The ENA document EREC G99/1 governing the connection of embedded generators to the (other than domestic and similar projects <16A/phase) has been revised, with a new version coming into force at the beginning of September 2021.

The latest version can be freely downloaded from the Distribution Code website (or you can click here for a direct link to EREC G99/1-8)

The revision notes list this as a "minor technical modification". However, there are some noteworthy changes that affect the solar and energy storage projects we're involved in:

• There are now additional references to cyber security measures
  
• Type-testing of equipment can now be carried out for families of similar units using the same control
  
• Requirements for the accuracy, and other specifications, of instrument transformers and meters used for fault recording and
  
• New considerations for systems designed to normally operate as an independent island, but capable of paralleling with the DNO's network
  
• Changes and new tests to ensure stability under no-fault conditions
  
• Changes to the information required and the format of standard application forms
  

The previous EREC G99/1-7 was only published in August. It, too had some interesting changes, notably forewarning in the Foreword that energy storage units are likely to be required to export, or at least stop importing, during underfrequency events; a technical description of what this might look like (currently options) are included. The Foreword suggests that it'll be confirmed and become a mandatory requirement in 2022.

We are pleased to announce that we are looking for a Design Engineer to help grow the team and assist with a healthy portfolio of the Solar PV and Battery Energy Storage projects starting in the coming months.

More information is on our Careers page... We look forward to reading your application!

Having recently welcomed a new CAD Technician on board, with high demand for our quality services we are already recruiting for an electrical engineer to join the team and help with some upcoming design projects.

More information is on our Careers page... If you are a skilled professional engineer, we would love to hear from you; if not but you know one please forward the link!

The investor in the scheme is South Somerset District Council, with Opium Power as developer/project management and BSR completing the works as main contractor.

The project is a 33kV 25MW energy storage scheme with a BYD containerised solution. It is optimised to provide grid services to National Grid, including frequency response and balancing services. However, through the involvement of the aggregator Kiwi Power it is able to be flexible offer a full range of services to support the transition to a low carbon electricity network.

More information about the project is on the Client's press release.

CEE provided design and engineering services to the EPC / main contractor during a major works programme, starting in Summer 2019. We supplied the lead on electrical design for our customer, including:

• Private 33kV network engineering and consultancy
• HV switchboard automation and control scheme design
• LV auxiliary scheme design
• Switchboard design reviews
• Construction documentation and drawings
• Engineering support and consultancy
• As built / in-progress installation surveys and site meetings

Prior to the buld programme, CEE had also provided engineering services to the ICP for the DNO connection, including switchboard specification, cable design and managing the contestable works approvals process with WPD.

We look forward to working with our customers to deliver proposed extension works to bring the site up to 30MW. Indeed, despite Covid-19, it appears that 2020 will be a growth year for our utility scale new-build design projects, with a growing pipeline of solar and storage sites.

Our Standard Terms and Conditions have been updated following our move to Oundle. This affects all of our clients with immediate effect.

We hope all of our clients are staying healthy during this troubling time. We recently published the following notice to our regular clients regarding the measures CEE is undertaking to minimise the risk to the public.

Owing to recent Government advice:

• CEE staff shall be working from home for the foreseeable future. This may result in some delays, particularly to written correspondence, for which we apologise in advance. However, we have contingency plans in place and all normal design and engineering services will be available, including full access to electronic archives etc
• Our (new) telephone number as above will be routed directly so please continue to use it
• Site visits and especially face-to-face meetings will be avoided wherever possible to protect vulnerable people at home, and to minimise cross-country travel. This will mean a greater reliance upon existing records, photographs and videos (including live video) by others or the use of local contractors for site visits, and web conferencing for meetings.
• Visitors to CEE’s office will be appointment only and additional controls may be necessary
• Payment by cheque will be accepted by advance agreement only; BACS is preferred
• We shall of course endeavour to comply with such similar measures as you put in place, and to listen to and share practical ideas for the common good

 
We apologise in advance for an inconvenience this will cause, but hope that you understand given the unprecedented nature of the matter. We will keep these measures under constant review, particularly as Government advice changes, and look forward to returning to normal service. We also sincerely hope that you, and your families, stay well or recover swiftly during this crisis.

I am pleased to announce that CEE has recently moved office to a larger premises in the country town of Oundle. We now have space for additional team members and a meeting room; we’re now in a modern office above an award winning brewery and we’re back to being in a building with its own PV array. Please update your address books accordingly:
Cooper Energy Engineering Ltd
Oundle Wharf
Station Road
Oundle
Peterborough
PE8 4DE
 
Google maps link: https://www.google.com/maps/place/@52.4868847,-0.4645992,173m
What3Words: ///eagles.engineers.worry
 
Our new telephone number is
+44(0)1933 712 341
 
Our registered address with Companies House will be updated shortly (unless specifically asked we won’t be sending out a mailshot in this regard).
 
After the Coronavirus crisis has abated, we would be glad to welcome you to our new digs!

Thanks to strong demand from the utility-scale Solar Park sector, we are currently recruiting for new people to join our team.

We are urgently looking for an Assistant PV Engineer to help with drawings, schematics and calculations. We are also open to applications from prospective PV Project Engineers for the same work, or for those with more experience who can also help with advising clients and producing designs.

See our Careers page for more information

We would like to inform our clients that CEE will be closing for the Christmas and New Year holiday period. As a result we will not be available to work on projects between the 23rd December and 3rd January 2014 inclusive. Our office will reopen fully for new projects on the 6th January

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank you for your custom over the last year, and we look forward to working with you again in 2014.

Finally, on behalf of CEE, I would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.

James

Cooper Energy Engineering is proud to announce that it is "walking the talk" and has taken its first step towards an environmental management accreditation programme. CEE has pledged to develop its Environmental Policy, and to put in place measures to reduce our carobon footprint in our actions and our designs.

We're also offering our services to the GreenerNorthants network, helping local businesses develop their low-carbon strategies.

... Watch this space for more!

More information on the Investors in Energy Scheme can be found on the IiE website.