The commissioning of RWE npower renewables’ Markinch Biomass Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plant took a huge step forward today as the first delivery of wood which will fuel the site rolled into the Off Site Fuel Processing Facility (OFPF) in Cardenden.
Owned by RWE npower renewables, the OFPF was constructed and will be operated by local business, The Purvis Group. Employing six full time workers, the OFPF will provide essential support for the Markinch CHP plant which, once fully operational in mid-2013, will supply all Tullis Russell's steam and electricity requirements and help to secure its position at the heart of the community.
The OFPF will provide a supply of chipped virgin and recovered wood to the CHP plant on an ongoing basis and act as a reserve store in the event of disruption to the normal fuel supply. The facility will make available a strategic supply of fuel including monthly chipping of up to 6,250 tonnes of round wood supplied by Forestry Commission Scotland. In total the site can handle up to 75,000 tonnes of recovered wood chip per year and has the capacity to store up to 25,000 tonnes of fuel at any time.
The fuel source for the Markinch Biomass CHP plant is primarily recovered wood with a top up from fresh wood.1 RWE npower renewables agreed a long term contract earlier this year with SITA UK to supply recovered wood. Under the contract SITA UK is expected to provide more than half the feedstock requirements utilising sites across Scotland and Northern England including a facility at Glenfarg in Perthshire.
John Farrell, Biomass Procurement Manager from RWE npower renewables said: “The OFPF is now open for business and this first wood delivery marks a significant milestone as we prepare for the commissioning phase of the Markinch Biomass CHP plant later this year. The OFPF has an important role in powering the CHP plant for many years to come. Construction of the facility in Cardenden has already generated investment locally and it will continue to support important full time employment in the area.
“Today’s delivery is an important milestone and represents a real team effort between the two companies, to supply fuel for the plant.”
Craig Purvis for the Purvis Group said: “Our business is born and bred in Fife and it was an honour for us to lead on the construction and operation of a facility which will bring great environmental and economic benefits to the surrounding area. Seeing the first wood arrive is testament to the hard work of the team and we look forward to keeping the facility running smoothly for many years to come.”
Contact:
Alda Forbes
RWE npower renewables
01738 825124
|
