In Electricity transmission it has has estimated that the current network transmission and distribution capacity will need to be increased by up to 25% just to cope with the introduction of wind power and this is only one of a number of new energy sources being introduced and part of the UK’s integrated energy mix strategy. The existing distribution network was largely built in the 50′s and 60′s and much of it is in need of investment to extend its life or needs replacing.

In the case of gas, market pressures across the globe and the need to secure future supplies are driving huge investments in the search for new sources. Across Europe, innovation is now creating change with investment in new facilities such as LNG terminals and large scale bio-methanation plants, all of which need to be connected to the transmission and distribution networks.

In the Oil & Gas (O&G) sector, operating companies face Global competition that is squeezing profitability, they must find ways of exploiting their assets more effectively and optimise operational and business process at all stages in the supply chain and especially in the fields of gas storage and gas importation.

Combining the issues of new and increased capacity with the growth in new connections is probably the largest programme of work that the energy transmission and distribution industry has faced in many years and this has to be solved in a commercial environment that is highly regulated, has ever increasing financial demands by its various stakeholders and in one which must take account of the carbon reduction requirements.

The Transmission and Distribution networks of both the power and gas sectors therefore face enormous challenges that must be addressed and solved over the coming years. Fortech specialises in providing specialised solutions to support the industry in this area and has diverse expertise covering engineering, planning, design, systems, trading, commercial management and general programme governance.