Feasibility study for renewable energy

Finding a solution with Bureau Veritas

As part of the island’s climate change commitments, the Isle of Man Government has committed to two targets; ensuring that 75% of its electricity will come from renewable sources by 2035 and net zero emissions from electricity generation by 2050.

To support these targets, Manx Utilities and the Isle of Man Government’s Department of Infrastructure commissioned a feasibility study to identify how to maximise the potential for renewable generation across the Government estate.

It turned to Bureau Veritas, an experienced and trusted provider of such studies, with a specialist team of renewables consultants working across all stages of the project lifecycle to help reduce risk on wind and solar assets.

Project brief

Bureau Veritas undertook a study of the Government estate on the Isle of Man, to an agreed scope which included car parks, building rooftops and outdoor spaces. The specialist team then produced a report, including a local network assessment to demonstrate that the projects can be accommodated and a prioritisation matrix to show which sites should be deployed soonest.

Using a combination of innovative development methods and comprehensive feasibility work, Bureau Veritas was able to identify a number of potential areas for wind and solar development.

Achievement

Bureau Veritas was able to identify potential sites for wind generation up to 10MWe and for solar up to 30MWp. This included a total 68,000 sq m of car park space investigated for solar and solar roofs optimised across various buildings including schools and other Government buildings.

The report also put forward an innovative solution for a 15MWp floating solar system on the Sulby Reservoir, which could not only make a significant contribution towards the island’s renewable energy target, but also help alleviate the issue of evaporation from the reservoir.

Additional information provided to the client included limitations across different buildings, the environmental impact of construction, details of suitable connection points and local limitations on the distribution network. Cost estimates including connection cost were also provided, enabling Manx Utilities and the Department of Infrastructure to fully consider all possible options.