Forrest selected to develop energy masterplan at science park
Britain’s Energy Coast (BEC) has appointed Bolton contractor Forrest as its chosen partner to develop the Westlakes Science Park Low Carbon Energy Masterplan in Cumbria
The appointment is a critical step for BEC, the owners and operators of Westlakes Science and Technology Park, as it looks to bring low carbon power generation and export capabilities in a bid to develop energy resilience and minimise the carbon footprint of the site.
Securing the project by competing against 17 other organisations during the open tender process, Forrest was selected for the scheme near Whitehaven in Cumbria based on technical expertise in addition to their approach to partnering and social value.
Over the coming months Forrest will be developing the masterplan, based on smart-microgrids and energy technologies, to develop a bespoke route map for the two-square-mile-site.
Efficiencies of the existing property portfolio, asset and maintenance plans and future developments will be taken into consideration for a fully integrated solution.
This may include distributed energy, building management systems, solar PV, electric vehicles, district heating, energy efficiency measures and demand side response.
With low carbon energy ambitions being key to the delivery of BEC’s business focus and corporate strategy, their ambition for the site is for it to become grid independent for power and heat. Energy storage and demand management will be part of the mix.
Darroch Baker, divisional director at Forrest, said: “Being selected for this pioneering scheme demonstrates our commitment to working with innovative clients to drive their low carbon objectives.
“BEC has some really exciting ideas for future energy activity and we’ll be critical in supporting at strategic level to achieve these and recommend new opportunities which have not yet been considered.”
BEC chief executive Michael Pemberton said: “Following our change in strategic direction last year we have been committed to leading the way in sustainable building and low carbon property issues.
“We went out to an open market for this project to ensure we brought the best thinking to our doorstep.
“Forrest’s track record in bringing pioneering projects to fruition, together with our shared values as organisations, made them a great fit.
“With the property industry responsible for a third of all carbon emissions, the intersection between property and energy has never been under more scrutiny, we want to lead positive industry change with this scheme.”
Joe Martin, head of funding & energy at BEC added: “This is a really exciting first step for us – our ambition for Westlakes Science & Technology Park is to become self-sufficient with renewable energy.
“This will benefit our customers on the Park and provide resiliency against rising energy prices while reducing our carbon footprint. The Park is at the centre of the Energy Coast and our aim is to ensure that it continues to support the growth and development of the UK’s low carbon energy sector.”
