Somerset in front with green energy proposals
Somerset could be leading the field in renewable energy production if proposals to install a biogas energy producing generator are approved by planners next month.
With numerous environmental benefits, biogas is an effective, renewable, non-fossil fuel that does not compound the greenhouse effect. Naturally grown crops such as maize undergo natural anaerobic digestion in an oxygen-free environment and once "digested" the end product can be returned to the fields as a rich natural fertiliser and the natural gas (methane) powers a simple diesel-type engine with a generator producing the required electricity.
Cannington Cold Stores, based near Bridgwater, is run by the Roe family who have farmed Swang Farm for generations. Wanting to combine energy savings with the farm's 400 acres of arable land, they decided that biogas generation was the obvious solution. "We will be able to produce our own electricity by farming our own land" said Tim Roe, Managing Director. "We have developed the Cold Store company over a number of years and are keen to take advantage of this new technology to power it. As well as producing environmentally-friendly energy, we would also be able to put our excess electricity onto the National Grid, adding our green power to help the country's ever-increasing needs".
Although increasingly popular throughout Europe and Scandinavia, biogas energy production has been slow to take off in the UK, and has largely remained a mysterious process to the general public, often resulting in scaremongering by a minority of campaigners who are mostly unaware of the full facts and advantages of the biogas concept. In marked contrast, in Germany alone, a total of around 650 systems were newly installed in 2006, bringing the total in that country to 3500 systems producing around 5.4 billion hours of electricity. A further sharp increase in new installations is expected throughout 2007.
Quantock Energy and Environment is a company that offers support services in the areas of sustainable transport, energy efficiency and renewable energy. Chief consultant Dr. Guy Hitchcock is delighted to see such an innovative development "taking place on my doorstep" and is impressed with what the Roe family is trying to achieve in making their rural business more sustainable both economically and environmentally.
Having been in discussions with Cannington Cold Store and the NFU, Somerset County Council's Environment Directorate are also strong supporters of the project. "It is heartening to see local farming and business enterprises bringing forward proposals that further enhance the reputation of the county of Somerset as a leading area for development of renewable energy from biomass" said Renewable Energy Officer Ian Bright.
If the Biogas Plant is approved by district council planners next month, Somerset will be foremost in leading the way towards the growing worldwide awareness that alternative renewable energy must be encouraged if the use of fossil fuels is to be reduced, thereby reducing harmful greenhouse gasses. "It's an exciting time" added Tim Roe "we have put a huge effort into this project because we believe we are doing the right thing for us as a company, and for the nation as a whole. Eventually, installation of systems such as these across the UK could make a vast improvement to our quality of life and ensure a better future for our children."
