Frequently Asked Questions
How much energy will be generated by the Combined Heat and Power (CHP) scheme? Will this meet all of the needs of Tullis Russell Paper mill?
The CHP scheme will deliver up to 120 tonnes of steam per hour as well as 17MW of electricity for the plant. In addition 25MW of electricity will be exported.
How much will the CHP cost?
The CHP plant will cost approximately £200million.
What is the timeframe for delivering the new facility?
Construction is underway and is scheduled for completion in late 2012.
How many new jobs will be created as a result of the construction, and when will these come on-stream?
We believe that at the peak the site workforce will be in excess of 400. Approximately 50 permanent jobs will be created operating and maintaining the CHP plant and in the operation of a new fuel processing facility.
Is there any government funding available for the new power plant?
A £8.1m Regional Selective Assistance grant from the Scottish Government has been awarded. The new power plant has strong support from the Scottish Government.
Has a grid connection been secured?
Yes, a 33kV grid connection will be provided by Scottish Power .
What types of biomass will the new plant use?
The proposed scheme will use recycled wood as a major part of its fuel supply. This material comes within the legal definition of waste and will comply with the Waste Incineration Directive. The choice of recycled wood as a major component of the plant’s fuel supply has been made to ensure the viability of the plant and to deliver maximum benefit to the paper mill in the most sustainable way possible. Much of this wood currently goes to landfill where it decomposes to give off methane, a significantly more potent greenhouse gas than CO². We will not be burning any other forms of waste, with the possible exception of waste paper pulp material separated from the effluent water from Tullis Russell’s paper making process prior to its discharge to sewer. This material comprises principally of wood fibre.
Will you be burning hazardous waste?
The proposed plant will use recycled wood as a major part of its fuel supply. Where this wood has in any way been treated - for example with a varnish - it is required to be managed in accordance with the Waste Incineration Directive. We will of course be complying with all relevant health and safety regulations.
Who is Tullis Russell?
Based in Markinch in Fife, Tullis Russell is a leading independent, employee owned paper-making company. Founded in 1809, and with around 550 staff, it has built an outstanding reputation for producing high quality paper and boards for use in the graphical, cards, covers and premium packaging markets.
What is the nature of the agreement between RWE npower renewables and Tullis Russell Papermakers (TRP)?
RWE npower renewables has signed a 20 year Energy Supply Contract with Tullis Russell to supply all its electricity and steam.
What existing power supply will the biomass plant supersede?
Tullis Russell currently operates three coal fired boilers and one gas boiler. The coal fired plant will be decommissioned once the biomass plant is operational.
Where will you source your biomass material from?
RWE npower renewables is looking to source its biomass materials from the area surrounding Fife. In addition, the Scottish Government is seeking to increase the supply of wood for renewable energy projects in Scotland. RWE npower is therefore confident that it will meet the biomass needs of the new facility.
RWE npower renewables is keen to work with the Forestry Commission in Scotlandregarding the sourcing of its biomass material. The development of the biomass supply chain will create significant new jobs in the region.
How much biomass will the plant use?
The CHP plant will consume around 400,000 tonnes per annum of biomass, including both “virgin” and recycled wood.
Are you planning to supply renewable energy to other customers from the CHP plant?
We are looking into projects that could take supplies of heat from the CHP plant. The government is proposing to introduce the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) in April 2011 which will support the supplies of renewable heat and the RHI may enable additional supplies of renewable energy from the CHP plant.
How does CHP rate in sustainability terms?
Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plants provide the most efficient way of converting a fossil or renewable fuel into useful heat and power.
CHP technology utilises the waste heat from electricity generation to provide useful heat. CHP can therefore deliver savings in fuel consumption, fuel costs and carbon emissions, and avoids transmission losses otherwise incurred by importing electricity. The biomass plant at Tullis Russell will reduce the company’s CO² emissions by 250,000 tonnes each year.
Typically the process achieves a 20% reduction in energy use as well as ensuring a secure supply from having an independent source of power.
