TotalWM have made an ambitious commitment to be a net zero emitter from 2035, this is no easy task when you consider that the processing and recycling of scrap metals is a rather energy intensive activity.

As part of our strategy to achieve net zero carbon emissions we are transitioning away from the need and our previous reliance on non-renewable fuels such as diesel to power our mobile plant and machinery. This transition will see us move to more sustainable alternatives such as the new all electric material handling crane which has been installed at our site in Basildon. However, the consequence to achieving this aim will require us to have a greater reliance on electrical energy demand, the result of which being that our electrical consumption will increase dramatically.

To alleviate some of this increase we have therefore installed 146, 400W photovoltaic solar panels on the buildings at our Basildon site in Essex; a coverage of more than 420 sq metres of roof space. It is hoped that these panels will provide an estimated electrical annual yield of 52.84 MWh which will go some way to offsetting our increased electrical demand.

Although Basildon isn’t usually viewed as being one of the sunniest places in the UK, solar panels generate energy from daylight rather than direct sunlight so they will continue to generate energy even on cloudy days and during the winter. The panels which have been installed on site have a temperature operating parameter of between -40°C - +85°C with a nominal operating cell temperature of 45°C ±2°C and a 25-year power warranty in excess of 84% even after 25 years of service.

The other benefits are that they require almost no maintenance and require little cleaning as rain helps remove the build-up of any dirt, they are also completely silent. So, not only will the installation of these new solar panels help to reduce our carbon emissions they will also power the new mobile plant and machinery entering operation at our site and at a lower noise frequency than previously experienced.

A true win – win solution on more than one account.

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