Wales & West Utilities (WWU) has launched a project to explore the role of micro-grids as part of its strategy for the future of green and sustainable energy.
Micro-grids provide the opportunity to generate energy for a distinct geographical area using solar, wind and hydropower to power larger buildings and generate green hydrogen for future use.
Larger buildings such as universities, college campuses, schools, leisure centres and hospitality sites are considered hard-to-decarbonise, not only because of their size, but also higher energy demands due to on-site facilities such as swimming pools and scientific equipment.
The project will explore how development of micro-grid sites will help decarbonise larger buildings, whilst also producing green hydrogen which can be stored and used later.
Micro-grids with hydrogen production and storage capability could support the UK’s energy transition by offering resilience and flexibility in facilities with high variability in energy demand (e.g. schools) or facilities with high reliance on uninterrupted energy supplies (e.g. hospitals).
Head of Net Zero and Sustainability at Wales & West Utilities, Matthew Hindle, said:
“The study is expected to identify facility types and locations that could be suitable for microgrids, understand likely technology configurations, and explore possible operational use-cases.
“They could also provide flexibility benefits to reduce peak electrical loads, thus reducing reinforcement costs, as well as delivering an energy transition at a lower cost by maximising use of the existing gas infrastructure.”
Wales & West Utilities, the gas emergency and pipeline service, brings energy to 7.5m people across the south west of England and Wales. If you smell gas, or suspect the presence of carbon monoxide, call us on 0800 111 999 straight away, and our engineers will be there to help any time of day or night.
