Naval base cuts dependance on grid energy by 63% after installing hi-tech roof-top unit
A Liverpool Royal Navy base has become the first site in the UK and Europe to have a Hover wind-powered microgrid installed to generate renewable energy.
Burscough-based Task Contract Solutions has installed the kit on the roof of HMS Eaglet, a training base on the banks of the River Mersey.
It is estimated the wind turbine technology, combined with other systems, will reduce the site’s dependence on grid energy by 63%.
A hover turbine is a roof-mounted wind turbine that generates up to 100,000 kWh of electricity each year.
Hover’s integrated energy management system (IEMS) combines with the turbine to manage and regulate power from a variety of renewables and grid sources simultaneously.
It is claimed there is no other product in the world that can match its capabilities for capturing energy.
The Hover unit, complete with Naval branding, was craned into position on the roof of HMS Eaglet earlier this month (March).
Colonel Mark Underhill, chief executive of NW RFCA, said: “The Hover Energy wind turbine at HMS Eaglet in Liverpool is incredibly important and extremely exciting.
“It represents a quantum leap in our green energy revolution as we look to build on our past successes. The North West Reserve Forces and Cadets Association has already pioneered solar power in the Ministry of Defence with our one megawatt solar farm at Altcar Training Camp, North Merseyside, generating renewable energy since 2015.”
He added: “This project in Liverpool brings together multiple technologies and we forecast a reduction of 63% in our electricity consumption. With solar panels and battery storage we will take the site completely off grid. These efficiencies will save a huge amount of taxpayers money and provide energy security at this major MOD site which plays an important role in working with civil authorities and emergency services.”
Ian MacVicar, managing director of Task Contract Solutions, said: “We are extremely proud of our track record of introducing and pioneering solutions to make a real difference across the military estate in the North West of England. To be able to install the UK and Europe’s first Hover wind-powered microgrid in Liverpool is a fantastic achievement.”
The Hover microgrid combines wind, solar and storage to deliver a reliable, high volume of power.
Mounted along the windward edges of building rooftops, the wind turbine arrays generate power 24 hours a day, often producing a multiple of the power per square foot than solar.
Mounted in the centre of the roof, away from the shadow of the parapet, solar panels generate predictable power during a majority of the daytime hours.
