Water & Wastewater Treatment

22 | DECEmbEr 2015 | WWT | www.wwtonline.co.uk Project focus: renewable energy and water so we were set up to try and ensure that as much as possible of the value of that stays locally," says Comonte. "We've been involved in various projects, from improving local housing stock through free insulation offers, to encouraging people to generate as much energy as they can. BBC business reported just a few months ago that Wadebridge has the highest proportion of roof-mounted PV in the country, so we feel that we've been relatively successful in achieving some of those things." Nanstallon, which lies between Bodmin and Wadebridge, was identified as the most suitable site for the collaboration since it had sufficient energy needs to make the project viable, and had limited space available on site but a local landowner who was interested in leasing his half-acre field nearby. A 100kW array, with 392 solar panels was judged the most appropriate since it was enough to meet the average energy demand for the works. The Nanstallon site also has its own CHP system and will continue to import energy from the grid where required. The ground-mounted installation at Nanstallon was made by a contractor from Wadebridge, CleanEarth Energy Ltd. The capital for the project came from a loan from the Low Carbon Society, which was administered as a revolving loan via Cornwall Council. A new company - Wadebridge Energy Company – was formed by WREN for the venture; it will also hold generating assets from one other generation in general, is the prospective removal of the Feed-in- Tariff: the government has consulted about closing the FiT scheme in January 2016. If this happens then renewables will become less economic both for large companies such as water utilities and for the individuals or community groups who might supply them via PPAs. "Projects such as these can certainly play a role in helping us reach our renewable targets, although how much of a role they are able to play may be dependent on the outcome of the Feed-in-Tariff review," says Arrell. "The concern is that without subsidies there may be fewer landowners and groups coming forward." Comonte agrees. "At Nanstallon we have a Feed-in-Tariff that has been agreed, and we know that will continue through the period of 20 years that we have the power purchase agreement in place with SWW. But recent announcements have really put in jeopardy the ability for that model to be replicated elsewhere: if the Feed-in-Tariff drops away from January then certainly it makes it very difficult. It's a shame as a scheme like this has so many benefits at so many different levels." similar scheme. The intention is that the company will soon launch a share offer, which people will be able to participate in for as little as £250, so that ownership of the assets is held by local people. Private wire arrangements can be financially beneficial for both the generator and the user of electricity, because they cut out the costs that the power company incurs in distribution, which can be considerable. As an illustration, a private individual selling solar-generated power to the grid with the benefit of the Feed-in- Tariff (FiT) typically receives 4.5p per kWh, but the same individual buying energy back from the grid might pay 13 or 14p per kWh. There is therefore ample scope for PPAs to be agreed between these points which satisfy both parties. "This was a really good project to be involved in, showing that a collaborative approach can make energy that's community-owned and operated a reality for the benefit of all parties," says Arrell. "It's a personal milestone for me as an engineer, and as a company, this is definitely the way we want to go." South West Water is in discussions with other community groups about similar schemes; it also has another existing private wire PPA with a solar developer at Restormel Water Treatment Works. The company is "technology agnostic" in its outlook to renewables and would consider 3rd party wind or hydro deals, says Arrell. However, one threat to similar projects in future, and for renewable Cornwall Councillor Julian German cuts the ribbon at the completion of the project • Perspectives Merlin Hyman, chief executive, Regen SW: "This is an excellent example of how community energy groups and local companies can work together to generate renewable power, cut energy costs and ensure the income generated is retained and invested locally. Regen SW is dedicated to enabling many more community and business partnerships to harness the potential of renewable energy." Ray Arrell, Renewable Energy Engineer, South West Water: "A key element of our renewable energy strategy is to work with community groups such as WREN on sustainable energy projects, which will reduce our electricity costs and our carbon footprint. Delivery of this project is a first for South West Water, and we are now engaging with groups in other localities to replicate it."

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