RWE has invested £200,000 on new noise abatement technology for its Markinch Power Station in Fife. The 55MW CHP biomass plant has the ability to generate power for 100,000 homes and has been operational since 2015, most recently investing in a state-of-the-art Energy Centre that provides heat to the Glenrothes Energy Network.
In 2019, RWE conducted a noise assessment and identified a low frequency tonal noise associated with the Steam Turbine Generator. Although the noise is within all operational limits, RWE has been working with SEPA to find a solution to minimise any audible background noise.
RWE identified a material that can act as an acoustic jacket around the Generator and the installation was fitted during the first half of 2021. The technology is fitted externally therefore the station’s operations were not impacted. Following a series of noise performance tests on and offsite by an external specialist, results confirm that the insulation has significantly reduced the low frequency tonal noise.
Kathrin Schmelter, Markinch CHP biomass plant manager said, “RWE is committed to improving the efficiency of the plant, with both technical and physical investments. It is also important that we look for ways to minimise the impact our operations have on the local community. Many of our staff live locally and RWE is proud to be a part of the local community We will continue to work with local stakeholders and look for constant improvements.“
RWE is one the world’s leading renewable companies with an ambition to be carbon neutral by 2040.