Power & Utilities

The power sector in the UK includes traditional large-scale electricity generators (coal, gas and nuclear) and a range of renewable energy suppliers, for example, onshore and offshore wind, hydro, and energy from waste. Whether renewable or traditional, energy companies are required to manage environmental performance through legal measures including Environmental Permits. Environmental performance is, however, not a simple matter of legal compliance. The widespread adoption of environmental management systems (typically conforming to the ISO 14001 standard) has lead companies to develop and adopt formal procedures to improve continuously the management of their environmental impacts. A wide range of stakeholders are now interested in environmental issues, and environmental performance has become a very important part of sound corporate management.

In recent years, it has been recognised that environmental management can be optimised through integration with other assurance functions, e.g. safety, health, quality and security; leading to the formation of large in-house ESHSQ teams at some major utility companies. Increasing regulation and pressure from company management and external stakeholders is, however, placing ever greater demands on these teams. CRA provides a range of services to support the assurance function within power sector companies.

Who do we work with?

CRA supports companies throughout the power sector primarily in strategic review, EMS, environmental permitting, contaminated land management and environmental measurement and reporting. CRA has worked with major fossil fuel power generators and is now becoming involved with the UK’s new nuclear build programme through the provision of strategic advice regarding Development Consent Orders. CRA works directly for power generators but also supports the Tier 1 and 2 supply chain through the provision of specialist advice. We work in the following sub-sectors:

• Fossil fuels
• Nuclear
• Renewables
• Transmission
• Water

Why CRA?

CRA has extensive experience in the power sector. We work with some of the UK’s leading companies, providing support that is tailored to the client’s needs.

Our expertise extends to environmental and social impact assessment, emissions modelling, development of environmental management plans, site investigation and remediation, and support in environment, health and safety compliance auditing. We work with large organisations in the sector to develop strategies for corporate responsibility, collect and report on key performance indicator data, develop and improve ESH management systems, and provide reassurance to stakeholders.

For additional information on how CRA could help you, please contact Frank Dennis at fdennis@cra.co.uk or on 0115 965 6700.