Blackburn Meadows Renewable Energy Plant
A combined heat and power (CHP), Blackburn Meadows Renewable Energy Plant that is permitted to process up to 250,000 tonnes a year of Wood Waste to generate 29 MWe and up to 25 MWth.
The facility is located on the site of the former Tinsley cooling towers in Sheffield, and the Wood Waste is sourced locally within 50-miles of the plant.
Site Details
| Operator | E-On UK Infrastructure Services Ltd |
|---|---|
| Site | Blackburn Meadows Renewable Energy Plant |
| Permit No | LP3131TA |
| Plated | 250000 |
| Status | Operational |
Plant Description
The plant is based on standard combustion via a single bubbling fluidised bed technology producing up 34MWe (30MWe exported) from waste wood based on 24 tonnes per hour of fuel at 14MJ/kg{4].
The facility raises steam for a single turbine, but also exports up to 25MWth to local businesses[4]{5].
The facility had a 10 MW battery installed after it was awarded a contract to support the national grid’s stability requirements, which became operational in 2017[1].
History
The Blackburn Meadows facility is operated by E.ON Energy and became operational in 2015 after beginning construction in 2011 and cost around £120m[1][3]
The unique architectural work was undertaken by BDP, which includes an orange translucent clad boiler house that is internally illuminated[2].
The generated electricity is exported to the national grid and the heat is supplied as hot water to local businesses through a district heating network, including the Sheffield Arena and Forgemaster Steel Works[2][4].
References:
- E.ON Website
- BDP Website
- Bioenergy Insight Website Article Jun 2014
- Annual Report 2024
- Permit Variation Notice 2023
