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04 Aug 20221 minute read

New carbon-negative microgrid in Manchester

ECAtoday
New carbon-negative microgrid in Manchester

A new 300kW microgrid in an eco-park in Greater Manchester, UK, could serve as a model for future small-scale projects. After the second phase of its construction, the microgrid will become carbon-negative and supply excess power to the grid.

ABB is delivering the electrical distribution and control systems for a 300 kW future microgrid that Tetra Tech, the engineering and management consultancy, is deploying for Oldham Council in Greater Manchester.

Oldham Council’s long-term goal is for a future eco-park (based at its Environmental Services’ depot) to become carbon negative by completely covering its own electrical and heat requirements, as well as supplying excess power to the grid. The electrical control scheme is based on smart ABB Ability™ circuit breakers. These have the capability and flexibility to control power generation, distribution and consumption, as well as providing advanced features such as power management, metering and communication.

The first phase of the project will be complete by spring 2023 and will integrate solar photovoltaic panels, a 500 kVA grid connection, electric vehicle (EV) charging points and electricity demand from an office building, as well as heating from an air source heat pump.

David Lowen, ABB’s Lead Business Manager in the UK for Electrification said: “The beauty of our circuit breakers is that they come with additional features built in, such as accurate metering, as well as digital communication and algorithms for smart decision making. 

“Not only does that save space and reduce installation time, but it gives them the flexibility to control low-voltage distribution, as well as more sophisticated roles such as power management, load shedding and generator control when clients require these. That creates exciting opportunities for a site like this in Greater Manchester.”

Visit www.gb.abb.com for more information. 

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