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The Carbon Trust explains how a loan taken out by AC Powerlines Ltd helped the company install two water turbines, enabling it to generate its own electricity and reducing the organisation’s costs and carbon emissions.
Based in County Down, Northern Ireland, AC Powerlines Ltd install and repair electrical powerlines. The company employs 32 people and operates from three sites, one of which houses a water powered mill, dating back to 1750.
Keen to maximise their operating efficiency and also improve its environmental credentials, the company decided to install two water turbines on one of their sites located in Lawrencetown. Hydrological studies had previously been carried out to ensure there was sufficient supply to power the turbines. It is estimated that the new turbines will generate 500,000 kWh of electricity every year, which AC Powerlines will sell to the grid, generating an income of £41,000 per year. The organisation will also cut its annual carbon emissions by nearly 60 tonnes.
In order to finance the project, AC Powerlines applied for and received an interest-free Energy Efficiency Loan of £151,000 from the Carbon Trust, which was used to install the turbines. Based on the yearly income from the grid, the initial loan from the Carbon Trust will pay for itself in less than four years, and all further savings will go directly to the bottom line.
Arthur Davidson, Director of AC Powerlines said: “We take the threat of climate change very seriously and as such are keen to do whatever we can to reduce our carbon emissions. Installing the water turbines has meant that we are no longer dependent on fossil fuels for our electrical generation, which is clearly better for the environment. The new equipment is also supplying us with a valuable source of income. If any company in Northern Ireland is interested in purchasing renewable technology, then I would suggest contacting the Carbon Trust, who can provide financial assistance and expert advice.”
The Carbon Trust, with funding from Invest Northern Ireland, offer energy-efficiency interest-free loans to businesses in Northern Ireland that are investing in energy efficient equipment or renewable technology.
By providing loans of up to £200,000 that help to cover the capital cost of equipment as well as other project costs, successful applicants can fund energy saving projects that help them save money and cut carbon emissions. Examples of renewables projects that may qualify for an interest-free Energy Efficiency Loan include:
- Wind turbines
- Waste wood boilers
- Biomass boilers
- Bio-energy CHP systems
- Ground source heat pumps.
Click here to find out more about the Carbon Trust Loan Scheme, or call the Advice Line on 0800 085 2005.
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