UKs First Below 500kW AD Plant OFgem Accredited
30 August 2011
Fernbrook Bio's Rothwell Lodge Farm Anaerobic Digestion (AD) plant has become the first in the country to become OFgem accredited the below 500kW bracket
At present only 5 percent of the country's electricity comes from clean renewable sources. To help increase the level of renewable energy in the UK towards the legally binding target of 15 percent of total energy from renewable sources by 2020, the Government introduced Feed in tariffs (FIT's) to support all renewable electricity generation sources used below 5MW.
The FIT provides a payment of 12.1pence per kW under the 500kW bracket, plus a further 3p per kW for electricity exports to the grid.
Shaun Cherry, CEO of Fernbrook Bio said "We submitted our application in summer 2010, so we're thrilled that months of hard work have resulted in a successful outcome. I know that FIT's have their sceptics and undoubtedly they will be watching to see how we perform.
"Personally, I think they are a great vehicle for promoting the benefits of anaerobic digestion within industry and attracting investors. I'm extremely confident that this accreditation is a positive step forward for the future success of Fernbrook Bio."
Rothwell Lodge Farm has the capacity to process 30,000 tonnes of organic waste per year. The organic matter is broken down by bacteria in an oxygen free environment, producing methane that is used to power two engines with a combined capacity of 1.5MW which in turn generate enough electricity to power 2,000 homes.
When up and running, this facility will be capable of collecting and processing a range of organic waste from the surrounding areas of Rothwell, Desborough, Corby and Kettering.
Darrel Moore
