Hull gasification project secures 20m grant

The grant comes from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), which is managed by the Department for Communities and Local Government. Spencer Group said the grant, which is the largest for any energy generation scheme in England, was a key part of financing for the 100 million plus energy recovery plant.

The Energy Works facility is being proposed to treat different kinds of waste using fluidised bed gasification, in-vessel composting (IVC) and anaerobic digestion technology, producing enough electricity to power 25,000 homes.

Spencer Group said that once complete, the Energy Works facility will have a number of benefits including: potentially cutting waste sent to landfill by local authorities in Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire by 90%; increase recycling; and, creating 60 jobs.
Planning permission for the plant, which will be built on a 12-acre site on the east bank of the River Hull, was awarded in October 2011.

Reputation

Commenting on the facility, communities minister Baroness Hanham said: This plant will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to the security and diversity of the energy supply. Supporting this Hull-based company with public funding to pioneer these cleaner, more efficient technologies and sharing the learning gained from operating the plant, will help to roll out similar facilities elsewhere in the UK and around the world.

She added: The investment will create highly skilled jobs and contribute to the Humber areas growing reputation as one of the best places in the world to develop environmental energy businesses.

Spencer group chief executive Charlie Spencer added: We are delighted that the government and European Commission have recognised that Energy Works is an innovative, green and clean development which can be replicated elsewhere.

The grant is a key element of the funding model and enables the project to move forward.
Spencer Group is now moving forward with the implementation plans for the project and expected to achieve full financial closure on the project later this year.

Education

The Spencer Group has also partnered with the University of Hull on the scheme. Energy Works will promote renewable energy education through its Energy Academy on the site.

The Energy Academy will provide two positions to the University for postgraduate study of renewable energy. An educational resource centre will offer local small businesses and members of the public with opportunities to learn about the importance of striving towards sustainable and renewable means of electricity generation.