Energy and Environment Feature Library
Operations Engineer's library catalogues editorial features going back five years.
Access to all archive material is free to all, including non-members of IPlantE
(the Institution of Operations Engineers) or BES (Bureau of Engineer Surveyors), under
the umbrella of SOE (Society of Operations Engineers). However, to discover the
many benefits of becoming an SOE member, please click here.
08/04/2025
Ensuring humidity control
Humidity is the enemy of battery manufacturers, so its measurement and control is extremely important – not just for the plant’s energy efficiency, but also for the quality and yield of batteries, affecting issues such as range in EVs. ...
» Read More
18/03/2025
Accelerating the green revolution
The transition of the UK power sector to clean energy presents challenges, but by embracing the opportunities industries can contribute to national decarbonisation goals while enhancing competitiveness, writes Tom Austin-Morgan
» Read More
09/01/2025
Sustainable Pathway
A new generation of semiconductors will radically reduce carbon footprint, according to photonics expert Antanas Laurutis, CEO of Altechna, a company specialising in custom laser optics and opto-mechanical assemblies for high-power laser ...
» Read More
09/12/2024
Rise of the robots
Robotic systems are proving critical in the nuclear sector for challenging decommissioning and disposal applications. Louise Davis speaks to a technical expert about how this technology is evolving and what advantages robots are bringing ...
» Read More
07/11/2024
A centre of sustainability
A novel sensor system has been developed to help data centres optimise the energy efficiency and sustainability of their operations. Anu Kätkä, product manager at measurement technology company Vaisala describes the technology, which has ...
» Read More
02/10/2024
In the driving seat
An expert in variable frequency drives explains to Louise Davis how future-focused solutions can help industry tackle its sustainability issues while also saving considerable costs
» Read More
02/10/2024
An industrial revolution
A pioneer of electrification explains to Louise Davis why a sea change in mindset surrounding industrial processes is necessary if manufacturers are to continue providing the world with the products and materials it needs
» Read More
03/09/2024
Footprints in the land
In the global quest to achieve net zero targets, industry is increasingly under pressure to calculate and reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. Matteo Simonetto, sustainability services manager at TÜV SÜD, discusses how this processes can ...
» Read More
03/09/2024
Hot stuff
As innovation in the solar energy sector continues apace, Louise Davis asks an expert in molten salt pumps to shine a light on how this technology is proving to be an enabling solution at a first of its kind project
» Read More
03/09/2024
Comment: The need for clarity around carbon
I have recently been reading SOE’s review of the UK Government’s 2020 white paper: ‘Energy white paper: powering our net zero future’. The SOE’s assessment stated that while the white paper set out actions that supported reductions of ...
» Read More
08/08/2024
Production efficiency gains
Tom Austin-Morgan reports on some of the innovative decarbonisation and energy efficiency measures companies are making to their production facilities
» Read More
10/06/2024
Motion sensor solutions
Bigger is almost certainly always better when it comes to heat pumps. In other words, performance, efficiency and cost advantages can all be achieved when going larger, says Jody Muelaner
» Read More
10/06/2024
Fine mines
Sustainability, employee protection and operational insights are the drivers of a cutting-edge electrification upgrade at BHP BMA’s Goonyella Riverside Mine in Queensland
» Read More
08/05/2024
Size is everything for heat pumps
Bigger is almost certainly always better when it comes to heat pumps. In other words, performance, efficiency and cost advantages can all be achieved when going larger, says Jody Muelaner
» Read More
08/05/2024
HVAC challenges
A white paper from the Advanced Services Group looks at some of the current challenges facing the HVAC industry, from the energy crisis to stakeholder education to decarbonisation
» Read More
08/05/2024
Working towards Net Zero targets
Following calls for the oil and gas industry to start seriously contributing to Net Zero targets at COP28, what are organisations doing to work towards these goals?
» Read More
09/04/2024
Rolling out heat pumps
The most common scenario for large-scale switching to heat pumps is retrofitting an existing gas-fired heating solution. What enabling works might be required and how ready is the UK supply chain to deliver when it comes to helping to ...
» Read More
08/03/2024
The importance of measuring
Industry faces mounting pressure to prioritise decarbonisation for the Government’s 2050 Net Zero targets. But how can businesses begin reducing energy consumption if they aren’t measuring?
» Read More
08/01/2024
Testing AI regulation
Artificial intelligence is starting to enter the nuclear sector with substantial investment. The UK nuclear regulator, ONR, convened its first regulatory sandbox to learn more about how it might manage the technology
» Read More
08/01/2024
All about EV chargers
An increasingly common piece of electrical infrastructure are electric vehicle chargers. These devices are fast becoming a crucial component of the electricity grid of tomorrow, finds Will Dalrymple
» Read More
05/12/2023
Wind turbine lift safety
An HSE alert has raised concerns about the safety of the design of maintenance lifts inside wind turbines. Now, publication of a relevant new design standard has been delayed, reports Toby Clark
» Read More
02/11/2023
BNG development
Seven years since the UK’s leading conservationists declared it ‘one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world,’ we are finally about to see concerted action, reports Dominic Bernard
» Read More