The 2022 UKIFDA Report: Future Fuels & How Land Surveyors Are Involved
The annual UKFIDA Expo is always an important event for fuel distributors, depot managers, and anyone else with a connection to the fuel industry. To make contacts in this field and share Merrett Survey’s expertise in applying the latest techniques in storage tank & land surveying, Peter Merrett of Merrett Survey Ltd attended this year’s UKIFDA Expo on the 27th-28th April at the Exhibition Centre in Liverpool.
What Is The UKIFDA Expo?
UKIFDA, or the UK and Ireland Fuel Distributors Association, is the trade association for the liquid fuels distribution industry. Its aim is to support its members in running their businesses safely and sustainably, and to that end, they have hosted the UKIFDA Expo since 1980. For anyone that plays a role in the liquid fuel industry, it’s a must visit event where professionals and experts can gather to share their experiences, knowledge and see the latest products and services in the sector.
Peter Merrett’s Experiences At The UKFIDA Expo
To meet with other professionals and share Merrett Survey’s particular expertise in storage tank and land surveying, Peter Merrett attended this year’s UKFIDA Expo last month. Here is what Peter had to say about his experiences:
“It’s good to attend a conference that is a bit ‘left of field’ compared to the normal survey show circuit. UKIFDA is the UK and Ireland Fuel Distribution Association’s annual gathering with a conference and large exhibition, held in Liverpool this year.
Of course with my salesman’s hat on, this was a good place to promote Merrett Survey Ltd’s unique skills in the surveying and analysing of storage tanks and our ability to laser scan and model complex plants. Some of the UK’s primary refinery and fuel storage terminal operators were at the show.
But I also have a keen interest in climate change, renewable energy and just helping to save the planet. So how does an Association whose members earn a living from distributing carbon based fuels (diesel, petrol, home heating oil and kerosene for aircraft) approach a future where the country and indeed the world is working towards a zero carbon target?”
“I have learnt a lot in the past few days. This industry is very engaged with the problem. Investing time and money to address the challenges ahead. Many of the talks referenced lobbying the government to understand that liquid fuels can be zero (or very close to zero) carbon.
Refineries are now producing ‘new’ fuels such as HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oils – with the ‘hydro’ part meaning hydrogen), and many of the fleets of trucks distributing the current range of carbon fuels (created from fossil fuels) are running on HVO, which is a sustainable fuel that gives off cleaner emissions than regular diesel. Those same trucks will be distributing more and more green products in the future.
But there was a clear message that governments are fixated on electricity as being the future, favouring electric cars, heat pumps for private houses etc. But for those in remote areas, with poorly insulated houses and who can’t afford to insulate their homes, or for large industrial warehouses, the use of a low carbon liquid fuel is an ideal solution.”
“There isn’t yet a clear single choice of a green fuel for the future but one speaker suggested there is likely to be a wide mix of fuel options. For example, Ammonia could become a suitable fuel for shipping to use. HVO in trucks, construction vehicles and diesel cars, and hydrogen for industrial processes and industrial heating. Others on the list are BioEthanol, Methanol, Biomass and PTL – which is Power to Liquid, using renewable power to create hydrocarbons from CO2 and water. This approach actually takes CO2 from the atmosphere.
There will need to be changes to some infrastructure. This is where we will position ourselves to apply the skills of the land surveyor, on the land, the sea (see our skills for Coastal and Marine Hydrographic Surveys – plus offshore wind power cable routes), and in the air with aerial surveys. We have already been asked to quote for new pipeline routes to transport hydrogen from refineries to the industrial regions of the UK, using airborne Lidar methods for rapid and detailed terrain mapping.”
“The renewable power sources such as wind power, hydro power and photovoltaics are fields where we already have experience. Merrett Survey Ltd surveyed the UK’s first commercial wind farm near Camelford in Cornwall many decades ago. The continuous changes that are happening in the energy industries gives us hope for the future and from a commercial perspective, there are opportunities for the application of our high tech land surveying skills to help make these changes happen.”
Land Surveys For Renewable Energy Projects At Merrett Survey Ltd
Our land surveyors have worked on numerous renewable energy projects over the years. With previous project experience ranging from onshore wind turbine sites, hydro power projects both in the UK and abroad, and the development of solar power arrays, our land surveys are able to play a key role in seeing any upcoming renewable energy developments to a successful conclusion.
Land Surveys With UAV Drones
Using the latest technology, the use of UAV drones in our land surveys can be particularly useful for the installation of solar and wind farms. High resolution RGB imagery can be a great help in ensuring planning and construction is done properly, and the use of thermographic imagery can allow us to identify damaged solar panels by the difference in their temperature compared to adjacent cells – meaning that repairs can be made expediently.
Site Management Throughout The Project
Our land surveys can be provided for all stages of a renewable energy project, from inception to completion. Using our LiDAR aerial surveys and land surveys, we can identify optimal sites for the installation of turbines and solar panels. In addition, our land surveyors are able to provide as-built surveys and monitoring services to ensure the site is properly maintained.
Merrett Land Surveyors – Working Towards A Greener Future
We all know that the utilities and energy industries needs to transition to become more renewable if we are to tackle climate change. At Merrett Survey our topographical surveyors are here to assist the sector in any way they can.
If you would like to discuss how our land surveyors can help you make these changes in your business, or would like to get in touch with our team for a free quotation, please contact us on 01392 362161 or by email at info@merrettsurvey.com. One of our team members would be happy to assist you.
Peter Merrett - Owner & CEO
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