Northern Offers Free Travel To Bedlington Terrier Owners When Town’s New Station Opens
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on Rail magazine.
These two paragraphs add more details.
Passengers with a famous breed of dog named after Bedlington will be offered free travel when the town’s new station is open. It is the sixth and final new station on the Northumberland Line, which reopened to passengers in December 2024 – for the first time in 60 years.
Around 1.3 million journeys have been made on the route so far, with passengers travelling for work, education, important appointments and fun days out. When the station opens on Sunday, 29 March, it will allow customers to travel into Newcastle in around 30 minutes, with an off-peak single costing just £2.60.
I don’t own a dog anymore, let alone a bedlington terrier, but I had intended to go to the opening of the new Bedlington station tomorrow, but there don’t seem to be any trains between London and Newcastle due to engineering works.
So, it looks like I’ll have to miss out!
Port Talbot To Become Offshore Wind Hub For Celtic Sea
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on the BBC.
This is the sub-heading.
Port Talbot will become the first dedicated hub for floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea.
These four introductory paragraphs add some detail.
Associated British Ports (ABP) will begin detailed design and engineering work on new port infrastructure after securing grant funding of up to £64m from the UK government.
The project will support the assembly and deployment of floating turbines that will operate in deeper waters off the Welsh coast. ABP said the development could support thousands of jobs and attract hundreds of millions of pounds in further investment.
The UK government said the new port would help deliver clean, homegrown electricity, protect households from volatile fossil fuel markets and create up to 5,000 new jobs.
Redeveloping the port to handle the assembly of wind turbines could position Port Talbot at the centre of a fast-growing clean energy sector.
I have some thoughts.
How Much Wind Power Is Planned For The Western Approaches?
In Ocean Winds Enters Lease Agreement With Crown Estate For 1.5 GW Celtic Sea Floating Wind Project, I published this Google AI estimate of the wind power, that could be developed in the Western Approaches.
How Much Wind Power Is Planned For The Western Approaches?
I asked Google AI, the title of this section and received this answer.
The UK has a target of 50 GW of offshore wind by 2030, with significant projects planned for the Celtic Sea (part of the Western Approaches), which is a key area for 5 GW of floating wind. Total UK offshore wind pipeline capacity exceeds 93 GW, with major developments in this region focusing on floating technology.
Key details regarding wind power in the Western Approaches (specifically the Celtic Sea) include:
Celtic Sea Developments: The area is a primary focus for floating wind projects, designed to capitalize on deep-water potential, with 5 GW of floating wind expected to be deployed across the UK by 2030.
Pipeline and Capacity: The total UK pipeline for offshore wind, which includes the Western Approaches, is 93 GW, and the government is aiming for 43-50 GW of installed offshore capacity by 2030.
Project Status: The region is expected to benefit from the Crown Estate’s leasing rounds aimed at accelerating floating wind, with 15.4 GW of new projects submitted across the UK in 2024.
Wales/South West England Context: Wales has 1.4 GW of projects in the pre-application stage, with some potential for developments off the South West coast.
For more detailed information on specific projects and their development status, you can visit the RenewableUK website and RenewableUK website.
It looks like about 20 GW of offshore wind could be installed in the Western Approaches.
I would expect, a lot of work will be generated in the Port Talbot area.
A Lot Of Steel Will Be Needed
Earlier in the weeek, the UK Government backed the steel industry in Port Talbot, with a press release entitled UK Steel Industry Backed By Major New Trade Measure And Strategy.
Port Talbot Is A Comprehensive, Well-Connected Site
This Google Map shows the site.
Note.
- The M4 running along the site.
- The South Wales Main Line running along the site, with Port Talbot Parkway serving the site.
- The harbour by the station.
- The Tata steelworks marked by the red arrow.
I hope the up to £64 million grant from the government is sufficient for Associated British Ports (ABP) to turn the harbour into a world-class floating wind facility and that the Treasury haven’t been too mean.
BW Ideol, ABP To Explore Serial Production Of Floating Wind Foundations At Port Talbot
I wrote a post with this name in December 2023, before the leases for the Celtic Sea windfarms had been awarded. As one has been awarded to EDf Renewables, BW Ideol seem to have made a good move.
BW Ideol have a web page, which describes their concrete floating wind foundations manufacturing line.
I hope South Wales has got enough concrete?
UK Continues Offshore Wind Expansion With 6 GW Leasing Round Planned For Early 2027
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on offshoreWIND.biz.
This is the sub-heading.
The Crown Estate has unveiled plans for the UK’s Offshore Wind Leasing Round 6 to be held in the first half of 2027, targeting the development of at least 6 GW of new capacity.
