Tag: energy

England match sees electricity use jump 1400MW

  • England v Denmark responsible for one of the biggest electricity pick-ups in modern times.
  • The Euro 2020 semi-final match saw a surge of 1400MW at half-time and 1300MW at full-time.
  • Pick-up for England-Germany round of 16 match was on a par with the 2011 Royal Wedding of William and Kate (1600MW)
  • England v West Germany 1990 (2,800MW) required just 200MW less than the 1999 Solar Eclipse.
  • OLBG reveals the top TV moments for electricity pick-up.

While football is on the brink of coming home (we’ll see! – Ed.), it is also producing record-breaking surges in electricity demand.

As the nation collectively sat down to watch England’s Euro 2020 semi-final match-up with Denmark on Wednesday night, demand for power skyrocketed by 1400MW at half-time and 1300MW at the end of 90 minutes, making it one of the biggest TV moments in terms of electricity pick-up in modern times.

Forecasts prior to the match suggested pick-up in the region of 1200MW, with millions of litres of water (via pumped storage) standing ready at Dinorwig, ready to be deployed in order for people to make their half-time cup of tea. And according to the grid’s control centre, ITV ad breaks only served to fuel movement at half-time.

Wednesday night’s pick-up was the same as the 2018 World Cup semi-final against Croatia (also 1400MW), but on this occasion Gareth Southgate’s side went one step further. 

Research by OLBG shows the England-West Germany match-up at the 1990 World Cup still accounts for the biggest sports-related pick-up, falling just 200MW short of the 1999 Solar Eclipse.

RankTV MomentDatePick-up in MW
1Solar Eclipse 199911/08/19993,000
2England v West Germany – World Cup Semi-Final04/07/19902,800
3The Thorn Birds22/01/19842,600
4England v Brazil – World Cup quarter-final21/06/20022,570
5Nigeria v England – group match12/06/20022,340
6Eastenders: Lisa admits shooting Phil05/04/20012,290
7The Darling Buds Of May12/05/19912,200
8England v Australia – Rugby World Cup Final22/11/20032,110
9Argentina v England – FIFA World Cup round of 1630/06/19982,100
10Italy v Argentina – World Cup semi-final03/07/19902,000
11England v Portugal – World Cup quarter-final01/07/20061,960
12Sweden v England – World Cup group stage20/06/20061,830
13Juventus v Man Utd – UCL semi-final21/04/19991,820
14Wedding of Charles and Diana29/07/19811,800
15England v Ecuador – World Cup round of 1625/06/20061,700
16England v Germany – Euro 202029/06/20211,600
17Royal Wedding – William & Kate29/04/20111,600
18England v Croatia – World Cup semi-final11/07/20181,400
19England v Sweden – World Cup quarter-final07/07/20181,400
20Rugby World Cup Final – England v South Africa02/11/20191,300
21England v Colombia – World Cup round of 1603/07/20181,200
22England v Ukraine – Euro 2020 quarter-final03/07/2021960
23Clap for CarersVarious800
24England v West Germany – World Cup 196630/07/2021600

The Three Lions’ quarter-final thrashing of Ukraine registered a 960MW pick-up at half-time, which was good enough for 22nd in our rankings – the equivalent of 190 million light bulbs, or 530,000 kettles. Demand waned as the result became clear, with 450MW required at full-time with fans drifting off.

Prior to that, a 55-year wait for a win over Germany at a major tournament ended with a 2-0 win for England in their round of 16 tie, with the national control room confirming a 1GW pick-up at half-time and 1.6GW at full-time, surpassing the grid operator’s best guess of 900MW beforehand. That is the equivalent of 320 million light bulbs, or 888,000 simultaneously boiling kettles.

Demand for electricity during England’s last 16 tie against Germany at Euro 2020

Geoff Hurst’s infamous hat-trick goal and the famous words “They think it’s all over … It is now!” in England’s last major tournament win in 1966 – a 4-2 victory over West Germany at Wembley – accounted for a modest 600MW spike, while the regular Thursday night ‘Clap for Carers’ last year saw peak pick-up of 800MW.

Graph plotting demand during the infamous 1996 World Cup final

Britain’s electricity system operator – National Grid ESO – is tasked with matching the country’s supply and demand, second-by-second, making sure the lights – and televisions – stay on!

