Biogas Plants: Learning from the German Experience

As part of its bid to support renewable energy plant design, CAD Schroer has been looking into the difference between the German and UK biogas markets
 
CAMBRIDGE, U.K. - Dec. 8, 2014 - PRLog -- Cambridge, UK and Pittsford, NY – 20 November 2014: Over the past few years, the company has exhibited at a number of sustainable energy events, and is offering a 70% software discount on its MPDS4 3D plant engineering software to companies involved in the renewable energy market.

There are over 7,700 biogas plants in Germany. In 2013 there were only 97 biogas plants in the United Kingdom outside the water sector.

A biogas plant designed by WSP CEL with CAD Schroer’s MPDS4 Plant Design Software, which is available at a 70% discount for renewable energy projects

UK as a Growth Market

In 2013, Germany already had over 7,700 biogas plants. There, growth is levelling off sharply. In contrast, there were only 97 biogas plants in the UK outside of the water sector , but a predicted 40-50 more to be built within a year, with larger increases in the coming years.

What Can We Learn from Germany?

At a recent conference, CAD Schroer spoke with industry expert Ian Burgess of CHP plant and engine provider SEVA Energie AG. “Firstly, it takes too long for planning applications to go through in Britain,” Ian says. “The process is much quicker in Germany. In the UK …there’s a huge educational process required. People need to see first-hand that (biogas) doesn’t smell; it’s not loud; it’s good for the environment, and creates green energy.”

MPDS4 is ideal for medium to large 3D plant layouts, with fast routing options for piping and steel. Plant designed by WSP CEL.

The database-driven MPDS4 plant engineering suite offers tools for quickly designing 3D structures

The UK AD and Biogas Association

Ian also says that more regulations govern UK biogas plants. These keep changing, causing uncertainty in the market. “Costs rise if you need to install scrubbers and noise reduction technology, and pasteurise incoming bio waste,” he explains. “And if the feed-in tariffs don’t stay at an adequate level with a secure guarantee - especially if you need to buy in energy crops - there may not be a pay-back at all.” The UK AD and Biogas Association has been pushing hard for a clear and unified government policy regarding feed-in tariffs and heat incentives. In Germany, government regulations are set down and kept the same. Feed-in tariffs change every four years and are guaranteed for 20 years. This de-risks capital investments.

Concentrate on Food Waste

“Germany really pushed maize crops into the AD systems,” Ian explains. “This brings with it all the disadvantages of monoculture; plus this is land food could be grown on.” He thinks the UK should focus on food waste. “Large supermarkets can meet their own heat and energy needs, and provide enough extra to heat a small town by turning their food waste into biogas, rather than paying £70-80 per ton to send it to landfill.”

To achieve success in such a large potential market, with its burden of regulatory and financial challenges; two things are vital to vendors. Certainty about the engineering content bringing reliable control of capital costs and high quality 3D presentation of the project brings the highest chance of regulatory approval.

CAD Schroer is totally committed to this renewables market sector offering its MPDS4 3D plant design software at 70% discount; making it possible for renewable energy plant providers to plan, present and deliver projects to the highest possible standards.

Videos: 3D Plant Design Software:

http://www.cad-schroer.com/products/mpds4/plant-design.ht...

More about the 70% MPDS4 renewable energy plant design software discount:

http://www.cad-schroer.com/products/mpds4/sustainable-ene...

Contact
Kate Pottle
***@cad-schroer.co.uk
01223 460408
End
Source: » Follow
Email:***@cad-schroer.co.uk Email Verified
Tags:Biogas, Plant Design, Software
Industry:Software
Location:Cambridge - Cambridgeshire - England
Subject:Websites
Account Email Address Verified     Account Phone Number Verified     Disclaimer     Report Abuse
CAD Schroer UK Ltd News
Trending
Most Viewed
Daily News



Like PRLog?
9K2K1K
Click to Share