipment for the aviation, commercial fuel, petro-chemical, and road transport sectors.
“This is good news for us as it gives us easier access to the products,” Martyn Gent commented. “OLE gauges are renowned for their quality and accuracy – two things that are vital in our industry. Their accuracy is second to none and they come with ATEX approval.”
Certas Energy has submitted plans to Isle of Wight Council to open a new fuel depot in East Cowes, following the closure of the Isle of Wight’s only fuel depot in August 2020.
The parent company for Isle of Wight Fuels (IOWF), Motor Fuel Group, carried out staff consultations and a detailed examination of the trading options before deciding to cease trading on 7th August 2020. The closure of the depot, which had been trading for 60 years, resulted in concerns over the knock-on effects for customers and companies in the supply chain.
Following a commitment of £72 million of funding, HyNet North West will transform the North West into the world’s first low carbon industrial cluster, playing a critical role in the UK’s transition to ‘net zero’ greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and the global fight against climate change.
Environmental risk reduction business, Adler and Allan, has announced the acquisition of three companies into the group: electrical specialists AMGS Electrical, hazardous material specialist Flotech Performance Systems Limited (Flotech) and industrial sewage specialist and underground infrastructure specialist Oneline Surveys.
The acquisition announcement follows the recent changes to Adler and Allan’s senior leadership team and supports its ambitious growth plans to solve more customer challenges in a broader range of sectors with a joined-up approach to its services.
AMGS Electrical undertake a wide range of electrical services nationwide and specialise in design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance particularly in the evolving forecourt sector. With an expert team of highly accredited electrical engineers, it will provide outstanding technical support to Adler and Allan’s customers particularly in retail forecourts. This acquisition complements its existing electrical services offering.
Andrew Clarke, energy infrastructure director, Adler and Allan, said: “The acquisition allows us to further execute our strategy, helping clients maintain and decarbonise their energy infrastructure and install new electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, as the world transitions to a mixed energy future. By combining this with our other energy and forecourt services, we are now able to be a much more strategic environmental partner to customers.”
Flotech provides design, fabrication, consultancy, project management, planned and reactive maintenance for the storage, transfer and distribution of industrial liquids, gases and waste. Its highly specialised services cover; additive and blending, fluid transfer, access solutions, storage tank equipment, and vapour recovery.
Mike Willink, group development director, Adler and Allan, said: “With our already extensive capability in hazardous materials, this acquisition helps us to handle an even greater range of substances in a broader set of situations and environments, including those that will become more important in the future, such as hydrogen. By combining this acquisition with our existing environmental services, we are now able to be a much more strategic environmental partner to our customers.”
Oneline Surveys provides highly specialised surveys of underground infrastructure as well as cleaning, handling and uplift of hazardous liquid waste from industrial tanks and sewers. Oneline has over 30 years combined experience in planning, mobilising and successfully completing large scale surveying and cleaning projects, including tank and siphon cleaning and confined space entries.
Robert Evans, environmental services director, Adler and Allan, said: “This acquisition will allow us to offer a more extensive environmental risk audit of our customers’ underground infrastructure so they can better manage and mitigate risk. It will also position us as the go-to leader in emergency response to sewerage pollution incidents. Combined with our other environmental services, we are now a more strategic environmental partnership to our customers.”
The Government has officially confirmed that the ban on sales of new petrol and diesel cars has been moved forward to 2030, while also announcing a new £20m funding pot for electric vehicle (EV) innovation.
Transport is the UK’s largest emitting sector, accounting for more than 30% of national carbon emissions. While this does include aviation, road vehicles account for around 19% of all UK emissions.
Orginally expected in 2040, Boris Johnson moved the timeline for the ban on petrol and diesel cars to 2035, which is the date cited by the CCC in its initial recommendations framework on legislating for net-zero by mid-century. With the ban confirmed, the Government wasted little time in incentivising the market to promote EV innovations.
The Government’s £20m fund will assist research and development competition for EV technology innovations. Funding could potentially support zero-emissions emergency vehicles, charging infrastructure and battery recycling. This builds upon the £1.3bn EV charging infrastructure commitment unveiled last year. Reports suggest that the UK needs to install five times as many EV charging points to meet its net-zero target.
Grant Shapps, transport secretary said: “Investing in innovation is crucial in decarbonising transport, which is why I’m delighted to see creative zero-emission projects across the UK come to life.
“The funding announced today will help harness some of the brightest talent in the UK tech industry, encouraging businesses to become global leaders in EV innovation, creating jobs and accelerating us towards our net-zero ambitions.”
The National Grid’s transport decarbonisation director, Graeme Cooper, said: “Banning the sale of new ICE cars from 2030 will cut carbon emissions and reduce air pollution. We’re pleased the Government has recognised how critical it is to accelerate the roll-out of the underlying infrastructure to facilitate to high power charging to enable the transition to EVs.
“We are confident that a faster transition is possible and the transmission network is suitably robust to cope with the likely uptake in EVs. If everyone in the UK switched to EVs overnight and used smart charging, we think peak demand would only increase by around 10%, which is still below historic peak demand.”