Natural Power

There is nothing extraordinary about Alessia Russo's introduction to the game of football. Like many of her contemporaries, she was plucked from the sidelines of her local club after growing bored of watching her older brother play.

"Her brother, Giorgio, was playing in a boys' team that I ran. She would turn up and ask to borrow a football and that's when I first spotted her," recalls Colin Whitfield, Russo's first coach at Bearsted FC in Maidstone. "I noticed her on the sidelines and she was whacking this ball around. I had a chat with her dad and said, 'Look, we've got an under-10's girl's team she'd be eligible to play in next year, playing a year up.' That was that. She started playing for the under-10's as an eight-year-old."

Russo, whose paternal grandad hailed from Sicily and emigrated to London in the 1950s, demonstrated all the attributes of an out-and-out forward. Blessed with the power and shooting range that few her age had, in one memorable game for Bearsted she belted the ball into the top corner from inside her own half.

"The pitches were obviously small sided pitches, so 60 yards long, 40 yards wide," explains Whitfield. "So she could play from the central midfield and just dominate the game from there.

"She was a very sort of positive minded player. She had quick feet. She didn't have the long legs that she's got now, she was shorter in my day, but she used to just go past players like they weren't there. She was always thinking three or four steps ahead of any defender.

"If I left her out of the starting line-up, I knew I could say to her, 'Go on and win the game for us.' That's invariably what would happen if she was that talented."

Russo was deployed mostly as an impact sub during the Lionesses' victorious Euros campaign last summer but has found herself ahead of Chloe Kelly in the pecking order at the World Cup. The change in striker order is to be expected: Russo has never been one for waiting in the shadows.

She lasted just one season at Bearsted, before working her way up the player pathway, first joining the youth ranks at Charlton, and later Chelsea, where aged 15 she found herself limited by the English league system. At the time, players could only sign a senior club contract at 18 years old and not 16, so Russo the risk taker sought opportunities elsewhere.

Accepting a scholarship at the University of North Carolina, the esteemed footballing institution where England manager Sarina Wiegman and Russo's international team-mate Lucy Bronze played and studied, she honed her craft in a way that few of her Lionesses peers did during their formative years, throwing herself into America's acclaimed college system. Her move across the pond also served as a wake-up call for the FA, who were in danger of setting a precedent by leaking young talent.

"She went to America and things like that forced all the English clubs to say to the FA, 'Listen, we can't keep losing our youngsters to America,'" says Emma Hayes, the Chelsea manager and Telegraph Sport columnist. "So we had to keep challenging the status quo - we still have to do that now.

"We all had to create better situations here so that they stay in England. And I think that group prompted so many changes within our English system, to go and create the academy league, to push towards better-funded academies, so that we tried not to lose them to America."

In 2020, she returned to England, armed with a degree in sport and exercise science and eager to apply her learnings at Manchester United, before breaking into the senior England squad where she would catapult herself into the limelight.

Her 11-minute-hat-trick in the Lionesses 20-0 rout of Latvia in Nov 2021 remains the fastest by any England player, before she was heralded across the country after her outrageous backheel against Sweden at last summer's Euros. Her series of eye-catching performances for club and country would lead to her highly anticipated move to Arsenal ahead of the World Cup, arguably the most talked about transfer in the women's game this summer.

For Rachel Yankey, the former England and Arsenal striker, Russo is a perfect fit for her former club, which has faltered towards the business end of seasons. "The way she holds the ball up is fantastic," says Yankey. "At a club like Arsenal, you want a goalscorer but you also want a player who does more, who plays for the team, and Alessia definitely fits that mould. Playing for different managers and different styles will only make her better."

Bearsted, meanwhile, are all too happy to cash in on Russo's success. The Kent club nearly folded during the pandemic and would have almost certainly gone under had it not successfully applied for a £10,000 grant from the National Lottery, who have invested more than £50 million over the last 10 years into the community game. But the club has also grown in other ways.

"The number of girls teams has flourished but we're seeing a lot of girls playing in mixed teams now," says Whitfield. "In some of the local leagues, they've got a lot more girls playing in boys teams, which never used to happen. It was very rare that you'd get a girl playing in a boys' team. Now you'll see some teams with a 50:50 girl-boy split."

So what would his message be to his most successful student ahead of the World Cup final, in what will undoubtedly be the biggest match of her life? "Forget the stage you're on, Alessia," he says, as if giving one of his half-time pep talks. "Play with your instinct and you're bound to score."

