Harper Adams builds biomass generator

, Shropshire, has developed and installed a prototype biomass generator in partnership with Stafford-based

.

The system is capable of producing 100kW of renewable electricity and 200kW of heat from the combustion of biomass. It can provide Harper Adams with 25 per cent of the college’s electricity and 50 per cent of the heat required at a major cluster of buildings, saving over 14 per cent of the purchased energy costs and an estimated 648 tonnes of CO₂ per year.

The Combined Heat and Power (CHP) generator is the first system in the world to incorporate an indirectly fired micro-air turbine. It has been demonstrated to and attracted interest from government bodies and commercial businesses.

A number of orders for the system have now been placed, which has enabled Talbott’s to invest in the further development of the generators. Two units are currently in production for export to Switzerland and Italy. The generator is designed for rural and urban settings and is suitable for installation on farms, large estates and public buildings.