Tom Phillips + Associates’ Post

$300,000 DOE ITAC Implementation Grant to Enhance Glendale's Water Treatment Infrastructure The City of Glendale AZ will receive $300,000 grant through the Industrial Training and Assessment Centers (ITAC) Implementation Grant Program, marking a significant investment in the city's infrastructure. This funding will support a detailed energy analysis and the replacement of two chillers at the city’s water treatment facility, an important project made possible through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Lincus, in partnership with Arizona State University’s Industrial Training and Assessment Center (ITAC), part of the ASU Energy Efficiency Center, played a key role in assisting Glendale with the grant application. The project aligns with the ITAC program’s long-standing mission of supporting small and medium-sized manufacturers—including water and wastewater treatment facilities—by enhancing energy efficiency and modernizing manufacturing processes. For over 40 years, ITAC has been instrumental in fostering sustainable growth for local industries. The latest win for Glendale highlights the value of these partnerships and the transformative potential of federal grants in upgrading essential city services. This isn’t the first success story for Lincus, which has helped secure over $700,000 in ITAC grant funding for clients, including three agencies in California. The next opportunity to apply for the ITAC Implementation Grant Program is January 10, 2025. Agencies interested in energy efficiency projects can explore this funding opportunity to improve their facilities and services. Learn more about Glendale’s grant and energy efficiency efforts here: https://lnkd.in/gpUjc5qQ

Infrastructure NSW has released a survey to assess industry readiness to deliver low-carbon infrastructure as part of the commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.   In April 2024, Infrastructure NSW released its new Decarbonising Infrastructure Delivery Policy (https://lnkd.in/gZ_iTE6Q). This policy will apply to all NSW Government building projects valued over $50 million and linear infrastructure projects valued over $100 million. The policy will ensure that upfront carbon, the emissions generated during the production of materials and the construction of infrastructure, is considered consistently on NSW Government projects.   The survey results will provide insights into existing capability on embodied emissions across the sector and inform the development of training to help industry prepare for when the policy becomes operational in April 2025.     Infrastructure NSW wants to hear from professionals working across the infrastructure project lifecycle (including both buildings and linear infrastructure). If you are involved in infrastructure planning, business case development, design, procurement, or delivery, please take 10 minutes to answer the survey! All responses will remain anonymous.   To learn more about the Policy and Measurement Guidance, please visit the Infrastructure NSW website.     For any questions, please contact the Infrastructure NSW Industry Engagement team, industry@infrastructure.nsw.gov.au https://lnkd.in/gDhFUy-T

Resilient Infrastructure: Renewables and Sustainability in the Caribbean The Caribbean faces a significant infrastructure gap, particularly in renewable energy and resilient infrastructure, which affects competitiveness and inclusivity. Many countries in the region need to accelerate their energy transition. Despite all the stated goals, ambitious targets, and NDCs, renewable energy's share of electricity capacity is below 20% in 21 of the 34 countries in the Caribbean and Central America. Regional governments say they are firmly committed, and judging by the engagement in the room, UK firms are growing interested in bridging this infrastructure gap. This offers opportunities to align public and private investments in infrastructure, energy, and sustainability projects. UK Export Finance has demonstrated an expanding risk appetite for financing Caribbean projects, including ports, airports, and hospitals. This indicates a willingness to back high-priority infrastructure projects supporting the region's resilience and economic diversification. UKEF’s capacity to offer financing for public and private projects adds flexibility in structuring deals that can accelerate sustainable infrastructure development. Our discussions highlighted the importance of partnerships at the intersection of public, private, and development finance. This approach enables blending different funding sources and involving local expertise in infrastructure projects, which enhances the sustainability of investments and ensures that projects are aligned with community needs. We believe involving local teams fosters buy-in and strengthens project outcomes, as the knowledge and skills stay within the region, promoting ongoing community development and long-term resilience. There is a clear recognition that areas like water management, port upgrades, healthcare, renewable energy, and coastal protection are not just infrastructural needs but strategic priorities for future economic growth. By targeting these sectors, Caribbean countries can drive financial and environmental gains, build resilience against climate risks and position themselves as leaders in sustainable development. All in all, it was a thoroughly engaging UK-Caribbean Trade and Investment Forum. The many people I met and talked with demonstrated vividly how real the daily energy challenges are and how compelling the opportunities are. Thank you to Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, UK Export Finance, Department for Business and Trade, Carole Chineze Marchand, Dr. Maryam Abdool-Richards, C.M., DMA Invest, Atam Sandhu, Scott Furssedonn-Wood MVO, Giselle Roberts, D'Jamila Ward, Jesse McDougall, Government of Montserrat, Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO)

