Consett Energy Recovery Facility

hownsgill energy recovery facility image

Consultation Update

17th November 2020

The planning application has now been submitted to Durham Council under planning reference DM/20/032671/WAS and representations can be made directly on the Council website.

If you have any questions or would like to get in touch with us please refer to https://www.hownsgillenergycentre.co.uk/ and leave us a comment.

In the UK and across Europe, ERF (Energy Recovery Facilities) are driving Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) away from landfill sites and instead using it as a valuable resource to contribute to the UK’s drive to decarbonise energy generation by off-setting fossil fuel use. Facilities such as the one proposed in Consett will support local energy supply and security.
Project Genesis’ mission is to provide renewable and sustainable sources of power on the Hownsgill site to create an ‘Eco Park’ which will supply low carbon, low cost heat and power to existing and future commercial and industrial developments on Hownsgill Park as well as other potential users in the Consett area.
Planning consent has already been granted for a Solar Farm on the site with the potential to generate up to 5MW of power. The first solar array was installed in March 2019.
With the development of large scale battery storage and intelligent energy management systems, Hownsgill Eco Park will be an exemplar in the future development of low carbon energy supply and security for Consett.
This will have the added benefit of attracting inward investment to Consett through the availability of low carbon, lower cost energy.

The proposal concerns delivery of an Energy Recovery Facility (ERF) on Hownsgill ‘Eco’ Park and will enable the energy recovery of valuable materials that would otherwise go to landfill or be exported to mainland Europe.
The £25 million project will deliver a small scale 60,000 tonnes per annum ERF which will divert ‘residual’ RDF from landfill and contribute to local energy supply and security.
Fuel for the new ERF will be in the form of Refuse Derive Fuel (RDF) which would have otherwise been sent to landfill or abroad to generate power. As a true multifuel system the plant could also easily receive woodchip should this ever be required in future. The fuel will be processed to an agreed specification off-site at licensed ‘treatment and transfer’ facilities within a 15 mile radius of Consett and transported to the ERF. All delivered fuel will be stored inside the building prior to use.
Using advanced technology the site will generate 3.5 MW electric / 15 MW thermal (heat) or combination thereof which would be used to provide heat and power via a local smart grid network to users on Hownsgill ‘Eco’ Park as well as the newly planned ‘Health and Well-being site’ due to be developed on Derwent View (Note 1) to the north of the site. The ERF will provide power for a range of local commercial and industrial properties on and adjacent to the Hownsgill site, as well as offer renewable energy to thousands of local domestic customers.
The new plant will also be connected to the National Power Grid via an underground connection to Consett Primary Sub-station. This will enable any surplus power to be supplied to the National Grid and will ensure security of supply to the Hownsgill site. The site also has the potential to support Electric Vehicle charging of cars, lorries and buses.

(Note 1) : The Derwent View site, immediately north-east of the Hownsgill Eco-Park site has been granted outline planning permission for a variety of ‘health & well being’ related uses.
It is proposed the site will contain a new health facility, gymnasium & fitness centre, a retirement care village, aged persons extra care facility as well as a hotel and associated leisure uses. It is intended that some of these developments will receive both power and heat from the new ERF Facility on Hownsgill ‘Eco’ Park.

The Hownsgill Facility will be one of the most modern facilities of its type in the UK, operating under strict environmental controls under a permit administered by the Environment Agency.
Supporting at least 85 jobs during construction, including a range of professional, skilled and entry-level roles and apprenticeships and will work in partnership with Derwentside College in delivering these.
Operationally, the ERF will support 12 new full-time jobs and secure an additional 25 in the supply chain and maintenance, boosting the local economy by over £2 million a year.
The project will deliver a robust package of community benefits focussed on employment and training, support for local business and education. The Hownsgill Eco Park education centre adjacent to the ERF will allow schools, colleges and local community groups to learn about sustainable energy recovery, waste management and renewable technologies.
Utilisation of Local RDF to produce Low Carbon, Low Cost, Sustainable Energy.

The project takes a Scandinavian approach in that it is:
- Ambitious about recycling
- Remove plastics from residual waste
- Halts shipping residual waste abroad
- Uses RDF for domestic low carbon heat, electricity, or synthetic fuels
- Minimises waste going to landfill in the UK

This local Investment into Energy Recovery infrastructure, reduces transport of materials and produces energy, heat and power for use in homes and businesses throughout the local area.

This local energy approach will unlock economic, environmental and social benefits across the community

“Host have developed the capability to integrate Carbon Capture into their plants, and that could be an option here”

James Parry,
Bio Global Industries

“Have your say: We would like to get your views on the proposed development before making our planning application to Durham County Council. We therefore invite you to attend a webpage consultation at www.enzygo.com/consultations/consett-energy-recovery-facility from Friday 4th September 2020 until submission of the planning application, to see the plans for the proposed development, ask any questions and give us your feedback.

Please ensure all feedback is emailed to charlotte.mapanga@enzygo.com or lee.searles@enzygo.com prior to submission of the planning application. Thank you.”

