Technologies

The Eco Park at Charlton Lane will use batch oxidation system gasification and anaerobic digestion to process household waste and food waste respectively.

Batch oxidation system gasification

Batch oxidation system gasification is where waste is heated in compartments in reduced levels of oxygen to temperatures above 650°C. This produces a gas called syngas, which is then burnt in a secondary chamber. This produces hot flue gases, which are then taken to a boiler where steam is raised for the production of electricity.

The facility at Charlton Lane will treat 60,000 tonnes of residual waste a year. It will produce enough energy to power thousands of homes, as well as making the site self-sufficient for electricity and hot water. The process is strictly controlled and governed by an Environment Agency Environmental Permit, which closely monitors emissions.

Anaerobic digestion

The Eco Park will include an anaerobic digestion facility to process 40,000 tonnes of food waste a year and generate electricity. Anaerobic digestion is a process in which biodegradable material, such as food waste, is broken down by micro organisms in sealed, airtight containers in the absence of oxygen.

We will use wet anaerobic digestion technology, which is where food waste is mixed with water and put through the anaerobic digestion facility.

The process produces biogas - which is converted into electricity - and digestate, which is the mass left over when digestion is complete. It can be used in place of artificial fertilisers and peat. The building is sealed, as are all of the large containers where the process takes place, to ensure that odours are strictly controlled.