Colin Guthrie facilitated the recent strategic workshops concerning the future direction of Singleton Birch. Colin and the Managing Director, Richard Stansfield have worked together for several years and both were pleased with the outcome of the workshops.
The company proposes to use an advanced thermal technology that converts waste and biomass to energy. The preferred technology is gasification, which is a thermal treatment that breaks down the waste and generates a gas which can then be used to generate electricity and heat, both of which are used in Singleton Birch's large lime plant. Similar processes are already used in Norway and Germany for energy generation from waste and a plant is under construction in the Isle of Wight. Such processes achieve very high standards of energy efficiency, control and environmental protection.
The energy generated at the facility would not only replace electricity that Singleton Birch currently takes from the National Grid, but would also supply the grid during periods when the company's demand was lower than the plant output. Feasibility studies have been funded by the Carbon Trust, a government body that is dedicated to reducing carbon emissions from UK businesses. The new plant would make a significant reduction in Singleton Birch's carbon emissions from fossil fuels- a very important consideration given the increasing concern about climate change.
The facility could treat a variety of waste and biomass materials, which might include residual household waste. Residual waste has already had all the recyclable materials removed from it and currently goes to landfill. Local authorities are being encouraged to divert waste away from landfill sites and must meet increasingly strict recycling and landfill diversion targets.
A company statement noted that "The energy from waste plant is a win-win development both for the company and the local community. By generating electricity and providing energy by this very efficient process, not only will we lower our carbon footprint, but we will also be able to offer a local solution to waste handling in the North Lincolnshire area that reduces dependency on diminishing landfill capacity".
Richard Stansfield, added " We are at an early stage of the planning process. Some community liaison has taken place already and it is intended to involve the local community and businesses at all stages of the development. The information provided on the open day is intended to contribute to this programme of communication".
