Food & Beverage: Wind Power

Background

A global food and beverage manufacturer sought an energy solution for its large snack food manufacturing site, to reduce reliance on grid power. The goal was to generate a significant portion of power demand from on-site renewable energy while stabilising long-term energy costs.

Solution

A 2MWe wind turbine, with a private wire, was installed on-site in Lancashire. The project was delivered as a complete package, covering design, installation, commissioning, and 25 years of operation and maintenance under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). Energy costs were fixed for the duration of the contract and maintenance costs were capped to limit inflation risk. The client took on the wind generation risk but gained 100% of the benefits from overproduction.

Outcomes

Performance modelling indicated the project would become cash flow positive within five years. Given market conditions since, the financial benefits will very likely have exceeded those initial projections. The wind turbine now provides over 30% of the site's energy demand, reducing dependence on grid-imported power.

Please note - this case study is one of several that highlights the collective experience of our team, drawing on projects completed prior to the formation of Beaverbrook Energy.