Challenge

Weetwood, a small-scale brewery in Cheshire, faced escalating costs and environmental concerns, reflecting broader industry trends of rising CO2 and energy costs. Despite having installed solar panels in 2020, the system was not optimised, resulting in over 20% of the solar energy produced being wasted. The brewery needed a solution to maximise solar energy use, minimise its carbon footprint, and protect against volatile electricity market prices.

Solution

Q Energy responded by implementing a multi-faceted energy management system:

• Battery Installation: A battery storage system was installed to capture excess solar energy, which could be used during peak electricity price hours or sold back to the grid.
• Energy Monitoring and Management System: This system allowed for real-time monitoring and management of electricity usage, optimising operations to align with solar production. 

• Smart Flexible Energy Tariff: The brewery was transitioned to a tariff that offers cashback benefits, further reducing energy costs. 

Results

• Energy Efficiency: Operational changes and the new system led to energy savings of around 20% 

• Financial Savings: The brewery saw a reduction in their energy bills, saving £1,876 annually. 

• Environmental Impact: Carbon emissions were reduced, with effective carbon reporting and smart trading of stored energy. 

Impact

• Zero carbon emissions and 20% lower peak time usage. 
• Improved energy management, resulting in £600 annual savings from better solar utilisation. 
• Income generated from battery storage through smart energy trading. 
• Reduced energy bill: £18,300 at 14.9p/kWh