why build a biomass CHP plant?
the problem with fossil fuels
Since the start of the industrial revolution, most of our energy generation has involved burning fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas. This has released billions of tonnes of fossil carbon into the Earth's atmosphere. Whilst fossil fuels are technically replaceable, it takes millions of years, so this is referred to as the long carbon cycle. We don't have millions of years to resolve our energy problems and, furthermore, we are rapidly running out of fossil fuel reserves.
Europe's largest coal-burning power station loses most of its heat to the atmosphere
Heat is produced as part of the process of generating electricity. Most fossil fuel-based power stations release this heat into the atmosphere, wasting a potentially huge resource.
the biomass alternative
In contrast, a Biomass Plant is one which runs on animal or vegetable "feedstock". This biofuel source, in our case straw, captures carbon during the growing phase. Only this captured carbon is released when burnt to produce electricity. Such biofuel feedstocks have a short carbon cycle, making the process effectively carbon-neutral within the growing, harvesting and use cycle.
Straw being unloaded at a Danish CHP Plant
Whilst the necessary transport and support services add to the carbon releases, these are insignificant in comparison to the amount of energy in the volume of feedstock used. This is true provided the feedstock is sourced locally and not grown specifically as a feedstock to an energy plant. The Tansterne CHP plant meets this criteria.
combined heat and power
CHP stands for "Combined Heat and Power" and refers to the process of usefully harnessing the heat by-product of electricity generation. GB-BIO is reviewing opportunities for heat uses which will make the most of this valuable resource.