Decarbonising Dalton Industrial Estate
Energy Oasis, in partnership with North Yorkshire Council and key stakeholders, has embarked on an innovative project to decarbonise Dalton Industrial Estate. This initiative, funded by Innovate UK with £129,064 towards a total project cost of £201,763, aims to develop a credible and actionable route to Net Zero for the estate's diverse businesses. We won the tender to conduct a 12-month feasibility study to assess and propose strategies to reduce emissions associated with power, heat, materials, and transport.
Project Background
Dalton Industrial Estate, located near Thirsk in North Yorkshire, is home to 28 businesses. With electricity demand expected to more than double in the next three years, and planning permission already granted to extend the area by 22 hectares, the need for a sustainable energy solution is critical. This project aims to create a blueprint for other rural industrial estates across the UK to follow, demonstrating a comprehensive Net Zero journey.
Our Approach
The project is structured in five phases to ensure thorough and actionable outcomes:
Business Needs Assessments: Detailed evaluations of each business’s specific needs related to power, heat, materials, and transport.
Quick Win Reductions: Identifying and implementing immediate actions to reduce emissions.
Shared Onsite Opportunities: Exploring opportunities for shared resources and infrastructure to enhance efficiencies.
Offsite Interventions: Proposing offsite solutions that contribute to overall decarbonisation efforts.
Collation and Knowledge Sharing: Compiling findings and best practices to share with other industrial estates.
Solutions Proposed
The feasibility study will result in detailed assessments for each business, proposing tailored action plans to achieve Net Zero while minimising reliance on carbon offsetting. Key areas of focus include:
Energy Efficiency Enhancements: Upgrading infrastructure and processes to reduce energy consumption.
Renewable Energy Integration: Implementing solar, wind, and other renewable energy sources.
Sustainable Transport Initiatives: Introducing low-emission vehicles and optimizing logistics.
Resource Optimisation: Improving resource management to minimise waste.
Collaborative Strategies: Encouraging businesses to work together to maximise environmental and economic benefits.
Results
The feasibility study will provide a clear roadmap for Dalton Industrial Estate’s transition to Net Zero. Key anticipated outcomes include:
Practical Action Plans: Specific, actionable steps for each business to reduce emissions.
Increased Stakeholder Engagement: Strong commitment from all partners to pursue sustainability goals.
Blueprint for Others: A replicable model for other rural industrial estates aiming for decarbonisation.
Leading the Way
“ The feasibility study at Dalton Industrial Estate exemplifies our commitment to driving sustainable change and is a project very dear to me, as I grew up in Thirsk and know the area well with 8 of these old bases within 10 miles of the town. This project is the blueprint for all the other old World War 2 air bases 72 in Yorkshire alone and many more throughout the country, many of which are now industrial estates and business parks, they all have the same issues when it comes to energy and decarbonisation. This collaborative effort underpins the pathway to Net Zero, setting a benchmark for similar industrial estates across the UK” — Mike Kaye, CEO of Energy Oasis
Interested in learning how your business or industrial site can achieve Net zero emissions? Contact Energy Oasis today. Our expertise in comprehensive energy solutions can help you lead the way to a greener future.