National Grid has confirmed the seven winners of its Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment (ASTI) projects to connect offshore wind farms to the energy network. worth £9bn At the signing ceremony were L-R top row: Kate Hall – AECOM / Arup JV, Simon Innis – Omexom / Taylor Woodrow (OTW), Alain Loosveld – Morrison Energy Services, John Murphy – Murphy , Simon Smith – Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure, Paul Tremble – WSP, Madeleina Loughrey-Grant – Laing O'Rourke L-R bottom row: Matt Staley - National Grid, Julie Taylor - National Grid, Carl Trowell - National Grid, Katie O'Hara - National Grid The firms forming the Great Grid Partnership are: **Construction partners – Laing O'Rourke, Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, Morrison Energy Services, Murphy and Omexom/Taylor Woodrow **Design and consenting service partners – AECOM / Arup JV and WSP The ASTI projects form a key part of the £9bn Great Grid Upgrade which is building the significant new electricity network infrastructure. National Grid said the new ‘enterprise model’ is designed to speed up the delivery of electricity infrastructure by taking a fresh approach to UK supply chain and skills issues. The partnership aims to coordinate the planning and execution of projects, allowing each supplier and National Grid to pool their resources, skills, insights, and experience to deliver faster and more economically – driving value for money and benefits for both consumers and local communities. Carl Trowell, President, Strategic Infrastructure, National Grid said: “Today’s announcement is another significant and exciting milestone in the delivery of The Great Grid Upgrade – the largest overhaul of the electricity grid in decades. The scale and pace of this upgrade requires us to unite as an industry and to think and act differently. “This Great Grid Partnership is a ground-breaking initiative from National Grid that places our supply chain partners at the heart of our infrastructure upgrade programme. All our chosen partners have an established history of successful collaboration in delivering major projects and enabling innovation to thrive. “By sharing best practice and collaborating across nine of our critical major ASTI infrastructure projects, we will set the gold-standard for future infrastructure projects in terms of driving innovation, shoring up capacity across the skills base, operating responsibly and sustainably and ultimately in getting the best value for consumers.”

World Bank IFC has appointed Vikram Kumar as IFC Director for Infrastructure & Natural Resources APAC based in Singapore(1/7/24).  Vikram Kumar last role was IFC Global Transport Manager based in Washington DC (United States).  IFC current infrastructure & natural resources portfolio is at $3.1 billion, and will continue to invest in key areas including renewable energy, digital infrastructure & transportation. Read - https://lnkd.in/gACzykK5 follow Caproasia | Driving the future of Asia World Bank IFC (International Finance Corporation) has appointed Vikram Kumar as IFC Director for Infrastructure & Natural Resources APAC based in Singapore(1/7/24).  Vikram Kumar last role was IFC Global Transport Manager based in Washington DC (United States).  IFC current infrastructure & natural resources portfolio is at $3.1 billion, and will continue to invest in key areas including renewable energy, digital infrastructure & transportation. Riccardo Puliti, IFC’s Regional Vice President for APAC: “I am pleased to welcome Vikram to his new role. His experience leading transformative projects with our partners globally and in this region will enable him to grow IFC’s business and impact in Asia and the Pacific, as we work with partners to finance green and inclusive development across the region.” Vikram Kumar, IFC Director for Infrastructure & Natural Resources APAC: “This is a crucial time for Asia and the Pacific to expand access to clean energy, to boost digital connectivity, and to make cities more inclusive and resilient as urbanization continues.  I am excited to be back in this region and to work with the team across the World Bank Group to position the region for the future.” IFC (1/7/24): “IFC today announced the appointment of Vikram Kumar as its new Regional Industry Director for Infrastructure and Natural Resources in Asia and the Pacific. Kumar, who brings more than 20 years of global investment and development expertise to his new role, will drive IFC’s strategy to connect more people and businesses in the region to sustainable infrastructure.  In his role, Kumar will lead IFC’s Infrastructure and Natural Resources investment team across Asia and the Pacific to develop and implement power, water, telecoms, transport, and other infrastructure projects with public and private-sector partners, expanding the reach of essential services. He will be based in Singapore, where he begins his new role on July 1.  An Indian national, Kumar most recently served as IFC’s Global Transport Manager, based in Washington, DC. Under his leadership, IFC tripled its investments in the transport sector in the 2023 financial year. Kumar has also held roles overseeing ... ... IFC - International Finance Corporation, The World Bank

