Cornwall Local Energy Market helps luxury hotel to generate its own electricity

Cornwall Local Energy Market, delivered by Centrica, has signed the latest participant for its pioneering project, a £19m trial that is testing the role of flexible energy storage, demand and generation.

The company is installing two combined heat and power (CHP) units at the Carbis Bay Hotel and Estate in Saint Ives. The CHP units will help the site to keep its carbon footprint and energy costs down, as well as generate electricity, helping to relieve the pressure on the local grid.

Rated at 35kWe each, the units have been designed by Centrica Business Solutions to produce electricity and use the heat that is normally wasted in conventional power generation, achieving an efficiency of nearly 90 per cent to unlock a reduction in carbon emissions of around 70 tonnes a year.

Once installed, the CHPs will be connected to a unique virtual marketplace that is being built to provide homes and businesses with a platform on which to buy and sell energy. This platform will provide flexibility to participants and the local energy grid, allowing businesses to create an additional income by reducing or even increasing energy use depending on local demand.

Matt Hastings, Programme Director for the Cornwall LEM said: “We’re really excited to have such a prestigious hotel on board. Carbis Bay Hotel has different types of accommodation and leisure facilities, making it perfect for the trial.

“We have big ambitions for the Local Energy Market in Cornwall – not only will there be the opportunity for businesses to become more energy efficient and make money, it will relieve pressure on the grid and help Cornish renewable energy companies to identify new business models.”

Stephen Baker, owner and Managing Director of the Carbis Bay Hotel & Estate said: “Across our business, we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and are striving to become environmentally sustainable throughout our estate, whilst offering guests a luxury experience.

“Our energy consumption is considerable and with the completion this coming summer of our new £15m beachside regeneration project, which includes further lodge and suite accommodation and a new extensive restaurant and events facility, the chance to have these CHP units has come at just the right time.  They will help us to generate most of the increased energy we will need, and also enable us to link up to the local energy market.”

As part of the trial, Centrica is also providing grants of up to £1,000 to small businesses to pay for energy monitoring equipment and support. Centrica is currently supporting the following businesses: Deltor Communications, Winsdon Farm, Tregerles Farm, Goonhilly Earth Station, Cornish Spring Water, Teagle and Leyonne Energy.

For an opportunity to receive a £1,000 grant and be part of this pioneering trial, email the Centrica Local Energy Market on cornwall@centrica.com