Frequently asked questions
No, all development costs are paid by us. What’s more, there is no legal commitment from you until contracts are signed.
We usually install gas reciprocating engines either as a single containerised unit or as multiple engines, depending on site requirements and space available. Combined Heat & Power (CHP) converts a single fuel into both electricity and heat in a single process at the point of use.
For simplicity, we usually install our equipment outside as a containerised solution. Depending on the design it can usually be fitted into shipping containers measuring 20 to 40ft long. We prefer to install close to existing gas and electricity connections, but this is not essential and depends on location.
A Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is a form of contract where electricity and/or heat is generated on site and sold directly by the generator (Enso CoGen) and the consumer (you). You simply pay for the power and heat used. Private wire means we supply your site directly, without going out to the wider distribution network.
We consider each site as an individual project and install power generation across many different sizes of site. We would consider smaller projects if there are multiple sites or the ability to export power to the grid, so please get in touch regardless of how much power you use currently.
Not usually, a PPA is a type of service agreement, not a lease or loan. We retain full ownership and responsibility for the equipment, and it sits on our balance sheet. Think of it as us building a mini power station next to your site and selling you power – it works more like a supply agreement from an energy company.
The PPA price you pay covers everything, there are no hidden costs. We typically pay for all the fuel, carbon taxes, maintenance, connection and capital costs, you simply pay for the energy you use. The only additional costs you may incur may be your legal costs associated with the agreement.
This depends on the length of the contract, most clients sign for 10 years. The PPA price is usually fixed for a minimum of 5 years with additional benefits to longer-term contracts. For example, we can offer a lower initial rate with fixed inflation applied to future years, or track the grid electricity price.
At the end of the initial term we would make you a renewal PPA offer for a further 3-5 years. If you choose not to accept the offer, we will remove all equipment and you revert to purchasing all your power from the grid as before.
It is advised that you do so.
Our installations provide base load power, we recommend you retain your grid connection for when you may have an unexpected peak in demand. Our systems are designed to run in tandem with your existing grid connection.
This is unlikely – the inclusion of various non-commodity costs (green taxes and so on) means grid electricity prices are expected to increase significantly, even if wholesale energy prices fall. Evidence of this can be provided in our feasibility studies.
No, we can install gas generation to supply electricity only if required and the electricity PPA price will be similar to what we would offer for a full CHP system. However, the more waste heat we can capture and utilise on site, the higher overall efficiency we can achieve. Higher efficiency means lower CO2 and bigger savings.
Yes, there would be a minimum offtake as part of the agreement. This is because, unlike a traditional energy supplier, you will be our one and only customer for your site and we cannot resell the generated power elsewhere. To reduce risk of overcommitting and incurring penalties, we tend to size the generation equipment to allow for potential reduction in future energy consumption. Minimum offtake and potential penalties would be outlined in full once feasibility and design work is completed.
Depending on complexity of the system, it can take between 3 and 12 months between placing the order and providing you with power.
No, not necessarily. We can install Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) tanks to supply our gas generators, which bypasses the need for mains gas. PPA prices are slightly higher to cover additional costs, but will still be very competitive compared to grid electricity. If you already have mains gas, we may need to upgrade your existing connection or install a new supply. All associated costs would be covered by Enso CoGen as part of the PPA.
Yes, onsite generation is a cleaner source of power, compared to a standard grid connection.
Yes, we can supply baseload power that effectively acts as additional capacity without the need for network reinforcement costs. Our equipment will typically run during times of peak demand and will avoid significant use of system charges such as triads.