US announces $635m investment into hydrogen refuelling infrastructure The US government grant received funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s signature zero-emission refuelling infrastructure programs. The US Department for Transportation has announced a $635m (£520m) grant to support hydrogen refuelling infrastructure and electric vehicle charging, displaying the government’s commitment to clean energy. According to the US, these grants will further benefit the Port Authority of Houston and the California Energy Commission. California is taking strides as a state in hydrogen production, as previously reported, in 2024 the state recieved a $12.6bn federal grant for America’s first approved national hydrogen hub. The grants will fund 49 projects to deploy more than 11,500 EV charging ports and hydrogen and natural gas fueling infrastructure along corridors and communities across 27 states. Jeff Marootian, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, emphasised how this project will build on work from the Department of Energy. Marootian said: “This funding showcases the harmony in government efforts to maximize federal investments and will build on the Department of Energy’s work to develop the 21st-century energy workforce and prepare the grid to power zero-emission fueling infrastructure nationwide”. “The new charging and refuelling locations will deliver more accessible and equitable transportation options, create good-paying new jobs, and open up opportunities for innovation in communities across America.” Projects involving hydrogen refuelling infrastructure include: The Port Authority of Houston will receive nearly $24.8m (£20.3m) to construct and operate a hydrogen fueling station for heavy-duty trucks in Bayport, Texas. The project supports national strategies for transportation decarbonisation and clean hydrogen. The California Energy Commission will receive nearly $55.9m (£45.7m) to install 21 public EV charging stations and one hydrogen refuelling station to support zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty semi-trailer trucks. With grants for electric charging and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure, these investments are consistent with the National Zero-Emission Freight Corridor Strategy. The buildout of hydrogen transportation fueling will further support private sector momentum in deploying zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles.

DOE Re-opens Funding Opportunity, Making $500 Million Available to Build Out a Safe and Reliable National Carbon Transport Network The funding opportunity will provide future growth grants under DOE’s Carbon Dioxide Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation program WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM) today announced it is re-opening a funding opportunity to make up to $500 million available for projects that will help expand carbon dioxide (CO2) transportation infrastructure across the United States. Accelerating the development and deployment of carbon management technology to capture CO2 emissions from industrial operations and power generation, as well as directly from the atmosphere, requires a safe and reliable system that can transport the captured CO2, either for permanent geologic storage or for conversion to useful, durable products. These efforts will reduce CO2 emissions, provide new job opportunities, and enhance our Nation’s energy security. America’s carbon transport system is already of significant scale, including multiple methods such as pipelines, trucks, and freight that together transport almost 60 million metric tons of CO2 per year. However, the United States will likely need to capture and permanently store approximately 400–1,800 million metric tons of CO2 annually to deliver a net-zero emissions economy by mid-century. Carbon Dioxide Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Future Growth Grants This funding opportunity will provide future growth grants under DOE’s Carbon Dioxide Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation (CIFIA) program, made available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Future growth grants are intended to provide financial assistance for designing, developing, and building CO2 transport systems whose capacity exceeds the CO2 volumes currently under commercial contract. Building this excess capacity up front will make it available for future carbon capture and direct air capture facilities as they are developed and for additional CO2 storage and/or conversion sites as they come into operation. Under this funding opportunity, the transport system—which may include pipelines, rail, trucks, barges, and/or ships—must connect, either directly or indirectly, two or more CO2 emitting sources to one or more conversion sites or secure geologic storage facilities. DOE is interested in projects sited in different regions that will provide an increased understanding of varying CO2 transport costs, transport modes, and transport network configurations, as well as technical, regulatory, and commercial considerations. This information will help inform DOE’s research and development strategy and encourage commercial-scale deployment of carbon capture and storage and CO2 removal.

