This project developed by HBS under Anglian Water’s Solar Delivery Programme is a major milestone for the water utility as it presses ahead with its plans to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030.
At 11.65 megawatts and covering over 2 miles, it becomes one of the-largest solar farms built in the UK Water Industry and the largest in Anglian Water’s solar portfolio. Funded by a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) structured by GIG, the onsite renewable energy source will meet over 26 per cent of Grafham Water’s energy consumption and reduce site carbon emissions by around 3,500 tonnes per year.
45 million kilowatt hours per year
Grafham Water uses approximately 45 million kilowatt hours of energy a year to supply clean water across the region to hundreds of thousands of customers. The zero-carbon electricity generated by the solar panels will help power essential water treatment operations through a private wire connection.
This solar installation demonstrates how UK water utilities can partner with developers like HBS to cut emissions, reduce reliance on grid electricity and generate clean, low-cost energy to help power their energy intensive water treatment facilities.
Grafham solar project boosts Anglian Water's carbon-neutral journey
Amidst the current coronavirus pandemic, HBS New Energies worked hard to ensure that the construction of this solar project could continue. Through collaboration with Anglian Water, GIG and their sub-contractors, HBS implemented mitigation measures to ensure the project was Covid-19 secure during the lockdown. With reduced labour focusing on critical activities, we took a measured approach to increase production to normal levels within Government safety guidelines and site operating procedures, connecting the plant in line with the DNO deadline.
HBS New Energies
Completed in 26 weeks, the Grafham solar installation will generate 11 gigawatt hours of solar energy, enough electricity to power more than 3,000 homes every year. HBS installed nearly 43,000 solar panels across 465 tables and 250 miles of cables which will feed into the Grafham Water Treatment Works.
Long-standing relationship with Anglian Water
Acting as a solar developer, HBS managed all stages of the project from sourcing funding, design, and project management right through to EPC. Contracted works include surveying, planning, DNO approval, construction, system testing, commissioning, and ongoing O&M services.
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EU confirms to increase 2030 renewable target
HBS have built a long-standing relationship with Anglian Water, boosting onsite solar generation at operational sites across the East of England. Since the Solar Delivery Programme commenced in 2018, HBS has completed a further six solar arrays, these include Shenfield WRC and Jaywick WRC. (mfo)
