Client & Project Overview
This journey began in Bangor Erris, County Mayo, Ireland. Due to the complexity of the site and the challenges of the local regulatory environment, RWE engaged with local partners to design and build a facility that would accommodate the requirements of Kitepower through their renewable journey of scaling wind power energy generation from micro-generation through to grid-scale renewable energy technology.
After local construction partners began work to develop the site in Bangor Erris, PEMCAS engaged with delivery specialists to assist with the electrical design of the installation. Services included Fire Detection, Lighting & Emergency Lighting, Lightning protection, Earthing installation, Containment and Power & Data Installation.
PEMCAS worked alongside the wider project delivery team to design and coordinate the electrical infrastructure required for a technically unique and safety-critical renewable energy facility. Services included fire detection systems, internal and external lighting, emergency lighting, lightning protection, earthing installations, cable containment, and power and data distribution.
Given the operational and environmental sensitivities of the site, particular attention was paid to system resilience, regulatory compliance, and safe interaction between electrical installations and airborne equipment. PEMCAS collaborated with specialist delivery partners to ensure that all systems were robust, maintainable, and fully aligned with planning and safety conditions imposed during the consent process. This approach supported both the initial commissioning phase and the ongoing flexibility required as Kitepower continues to scale and evolve its technology at the Bangor Erris test hub.
Key Insights
Emerging renewable technologies often challenge conventional engineering and regulatory frameworks. The Kitepower test facility highlights the importance of early integration between technical design, safety planning, and statutory compliance, particularly when working with novel systems such as airborne wind energy.
By applying proven electrical design principles within an innovative research environment, PEMCAS supported the safe deployment of a first-of-its-kind test facility while maintaining compliance with planning, fire safety, and environmental requirements. Projects of this nature demonstrate how specialist engineering support can enable innovation to progress from experimental technology to viable, scalable renewable infrastructure, helping to broaden the future energy mix while ensuring safety, reliability, and regulatory assurance.
