Efficient All-Electric Brownfield Redevelopment Benefits

Greetings, Net Zero News Community,

As we strive towards a sustainable future, the conversation around brownfield land development grows ever more pertinent. The advantages of repurposing these previously used sites are compelling. Not only do they offer substantial environmental and social benefits, but they also present economic advantages for local communities. However, despite the apparent benefits, the reality of navigating the planning permission process and managing the costs associated with site remediation and biodiversity net gain (BNG) can often deter developers.

One notable case that illustrates both the potential and the challenges of brownfield redevelopment is the transformation of a 1.5-hectare site at Smiths Farm, located within the Metropolitan Green Belt. For over three decades, this site had been earmarked for commercial purposes, serving as a local eyesore rather than a community asset. Given the acute housing shortage, particularly for affordable homes in the area, the redevelopment of this site had been on the agenda for more than ten years, encountering numerous planning obstacles along the way.

The mixed-use redevelopment plan faced a myriad of challenges, necessitating several revisions before Ealing Council eventually granted planning permission. The ambitious plans needed to integrate the careful development of a listed farmhouse and adjoining barns while addressing essential environmental concerns, such as implementing effective sustainable drainage systems and enhancing biodiversity and amenity value in the area.

An All-Electric Vision

Ultimately, Ealing Borough Council approved a project that will replace the existing commercial and storage units with a development featuring 220 residential apartments, half of which will be designated as affordable housing. The plans also include a café and various commercial and industrial units, thereby enriching the local community fabric.

A pivotal requirement for the planning consent was that the development adhered to the “Lean, Clean, Green” energy hierarchy mandated by London Plan policies SI2 and SI3, as well as Ealing Council’s Development Management DPD. This stipulation aimed to ensure a significant reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, an essential step in the fight against climate change. With no existing gas infrastructure on site, the use of combined heat and power (CHP) systems was not feasible, and there was also no nearby “Clean” district heat network (DHN) to tap into. Consequently, all heating and hot water for the development would need to be electricity-powered.

In light of these requirements, heat pumps emerged as the ideal solution, given their efficiency and environmental benefits. Heat pumps are renowned for their ability to provide heating and cooling with remarkable efficiency, typically generating three times the heating or cooling capacity compared to the electrical energy they consume. By harnessing energy from the environment—be it air or water—heat pumps sidestep the reliance on carbon-emitting energy sources like natural gas, making them a vital component of any low-carbon strategy.

The redevelopment of Smiths Farm specified the installation of electric Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) distribution loops for all 220 homes, along with Water Source Heat Pumps (WSHP) to supply space heating and domestic hot water. This innovative approach is projected to yield a combined annual reduction of at least 79.23%, equating to a remarkable 138.90 tonnes, in regulated carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

Adding to the renewable energy provision, the project will feature five photovoltaic (PV) arrays on the rooftops of the housing blocks, collectively generating around 115 kWp. Moreover, the redevelopment plans include electric vehicle (EV) charging points for residents and visitors to the café and other amenities, further enhancing the site’s sustainability credentials and necessitating a robust electrical connection.

A Robust Electrical Infrastructure

The total electrical requirements for the Smiths Farm site were assessed, indicating a need for a 1.5MVA high voltage (HV) connection to the grid within the SSE South region. This connection is designed to support the 14 Meter Point Administration Numbers (MPANs) required for the industrial and commercial units, in addition to two for the EV charging points and 220 residential MPANs.

To facilitate this ambitious electrical infrastructure, the design and installation of the new 1.5 MVA high voltage connection will be carried out by an Independent Connections Provider (ICP). An Independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO) will then manage the adoption, ongoing operations, and maintenance of the network. This comprehensive electricity network is engineered to deliver power efficiently to residents and commercial enterprises on this complex site, prioritising flexibility, reliability, and responsiveness to optimise power availability for all users.

ICPs and IDNOs empower developers with greater choices in designing, connecting, and energising residential developments, allowing for tailored long-term solutions. Collaborating with an IDNO can provide a flexible and cost-effective engineering approach, as they can interpret the standards set by traditional Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) with greater adaptability. While IDNOs are regulated by Ofgem and must adhere to the same standards and obligations as DNOs, they offer innovative technical solutions that can better suit the unique challenges of complex redevelopments like Smiths Farm.

The Smiths Farm project exemplifies how brownfield developments can be transformed into thriving communities while championing sustainability and energy efficiency. By navigating the multifaceted challenges of planning and infrastructure, this project not only addresses the pressing need for affordable housing but also sets a precedent for future developments in urban areas across the UK.

As we continue to champion the cause of Net Zero, initiatives like the redevelopment of Smiths Farm serve as a beacon of hope and a practical guide for balancing the urgent housing needs with our commitment to environmental stewardship. The successful integration of renewable technologies and sustainable practices in this project illustrates the potential for innovative solutions to address the complex challenges of urban development in the face of climate change.

In conclusion, the story of Smiths Farm is one of resilience, innovation, and community spirit. It highlights the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders, from local councils to developers and energy providers, in creating sustainable living spaces that meet the needs of today while safeguarding our environment for future generations. As we forge ahead in our quest for a Net Zero future, such projects remind us of the power of imagination and determination in building a better world.

Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and insights from the realm of sustainable development!