Navigating AMP8 with FYLD: Pioneering the path to Net Zero in the Water Industry

Understanding AMP8

AMP8, or the 8th Asset Management Plan, represents the forthcoming five-year period starting on April 1, 2025, during which UK water companies will embark on their most ambitious journey yet. Set against the backdrop of the UK water sector’s commitment to achieving net zero by 2030, AMP8 is not just another regulatory cycle; it is a crucial milestone that will determine whether the sector meets its climate goals.

The primary objective of AMP periods, established by industry regulator Ofwat, is to enhance efficiency and service levels within the water industry. These periods are designed to ensure that water companies achieve financial rewards or, unfortunately, receive penalties based on their performance in customer engagement, affordability, resiliency, and innovation. AMP8 will replace the current £51 billion AMP7, introducing a fresh set of challenges with an intensified focus on sustainability and carbon reduction.

Industry trends and challenges

The environmental imperative

The water industry is at a critical juncture. In 2020, UK water companies collectively pledged to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030—a commitment that, if successful, could prevent the emission of 10 million tonnes of greenhouse gases. While the UK as a whole aims for net zero by 2050, the water sector’s accelerated timeline sets a precedent for other industries.

Despite significant progress, including a 45% reduction in gross operational emissions between 2011 and 2019, challenges remain. The sector consumes 3% of the UK’s electricity and is responsible for about 1% of the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions. 

To meet the net zero target, the industry must prioritise energy efficiency, renewable generation, and demand reduction.

Operational and logistical hurdles

AMP8 presents a formidable challenge for water infrastructure teams already grappling with labour shortages, supply chain disruptions, and escalating costs. According to industry reports, large infrastructure projects are typically delivered one year behind schedule and run 30% over budget.

These issues are compounded by the need to balance net zero objectives with practical concerns such as service affordability for customers and significant increases in demand to support a growing population.

The innovation imperative

Innovation emerges as the linchpin for navigating AMP8. As a traditionally conservative industry, the water sector must leverage digital technologies, enhance collaboration, and prioritise data-driven decision-making to navigate the complex landscape of AMP8 effectively.

Delivering AMP8 with FYLD: A vision for a sustainable future

Leveraging Technology and Innovation

FYLD is at the forefront of driving field workforce operations transformation in the water industry during AMP8. By harnessing cutting-edge technology, FYLD empowers water companies to streamline operations and enhance sustainability. FYLD’s AI-powered work execution platform allows for the digitisation of routine tasks, empowering the workforce to focus on complex, value-added activities. This shift not only improves efficiency but also supports the sector’s net zero ambitions. For example, one of our partners successfully transitioned to digital data capture and reporting, eliminating paperwork, reducing administrative burdens, and improving data accuracy. This transition not only streamlined operations but also enhanced data-driven decision-making, contributing significantly to operational efficiency and sustainability goals.

Collaborative approaches

Successful delivery of AMP8 projects requires robust collaboration within the water industry. FYLD allows water industry partners to benefit from the expertise of industry experts and leaders who have helped guide product development. By promoting knowledge exchange and best practices, FYLD fosters a collaborative approach that helps stakeholders navigate the complexities of AMP8, fostering a united effort towards achieving common goals.

Data-driven decision making

In the era of big data, FYLD’s platform provides water companies with the tools to easily collect, analyse, and act on vast amounts of data. By integrating data from multiple sites through evidence capture, video risk assessments, and other sources, FYLD provides a holistic view of a utility provider’s various water projects and sites, enabling better management of workforce resources, identification of inefficiencies, and informed decision-making. This data-driven approach is crucial for optimising operations, reducing emissions, and achieving the net zero target.

For example, one of the water utility companies that partnered with FYLD achieved complete real-time monitoring of all field operations, enabling proactive interventions and remote management, which significantly improved operational efficiency and reduced response times. Another partner experienced a substantial reduction in leakage costs, achieving nearly 80% reduction by optimising resource utilisation and implementing proactive leak detection and repair measures.

Case study: Enhancing leakage management and operational efficiency

FYLD’s alignment with AMP8’s ambitious goals is evident from its partnership with players across the water industry. Trials within leakage have supported tangible reductions in leak run-time, with water savings estimated as much as nearly one Olympic-sized swimming pool of water saved per day, over £1.35 million in estimated savings per year, and thousands of technician hours saved annually.

By implementing real-time job progression views, conducting over 2,223 video risk assessments, digitising traditionally paper-heavy processes, and enhancing data collection, these trials have demonstrated a transformed approach to leak management, operational efficiency, and sustainability. The results of these trials, when scaled up, indicate a significant positive impact across the entire organisation.

Join the future of water management with FYLD

As the water industry navigates the challenges and opportunities of AMP8, FYLD stands as a crucial partner in driving efficiency, sustainability, and innovation. By leveraging advanced technologies and fostering a collaborative, data-driven approach, FYLD empowers water companies to meet their ambitious goals. Together, we can ensure a resilient and sustainable future for the water sector, aligning with the industry’s net zero commitments and setting new standards for operational excellence.

Interested in how FYLD can transform your water utility operations? Request a free demo today. 

For a deeper dive into FYLD’s impact on utility management, explore our case studies.