Nexterra to Supply Biomass Gasification System to UK Power Plant

Nexterra Systems Corp. , Vancouver, British Columbia, a provider of energy-from-waste gasification systems, has signed a contract with construction firm MWH to supply a biomass gasification system for the Birmingham Bio Power Ltd. (BBPL) renewable energy power plant in Tyseley, United Kingdom.

Developed by U.K.-based Carbonarius, the plant will be capable of producing more than 10 megawatts (MW) of renewable electricity for sale to the grid. The project will create more than 100 engineering, project management and construction jobs and 19 full time jobs on site once operational.

Mike Scott, Nexterra president and CEO, says, “We are very pleased to be selected by MWH, Carbonarius and the investor consortium for our first project in the U.K. We believe that this is an attractive market for our gasification solutions and look forward to establishing our energy-from-renewable-waste systems across the U.K. Nexterra was first introduced to these U.K market opportunities by BAE Systems in 2011 as part of its commitment to Canadian industry, so it is rewarding to have signed this contract today.”

Ian Brooking of Carbonarius says, “Nexterra has demonstrated that they have a proven, robust gasification platform that will handle the wood waste feedstock available in the U.K. while still meeting the stringent UK emission regulations. We look forward to working with them on this and other projects in the U.K.”

The Nexterra gasification system is part of the £47.8 million (US$78 million) project that will use 67,000 metric tons per year of locally sourced recovered wood to produce steam that will be converted into electricity through a steam turbine and generator system.

Ian Miller of MWH says, “To execute this project we needed a gasification technology that was proven, reliable and bankable. After looking at different technologies we determined that Nexterra’s technology and track record was the best fit for the project. We look forward to working with them on this project.”

Nexterra will design and supply the biomass gasification-to-steam generation system from feedstock handling to emission controls, including four gasifiers, a high pressure boiler and a flue gas treatment system. The Nexterra system qualifies as an Advanced Conversion Technology (ACT) under U.K. legislation, meaning that the power generated by the project will receive the highest band of Renewables Obligation Certificates (ROCs).

MWH, an environmental, engineering and construction services company, will be responsible for construction and installation of the system as well as the balance of the plant, including the steam turbine and associated equipment used to produce the power.

The project is funded by an investment consortium that includes UK Green Investment Bank, Balfour Beatty plc, Eternity Capital Management Ltd., Foresight Group’s U.K. Waste Resources and Energy Investments (UKWREI) fund in which GIB is a cornerstone investor, and GCP Infrastructure Fund with the developer, Carbonarius.

This is Nexterra’s first project in the U.K. The company has delivered seven commercial plants in Canada and the United States. Export Development Canada (EDC), Canada's export credit agency, has provided support for this first UK Project.

Shaun Kingsbury, CEO of UK Green Investment Bank, says, “As the UK works towards its targets to generate more power from green sources, it’s important that we bring on new technologies. I’m pleased the Green Investment Bank has been able to support the first gasification plant of its kind in the UK and hope it offers a positive demonstration effect that others will follow.

John Rossall, BAE Systems industrial participation director, commented says, “BAE Systems’ support of Nexterra’s entry into the U.K. renewable energy market is part of a long-term commitment we have to the Canadian industry. Nexterra has a fantastic technology, and we are delighted it has secured its first project here. We hope this is just the beginning for Nexterra in the U.K. and we look forward to continuing our support to its growth in this market.