Latest Insights from the EngX Community

  • What’s the fuss about?

    Three years ago, in conjunction with Bilfinger UK, the Mersey & West Cheshire Local Network developed the idea of a regional award that would recognize a company’s efforts in the recruitment and development of their engineering talent. The award is to recognise organisations who have demonstrated a commitment to the industry of the future by investing in talent through graduate schemes, apprentice schemes and youth training schemes. The winner in 2024 was Scottish Power Energy Networks (SPEN). Setting their entry apart was its visionary approach to workforce planning. The company has ingeniously combined local recruitment with centralised training programs, transforming its workforce ahead of the curve. In doing so, SPEN fills an impressive 50% of its engineering and technical roles and…

    Julie
    Julie

  • Powering the Future: Batteries, Drives, and the Silent Revolution in EV Technology

    The electric vehicle (EV) revolution is not just about sleek designs and zero-emission promises—it’s powered by decades of behind-the-scenes innovation in batteries and power electronics. In a recent interview, engineers John Samuel and Pete James shared their insights into the technological breakthroughs that have made modern EVs possible. The Battery Bottleneck One of the earliest and most persistent challenges in EV development has been energy storage. As John Samuel explained, “There’s something like a 60 to one differential between petrol and battery power.” While electric propulsion is more efficient than internal combustion, the sheer weight and volume of batteries needed to match the energy density of petrol posed a major hurdle. “In the early days, we were working with rather…

  • Volunteer Louis Redding - The day a little boy saw the Vulcan fly overhead was to define a life

    As a boy, my grandfather took me to an air show where I saw the Avro Vulcan conduct a fly over. To me it was like watching something from out of space and the iconic ‘howl’ as the delta wing flew over where we stood was to define the direction of my life. I remember my grandfather stating that when I grew up, he thought that my wish would be to fly that one day to which I responded, “no, I want to be the person who could design and make it”. Whilst I never became an aircraft designer, it defined my ambitions and a career in engineering was to follow. Following a traditional career path Upon leaving school I joined the British Steel Corporation, Cookley Works as an apprentice tool maker where I was trained in the design and manufacture of stamping dies for the manufacture of electrical…

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Latest IET EngX News

  • Safety, Space & stories that inspire: November Highlights on EngX!

    November was all about looking ahead, whether that’s exploring the stars, celebrating the legacy of television, or shining a spotlight on the people who make our community thrive. Here’s what stood out on IET EngX this month: Payloads of the Past: Sputnik II and Laika’s Legacy In a new blog series, Aaron Russell kicked off with Payloads of the Past: Sputnik II and the Legacy of Laika . His post dives into the story behind the second-ever satellite launched into orbit and the brave dog Laika, whose mission paved the way for human spaceflight. It’s a fascinating read that blends engineering history with ethical questions about early space exploration. World Television Day On 21 November, Ian Nock marked World Television Day with a thoughtful reflection on TV’s role in shaping society…

  • October Highlights on EngX: AI, Automation & Inspiring Journeys

    October was packed with fresh perspectives, bold ideas, and some truly inspiring stories from across the IET EngX community. Whether you’re into robotics, broadcasting, space tech or volunteering, there was something for everyone. Here’s a look back at what got people talking. Broadcasting Meets Sustainability In Behind the Broadcast , Gemma Hadley explored how the BBC is trialling solar-powered transmission stations in Ghana. It’s a fascinating look at how engineers are tackling sustainability and operational safety in broadcasting—especially in unpredictable climates like the UK. Why the UK Needs More Robots Professor Mike Wilson made a compelling case for automation in his Robotics lecture at IET Savoy Place. From cobots to humanoids, the UK’s productivity challenge might just have…

  • From Vacuum Flasks to Digital Inclusion: September on EngX

    As we step into autumn, let’s take a moment to reflect on the conversations and insights that sparked engagement across the IET EngX community throughout September. From historical engineering marvels to forward-looking debates and inclusive initiatives, here’s a roundup of what caught our attention last month. Engineering History Meets Everyday Life From our 'On this day in Engineering History' series, Hot Tea, Cold Science took us back to 1842 to celebrate the birth of Sir James Dewar, the mind behind the vacuum flask. This deceptively simple invention, rooted in cryogenics, has had a lasting impact from space missions to your morning coffee! A brilliant reminder of how foundational engineering principles can lead to timeless solutions. Read the post Global Perspectives on Engineering…

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Latest Partner News

  • H&MV Engineering appointed as principal designer and contractor for the Thorpe Marsh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)

