introduction
Falmouth is a thriving harbour town on the south coast of cornwall. The harbour is reputed to be the third largest natural deep water harbour in the world, and as such still has active commercial dockyards and associated industries, demanding significant quantities of electrical power and heat. The town also has a main market centre, based largely on old properties, giving the area a unique charm. These properties often do not have adequate heating, and many rely on expensive peak electricity which push their occupants into fuel poverty.
challenge
Cornwall Council asked us to investigate the possibilities of a combined heat and power (CHP) system providing the low-cost solution to the problem of reducing fuel poverty, carbon emissions and security of supply. This involved:
- Providing cost effective heating to the town, businesses and residents
- Providing cost effective reliable power to the dock yard and surrounding industries
- Providing ways to encourage further links between the town and the dockyard
- Providing energy security for both residents, and the dock yard
- Reducing the impact on the environment and make maximum use of local resources
solution
Funding was sought from the Community Energy Programme, which was duly granted. There then followed an in-depth 12-month programme of investigation by us, concluding with an options appraisal and a detailed business plan. Whole life cost, detailed financial analysis and technical appraisal were tools used to complete the options appraisal investigation.
From this process, two possible solutions were taken forward to be discussed with the steering group :
- Gas fired internal combustion engine
- Gasification plant with steam turbine
outcome
The final recommendation was for a waste to energy gasification
plant, providing over 2MW of electricity and up to 10MW of heat.
This would provide energy security for homes and businesses, as
well as provide significant carbon savings. The business case for
this option was also verified, giving clear paybacks and benefits
to the surrounding community. Carbon savings associated with this
solution could reach 3,000 tonnes per annum, and
80,000 tonnes per annum over a 25 year life period.*
*Figures based on full recommendations being applied.
