Hallwick Energy Ltd, renewable energy plant developer, has started construction on a 1MW anaerobic digester (AD) in Consett, North East England, with funding provided by Ingenious Clean Energy investee company, Generation X Energy Limited.
The plant will be supplied by MT-Energie UK and will produce power and heat, benefiting the neighbour, Thomas Swan & Co Ltd, a leading chemicals and nanotechnology company in the UK.
The AD facility, which will run on locally grown grass, whole crop silage and maize, is set to receive income from the government’s FIT (Feed In Tariff) scheme, the non-domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) and sales from generation of heat and power. 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. To reduce the viscosity and to make the substrate mixable, enzymes of the Dutch specialist supplier DSM will be used in this plant.
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. The nutrient-rich digestate will ensure that future crops destined for the plant are produced in a sustainable way whilst improving soil organic matter.
Harry Hoskyns Abrahall from Hallwick Energy today 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 and unique project. This project will add to our portfolio of successful facilities in the UK and will reinforce our commitment to delivering ambitious projects in the UK market”.
Harry Swan, Managing Director of Thomas Swan, stated “Thomas Swan Ltd. has always been committed in 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. Thanks to this project we will also be less susceptible to ever rising energy prices, reducing overheads and securing our business”.