In fact record viewing figures for the four-hours-and-five-minutes broadcast on ITV were recorded, and those, along with the electricity pick-up are set to be surpassed for Sunday’s showpiece final when England take on Italy at Wembley.

Edinburgh businesses cut energy bills by £8m with government-funded support

Businesses in Edinburgh are on course to save more than £8m on their energy bills with the support of a Scottish Government-funded programme.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have been taking advantage of a free service run by Zero Waste Scotland to discover ways they can cut their energy use and reduce carbon emissions.

Marissa Lippiatt, head of resource efficiency at Zero Waste Scotland, said: “It is pleasing to see so many businesses in Edinburgh deciding to take action to reduce their energy use.

“Not only does this add profit directly to their bottom line, but it also goes a long way to helping Scotland meet its target to reduce carbon emissions to net zero by 2045.”

Since the start of 2016, the impartial advice given to companies in Edinburgh has identified £21m of potential energy savings through things like heating, lighting and building upgrades.

To help SMEs finance the recommendations the Scottish Government currently provides interest-free loans and cashback grants.

“The actions taken by Edinburgh SMEs to implement our recommendations will reduce their collective carbon output by 22,000 tonnes. That’s equivalent to the emissions from 78 million car miles.”

Throughout Scotland, companies are on course to make close to £207m of lifetime energy savings with the Highland Council area leading the way with £18m.

More than 720,000 tonnes of carbon emissions can be cut from the atmosphere nationally because of the changes recommended. This would equate to the emissions created from more than two billion car miles, or 102,400 journeys around the world.

Marissa (above) said: “We have an increasing number of businesses coming to us for support and advice which demonstrates the growing awareness of the climate emergency and how we can all take steps to make changes.”

Zero Waste Scotland’s Energy Efficiency Business Support Service provides free, independent advice to SMEs, guiding them to introduce more energy efficient technology. The programme is funded by the Scottish Government and the European Regional Development Fund.

Businesses can apply for an interest-free Scottish Government SME Loan of £1,000 to £100,000 with a maximum cashback grant of £20,000 for eligible measures.

To find out more, or to apply, visit www.energy.zerowastescotland.org.uk.

Alternatively, contact our advisors directly by calling 0808 808 2268 or emailing EnergyEfficiency@zerowastescotland.org.uk

Help to warm homes this winter

First award through £7 million fuel poverty fund

A project which helps people struggling to heat their homes has become the first to receive a share of a £7 million fund to tackle fuel poverty this winter.

The Fuel Bank Foundation will receive £444,500 to extend its work, which includes providing same-day support to top up prepayment meters for those at risk of disconnection, and help for households that are reliant on solid fuel – often people living in remote and rural communities.

The £7 million for winter fuel is part of the £100 million winter support package announced by the First Minister in November. The remaining funding will be allocated to other projects which help to alleviate fuel poverty.

Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell said: “We know the economic impact of the pandemic is taking its toll and this, combined with increased fuel bills as people spend more time at home, can lead people to struggle.

“The £7 million part of our overall winter support package is being targeted to help those most at need. It complements ongoing work, which includes our Fuel Poverty Act, the most comprehensive legislation of its kind in the UK.

“It will complement the other measures we are funding through the £100 million winter package, which will help those on low incomes, children and people at risk of homelessness or social isolation cope with winter weather and the economic impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) and Brexit.

“The Fuel Bank Foundation does tremendous work to help some of the people most impacted by fuel poverty, including those living in remote and rural areas. I am confident this initial funding award will make a real difference to people’s lives.”

Matthew Cole, chair of trustees at Fuel Bank Foundation, said: “The Scottish Government’s commitment to providing funding for our fuel banks through the winter will ensure we can continue providing emergency support at a time when many households will be feeling the pinch from increased winter fuel costs and the ongoing impact of the coronavirus pandemic. 

“We also recognise challenges faced by households using solid fuels and are pleased to be able to introduce support in these situations too.

“Tighter COVID-19 restrictions will mean people spending more time at home and therefore using more energy on heating and lighting and putting extra pressure on their already stretched finances.

“As a charitable trust we rely on funding from central and devolved government, local authorities, energy companies, and other charitable organisations. Their financial support is invaluable to us and to those in society who depend on it the most.” 

