Ener-G: New technology 'makes small-scale anaerobic digestion viable for dairies'

Ener-G has launched a new sub 200kW thermal combined heat and power unit (CHP) that it claimed "makes small-scale anaerobic digestion viable for dairies and smaller farms".The new E200 biogas CHP technology provides a thermal output of 195kW thermal and an electrical output of 205kW electric at a total efficiency rating of 77.1%, Ener-G said.It could also maximise the financial return from both the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) and Feed-In Tariffs (FIT) - two schemes operated by the UK government that pay manufacturers to use renewable or low-carbon sources of energy. Its manufacturer estimated that a typical dairy running on a 24-hour cycle at 92% availability could generate a 20-year income of up to £5.7m from the initiatives.Ener-G sales engineer Laurence Stephenson said: "Our UK design team have packed a mighty heat punch of 40.7% efficiency into the new E200, without compromising on high electrical efficiency of 37.6%. The heat efficiency for a unit of this size is unmatched in the market, which is critical in boosting RHI returns to bridge the shortfall from dwindling FIT rates. It will accelerate the pay back on investment - making anaerobic digestion feasible for dairies, smaller farms and other sites."Many pre-accredited anaerobic digestion projects are stalling because of finance issues, particularly due to FIT digression. But with guaranteed higher rate returns from RHI, a typical small scale anaerobic digestion project should offer a payback within four years, providing a guaranteed profit stream thereafter. Ener-G's maintenance package guarantees a minimum 92% availability of power and heat production - providing added certainty in negotiating finance."