The Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) has commissioned three consortia to design an advanced waste gasifier capable of achieving high electrical efficiencies beyond existing technologies. These consortia will compete to develop a plant to demonstrate the highest possible efficiencies for plants operating at a commercial scale of between 5 and 20 megawatts (MWe) output. The winning plant could be designed, built, tested and in operation by 2016.
The aim of the £2.8m ETI commissioned and funded project is to demonstrate how such a plant operating at this scale could create energy from waste at efficiencies higher than previously produced in the industry. The challenge is that each complete system will need to have an end-to-end net electrical efficiency of at least 25%.
Royal Dahlman is one of three companies that have been commissioned to deliver a full Front End Engineering Design study.
Royal Dahlman have assembled a consortium of British, American, Swiss and Dutch development partners who each plan to bring their individual and specialist skills to the team which together will pave the way for a forward thinking and exciting piece of technology.
Royal Dahlman's MILENA OLGA technology will be used to bring a unique and exclusive component to the project. The MILENA OLGA process uses a dry biomass such as waste wood, prunings or mown grass into energy at very high conversion efficiency (80 per cent) and without harming the environment.
The design phase of the project is expected to last 10 months. Phase two of the project will see the construction of the winning design which will be selected in early 2014.
Jan-Willem Könemann, Renewable Technology Executive, Royal Dahlman, added: 'We are convinced that the MILENA-OLGA technology is one of the most advanced and efficient gasification technologies available today. In the current economic situation it is hard to finance innovative and therewith risky projects launching new technology. This ETI project, resulting in a technical and commercial successful waste to energy plant, will be the breakthrough we are all looking for'.
Amandeep Othi, Operations Manager for GSA said: 'GSA is delighted to be involved in this state of the art, innovative and pioneering project. Within a unique consortium of companies, each partner brings their own expertise and specialism to the project. We are in the process of selecting a suitable site to develop the project and we are considering a number of sites across the Humber area. It is our intention to create jobs and investment within the region.'
Jan-Willem Könemann went on to say 'We believe the MILENA-OLGA technology provided by Royal Dahlman is one that will specifically meet the needs of the project and work at a satisfying and integral efficiency.'