Community power engine tests under way

Mar 20 2008 By The Journal

NORTH East England has been chosen as the UK base for the development of state-of-the-art biodiesel systems – which could provide low-cost, clean energy for community power schemes. Testing has begun at the New and Renewable Energy Centre (NAREC) Clothier Laboratories in Blyth on a new generation of 100% biodiesel-fuelled combined heat and power engines (CHP), in the UK’s first demonstration project of its kind.

Micro CHP is particularly suitable for commercial buildings with significant heating and power requirements, such as swimming baths, communal residences such as care homes and university campuses, and in rural areas.

The research and development programme will evaluate the economy and ecology of the CHP engines to run on biodiesel fuel, and will develop the engine for commercial sale in the UK and Europe.

The investment and aftercare team at regional development agency One NorthEast worked with Japanese firm Yanmar Co Ltd to secure the project, which could pave the way for new commercial uses of this secure, low carbon power resource.

Launching the project, Minister for North East England, Nick Brown, said: “I am delighted to be here to witness the launch of this exciting new project.

“It represents an excellent opportunity for our region to further enhance its expertise in the developing biofuels industry.

“The knowledge which will be gained from research into this area will help increase the overall prosperity of our region and is a wonderful example of the North East’s commitment to leading the way in exploring and mastering emerging new energy technologies.”

Makoto Yasuda, from the environmental business development department at Yanmar, said: “Yanmar chose North East England because One NorthEast’s investment and aftercare team demonstrated that the region had the facilities, skills and commitment to make the testing work and enable us to gain a foothold in the market that will allow us to develop our commercial proposition.

“Micro CHP has the potential to be an influential heating technology that decreases carbon dioxide emissions through increased energy efficiency in households and small businesses.

“This project will enable us to fully explore the viability of biofuel micro CHP to create new solutions for low carbon heat and power in Europe.”

Yanmar has installed two engines at the Clothier Laboratories. They will work with NaREC, Newcastle University and local partners in collaborative research to power, monitor, appraise and develop the engine, to enable it to be brought to the UK market within the next three years.

One NorthEast’s rural and environment team has invested £200,000 of single programme funding into the project through NaREC.

One NorthEast chairman Margaret Fay said: “The unique technology being tested and developed in the region lends further
credibility to the region’s reputation as a
centre of excellence for energy technologies. The North East Biofuels Cluster will have complete scope of the industry, from production to consumption, and the potential supply chain opportunities for businesses in the region, particularly in rural areas, will be very important.

“Ultimately, this research will take forward the introduction of low carbon products that can help businesses reduce their energy consumption and cost.”

NaREC chief executive Andrew Mill added: “NaREC is working to enable the move towards a low carbon economy on a national and international scale by assisting the development and market growth of new energy technologies.

“The North East has an excellent supply chain for biofuels and this, combined with our own expertise for new energy technology application, will assist Yanmar in developing biofuel micro CHP further for the European market. The aim of this new research and development project with Yanmar is to further explore ways of diversifying existing proven energy technology which uses conventional fuel sources, and adapt it for renewables.”

The Government has set a target of a 60% cut in carbon dioxide emissions by 2050 and promotes the introduction of CHP into the market.

Yanmar has developed micro CHP systems with high energy efficiency and durability and the company is carrying out demonstration projects in Japan, India and Malaysia as well as North East England.

It intends to develop the engine to comply with various types of bio-fuels in the world through these tests, and contribute to cutting carbon emissions and reduce the threat from climate change.