Edinburgh Solar’s Phase 2 launches today

The installation of nearly 1MW of solar panels on at least six buildings in Edinburgh is planned by Edinburgh Community Solar Co-operative (ECSC) as they return for Phase 2 in their quest to make Edinburgh a cleaner and greener city.

To do this ECSC has launched a share offer on 28 September 2020 to raise £660,000 by the issue of £1 shares.  The minimum investment is £100 and priority will be given to local residents who reside in the EH postcode districts.   

The six sites are:

Kirkliston Leisure Centre

Gracemount Leisure Centre

Craiglockhart Leisure Centre

Waverley Court

Edinburgh Road Services

Sighthill Recycling Centre    

In 2015 ECSC successfully launched their first share offer which resulted in over £1.4 million being raised that funded the installation of nearly 1.4MW of solar power on 24 buildings owned by City of Edinburgh Council. 

Today ECSC continues to generate solar power from these buildings and members receive share interest on their investment as projected with all surplus profits allocated to the Community Benefit Fund which came into operation in 2018.

Speaking of the launch of the share offer, Lesley Hinds, Chair of ECSC, said “ECSC is an ethical, community-based, social enterprise.  We came together with a plan to help reduce carbon emissions, address Fuel Poverty and make renewable energy more commonplace in our city. 

“We especially welcome smaller amounts, as we would like as many people to join ECSC as possible, which is why the minimum investment is as low as we can make it.

“Parents and grandparents can also apply for shares in ECSC for their children and grandchildren or can apply for shares on their behalf and leave them in their will”. 

Shares in ECSC are understood to be exempt from inheritance tax under present rules.

To find out more or to submit an application please visit https://www.edinburghsolar.coop/offer 

Share offer closing date is 30 October 2020.

ECSC is supported and assisted byEnergy4All, the leading social enterprise in the UK for delivering community owned renewable energy schemes.  Energy4All projects have raised over £80 million to build and operate community renewable energy generation all over the UK. 

For more information please visit www.energy4all.co.uk 

Community Energy Hub for North Edinburgh?

Edinburgh Community Solar Co-operative (ECSC) and North Edinburgh Arts (NEA) have agreed to support the creation of North Edinburgh Community Energy Hub, and want to invite you to an initial Zoom call with interested organisations to start this process.

The meeting will be held on Thursday (24th September) at 6.30pm and the Zoom link to join is here:

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9661004253

Meeting ID: 966 100 4253

ECSC is committed to helping Edinburgh become a net zero carbon city by 2030 but reduced funding and grant support for communities has meant that it is becoming increasingly difficult to raise awareness about the importance of reducing our carbon footprint, particularly in areas of high fuel poverty.

ECSC, in partnership with several key partners, believe that establishing a community energy hub in North Edinburgh and Leith, using buildings hosting ECSC solar panels as demonstrator sites, will increase neighbourhood awareness of renewable energy and encourage people to go ‘green’.

The establishment of a community renewable energy hub comprising a consortium of local community organisations. The Hub need not be a physical entity but could involve bringing together members of community groups across North Edinburgh & Leith which would form a knowledge base which groups or individuals could access for practical advice.

The ECSC Energy Plan paper is attached,  with a link to Oxford Low Carbon Hub https://www.lowcarbonhub.org for information.

I hope you can join the meeting on the 24th.

Yours sincerely

Kate Wimpress / Director

North Edinburgh Arts, 15a Pennywell Court, EH4 4TZ

Tel: 0131 315 2151 / Direct: 0131 315 6410   

See below the list of organisations who have previously expressed an interest, or who want to find out more now: Edinburgh Community Solar Co-operative 

Edinburgh Leisure 

Community Energy Scotland 

Leith Crops in Pots 

Muirhouse Housing Association 

North Edinburgh Childcare 

North Edinburgh Arts 

Granton Walled Garden 

Spartans Community Football Academy

Granton Information Centre

Changeworks

Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council (ELREC)

Granton Hub 

ECSC-Energy-Plan-FinalDownload

Meet Leith’s youngest Environmental Influencer!

Ten year old Leith Primary School pupil Jakariya Ali posed proudly in front of a billboard showcasing his winning energy-saving poster to celebrate the new Utilita Energy Hub, which is now open in Newkirkgate.  

