Tag Archives: alternative
Why Drax Is Investing In Biomass Technology
Why Drax is investing in biomass technology 17 July 2013 Last updated at 13:14 BST The government is turning away from its controversial policy of subsidising UK power stations to generate electricity from burning wood. It is proposing that subsidies for bespoke biomass burning plants should be capped at 400 MW per plant. The UK’s biggest power station, Drax in Yorkshire, has been converting half its boilers from coal to wood. Most of the wood it burns is imported, particularly from the US. Recently Dorothy Thompson, the CEO of Drax, told BBC Radio 4’s The Bottom Line programme that “biomass really does deliver carbon savings”, and that a shift towards renewable energy is “a sound investment strategy”. She was in conversation with the BBC’s Evan Davis, investor Jim Rogers, and CEO of Ericsson Hans Vestberg. First broadcast on Thursday, 11 July, 2013 Continue reading
New Report Claims UK Able To Achieve Zero Carbon With Renewable Energy
23 July 2013 The Center for Alternative Technology has released an update to its Zero Carbon Britain scenario, which shows that the UK can reduce carbon emissions with existing technology. The research shows that by making changes to our buildings, transport systems and behaviour, and by investing in a variety of renewable energy generation technologies suited to the UK (without a nuclear component), the UK can provide a reliable zero carbon energy supply without negatively impacting on quality of life. Smart demand management, plus the intelligent use of surplus electricity in combination with biomass to create carbon neutral synthetic gas and liquid fuels, means that that the UK can meet its entire energy demand without imports, and also provide for some transport and industrial processes that cannot run on electricity. In the scenario the biomass we require is provided by growing second generation energy crops on UK land. The UK’s cropland is still used for food production, and we produce the vast majority of the food required to provide for the UK population on home soil. The research suggests that by changing what we eat (mainly a significant reduction in meat and dairy products, coupled with increases in various other food sources) means we eat a more healthy and balanced diet than we do today while our agricultural system emits fewer greenhouse gases and uses less land both at home and abroad, thus decreasing the environmental impact of our food production globally. The scenario balances out some greenhouse gas emissions that cannot currently be eliminated from non-energy processes (industry, waste and agriculture) by using safe, sustainable and reliable methods of capturing carbon. The research showed that by restoring important habitats such as peatland, and by substantially expanding forested areas, we not only capture carbon but also provide wood products for buildings and infrastructure, rich environments for biodiversity and more natural spaces for all of us to enjoy. The research also highlights the need for further research on adaptation, economic transition and policy that would achieve sufficient greenhouse gas emissions reductions quickly and equitably. Continue reading
Biofuel Facility Bought In £11.6m Share Deal
Biofuels plant Ensus has been bought by a German firm, in a £11.6m share deal that will see it benefit from £50m of investment from its new owners. Ensus started up its plant at the Wilton site in 2010, producing bioethanol used for greener road fuel together with high protein animal feed and CO2 for the food and drinks industries. Former owners The Carlyle Group will become a shareholder in CropEnergies, which intends to restart the plant once essential maintenance work is completed. “As one of the most successful bioethanol producers in the industry, CropEnergies brings huge expertise and experience in this field, as well as a strong commitment to invest further in the Ensus operations in the UK. It is great news for our employees, customers and suppliers.” “This puts us on a much stronger footing and means we can look to the future with real confidence.” But the plant, which cost £250m to build, went offline for a second time in May 2011 for “a number of business and economic reasons”. In a hiatus that lasted 15 months, 100 staff were retained on full pay. CropEnergies meanwhile is one of the largest bioethanol producers in Europe. Founded in Mannheim, Germany in 2006, the company is also a member of Suzucker group, the largest sugar producer in Europe, and it has production facilities in Germany, Belgium, the UK, and France as well as trading offices in the USA and Brazil. Hall said: “This is great news for the workers and great news for Teesside. Having worked closely with Ensus for the last couple of years, I know the challenges they have faced and I’m delighted they have navigated their way to a positive outcome. “I’m sure the staff are keen to get back to work and I look forward to seeing the plant back up and running at full capacity later in the year.” “I am especially pleased at the news that £50m will be invested in the plant to make it even more competitive and I’m sure the new owners will also want to be good neighbours for the local community.” Continue reading