Made in Maidstone and gifted with natural power, Alessia Russo was destined to dominate

Natural Power, the leading renewable energy consultancy and service provider, has launched a wind turbine technician placement scheme in partnership with Dumfries and Galloway College, and hopes to roll out the scheme at further Scottish colleges in a bid to help tackle the industry skills gaps.

Thanks to the partnership, the first three placements: Jonathan Payne (Moniaive), Iain McColm (Dumfries) and Christopher Whitehead (Cargenbridge), recent students of the Natural Power Wind Turbine Technician Trainee NC at SCQF* level 6 course, are now underway with their work placements as part of the service operations team supporting Brockloch Rig Service Hub** in Dumfries and Galloway.

To ensure the sustained growth of the programme, Natural Power plans to replicate the initiative with other education providers in geographically strategic locations. This will support renewable energy infrastructure by engaging and securing a pipeline of local talent to provide the skills and bandwidth required for service delivery as the industry works towards net zero targets.

Natural Power launches SCQF graduate placement scheme  | AltEnergyMag

Occasional insomnia, characterized by difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep at least a few nights per week, can significantly impact an individual's overall well-being and quality of life. While there are various pharmaceutical options available to manage sleep disturbances, an increasing number of individuals are turning to melatonin as a natural remedy to address their sleep issues. Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the pineal gland in response to darkness, playing a vital role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle. This article explores the use of melatonin to treat occasional insomnia, discussing its effectiveness, safety, and potential benefits.

Numerous studies have explored the efficacy of melatonin in treating occasional insomnia, consistently demonstrating promising results. One such study, conducted by researchers at the University of Adelaide in Australia, investigated the effects of melatonin supplementation in 370 participants with insomnia. The randomized controlled trial found that melatonin significantly reduced the time taken to fall asleep and improved overall sleep quality compared to a placebo (1).

Another study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine examined the effects of melatonin on individuals with mild sleep disturbances. The researchers observed that melatonin effectively improved sleep onset latency and total sleep duration, highlighting its potential as a safe and useful intervention for those experiencing occasional insomnia (2).

Melatonin is generally considered safe for short-term use, especially when taken in appropriate doses. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), short-term use of melatonin supplements (up to three months) has not shown any serious side effects (3). Commonly reported side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, and headaches, though these are typically mild and resolve on their own.

However, it's essential to use melatonin responsibly and consult with a healthcare professional before initiating supplementation, especially if the individual has existing health conditions or takes other medications. Melatonin may interact with certain drugs, including blood thinners and medications that suppress the immune system (3). Therefore, it is crucial to ensure its safe use for each individual's unique circumstances.

Beyond its direct impact on sleep regulation, melatonin offers additional benefits that contribute to overall well-being. Melatonin acts as an antioxidant and free-radical scavenger, protecting cells from oxidative damage (4). Moreover, it has been studied for its potential in reducing anxiety and stress levels, which are often linked to sleep disturbances (5).

Embracing a holistic approach to treating occasional insomnia may involve incorporating melatonin alongside lifestyle modifications. Establishing a regular sleep schedule, reducing exposure to blue light before bedtime, and creating a relaxing bedtime routine can further enhance the effectiveness of melatonin supplementation.

Melatonin has gained popularity as a natural remedy to address occasional insomnia due to its role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle and its positive effects demonstrated in various clinical studies. When used responsibly and under appropriate guidance, melatonin can be an effective and safe intervention to improve sleep onset and overall sleep quality. However, it is essential to understand that occasional insomnia may have various underlying causes, and a holistic approach that includes lifestyle adjustments is often the most effective way to manage sleep disturbances.

Before considering melatonin supplementation or any other sleep aid, individuals experiencing occasional insomnia should consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of action for their specific situation. Additionally, when seeking supplements, it is crucial to buy melatonin from reputable sources, adhering to regional guidelines and regulations.

Breaking Sleep Barriers: Harnessing Melatonin's Natural Power For Effective Occasional Insomnia Relief | ABC Money

The concept of combining PV arrays with standing seam metal roofing is growing-for good reasons. Metal roofs have a life expectancy of more than 40 years. Shouldn't the mounting system last as long? With S-5! zero-penetration attachment technology and PVKIT 2.0, the solarized metal roof is the most sustainable system available -and without compromising roof warranties! PVKIT 2.0 is the also the best solution for attaching PV modules directly to any exposed fastener metal roof.

Natural Power selected for Buchan Offshore Floating Windfarm   | AltEnergyMag

SFOne is the 1P single-axis tracker by Soltec. This tracker combines the mechanical simplicity with the extraordinary expertise of Soltec for more than 18 years. Specially designed for larger 72 an 78 cell modules, this tracker is self-powered thanks to its dedicated module, which results into a lower cost-operational power supply. The SFOne has a 5% less piles than standard competitor, what reduces a 75% the labor time.

