News from Monsal
Please click on the link below to find out how to register and obtain a pass and to see who will be exhibiting and speaking at the 15th European Biosolids & Organics Resources conference. Monsal are again proud to be lead sponsors and will have key employees speaking at the conference. We look forward to welcoming you there…
15th European Biosolids & Organic Resources conference website
Monsal's 800kw Carr Farm energy project
For more information about the European Bioenergy Expo and Conference and how to obtain your visitor pass -please click on the link below:
We look forward to seeing you there…
VW Beetle powered by biogas derived from Monsal’s advanced digestion plant at Bristol sewage treatment works in Avonmouth
The UK’s first people-powered VW Beetle has taken to the streets of Bristol in what has been hailed as a breakthrough in the drive to encourage sustainable power. The Bio-Bug runs on methane gas generated during the sewage treatment process. Waste flushed down the toilets of just 70 homes in Bristol is enough to power the Bio-Bug for a year, based on an annual mileage of 10,000 miles.
With support from the South West Regional Development Agency, GENeco, a Wessex Water-owned company, imported specialist equipment to treat gas generated at Bristol sewage treatment works in Avonmouth to power the VW Beetle in a way that doesn’t affect its performance.
Mohammed Saddiq, GENeco’s general manager, said he was confident that methane from sewage sludge could be used as an alternative energy source and was an innovative way of powering company vehicles.
He said: “Our site at Avonmouth has been producing biogas for many years which we use to generate electricity to power the site and export to the National Grid.
“With the surplus gas we had available we wanted to put it to good use in a sustainable and efficient way.
“We decided to power a vehicle on the gas offering a sustainable alternative to using fossil fuels which we so heavily rely on in the UK.
“If you were to drive the car you wouldn’t know it was powered by biogas as it performs just like any conventional car. It is probably the most sustainable car around.”
“On first hearing of the Bio-Bug, some people will smile, and some people will go ‘yuck’! Either way, what I hope they realise is that this is exactly the kind of innovation we now need for a more sustainable world – and those directly involved should be proud they’re making a small but significant contribution to it everyday!” – Jonathon Porritt, Founder Director, Forum for the Future
Countries including India and China use compressed natural gas (CNG) to power vehicles and a number of companies in the UK are now using CNG mainly to fuel buses and commercial vehicles. In Sweden, more than 11,500 vehicles already run on biomethane produced from sewage plants.
But using biogas from sewage sludge is yet to take off in the UK despite a significant amount being produced everyday at sewage plants around the country.
To use biogas as vehicle fuel without affecting vehicle performance or reliability the gas needs to be treated – a process called biogas upgrading. It involves carbon dioxide being separated from the biogas using specialist equipment.
If all the biogas produced at Avonmouth was converted to run cars it would avoid around 19,000 tonnes of CO2.
GENeco believes that more gas will be produced at its Avonmouth site when the company embarks on its latest green venture to recycle food waste.
Mr Saddiq said: “Waste flushed down the toilets in homes in the city provides power for the Bio-Bug, but it won’t be long before further energy is produced when food waste is recycled at our sewage works.
“It will mean that both human waste and food waste will be put to good use in a sustainable way that diverts waste from going to landfill.”
Around 18 million cubic metres of biogas is produced at Bristol sewage treatment works a year.
It is generated through anaerobic digestion – a process in which bugs in the absence of oxygen break down biodegradable material to produce methane.
Bath-based Greenfuel Company converted the Beetle so it could run on biogas while bosses from GENeco ran a workshop at a University of Bath event for teenagers from schools in Bath and North East Somerset to come up with ideas for the car’s design.
Mr Saddiq added: “The choice of car was inspired by students who took part in a workshop. They thought it would be appropriate that the poo-powered car should be the classic VW Beetle Bug because bugs naturally breakdown waste at sewage works to start the treatment process which goes on to produce the energy.”
The Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Association (ADBA) said the launch of the Bio-Bug proved that biomethane from sewage sludge could be used as an alternative fuel for vehicles.