These three paragraphs add some details.
The upcoming leasing process will focus on areas primarily located in the northeast of England. The sites are expected to be suitable for fixed-bottom offshore wind projects and will be brought forward following market and stakeholder engagement, including the National Energy System Operator’s (NESO) strategic plans for energy and for electricity networks, which will inform the exact capacity of the upcoming leasing round and refine specific site details and locations.
The Crown Estate said on 26 March that it had begun a programme of market engagement ahead of the official launch of a new leasing round, and is seeking market views on commercial approaches to the leasing round “to understand the potential viability and market appetite.”
The UK seabed manager said that it had also identified other areas of seabed opportunity across the South West, Wales and other regions which may form the basis of subsequent leasing rounds through the Crown Estate’s new seabed management tool, the Marine Delivery Routemap, which is being used for the first time in Round 6.
In Renewable Power By 2030 In The UK, I calculated how much offshore wind could be commissioned up to 2030.
These were my results.
This gives these yearly totals, if I use pessimistic dates.
- 2025 – 1,235 MW
- 2026 – 4,807 MW
- 2027 – 5,350 MW
- 2028 – 4,998 MW
- 2029 – 9,631 MW
- 2030 – 15,263 MW
This adds up to a total of 58,897 MW.
But This Doesn’t Include Round 5 Or Round 6!
But the article on offshoreWIND.biz does, say this about Round 5.
The Crown Estate’s previous leasing round, Round 5, focused on floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea, covering areas off South Wales and South West England and targeting up to 4.5 GW of capacity. The round awarded seabed rights to Equinor, Gwynt Glas, and Ocean Winds, with individual project development areas of up to 1.5 GW. Agreements for lease were recently signed for all three Round 5 sites.
The article also indicates that 6 GW can be expected from Round 6.
Which gives a total of 69,397 MW or 69.4 GW.
No wonder the UK Government can back the steel industry, with press releases like this UK Steel Industry Backed By Major New Trade Measure And Strategy.
Lots of renewable energy, is the new rich!
WSMR Plans Alstom-Built Bi-Mode Sets If Open Access Bid Approved
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on Rail magazine.
This is the sub-heading.
Wrexham, Shropshire & Midlands Railway (WSMR) has said it will invest in new Alstom battery-electric bi-mode trains if its open access application is successful.
These three paragraphs add some more details.
In December the Alstom-backed operation resubmitted its application to run between the North Wales city and London Euston via Shrewsbury and Walsall after its initial bid was rejected by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) last year.
In a letter to the regulator and Network Rail, Mobilisation Director Darren Horley said: “Should our application be successful, WSMR will work alongside its parent company, Alstom, and will commit to invest in a new bi-mode battery-electric fleet based on the Adessia platform – Alstom’s new generation passenger train designed specifically for the UK market.
“Initial discussions regarding the procurement of a small new fleet have already commenced with Alstom and a financier.”
The Adessia will be a high speed version, with a maximum speed of 125 mph or 200 kph.
I have some thoughts.
How Much Of The Route Is Without Electrification?
In Alstom Plans To Operate Its Own Passenger Train Service In The UK For The First Time, I gave these distances of the sections of the route.
- Euston and Nuneaton – 96.7 miles – electrified
- Nuneaton and Walsall – 26.7 miles – electrified
- Walsall and Wolverhampton – 6.7 miles – electrified
- Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury – 29.7 miles
- Shrewsbury and Wrexham General – 30.3 miles
That looks like there are sixty miles in each direction without electrification.
Either the trains would have a battery range of 120 miles or a battery range of over 60 miles with charging at Wrexham General station, which is shown in these pictures.
Note.
- Wrexham General station has four platforms. Two are a pair of long through platforms and there are also a separate long and a short through platform.
- The station is step-free.
- The last four pictures are Platform 4.
This OpenRailwayMap shows the platform layout at Wrexham General station.
Note.
- The blue arrow is between the two through Platforms 1 and 2.
- Platform 3 is the platform in the middle.
- Platform 4 is the platform on the left.
An overhead charging rail could be used on Platforms 3 and/or 4, as has been used at Caerphilly station.
The overhead charging rail could also charge other Wrexham General services.
Prospective Routes
I would expect that there would be a need for such a train on the following UK routes.
- CrossCountry – Class 221 train replacement.
- East-West Rail – New fleet.
- Southeastern – London and Hastings.
- ScotRail – Inter7City replacement.
- South Western Railway – Class 158 and Class 159 train replacement.