Launch 3D Exhibition

Site Plans and Drawings

The development comprises a new energy facility with associated access and landscaping.

Location Plan;
– Location Plan

Proposed Plans;
– Proposed Site Plans
– Proposed Elevations
– Proposed Roof Plan

Elevation Options
– Elevation Options

Please be aware that all comments submitted are subject to moderation to ensure that no content that includes slander or libel are posted on the Enzygo website through the pubic consultation webpage. Accordingly when a comment is submitted it might be a number of hours before the comment is shown on the webpage.

We can assure you that all comments both negative and positive are posted on the consultation webpage.

23 Comments

Enzygo Here you are able to add a comments and thoughts about the Consett Energy Recovery Facility
4th September 2020 at 12:26 pm
Martyn Gray It's great to see we are doing more to recycle waste. Great work!
1st October 2020 at 9:39 am
Michael Swift What are the estimated carbon emissions from this process? I get that it's better than landfill, I have had experience with equipment that used waste dust to convert to energy, which gave off 0 emissions (just steam)
10th October 2020 at 11:05 am
- David Tweddle Qthe sitting of this site must not be allowed to be built on this estate this site seems to be simular to the one that never opened due to smellsthe only difference is the waste is stored before burning the site I refer to is the waste site next to the Metro centre at Blaydon school I think it was built for the Thompson group
  9th December 2020 at 3:47 pm
  - Enzygo Hi David Thank you for your comments. We cannot comment on other proposals which may involve different feed stocks and technologies. The proposed plant includes a safe and clean technology that has been widely used across the UK and Europe for decades. The technology is currently being deployed in the UK by Bio Global Industries which has projects in Falkirk, Wolverhampton, Kidderminster and London. The facility will have strict processes in place to prevent any odour. Deliveries will use fully sealed HGV’s. The building will also have fast roller shutter doors, will operate at negative pressure and incorporate advanced management systems so that odours are fully retained within the building and neutralised if they arise. The feedstock (RDF) itself is in a dried and treated form and does not have the same odours nature as general-purpose waste materials. The RDF does not contain food or organic waste which can de-compose.
    11th December 2020 at 11:39 am
david you have mentioned RDF in your statement above, what types of household waste constitutes RDF. If this includes food waste then my concern is the smell from this waste. I live not far from your proposed site, how will you ensure odours and noise pollution are controlled.
19th November 2020 at 1:36 pm
- Enzygo Hi David The fuel to be used in the plant is called Refuse Derived Fuel or RDF. The RDF is produced from industrial and commercial / business waste. Recyclable and non-combustible materials are removed, and the residual material is then shredded, dried and compacted. The RDF itself is in a dried and treated form and does not have the same odours nature as general-purpose waste materials. The RDF does not contain food or organic waste which can de-compose. Deliveries to the site will be within sealed HGV’s and as such dust will not be emitted at any stage of the process. Sprays will be used to dampen dust that may be tracked into the site by vehicles. On entry to the site, material will be deposited directly within the fuel reception building. This building will have fast shutting roller shutter doors and operate at negative pressure which will serve to ensure that any odours are retained within the building. The facility will also have a two-stage odour management system to destroy any odours as they arise. The noise assessment submitted with the planning application identified that the facility may be noticeable during the night-time. Project Genesis Ltd has therefore invested in a state-of-the-art silencer which will ensure that the facility will not be heard during the daytime or the night time at any location.
  7th December 2020 at 8:15 pm
Fred stephenson I find it unbelievable that it is even been considerd to build a rubbish incinerator so close to two food producing facilities.
20th November 2020 at 11:13 am
- Enzygo Hi Fred The proposed development is using a fuel which is derived from waste, it is not using black bag waste. The material is thermally treated to release heat and energy which can be used by surrounding industries. Emissions from the facility will be tightly controlled and will comply with strict regulations under an Environmental Permit to ensure local air quality is not adversely affected. We have undertaken a robust air quality assessment as part of the planning application which shows that emissions from the facility will be below the required levels. We are also committing to publishing live emissions data on our website so local people will be able to check the performance of the facility at any point. We are proposing to use the most up to date technology that has been used and developed widely across Europe for over 20 years with a proven track record of meeting emissions limits. Safety controls will be in place which are designed to shut down the plant in the unlikely event that emissions exceed allowed levels. The planning application has assessed the potential for impacts on both human health and ecology. The assessment takes into account existing background levels and any permitted schemes in the area. This has concluded that the proposal does not cause risk to the local population’s health or ecology through any pathway.
  7th December 2020 at 8:11 pm
Fred stephenson Why is it when you make a comment it is not getting posted
20th November 2020 at 11:25 am
- Enzygo Hi Fred Apologies for the delay in responding. Your comments should now be published.
  7th December 2020 at 8:12 pm
Fred stephenson Negative post don't get posted
20th November 2020 at 2:15 pm
- Enzygo Hi Fred We apologise for the delay. Your post should now be published.
  7th December 2020 at 8:14 pm
Louise Cowell I think this is outrageous, that they think you can use our town to burn other peoples waste and the impact on our local environment.. ABSOLUTELY OBJECT
25th November 2020 at 1:33 pm
