Live RSS News Feed From http://www.eatechnology.com/en-gb2012 EATechnology.com03/02/2012 09:57:3903/02/2012 09:57:39blahCMS0http://www.eatechnology.com/news/ea-technology-offers-energy-related-degree EA Technology's Power Skills Centre has joined forces with one of the UK's most prestigious higher education engineering establishments, Liverpool John Moores University, to develop a highly specialised master's degree in asset management for the energy industry. The new MSc in Power Asset Management combines EA Technology's practical expertise in delivering technical consultancy with the University's academic excellence. This unique balance of disciplines ensures engineers not only understand the technical details of power asset management but also gain real experience of how these concepts work in the day-to-day management of operational power assets. By combining engineering and mathematical analyses with sound business practice and economic theory, the course will help engineers maximise performance, optimise the value and productive life of capital assets, and make best use of capital and operational expenditure. As a discipline, asset management is capable of delivering increasingly effective and measurable returns. These results are generating increased employer demand for a wide range of asset management skills and competences. Growing international acceptance of PAS 55 as the industry standard for quality asset management systems is also driving this demand across energy, infrastructure, processing and industrial sectors. This course will help to bridge the growing skills gap and enable employers and their engineers understand the PAS 55 framework, and deliver excellence in asset management to improve capital asset performance and achieve greater cost efficiency. Reflecting up-to-the-minute academic thinking and the latest industry practice, this pioneering asset management qualification, is predominantly aimed at working engineers and can be taken by students in flexible modular stages. It is offered with a target award of Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert - 60 credits), Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip - 120 credits) or Master of Science (MSc - 180 credits). For added flexibility, the modules that make up the PG Cert, PG Dip and MSc can also be offered as individual short courses without examination or academic award. Each element of the course covers a range of key asset management principles and core power engineering practices to help delegates understand, develop and be capable of introducing and managing power asset management strategies and policies. Part of the award winning EA Technology Group, the Power Skills Centre offers the largest range of high level, power sector specific training courses in the UK and is able to develop bespoke training solutions to meet specific requirements. To find out more about The Power Skills Centre and the courses available, please visit http://www.eatechnology.com/PSC30/01/2012 15:39:36blahCMShttp://www.eatechnology.com/news/ea-technology-offers-energy-related-degreehttp://www.eatechnology.com/news/ea-technology-offers-energy-related-degree/pas-55-certification-package-launched Power asset management specialist EA Technology has launched a ‘Five steps towards PAS 55 Certification’ service to help companies worldwide comply with the BSI PAS 55-1 2008 Publicly Available Specification: the latest global benchmark for good practice in asset management. Developed over 10 years by the Institute of Asset Management (IAM: www.theiam.org), PAS 55 is scheduled to become the ISO 55000 international standard for asset management in 2014. EA Technology Consulting managing director John Sinclair said: “PAS 55 is a hot topic for companies worldwide who are keen to optimise the management of assets worth billions of dollars. This includes utilities and major asset operators in areas such as petrochemicals, manufacturing, transport infrastructure and defence. “Achieving PAS 55 Certification will give them a competitive advantage by providing the tools they need to enhance asset performance and service, while improving bottom line profits. It will also give them a head start in attaining ISO 55000.” The EA Technology package provides practical support for companies seeking PAS 55 Certification in a five step sequence: strategic guidance, gap analysis, asset management tools and implementation, leading to auditing and certification. Mr Sinclair added: “Our approach is to partner with companies through each stage of their journey towards PAS 55. This starts with giving them a detailed understanding of what PAS 55 is and what the company must do to achieve it: we then guide them through all the changes needed, from policies to operational practices.” As an IAM Patron, EA Technology has been closely involved in developing the PAS 55 specification and is one of the first companies in the world to be endorsed by the IAM as both an asset management training provider and assessor. The PAS 55 Certification package is available worldwide through EA Technology’s offices in Australia, China, Europe, the Middle East, Singapore and the USA. More information at www.eatechnology.com. 20/01/2012 15:01:38blahCMShttp://www.eatechnology.com/news/ea-technology-offers-energy-related-degree/pas-55-certification-package-launchedhttp://www.eatechnology.com/news/ea-technology-offers-energy-related-degree/5-day-course-for-new-engineers EA Technology's Power Skills Centre has launched an exciting five-day commercial and business skills programme aimed at boosting the performance of new engineers entering the industry. Targeting graduates and technical staff who are progressing into engineering roles, the comprehensive development course has been designed to give recruits to the power industry a flying start to their careers. The course will help them combine functional business competences with the essential behavioural skills and attitudes required to maximise personal