Tag Archives: renewables

Green Energy, News from Wales

HDM Solar expands to Port Talbot with new branch, driving green growth and creating local jobs

HDM Solar, one of the UK’s fastest-growing renewable energy product suppliers, will open a new branch in Port Talbot this July. The expansion will create around 10 new local jobs and support the region’s transition towards a greener, more sustainable economy.

Located at Unit 21, Baglan Energy Park, the new branch forms part of HDM Solar’s ambitious £10.2 million investment to establish a nationwide network of 60 sites. The 17,500 sq ft premises will include a 6,000 sq ft bonded storage facility, currently under construction ahead of the July opening. With its head office in Hull, HDM Solar has recently opened new branches in Bournemouth and Basildon, and the addition of Port Talbot further strengthens the company’s presence in Wales and the West.

HDM Solar supplies solar power systems and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. The business serves a wide range of trade customers and businesses, offering tailored solutions, technical support, and delivery direct to site.

The company’s arrival comes at a crucial time for Port Talbot, which is facing the devastating prospect of job losses due to the planned closure of TATA Steel’s blast furnaces. HDM Solar’s investment will provide new opportunities and inject confidence into the local economy, with a focus on green jobs and renewable infrastructure.

Callum Emery, Manager of HDM Solar’s Port Talbot branch, said:

“We’re excited to be launching our Port Talbot branch this summer. This area has a proud industrial legacy and enormous potential to lead in the green energy transition. We look forward to working closely with local installers, businesses and communities to deliver reliable, high-quality renewable energy solutions.”

Adam Firth, Group CEO of HDM Solar, added:

“Our expansion into Port Talbot is about more than just opening a branch – it’s about investing in communities, supporting the shift to renewable energy, and creating sustainable jobs where they’re needed most. We’re proud to be part of a green future for Port Talbot and excited to build long-term partnerships with local businesses and installers.”

With a commitment to quality products, excellent service, and strong local partnerships, HDM Solar has earned a reputation as “The Installer’s Wholesaler”. Its knowledgeable team supports trade customers from consultation and design through to supply and delivery – ensuring a seamless experience at every stage.

An official Open Day is planned to mark the branch opening on July 18. In attendance will be a number of local dignitaries, including Stephen Kinnock MP for Aberafan Maesteg. Local businesses, installers, and members of the public are invited to register their interest and attend. To register your interest in the Open Day, or for more information, email events@hdmsolar.co.uk.

In addition to its wholesale operations, HDM Solar is part of a wider group that includes HDM Energies, a sister company offering innovative commercial solar solutions. Through its Energy For All scheme, HDM Energies helps businesses access solar power with no upfront costs, installing and maintaining systems while offering electricity at significantly reduced, fixed rates. This initiative enables businesses to cut energy costs and carbon emissions without capital investment, supporting the UK’s transition to a cleaner energy future.

Business, Renewable Energy News

Thermal earth expands with new facilities and cutting-edge renewable energy project

Thermal Earth, a leading provider of renewable energy and heat pump technology, is expanding into new premises at Hendre Industrial Estate, Ammanford, creating jobs and strengthening its position in the UK’s growing renewable energy sector—thanks to groundbreaking technology that harnesses run-off water from old mines as a renewable heat source.

Previously, the premises was left vacant due to spiraling energy costs. Now Thermal Earth is transforming the space with a combination of solar thermal, solar PV, and battery storage systems, alongside innovative technology that harnesses run-off water from old mines as a heating source—likely to be the first of its kind in the UK.

This ongoing project involves capturing 14°C runoff water from an abandoned mine, managed by the Coal Authority, to serve as a sustainable heat source. The new heating system will not only reduce energy costs but also demonstrate how sustainable solutions can breathe new life into existing buildings.

With a strong track record in heat pumps and wider renewable solutions, Thermal Earth is transforming energy challenges into opportunities for sustainable growth. The new site will support increasing demand for heat pump installations and serve as a training hub, equipping the next generation with specialist skills in renewable heating, partnering with local construction companies and apprenticeship providers like Cyfle Building Skills.