The six local schools and 250 pupils who entered the competition were each tasked with designing an energy-saving poster, to be in with a chance to have their poster displayed on a large billboard in Newhaven Road, and win a £50 voucher.

Each school that entered received £100 and the winning school – Leith Primary School – received £500. All participating schools also received a £500 sports kit, courtesy of Utilita Energy. All artwork is being showcased in the new Leith Energy Hub.

Budding designer and arguably one the UK’s youngest environmental influencers Jakariya Ali, aged 10, learnt he had won the competition at the official Energy Hub opening on Saturday 1st February, where he met Hibernian FC legend Pat Stanton, and was presented the prize by Utilita CEO Bill Bullen.

Jakariya said: “I remember drawing the poster and wishing that mine was chosen, and now here I am standing in front of it. It’s exciting, and my family is really proud.

“The competition has made me think twice about leaving the lights on, that’s for sure.”

Leith Primary’s proud Headteacher Fiona Craig was delighted to learn that Jakariya Ali had won the competition. She said: “As a school we concentrate a lot on the environment, and the importance of saving energy, so it was great to see the messages coming through so strongly in each of the designs.

“I drove past the billboard yesterday, and felt very proud and excited for Jakariya – he’s educating thousands of people who walk and drive past the billboard everyday – it’s such an achievement.”

Bill Bullen, CEO of Utilita, was one of the competition judges. He commented: “We were bowled over by the level of engagement from local schools, and judging the energy-saving posters has been really rewarding – it’s great to see young people so tuned-in to what’s happening to the planet, and why we all need to do our bit in reducing wastage.”

Utilita Energy has opened a new Edinburgh-based Energy Hub as part of the company’s drive to have more face-to-face conversations with people about how to make their energy go further, while paying less.

The Energy Hub is the first of its kind in Scotland, offering face-to-face customer service and removing the need for a call centre. Each energy hub is home to a team of local energy advisors who can offer help and support, as well as educate people on how to make their energy go further. There are fun, interactive apps and jaw-dropping money-saving demonstrations that make being energy efficient fun.

Anyone visiting the Energy Hub can join in the Utilita #EnergyHighFive movement, which gives customers a list of five simple and free-of-charge adjustments to the way energy is used at home, resulting in a potential £163 saving on their annual energy bill. The #EnergyHighFive campaign has been created to enable Utilita to help a minimum of five million homes make their energy go further, while paying less.

Open from Monday to Saturday 9-5.30pm, the Utilita Energy Hub will also sell a variety of Energenie energy-saving devices starting from as little as £9. Many devices are Alexa-enabled, catering for households who have fully-embraced the handsfree power of voice control. There is also a dedicated community space that is open for the public to book and use from Monday to Saturday.

The new Utilita Energy Hub employs seven locals as Utilita Energy Experts. They are all local people who are knowledgeable and passionate about helping people to use less energy at home.  There will be four Utilita Energy Experts offering support at all times.

Founded in 2003, Utilita is the UK’s leading Smart PAYG energy company today, specialising in innovative technology that puts its customers in better control of their energy usage than ever before.

After installing a free Smart Meter in the customer’s home or garage, each customer is given a small In-Home Display (IHD), which shows in real-time what energy their home is using in pounds and pence. The free ‘MyUtilita’ app also provides energy usage data as well as other features such as ‘instant top-ups’ and ‘power up’ which is a small interest free-loan, which comes in handy when payday is just around the corner.

Utilita has more than quadrupled in size since 2015 from 180,000 to around 800,000 households and businesses across the UK.

Any local community groups interested in using the dedicated community space free-of-charge can book a session by emailing edinburgh@utilita.co.uk.

Community energy matchmaking platform launches in bid to tackle climate crisis

A new online ‘matchmaking platform’ for community energy called PowerPaired launched last week with over 100 assets on offer to community energy groups. Continue reading Community energy matchmaking platform launches in bid to tackle climate crisis

Spotlight on new research at Napier’s Electric Vehicle Day

Scottish Transport Secretary Michael Matheson MSP will give the keynote address at an event showcasing electric vehicles – including two and three-wheelers, the Car of the Year and an electric double decker bus.

The Craiglockhart campus will be the setting for Edinburgh Napier University’s Fifth Annual Electric Vehicle Event on Wednesday October 9. Continue reading Spotlight on new research at Napier’s Electric Vehicle Day