Feasibility Studies

Torridon Community Renewable Energy Assessment

Annat Grazing Committee commissioned SgurrEnergy to investigate the feasibility of developing the renewable energy resource within the Torridon area with the emphasis on hydro power. A parallel assessment gave consideration to improving the security and robustness of the electricity supply to the Torridon area. The electricity supply issue considers the problems and costs associated with upgrading the grid infrastructure in the region to enable installation of local renewable energy generation.

SgurrEnergy provided the following services during the course of this project:

• Assessment of the potential for a number of renewable energy options (wind, hydro, solar, wave and tidal) for the Torridon area.
• Assessment of the present and future electricity demand of the area taking into account possible future developments, so that the regional electricity company (Scottish and Southern Energy) was presented with a more attractive market to supply power to.
• Assessment of the existing electrical infrastructure and potential network upgrade options. A case for line upgrade and inspection of the possible connection options was also built.
• Consideration of possible synergies amongst renewable energy developments, environmental improvements and funding sources.

Loch Lomond National Park Authority Renewable Energy Assessment

SgurrEnergy assessed the feasibility of developing wind and hydro-energy projects within the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. The Study included an opportunity assessment, an investigation into legislative, planning and environmental constraints. It also provided the Park Authority with advice on technology options and scale based upon resource feasibility and the financial viability of project development. An overview of other renewable energy sources; solar thermal, solar photovoltaic, ground source heat pumps and biomass was also covered in the study.

Bacup Shoe Company Renewable Energy Feasibility Study

Bacup Shoe Company is a leading supplier of footwear based in Lancashire. An audit of the company’s 150,000sq feet warehouse and distribution centre was carried out with a view to assessing it for the installation of various renewable energy technologies. The prospects of wind, hydro, solar and biomass were all assessed.

Macphie Renewable Energy Feasibility Study

SgurrEnergy was recently commissioned by Macphie of Glenbervie, the UK's leading independent food ingredients manufacturer and one of the largest employers in Kincardineshire with 300 employees, to carry out a renewable energy feasibility study.

With growth and technical evolution comes a higher demand for energy. Increasing energy costs particularly oil has had a negative impact on the business. In response Macphie made a strategic decision to investigate alternative sources of energy to reduce their running costs, reduce their carbon footprint and support their expansion plans whilst protecting and creating employment with their company.

The study assessed the energy generation potential from biomass, wind and hydro. Both wind and bioenergy were considered potential options for Macphie. It has been suggested that a 4MW thermal biomass boiler fueled by wood chips be installed to produce process steam which is then to be used directly in the production process. The production process also uses a large amount of electricity and three wind turbines would generate 3.9MW electricity to offset that electricity demand.