The proposed Teesside power station.
Illustration courtesy Heatherwick Studio
Published January 27, 2010
Most people wouldn't want to live within a stone's throw of a volcano. But the residents of Stockton-on-Tees in northeastern England may soon rely on their friendly neighborhood "peak" for green power.
With construction due to start in late 2010, a proposed tower of power (pictured above in a design by Heatherwick Architecture) would produce energy and heat for more than a hundred thousand homes, organizers say.
The volcano-shaped biomass station was designed to blend into the surrounding grasslands close to Middlehaven, a derelict former industrial area that is being "regenerated" into a community with striking architecture, said Matthew Day, project director for development at Bio Energy Investments.
Rather than building a small, inconspicuous station, Day said, "we thought, no, we're going to celebrate our power station and do something big and bold."
(Related: "High-Tech Energy "Oasis" to Bloom in the Desert?")
Palm kernel shells—waste from palm-oil plantations in Malaysia—would run the 279-foot-high (85-meter-high) biomass plant, ensuring that no existing agricultural land is switched to growing biofuels rather than food.
The waste shells would be delivered by ship to the riverside plant, reducing traffic on local roads.
The plant's entire operations—including fuel transportation from Malaysia—would reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 80 percent as compared with running a coal-powered plant, Day said, and no black cloud of smoke would be visible from the "dead quiet" station. (Learn more about biofuels.)
Being so close to a residential area also has a key advantage: Waste heat thrown off during electricity generation can be captured and used to heat nearby houses. This would also be a step in creating lower-carbon communities, Day said, adding that local people have been extensively consulted for the project.
"What we're trying to do is put in a power station that is connecting with an urban area in a much more engaging way than trying to hide it and put it to the side," he said.
Recent Energy News
-
Bubble Curtains: Can They Dampen Offshore Energy Sound for Whales?
Oil and wind power companies are testing a novel technology—air bubbles—to shield marine mammals from the sound of their offshore operations.
-
Iran's Undisputed Weapon: Power to Block the Strait of Hormuz
Although Iran's ability to throw the global economy into chaos has long been recognized, there’s no ready alternative for moving oil out of the Strait of Hormuz.
-
Green Moves: Medellin Cable Cars, San Francisco Parking Reform
Two cities renowned for hilly terrain and cable cars share in international prize for sustainable transport.
Advertisement
From the Web
-
From Huffington Post: Wolf Fosters Kitten
Adorable footage shows a pet wolf looking after a tiny kitty.
-
From Huffington Post: Rare Albino Hummingbird Spotted
The tiny bird was seen visiting a backyard in Virginia.
The Great Energy Challenge
-
Energy News and Perspective
Discover thought-provoking stories and conversation on the Energy Challenge Blog.
-
The 360° Energy Diet
Follow households around the world as they try to slim their carbon footprints.
-
Personal Energy Meter
See how you measure up, and find out how making simple changes at home can help.
ScienceBlogs Picks
Special Report: Shale Gas Rush
-
A Dream Dashed by the Rush on Gas
The shale gas industry maintains that it protects drinking water and land. But mistrust has been sown in rural communities.
-
New Jobs Through Energy
The industry promises jobs to a state badly in need of an economic boost, but the work so far isn't where you might expect it to be.
-
Mapping a Gas Boom
Track the growing mark that energy companies have etched on Pennsylvania since first producing natural gas from shale.
Special Ad Section
Great Energy Challenge Blog
Green Living Hot Topics
-
Organic Air Fresheners
Avoid toxic chemicals and create a calming space.
-
Surprising Recyclable Household Items
With a little know-how, you can recycle more than you think.
-
Side Effects of Vegetarianism
Find out how to stay healthy and eat lower on the food chain.