ADBA chairman Lord Rupert Redesdale said: “This is a very exciting and forward-thinking project demonstrating the myriad benefits of anaerobic digestion (AD).
“Biomethane cars could be just as important as electric cars, and the water regulator Ofwat should promote the generation of as much biogas as possible through sewage works in the fight against climate change.”
ADBA chief executive Charlotte Morton added: “We are delighted to see such ingenuity and commitment to maximising the potential of AD from the water industry.”
GENeco said if the trial involving the Bio-Bug proved successful it would look to convert some of the company’s fleet of vehicles to run on biogas.
Claire Gibson, director of sustainable resources at the South West RDA, said: “I am really pleased that we have been able to support GENeco to demonstrate this alternative transport fuel.
“We have invested in a range of emerging low carbon technologies and renewable energy fuel types such as this to ensure the South West is well positioned to take advantage of this growing market.
“It is vital that the knowledge from initiatives such as this biogas project is shared so we can move more quickly towards a low carbon, resource efficient economy. I look forward to continuing to work with GENeco to achieve this.”
- GENeco
Tags: Bio-Bug, biogas, Biomethane, C02, CNG, GENeco, New Beetle, Wessex Water
For more information please click on the links below:
http://news.discovery.com/tech/poo-powered-vw-beetle-runs-clean.html
http://www.t3.com/news/bio-bug-car-runs-on-human-waste-gas?=47891
Monsal has secured an expansion capital funding package of up to GBP 14 million from Waste Resources Fund L.P (WRF)…
We are exhibiting at the Futuresource exhibition, please come and see us on stand H40. If you would like to know more about the show and find out how to register for a free visitor pass please click on the link below:
http://www.futuresourceuk.com/FUTURESOURCE/Home/2010-Home.aspx
We look forward to seeing you there…
Come and meet us at UK AD & Biogas 2010 on 7-8 July in NEC, Birmingham, hosted by the Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Association (ADBA). Network with industry leaders, attend free seminars, hear government ministers talk about the future of the industry: it is all you need to know about AD and biogas under one roof!
http://www.adbiogas.co.uk/ Click on this link to find out more about ADBA
UK AD & Biogas 2010 – http://www.adbiogas.co.uk/ta_content.asp?id=23
Since the government put anaerobic digestion and biogas top of the environmental agenda, a massive turnout is expected for the UK’s first ever trade show on 7-8 July in the NEC, Birmingham, hosted by the Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Association (ADBA).
UK AD & Biogas 2010 focuses exclusively on the anaerobic digestion and biogas industries. Following on from the success of ADBA’s National Conference in December 2009 the UK AD & Biogas 2010, which includes a comprehensive two day conference, free workshops and seminars, will bring together leading industry professionals across all sectors of the anaerobic digestion and biogas industries to share best practice, expertise and solutions and to debate key issues.
Monsal will supply the Anaerobic Digestion (AD) technology platform for a significant on-site Farm AD project in the UK.
The pioneering GBP 2.5 million farm-based power plant in rural Lancashire is being developed by leading green energy specialist Farmgen. The project is the first phase in Farmgens GBP 30 million investment to create the biggest Anaerobic Digestion ‘energy farming’ expansion programme in the country.
The plant, which will supply enough electricity to power more than 1,000 homes, is now under construction and is set to become operational next year.
The industry’s latest technology and know-how will be supplied to the Carr Farm project by leading UK process and technology business Monsal. The project will be delivered by a consortium which includes a number of leading members of the Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Association (ADBA).
Based in the East Midlands, Monsal has unrivalled experience in the sector and has been involved in more than 200 AD projects over the past 14 years. Monsal also has the largest team of ‘biogas-to-energy’ technology specialists in the country.
Other members of the consortium include Kirk Environmental, a specialist company manufacturing AD tanks and Edina, one of the country’s leading renewable power generation specialists, which will supply the plant’s generation equipment. Both are based in the North West of England.
