|
Research Update September 2009
The first phase of the Ouseburn research is now completed. As well as the segregated waste survey reported on in the previous update, several larger scale waste producers provided information and expressed an interest in the project.
The first phase made an assessment of what was available in the area and who was interested. Discussions are continuing with several larger organisations in the area such food processors and the local council. A full technical appraisal is now being made of what type of digester could make best use of the identified wastes. Once this is completed our next steps will be to make a site assessment of the area and decide in conjunction with our partners how the AD plant can best serve the Ouseburn.
Many thanks to all those who took part in the survey or have shown support for the project.
Craig Woolf
Research Update June 2009
As well as larger scale waste producers in the area, smaller retailers have also been contacted. 14 Pubs, restaurants and grocers in the area surrounding the Ouseburn Valley agreed to take part in a segregated waste survey which required them to separate all organic wastes which can be used in the AD process from other wastes. Many of those who took part operate out of kitchens smaller than many domestic kitchens however they were happy and willing to accept extra bins inside and outside to separately collect organic wastes. As well as taking up precious space, it meant asking staff to change routines and current systems. Each morning those taking part were visited and the preceding days separated wastes were weighed. With no alternative disposal options available at present, most organic waste goes into the general waste bin. By separating and weighing the wastes which can be used in an AD plant we are gaining a picture of potential feedstock in the area but also demonstrating to potential participants what would be required of them if the project became operational. Despite the pressures of extra bins on space and the new routine, the response of staff was positive and no problems were reported throughout the process.
The chef of the Sky Apple Café weighing vegetable waste from the previous days food preparation. Once weighed the waste was put in the usual general waste bin. If the Ouseburn AD unit becomes operational, such wastes will be diverted from landfill to create energy in the area.
Craig Woolf
Research Update April 2009
Ouseburn Valley Forum 28 April 2009
CoRE were invited to give a talk at the new Ouseburn Community Centre last week by the Ouseburn Trust. Ross Weddle, CoRE's Manager gave a talk on how CoRE came into being and what our philosophy and business model was. I then gave a talk on anaerobic digestion, it’s background, how the process works, legislation and the focus of the study. Ross and I took questions afterwards. The talks went well and the level of interest from people was very encouraging.
Many people were very well informed on many issues relating to renewable energy and sustainable development and what it could mean for the valley. There were many questions on how AD would work in the valley from a business perspective and on how it might look in the valley.
The discussion proved what has been apparent during the course of the research which is that there is a real interest in the possibilities of renewable technologies. More generally, people are genuinely interested in discussing new ways of conducting their business, how they consume energy and how they produce and dispose of waste.
Overall the evening was very encouraging and support for the research was very high.
As the research continues we have had more support and interest from larger organisations. The estates department at Northumbria University have said they are very interested in the idea and the research. They have been more than happy to provide the information we requested and have said they would like to be involved throughout the project, through providing information and hopefully in any operational AD. Thank you to them.
I would also like to say thank you to Lowries Foods, the immediate areas largest food processor. They have also been extremely forthcoming with information and very supportive of the idea.
Craig Woolf 28.4.09
Research Update March 2009
Anaerobic digestion is an established technology in many parts of Europe. Apart from one or two exceptions however, the technology has only really been adopted by farms in this country.
Essentially anaerobic digestion takes organic wastes, which in most cases would end up in landfill, and produces a biogas which can be burned to create heat and electricity. Energy from waste! A solution with a liquid and solid fraction is also produced during the process. Known as digestate, this is a nutrient rich fertiliser which can be returned to the land as a feed or soil conditioner.
In 2006 the Ouseburn Trust began to investigate the possibility of creating energy from combined heat and power technology in the valley. Anaerobic digestion was seen as one of the most practical options for the area.
With funding now in place, the next phase of the research will focus on support for such a project and the waste potential of the area.
We are now several weeks into this next phase. To begin with we have made an assessment of the area to identify exactly which businesses exist, and what processes are taking place in and around the valley. We are using existing boundaries in which to focus the research, the central conservation area of the valley and the wider Ouseburn regeneration area.
An information sheet which provides a general introduction to anaerobic digestion has been produced and has now been posted to local businesses.
As well as businesses in the valley, we have identified larger waste producers in the surrounding area, organisations such as the Universities, local council, hotels, pubs and restaurants. Contact has been a little slower here, as was expected, but there have been some promising initial responses. Both Newcastle and Northumbria Universities have expressed interest in the project and we have begun talking to the local council.
Next Steps
Now that initial contact has been made, over the next few weeks we will begin consulting fully with valley businesses and assessing the waste potential of the area. We will also continue developing contact with larger waste producers.
On the week beginning April 27th (date to be confirmed) CoRE reps will give a talk on renewable energy and anaerobic digestion at the Ouseburn Business Forum.
Craig Woolf 27.3.09 |
