Micropower makes a big impact

In 2013, the Department of Energy and Climate Change announced that excess electricity on the UK’s electricity system is diminishing with no possibility to increase capacity, therefore increasing inevitable energy shortfalls. An alternative was required, but one that was inexpensive and flexible because it may only be required to operate for a few hours a year.

Alkane Energy, an independent power generator, outlined plans to construct four micropower generators in Wales and England. A micropower generator is relatively inexpensive, lightweight and flexible: the small electric generator converts heats or motion to electricity and can operate longer than battery-powered generators.

Once contracted by Alkane Energy, RSK managed the entire planning and design process for the four sites. Each required site-specific surveys for air quality, noise, ecology, topography and archaeology, and landscape and visual impact assessments, which could all be delivered in-house by RSK’s breadth of services. Our technical experts conducted the surveys and assessments before translating the data into scaled plans of the development’s layout and design. Photomontages and scaled elevation plans detailed the visual aspect of the developments. Moreover, planning specialists prepared the relevant applications and liaised with the local planning authorities. At the project’s conclusion, RSK helped to secure three out of four applications and the long-term electricity needs of the nation.