
[B]ritain’s Energy Coast (BEC) is launching an exciting open tender aimed at creating energy independence at Westlake’s Science & Technology Park, through the development of a smart microgrid
The profit-for-purpose property company is seeking an innovative energy partner to develop a masterplan for the site that currently provides a working place for more than 2000 people in West Cumbria.
The low-carbon agenda is at the heart of BEC’s operations and the team want to see Westlakes become a flagship of energy independence, with its own generation capabilities and renewables portfolio.
“Given the commitment from the leadership team at Britain’s Energy Coast, Westlakes Science & Technology Park has the potential to become a beacon to science parks and estates across Europe,” commented Head of Funding & Energy at BEC, Joe Martin. “This is a unique opportunity for a talented organisation to partner with BEC to bring our low carbon plans to fruition.”
The site, near Whitehaven, Cumbria, already has some small-scale renewable generation in place, but now BEC wants to see this increase to a mixed generation and storage portfolio that delivers significant capacity to a Westlakes microgrid, together with export opportunity.
BEC CEO, Michael Pemberton, added: “Bringing this type of distributed generation to the fore also has the capability to provided added benefits to the commercial residents of our site and the communities we serve in Allerdale and Copeland. We are seeking a dynamic and technically brilliant partner to help us develop our plans that bring about a step change in the way energy is sourced at Westlakes.”
An open tender has been issued for the project to enable creative entries from companies in the space.