The new AD plant will also use crops from nearby fields grown by Green Energy Farmers Ltd, to create the ‘biogas’. The overall consortium also includes water-treatment experts Eimco Water Technologies Ltd, based in Edington, Wiltshire who will provide a full EPC Wrap.
Aidan Cumiskey, Managing Director of Monsal said: “The farm sector has up until now relied on an imported AD technology platform. There was a clear need to have a well resourced UK based supply chain in place to service this specific market. Monsal have worked closely with Farmgen to set up a supply chain to meet demand right across the farm based biogas to energy sector”.
“ This initiative taken by leading members of ADBA to formulate this consortium demonstrates our commitment to creating a valuable resource for the farming community –a technology platform, operational capability and services support all delivered from UK based suppliers”.
“We have developed this in response to market feedback which indicated that having a wholly UK based supply chain and support structure was a key requirement to securing funding for farm based projects. The technology will be delivered under a robust EPC Wrap structure which provides the required bonding and warrant arrangements sought after by financiers. This coupled with our proven AD technology platform will provide significant capability to meet the market demands”.
Ed Cattigan, chief operating officer of Farmgen, said: “We are delighted to have brought together such a strong team of British experts for the Carr Farm project.
“The expertise now involved is second to none and is another sign of our commitment to the industry and our belief in its strong future in the UK, backed by British technology, skills manufacturing and engineering expertise.
“These firms are leading the way in AD with cutting-edge technology and each brings their knowledge, skills and enthusiasm for the sector to this project.
“We are also pleased at the way the consortium came together through the Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Association, which is a strong voice for the industry in the UK.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
Technology: The project will use the proven technology of anaerobic digestion to break down organic matter to create biogas, which is very similar to methane gas. This provides the fuel for the generators. The Monsal technology is becoming more widely recognised as the technology of choice by developers, utilities, county councils, food producers, waste processors and recycling companies in the UK for this application. The very high organics recovery, renewable energy and thermal efficiency of the Monsal process is achieved by high efficiency pre-separation equipment and state-of-the art Anaerobic Digestion plant and technology.
Monsal. The UK’s leading Advanced Digestion and integrated biogas to energy business. Monsal are a subsidiary of Monsal Holdings Ltd owned by private investors and the Matrix Group.
Farmgen. Farmgen has been set up specifically to provide a turn-key service – including technical, operational and financial assistance – to landowners and farmers in the development and operation of on-farm AD plants
Eimco Water Technologies (EWT). EWT are a leading provider of environmental solutions. By combining its own in-house technologies with other world class technology we take pride in providing our clients the most economical, efficient and environmentally friendly solution.
Guy has worked in the water and environmental sectors for 18 years in operational, regulatory and technical roles, prior to moving into business development 8 years ago. Guy has held prominent positions in Severn Trent Water, Severn Trent Services (Aztec), ABB and Brightwater FLI.
“I’m excited and enthused to be joining Monsal”, said Guy. “It’s a significant time in the company’s development, as there is undoubtedly an expanding market for Monsal’s services, presenting key opportunities for its processes and product ranges across the water and related sectors.
There are also exciting developments in the industrial sector, with a particular focus on waste management, food and beverage, and the agricultural sectors, to name but a few.”
Monsal have now completed the first phase of planning, pre-design, permitting and support services for an advanced food Anaerobic Digestion (AD) and renewable energy contract in March, Cambridgeshire. The project is for Local Generation Limited, a subsidiary of Lifecrown Investments Limited and will be located on land owned by Lifecrown and adjacent to Local Generations sister company Fenmarc Produce, a leading vegetable food packager and processor. Monsal expects to deliver the turnkey AD contract once permits are in place in late 2009 and the project will progress into the construction phase in early 2010.
Food Waste from a range of food businesses and some potato waste from Fenmarc will be processed and recycled by the latest Monsal technology to provide a high grade compost and generate renewable energy from biogas. This will divert food waste from landfill and lower emissions of harmful greenhouse gases in the process.
