Construction has been completed on Tamar Energy’s 2MWe Anaerobic Digestion (AD) facility in Halstead, Essex. It is now being tested and brought up to speed – ‘commissioned’ – with the first electricity generation from food waste expected at the end of July.
The facility will produce 2 MW of renewable energy, enough to power more than 4,000 homes, from approximately 45,000 tonnes of food waste per year that could otherwise end up in landfill. The AD process also produces a nutrient-rich biofertiliser, and a network is being set up of farmers interested in using it on their land in place of petro-chemical fertilisers.
Tamar Energy is working with waste management parties, including Essex County Council, the waste disposal authority working on behalf of 13 waste collection authorities, to ensure local food waste is converted into renewable energy at the Essex-based facility.
The Halstead AD facility’s construction was rated as “Excellent” by the prestigious Considerate Constructors Scheme. Over 100 construction workers were involved with many of the activities being undertaken by local firms, providing a boost to the local economy.
Willie Heller, Tamar Energy’s Chief Executive said: “Completing construction of the Halstead facility marks another important milestone for us, with an exemplary focus on health and safety and showing consideration for the local community throughout the process.
“The project teams of principal contractor Barhale, technology partner Monsal and Tamar Energy have demonstrated a genuinely collaborative approach to execute this project to such high standards.”
People living locally can find out more information about the facility at www.halsteadAD.com or by Freephone on 0800 840 1229 between 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday.