Single Site Multiple Renewable Energy Solutions

Derbyshire County Council - New build school

Many organisations are now required to show that a certain portion of the energy they use comes from renewable energy sources (usually 10% or more). However, many struggle to achieve even these relatively low levels of contribution.

A holistic approach delivers the fullest answers

Perpetual Energy was asked to look at proposals for alternative renewable energy solutions for a new primary school to be built in Derbyshire. An original scheme had proposed a large solar PV array - this would have involved a significant investment but a potentially low level of contribution (around 10%).

To deliver a more productive answer, Perpetual Energy worked with Derbyshire County Council to utilise multiple technologies that would gain the largest energy contribution, while also minimising carbon emissions.

The solution

Perpetual Energy has proposed, specified and overseen the installation of a 90kW ground source heat (GSH) system, 18,000 litre rainwater harvesting solution, a 50kW wind turbine and a 6kW solar PV array.

Some ground source heat systems can be criticised for using fossil-fuelled electricity to drive the heat pumps resulting in a relatively high level of CO2. In our solution, the combination of GSHP with wind turbine and solar array means that the heat pump will be driven predominantly by 'Green Electricity'.

The benefits

It is predicted that this combination of renewable energy solutions will deliver up to 60% of the electrical and heating load for the school, considerably more than original expectations.

If this is compared with a similar sized school using fossil-fuelled heat and electricity, it's carbon emission saving will be in the order of 65%.

Our approach

Perpetual Energy's approach to accurately sizing renewable energy solutions is key to achieving a worthwhile economic return. And because our background is in renewable energy, this crucial skill is well developed within our team.

We work with the clients and other partners such as main contractors in a turnkey role. We will take the client's project from design, through product supply, installation and project coordination right through to subsequent maintenance. In some cases we also provide financing of renewable energy assets.

Please contact us for more information.