Helius Energy’s strategy is based on the provision of two sizes of biomass-fired renewable electricity generation plants – large plants of 50-65MWe in size and smaller scale GreenSwitch™ 5MWe plants – that will deliver significant carbon savings.
For both sizes of plant, the power generation systems are based around conventional direct combustion and high-pressure steam raising boilers to supply a steam turbine that drives an electricity generator and also provides a source of steam and hot water, if required. Steam turbines are an extremely reliable and versatile proven technology used for electricity generation.
Initially, the Company will focus on the development of up to three 65MWe plants and up to three 5MWe plants in the UK. The 65MWe plants will be based on proven technology, the first being from McBurney Corporation who were appointed on 16 May 2007 along with Morgan Est plc to undertake pre-engineering works which will lead to the construction of the Company's flagship 65MWe biomass power plant in Stallingborough, North East Lincolnshire.
Feedstocks for the plants will be predominantly sourced from timber residues and the co-products of cereals and oil. The McBurney Corporation technology will be capable of burning a variety of fuels and will deliver acceptable emissions, provide a plant availability of 90% or higher to produce a secure and economic supply of steam and energy.
Helius Energy’s larger plants provide scale efficiencies and are strategically located to ensure ease of access to large quantities of biomass. Helius Energy has secured rights to two sites for larger plants in the UK including at Stallingborough near the port of Immingham.
The construction and operation of each larger power plant is expected to save around half a million tonnes of CO2 each year.
The modular GreenSwitch™ 5MWe - 7 MWe plants include biomass feedstock conditioning for moisture and critical chemical controls and are designed to be located where sustainable and renewable feedstocks are readily available, such as breweries and distilleries, avoiding the costs of transporting wet feedstocks. They will generate onsite electricity and export any surplus to the local electricity network.
Helius Energy has secured a two-year agreement with Wärtsilä Biopower, to supply 5MWe power stations, which should enable the Group to deploy its branded modular systems. The modular nature of GreenSwitch™ enables reduced construction and implementation times using a common plant design.
Helius Energy Alpha Limited - Notice of application for an electricity generation licence www.ofgem.gov.uk
Left to Right
Blake McBurney (President, McBurney Corporation),
Dr Adrian Bowles (Technical Director, Helius Energy plc)