Renewables outfit Infinite has won a tender to supply clean power directly to the Royal Mint.
The project will bring together specialists in the renewable energy field to build a multi-technology local energy centre on the site in Llantrisant, Wales.
The centre will incorporate a 2MW solar farm on adjacent land which provide annual generation directly to the Royal Mint.
Wind, hydrogen-ready combined heat and power (CHP) and battery storage form the mix of other technologies used.
Infinite director Andrew Crossman said: “The Energy Centre at the Royal Mint is a tremendously exciting and innovative project that pushes the boundaries of decentralised energy generation and microgrid distribution.
“As a large manufacturing site, the Royal Mint is the perfect candidate site for an integrated energy centre.
“The generation from low carbon and renewable technologies, distributed via smart microgrid will provide a huge boost to The Royal Mint’s carbon reduction strategy.”
Sarah Bradley, director of human resources, safety and environment at the Royal Mint, said: “We are continually looking for ways to be a sustainable business and reduce our carbon impact and be a considerate neighbour to our environment.
“In 2018 we unveiled a wind turbine on site, and we are pleased to be working with Infinite to build on our commitment to renewable energy.”
The Vestas 850kW Daffodil wind turbine, which was designed, supplied and built by Infinite, will be integrated into the centre’s generation. It already supplies up to 10% of the Royal Mint’s energy demand.
The containerised energy storage scheme, will comprise of a dual-chemistry battery and battery management system (BMS) developed by Infinite in partnership with GS Yuasa and the University of Sheffield.
It will offer a new power solution that combines the fast response of the lithium battery with the endurance of lead acid.
The centre, which is expected to be operational by Autumn 2022, is part of the Generation Storage Consumption Supply project (GSCS) and is funded by The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and Albion Community Power.
Marco Yu, investment director, Albion Community Power, said: “Albion is thrilled to be bringing its local energy expertise to enable this ‘first of a kind’ project alongside the Infinite team and the Royal Mint. It is an important signpost in how the UK can achieve net zero emissions, democratise the energy system and support employment in the area. It is a very exciting step forward.”