    H&MV Engineering has been appointed as principal designer and contractor for the delivery of the 400 kV grid connection and electrical infrastructure for the Thorpe Marsh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) – the largest of its kind in the UK and among the largest in Europe. This landmark project, led by Fidra Energy and backed by major investment from EIG and the UK Government’s National Wealth Fund (NWF), has now reached financial close with construction commencing immediately. Located on the site of the former Thorpe Marsh coal-fired power station in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, the 1,400MW / 3,100MWh facility will be capable of exporting over 2 million MWh annually, supplying clean energy to approximately 785,000 homes. Once operational in mid-2027, it will be three times larger than…

  • In-flight Broadband Connectivity and Experimentation for Beyond 5G Networks “AeroNet”

    This work is supported by the HORIZON-MSCA-2024-SE-01-01, Project ID 101236523 and Innovate UK. Total amount is €1.8 million for five Universities and 3 Industries in EU and UK. Raed A Abd-Alhameed, Viktor Doychinov, Vuong Mai, Ifiok Otung University of Bradford, (UoB), Organisation in United Kingdom London South Bank University (LSB), Organisation in United Kingdom Technische Universität Dresden (TDN) - Organisation in Germany University of Athens (UoA) - Organisation in Greece University of Trento (UDT) - Organisation in Italy Fogus Innovations and Services PC (FGS) - Organisation in Greece Sigint Solutions Ltd (SGT) - Organisation in Cyprus JIO Platforms (JIO) - Organisation in Estonia Fogus Innovations and Service P.C. (FGS), Athens, Greece Sigint Solutions Ltd (SGT), Nicosia, Cyprus…

  • New Voltage Matters Forum attracts 300+ members as grid transition causes growing voltage issues

    More than 300 members have joined a Voltage Matters Forum to address the problem of uncontrolled voltages, as the grid comes under increasing pressure from millions of new distributed energy resource (DER) connections, including intermittent renewable generation, electric vehicles and rooftop solar installations. Co-created in January 2025 by voltage control specialists Fundamentals and power engineering experts Threepwood Consulting , the forum has attracted representatives and contributions from across the electricity industry, including network distributors, technology providers, equipment manufacturers, consultants and regulators. Fundamentals CEO Dr Jon Hiscock said: “It’s clear that uncontrolled voltages are increasingly causing problems across the grid. Complaints from consumers…

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Latest articles from E+T Magazine

  • Drones capable of lifting people spark security fears in UK prisons

    Criminals are increasingly using sophisticated drones to infiltrate prisons to deliver contraband such as drugs or aid in prison escapes, MPs have warned. In a report, the Justice Committee said that the use of illicit drugs and their trade across prisons has reached “endemic” levels, which is fostering a “dangerous culture of acceptance that must be broken”. But it is the emergence of drones to deliver the drugs that represents a “paradigm shift” in how prisons should be thinking about tackling the drugs trade. As well as being able to bypass traditional perimeter security to deliver packages, the committee also heard about drones that could lift “a moderate-sized person”, which raises the threat that they could be used to aid in prison escapes. Recent data on drone incidents published…

  • O2 and Starlink team up to boost rural UK mobile coverage

    Virgin Media O2 has announced a deal with Elon Musk’s Starlink to bring satellite-based connectivity to rural areas across the UK. The deal will provide coverage in previous rural ‘not spots’ by automatically connecting phones via satellites when no standard mobile signal is available. Scheduled to launch in the first half of 2026, the new service, O2 Satellite, will initially offer messaging, maps and location services, with further improvements, such as voice and video calls, to follow. Virgin Media O2 has said the deal could see over 95% of the UK landmass covered within 12 months of launch. The service will connect to Starlink’s network of around 650 satellites, a satellite-to-mobile constellation in low-Earth orbit (LEO), delivering connectivity directly to compatible devices using…

  • Virgin gets green light to introduce trains on Channel Tunnel route for the first time

    The Virgin Group has announced a “landmark decision” by the rail regulator that allows it to press ahead with plans to launch a rival train service through the Channel Tunnel. Rail regulator the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has approved Virgin’s use of the Temple Mills International depot in East London. Virgin says this “landmark decision” means it can now move ahead with its plans to launch a rival international train service through the Channel Tunnel, introducing competition on the route for the first time. Eurostar has had exclusive use of the Channel Tunnel up to now, with around 400 trains passing through the tunnel each day. Sir Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, said: “The ORR’s decision is the right one for consumers – it’s time to end this 30-year monopoly. …

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