The Energy and Utilities Industries Energy and Utilities Industries Module

Which industries? The energy and utilities sector employs over 530,000 people in more than 60,000 businesses in the UK. Career opportunities are exciting and growing. Skilled engineers and technicians, scientists, operatives and customer care staff are much in demand. The Energy and Utilities* Industries are: Power Industry Low Carbon Industry Gas Industry Waste Management Industry Water Industry *As defined by

The Power Industry There are 2,000+ UK generating stations, in gas, oil, coal-fired, nuclear or hydro-electric power stations and wind farms, plus renewable energy sources. Jobs in the power industry are highly skilled and there’s a huge and sustained demand for competent staff over the next decade. To address this problem, the National Skills Academy for Power has been established. This sector is fundamental to the well-being of the UK economy

Gas 142, 200 gas workers are either in the transportation and distribution of gas supplies, or the gas utilisation industry. Gas is transported through the National Transmission pipeline to local Gas Distribution Networks then to the premises being supplied. Along with the storage and re- gasification of Liquefied Natural Gas and the manufacture and distribution of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). Gas Utilisation includes the installation and maintenance of gas-fired appliances in homes, commercial and industrial premises. New technology such as flue gas analysers ensure appliances reach maximum performance and the drive for fuel efficiency is increasing demand for combined heat and power units, ground and air source heat pumps, solar heating and hot water. There are opportunities in the gas industry for those who are ambitious, enthusiastic and enjoy hands-on work.

Waste Management Core Activities Waste collection and transport Household waste & recycling centres Energy from waste e.g. thermal recovery processes Recycling, processing & specialist operations Landfill The industry is evolving quickly in response to the green/ carbon agendas which increase its reliance on technology and mechanisation. Skilled operators and technical experts are badly needed as the sector continues to expand. We look after the environment and make it a better place, so why not choose a career where you can make our world a cleaner and greener place?

Water The UK has a world class multi million pound water industry. There is an on-going programme of construction, operation and maintenance of the water infrastructure. Maintaining a drinking water quality of 99.5% compliant with regulatory standards requires a very high level of technical knowledge and expertise. Waste Water Waste water leaves homes and businesses and is carried by pipes to sewage treatment works, where harmful substances are removed. Water Distribution Purified water is pumped from the water treatment works, through the water mains to houses and industries.

Low Carbon Industry Scientists are currently working on a way of capturing carbon dioxide and injecting it underground, to prevent it escaping into the atmosphere. The sheer amount of human resource required for a project like this is vast. The low carbon industry sector needs scientists, technicians, engineers and maths professionals. The great thing about a career in low carbon is that this technology is being developed and used across all sectors thereby increasing job opportunities. Low carbon technology benefits the power, gas, water and waste & recycling industries with the simple aim of lowering the carbon footprint through, for example; wind farms recycling, transport infrastructure and marine (wave and tidal) industry.