SIMEC Atlantis Energy PLC(LON:SAE) said combustion tests have confirmed that waste converted to pellets can be burnt successfully to fuel the Uskmouth power project in Wales.
Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems (MHPS) is designing and developing the combustion unit at the plant and undertook the heavy industrial test at its research plant in Nagasaki in Japan.
Simec said the test conclusively proves that a fuel burner based on Mitsubishi’s technology can burn the waste-derived fuel stably and without any fuel or gas as support.
The burner was able to operate continuously at 25MW thermal power using the fuel and was comparable in rating to the burners required for the Uskmouth Conversion Project.
Flue gas emissions were within anticipated levels, added Simec, and the burner was able to achieve expected low NOx (nitrogen oxide) performance while maintaining low carbon monoxide levels.
Simec added that final stages of the pre-EPC detailed design contract are now underway, which will include boiler and gas flue refurbishment.
This should be completed in the final quarter of this year at which point MHPS will be in a position to make an offer to supply the combustion system.
The bespoke fuel pellets contain approximately 50% biogenic waste material (such as paper and cardboard), with the remainder made up predominantly of plastic waste, Simec added.
The waste used to make the pellets is not currently economically recyclable, it pointed out, and would be sent to landfill if not used in fuel pellets.
Tim Cornelius, SIMEC Atlantis’ chief executive, said: "The successful completion of the fuel combustion testing is a major milestone for this flagship conversion project and represents a very important step in the program towards achieving financial close.
"This project is the world's first example of a coal-fired power station being repurposed to run on 100% waste-derived fuel pellets."
Falk Hoffmeister, vice president head of service of Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems Europe, added: "We've always believed that the successful completion of this large-scale testing will open up a huge new market globally for MHPS and Atlantis for future similar conversions.
"The testing couldn't have gone better and we are delighted that the results pave the way for this successful project and huge global, future opportunities."