Port of Larne

​The Background:

Vaughan Group delivers high- quality, safe, and best value building engineering services driven by commitment to operational and technical excellence. This project on the newbuild site at Larne Port of Entry delivered for DAERA reflects a shared commitment to sustainability.

 

The Project showcases Continu’s innovative design, integrating various renewable energy assets including Battery Energy Storage (BESS) and Solar PV with a core objective to maximise renewable energy use for the site power needs, thereby reducing grid reliance and enhancing energy independence.

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The Challenge:

As a new build, DAERA faced the unique challenge of managing energy costs and significantly reducing its carbon footprint without any prior consumption patterns or existing tariff structures to guide planning.

 

This meant accurately estimating future building loads and energy consumption was crucial, alongside navigating the variable nature of renewable sources like solar.

 

The complexity was compounded by the need to coordinate multiple power assets - solar, a generator, battery energy storage (BESS)and Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) to function seamlessly and intelligently and ensuring a reliable power supply from day one.

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The Solution:

Continu stepped in as the expert consultant, providing a comprehensive plan for the client by integrating a 460 kW solar PV system, a 1MW generator, and a 500 kW / 903 kWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) . This integrated system is designed to power the building primarily with renewable energy, in the absence of a grid connection.

 

The solution is built around a smart control system that manages energy throughout the life of the site. In Phase 1, with no grid connection, the battery system (BESS) works alongside solar and generators to create a stable, off-grid power supply, essentially turning the site into a self-sufficient ‘mini power station. ’In Phase 2, once the grid is connected, the system uses the best mix of solar, UPS, battery, grid, and reduced generator use to lower energy costs.

 

The battery stores excess solar and charges at night when electricity is cheaper, then discharges during peak times, cutting cost sand increasing resilience.

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How It Was Done:

Continu took a structured, expert-led approach to deliver a tailored energy solution for this new build. They began by assessing projected energy use, tariff impacts, and solar potential, then created a baseline energy model to guide system design.

 

Using this, they optimised the size of the solar PV and battery storage system to maximise savings and self-sufficiency. A detailed analysis ensured the solution would perform well across seasons and changing demands.

 

Continu worked with various partners to procure the optimal BESS technology, selecting a suitable manufacturer in line with the specification. Continu assisted with the installation, commissioning, quality control, monitoring, and ongoing maintenance ensuring the system delivers lasting value and implementation of phase 2.

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The Results:

With the project now installed , DAERA benefits from: A sustainable, future-proof building including a 460 kW solar PV system, a 1MWgenerator, and a 500 kW / 903 kWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) that will operate independently of external energy pressures, protected from tariff hikes and grid connection issues, as well as;

 

• Expert Analysis and optimal sizing for their new build facility

• Access to deep market knowledge and supply chain advantage

• End-to-end project management and multi-asset integration including solar, BESS,UPS and generators

• Adherence to standards and risk mitigation

• Future Resilience

• The ability to run a fully self-sufficient net zero facility that is a model for the future of sustainable operations.

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Why Continu?

Continu was chosen as the winning tender for this transformative project because of their end-to-end capability, from expert system design to seamless installation, grounded in deep technical knowledge and practical know-how of site-wide power infrastructure.

 

While the battery technology itself isn’t new, applying and implementing it in this type of project demands innovative thinking and the vision of forward-looking, early-adopter clients. Continu integrates solar, UPS, battery storage, generators, and wind power to deliver resilient, future-ready energy systems for complex commercial and industrial sites.

 

Their vendor-neutral approach and strong relationships with leading technology partners ensure clients access the best-fit solutions including project finance options.

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