Environmental protection is at the heart of this project, working through the heart of the Lake District National Park, this is one of the biggest and most environmentally challenging projects in United Utilities’ history and it is vital that we minimise the impact of the work. The ProLight is a great example of some of the innovative thinking the team has employed.

We frequently need to maintain screens, set up temporary defences, apply temporary structures, or operate gates and sluices in an emergency situation during the hours of darkness. The beauty of the technology is that it is activated only as-needed by PIR motion sensors and without the fumes or noise nuisance from a diesel generator tower light. The ProTemp light is easy to position using a fork lift for temporary defences. We also have the option to transfer the lighting unit to a permanent post and provide a permanent installation.

There are currently in excess of 30 units now located at HPA. They work very well in their chosen locations and are proving to be robust in what can sometimes be a very harsh and extreme environment. Once set up and thus far, they appear to be near self-sufficient with next to no maintenance required.

A 97% diesel reduction at the first attempt is a great achievement. Saving close to 6,000 litres of diesel is the same as driving a family car at 40 mpg twice around the circumference of the world. It’s also clear where we have learnt the lessons from Llanwern so we can aim to close that small gap. We really want to get to that 100% fuel-free figure by the time of our next challenge, planned for a rail renewal project later in the summer. There’s no doubt these technologies are going to be a complete game-changer and we need to push on to get to a place where using this type of technology is just business as usual.

Since the start of the 52-week hire period in July, the ProPower Solar Hybrid Generator engine only ran for around 16% of the time. This substantial reduction in generator usage translated to massive fuel savings and significantly lowered overall emissions on the site. The overall site was powered by solar and battery alone, showcasing the effectiveness of Prolectric’s products in providing sustainable and reliable energy solutions.