Emerson Automation Solutions helps convert coal-fired plant to biomass

Feb. 10, 2017
By the end of 2017, Lynemouth Power Station near Newcastle, Northumberland, U.K. will be fueled by approximately 1.4 million tons of wood waste per year, and supply the U.K. national grid with up to 390 megawatts of low-carbon electricity.

EPH Lynemouth Power Ltd. reported Jan. 18 that it's contracted with Emerson Automation Solutions to help convert its 44-year-old, coal-fired Lynemouth Power Station near Newcastle, Northumberland, U.K., to a new biomass-fueled power plant. The biomass project follows Lynemouth's recent sale from Germany-based RWE AG to Czech-based Energetický a Prumyslový Holding a.s. (EPH).

When the conversion is complete in late 2017, the plant will be fueled by approximately 1.4 million tons of wood waste per year, and supply the U.K. national grid with up to 390 megawatts of low-carbon electricity. The project supports Europe’s strategy of reducing greenhouse gas emissions while boosting renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Emerson will serve as main automation contractor and main electrical contractor, and its local experts will incorporate its Ovation solution and innovations from its recent Project Certainty initiative. It offers an integrated automation platform for applications including turbine, boiler, fuel handling and balance-of-plant processes, as well as electrical systems. Emerson will be responsible for demolition, engineering, installation, startup, commissioning and coordination of work among multiple suppliers and contractors.

Biomass power plants are challenging to operate because the moisture content of biomass fuels can vary, having a negative impact on plant performance. Technology integrated into Emerson’s Ovation solution continuously monitors fuel for moisture content, adjusting combustion air as necessary to improve plant efficiency and reduce maintenance costs.

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