Pre-Application Consultation Open Day: Renewable Energy Facility
When: 2nd November 2011, between 2pm and 8pm
Where: North Walsham Rugby Club, Norwich Road, Scottow
Letter written to the Swanton Abbott Parish Council from Oak Grove Renewables
We are currently working with a number of local farmers to establish a small renewable energy facility near Coltishall airfield. This proposal builds upon the anaerobic digestion project originally suggested by Aylsham Growers in 2009. We hope to be in a position to apply to North Norfolk District Council for planning permission shortly., but before this we would like to inform you of our proposal. Although the proposal lies only within the Parish of Scottow, and whilst we do not think the proposal would have any impacts on adjoining Parishes, we would like to inform you of our proposal. We would also like to invite your Parish Councillors to our Open Day Exhibition on the 2nd of November at the North Walsham Rugby Club.
The proposed site for the plant is off the Scottow road, opposite Church Lane (see map below).
The plant will take biomass break crops grown on local farms and stored on site to produce both clean energy and a valuable soil improver. Gas is produced form this biomass using a completely natural process (known as anaerobic digestion), which takes place in airtight tanks. This gas is converted into electricity in a sound proofed generator and the powered directly into the national grid, via underground cables. Detailed evidence of the level of impacts will be presented in a full application but we have prepared the attached FAQ to address initial queries (see below).
Farmers are keen for economically viable break crops that can grwo well and also present and opportunity to improve soil quality; this is where we can help. Our plant produces a valuable, odourless, organic fertiliser, which local farmers can use and by creating a stable market for local crops, we prevent farmers having to transport their goods long distances. The break crops will fit into the normal agricultural rotation, helping farmers to manage their land responsibly, reducing chemical inputs and increasing yields.
The site will have two full-time staff and create a number of part time opportunities. In addition the project creates a demand for local trades and services amounting to over £500,000 during construction and over £25,000 per year during operation. We intend to provide extensive native species planting as part of the landscaping improvements that offer a valuable habitat for wildlife.
We intend to open the facility for school visits to help educate children about sustainable energy. We are also very keen that this development will benefit as many local residents as possible and have offered an annual contribution to the local Parish Council. In addition we are working to set up an Energy Saving Initiative to help people by providing local advice, reduce fuel poverty and encourage best practice.
We hope to meet you on the 2nd November for our Open Day. If you require further information or have any questions in the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact my colleague William at william@oakgroverenewables.co.uk
Yours sincerely
Mr Philipp Lukas
FAQ
What does a biogas plant do?
The biogas plant will generate clean, renewable energy from local biomass. It will help local farmers with their crop rotation in addition to providing a natural fertiliser. The electricity generated will power around 3000 homes.
How does it work?
The plant operates using an anaerobic digestion (AD) process. This is a proven technique for converting organic materrial into biogas, operating similar to the stomach of a cow. The process can only occur in a completely airtight, oxygen free, envrionment. The outputs of the plant are biogas and digestate (a natural fertiliser).
What is biogas and how does it become electricity?
Biogas is a mixture of methane (natural gas) and carbon dioxide. Is it a sustainable fuel, which can be used for numerous purposes such as creating electricity, producing hear or used as a substitute for domestic natural gas. As the inputs are non-fossil the power generated is carbon neutral. At Scottow it will be used to run a generator that will feed power to the National Grid via underground wires.
What is digestate?
Digestate is an important output of our biogas plant and is a naturally produced fertiliser used on the biomass grown for the plant. It is very clean and safe, recognised by Defra as a valuable fertiliser for crops. It is also recognised by organic farming organisations as a natural organic fertiliser. Digestate recycling will reduce the amount of artificial chemical fertiliser used by local farmers.
Why have you chosen this location?
The biogas plant must be situated near an existing electrical high voltage (HV) cable or substation. The plant must also be close to local biomass supply to reduce travel distances. This site was chosen as it is very well shield, has a good electrical connection and there is a strong interest from local farmers.
The site is over 400 metres from the nearest residents and has a significant mature woodland cover to the north and south, offering excellent shielding and helping to eliminate the possibility of noise and odour impacts.
Is it safe?
Biogas plants have to comply with numerous safety and environmental regulations. We ensure all the correct safety measures are put in place and are experienced in operating these plants in the UK. There are around 7000 biogas plants operating the Germany and a growing number in the UK.
Will it smell?
The feedstock of the plant will be locally produced biomass (farming break crops) - there will be no waste used on the plant. The harvested biomass is stored on-site in sealed clamps and its odour potential is minimal. The plan also operates as a completely sealed process, and therefore cannot emit significant odour emissions.
Is it noisy?
The plant itself is extremely quiet and ideally suited to a rural environment die to its simple operation. The generator is installed within an acoustically sealed enclosure to minimise any noise from the site. The plant should not be audible from the nearest road let alone residents who are significantly further away.
What does it look like?
The largest part of the facility will be silage clamps, which are common on farms. The site will have three tanks for processing the biomass and storing fertiliser. There will also be an acoustically sealed generator used to generate electricity. We intend to provide extensive landscaping around the plant to encourage wildlife and provide new habitats.
What are the impacts on traffic?
The supply of biomass for the facility will come from local farms and will be delivered to the site by road, resulting in a seasonal pattern of deliveries based on harvesting and growing seasons of the crops. As such, these vehicle movement would already be on the local road network. Although the biogas process will be a 24 hour process, deliveries will be limited to normal working hours. The fertiliser will be removed from the facility using tractor-trailers. This will be used for the following year's crops which has the potential to remove existing fertiliser delivery movements from the local road network.
Will the plant use waste?
The technology adopted is specifically designed to operate using grown biomass. The layout means it is not possible to use other feedstocks such as waste within the plant. AD plants in the UK are strictly regulated by the Environment Agency and others and any use of waste would require additional planning permission and several permits.
Are there any local benefits?
We intended to open the facility to school visits to help educate children about sustainable energy. We are also very keen that this development benefits as many local residents as possible and have offered an annual contribution to the Parish Council. In addition we are working to set an Energy Saving Initiative to help people by providing local advice, reduce fuel poverty and encourage best practice.
Will the biomass compete against food production?
The biomass for the pant will be in the form of farming break crops. In arable areas break crops in rotation help secure better yields from the food crops that follow, by restoring fertility, reducing diseases and pest pressure, and thereby reducing the need for expensive crop protection products. Break crops also reduce monoculture and contribute to biodiversity leading to a sustainable rotation. Alternative uses for grasses also help maintain grazed landscapes that are treasured by many and are at risk in light of falling livestock numbers.