- Transport for Wales – Some diesel services.
There would be probably be other services too!
Will The Service Call At Willenhall, Darlaston And Walsall?
This OpenRailwayMap shows the three stations.
Note.
- Willenhall station is in the North-West corner of the map.
- Darlaston station is marked by the blue arrow.
- Walsall station is in the North-East corner of the map.
- Tame Valley Parkway station is in the South-East corner of the map.
- It might also be a good idea to call at the Parkway station.
- Red tracks are electrified.
- To call at all four stations will need a reverse at Walsall.
There may be some thinking to do, on the best calling pattern in Walsall.
Shares Available In ‘UK-First’ Community-Owned Battery Energy Storage System
The title of this post is the same as that on this article on Solar Power Portal.
This is the sub-heading.
Low Carbon Hub, an Oxfordshire-based developer of community-owned renewable energy projects, is inviting investment in the 3MW/12MWh BESS.
These four paragraphs add more details.
Consumers have the opportunity to invest in the UK’s ‘first’ community-owned battery energy storage system (BESS).
Low Carbon Hub, an Oxfordshire-based developer of community-owned renewable energy projects, is inviting investment in the 3MW/12MWh BESS, which is co-located with the Ray Valley solar power plant.
At one time the largest community-owned solar development in the UK, the 19MW Ray Valley solar project came online in 2022.
Low Carbon Hub now plans to install battery energy storage at the site to “ensure more clean energy is used, and more money is generated for communities,” it said. As such, members of the public and organisations can buy shares in the Community Energy Fund through direct impact investing platform Ethex.
I think we could see more of this in the future.
Centrica Partners With Ceres Power On Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
The title of this post, is the same as this article on gasworld.
This is the sub-heading.
UK multinational energy and services company Centrica is partnering with clean tech firm Ceres Power to accelerate solid oxide fuel cells [SOFCs] production to meet forecasted ‘multi-gigawatt’ demand from industrial customers across Europe.
These three paragraphs indicate the market opportunity, that Centrica feel, that the partnership will fill.
With electricity grid connection delays impacting new industrial, commercial and digital projects, the UK and Europe are experiencing a widening gap between demand and available capacity.
Centrica aims to offer customers high‑efficiency, low‑carbon, grid independent on‑site power that can be deployed much faster than gas turbines or nuclear.
Group Chief Executive Chris O’Shea said by collaborating with Ceres’ technology it sees an opportunity to support data centres, AI and industry with cleaner power at scale. Ceres claims SOFCs can be manufactured and delivered on site to get power online “in months not years”.
It certainly sounds feasible to drop in an appropriate-sized stack of fuel cells and connect them up to the gas main.
These two paragraphs, indicate how Ceres will support Centrica.
Initially, Ceres will support Centrica in expanding a new differentiated service-led model for clean power, providing access to British technology through its expanding network of global manufacturing partners.
Ceres will assist Centrica with opportunities across project origination, installation and commissioning, remote monitoring, predictive maintenance and end of life recycling.
I have a few questions for Google AI.
Do Ceres Fuel Cells Emit Carbon Dioxide?
Google AI replied this.
Yes, Ceres Power has developed Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) technology, known as the SteelCell®, that works on natural gas. This technology is specifically designed to be fuel-flexible, capable of converting grid natural gas into electricity at high efficiency.
Key Details About Ceres Fuel Cells and Natural Gas:
Technology Capability: The Ceres SteelCell runs on natural gas, as well as future-focused fuels like hydrogen and biogas.
Application: These fuel cells are used for distributed power generation in homes, businesses, and industrial settings (such as AI data centres).
Efficiency: When running on natural gas, the SOFC systems can achieve an electrical efficiency of around 62%, with total efficiency exceeding 90% when combined with heat recovery.
Emission Reductions: Compared to conventional combustion engines, the technology offers a 30% reduction in carbon emissions.
Current Strategy: As of early 2026, Ceres is focusing on natural gas-fueled SOFCs for stationary power markets, particularly in collaboration with partners like Centrica to address power shortages in the UK and Europe.
While the systems can be used for hydrogen in the long term, they are currently fully functional with natural gas, making them a “bridge” technology for decarbonisation.
A 30% reduction is surely worthwhile!
In What Size Are Ceres Power Holdings Fuel Cells Manufactured?
Google AI replied this.
Ceres Power Holdings’ solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology is manufactured in modular, scalable sizes, with individual stacks ranging from 10-50 kW and commonly deployed in 1-5 MW power modules. These stacks are produced at manufacturing facilities with capacities like 50MW (e.g., with partner Doosan), with plans for up to 100MW annual capacity.
