CONVERT.
POWER GENERATION PROJECTS
SMALL-SCALE CHP ENERGY
We have 6.5MW of grid capacity, producing power across three sites with seven active generators.
Energy is a finite resource. If we’re to secure a sustainable future, we need to explore alternative sources. We’ve made the bold decision to develop and operate a small-scale CHP plant at our Alne site, using refuse-derived fuel feedstock.
We believe that small-scale CHP plants are a model for the future. We envision a world where waste is treated locally, transformed into sustainable, low-carbon energy and heat that can both power neighbouring businesses and feed into the national grid.
Our plant received planning consent in 2021 and was commissioned in September 2023. We look forward to contributing to a greener, more resilient world.
From 16,000 tonnes of non-recyclable waste, the plant produces 5.5MW of heat and 1.2MW of electrical output.
LANDFILL GAS
We reuse the landfill gas from two of our sites to generate electricity, which is fed back into the national grid.
At both our Alne and Knapton sites, we extract and manage landfill gas as part of our aftercare programme. We use a combination of gas turbines and reciprocal engines, matched to the type and volume of gas produced in each field.
This approach isn’t just about generating renewable energy; it prevents the uncontrolled release of methane, which is the gas produced during the decomposition process. The gas generation period is expected to take up to 15 years until the waste is stabilised and we’re committed to managing this process with the utmost care, fulfilling our responsibility to the environment.
Peaking plant produces enough power for over 1000 homes
GAS PEAKING PLANT
We’re always ready to generate power, with the natural gas-powered engine at our Alne site.
Over the last decade, as power generation has shifted from large, predominantly fossil-fuel plants to small-scale renewable energy facilities, the need for short-term power reserves has increased.
To put it simply, if the national grid encounters a drop in renewable energy or an unexpected surge in demand, for example during cold weather, it must call on a short-term power reserve.
At our Alne site we operate a peaking plant, always on standby to generate power. This natural gas-powered engine, which is controlled remotely, can seamlessly transition from standby to synchronised grid output with just 300 seconds' notice.
Our Biomass plant generates hot water from the burning of BSL approved biomass.
BIOMASS ENERGY AND FUEL
At our Alne site, we operate a biomass plant that burns BSL-approved biomass to generate hot water – and there’s more innovation in the works.
Our biomass plant uses BSL-approved biomass to generate hot water, which can replace oil- or gas-generated hot water in many applications including heating and washing processes.
We use our own Heat Network to transport the hot water to where it’s needed. In the future, we plan to build further heat networks to supply neighbouring commercial users with heat from the site.
To fuel our biomass boilers, we currently use short rotation willow coppice, which is specifically grown on land restored by us. Within a few short years, the willow coppice can be harvested and used in our biomass plant.
