Fourblue Insights - May Newsletter
This month, we’ve got exciting updates on the latest clean energy tech, UK reforms shaping the future of energy, and new opportunities for professionals in the sector.
You’ll also find some of our latest job openings, from high-voltage roles to sustainability consultancy positions.
We’re also sharing how our team made an impact at the Tunbridge Wells Spring Clean, plus a sneak peek at Barney’s latest office moment. Keep reading for all the details!
UK Shortlists 27 Green Hydrogen Projects to Boost Jobs and Clean Energy
The UK government has shortlisted 27 green hydrogen projects under its Hydrogen Allocation Round 2, aiming to cut emissions, create jobs, and attract over £1bn in private investment. These projects support clean energy growth, industrial decarbonisation, and the government’s net zero and energy security goals.
Read more via reNEWS - Renewable Energy News here.
Scientists Harness Raindrops to Generate Clean Electricity with Simple Tube System
Researchers have developed a low-cost method to generate electricity from falling raindrops using a narrow tube that creates "plug flow." This breakthrough could power LEDs and offer a sustainable energy solution for urban areas, rooftops, and low-water environments.
Read more via SciTechDaily here
New UK Reforms to Fast-Track Grid Access for Clean Energy Projects
The UK is overhauling its grid connection system to prioritise clean energy projects, slashing delays and unlocking £40bn a year in private investment. The move aims to end gridlock, boost jobs, and enhance energy security by sidelining stalled ‘zombie’ projects.
Read more via Innovation News Network here.
UK Launches AI Energy Council to Align Data Centre Growth with Sustainability
The UK’s new AI Energy Council aims to ensure AI and data centre expansion supports clean energy goals. Bringing together tech giants and energy leaders, the council will guide sustainable infrastructure development, integrate renewables, and protect consumers as AI drives growing energy demands across sectors.
Read more via Data Centre Magazine here.
Liquid Air Tipped as Most Affordable Long-Term Energy Storage Solution
MIT and Norwegian researchers say liquid air energy storage (LAES) could outperform lithium-ion and hydropower in cost. Though not yet investor-ready, LAES offers a clean, scalable option for future grid-scale energy storage, crucial for supporting renewable energy growth and ensuring long-term energy security.
Read more via The Chemical Engineer here.
UK Unveils Plan to Build ‘Clean Power Army’ for 2030 Energy Goals
The UK government will train thousands for clean energy careers by 2030, launching regional pilots and partnering with industry to drive job creation, economic growth, and energy security. Key efforts include new training tools, infrastructure investment, and transitioning workers from fossil fuels to renewables.
Read more via Open Access Government here.
With major changes on the horizon for umbrella company regulations in the UK, contractors need to be more careful than ever. If you’re working through an umbrella—or thinking about it—this guide breaks down what you need to know, what’s changing, and how to protect yourself from non-compliant schemes.
Explore some of the latest job opportunities below..
Exciting opportunity for a Head of Technical to lead high-voltage infrastructure projects across Yorkshire. Join a fast-growing ICP delivering 11kV to 132kV connections nationwide, where you'll manage a skilled design team, drive technical excellence, and shape the future of utility infrastructure across renewables, residential, and commercial sectors.
Opportunity for a Multi-Utility Estimator to join a growing contractor in the West Midlands. Work across housing, EV, and I&C sectors, supporting bid preparation and project delivery. Hybrid role offering up to £70k + car allowance with a well-regarded, family-run business.
Fantastic role for a Commissioning Engineer to lead large-scale Solar PV and BESS projects across the UK. Offering circa £90k + package, this position suits someone with HV commissioning experience and a strong understanding of G99 standards, ready to make an impact in the renewable energy sector.
Join a leading multi-disciplinary consultancy in London as a Senior Sustainability Consultant. Contribute to high-profile residential and mixed-use developments, using your knowledge of building physics, low-carbon tech, and sustainable design. Great opportunity for career growth and meaningful project impact.
Contact Matt at m.bunyan@fourblue.com to learn more and apply.
