Companies start to convert UK coal fire plant to biomass

When the conversion is complete in late 2017, the plant, near Newcastle in the United Kingdom, will be fueled by approximately 1.4 million tonnes of wood waste per year, supplying the national grid with up to 390MW of low-carbon electricity. The project supports Europe’s strategy of reducing greenhouse gas emissions while boosting renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Emerson’s ability to deliver full-scope project execution will help streamline workflow, mitigate risk and reduce costs. Emerson’s team will incorporate project innovations that are essential to its Project Certainty initiative in order to deliver the project on time and within budget.

Emerson will be responsible for demolition, engineering, installation, start-up, commissioning and coordination of work among multiple suppliers and contractors.

Unlike other suppliers, Emerson offers a single integrated automation platform for all applications – turbine, boiler, fuel handling and balance-of-plant processes, as well as electrical systems.

Bob Yeager, President, Power and Water, Emerson Automation Solutions said: “Relying on a single supplier and a single technology platform for both the automation and electrical scope provides our client a number of benefits.”

Yeager added: “From a planning perspective, having a single interface and contract for design, engineering and delivery improves overall project efficiency. On the operational side, utilising one technology platform will simplify plant operation and enhance plant performance on an ongoing basis.”

Biomass power plants are challenging to operate because the moisture content of biomass fuels can vary, having a negative impact on plant performance. Technology integrated into Emerson’s Ovation solution continuously monitors fuel for moisture content, adjusting combustion air as necessary to improve plant efficiency and reduce maintenance costs.

According to Yeager, the demand for biomass-fueled power continues to grow as utilities diversify their generating portfolio to meet evolving environmental mandates.

“We are helping the industry meet its targets by seamlessly bridging the automation and electrical aspects of these projects, resulting in a total solution that has a positive impact on the plant’s commercial and operational success,” Yeager said.