Current region > Ireland
EBRI, Aston University
Value : Not disclosed
The facility, funded by the European Regional Development Fund and Aston University, is powered by renewable energy and includes pilot scale photo bioreactors harnessing algae, and a 0.4MWel small scale industrial power plant. The plant will generates heat and power from biomass, including sewage sludge, wood, algae and agricultural waste.
The research carried out in the facility includes generating biomass by-products including hydrogen power for low carbon vehicles or fuel cells and Biochar for use as an agricultural fertiliser and a source for decentralised hydrogen production.
The construction works retained the original building’s historic 1920s façade combining it with modern glass fronted laboratories. It also included fitting the extensive mechanical and electrical installations required for the biomass plant and the specialist equipment needed for its bioenergy research.
The extensive mechanical and electrical installations required for the biomass plant and the specialist equipment needed for its bio energy research included the installation of a gasifier to be used for research into the benefits of extracting reusable energy from carbon elements.