The plant is expected to produce up to 2.5MW of electricity and heat from a combination of potato waste produced at the Fenmarc site and other locally sourced food waste, which currently goes to landfill. Local Generation intends to sell both the power and heat to local homes and businesses, including Fenmarc. In addition to these outputs, the plant will produce up to 12,000 tonnes a year of high quality soil conditioner suitable for improving local Fenland soils. The plant will create some 10 to 15 new jobs once operational and is the largest plant planned in the region.
The project will generate sufficient electricity to supply 1,500 homes, or approximately 6% of the total demand for March, including that from industry and commerce. By so doing Local Generation will help Fenland play a big part in meeting the UK target of 10% of power generated from renewable sources by 2010 and the EU target of 20% of all energy from renewables by 2020. A modern plant such as this can capture over 80% of the energy content of its fuel.
Mark Harrod, Chairman of Lifecrown said “The success of our group companies in Fenland for 40 years has been founded on the strategic location and the skills and work ethic of the local workforce. In making this further substantial investment I am confident that these factors will, once again, get us off to a flying start. This project addresses two of today’s most pressing problems; climate change and food waste management. By treating energy as a precious resource we can maximise value for all concerned.”
Monsal offer a complete turnkey service from consultation, planning, design, permitting with subsequent technology delivery once planning permission and permits are in place.
On receipt of planning approval for the March plant on 17th September, Local Generation director Nick Waterman said “We are delighted that Local Generation Limited has today been granted planning permission for its AD plant at Westry, March.
We are very excited at the prospect of contributing positively to the environment by reducing waste to landfill and lowering emissions of harmful greenhouse gases in the process. The UK Government wants businesses like ours to invest and create new jobs in green technologies as well as deliver sustainable solutions and that is exactly what we are going to do.
This is a great day for Local Generation and our team is looking forward to building the plant. We hope that people in March, Fenland and Cambridgeshire will be very proud to have one of the first AD plants in the UK operating in the region.”
Aidan Cumiskey Monsal’s Managing Director said “This is a great result for Local Generation and Cambridgeshire. Lifecrown are a forward thinking group and the plant will neatly integrate local biowaste recycling with on site renewable energy production and create additional employment in the Cambridgeshire/Peterborough area. Based on our latest technology the plant can treat a large variety of biowaste streams including kitchen and household food waste and convert them to renewable energy. This is our first major success with the food sector and we expect continued uptake as a “greening” of the UK food industry supply chain takes place in the coming years.”
Commenting on the success of the planning process “Planning was achieved in record time for this project. It was the result of our co-operative and very detailed approach to the planning/permitting process. We support biowaste AD projects from concept through financial close and subsequent delivery having the largest specialist team in the UK in this area. We operated as an integrated team working with Local Generation and the regulatory authorities to ensure the project and technology complies with all relevant environmental standards. This avoided abortive work and ensures that the overall solution can be fast tracked into the construction phase with a guaranteed delivery cost.”
The biowaste to energy concept is now being widely applied for the conversion of commercial and household food waste to biogas. The Monsal technology platform is well established and has been operational on large food waste and household kitchen waste treatment and recycling plants for over 10 years on the continent.
Useful links:
http://www.localgeneration.co.uk
Notes to editors
Technology: The project will use the proven technology of anaerobic digestion to break down organic matter to create biogas, which is very similar to methane gas. This provides the fuel for the generators. The Monsal technology is becoming more widely recognised as the technology of choice by utilities, county councils, food producers, waste processors and recycling companies in the UK for this application. The government announced its support for the technology in the 2007 Waste Strategy for England. The very high organics recovery, renewable energy and thermal efficiency of the Monsal process is achieved by high efficiency pre-separation equipment and state-of-the art Anaerobic Digestion plant and technology.
Monsal. The UK’s leading Advanced Digestion and integrated biogas to energy business. Monsal are a subsidiary of Monsal Holdings Ltd owned by private investors and the Matrix Group. www.Monsal.com
Lifecrown Investments Ltd: A national company, headquartered in March, with a turnover in excess of £100m pa and employing 750 colleagues. Interests include vegetable packing and processing, agriculture, hotels and software development.
