Graham

Fine Energy has developed an innovative capability to maximise the benefits of on-site energy use.

Currently deployed at our small-scale sites, the technique is applicable to all intermittent sources of energy at all scales. Drawing on our experience of matching generation to on-site demand, we switch selected appliances on and off according to how much energy is being generated and consumed. This allows us to displace more expensive bought-in energy with green site production – a commercially attractive alternative to exporting power to the grid.

Using thermal storage, we are able to help businesses and residents use their home-grown energy even during periods of lower generation

Interested? We are exhibiting at The Renewables Event 2014, NEC Birmingham. Come along to find out more.

Community Power Cornwall held an open day event to celebrate the launch of their third community owned turbine. Over 100 people turned up to visit the newly installed turbine.

The turbine provides power to the BF Adventure’s Goodygrane site and the availability of an alternative energy supply has contributed to the provision of electricity needed for heating, hot water and lighting. Community Power Cornwall provides an economic model through which Cornish communities can own and benefit from the development of a small-scale wind turbine.

Renewable energy schemes are more sustainable at a local level when residents and businesses participate. It is encouraging to see people getting involved in wind energy projects and this is the level of enthusiasm needed to take renewable technology to the next level!

Last week Scotland revealed its plans to follow a model for small scale wind turbines and it appears the trend is catching. The Institute for Public Policy Research have expressed their support for small-scale renewable projects, stating this approach would replace the reliance on larger, international companies and put the ownership back in the hands of communities.

Indeed, utilities have faced increasing competition from community owned energy schemes adding to the rumour that the utility model is on its way out. There are many examples of wind turbines owned by schools, farmers, businesses and other co-operatives who are all benefiting from locally sourced, renewable energy.

Fine Energy work with landowners to develop sites for small-scale wind turbines. Why? The turbine generators do not rely on fuel and the machines produce a clean and balanced energy supply which can be consumed on site, or close to the generation point. Wind is not going to run out any time soon and once the turbines are manufactured and installed they do not release carbon dioxide or any other contaminants into the environment.

Does wind work for you?

Fine Energy identify and develop the best sites for small scale wind projects in the UK. Traditionally, the energy produced by the turbines has been sold to the grid, however we encourage onsite usage wherever possible.

Interestingly, it appears the appeal of making money by selling excess energy is not as enticing as it once was. Indeed, concerns over energy supply and rising prices are convincing communities and land owners to explore options for installing smaller turbines. The energy could be used in their own homes, guaranteeing lower prices for energy bills and offering a clean and balanced energy supply.

Notably, small scale wind projects receive more support and have a higher success rate at the planning stage. The Highlands will be following the Scandinavian model of small scale wind turbines, however we don’t think it will be long before other regions begin to seriously invest in distributed generation. The technology has proved it’s worth over the last two decades and when the turbine isn’t turning, you can still import energy from the grid.

It’s win win.

Fine Energy will be taking part in this year’s The Renewables Event, which will be held at the NEC in Birmingham on 16-17 September 2014. The Renewables Event is an exhibition which allows companies to share their renewable energy solutions with a wide audience.

We will be showcasing the Fine Energy Wind Optimiser – an innovative relay device for maximising the efficiency of on-site energy use. Currently under development, the Optimiser is designed for installation at our small and medium scale sites and can automatically switch on up to four appliances when more energy is being generated than is being consumed. This reduces loss of energy off site to the grid and helps residents continue to use wind energy even during periods of lower wind speeds. We will be providing a demonstration of the Optimiser on both days of the exhibition.

We hope to see you there!