Natural Power supports UK's largest portfolio of co-located solar and battery assets connect to transmission network  | AltEnergyMag

Following DIF Capital Partners' (DIF) acquisition of the UK's largest portfolio of co-located Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and solar PV assets, Natural Power is providing owners engineer support for the BESS equipment procurement and construction management for the first two sites in the portfolio to have commenced construction.

The wider portfolio consists of seven sites with a total capacity of 720MW, understood to be the largest co-located portfolio of solar and battery storage in the UK. DIF Capital Partners, together with ib vogt, recently agreed the acquisition of a 100% interest in this greenfield portfolio from EGHL, and it is the first of its kind to be connected to the National Grid's transmission network.

Ralph Spernagel, Construction Director at Natural Power, said: "This project marks a huge milestone in the advancement of the UK's renewable energy infrastructure, and we're proud to be involved in such a high-profile development. For this first-of-a-kind project, we're dealing with both distribution and transmission level stakeholders at a national level, handling an extra layer of complexity, but we're paving the way for future successes and the expansion of more hybrid sites that are essential for achieving our renewable energy targets in the years ahead."

During the procurement phase, Natural Power supported the procurement exercise across the areas of project design viability, equipment specification and pricing, on behalf of DIF, for the battery supply and balance of plant contracts. Natural Power also supported with technical advice in the procurement of the gridworks, the solar PV works, solar EYAs as well as stakeholder management.

The first two projects have already started construction and are expected to reach commercial operation in Q4 this year; it is expected that all projects of the portfolio will be operational between 2023 and 2025.

Developing a resilient energy system that meets the demand of our ever-growing energy needs, requires adding battery storage systems into the electricity grid - enabling the storage and discharge of electricity to support the grid's requirements. If you want to develop, finance, build or operate a storage project, Natural Power can help ensure that it has the best possible chance of success. Find out more here www.naturalpower.com/uk/expertise/sector/grid-storage-and-infrastructure

Natural Power is an independent consultancy and service provider that supports a global client base in the effective delivery of a wide range of renewable projects including onshore wind, solar, renewable heat, energy storage and offshore technologies. It has a global reach, employing more than 450 staff across 14 international offices. Its experience extends across all phases of the project lifecycle from initial feasibility, through construction to operations and throughout all stages of the transaction cycle.

DIF Capital Partners is an independent infrastructure fund manager, with more than EUR 15 billion of AUM. DIF was founded in 2005 and has built a leading position in managing mid-market investments, primarily in Europe, North America and Australia.

With a team of more than 210 professionals in 11 offices, DIF Capital Partners offers a unique market approach combining global presence with the benefits of strong local networks and investment capabilities. DIF is located in Amsterdam (Schiphol), Frankfurt, Helsinki, London, Luxembourg, Madrid, New York, Paris, Santiago, Sydney and Toronto. For more information, please visit www.dif.eu.

Natural Power - Natural Power supports UK's largest portfolio of co-located solar and battery assets connect to transmission network

Nvidia, Microsoft, Netflix and Domino's rise premarket; Illumina falls

Karrikaid is the first liquid supplement specifically designed to include Karrikin molecules, which researchers have identified as significantly enhancing seed germination and plant growth.

CAMARILLO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- VGrid Energy Systems, a California-based clean energy producer, announces the launch of Karrikaidâ"¢, a new liquid plant and soil enhancer containing Karrikin molecules, recently found to play a significant role in promoting plant and soil productivity.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230717988626/en/

Over millions of years, plants have evolved to respond quickly after wildfires. A growing body of evidence suggests that Karrikin molecules, derived from plant smoke and first discovered in the early 2000s, are important signaling compounds that stimulate plants to regenerate quickly and vigorously in post-fire conditions. Karrikaidâ"¢ liquid helps mimic these conditions when applied to plants and soils.

Karrikaidâ"¢ also includes a synergistic blend of organic acids and compounds, providing several additional benefits. First, Karrikaidâ"¢ is a significant source of acetic acid, which helps improve the bioavailability of key plant nutrients such as iron, zinc, and manganese. Additionally, beneficial microbes metabolize the organic acids in Karrikaidâ"¢, enhancing the natural biology of the soil. Finally, Karrikaidâ"¢ includes phenolic compounds that aid in plantsâ responses to biotic and abiotic stress, including excessive heat, drought, ultraviolet exposure, insects, pathogens, and heavy metals.