performance. Workforce surveys carried out by the National Skills Academy for Power have highlighted that despite having technical abilities, graduates entering industry are lacking key business and interpersonal skills. In particular, employers have referenced lack of cost control, ability to interact with colleagues at all levels, client facing interaction and even the fundamental understanding of how the business makes money, as key skill areas that need development. The lack of competences in these areas are not only detrimental to the employers but also impedes an individual's own career progression. EA Technology's carefully structured course fills this need and helps build productive, long-lasting careers within the power industry. The programme will have an immediate impact on individual performance, whilst developing the critical, commercial and business functions that new engineers, graduates, fast-trackers and technical staff need to drive themselves forward. Over the five days, the programme will cover a wide range of subject areas, including influencing and negotiating, planning, understanding behavioural preferences, problem solving, effective communication and an overview of commercial law and basic finance. At the end of the course delegates will have a vital insight into their own career goals by developing and implementing effective plans that integrate commercial awareness, project management and interpersonal skills - essential qualities that will increase power engineers' effectiveness and bring added value for their employers. EA Technology is a leading authority on power systems engineering and has a unique insight into the skills requirements of power engineers and industry workers. This makes it the perfect training partner as all of its courses are delivered by specialist industry trainers with a wide range of experience within the power sector. The Power Skills Centre offers the largest range of high level, power sector specific training courses in the UK and is able to develop bespoke training solutions to meet specific requirements. To find out more about The Power Skills Centre and the courses available, please visit www.eatechnology.com/PSC04/01/2012 10:34:33blahCMShttp://www.eatechnology.com/news/ea-technology-offers-energy-related-degree/5-day-course-for-new-engineershttp://www.eatechnology.com/news/ea-technology-offers-energy-related-degree/ea-technology-pr6a-10-day-course EA Technology's Power Skills Centre has developed a specialist training course designed to address the looming skills shortage in the energy industry by providing companies with the highly-motivated power engineers they need to help meet the nation's future demands. The 10-day Power System Engineering course at the company's superb Capenhurst facility in Cheshire offers a comprehensive and practical introduction of the industry to both new recruits and existing technical staff, to help them gain a thorough understanding of the interaction between different electrical systems and the core disciplines involved in power engineering. Ideal for graduates and for fast-tracking engineers into the industry, EA Technology's carefully structured course will also provide a vital insight into how power engineering principles are put into practice with visits to 'live' operations, including a cable manufacturer, a switchgear manufacturer and an industrial private network operator. At the end of the course delegates will have received a fundamental grounding in the industry to help boost their skills set which will increase individual effectiveness and productivity to bring added value for their employers. Drawn from EA Technology's Power Skills Centre's extensive range of specialist, technical courses and delivered by leading experts in their field, this highly cost-effective programme will cover current regulations and standards, network planning and performance and review cables, transformers and switchgear equipment and technologies. In addition, the programme will encompass asset management and protection and failure investigation, which will include a look at EA Technology's latest condition-based risk management technologies. Not only does this specialist course have an immediate impact on an individual's knowledge of the industry but it also lays the foundations for power engineers to perform their roles far more productively and can influence future career specialisation decisions. EA Technology's Power Skills Centre offers the largest range of high level, power sector specific training courses in the UK and is able to develop bespoke training solutions to meet specific requirements. To find out more about The Power Skills Centre and the courses available, please visit http://www.eatechnology.com/PSC23/12/2011 08:51:56blahCMShttp://www.eatechnology.com/news/ea-technology-offers-energy-related-degree/ea-technology-pr6a-10-day-coursehttp://www.eatechnology.com/news/ea-technology-offers-energy-related-degree/demand-side-response-forum EA Technology successfully held their inaugural Demand Side Response Forum at their Capenhurst site on Tuesday 29th November 2011 bringing together participants from many different aspects of the Demand Side Response arena. It was a great success and stimulated some vigorous debate. The presentations can be found by selecting the speaker below: Feedback on the day was positive and consensus was that a holistic approach to DSR could be beneficial. Dialogue will continue with the major stakeholders regarding the ongoing format of the Forum. Meanwhile we would welcome any further input regarding what subject matter, you the potential members, would like to see in future events, to Janet O’Callaghan, 0151 347 2445 or janet.o’callaghan@eatechnology.com The Demand Side Response Forum covers central issues in this debate such as Government Policy now and in the future; Conflicting requirements of major stakeholders; Consumer Issues. The forum is particularly relevant because: It brings together