Two solar energy companies established in Northumberland have joined forces to install a customized solar PV system on the roof of the offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult Technology Development Center in Blyth.
SCJ Renewables and Solar Capture Technologies worked together to design and install the adapted array, using the innovative composite sun tiles from Solar Capture Technologies. The 106 KWP system consists of 530 solar panels, and OWTS claims that it is able to generate 90,000 kWh energy per year and will save an estimated 42,000 kg CO2 Emissions.
The Blyth facility is the home base of a considerable amount of research and development tests performed by Ertskatapult. When reported by our sister site, Power ±“ The Blyth test facility received a major financing injection last spring. UK Research and Innovation (Ukri) granted the Blyth facility in May last year £ 85.6 million, so that the facility could upgrade its test facilities.
The new extensive facilities can test wind turbine magazines up to 150 meters long and run trains up to 23 MW. Ukri also notes that the facilities will also have the capacity to further expand if the industry demands this, so that turbines up to 180 meters long and with drive trains up to 28 MW can be tested. Moreover, this expansion created 30 new jobs in Blyth and will support five PhD student research projects every year.
Lewis Caseley, commercial director of Solar Capture Technologies, said: “We are incredibly proud of seeing our innovative composite solar tiles installed at Ore Catapult, with the future of solutions for renewable energy in the UK.
“Designed, manufactured and installed in Northumberland, this installation shows how our product can redefine roofing by combining sustainable energy generation with exceptional functionality and design without endangering aesthetics or usability.”
Sean McINTYRE, director of SCJ Renewables, added: “As an industry we have to use local expertise and supply chains to ensure that solutions for renewable energy are functional and efficient. Erts Katapult includes exactly that and we are delighted to see how the industry in the region will continue to grow. “
Ian McGuigan, Facilities Service & Contracts Manager for Ore Catapult said: “As a home for energy innovation, we are delighted to have this next generation of energy solution installed on our latest development in the National Renewable Energy Center in Blyth.
“The use of a renewable energy source that helps to prove a brand new technology, while the CO of the building is reduced2 Emissions is a win-win for us, as well as supporting two local companies that are committed to reducing the dependence on fossil fuels. “
