O-Gen Energy Plant First To Receive Double Rocs
28 July 2011
O-Gen UK, the timber resource recovery and recycling company, has become the first advanced conversion technology plant in the UK to receive double Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROCs) from OFGEM, the highest banding for this type of energy technology
O-Gen UK has developed a technology and commissioned a gasification plant in Stoke on Trent, which uses advanced treatment techniques to turn waste timber, which would otherwise be disposed of via landfill, into clean renewable energy.
The plant, which is the first of a number of Resource Recovery Centres to be located across the UK, is sited in an existing industrial area so as to make best use of its combined heat and power (CHP) capabilities and provides a local sustainable solution treating wood products.
Its process meets the highest environmental standards and efficiency benchmarks for a biomass plant and has been audited and assessed as using the 'best available technique' for the disposal of waste timber.
The technology aims to be zero waste as only renewable heat and electricity, charcoal product and recovered recycled materials are produced during the operation of the facility.
David Pike, managing director of O-Gen UK comments: "The release of double ROCs by OFGEM represents recognition by regulators of the sustainability and advanced nature of our technology. With two further timber resource recovery facilities already under construction and a number of planning permissions in hand, the issue of ROCs completes the circle and is a significant step forward in the development of our business."
O-Gen UK and sister company O-Gen Acme Trek have received funding from Foresight Group, a specialist investor in environmental infrastructure, solar energy and private equity.
James Samworth from Foresight Group adds: "We had the foresight to invest in O-Gen's innovative facility at a time when the business, and the sector it sits within, was in its infancy. The company's achievement of gaining double ROC status, coupled with the UK's growing appetite for recycling and renewable energy, should ensure a positive future for the business and for investors."
Darrel Moore
