Technology

The ‘moving grate’ technology we’re proposing as part of this new application is very similar in many ways to the gasification technology that is central to the existing planning consent that we were awarded in 2017, with some important changes.

The key difference is moving grate keeps non-recyclable waste moving as it combusts. This makes it more energy efficient, able to meet more stringent emissions standards, and allows us to manage more non-recyclable waste from local homes and businesses. This is not only more environmentally and economically advantageous, but it is also in direct support of the Scottish Government’s landfill reduction policies.

Waste from homes and businesses that can’t be recycled will be used as fuel by the facility to generate heat, which creates steam. This steam drives a turbine to generate low carbon electricity which will be supplied to the transmission network and will be equivalent to the needs of around 45,000 homes.

Ash from the process is recovered and processed for use as a secondary aggregate in construction projects, for example in the construction of new roads. Metals are recovered from the process and are also recycled.

The heat created by the process can also be used by the existing facilities at Barr’s Killoch site, creating a sustainable source of heat energy for our existing office building and training facility. This is an important aspect of our proposals, as it is universally recognised that these facilities are at their most efficient when able to generate energy as both heat and electricity. Heat could also be supplied to other third-party operations and we’re keen to explore this as an option.