HomePrecision engineers gain grant to invest in solar energy for power-hungry business
Precision engineers gain grant to invest in solar energy for power-hungry business
A precision engineering company using sparks of electrical energy to cut through metal has invested in solar panels to reduce sky-high energy bills.
Erodatools has gained grant support to help install 240 solar panels on the roof of the Penistone factory it has owned for 52 years.
The second-generation family business specialises in electrical discharge machining (EDM) and CNC milling and turning which use energy-intense wire and spark erosion techniques to cut through conductive metals and mill intricate 3D component parts for industry.
Its new 102kwp photovoltaic system will generate more than 72,000 kwh green energy a year to help feed this power-hungry process.
It is estimated that this will slash the business’ annual electricity bills by £17,000 and reduce carbon emissions by 14.07 tonnes a year too.
“As the business has grown, the amount of electricity we use has grown too and recent price hikes and shocks to the market have been challenging.
The greatest proportion of our electrical consumption goes into our EDM and machining and we’ve known for a while that we have to do something to make us more resilient.
But our investment in solar panels would have been significantly delayed until we could raise the funds if not for the support we’ve received to cover the initial outlay.
The Low Carbon Grant essentially means that the photovoltaic system will pay for itself within four rather than five years. It’s great to have it up on the roof and working; helping us to reduce our dependence on the energy grid and reduce our carbon footprint.”
Erodatools was set up in 1972 by Ken and Tony Rolfe, Caroline’s dad and uncle. It employs a team of 12, including her brother Chris and sister Charlotte.
Turbine Energy of Doncaster fitted solar panels to the roof of the business’ 6,000 sq ft premises at Laurence Works and these have already started to help power 33 machines in the company’s workshop.
Enterprising Barnsley business support advisor Matthew Smith, who helped the company secure the Net Zero Barnsley grant, said:
“Erodatools has built an excellent reputation as a specialist in precision engineering over the years, but intense EDM machining makes them, by nature, a high electricity demand business.
We’re very pleased to have helped them secure a Low Carbon Grant to help them invest in solar panels so that they can start to generate some of their own green energy in-house as quickly as possible.
The sooner a company is able to invest in innovative renewable energy solutions which suit their business, the sooner they will reap the long-term benefits both in terms of profitability and sustainability.”
Electrical discharge machining (EDM) uses thermal energy instead of force to cut away metal to exact specifications, creating complex profiles to an accuracy of between four and six microns.
Erodatools manufactures prototypes and components, as well as offering sub-contract EDM and machining services, in metals such as hardened steel, titanium and aluminium. As well as EDM, the company also offers CNC milling and turning services.
Its customers operate in industries which rely on absolute precision including aerospace, oil and gas exploration, defence, automotive and surgical instrument manufacture.
Low Carbon Grants support capital projects for eligible small businesses to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions; reduce energy costs, make their businesses more competitive, resilient and productive and potentially safeguard and create jobs through improved profitability.
About Net Zero Barnsley
Net Zero Barnsley, at The Business Village, Barnsley is delivering, in partnership with Barnsley Council, a series of programmes for cohorts of up eight businesses at a time. Participants receive specialist sustainability coaching to help them work through carbon calculators to define and measure their existing CO2 outputs and identify priorities for action. They are then helped to draw up detailed plans to reduce emissions; with workshops and peer-to-peer support to share ideas.
Companies could also be eligible for capital grant funding, assessed on a case by case basis and to be match funded, which they can invest in new green technology or practices which will lead to saving energy, as well as money on bills.
The Shared Prosperity Fund provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ukshared-prosperity-fund-prospectus
To find out more about Net Zero Barnsley, contact Kevin Steel on ksteel@BarnsleyBIC.co.uk or call 01226 249590
