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Low-carbon microgrids will power Open golf tournament, with green chargers for courtesy EV fleet

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Two short-term microgrid installations are providing energy for the 149th Open Golf Championship at Royal St George’s Golf Club in Sandwich. The hybrid system, provided by Aggreko, will reduce carbon emissions by up to 40% compared to the previously used fossil fuelled systems.

The Open runs on 15-18 July, with 32,000 fans expected each day. The two renewable microgrids, installed in March for set up of the event, will supply 100% of the power needed without connecting to the grid.

Aggreko’s solar PV-battery storage-hybrid solution powers the contractor’s compound and an electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The contractor’s compound is powered by Aggreko’s containerised solar solution, a 135kVA battery unit and a 125kVA genset. The genset is fuelled with HVO – biodiesel derived largely from waste and residue feedstock, largely used cooking oil.

A second electric vehicle showcase microgrid has been installed to power ten 7kW EV chargers provided by British green mobility company Connected Kerb. This system will be powered by Aggreko’s containerised solar solution, a 300kVA battery unit and a 125kVA genset using HVO.

In addition, two x 300kVA stage V generators have been installed to serve 500kW peak load to five 50kW charging points. The installation can rapid-charge electric vehicles from zero to 80% capacity in approximately 40 minutes and will power the tournament’s Mercedes-EQ Player’s Courtesy car fleet.
Robert Wells, MD at Aggreko Events Services said: “Our solution at The Open marks the first time Aggreko has deployed a renewable electric vehicle charging infrastructure solution completely off grid. We are proud to pioneer new approaches for delivering cleaner power solutions to our clients.
“This has been a fantastic collaborative project, delivered jointly by R&A, Mercedes-EQ, Connected Kerb and Aggreko. Each of us shares the commitment to innovation and sustainability, transitioning to a Net Zero future.”
Aggreko said the innovations (including EV charging) will likely be used in additional events that Aggreko services.