Renewable baseload generation (CHP) 24 x 7 has the following parameters:

• Baseload renewable generation from 0.3 MW upwards
• 3 year PPA below the cost of grid 
• PPA cost from 27 p/kWh  - zero capex
• Save 1,800 tonnes of CO2 per MW of installed capacity
• Renewable fuel is used cooking oil
• Cheap heat provided (CHP)
• Battery storage can be added for resilience against blackouts, and brownouts

Case study - Dilemma
A major supermarket had a target of reducing emissions by 35% from its 2015 level by 2020, and 60% by 2025.

MaxGen Ltd in 2019 helped sign a framework agreement with the major supermarket in question.

We were able to find the perfect solution for their energy dilemma.

They were wanting to do onsite generation, thereby creating a tangible connection with the actual renewable generation.

However, their distribution centres, had loads with up to 2 MWs baseload, however not only were these 24 x 7 (renewables are not good at delivering constant generation), but they were also only on short leases for sometimes no more than 4 years.

On top of that, the accounting rules specified that any contract, even with a p/kWh charge, would be on balance sheet if more than three years.

The solution was to sign a Framework Agreement to deploy a fleet of relocatable, ROC accredited containerised generators that run off used cooking oil.  As these were containerised (20 ft containers), these could be easily deployed adjacent to existing backup generators (taking up minimal space), and plug straight into the distribution boards with minimal upgrades - therefore zero capex.

These biogenerators, running off used cooking oil, were not only reducing CO2 emissions by some 1,800 tonnes per MW of installed capacity, but they were also below the cost of grid, with zero capex.

As they are ROC accredited by Ofgem, ROCS are issued, and the client receives the REGOs

Additional services could be deployed with the use of battery storage, including resilience against blackouts and brownouts, and grid services.

Also low grade cheap heat could be utilised for heating hot water for cleaning etc.  If this was CHPQA accredited, the ROCs would be uplifted from 1.4 to 1.8, providing further efficiencies.
 
Battery storage can be added replacing energy intensive UPS with smaller hybrid (multi use) batteries for resilience, grid services as well as optimisation of the generation.

This solution is ideal for distribution centres, hospitals, as well as data centres where they have many of the same issues.

Dilemma for onsite renewable generation at distribution / data centres
·         Short leases, and off balance sheet requirements
·         Minimal space available, and no roof available (risk of leakage)
·         Baseload 24 X 7
·         Minimal disruption, and downtime available for deployment on mission critical sites
·         Cost control is critical - zero capex, and no cost above the existing p/kWh

Solution - relocatable, ROC accredited generators
·         3 year PPA contract - ties in with short leases, as well off balance sheet
·         Renewable baseload energy - 1,800 tonnes of CO2 saved per MW of installed capacity
·         Baseload generation dealing with load 24 x 7
·         p/kWh cost below the cost of grid with indexation linked to RPI or 3%
·         Zero capital cost
·         Low termination clause therefore minimal risk

Conclusion

This solution is a win win solution for off-takers that require renewable 24 x 7 generation, below the cost of grid, on short term contracts with minimal space requirements.

For hospitals, distribution centres and data centres this is a win win win scenario.