âAt VGrid, we look to mother nature for solutions. Whether itâs creating clean energy from agricultural waste, sequestering carbon with biochar, or enhancing soil health with our organic bio-liquids, VGrid is on the cutting edge of environmental innovation,â said Jeff Norton, VP of Business Development. Norton adds, âThe number of researchers looking at the benefits of smoke on plants is exploding. Study after study, and trial after trial, are showing outstanding results, specifically in supercharging seed germination, flowering, and early plant development. We want to be first-to-market in bringing these benefits to our customers with a natural, effective, and environmentally friendly product.â

For more information, please visit www.karrikaid.com or see VGrid (Persist Products) at booth 335 at the CULTIVATE2023 trade show in Columbus, Ohio, July 16-18, 2023.

About VGrid Energy Systems:

VGrid Energy Systems is a California-based clean energy producer developing long-term solutions for creating clean energy, sequestering carbon, and reversing climate change. The companyâs innovative biomass energy system processes agricultural waste into 100% sustainable and renewable electricity and creates biochar, which stabilizes and sequesters atmospheric carbon for over 1,000 years. VGrid manufactures its all-natural biochar and bio-liquids under the Persistâ"¢ and Karrikaidâ"¢ brands. For more information, please visit www.vgridenergy.com, www.persistproducts.com, and www.karrikaid.com.

New Karrikaidâ"¢ Soil Enhancer Taps into the Natural Power of Smoke to Boost Plant Development

Karrikaid is the first liquid supplement specifically designed to include Karrikin molecules, which researchers have identified as significantly enhancing seed germination and plant growth.

VGrid Energy Systems, a California-based clean energy producer, announces the launch of Karrikaid™, a new liquid plant and soil enhancer containing Karrikin molecules, recently found to play a significant role in promoting plant and soil productivity.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230717988626/en/

Over millions of years, plants have evolved to respond quickly after wildfires. A growing body of evidence suggests that Karrikin molecules, derived from plant smoke and first discovered in the early 2000s, are important signaling compounds that stimulate plants to regenerate quickly and vigorously in post-fire conditions. Karrikaid™ liquid helps mimic these conditions when applied to plants and soils.

Karrikaid™ also includes a synergistic blend of organic acids and compounds, providing several additional benefits. First, Karrikaid™ is a significant source of acetic acid, which helps improve the bioavailability of key plant nutrients such as iron, zinc, and manganese. Additionally, beneficial microbes metabolize the organic acids in Karrikaid™, enhancing the natural biology of the soil. Finally, Karrikaid™ includes phenolic compounds that aid in plants' responses to biotic and abiotic stress, including excessive heat, drought, ultraviolet exposure, insects, pathogens, and heavy metals.

"At VGrid, we look to mother nature for solutions. Whether it's creating clean energy from agricultural waste, sequestering carbon with biochar, or enhancing soil health with our organic bio-liquids, VGrid is on the cutting edge of environmental innovation," said Jeff Norton, VP of Business Development. Norton adds, "The number of researchers looking at the benefits of smoke on plants is exploding. Study after study, and trial after trial, are showing outstanding results, specifically in supercharging seed germination, flowering, and early plant development. We want to be first-to-market in bringing these benefits to our customers with a natural, effective, and environmentally friendly product."

For more information, please visit www.karrikaid.com or see VGrid (Persist Products) at booth 335 at the CULTIVATE2023 trade show in Columbus, Ohio, July 16-18, 2023.

About VGrid Energy Systems:

VGrid Energy Systems is a California-based clean energy producer developing long-term solutions for creating clean energy, sequestering carbon, and reversing climate change. The company's innovative biomass energy system processes agricultural waste into 100% sustainable and renewable electricity and creates biochar, which stabilizes and sequesters atmospheric carbon for over 1,000 years. VGrid manufactures its all-natural biochar and bio-liquids under the Persist™ and Karrikaid™ brands. For more information, please visit www.vgridenergy.com, www.persistproducts.com, and www.karrikaid.com.

New Karrikaid™ Soil Enhancer Taps into the Natural Power of Smoke to Boost Plant Development 

Alencon Systems is the premier manufacturer of high power, high voltage DC:DC optimizers for alternative energy applications including solar, battery energy storage, Microgrids, Fuel Cells and Electric Vehicle charging. Alencon's DC:DC converter offerings include the SPOT, BOSS and CUBE series DC:DC converters. The SPOT is a modular, uni-directional DC:DC solution ideal for solar applications. The BOSS is a modular, bi-directional unit for use with battery energy storage. The CUBE is a monolithic DC:DC converter which is available in both uni-directional and bi-directional modalities. Pictured above, is the Alencon SPOT.

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