Tag: Heathrow

Net Zero Blamed for Heathrow Shutdown

Net Zero has been blamed for the complete shutdown of Heathrow after an aviation industry expert told Reform MP and Deputy Leader Richard Tice that Heathrow is moving from diesel back-up generators to biomass and the system failed “at the first time of asking” when a local electrical substation went up in flames. 

From The Daily Sceptic

by Will Jones

Net Zero has been blamed for the complete shutdown of Heathrow after an aviation industry expert told Reform MP and Deputy Leader Richard Tice that Heathrow is moving from diesel back-up generators to biomass and the system failed “at the first time of asking” when a local electrical substation went up in flames. The Mail has more.

At least 220,000 passengers have been left stranded in Britain and around the world after an electrical fire shut the airport for at least 24 hours – with the level of global travel chaos sparked by the outage being compared to 9/11. 

The UK’s busiest airport was forced to close on Friday after its main power substation exploded and set alight less than two miles away in the west London suburb of Hayes. 

The complete closure of Heathrow due to the loss of just one electrical substation is unprecedented and raises major questions for the airport and the Government. It has also left many stranded travellers raging and reduced to tears. 

Mr Tice said on GB News: “It appears that Heathrow had changed its backup systems in order to be, wait for it… Net Zero compliant.”

“They had got rid of their diesel generators and had moved towards a biomass generator that was designed not to completely replace the grid but work alongside it. Their Net Zero compliant backup system has completely failed in its core function at the first time of asking.

“We know diesel generators work as backup systems. If this is correct, and I have no reason to believe it’s not, they are guilty of gross negligence of the highest order.”

MailOnline has asked Heathrow to comment on Mr Tice’s claims. Its 2022 Net Zero plan confirms it is “investigating renewable-based alternatives that can still meet the stringent performance criteria” – but it is not clear how far along those plans are.

Senior sources at the airport have insisted that Heathrow does have back-up power systems but “activating contingencies for the whole airport requires some time” and “isn’t immediate”, one insider said to the Times. Bosses are expected to be hauled before Parliament to explain.

Julian Bray, one of the UK’s leading aviation experts said: “We are all amazed that Heathrow does not have a viable standby independent of the grid emergency power supply but relies on the National Grid. It’s not as if Heathrow is short of money – it has a substantial war chest for building the third runway.”

https://videopress.com/v/mxBLzO0i?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true
Heathrow will resume some flights ‘later today’ and prioritise…

Worth reading in full.

Stop Press: Counter terrorism police are leading the probe into the fire amid claims it could be a Russian sabotage attack.

Heathrow has lost its status as a global transport hub, says Dubai Airports boss

Heathrow’s inability to expand means it has lost its status as a global transport hub, the boss of Dubai Airports has said.

Paul Griffiths, chief executive of Dubai Airports

Former Gatwick chief says the West places too much emphasis on environmental concerns.

Heathrow’s inability to expand means it has lost its status as a global transport hub, the boss of Dubai Airports has said. The Telegraph has the story.

Paul Griffiths, formerly managing director of Gatwick Airport before he moved to the Middle East, said Heathrow is suffering from a shortage of capacity amid an ongoing debate over a prospective third runway.

He said too much weight is given to the environmental impact of travel in the West, which has allowed rival airports abroad to gain momentum.

Mr Griffiths said: “The true competition between airlines and airports is in the transfer market. 

“And unfortunately, because of the shortage in capacity, Heathrow has lost its status as a transfer hub.

“I think the problem in the West is that the development of airports is an incredibly political thing. Heathrow’s third runway has been in play for 50 years and we’re no further forward.

“The environmental impact is a very topical subject in the developed world and I think that’s an issue because I don’t think there’s a balanced debate.”

Mr Griffiths, who sits on Dubai Airport’s board alongside Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, added: “It’s quite a sorry sight that the thing that could really put a shot in the arm of the British economy is being stifled because there is not enough capacity.”

His comments come amid a period of significant change at Heathrow, which Thomas Woldbye is now running as chief executive.

The Dane, who replaced John Holland-Kaye last year, has so far refused to commit fully to a third runway amid opposition from climate activists and local communities.

He has also taken the reins at Heathrow as 60pc of the airport is up for sale, a process that was triggered by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund acquiring a stake late last year.

An injection of cash from new owners has raised hopes of an overhaul at Heathrow, although Mr Griffiths said he no longer views Britain’s busiest airport as among the world’s most competitive.

“The players are shifting,” he said. “Our biggest player is not Heathrow or Gatwick. It is what’s happening in Qatar or Istanbul. They are determined to capture market share from us.”

Read the full story here.