Conrad Energy

Yesterday’s World Mental Health Day reminded us all of the critical importance of prioritizing mental well-being and breaking down the stigma that too often surrounds it.   Whether you’re navigating personal challenges or seeking to enhance your mental well-being, remember—you're never alone. There are always resources and support available.   At Conrad Energy we take the mental health of staff seriously and have a number of initiatives and a framework in place to support our team. Together, we’re working towards a more understanding world where mental health is treated with the importance it deserves.    #WorldMentalHealthDay #MentalHealthMatters #EndTheStigma

Our partners at Harlequins have a busy weekend ahead at The Stoop, hosting Premiership matches on both days. On Saturday the women’s team will be facing last year’s champions, Gloucester-Hartpury in the second round of the Women’s Premiership. On Sunday the men’s team will be hosting Saracens in their fourth Gallagher Premiership match - looking for their second win. We wish both teams all the best. Go Quins! #coyq #rugby #powerpartners

In September, Conrad Energy participated in the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government's consultation on the proposed revisions to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). These revisions are set to shape the future of planning policies, impacting key areas like energy developments and infrastructure projects.   Key reforms: . Revisions to the NPPF . Planning fees and local plan intervention criteria . Threshold changes for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs)   Our response focused on the changes most relevant to energy projects, including: . Increased NSIP thresholds for wind (from 50MW to 100MW) and solar (up to 150MW) . Clarified support for renewable developments . Simplified guidance around the use of agricultural land for solar projects   We welcomed these changes and encouraged the Government to go further in supporting renewable energy. However, we also flagged concerns around Local Authority resource levels, especially if the new rules lead to increased planning applications through the TCPA process.   The final revisions to the NPPF are expected by the end of the year. We remain committed to supporting a planning framework that accelerates renewable energy development while ensuring the necessary resources are in place.   Want to know more? Reach out to our Head of Planning, Victoria Saunders (Hazell), for more information.   #renewableenergy #NPPF #planningpolicy #energydevelopment  

National Energy System Operator’s Winter Outlook report was reassuring in that margins are expected to be adequate with no immediate risk of serious supply shortages this winter. However, as we adapt to a changing electricity system with new technologies and diverse forms of capacity contributing to energy supply, the need for resilience is clear. As Lee Priestley, our Commercial Director, points out: “Fundamental risks still exist, particularly in global energy markets and the variability of renewable generation. These challenges will only grow in complexity over the coming years." As Lee highlights, we now have the tools to tackle these challenges, as evidenced by the closure of the last coal-fired power station. However, continued investment in renewable technologies like solar and wind, along with agile gas-fired engines and synchronous condensers, is critical. This will help the UK reduce carbon but maintain grid stability in the face of the intermittency challenges caused by the increase in renewable energy. The Winter Outlook serves as a positive reflection of ongoing efforts to strengthen the grid. Yet, as Lee points out, “There is no single solution to the challenges of transitioning to a greener grid, which is why flexibility in energy generation is vital for a balanced and resilient future.” #energyresilience #renewables #gridflexibility #winteroutlook #energytransition

Don’t forget to tune in this afternoon for the Farmers Weekly Alternative Land Uses webinar: "Love thy neighbour! Energy opportunities for farmers lacking grid connections." Between 5.00 – 6.15pm Tim Foster, our Head of Energy Services, and Philip Silk, our Development Director, will be exploring practical solutions for farmers facing challenges with grid access. Register here for the joining link: https://lnkd.in/eQFxa4Be #agriculture #energy #diversification

The Conrad Energy Community Fund team received an update from the Henhayes Centre in Somerset. A small charity based in Crewkerne, their objective is to reduce isolation, loneliness, and seclusion for the older and disabled members of their local community, while promoting health & well-being. Among the centre’s core offering are meals, support, friendship, companionship, activities to improve fitness as well as mental and cognitive health, and the opportunity to develop positive social connections. The Henhayes Centre was put forward as a potential recipient by one of our staff members, whose mother volunteers at one of the dementia clubs held there. The centre have thanked us for our donation, which will enable them to continue providing those core services to their local community.   #csr #charity #community

At 8.48am this morning, the North Sea Link interconnector tripped affecting both the stability and power balance of the UK grid. This was the third major interconnector trip of 2024 and reduced exports from Norway to the UK by 1.4GW, causing UK grid frequency to drop to 49.59Hz in seconds. It’s a great example of one of the risks facing the UK, whilst we retain a reliance on overseas power to support our own generation sources. Conrad Energy immediately supported the power and frequency requirements of the grid caused by this event. The white line on the graph shows the point at which the interconnector dropped and the green line the response our Blackpool site made in the Balancing Mechanism. We also supplied 1/6th of the 1.4GW power shortfall into the network from our flexible generation sites, filling the gap alongside our battery fleet. It’s a perfect example of the valuable role that Conrad Energy plays in the finely balanced energy market of today. #batteryenergystorage #energy #flexiblegeneration

Today is World Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day. Scientists and engineers around the world, who are working hard to realise the potential of hydrogen, are celebrating both their progress and the future possibilities for hydrogen’s role in the energy transition.   The date for World Hydrogen Day was set by the US Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Energy Association (FCHEA). Hydrogen’s atomic weight is 1.008, which can be represented as 10/08 on the calendar. As Americans tend to put the month first, they read this as October 8. Today marks the 10th World Hydrogen Day.   Conrad Energy has been an active part of the hydrogen community since 2021 and we continue to invest our expertise into realising its potential.    Neil Filkin, our Technical Director, was recently re-elected the Deputy Chair of the Hydrogen Energy Association (HEA). Neil has previously commented on the spirit of collaboration that has been enjoyed by all at the Hydrogen Park in Lowestoft. “The decarbonisation potential of hydrogen is huge and by working together with different disciplines and organisations, we will unlock it much faster.” #hydrogen #energy #energytransition

What a tight weekend for our partners at Harlequins! On Friday night, the men’s team faced last season’s champions Northampton Saints for Round 3 of the 2024/25 Gallagher Premiership season. Six Nations star Marcus Smith was on great form, scoring two tries, three conversions and a penalty. In a tough fought and very tight match, Quins battled hard to gain their first half lead, but sadly Saints edged them out 33-29 at the finish. Yesterday the women’s team kicked off their Premiership Women’s Rugby season against Exeter Chiefs. In a low-scoring and tight game, Quins held the lead well into the second half and would have extended it further but for two disallowed tries. In the final twenty minutes, Chiefs powered through to take the match 7-8. They may have been denied winners' points, but the quality of the rugby from both teams over the weekend gives the promise of a very exciting season ahead.   #COYQ #rugby #powerpartner

WEBINAR ALERT:  Join Conrad Energy on Thursday 10 October for an insightful discussion with our Alternative Land Use partners at Farmers Weekly on "Love thy neighbour! Energy opportunities for farmers lacking grid connections."   This webinar is designed to explore practical solutions for farmers facing challenges with grid access. Tim Foster, our Head of Energy Services, and Philip Silk, our Development Director, will cover topics such as: . Why it’s difficult to connect to the grid? . What are your other options if you can’t connect to the grid? . What makes a good direct energy supply opportunity? . What steps to take to make it happen?   The webinar will be followed by a hosted Q&A session.   Whether you’re a farmer, landowner, an energy consumer or stakeholder in the agricultural sector, this webinar will provide actionable insights to navigate and capitalise on direct energy supply options.   Date & Time: 10th October, 5.00pm – 6.15pm Register here: https://lnkd.in/eQFxa4Be   Don't miss this opportunity to explore innovative energy solutions! #energyinnovation #agriculture #sustainablefarming #energy #energysupply