An economic analysis has been performed with the aim of calculating payback periods for the various scenarios in order to assess their feasibility in terms of costs, relative value for money of each scenario and overall savings impact on the production site. In order to determine the economic impact of the various scenarios, an analysis was performed, which involved a comparison of the following elements associated with each technology:

·         Capital Cost of the Technology installed.

·        

Expected savings from : (See Policies & Incentives for more information)

o   Off-set Imported Power

o   Off-set Imported Gas

o   Renewable Heat Incentive

o   Renewable Obligation Certificates

·        

       Expected Operational Costs

       o Wind Turbine Operation & Maintenance Costs

       o   Biogas/Natural Gas CHP Maintenance Costs

       o   Biomass Fuel Costs

       o   Biomass CHP Maintenance Costs

The finance model outputs were developed to supplement the overall assessment matrix by feeding in data on each case study for comparison.

Key Output of this analysis include:

Ø The Biomass CHP can take the site to Carbon Neutral

Ø The Biomass CHP is economic and compliments the existing and planned renewable generation on site as it’s is limited by site heat demand.

Ø Therefore to achieve their objectives the site needs to continue the programme to invest in further technology:

o  Additional  Wind Turbine Generators

o  Biomass CHP

o  Solar PV scheme.

Ø The most optimum mix of technologies results in a continued high level of grid interaction.

Post implementing these projects, there remains a high level of grid interaction this was demonstrated through the import and export profile and highlights the opportunity for further cost reduction through storage technologies.