Key manufacturing and size details include:
Cell Component: 30–150W.
Stack: 10–50 kW.
Stack Array/Module: 100–500 kW, up to 1-5 MW modules.
Manufacturing Capacity: 50MW production facility in South Korea (Doosan), with plans for 100MW+ annual capacity in future plants.
Applications: Primarily stationary, distributed power systems for AI data centres, industrial decarbonisation, and commercial buildings.
Ceres licenses its technology to partners like Bosch and Doosan, with cell technology based on low-cost printed steel substrate
How Much Power Does A Top Of The Range MRi Scanner Use?
I am asking this question, as it is surely something you might power with a Ceres fuel cell powered by natural gas.
Google AI replied this.
A top-of-the-range MRI scanner (such as a 3-Tesla or 7-Tesla system) is highly energy-intensive, consuming substantial power 24/7 to maintain its superconducting magnet. During active scanning, power usage often ranges from 25 kW up to 80 kW or more.
Here is a breakdown of the power consumption for high-end MRI scanners:
Power Consumption Breakdown
Idle/Stand-by Mode (24/7): The machine constantly consumes roughly 6 to 7 kW for background cooling (liquid helium refrigeration).
Standard Scanning: Productive scanning sessions typically demand around 25 kW.
High-Demand Scanning: Demanding examinations (e.g., head examinations with EPI sequences or special angles) can cause power usage to surge to 70 kW to 80 kW.
System Total: A 3T MRI, including cooling systems (chillers) and peripheral electronics, might require a 3-phase, 480V, 200A supply—roughly equivalent to the capacity of six modern houses.
Conclusion
This seems to be a deal with a large number of possibilities.
Speaking from my past experience of banks and financing, where the bill is ultimately paid by a reputable individual or company like Shell or BP, I believe that Centrica will have no difficulty in financing lots of these systemsusing instiutions like Lloyds or Deutsche Bank.
Cardiff Queen Street And Cardiff Bay Stations – 24th March 2026
After I’d visited Caerphilly station, which I wrote about in Cardiff And Caerphilly – 24th March 2026, I went to look at Cardiff Queen Street And Cardiff Bay stations.
I took these pictures.
Note.
Cardiff And Caerphilly – 24th March 2026
I took this pictures, as I rode up the Rhymney Valley from Cardiff to Caerphilly.
Note.
- The trains I took up and down the valley were both Class 756 tri-mode trains.
- My train reversed to Penarth in Platform 1.
- I think they were running using the diesel power in the power pack.
- There is an overhead conductor rail in Platform 1 at Caerphilly station to charge trains.
- The electrification North of Caerphilly station can be seen through the bridge in one of the pictures.
- Platforms 2 and 3 are not electrified.
I think Caerphilly station is a very neat electrification layout for occasional charging of battery-electric or tri-mode trains.
I have some specific thoughts.
What Have Caerphilly And St. Pancras Thameslink Stations Got In Common?
These pictures show the rigid conductor rail through St. Pancras Thameslink station.
It looks remarkably similar to that in Platform 1 at Caerphilly station.
Judge in this picture.
The rails are probably out of the same Swiss electrification maker’s parts bin.
Both look equally professional with an I-section conductor, which could be aluminium, as it is lightweight and a good electrical conductor.
Google AI finds this.
The I-beam overhead conductor system used in St. Pancras Thameslink station is made of a hollow extruded aluminium profile. This system, known as a conductor beam, holds a conventional copper contact wire, providing a rigid, low-profile alternative to traditional overhead wires.
Key details:
Material: Extruded aluminium profile.
Structure: Hollow, designed to hold an un-tensioned, conventional copper contact wire.
Application: Developed by Balfour Beatty to reduce the required depth of overhead line equipment.
Installation: Often installed in a sinusoidal wave to ensure consistent wear on the pantograph.
This technology is used in areas with restricted overhead space, such as tunnels and some modern station approaches, to manage 25kV AC electrification.
It looks like it’s been used to provide a charging rail in Caerphilly station.
Is The Conductor Rail In Platform 1 Used To Create A Continuous Electrical Connection Around Caerphilly Station?
Look at this OpenRailwayMap, which shows the completed electrification through Caerphilly station.
Note.
- Red tracks are electrified.
- Black tracks are not electrified.
- Caerphilly station is indicated by the blue arrow.
- The electrification continues to the Western end of the station.
- The two main platforms 2 & 3 are not electrified.
- The bay platform 1 is electrified to charge trains for return to Cardiff.
