Work has just started on a new 1MW anaerobic digestion (AD) plant that will use locally grown grass, whole crop silage and some maize at Consett in north east England.
The build phase of the project will be completed in late 2014 with full production of heat, power and liquid fertiliser (digestate), which will be spread back on the nearby farmland.
Nutrient-rich digestate from the facility will ensure that future crops destined for the plant are produced in a sustainable way whilst improving soil organic matter.
Hallwick Energy Ltd, renewable energy plant developer, has started work on the project, with funding provided by Ingenious Clean Energy investee company, Generation X Energy Limited.
The plant will be supplied by MT-Energie UK and it will produce power and heat for the neighbouring Thomas Swan & Co Ltd, a leading chemicals and nanotechnology company in the UK.
The use of generated heat and electricity will offset Thomas Swan’s use of fossil fuel sourced power, contributing to the reduction of their carbon footprint.
Harry Hoskyns Abrahall from Hallwick Energy said: “With this project we prove that AD is a viable and effective solution which brings benefits not only to farms and households but also to energy-intensive businesses.”
Andrew Black, managing director of MT-Energie UK, added: “We are looking forward to a good working relationship with Hallwick Energy, and we are delighted to be an integral part of this ambitious project.”
Harry Swan, managing director of Thomas Swan, said his company had always been committed to the search for more sustainable energy generation and reduction of waste.
“Through this plant we will be able to integrate our existing energy needs with a clean source which will reduce the environmental impact of our activity. We will also be less susceptible to ever rising energy prices, reducing overheads and securing our business.”