Leveraging Above’s Construction Management Solutions for Bracon Ash
Overview
Luminous Energy, is a leading renewable energy developer who has in recent years transitioned to an independent power producer (IPP). Luminous is committed to innovation in project development and operation. Under the leadership of Guy Lavarack, Chief Investment Officer since September 2022, the company has adopted advanced digital solutions to streamline its processes. This case study focuses on the collaboration between Luminous Energy and Above on the Bracon Ash Solar Plant, a 28.5 MW project spanning 76 acres near Norwich, Norfolk.
CHALLENGES
Bracon Ash Solar Plant, Luminous Energy's first project to be constructed and operated as an IPP, presented several challenges:
Large Site Management: Covering 76 acres, the site required extensive monitoring and documentation, which was difficult to achieve manually in a timely and accurate manner.
Remote Project Oversight: With the project team located geographically distant, they had to rely on third-party reports, which at times did not offer one hundred percent clarity of the work carried out on site.
Contractor Oversight: Ensuring accountability and accurate reporting from contractors, especially when project timelines faced delays.
Data Accuracy: Generating precise as-built drawings and maintaining an accurate digital record of site progress and issues for future reference.
SOLUTION
Luminous Energy partnered with Above to implement innovative solutions, including:
SolarGain Portal: A centralised platform for real-time issue tracking, geolocation of site challenges, and historical data compilation, building a robust digital twin of the project.
Topographical Studies and Thermography: Above’s expertise in pre-construction topographical studies and post-construction thermography ensured data accuracy and quality assurance throughout the project lifecycle.
Construction Monitoring: Regular aerial data provided high-resolution, geolocated imagery, enabling the team to track construction progress remotely with unparalleled accuracy.
By integrating these technologies, Luminous Energy gained precise, real-time insights into site progress, overcoming traditional challenges associated with scale and distance.
KEY OUTCOMES
Enhanced Clarity and Accountability: Aerial imagery eliminated ambiguity, providing a clear, factual record of progress that contractors and stakeholders could not dispute.
Improved Project Oversight: Remote monitoring reduced the need for frequent on-site visits, saving time and resources while ensuring accurate updates.
Streamlined As-Built Documentation: High-resolution imagery simplified the creation of as-built drawings, saving time during the handover phase.
Future-Proofed Operations: The digital twin created through the SolarGain platform is an invaluable resource for ongoing asset management and performance optimisation.
FUTURE PLANS WITH ABOVE
Building on the success of the Bracon Ash project, Luminous Energy plans to expand its use of Above’s services in future projects, with a particular focus on autonomous drones and digital construction management.
Autonomous Drone Integration: The company sees significant potential in Above’s autonomous drone technology to streamline construction management. Automated drone operations will allow for more frequent, cost-effective site surveys, enabling real-time monitoring of construction progress and immediate identification of issues during construction and operation.
Enhanced Digital Construction Tools: Luminous Energy plans to leverage Above’s SolarGain platform further, using its advanced tools for recording and managing construction activities, geolocating issues, and building comprehensive digital twins of their sites.
Ongoing Asset Management: The integration of drone technology and digital platforms into future projects will provide a seamless transition from construction to operation, ensuring assets are efficiently managed throughout their lifecycle.
Collaboration with Contractors: Luminous Energy intends to encourage contractors to engage with Above’s services during construction phases, ensuring that both asset owners and contractors benefit from the clarity and efficiency these tools provide.
"The next step for us is the autonomous drone. The ability to instantly call off drone flights will enhance efficiency and provide even greater clarity during construction. We also see immense value in building a robust digital profile of our assets, from construction through to operation, which Above’s solutions uniquely enable."
Guy Lavarak, CIO, Luminous Energy
CONCLUSION
Luminous Energy’s collaboration with Above on the Bracon Ash Solar Plant highlights the transformative power of digitalisation in renewable energy projects. By leveraging cutting-edge drone technology and comprehensive data platforms, the company achieved greater transparency, efficiency, and control over its project.
As Luminous Energy looks ahead, its continued partnership with Above promises to redefine digital construction management and asset operations. From autonomous drones to comprehensive digital twins, these innovations will ensure the company stays at the forefront of the renewable energy industry.