- Class 756 tri-mode electric-diesel-battery trains are already in service.
- There appears to be a comprehensive bus interchange.
The power for Platform 1 could come from the electrification at the Western end of the station.
I wouldn’t be surprised that the Rhymney Line will be fed with electricity at the heads of the valleys and it is fully-connected down to Cardiff to give a secure electrical connection.
Will Welsh Wind Power From The Heads Of The Valleys Be Used To Power The Cardiff Valley Lines?
To start with, as I know it can be blowy there, I asked Google AI, this question.
“Is Onshore Wind Planned At The Heads Of The Valleys In South Wales?”
I received this answer.
Yes, there is significant onshore wind energy development planned and in progress along the Heads of the Valleys area in South Wales. This region, encompassing areas like Merthyr Tydfil, Blaenau Gwent, and northern Rhondda Cynon Taf, is part of a broader push to increase onshore wind capacity in Wales, with many projects located on Natural Resources Wales forestry land.
Key Developments and Proposed Projects (2025-2026):
Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru: The Welsh government-owned developer has selected sites in South Wales for new, large-scale wind farms intended to be operational by 2040.
Carreg Wen Wind Farm: A planned 18-turbine project located between Aberdare and Maerdy (Rhondda Cynon Taf), near the Hirwaun/Heads of the Valleys area.
Hirfynydd Renewable Energy Park: A proposed project located on the Hirfynydd mountain range between Seven Sisters and Banwen, north of Neath, near the western end of the Heads of the Valleys.
Mynydd Llanhilleth and Trecelyn Wind Farms: Projects in the pre-application or planning stages by Pennant Walters in the Blaenau Gwent area.
Abergorki Wind Farm: A consented three-turbine project on Mynydd Maerdy (Rhondda Cynon Taf) with construction scheduled for 2026.
Operational Context:
Pen y Cymoedd: Already operational and currently the largest onshore wind farm in England and Wales, situated in the hills above the upper Neath, Afan, Rhondda, and Cynon Valleys.
Grid Infrastructure: Proposed new substations, such as one near Hirwaun (Rhondda Cynon Taf), are intended to connect these new projects to the national grid.
These developments are part of a target to generate 70% of Wales’ electricity from renewable sources by 2030, with a focus on areas previously identified as suitable for large-scale wind development.
Note.
- Pen y Cymoedd is the largest onshore wind farm in Wales and England, with an installed capacity of 228 MW.
- With the right size of battery, I’m fairly sure, that this wind farm could go a long way to powering the Cardiff Valley Lines.
- Carreg Wen Wind Farm is planned to be 108 MW wind farm.
- Hirfynydd Renewable Energy Park is planned to be a 100 MW hybrid development of wind turbines and solar with a battery.
- Mynydd Llanhilleth is planned to be a 48 MW wind farm.
- Trecelyn is planned to be a 20 MW wind farm.
- Abergorki is planned to be a 13 MW wind farm.
The total of new developments is 389 MW, which is about the same size as a Rolls-Royce SMR.
EasyJet’s New Slimline Seats Will Offer 2 Inches More Legroom
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article in The Times.
This is the sub-heading.
The Kestrel seat’s thinner design promises improved knee and shin clearance. Could the ‘fixed recline’ feature also lead to fewer spats over space?
These three paragraphs add more detail to the story.
As budget airlines try to squeeze more and more passengers onto flights, it can feel as though the seat in front gets slightly closer every time you step on a plane.
But a “next generation” economy seat is coming, which its makers say will give travellers extra legroom with no loss of space for airlines.
The Kestrel seat from Mirus Aircraft Seating, a British manufacturer, will be installed from 2028 on hundreds of easyJet’s new aircraft, providing an extra two inches of “improved knee and shin clearance” for passengers.
Hopefully easyJet’s passengers will be sitting more comfortably.
Funds Committed To Explore More Rail Expansion
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on the BBC.
This is the sub-heading.
Money has been allocated to develop plans to extend a popular rail route reinstated 15 months ago
These three paragraphs add more details.
Last week, the North East Combined Authority (NECA) committed an initial £2.5m to a dedicated Rail Development Fund, which included plans to expand the Northumberland Line.
Northumberland County Council leader Glen Sanderson said he hoped planning applications for the line’s extension to Newbiggin-on-Sea could be submitted by 2028 and suggested a station could be added to serve Wansbeck General Hospital.
The funding would be used to “accelerate rail‑related scheme development across the region” including a plan to reopen Ferryhill Station in County Durham as part of the Leamside Line.
This would appear to be most of what campaigners want.
The Anonymous Widower 