by Stan Arnaud
An “attractive local energy tariff” is to be launched in Orkney this year
after a £28.5 million “world first” scheme to maximise the benefits of the
islands’ renewable power production for residents was given the go-ahead
for its next stage of development.
The ReFlex Orkney project aims to integrate electricity, transport and heat
networks, using advanced software to balance demand and supply from wind
and marine generation, with the goal of reducing and eventually eliminating
reliance on fossil fuels.
Following a feasibility study, a local energy company is now being set up
to offer advice to households and businesses, as well as “affordable
leasing options” for new domestic and commercial batteries, electric
vehicles and charging points in Orkney.
Led by the European Marine Energy Centre (Emec), the consortium behind the
project includes locally-based renewables companies Aquatera and Solo
Energy, Community Energy Scotland, Heriot-Watt University and Orkney
Islands Council, as well as multi-national group Doosan Babcock.
They are being funded by UK Government agency UK Research and Innovation
(UKRI), which recently gave the green light for the next phase of the project.
Aquatera managing director Gareth Davies said: “Over the last nine months,
the ReFlex project partners have been hard at work assessing the
feasibility of the project, developing the service offerings and working
out how best to deliver a progressive energy system within an out-of-date
regulatory framework.
“The consumer services under development will be rolled out later in 2020
and are expected to include attractive and more affordable electricity
tariffs, access to a wide range of electric vehicles and other decarbonised
energy technologies.
“It is also planned to deliver a range of rental or leasing options to try
and make the adoption of such energy solutions as easy and affordable as
possible for everyone.”
Mr Davies added: “ReFlex Orkney is a world first and recognises the key
role Orkney has played in UK energy over the last half a century from oil
and gas through to wave and tidal energy.
“Once demonstrated and proven in Orkney, it is expected that the model can
then be replicated in other areas across the UK and internationally –
helping to create more flexible and renewable-friendly energy systems.”
UKRI director Rob Saunders said: “The successful progress of demonstration
projects like ReFlex highlight the opportunities that are available to the
UK through this kind of innovation.”
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