ReGenEarth's Eccleshall Biomass Plant, established in February 2007, was one of the main company’s subsidiaries' first foray into the renewable energy sector.
Over the past 17 years, this plant has played a pivotal role in generating clean energy from organic waste, significantly contributing to both local power grids and sustainable waste management practices.
The plant harnesses the power of biomass combustion and produce electricity, heat, and eco-friendly byproducts, supporting ReGenEarth's mission to provide cleaner, greener energy solutions.
MWh generated annually
tonnes of waste consumed daily
Biomass energy generation
At the Eccleshall plant, ReGenEarth processes a variety of biomass feedstocks, including oversized compost and arboricultural chips, which total around 35,000 to 40,000 tons annually. These materials are collected from local councils and undergo a composting process. Anything too large to be composted is sent to the plant for combustion.
By burning these organic materials, the plant produces electricity through a steam cycle, and the resulting heat is used to power a briquette production plant on-site. This dual-purpose process significantly enhances the plant's efficiency and sustainability.
The plant generates 2.645 MWh annually, enough to supply the local town of Eccleshall and several nearby businesses with clean, renewable energy. The key environmental benefit of this biomass energy production is the reduction of carbon emissions.
If the organic waste were left to decompose in landfills, it would release methane and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. By burning it instead, the Eccleshall plant not only prevents this excess carbon release but also converts it into valuable energy, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Carbon savings & environmental impact
The plant’s operation saves approximately one ton of carbon emissions per hour compared to traditional fossil fuel power stations. The plant’s ability to divert waste from landfills and transform it into usable energy significantly reduces its environmental impact.
The electricity generated is clean and renewable, and the heat produced by the process is used locally for further sustainable operations, such as the briquette production process.
This approach exemplifies the principles of the circular economy, turning waste into resources while reducing harmful emissions. Additionally, by utilising organic waste from local councils, the Eccleshall plant strengthens its commitment to supporting local communities and reducing the transportation footprint associated with waste management.
Looking ahead: Transition to tyre Electro-Thermic Processing
While the Eccleshall plant has been a pioneer in ReGenEarth’s biomass journey, it is beginning to show signs of age after operating for over 120,000 hours.
As the plant approaches the end of its operational life, ReGenEarth is preparing to transition to a more advanced and efficient fuel source: tyre ETP. This process will allow for the conversion of end-of-life tyres into valuable energy and derivatives, which will further enhance the plant’s efficiency and environmental performance.
The move to tyre Thermal Processing represents a significant step forward in ReGenEarth’s vision for cleaner energy production.
The ETP process generates more energy per unit of feedstock and produces valuable byproducts such as bio-oil, carbon black, and syngas, all of which can be utilised in various industries, contributing to a more sustainable energy and materials cycle.
The Plant has played a vital role in ReGenEarth's renewable energy portfolio, providing clean energy, reducing carbon emissions, and contributing to local sustainable development.
As the plant transitions to the next phase with tyre ETP, ReGenEarth continues to innovate and enhance its operations to meet the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions.
The Eccleshall facility stands as a testament to the power of biomass energy and the company's commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable future.
