Fire stations get solar power (From Croydon Guardian)

Fire stations get solar power

4:42pm Thursday 3rd May 2007 in

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Solarcentury, the UK's leading solar energy company, specialising in the supply and innovation of building integrated photovoltaics, is to supply six more London Fire Brigade (LFB) stations across London with solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. With fire stations in Richmond and Acton already supplied with clean, solar, electricity; a total of eight fire stations across the capital will now cut their carbon emissions and create their own electricity using solar technology from London based Solarcentury. This commitment to on site renewable energy is the largest single public sector display of a carbon reduction initiative. Discussions are already underway to kit out a further 20 fire stations with similar renewable technologies.

The Brigade is set to meet its ambitious target of dramatically cutting carbon emissions from 1990 levels by 2010 at the latest. Each year the six new PV systems will save a total of 65 tonnes of carbon emissions; with the Acton fire station system already saving six and a half tonnes of carbon emissions a year. Richmond fire station in south-west London was the first entirely solar powered fire station in the country. The PV fire stations will be in Bow, Battersea, Park Royal, Ruislip, Stanmore and Addington.

To achieve these targets LFB will also be using a range of technologies according to the station building and location, including wind turbines, solar thermal and Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems. Fire engines are also being replaced to meet low emission zone targets, boilers and light fittings are being replaced and recycling is now an intrinsic part of Brigade life.

Solarcentury worked closely with the Brigade to understand their needs and fit around a complex set of project interfaces and stakeholders including station commanders, project managers, fire officers and energy managers, without disrupting Brigade operations or increasing residual risk. They also advised on wider energy change' issues highlighting opportunities and tools to help deliver lasting behaviour change which has delivered huge savings in addition to the PV as station crews become energy conscious' . The Brigade has found that a staggering 20-30% of energy is now being saved through behaviour change, with PV creating clean energy and saving an additional 5-10% of energy in many cases.

LFB is now one of many public sector organisations to turn to solar power, with schools, universities, housing associations and care homes also committing to care for the environment. A 4kWp installation of this clean, silent technology will generate approximately 3,300 kWh per year, saving nearly two tonnes of carbon dioxide from being emitted from each building every year. For many, the clean energy alternative also saves money in the long run on costly electricity bills.

Commenting on the London Fire Brigade Green Programme, Dr. Jeremy Leggett, CEO of Solarcentury said: "LFB is setting the standard in the public sector for low carbon buildings, and they should be widely commended for leading the field. Phase two of the LCBP will allow hundreds of public buildings to benefit from photovoltaic systems at just 50% of traditional cost. Photovoltaic technology is more widely available than ever as clean energy solution that is effective and requires little ongoing attention."

Val Shawcross, chair of the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority, which manages LFB, said: "This new stage in our green investment programme is more great news for the Authority and I hope it will act as a spur to other organisations yet to start blazing the green trail.

"We take our responsibility to reduce our carbon footprint very seriously. We have some way to go before we can say we are a truly sustainable organisation, but are making big strides and remain committed to supporting the battle against climate change."

Energy Minister, Lord Truscott said: "The Government wants to see more micro generation in the UK and is working hard to develop the sector for both industry and consumers. The LFB project is exactly the kind of initiative we want to see more of, and they are to be applauded."

This announcement comes as Solarcentury reports a total of over 3 MW (mega watts) of PV installed since it began in 1999, having worked on over 500 large commercial projects with another 100 in the pipeline. It has also installed solar power on many thousands of homes in the UK. The company today also reveals its move into the Spanish market, with its first overseas office in Spain.

Solarcentury will be exhibiting at Think! from 1-3 May 2007 at Excel, London. The team can be found at stand K8. The Solarcentury award winning solar electric roof tile is being demonstrated on the Think ECOhome (stand L6). The Think conference and exhibition is a new landmark event for the UK construction and property markets, as it explores the wider responsibilities of the property and construction industries as we deal with the issues of climate change, urban renewal and redevelopment. It comprises of high-profile conferences, exhibitions and networking opportunities around three themes: sustainability, regeneration and innovation.