participants from many different aspects of the Demand Side Response debate; The content of the forum series is driven by participants – areas of interest to delegates will be prioritised; EA Technology brings strong technical expertise to this debate. The forum will be of interest to those working for Government, regulatory agencies, network operators, energy suppliers, customer protection agencies, device developers and ESCo’s with an interest in demand response. If you would like more information on the forum or the day’s agenda, please see the attached leaflet or contact Janet O’Callaghan on 0151 347 2445 or by email at: janet.o’callaghan@eatechnology.com 21/12/2011 08:51:09blahCMShttp://www.eatechnology.com/news/ea-technology-offers-energy-related-degree/demand-side-response-forumhttp://www.eatechnology.com/news/ea-technology-offers-energy-related-degree/service-centre-opens-in-china EA Technology Group CEO Robert Davis at the opening of the SunEA centre, with Dr Ruixue Sun (left) of Suntech. EA Technology, the UK-headquartered electricity asset management specialist, has opened the first of a series of international Technical Service Centres, in Nanjing, China. Called SunEA, it’s a joint development with Suntech Instruments of Nanjing, which was established in 1995 to provide products and services for the electricity industry. It provides factory-level support for customers in the region, including calibration, repairs, demonstrations and user training for EA Technology’s UltraTEV range of partial discharge measuring instruments. EA Technology Group CEO Robert Davis said: “China is our fastest growing market so we have chosen Nanjing as the first of a network of EA Technology service facilities, which we are planning to develop around the world. They will provide customers with outstanding service and support in-country. Suntech is the ideal partner for this, as they have an excellent knowledge of the Chinese market and an established presence there.” Winner of the Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Innovation in 2007 and 2011, EA Technology has offices in Australia, China, the Middle East, Singapore and the USA, together with more than 40 distributors, selling in 86 countries.20/12/2011 15:21:13blahCMShttp://www.eatechnology.com/news/ea-technology-offers-energy-related-degree/service-centre-opens-in-chinahttp://www.eatechnology.com/news/ea-technology-offers-energy-related-degree/ea-technology-team-wins-international-trade-award BBC TV presenter Nik Wood (right) hands the International Team of the Year Award to EA Technology director Neil Davies and Victor Chan, managing director of the group’s newly opened South East Asia office in Singapore. EA Technology staff have been named Team of the Year at the inaugural International Trade Awards for North West England, run by the Insider business publishing group, in partnership with UK Trade & Investment (UKTI). Headquartered in Capenhurst, Cheshire, EA Technology has more than doubled in size in three years, with offices in Australia, China, the Middle East, Singapore and the USA, together with more than 40 international distributors. Its innovative products, services, software and consultancy expertise are now used to improve the management of electrical power assets in 86 countries. Citing EA Technology as a shining example of international trade development, Rupert Cornford, North West Business Insider features editor, said: Everywhere you turn, people talk of an export-led recovery; and with the balance of economic power shifting towards Asia, it’s time to sit up and get involved. EA Technology Group CEO Robert Davis said: “Our success is driven by developing world-beating products and services, together with major investment in getting close to customers in-country. We generated 40% of our sales outside the UK last year and expect to grow that to more than 80% in the next five years.” The company has twice won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Innovation, in 2007 and 2011. The event was sponsored by American Airlines, Barclays Corporate, Cardinal Maritime, DLA Piper, Corporate Traveller, Grant Thornton, Manchester Airport, Midas and Bibby Financial Services.14/12/2011 17:53:23blahCMShttp://www.eatechnology.com/news/ea-technology-offers-energy-related-degree/ea-technology-team-wins-international-trade-awardhttp://www.eatechnology.com/news/ea-technology-offers-energy-related-degree/pagename-english EA Technology has been successful with Scottish and Southern Energy Power Distribution (SSEPD) in this years Low Carbon Network Fund (LCNF) Tier 2 competition. The New Thames Valley Vision is the largest LCNF Tier 2 project in the 2011 competition, and is a fantastic accolade for both SSEPD and EA Technology. It will makea significant contribution to the UK Low Carbon Transition Plan (published in 2009 by the Department of Energy and Climate Change) which plots how the UK will meet the 34 percent cut in emissions on 1990 levels by 2020. The New Thames Valley Vision is a large multi dimensional project which seeks to develop a tool by which to predict the take up of low carbon technologies by consumers in order that the affected networks are able to accommodate them. Amongst the new technologies are the electrification of heat and transport as well as connecting micro-generation. Brought into this already established project in May 2011, EA Technology’s role within NTVV will be focussed around the development of policies, training and the integration of the project into SSEPD and other Distribution Network Operators, (DNO) general business. The trial area which was deliberately chosen because of anticipated growth in the number of low carbon technologies being connected will allow a model to be developed which will be essentially generic and allows for adoption by a significant proportion of distribution networks in the UK. Currently, DNO’s have no sophisticated tool to help them predict where low carbon technologies and renewable