Opus Energy Buys Excess Solar Power

The Port of Milford Haven is employing an innovative approach to renewable energy; by installing solar panels on its buildings it’s able to rent them with lower utility costs. Opus Energy buys the excess solar power from the Port’s buildings. The Port values Opus Energy’s ability to make monthly payments on time. The Port benefits from the updates and timely responses to queries which Opus Energy’s specialist renewables team provide. The Port of Milford Haven is a natural deep water port in Pembrokeshire, Wales. It is the third largest port in the UK and the biggest in Wales. The Port offers a range of marine services and facilities such as cargo handling, ferry operations, fish landing, cruise calls and a first class marina. It is widely recognised as the Energy Capital of the UK, safely handling around 29% of Britain’s seaborne trade in oil and gas. It supports over 5,000 jobs in Wales and is a key driver of economic activity in the local area. The Port decided to install solar panels during the winter of 2011. Explaining the motivation behind this, Tim James, Energy Development Manager for the Port of Milford Haven, says: “We recognise that renewable energy is an established, essential and growing part of the energy mix and, as the UK’s energy port, we are committed to establishing a substantial presence in this industry. The Port’s facilities are also providing opportunities for other businesses in this industry to operate here.” The Port has installed solar panel systems over multiple buildings. Some of the sites are used by the Port for their operations, whilst others are available for rent; commercial tenants include a bowling alley, boat builders and a college. Other buildings are currently untenanted, Tim James comments: “Untenanted buildings were used for solar panels primarily because of the long term viability of the installations, but also to make them more attractive to companies who could rent the buildings with lower utility costs.” Renewable generators such as the Port of Milford Haven are able to sell their excess power to an energy supplier by setting up a power purchase agreement (PPA). The Port of Milford Haven sells its excess power to Opus Energy. Tim James continues: “The solar panel systems have produced well above what we expected, meaning they significantly contribute to the running of the buildings. The Ferry Terminal consumes 100% of the power its 42kWp solar panel system produces, and the Phoenix Bowl bowling site consumes 82% of the electricity generated by its 100.8 kWp system. By generating its own energy, the Port has lowered utility costs, reduced emissions, and become more sustainable.” Once renewable generators have signed their PPA with Opus Energy, the renewables team will liaise with the generator on a monthly basis to send their energy payments. Should the generator have any questions, they are able to contact the renewables team, which is on-hand to help resolve any queries. Tim James says: “The main driver for us to work with Opus Energy was their ability to deliver to deadlines when it was of paramount importance. We’ve found their customer service to be good; payments have been made consistently and on time, and the staff have been in contact regularly with updates. They also provide quick responses to our queries. We’ve already recommended Opus Energy to other businesses.” Andy Dayus, Head of Renewable Operations, Opus Energy, concludes: “The specialist renewables team at Opus Energy understands the commercial benefits that the Port of Milford Haven gains from their installation. We commend the Port for their innovative approach to renewable energy – their diversification into the area is seeing them reap financial rewards by reducing the running cost of their buildings.”

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