This month the Hub’s Project Development Team played a supporting role in getting two new clean energy projects underway in the South West.
Our Project Managers have worked with the local authorities, providing fully funded support and technical expertise to the following projects:
Dorset Council – Renewable Opportunities on County Farms
This project is a feasibility study assessing the renewable energy potential across Dorset Council’s farm estate, helping them to achieve their vision of becoming a carbon-neutral council by 2035.
An initial high level feasibility will identify 5 priority sites for detailed feasibility, from an original 60 sites covering 2,500ha. The high-level feasibility will evaluate the potential to install wind, ground mounted and roof mounted solar PV with consideration of hybrid options and storage. Technical considerations, planning legislation and mapping analysis will be used to identify the priority sites.
Technical analysis, site design and financial modelling will form business cases for the 5 priority sites. Engagement with the local community and farmers will be essential to facilitate buy in and to help deliver community and ecological benefits.
The project will kick off this month and the final report, expected to be delivered by mid-June, will allow Dorset Council to make informed investment decisions, establish a delivery pipeline, unlocking untapped income streams and community benefits. The Hub’s funding, procurement and project management will help to deliver the work.
Wind Power feasibility – Devon County Council
The Hub continues to support Devon County Council (DCC) in its aim to generate renewable energy on its estate as part of the Council’s Carbon Reduction Plan.
We will be working with specialist consultant Ramboll to carry out a feasibility study for the development of onshore wind turbines on four sites within its County Farm estate. The sites being assessed have previously been identified as those most likely suitable for onshore wind development in DCC’s own high level study screening the land estate for renewables opportunities.
Feasibility work will be carried out on the four sites, including site design, grid connection assessment, pre-planning assessment and an economic appraisal. The outcome will allow the Council to decide whether to proceed with one or more sites to more detailed design, planning and consultation.
Our Project Development Team work directly with local authorities and other public sector bodies, providing fully funded support to help with scoping, project design, and unlocking the finance to progress projects.
If you work in the public sector and need help or guidance with a renewable energy generation project, contact the Hub and one of our project managers will be in touch.