JV Preferred Bidder for 25 MW Waste to Energy Gasification Plant in Hull

Energy Works, which is developing a facility in Hull that will combine a 25 MW waste gasification plant as well as a 3 MW anaerobic digestion biogas to grid injection and other renewables technologies, has selected a joint venture partnership as preferred bidder to design, build and operate the facility. The company said that it had chosen a partnership formed by Lancashire based environmental infrastructure specialist, MWH Treatment - a part of U.S. based MWH Global - and Hull based engineering specialist, Spencer Group. Energy Works explained that the joint venture would deliver an Engineer, Procure and Construct (EPC) wrap contract to deliver the first phase of the development, with construction due to begin early in 2015 and completion scheduled by March 2017. “There is a clear synergy between the partners – MWH brings a wealth of experience in energy recovery projects and a strong thermal process capability, while Spencer has vast experience in executing complex multi-disciplinary energy projects and a track record of delivering large civil, electrical and bulk handling works,” commented Energy Works project director Phil Morland. The company added that the selection of preferred bidder follows a competitive process complying with European Union procurement regulations. Two phase project The first phase of the development will include an energy recovery facility that the company said will generate 28 MW of electricity using an advanced gasification process to divert waste from landfill. Once complete the gasification facility is planned to process approximately 200,000 tonnes a year of residual waste to produce a synthesis gas which will be burned to raise steam in a boiler and power a steam turbine generator. Phase two of the scheme will see the later addition of an Anaerobic Digestion plant and materials processing facilities. According to Energy Works the development will create more than 200 jobs during the construction phase and 40 permanent positions once operational. In March last year the company secured a £19.9 million grant from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) for the project. (See WMW story) Feedstock supply & power offtake The company said that it is in advanced discussions with feedstock suppliers and has appointed BDO as financial advisor to support it in achieving financial close on the project this autumn, working closely with legal advisors Addleshaw Goddard. Energy Works is also exploring the opportunity to establish a neighbouring data centre, which it said could take advantage of advanced connectivity from Hull-based telecommunications company KC’s rollout of super-fast fibre broadband, and inexpensive power and heat supplied by Energy Works. According to the company, this would represent a further potential investment in the region of £20 million. Read More Second 50 MW Plasma Gasification Waste to Energy Plant Underway in Teesside, UK Construction work has begun on Air Products’ second 50 MW plasma gasification waste to energy facility on Teesside, North East England. Output Rise from 21-33 MW at Biffa’s Planned Waste to Energy Plant in Leicestershire UK waste and recycling firm, Biffa, has submitted a scoping report to increase capacity to 350,000 TPA at its planned Newhurst Quarry waste to energy facility, and output from 21 MW to 33 MW. VIDEO: BA Plasma Gasification Waste to Jet Fuel Facility Set for Take-off in Essex BA & Solena Fuels have committed to building a facility in Essex, UK to process 575,000 tonnes of residual municipal solid waste into aviation fuel.