March 6, 2008

UK to launch first biogas plant in Cornwall

UK will launch its first biogas plant in Cornwall to cost EUR2.6 million (US$4 million).

The plant, to be managed by Fraddon Biopower Ltd., will process all the slurry from the pig unit and waste from local food processing firms.

The use of home-grown corn, from the Dymond's 600-acre arable enterprise near Truro, is also being considered.

Glycerol, the by-product of bio-diesel production, may also be used.

Furthermore, an additional processing plant to separate solids from the liquid residue is also planned. This will produce water and a concentrated bio-fertiliser, reducing the need for transportation of waste.

UK's biogas plant still requires an Environmental Impact Assessment, involving several consultants.

EnviTec Biogas UK said that with the emphasis on renewable energy resources, county councils and the Environment Agency are very positive in this sort of development.