Environment Week
In 2023, wind and solar together added more to the global energy mix than any other form of generation.
At CleanEarth, this came as no surprise. With well over a decade of experience in wind turbine and solar PV development, the CleanEarth team has seen firsthand an ever-accelerating shift to renewables.
2023, globally, was the hottest year on record – with 2024 likely to be hotter still. Decarbonisation is an urgent priority, across every industry. The business case for renewables is stronger than ever. CleanEarth is working flat out to help more businesses generate their own clean, lowcost energy.
Based in Wadebridge, CleanEarth operates throughout the UK but is particularly invested in helping Cornwall reach net zero. Recent projects include solar installations for members of the Cornwall Manufacturers Group (including Eliquo Hydrok, St Austell Printing Company, and OMC Ltd), as well as independent and family-owned businesses like Da Bara Bakery and Niles Bakery.
Here are some examples of projects CleanEarth have assisted with to date in 2024.
SECURE INNOVATION
Secure Innovation was looking to update their working environment and meet their goals towards net zero. CleanEarth installed a system of 374 solar PV panels and ten EV chargers, managing every stage of the process in-house – from groundworks to an upgrade of supply with the National Grid. The system will provide around 40% of its annual electricity demand while saving over 30 tonnes of CO2 per year. Energy cost savings are forecast to exceed £700k over the lifetime of the system.
BLUNTROCK BREWERY
This innovative Cornish brewery was expanding into new premises and looked to CleanEarth as a partner in helping to attain their decarbonisation target. With an established track record of brewery installations, they were the obvious candidate. CleanEarth became involved from the very first stage of the new build design – managing the project from planning to energisation.
ELIQUO HYDROK
CleanEarth supported Cornish water company Eliquo Hydrok with everything from grid connection approval to landlord consent on its leased property. Energised at the end of April, their 384-panel roof-mount installation is now on track to generate 160,000 kWh of low-cost, low-carbon electricity per year and save nearly £240k in energy costs over the next decade.
NEWLYN CRAB COMPANY
For this Cornish seafood processor, sustainability is a critical element of its business model. CleanEarth had previous experience supporting Portland Shellfish and Interfish, building on a deep understanding of the commercial and operational pressures of the sector. The 238-panel system will play a significant role in furthering Newlyn Crab Company’s sustainability goals – and will generate savings of over half a million pounds in energy costs across the system’s lifetime.
COMING SOON
CleanEarth IS nearing completion on a 1 MWp ground mount system for Rodda’s in Redruth, and a 500 kWp roof-mount for Healy’s Cornish Cyder Farm, near Truro.
In addition, CleanEarth has secured planning approval for a new wind turbine at Higher Goonamarth in the China Clay area near St Austell. When complete, the turbine will generate enough electricity to power more than 3,000 Cornish homes.
These projects add to the carbon savings generated across the CleanEarth solar and wind portfolio – currently exceeding 30,000 tonnes of CO2 saved every year.