generation will connect. Consequently, DNO’s could discover that their LV networks are not capable of accommodating the volume of low carbon technologies connecting to the network. Heat pumps, EV charging points and PV solar panels all place extra demands on the network which could require greater capacity/control. By predicting the way electricity consumers are likely to behave DNO’s will be able to plan and manage the distribution network more effectively. The project also assesses the effectiveness of various interventions to actively manage the network including: automated demand response, voltage control, street level energy storage and a range of communications solutions. Current methods being trialled aim to result in improvements to the planning and operation of the distribution system. The project interestingly applies retail market research techniques to the users of the distribution system in a novel way to facilitate network planning and operation. Additionally, the trial has the potential to deliver significant financial benefits to the customers. By generating techniques that allow for the connection of new low carbon technologies it may reduce the need for more costly reinforcement. The project is also trialling new commercial arrangements which are intended to reduce the peak load placed on the network. The learnings from this part of the project have the potential to inform future demand side response contracts which could result in savings to consumers in the future.13/12/2011 10:47:35blahCMShttp://www.eatechnology.com/news/ea-technology-offers-energy-related-degree/pagename-englishhttp://www.eatechnology.com/news/ea-technology-offers-energy-related-degree/endorsed-assessor-status-granted-to-ea-technology EA Technology has been granted Endorsed Assessor status from the Institute of Asset Management (IAM) The Endorsed Assessor status is associated with provision of services to clients for gap analysis. This involves the extent of their compliance with PAS 55, assessed and expressed through the use of the IAM’s PAS 55 Assessment Methodology or suitable enhancements thereof. The IAM Endorsed Assessor Scheme is designed to assist all potential Clients to find and access suitable and reputable assessment providers that can and do deliver relevant assessment in the field of asset management using knowledgeable instructors. EA Technology is one of the few companies in the world to be approved by the Institute of Asset Management (IAM) both as an endorsed trainer and an endorsed assessor for the delivery of PAS 55. This is scheduled to develop into the new ISO 55000 international standard by 2014. As a patron and member of IAM, EA Technology have played an active part in developing PAS 55 as a publicly available specification for best practice in the management of assets. We are now qualified to guide companies through every step towards PAS 55 certification, which will give them a head start in attaining ISO 55000.05/12/2011 12:09:13blahCMShttp://www.eatechnology.com/news/ea-technology-offers-energy-related-degree/endorsed-assessor-status-granted-to-ea-technologyhttp://www.eatechnology.com/news/ea-technology-offers-energy-related-degree/ea-technology-opens-south-east-asia-office South East Asia MD Victor Chan (left) and Group CEO Robert Davis sign the agreement to open EA Technology’s Singapore office, providing regional marketing of products and services including the award winning UltraTEV Plus+™(right). Electrical asset management specialist EA Technology has opened an office in Singapore, to serve power plant and network operators throughout South East Asia. The business is led by Managing Director Victor Chan, who has significant experience in operating and maintaining power networks in the region from his previous role as a Director of Singapore Power. EA Technology Group CEO Robert Davis said: “Our new Singapore office will provide local support to our distribution partners in the region as well as a full range of products and services, sales and customer support. “South East Asia’s economies are growing impressively and require efficient power networks to drive that growth. Interest in the BSi Specification PAS 55, reducing network outages, SAIDI reduction and optimising financial investment is significant in the region. With our extensive experience in assisting Power Network Operators globally in these specialist areas we see this as a major opportunity to develop further long term partnerships.” Headquartered in Capenhurst, Cheshire, UK, the EA Technology Group has offices in China, the Middle East, USA and Australia, together with more than 40 distribution partners, serving 86 countries. The company’s market leading instruments for measuring the condition of live medium and high voltage assets have twice won Britain’s highest industrial honour, the Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Innovation, in 2007 and 2011. Its products for electrical asset operators include field services, consulting, management software, forensic failure investigations and power skills training. More information at www.eatechnology.com.30/11/2011 16:56:33blahCMShttp://www.eatechnology.com/news/ea-technology-offers-energy-related-degree/ea-technology-opens-south-east-asia-officehttp://www.eatechnology.com/news/ea-technology-offers-energy-related-degree/ea-technology-bridges-power-recruiment-gap The Defence to Energy programme is aimed at bridging the serious recruitment and skills gap in the power sector, by retraining former military employees. Many of these talented men and women are facing redundancy as a result of service cuts but this initiative delivers the transitional training that will enable them to rapidly transfer their existing expertise to a sector crying out for skilled personnel. Despite the power sector bucking the economic trend and offering the potential for massive expansion, difficulties in attracting qualified staff is now a major obstacle to future growth. Industry demographics