Fern Church, Marketing Manager at Thermal Earth, said:

“We’re proud to bring this building back into use with cutting-edge renewable technology. By applying our expertise to our own operations, we’re demonstrating how businesses can reduce energy costs and move towards a more sustainable future.

“This expansion is also an indication of the growing success and ambition of our company. It allows us to create jobs, develop new skills, and continue driving innovation in the sector. We’re excited to serve our clients and the local community with a larger premises and workforce—this is an exciting time for Thermal Earth.”

Thermal Earth has built a strong reputation for its expertise in renewable energy solutions. Its commitment goes beyond innovation, offering a diverse range of air source and ground source heat pumps, along with solar thermal, solar PV, and battery storage systems to help businesses and homeowners reduce energy costs and carbon emissions.

News

Soaring demand for solar panels helps B-engineering Group to shine

Soaring demand for solar panels is driving expansion for a building services group amid an increased focus on renewables projects by its growing client base.

B-engineering Group has secured orders totalling £500,000 for commercial solar schemes since October.

Warrington-based B-engineering Group has won projects across Cheshire, Greater Manchester and Cumbria to design, install and maintain solar photovoltaic panel schemes for education, healthcare and industrial clients.

Its solar success contributed to record first-quarter turnover for the group between October and December.

The group’s solar business forms part of its renewables division, and has been boosted by the arrival of Mike Peacock in the new role of Solar PV manager.

Mike joined from a solar installation and maintenance business based in Liverpool, where he was technical manager.

B-engineering Group’s solar operation is registered with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme, which certifies, quality assures and provides consumer protection for installations and installers in the renewables sector.

It is also accredited under the Home Insulation and Energy Systems Quality Assured Contractors Scheme.

Managing director Rob Ditchfield said: “Mike is a tremendous addition to our team. He’s a true specialist who really understands the market, with a great track record and lots of knowledge about the sector. In addition to those orders already secured, there is a strong pipeline of future projects.

“Solar PV is a specialism which fits in well with other areas of our business, such as mechanical and electrical work, project management, installation and maintenance.

“As solar panels are much more affordable these days, with a payback of between three and five years and systems which last 25 years, demand is increasing rapidly and we see this as a sector where we can deliver strong and sustainable growth for many years to come and generate new employment opportunities within the group.”

Alongside its solar operation, B-engineering Group designs, installs and maintains heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, electrical and energy systems in commercial premises. It is a specialist in decarbonising commercial properties and estates.

The family business was founded in 1990 by Bernard Ditchfield, who handed over the reins to son Rob in 2011, when the company was turning over £180,000 and had just six staff.

B-engineering Group’s workforce has increased to more than 50 and is poised to grow further as the group looks to expand into Yorkshire, the North East and the East Midlands.

The group employs engineers from Lancashire to Worcestershire, working across sectors ranging from education, healthcare, leisure and hospitality to manufacturing, retailing, construction and nuclear.

Revenues in the 12 months to September 30 were £8.5m and the group expects to achieve £10m of turnover this year.

Mike said: “There are big financial gains to be made for solar PV installations, as they generate savings on electricity bills and unused energy can be sold to the National Grid.

“Lenders are showing a real interest in financing solar panel schemes at competitive rates, so when the loans are paid off the savings are even greater.

“There is an added plus as well as the financial benefits, because solar installations help companies to meet their ESG commitments.

“As well as working with our existing client base, there is huge scope for expansion to new customers.

“As we are providing a full service, including planning, design, project management, installation and maintenance, the sky’s literally the limit for our offering.”

He added: “I’m passionate about renewable energy and have joined B-engineering Group at an exciting time to really add impetus to its activities in the sector.

“The ethos of the company was also a big attraction. It takes ESG seriously, has a genuine commitment to the communities in which it operates, and looks after its staff really well.”