The development of an Energy, Biochar And Carbon (EBAC) plant (pyrolysis plant) on the outskirts of Ludlow has moved one step closer following the approval of additional funding at a meeting of the full Shropshire Council last week (17 July 2005).
Shropshire Council is working to deliver a council-owned energy, biochar and carbon plant on Coder Road Business Park in the town, following on from the success of a joint-venture with Woodtek Engineering operating near Welshpool in Powys. This will provide a range of environmental benefits while also generating a revenue return that will help protect council services.
The chosen site in Ludlow was previously home to an Anaerobic Digestion (AD) plant that is no longer in use. This site needed to be decommissioned by the council anyway, and the investment in a biochar facility is helping to pay for that work. However, this previous use has raised some additional and unforeseen challenges, such as the removal of AD equipment and digestate material from the site.
These challenges have resulted in increased costs and more funding was needed to progress with the clearing of site and enable investment in additional operational and safety equipment.
Pyrolysis is the thermal breakdown of ‘green’ materials, in our case plant matter (often referred to as biomass) in the absence of oxygen, to produce biochar, which is an environmentally friendly product, similar to charcoal, which can be sold for a growing number of uses.
The process captures carbon, which generates carbon credits, while also generating heat and renewable electricity, all of which can then be used or sold.
Rob Wilson, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for transport and economic growth, said:
“The creation of biochar is an innovative and sustainable way to produce incredible environmental outcomes while generating an income to support delivery of essential public services, as well as reducing our net carbon emissions as a council.
“It’s very new and not without its risks but I’m pleased to say that we are already one of the national leaders in this field.
“Our site near Welshpool has generated a huge amount of interest from many other local authorities, some of which we are now working with to share our knowledge and experience so that they too can benefit from what we’ve learnt.
“This additional funding will now allow us to push forward with our second site in Ludlow.”
Beverley Waite, Shropshire Councillor for Ludlow East, said:
“Shropshire Council has already invested a great deal of time and money in this project.”
The Ludlow site has obtained planning permission, has equipment on order, and the council has agreed a contract to operate the location once complete.
The money would be in the form of a loan from the Public Works Loan Board (PWLB), and while the additional investment is required, the business case for the plant remains sound and the ongoing revenue generated will more than cover the costs of repaying the loan.
