THERMIE BM./01009/94 Arable biomass renewable energy (ARBRE)

Contacts
Further Information



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Electricity : JOULE/THERMIE Programme : Solid Biofuels : Thermochemical Conversion : Wood (Lignocellulose)

	Type of Project	Shared Cost
	Contract No	BM./01009/94
	Total Cost	33,027,578 ECU
	EC Contribution '98	2,950,000 ECU
	EC Contribution '94	8,806,551 ECU
	Start Date
	Duration

Arable biomass renewable energy (ARBRE)

Objectives

The targeted THERMIE represents a key opportunity to commercially demonstrate the potential of coppice as fuel using innovative gasification technology. project ARBRE, a 10 MW_e (8 MW_e to be exported) wood gasification station will be located in the UK. It is anticipated to stimulate a market for wood fuel here where none exists at present. The project draws on the expertise from UK, Germany, France, and Sweden, all of which have substantial financial or technical involvement in the project. The approach throughout the project from coppice production to generation technology has been to maximise the environmental benefits of this sustainable, renewable energy system.

The project will generate 9.95 MW_e, with 8.00 MW_e exported from the site. The payback of the project is 9.3 years.

Project Description

The key components include:

• a secure fuel supply using treated sewage sludge to assist growing of the energy plantation, undertaken by Yorkshire W Environmental Limited
• TPS gasification technology with superior clean-up technology
• combined cycle gas turbines with enhanced efficiency and the potential for scaling up to 50 MW_e
• use of waste heat for fuel drying
• support from the UK Government for biomass energy through a special trance for energy crops, agricultural and forest wastes in the Non-Fossil Fuel Obligation
• a commitment from the participants to replication in the UK and overseas

Wood Fuel Supply

The station will be fuelled by 39,000 tonnes of wood per year, of which at least 80% will be short rotation coppice. The River Aire region of the UK offers an excellent opportunity for coppice production. Predominantly a cereal growing area, up to 20,000 ha of land will become available through non-rotational set-aside.

Key Features and Innovative Aspects of the Wood Fuel Supply System in Yorkshire

• Organisation of Coppice Supply: The supply of coppice will be undertaken by Yorkshire Environmental Limited
• A Willow and Poplar Mixture: 2,600 ha of mixture of both Willow and Poplar clones will be planted to provide visual diversity and reduce susceptibility to pests and pathogens associated with monocultures
• Sewage Sludge Application: Sewage sludge supplied by Yorkshire Water Services Limited will be applied as a slurry to the coppice plantation. This combination of water and organic nitrogen has been shown to increase yields considerably, and provides an environmentally acceptable and secure disposal route in accordance with the EC directive 86/278/EC.
• Wood Chip Storage: Coppice fuel will be used throughout the year, necessitating a storage facility. The chips will be stored in two covered warehouses adjacent to the site, and in "clamps" on local disused airfields. Waste heat from the station will be used to dry. The key components represent a considerable energy saving compared with using on-farm gain drying systems.
• A Positive Energy Balance - low chemical inputs and waste heat utilisation: Chemical fertilisers will not be used since nitrogen and base cation requirements will be met by sewage sludge and ash recycling. Waste ash from the plant will be pelletised before it is spread on the plantation to ensure a slow release of base cations.
• Gasification: Arable coppice chips will be converted to low CV gas using a TPS designed atmospheric pressure circulating fluidised bed gasifier

State of Advancement

Ongoing.

The project has been awarded a contract under the third tranche of NFFO orders. The project was launched in January 1995. The Planning Application for the scheme is due to be submitted in September 1995 to the local Planning Authority. An extensive consultation programme has been carried out and continues. A launch has been made with farmers/landowners in order to grow short rotation coppice. The Joint Venture Agreement is receiving drafting points from each party's solicitors but all significant points of principle have been agreed.

Schematic for the ARBRE Project

Contacts

Coordinator

• Joanna MARTIN / Yorkshire Water Plc UNITED KINGDOM