Fulcrum Consulting

A KTP project at Fulcrum Consulting is bringing the first aquifer thermal energy storage system to the UK, a system that could greatly reduce the negative impacts of carbon on the environment.

"No one else in the UK has this now and it is a direct result of the KTP," remarks Andrew Ford, Managing Director at Fulcrum. Although using ground-source heat technology to heat and cool commercial and residential buildings has existed in Holland and other European countries for over 20 years, it has yet to be adopted in the UK. Andrew said he is hoping that this efficient energy source will be more widely used by building designers and architects to help reduce the negative environmental impacts of carbon consumption. "It has been such a good opportunity to improve efficiency and reduce carbon dioxide," Andrew commented.

One of the KTP Associates Fuqiao Wang's first accomplishments completed during the early stages of his KTP project was developing a database and map of aquifer thermal energy systems available in the UK. This invaluable map gives Fulcrum an advantage over other energy companies by showing them the exact areas within the UK where using underground aquifers is feasible.

The results of this KTP project however are not just on paper. Fulcrum is currently working to install the new technology in the Westway Beacons, a new development in West London – the first of its kind in the UK. "In 10 years we hope to have a noticeable impact on the carbon footprint of this country," said Andrew.

The project at Fulcrum is also helping London South Bank University stay involved with cutting edge ground coupled energy developments. Professor Graeme Maidment is the academic supervisor on the project. He said the project has resulted in the publishing of four papers and two successful grant applications. One grant was awarded to Fulcrum to investigate the feasibility of ground-coupled energy at London’s Natural History Museum. "For a company trying to decide whether or not to do a KTP programme, it’s a no-brainer," said Graeme.

"The KTP programme has allowed Fulcrum to explore this new technology with little financial risk,” according to Andrew. “The KTP programme has been a responsibly managed programme and it has allowed us to move directly towards something. We have made a lot of progress in a very short time."

The new technology is giving Fulcrum new opportunities for business and profit. "We want to be number one in the UK, and that’s what we are going to do," Fuqiao commented.