Pure Energy Centre
Case Study
Sector: Sustainability
Employees: 6
Location: Unst, Shetland Isles
The big idea :- building a zero carbon-emissions industrial estate - owned by the community.
What they do
The PURE Energy Centre's Hydrogen Production Unit (HyPodTM) is the first community-owned off-grid renewable hydrogen system in the world. The Pure Energy Centre (PEC) team specialises in showing clients how renewable energy, created initially by the almost constant winds that blow across the island, can be used to heat and power their offices with surplus energy stored as hydrogen. The hydrogen can then be used to produce electrical and heating power and, most importantly, a fuel for a fleet of vehicles.
The challenge
…was to make renewable hydrogen solutions accessible to communities, businesses, public agencies and private individuals worldwide.
The solution
Having established a working system, which can use any renewable energy input, the PEC offers training courses and consultancy in renewable energy strategies and implementation, teaching clients about renewable hydrogen and thermal technologies. In addition, confidential new products and technologies can be trialled at the PEC development and testing facility.
As the PURE system on Unst already provides five factory units with a secure, off-grid supply of energy, free of CO2 emissions, it can demonstrate practically the latest renewable hydrogen technologies and renewable thermal equipment in action.
The PEC team has delivered specialist training to hundreds of trainees, ranging from vice presidents of marketing within major companies to students from leading universities. The Pure Energy Centre has hosted ministerial visits, conducted workshops and delivered regular presentations regionally, nationally and internationally.
Visitors to the PEC also benefit from a free exclusive test drive to the UK's only road-licensed renewable Hydrogen Fuel Cell Car, fuelled with hydrogen at the PEC's fuelling station.
'Our aim is to disseminate renewable energy strategies, project management expertise and hardware that works as well as providing ultimate expert consultancy advice.' says Daniel Aklil, Managing Director at the PEC.
Issues arising
The main issue when establishing the PURE project was attracting experts in renewable energy who were willing to relocate to the most northerly Island in the UK and commit to the project for the long-term. The uniqueness of the project, its innovative aspect and the strong community involvement was pivotal in successfully attracting those experts.
The outcome
The PURE Energy Centre has created exciting jobs and developed a portfolio of intellectual property for which three patents are currently being pursued. One patent covers the development of the world's first and very successful 'Ultimate Renewable Hydrogen Training Course'.
The most important outcome of the training course is the high customer satisfaction. In the words of Jock Campbell , MD of JGC Engineering & Technical Services Ltd who has 40 years of experience in operating within the Dounreay nuclear facility: 'I have to admit to being a sceptic before I came here but you've definitely managed to change my mind about hydrogen technologies.'
The fact that the HyPodTM is installed on the PEC site and is used on a daily basis means that visiting clients can have a first-hand feeling of what it can actually achieve in a real world environment without having to use expensive simulation techniques.
Says Todd Houstein of the International Energy Agency: 'The successful integration of wind and hydrogen technology into an actual working system is something that many large energy businesses are still struggling to make a reality, yet the community of Unst has already done it. I'm convinced that it has been the community-based approach and strong community spirit that has made all the difference.'
Another major development at the PEC is its innovative, highly efficient vehicle running on hydrogen (MOT approved). This further benefits trainees and visitors as they get to drive and experience a fully road-licensed hydrogen fuel cell car - 99% of clients have never driven this type of car before.
'The PURE project has achieved and surpassed all of its objectives - inward migration of people with excellent skills, inward investment, revenues from technology transfer and Unst is now a place on the map for sustainable engineering and the hydrogen economy, says Daniel Aklil. 'The people of Unst have accepted the new technology and we have raised the profile and promoted the regeneration of our remote, rural community - boosting the collective self-esteem of the community.'
What could you do?
The UK is well placed to innovate and develop the technologies that will help preserve the planet. Could you link with universities and other companies to bring new thinking to market? The DTI’s Technology Programme encourages and funds such networks. Visit http://www.dti.gov.uk/innovation to find out more
Pure Website: http://www.pure.shetland.co.uk
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