This comes as SP Energy Networks is given the green light for nine projects to accelerate the pace of change towards Net Zero targets
SP Energy Networks has been given the green light to progress with £1.2m worth of projects to help tackle some of the UK’s biggest and most complex network challenges. Nine projects will now move into an early trial phase where the solutions to help move the country towards its net zero emissions targets will be assessed.
BEAMA are project partners on the Asset Reuse and Recovery Collaboration, stemming from the BEAMA Climate Commitment. We are supporting this vital project which will help identify and deploy digital and technical solutions that gather and analyse asset data which will in turn inform and implement innovative circular approach to keeping assets in use for as long as possible. This will include objectives to gather and analyse asset data and identify tools for the measurement of embodied carbon and life cycle carbon for network assets.
BEAMA CEO, Dr Howard Porter states
“This is exactly the work we are hoping to see more of and BEAMA are very pleased to be able to support such an important project. BEAMA members are proactively engaging in work we are leading on to review the future requirements for the measurement of embodied carbon in products. Ensuring a robust framework for the assessment of embodied carbon that is consistent across the industry will be essential for the delivery of a Net Zero Energy System. Our supply chain is critical to delivering this and we are fully supporting SP Energy Networks in their approach working side by side with the supply chain. Tackling this work will help bring forward clarity in the market on how embodied carbon will drive the uptake of network equipment and influence investment decisions in UK supply chain resourcing”
Graham Campbell, Director of Processes and Technology at SP Energy Networks, said: “This significant investment from the Strategic Innovation Fund shows the critical role innovation plays in us achieving net zero.
The Strategic Innovation Fund is currently in its ‘Discovery’ phase for each project, where proposed solutions to industry challenges are assessed. Until the end of April 2022, project teams will frame the challenge, quantify the benefits of their proposed solution, engage with key users and then identify the most cost-effective way to deliver it.
The projects will then apply to the ‘Alpha’ phase of the SIF programme, where they will test the solutions and build a consortium before seeking funding for the final ‘Beta’ stage, where the solution will be demonstrated.
Alan Ross, Director of Engineering and Asset Management (Scotland) at Network Rail – a partner of SP Energy Networks’ SIF projects, said: “Our commitment to a low carbon society is set-out in our Environmental Sustainability Strategy, with a crucial aspect being a holistic and collaborative approach. We are delighted to see the initial success and look forward to accelerating our transition, working together with SP Energy Networks under the Strategic Innovation Fund.”
For more information about SP Energy Networks and its services, visit: spenergynetworks.co.uk
