R100 Energy transitions to low carbon sustainable solution to tackle energy trilemma

Key benefits

Decentralised Island mode, hybrid/microgrid configuration due to grid supply limitations
On-site generation CHP engines meet the sites electrical, and thermal demand.
Transition from diesel to gas CHP saves the site 2,500t CO2 and reduces site energy costs by 50% pa.
1MW / 1 hour duration BESS co-location solution provides energy resilience.
Standby diesel generation provides an additional level of energy resilience to ensure security of power supply.

Transforming Food Waste to Energy

R100 Energy is located across an 8-acre site in Goole, North Yorkshire and is owned and operated by BioteCH₄. BioteCH₄ is a commercial food waste processor for industries including food manufacturers, producers and distributors, waste management companies, waste brokers and local authorities.

R100 Energy is one of BioteCH₄’s five sites and can process 90,000 metric tonnes of organic waste per year from which the Anaerobic Digestion (AD) digesters generate 11MWth of renewable biogas.

The food waste feedstock is recycled within AD plants to produce biogas. The biogas is then cleaned and scrubbed to remove CO₂ and other contaminants to produce biomethane, which is considered a renewable fuel, and is then injected into the gas network.

The use of biomethane injection allows the existing gas infrastructure to help meet the UK’s decarbonisation targets. Furthermore, by harnessing waste to energy, promotes a circular economy and diverts the waste from landfill, preventing methane, a large contributor to greenhouse gases, being released into the atmosphere.

R100 Energy, like its neighbouring site Holme Bioenergy, had no mains electricity supply and operated independently from the grid using diesel generation. Faced with rising fuel costs due to the cessation of the UK Government Red Diesel subsidy scheme, BioteCH₄, as a renewable energy producing business, had to look at alternative technologies to meet R100 Energy’s electrical load and sustainability requirements.

The sites existing gas connection could accommodate a gas-to-power solution. Combined Heat and Power (CHP) or Cogeneration using gas-fired engines to produce electricity and heat/steam for on-site consumption provided a credible energy transition pathway.

Since R100 Energy had no grid electrical connection, the gas engines must operate independently from the grid in Island Mode operation. Unlike diesel generators, gas reciprocating engines struggle with load changes and are prone to tripping. This situation poses multiple challenges. In the event of an engine trip, extra measures would be necessary to guarantee an uninterrupted power supply at the site.

Co-location: A smart solution for the UK energy transition

Edina, a distributed energy solutions put forward a unique proposition for a hybrid microgrid solution. This solution involves the combination of reciprocating gas engines and battery energy storage, all controlled by an advanced energy management system.

Edina supplied and installed two MWM TCG 2020 V12 gas engines, each capable of generating 1MW of electrical power. These engines are conveniently housed in containers and feature exhaust heat recovery systems. This technology allows for the efficient capture and utilisation of jacket and waste heat, which is then used to meet the site's heating and hot water requirements. By deploying CHP, the energy utilisation rate can reach an impressive 90%, surpassing the energy efficiency of importing grid electricity and traditional heat production methods.

When compared to the previous diesel power generation, the transition to gas CHP saves the site an additional 2,500 tonnes CO₂ per year and reduces site energy costs by 50% per year.

To complement the CHP engines, a 1MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) solution with a one-hour capacity ensures energy stability and evens out the energy consumption of the site to match the capabilities of the baseload gas engines. The BESS is made up of three CATL EnerOne Li-Ion LFP racks, an EPC inverter, and an Edina Energy Management System that is pre-mounted on an engineered skid by Edina.

In addition to the primary and secondary sources of power, there is also a tertiary backup in the form of a Standby Diesel Generator. This additional power source adds another layer of resilience to the system. The diesel generator can be fueled by environmentally friendly Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) to provide additional sustainable credentials at site.

The combination of these technologies satisfies the electrical needs of the facility, and the microgrid system enables BioteCH₄ to control its own power requirements.

By utilising interim low-carbon natural gas in the CHP plants, R100 Energy improves its carbon footprint. The potential for biogas/biomethane fuel switching and hydrogen blends in the future furthers R100 Energy's green credentials.

These technologies ensure the continued expansion of the company by securing its energy production from sustainable sources, in accordance with its values and sustainability objectives.

Client:
Biotech4

Location:
Goole, UK

Capacity:
2 x 1MWe CHP engines and 1MW BESS

Operational:
2023

Manufacturer:
MWM CATL

Packager:
Edina

Primary Fuel:
Natural Gas

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R100 Energy transitions to low carbon sustainable solution to tackle energy trilemma

Key benefits

Transforming Food Waste to Energy

Balancing the Energy Trilemma

Co-location: A smart solution for the UK energy transition

Supporting and technical data

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