THRIVE Renewables’ hydro-electric site at Beochlich in Scotland had its best year for generating electricity in 2017 than any other year in the history of the site! And what better way to pass on the benefits of their investment with the recent agreement to supply Bristol Energy customers (and one of the first municipal energy companies in the UK) with clean power direct from Beochlich.
Simon Proctor, Origination Manager at Bristol Energy (pictured below) said. “We’re really excited to be working with a local company that shares our ethos and commitment to growing renewable generation. The Beochlich hydro site that we purchase power from is a great project located in one of the best areas for small scale hydro-electric generation in the UK.
“Through our Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) we are able to provide our customers with Beochlich’s hydro exported energy, whilst giving the generator a fair price for their power and a trusted route-to-market.” Said Simon Proctor.
The company, e-POWER, an online auction for the renewable energy market arranged the purchase of power between Bristol Energy and Thrive Renewables. Commercial Director, Stuart Stephens said:
“We are delighted to have brought Thrive and Bristol Energy together. Our auction enables renewable generators to find a route to market and over 100 currently use our trading platform - that’s enough renewable electricity to power every home in Bristol and the surrounding areas!
Bristol Energy is committed to supporting generators around the country and the transition to a clean energy future. They ensure that each unit of renewable electricity purchased comes with a Renewable Energy Guarantee of Origin (REGO) – this shows where the electricity has been generated and proves that it has been generated from a renewable source.
Simon Procter explained: “This is fantastic news for our customers, as it gives them the opportunity to find out where some of their power is generated, whilst giving them reassurance that we are working with trusted and well-established partners who are committed to growing UK renewable generation.”
Facts about Beochlich Hydro-electric
Beochlich is located on the south-east side of Loch Awe in Argyll, Scotland, the site generates 3.5GWh a year, the equivalent to nearly 1,000 UK homes.
Electricity at Beochlich is generated by two turbines and a generator fed by a pipeline of fresh running water. The site includes a storage reservoir which allows the flow of water to be regulated to an optimum level when rainfall is high, as well as store water, during periods of lower rainfall. Water extracted from the Beochlich reservoir is returned to the same water course downstream.
Connecting more people to renewables
THRIVE and Bristol Energy are helping to make green energy accessible for everyone. You can get involved in many ways, through a 100% green tariff, by investing in renewable energy and by saving energy. Quick energy saving wins - turn off standby appliances; turn heating down a degree; wash at 30 degrees; use low energy lighting. Small changes make a difference, get more energy saving tips.