BC Hydro is set to invest $500 million over the next decade to upgrade and expand the electricity grid in the North Shore and Sea to Sky regions. This investment will include enhancements to substations, transmission lines, and the construction of new infrastructure to meet the growing demand for clean power driven by residential, commercial, and industrial growth. The upgrades will also focus on improving the reliability and safety of the electricity system, particularly in response to increased electrification and the adoption of electric vehicles in these areas.

UK construction projects and companies are at the thriving, particularly in adopting eco-friendly materials. The construction sector is reaping the benefits of increased investment in renewable energy infrastructure. Solar panels, wind turbines, and other renewable energy solutions are being integrated into new developments to lower carbon emissions and provide long-term cost savings. The growing focus on sustainability, along with the government's commitment to planning reforms, is fostering a favourable environment for the industry’s ongoing expansion and its role in helping the UK meet its net-zero targets. However in Ireland, ongoing delays in government planning and project pipelines are hindering progress. #UKconstruction #Sustainability #carbonzero #irishgovernment #planning #zerotargets https://lnkd.in/epnHHpq6

The UK is on the cusp of major utility infrastructure development, what are the challenges and opportunities this presents? 💰The pace of investment Since privatisation in 1990 the electricity and water sectors have averaged capital investment rates of £2.3bn/yr and £7.2bn/yr, respectively. Over the next five years, Ofwat has determined £104bn will be required to improve the water sector, and DESNZ expects £50bn of investment will be required in electricity networks to deliver Clean Power 2030. This results in expected capital investment rates of £10bn/yr for electricity networks and £21bn/yr for water networks. In other words, the water sector will need to deliver as much infrastructure over the next 5 years as it has in the past 15 years and the electricity networks will need to deliver as much as they have in the past 21 years! ❓ What challenges does this pose for the utility companies? Our utilities are principally operating companies, focused on efficient, safe operation of assets within a regulated business model. This attracts low cost of capital owners such a pension funds, who inherently have a low-risk appetite. To meet the requirements of the forthcoming 5 years, our utilities will need to transform into an operator-developer model, with much larger capital projects teams, development capabilities and ensuring their business models are flexible enough to handle the likely increase in the cost of capital needed to fund the developments. 👀 Where are the potential opportunities? The supply chains of the utilities stand to be real beneficiaries, such as civil engineering companies, component OEMs and EPCs. The increased market demand of simultaneously implementing two major infrastructure programmes (alongside the generation needed for CP 2030) for development and engineering services could see some real winners emerging over the coming 5 years. Particularly for specialist services and equipment where the supply chain will naturally be less elastic, leading to increased negotiation power within sales contracts and bumper revenues. 🔥 What about gas networks? Ofgem’s RIIO3 final determination puts the focus for gas networks on continued operational efficiency and managing the risks of net zero. However, with networks and storage at the heart of the nascent low carbon molecule markets of hydrogen and CCS, one would assume it is a matter of when-not-if the current gas networks will need to undergo similar transformations as the water and electricity networks. How these policies are implemented, and the resulting market impacts will be fascinating to watch over the remainder of this decade! Simon Virley CB FEI Jaymes Mackay Wafa Jafri Andrew White Jeremy Kay