Athlone Wastewater Treatment Plant, Westmeath

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    Renewables

    We were appointed to carry out a suitability assessment report for the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels at Athlone Wastewater Treatment Plant (WwTP). To assess the feasibility of the proposed Solar PV installation a site walkover was carried out to measure potential shading obstacles such as buildings, trees, tanks and fences. During the site walkover suitable areas are identified for Solar PV arrays. A computer simulated model using PV Sol 3D software is created. The array capacity was sized to minimise overspill to the grid and utilise all the energy generated to power the treatment process.

    We have managed the planning stage and have provided a full suite of planning documents including Drawings, Planning reports, AA Screening, EIAR Screening, Invasive Species Surveys, Flood Risk Assessment and Glint and Glare Assessment reports

    Athlone Wastewater Treatment Plant (WwTP) has been identified as a suitable site for the location of a Solar PV array. The proposed 130kW (630m2 ) array is estimated to generate 105,000kWh/year which equates to 20% of the electrical energy consumed by the WwTP during the daytime period per year and will reduce CO₂ emissions from the site by 35 tonnes/year. The generated PV energy will reduce the electrical bill by €15,140 in year 1 and will provide a simple payback period for the estimated €130,910 capital investment within 11.1 years. The accrued cashflow over the 25-year lifetime of the system was calculated to be €122,710.

    Planning permission has been granted with construction works to follow.

    Client: Irish Water
    Location: Co. Westmeath
    Value: €131,000