Decarbonising estates through solar PV and energy storage
CHALLENGE
A large UK estates manager is aiming to achieve net zero by 2040. As such, one establishment in their portfolio is seeking to progress the development of ground mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) generation to decarbonise the site’s power supply. An initial solar PV feasibility study for the project had already been completed.
APPROACH
Ricardo was asked to expand the scope of the initial feasibility study to include battery energy storage systems (BESS) and a solar carport. Furthermore, Ricardo were to develop concept designs to support the procurement of a principal designer, carry out an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) screening and seek pre-application planning advice from the Local Planning Authority (LPA).
Following extensive analysis of the site in question, Ricardo’s team of clean energy and power generation experts worked with the client to deliver a low-carbon and resilient energy solution capable of meeting their objectives.
The project included many steps to facilitate the successful outcome and implementation of the scheme, including:
- Identify optimal siting locations for infrastructure and connection arrangements.
- Confirm connection arrangements with the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) to understand the timeline and reinforcement measures required.
- Size the PV arrays (ground mount plus solar carport) and BESS to optimise onsite utilisation and minimise curtailment.
- Calculate key project metrics, including the capital and operational expenditure (CAPEX and OPEX), levelized cost of electricity (LCOE), net present value (NPV), return on investment (ROI) and carbon benefit.
- Finalise the concept design and draft technical specifications, including cyber security requirements.
- Conduct the baseline assessments and surveys required for the design considerations (e.g. ground conditions and geotechnical assessments).
- Prepare the EIA screening report (including ecology and biodiversity net gain) and submit the request for an EIA screening opinion, the outcome of which informs the implementation roadmap.
- Prepare and submit a request for pre-application advice to the LPA incorporating any relevant technical planning assessments.
- Develop an implementation roadmap to inform the client’s multi-year planning, budgeting and procurement processes.
RESULTS
Following completion of the project, the client was able to understand the full scope of options available to support the establishment in meeting their decarbonisation deadline of 2040, and had clear, concise plans to progress the implementation of the development.
Ricardo’s recommended solution is expected to generate c.25% of the site’s electrical energy requirements through an optimised installation of onsite solar PV, while the hybrid nature of the project – combining solar PV and BESS – can deliver additional benefits to the organisation. The proposed development demonstrates significant economic and environmental benefits for the client while increasing their organisational energy resilience.
Having gained clarity and confidence through the process, the client is now moving to implement the recommended solution at pace, with substantial investment agreed for their next financial year.