Flushing out new energy resources
20 Jun 2013
Southern Water has announced the completion of CHP plants at three locations which capture biogas generated during waste treatment.
The combined heat and power (CHP) plants harness the gas given off by waste in what the company has dubbed ‘poo power’.
The gas, which would otherwise have been burnt off in a flare, is now being used a source of producing renewable energy.
CHP plants help us reduce our carbon footprint while also cutting our energy costs
The CHP scheme, that is part of an on-going investment in carbon mitigation and energy efficiency, is providing heat and power to 16 wastewater and treatment works, with any surplus being exported to the National Grid.
The system also has the ability to reduce extended periods of downtime as the process is able to recover additional heat from the engine and exhaust via water from heat exchangers.
This allows the treatment tanks to be warmed up more efficiently without utilising additional energy resources.
Morné Cloete, Southern Water project manager, stated: “I’m sure our customers are delighted that they are helping us minimise the environmental impact of our business, dealing with their business – by generating electricity with poo power.”
“CHP plants help us reduce our carbon footprint while also cutting our energy costs,” added Cloete.
Southern Water has estimated that its carbon emissions will be reduced by as much as 3,000 tonnes per year and it expects 20% of all its energy uses to be generated from renewable sources by 2020 - a 5% increase on its current capabilities.
