A 29kw hydroelectric scheme has been installed on the Brackley Burn, a tributary of the River Dee, Aberdeenshire. The project has been undertaken by the Glenmuick Estate is a traditional sporting estate which has diversified into holiday lettings and a deer farm supplying local butchers.
Over the past 36 months the Estate has developed several renewable energy schemes which sell heat and electricity to third party businesses and the National Grid. The schemes have created diversified income within the existing portfolio which is in line with the client’s long term objectives.
In 2014/5 an initial feasibility study for a hydroelectric scheme was carried out on the Brackley Burn with a project value of circa &150,000. The scheme is looking to produce 100,000 units of electricity - enough energy to meet the Estate's current demand for the holiday cottages, main house which sleeps 20 people, workshop facilities, deer larder, electric deer fences, biomass boiler and associated district heating network.
Fisher German prepared the tender documentation for the scheme which was sent out to several firms in the North of Scotland. Tenders were reviewed, references followed up and the client selected a small firm who have had track record of delivering schemes from conception to completion. Fisher German worked with the chosen firm to secure planning within a National Park which was with significant challenges along the way. An abstraction license was obtained with the consent of Deeside Fisheries Board and SEPA. An abstraction license is required as the water used is leaving the river channel, being processed through a mechanical machine and being discharged just over 100 meters downstream of where the water is being extracted from. We were successfully granted planning consent and an abstraction license in September 2016. Pre-accreditation was submitted by Fisher German in October and was signed off by OFGEM on the 29th December 2016.
Subject to build costs we expect an 11% return taking into account electricity savings.
Fisher German have been in close contact with the firm delivering the scheme and a start date has been agreed for May. Works on site are expected to take 10 weeks and Fisher German will project manage the build. In addition, the Estate are proposing to install a private electricity network to their properties within the vicinity of the scheme. The private network will make use of the electricity produced which will be re-charged to tenants at an enhanced rate.
The scheme will be fully functioning and contributing to the Estate by June 2017. For further information, please contact Ian McKenzie on 01530 410824 or email here or visit the Estate's website here