Sustainable Estate Income through Hydropower
Brief
As part of an estate’s strategy to diversify income and harness renewable energy, Bell Ingram was tasked with delivering a hydroelectric scheme from concept through to commissioning. The aim was to create a sustainable long-term revenue stream while making best use of the estate’s natural resources.
Process
Bell Ingram provided full project management and consultancy throughout every stage of the development, including:
• Identifying and evaluating the most suitable sites for hydro generation.
• Overseeing the competitive tender process to appoint design and construction engineers.
• Working with the client to agree scope and budgets.
• Running the full tender process for the construction company.
• Supervising planning applications and managing the construction phase in collaboration with consulting engineers.
• Overseeing commissioning and providing ongoing operational support through monthly monitoring, FIT submissions and energy import/export reporting.
The success of the initial hydro project led to Bell Ingram being appointed to deliver a second scheme on the estate, providing the same comprehensive consultancy service.
Outcome
The two schemes now generate 85kW and 95kW, producing a combined annual income of around £160,000 for the estate. As well as supporting financial resilience, the projects demonstrate how renewable energy can be seamlessly integrated into estate management to create long-term, sustainable benefits.