Join a reputable main contractor in Kent as a Quantity Surveyor. Oversee industrial, retail, and commercial projects from inception to completion, ensuring budgets, quality, and deadlines are met. Offering a competitive £55k salary and clear opportunities for progression.
Contact Matt at m.bunyan@fourblue.com to find out more and apply.
Join a leading ICP in the renewable energy sector as an Electrical Estimating Engineer, based in Bristol with site visits. Work on 132kV projects, preparing estimates for major infrastructure works. Offering up to £65k + car allowance and the chance to be part of the UK’s clean energy transition.
Contact Nikki at n.hickmott@fourblue.com to find out more and apply.
Opportunity for an HV Project Engineer to join a leading ICP in the renewable energy sector, based out of their Bristol office. Deliver high-voltage projects up to 132kV, supporting the transition to clean energy. Offering up to £70,000 + car or car allowance.
Contact Nikki at n.hickmott@fourblue.com to find out more and apply.
Join a leading ICP in the renewable energy sector as an HV Project Engineer in their Glasgow office. Take charge of HV projects up to 132kV. Offering up to £70,000 + car or car allowance, with a chance to make a real impact in the sector.
Contact Nikki at n.hickmott@fourblue.com to find out more and apply.
Not quite the right fit?
Check out more job opportunities on our website or get in touch with the team at team@fourblue.com to discuss your next career move. We're here to help you find the perfect role!
As AI, cloud tech, and digital services continue to grow at lightning speed, so does the demand for the infrastructure behind them—data centres. But with that growth comes a huge sustainability challenge, and an even bigger opportunity for professionals with the right skills.
In our latest blog, we explore how data centres are becoming a hotspot for green careers, the roles in highest demand, and why now is the perfect time to get involved in this fast-moving, future-focused sector.
We love hearing from our network on the big questions shaping the future. Our LinkedIn polls offer a quick pulse on industry priorities and spark insightful conversations. Here’s a snapshot of last month’s results and what they tell us.
Following the UK Government’s announcement of a £200 million initiative to install rooftop solar panels on 200 schools and 200 NHS sites, we asked:
How should Great British Energy prioritise future clean energy investments after the solar rollout?
And here's how you responded;
The LinkedIn poll on Great British Energy's next clean energy priority reveals a strong preference for upgrading grid infrastructure, with 47% of votes. Community energy schemes and promoting green careers each garnered 20%, while 13% supported more public sector solar. The results suggest a shift towards strengthening infrastructure and building a sustainable energy ecosystem.
The UK is generating more of its own electricity than ever, with imports dropping sharply over the past decade. Driven by recent energy shocks and a push for energy independence, renewables are now at the heart of the UK’s strategy.
In another poll last month, we asked;
Do you think the UK’s renewables rollout is the key to long-term energy security?
And here's how you responded;
The poll shows strong support for renewables as the UK’s energy future, with 70% of respondents saying homegrown power is key to energy security. 22% favor a mixed approach, while 8% believe gas is still essential. This aligns with recent trends of reducing reliance on imported energy, highlighting confidence in renewables despite the need for a balanced transition.
Fourblue Team News
In April, some of the Fourblue team took part in the Tunbridge Wells Spring Clean, joining 150 other volunteers to help tidy up our town.
The collective impact was impressive:
🗑 125 bags of rubbish collected
🛒 5 shopping trolleys returned
🚿 10 pieces of graffiti removed
⏳ 500+ volunteer hours logged
It’s incredible to see what can be achieved when local businesses and residents come together. We’re proud to have supported the Great British Spring Clean, organised by Royal Tunbridge Wells Together BID, and we’re always happy to play our part in keeping our local area clean and welcoming.
Here’s to continuing these efforts and making a positive impact in our community!
And Finally
As always, we like to end our newsletter with a little bit of cuteness! This month, we’re sharing a photo of Barney, the office dog, giving the team his best “take me for a walk” face. It’s impossible to resist those eyes! 🐾
Thanks for Reading!
That’s it for this month’s updates! If any roles catch your eye, please get in touch. Stay tuned for more next month!