Biomass is derived from a wide variety of plant and animal matter sources including dedicated renewable plantations, for example from short rotation forestry, residues from primary biomass production such as wood from forestry thinning and by-products and residues, for example from the production of renewable transport fuel and from the co-products of the food and drinks industry.
The Helius Group’s plants will burn a range of biomass feedstocks that qualify for environmental benefits, including wood chips, residues arising from bio-ethanol and oil-expelling processes and other qualifying feedstocks. Biomass feedstocks could also be burned to raise steam in a high-pressure boiler, enabling the efficient generation of electricity in a steam turbine generator. The smaller modular plants will primarily look to use biomass residues associated with liquid fuel production and the food and drinks industry.
The Group will look to secure feedstocks from a number of sources, including overseas. These feedstocks are expected to qualify for Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROCs) under the UK OfGEM rules.