The benefits of gas to grid anaerobic digestion are spelt out in a new video from renewable energy firm EnviTec Biogas UK.
The company’s first UK gas to grid plant, at Icknield Farm, in Wallingford, Oxfordshire, has been produced into a case study.
In the film, available to view at (http://bit.ly/1Ehez9W) David Bermingham, the developer behind the project, offers a comprehensive insight into the planning, construction and day-to-day operation of the plant.
The period from the start of construction to getting gas into the grid was only six months - and the timeframe for payback on the investment is within seven to 10 years.
It currently produces more than 300 cubic metres of biomethane per hour - providing renewable energy to around 3,000 homes.
David Bermingham said: “The ultimate ambition is to double the current output and we have the capacity on-site to do that.
“Once the site is completely finished I want to organise educational tours for people interested in the science and sustainability of anaerobic digestion.
“It’s a particularly new technology to this country and it really should be our future.”
Gas to grid operations differ from conventional anaerobic digestion processes as the biomethane produced is upgraded, free from impurities and suitable to be injected direct to the national gas grid.
They offer the ability to use biomethane gas in the same flexible manner as natural gas.
In the process they offer a move away from fossil fuel dependence towards more sustained and stable pricing in the energy market – providing a compelling method to meet future energy needs.
David Bermingham added: “The reason for selecting EnviTec was their solid expertise and previous experience in gas to grid.
“They have a dedicated biological and service support company in the UK who I can call on for help and who would be here within a few hours if I needed them – that’s another big advantage.
“EnviTec is also a large and solvent company - something that has to be considered nowadays.
“The reliability and constant production levels set it apart from other renewable technologies and the video explores that.”
Mike McLaughlin, a director of EnviTec Biogas UK said: “Operators are looking for a number of factors to ensure biomethane can be delivered successfully and with confidence into the UK energy market.
“Trusted technology with high performance attributes is vitally important.
“Also of major significance is the presence of an established service and support network, which can be relied upon now and for the future by the renewable energy sector.
“Clients introducing biogas units and associated gas upgrading technology plant to their premises are making a large investment. As a result, they are seeking reassurance that the long-term maintenance and servicing of the plant can be met.
“This video sets out how EnviTec Biogas UK can meet those needs.”
