Dulas

For almost 30 years Dulas have been providing professional services for clients wishing to install renewable energy systems. The company is based around a highly skilled and experienced team that work in all aspects of renewable energy from consulting and designing to supplying and installing. The company is active within both the private and public sector in the UK and overseas. Manufactured under licence, Dulas’ solar vaccine refrigerator systems have been deployed across over 50 countries worldwide through a number of aid agencies, governments and charities. The Solar International team have a portfolio of standalone PV solutions for the developing world which include street lighting, emergency power packs, remote power solutions, DVD players, water pumping and telecommunication systems. In the UK, for the onshore wind industry Dulas carry out wind monitoring, analysis and resource assessments, assisting developers to take a wind farm through the entire planning process. For medium sized wind turbines, hydro, biomass and solar PV Dulas provide complete turnkey solutions from design, supply and installation right through to project management, ESCo and operation and maintenance services.

Origins

Dulas Ltd, then Dulas Engineering began as the engineering arm for the Centre of Alternative Technology (CAT) assisting with the everyday engineering issues at the visitor centre whilst developing new products and technologies aimed towards using energy efficiently or generating heat and electricity from renewable sources. A key driver for the business was and still is to develop sustainable solutions to assist the poorest of the poor and Dulas’ mission statement is: ‘To improve lives through renewable energy and sustainable technologies’. A difficult decision was taken to leave CAT and set up independently as Dulas Ltd, a bold move which could only be taken by people with a strong belief in their products and services. In the early days Dulas effectively had to create their own market, something that the company is proud to have succeeded in and still persevere to do.

Success factors

Global awareness of the reality of climate change has meant that agreements have been made with binding commitments across many nations to reduce CO2 emissions. These commitments have led to the introduction of energy policies by governments which will increase the take up of renewable energy technologies across their countries. These incentives have an immediate, significant and positive impact on Dulas’ operations and confidence. Energy security and the awareness of Peak Oil has also played a part in encouraging the take up of renewable energy technologies as countries strive to become more self-sufficient in terms of indigenous energy generation. The oil price rising above $100 per barrel seems to be a trigger for those considering renewable heat technologies to action their interest by making an enquiry to Dulas.

The future?

Dulas have ambitious expansion plans and secured additional office and warehousing space within the Machynlleth area early in 2011, providing well paid, sustainable jobs in rural mid Wales. A new Scottish office opened in October 2010 in Sterling and early indications show that our brand is strong and the level of business has been considerable. Plans are also underway for an additional office in Cardiff and the South East of England by the middle of next year. By the end of the year Dulas will be employing 115 people and turning over £35m. In 2011 the company recruited 33 people with around two thirds being permanent full time roles: incredible growth.

Sector: Renewable energy

Established: 1982

Growth: 102.7%