- Enzygo Hi Louise The proposed facility will utilise materials produced locally to provide energy and heat back to local businesses. The process is a thermal treatment which is highly controlled. An environmental impact assessment has been undertaken in support of the planning application to assess the impact on the environment. A non technical summary of this work can be provided on request.
  7th December 2020 at 8:10 pm
Louise Cowell It is outrageous that they think they can use our town as a place to burn other peoples waste, not to mention the impact this plant will have on our local environment
25th November 2020 at 1:36 pm
- Enzygo Hi Louise The proposed facility will utilise materials produced locally to provide energy and heat back to local businesses. The process is a thermal treatment which is highly controlled. An environmental impact assessment has been undertaken in support of the planning application to assess the impact on the environment. A non technical summary of this work can be provided on request.
  7th December 2020 at 8:09 pm
David Llewellyn will there be zero pollution? will hazardous materals bé stored and used ? storage of material ,will it be safe? will there bee risk of smells? which parts of consett could be a risk from smoke? what is road transport plan is there?
4th December 2020 at 4:38 pm
- Enzygo David Thank you for your queries, we have responded in turn below: will there be zero pollution? – There will be a small amount of emissions from the facility. These Emissions will be tightly controlled and will comply with strict regulations under an Environmental Permit to ensure local air quality is not adversely affected. We have undertaken a robust air quality assessment as part of the planning application which shows that emissions from the facility will be below the required levels. We are also committing to publishing live emissions data on our website so local people will be able to check the performance of the facility at any point. There will be no other releases from the facility other than energy and heat for use within surrounding buildings. will hazardous materials be stored and used ? No, the inputs to the plant will not be hazardous. A small amount of fly ash (particulates taken out of the emissions before they are released) will be collected and stabilised prior to be moved off site for disposal. storage of material ,will it be safe? The material stored in accordance with safety guidelines and will be controlled through the environment agency permit. will there be risk of smells? No, Deliveries to the site will be within sealed HGV’s and as such dust will not be emitted at any stage of the process. Sprays will be used to dampen dust that may be tracked into the site by vehicles. On entry to the site, material will be deposited directly within the fuel reception building. This building will have fast shutting roller shutter doors and operate at negative pressure which will serve to ensure that any odours are retained within the building. The facility will also have a two-stage odour management system to destroy any odours as they arise. The RDF itself is in a dried and treated form and does not have the same odours nature as general-purpose waste materials. The RDF does not contain food or organic waste which can de-compose. which parts of Consett could be a risk from smoke? The facility will not release smoke as the process is not a burning but a thermal treatment. The emissions will be treated and any particulates removed prior to emission from air. A plume, which is largely made up of water vapour may occasionally be seen when meteorological conditions are below a certain level. what is road transport plan is there? The proposed development will generate up to 22 HGV movements (11 vehicles) and 18 car movements (9 cars) per day. On average, there will be less than 2 HGV movements (1 vehicle) and no car movements during each weekday peak hour. The site is easily accessible by public transport and cycling. We have planned cycle parking spaces, and a parking bay reserved solely for employees who have car shared.
  7th December 2020 at 8:04 pm
David Llewellyn will there be zero pollution? will hazardous materials be stored and used ? storage of material ,will it be safe? will there be risk of smells? which parts of consett could be a risk from smoke? what road transport plan is there? could byker incinerator happen again
7th December 2020 at 12:58 pm
- Enzygo David Please see previous response. Thank you
  7th December 2020 at 8:07 pm
Grove resident Jim So, instead of focusing on renewable and sustainable energy resources of which we have an endless supply, we are to believe that the incineration of commercial waste on our doorstep is anything other than short term profiteering and the polar opposite of the direction we as modern society should be going in? Talk of supporting and supplying local businesses with cheap energy seems like empty rhetoric when this incinerator would not have been considered was it not greatly profitable to the company. Consett locals again face increased pollution and potential ecological damage so those who will never neighbour thier sites can fill thier pockets. I have a suggestion for a new site though. There is an available site at; The Byre Woodend Lane Cromhall Wotton-Under-Edge Gloucestershire GL12 8AA I believe that's your company directors address and he seems to have more than enough space and spare rooms for his workers.
11th December 2020 at 12:42 pm
- Enzygo Hi, Thank you for your comments. At the current time, material produced by the local area which cannot be recycled is either landfilled or exported outside the area/country. In line with sustainable principles, the proposed development offers the local area with the opportunity to manage its non-recyclable waste and extract value from materials which will feed back into the local economy. Emissions will be very tightly controlled to comply with strict regulations/criteria under an Environmental Permit and ensure local air quality is not adversely affected in any way. The most advanced, up-to-date, proven technologies will form part of the processing systems so that the facility meets stringent emission limits. Furthermore, the latest safety controls designed to immediately shut down the plant if emissions exceed permitted levels will also be used. A white plume may occur (mainly water vapour) only when the fuel has a high moisture content or in certain, specific weather conditions.
  15th December 2020 at 2:28 pm