The William Scott Abbott Trust (WSAT) secured funding through the UK Government Rural Community Energy Fund (RCEF) to undertake a feasibility study to explore low carbon energy generation, demand reduction, and mobility options at its Sacrewell Heritage Farm and Country Centre near Peterborough. The study was undertaken between April 2022 – August 2022, comprising a baseline spatial and energy assessment; technical, financial, and commercial modelling to assess primary opportunities; and a project roadmap for onwards development of shortlisted options.
Scene undertook analysis of constraints, opportunities, and techno-economic variables to understand in-depth feasibility of a number of applicable energy technologies - including LED lighting, EV charging, Solar PV (ground- and roof-mounted), Wind turbine(s), Air- and Ground-source heat pumps, and biomass. Using this analysis, Scene produced 3 local energy system scenarios, seeking to optimise energy bill reduction, carbon emissions, and to deliver beneficial social impacts at the site. This included design of systems for educational purposes, as well as enabling designs, such as EV charging for private and public transport at the site. Furthermore, Scene conducted a funding appraisal and planning assessment to enable WSAT to progress all recommended actions in the short term.