Decarbonising Industrial Operations Across 14 Properties in the UK

Introduction

As businesses become increasingly aware of their environmental impact, many are taking steps to integrate sustainability into their core operations. This case study focuses on an industrial and technology park with 14 properties across the UK that aimed to advance its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) efforts by decarbonising its operations. By integrating solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and battery storage across all locations, the client sought not only to reduce its carbon footprint but also to enhance energy efficiency and lower operational costs. This project represents a critical step in the company's commitment to sustainable practices and its contribution to the broader societal goal of mitigating climate change.

Background and Client's Requirements

The client, managing a network of industrial and technology park properties, recognised the pressing need to address their operational energy consumption and carbon emissions. The properties collectively consumed significant amounts of energy, much of it from grid electricity derived from fossil fuels, which increased both operational costs and carbon emissions. As part of their ESG strategy, the client set ambitious goals to decarbonise their operations and align with government targets for net-zero emissions.

The main requirements were to:

• Increase energy efficiency by reducing reliance on grid electricity and optimising energy usage.
• Reduce carbon emissions to support the fight against climate change and align with ESG commitments.
• Lower operational costs by integrating renewable energy systems that would reduce dependence on costly peak-time grid electricity.
• Enhance long-term energy sustainability through the implementation of renewable energy and storage technologies.

To achieve these objectives, the client aimed to install solar PV systems and battery storage solutions across all 14 properties.

The Challenge: High Energy Usage and Carbon Emissions

The industrial and technology park was facing challenges common to many businesses in the industrial sector, particularly high energy usage and rising operational costs. Energy consumption across the 14 properties was substantial, and grid electricity prices fluctuated significantly during peak hours. This led to inflated operational expenses, particularly during periods of high demand.

Moreover, the client's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint required an effective strategy to transition away from fossil fuel-based energy sources. The company needed a comprehensive solution that would significantly cut down on carbon emissions while maintaining operational efficiency.

The sheer scale of the project, which spanned 14 properties in different parts of the UK, added to the complexity. Each location had unique energy demands, making it essential to design a flexible yet scalable solution that could be applied uniformly across all sites.

The Solution: EQONIC's Custom Solar PV and Battery Storage System

EQONIC was commissioned to provide a tailor-made solution that would address the client’s energy and environmental challenges across all 14 properties. After a thorough analysis of the client’s energy consumption patterns and infrastructure, EQONIC proposed a 2117 kWp solar photovoltaic (PV) system and a total battery storage capacity of 4145 kWh to be distributed across the properties.

1. Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System

The solar PV system was designed to generate clean, renewable energy during the day, significantly reducing the client’s reliance on grid electricity. The 2117 kWp capacity, spread across all 14 properties, would harness energy from the sun and convert it into electricity to power the business operations. Solar PV was chosen due to its ability to provide a renewable and sustainable energy source, which aligned perfectly with the client’s ESG goals.

2. Battery Storage Solutions

In addition to the PV system, EQONIC recommended a total battery storage capacity of 4145 kWh. The batteries were programmed to charge at night, when grid electricity tariffs are typically lower, and discharge during the day, providing supplementary power during peak demand periods when energy costs are highest. This strategic use of battery storage allowed the business to manage energy demand more efficiently, smooth out consumption peaks, and reduce reliance on expensive grid electricity during the day.

By integrating battery storage, the client could store excess energy generated by the solar PV system for later use. This ensured that the business could continue to benefit from renewable energy even when the sun wasn’t shining, further reducing the need for grid power.

3. System Integration and Energy Management

The integration of both the solar PV and battery storage systems was designed to optimise energy efficiency across the 14 properties. The energy management system used advanced algorithms to monitor real-time energy consumption, generation, and storage levels, ensuring that the properties could maximise the use of renewable energy while minimising costs. The system prioritised the use of solar energy, followed by stored battery power, before drawing from the grid only when necessary.

This intelligent energy management reduced operational costs, optimised energy consumption, and supported the client’s overall decarbonisation objectives.

Financial Investment and Return on Investment (ROI)

The total cost of installing the 2117 kWp solar PV system and 4145 kWh battery storage across the 14 properties was carefully calculated to provide a strong return on investment. Although the upfront capital expenditure was substantial, the long-term financial benefits of lower operational costs and reduced grid dependency made the project highly attractive from an economic perspective.

Cost Savings

The solar PV system was projected to generate over 1.7 million kWh of energy annually. This renewable energy generation would directly offset a significant portion of the client’s grid electricity consumption, resulting in an estimated annual reduction in grid energy bills of approximately £832,000.

Reduction in Carbon Emissions

In addition to cost savings, the solar PV and battery storage systems were expected to reduce the client’s carbon emissions by over 370,000 kg of CO2 per year. This substantial reduction not only supported the client’s ESG goals but also improved their standing with customers, investors, and regulators by demonstrating their commitment to sustainability.

Environmental Impact and ESG Contributions

The environmental benefits of the project were equally as significant as the financial returns. By reducing reliance on fossil fuel-based grid electricity, the client was able to lower their carbon emissions by 370,000+ kgCO2 per year. Over the projected 25-year lifespan of the solar PV and battery systems, this would result in a cumulative reduction of over 9.25 million kgCO2.

The project also enhanced the client’s ESG profile by showing a proactive commitment to reducing their environmental impact. These improvements would have a positive influence on the client’s relationships with key stakeholders, including investors who prioritise sustainability, government regulators focused on decarbonization, and customers who value environmentally responsible businesses.

Results and Long-Term Benefits

The results of the project have exceeded expectations, providing a model for other businesses looking to decarbonise their operations. Key outcomes include:

• Over 1.7 million kWh of annual renewable energy generation, significantly reducing the properties’ reliance on grid electricity.
• A 370,000 kg reduction in CO2 emissions per year, helping the client meet their ESG goals and contribute to global climate change mitigation efforts.
• £832,000 in annual savings on energy bills, driven by the reduction in grid electricity usage and the optimized management of energy demand.

Over the system’s 25-year expected lifespan, these benefits will continue to accrue, providing long-term financial stability and supporting the client’s sustainability mission.

Conclusion

This case study highlights the power of integrating solar PV and battery storage systems to meet both financial and environmental objectives. By partnering with EQONIC, the industrial and technology park has successfully decarbonised its operations across all 14 properties, achieving significant reductions in energy costs and carbon emissions. The project demonstrates that businesses can contribute to broader societal goals, such as combating climate change, while simultaneously improving their bottom line.

The success of this project showcases the potential for industrial and commercial properties to embrace renewable energy solutions and battery storage as a means of advancing their ESG initiatives and achieving long-term energy security.