indicate four out of five employees currently in the sector will retire over the next 15 years. This factor, when coupled with the planned major infrastructure renewal and capital investment programmes needed to meet the UK's energy requirements, is creating enormous workforce demand and a potentially critical skills shortage that must be bridged. The sector needs access to wider pools of talent and former armed forces personnel have a wealth of transferable skills and experience. However without retraining, these skills are not readily adaptable to the civilian sector and the skill sets now required of engineers in the power sector have broadened dramatically to meet the drive for renewable energy. This fast-track conversion programme develops the sector specific technical, commercial and professional skills that service leavers need to quickly transfer their expertise to the industry and make an immediate impact. The programme will combine a mixture of specialist technical disciplines, business skills, team-working and safety training with career transitional support and personal development programmes. It is designed, subject to assessment, to help service leavers secure employment as engineers, technicians, maintenance engineers, project managers and other vital energy production, transmission and distribution roles. Uniquely, EA Technology is both a power sector employer and also a leading training provider, having already trained thousands of engineers, managers and technicians for the industry. This background coupled with its understanding of the competence requirements of the sector, its large in-house training capacity at its Chester facility and past experience makes EA Technology ideal for delivering the programme. In preparing the groundwork with the MOD, power industry employers, service leavers and armed forces resettlement agencies, EA Technology is seeking to engage with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that it satisfies requirements and is encouraging interested parties to make contact. EA Technology is an accredited member of the Continuing Professional Development Certification Service and, as such, its courses can count towards the professional development requirements of attendees. The company is also a National Skills Academy for Power quality assured skills provider and an endorsed training provider for the Institute of Asset Management. To find out more about The Power Skills Centre and the courses available, please visit www.eatechnology.com/PSC30/11/2011 15:45:16blahCMShttp://www.eatechnology.com/news/ea-technology-offers-energy-related-degree/ea-technology-bridges-power-recruiment-gaphttp://www.eatechnology.com/news/ea-technology-offers-energy-related-degree/international-trade-awards Twenty-eight companies and two universities from across the region are set to battle it out at the event, which will be held at the Lowry Hotel. The awards, which have been divided into nine categories, will celebrate the success of companies involved in both import and export and international businesses investing in the North West. Rupert Cornford, features editor at North West Business Insider said: We received some very strong entries for these awards, which just goes to show how seriously overseas trade is being taken. With economic growth in emerging markets far outstripping those closer to home, our shortlisted companies are stealing a march on their competitors by seeking international business opportunities29/11/2011 09:45:42blahCMShttp://www.eatechnology.com/news/ea-technology-offers-energy-related-degree/international-trade-awardshttp://www.eatechnology.com/news/ea-technology-offers-energy-related-degree/ea-technology-shortlisted-for-award After receiving over 400 entries to their Innovation Awards the IET have shortlisted an entry from EA Technology with project partners ScottishPower and Ashton Hayes Going Carbon Neutral Project which focuses on how communities can become carbon neutral. Nominated in the Sustainability category of these highly competitive awards the submission ‘Expanding and Managing Community Energy through Technical and Social Collaboration’ is one of five finalists. Using innovative methods which have involved the installation of Photovoltaics (PV), an Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) and a community owned electric vehicle (EV) the project has sought to take a community approach allowing the participants to share the benefits. ScottishPower has taken the opportunity to work with the village to better understand the power consumption of its domestic consumers and how to integrate low carbon technology into their network. Speaking on behalf of the project team, EA Technology’s Dr Mary Gillie said “We are delighted to be a finalist for this award with our project partners. The key to the success of the project is bringing together experts to work with the village on the technical, economic and social aspects of the project. Both the residents and ScottishPower are learning from the project. Already we have helped reduce the village's carbon footprint and we have plans for further reductions. We are very excited by future prospects.” Mary joined EA Technology in 2004. She has a Master of Physics Degree from the University of Edinburgh. Prior to joining the Company Mary completed her PhD in Electrical & Electronic Engineering from the University of Strathclyde, modeling wind farms and designing control systems to integrate them into the distribution system. The award ceremony is to be held at the Intercontinental Hotel, London on the 9th of November 2011 For more information on the project please contact James O'Neil on: 0151 347 2307 or Mobile 07894 392834 or email james.ONeil@eatechnology.com For more information please visit the IET Innovation Awards at: http://conferences.theiet.org/innovation/index.cfm 07/11/2011 09:36:40blahCMShttp://www.eatechnology.com/news/ea-technology-offers-energy-related-degree/ea-technology-shortlisted-for-award