The first UK power station to start the conversion process to full biomass electricity production.
One of the most ambitious renewable energy investment projects in the UK over recent years.
Conversion to renewable energy
Following one of the largest civil engineering projects undertaken in the UK over recent years, Lynemouth Power Station (Lynemouth Power Limited 'LPL') is now a flagship site within the country's rapidly-growing renewable energy sector.
Playing a significant role in the transition to clean energy as part of global climate change and net zero efforts, the former coal-fired power station has been successfully converted from fossil fuel use to sustainable, low carbon, biomass electricity production.
This major conversion programme involved over 5,000 highly skilled personnel and a strategic supply chain that operated on a local, regional, national and international scale. The site, located on the Northumberland coastline, now generates enough clean power to supply approximately 450,000 homes.
Investment
Lynemouth Power Station is owned by parent company, EPH, a Czech-based organisation that has become one of the world’s leading operators with more than 20 global power plants.
The company’s commitment to the UK saw, as part of the £450m conversion programme, significant new investment which included the construction of six 194ft high silos, new fuel handling facilities as well as the reopening of the trainline from the Port of Tyne direct to the power station. Lynemouth was the first power station to start the process from coal to biomass in the UK, and is one of the largest in Europe.
“The UK energy market is important for EPH and we’re looking to work closely with Government and key stakeholders to invest in its future for long-term growth. We are fully committed to the UK and making LPL a trailblazing site.”
Tom Bains, CEO of EP UK Investments (UK division of EPH)
Sustainability
Lynemouth Power Station uses sustainably-sourced renewable wood pellets, primarily from the USA and Canada, which are transported to the UK by sea then onto the site via rail. LPL adheres to and meets strict, regulated criteria that is independently verified in relation to the calculation of carbon emissions arising from transportation. These are reported against current sustainability requirements under the RO and CfD.
Certification
LPL uses robust and independently audited certification systems for sustainable biomass across the whole supply chain from production and harvesting to transportation and use.
These include Green Gold Label (GGL) and the Sustainable Biomass Partnership (SBP).
Highly specialist facilities
Specially-constructed and fit-for-purpose fuel handling facilities at the Port of Tyne, as well as onsite at Lynemouth, hold approximately 75,000mt and 50,000mt of biomass wood pellets respectively. Strategic delivery partnerships with organisations at the forefront of their field have also led to the port’s storage facilities being awarded the BS OHSAS 18001:2007 accreditation.
Dedicated warehouse facilities at the power station also hold approximately 2,300 lines of specialist maintenance equipment, required specifically to enable 24/7 biomass electricity generation.
Strategic collaborations
Lynemouth Power Station encourages and places huge importance on maintaining successful, professional working and social partnerships, whether amongst its employees internally, with external contract partners and suppliers, with UK Government, regional agencies and trade bodies, or with local business and community representatives. It has become a key player in driving forward the renewable energy agenda, benefitting not only the country as part of net zero policy, but also having a positive impact on the North East’s economy.
The highest safety standards
Process safety is a crucial part of everyday operations and at the heart of LPL’s ethos, mission and values. LPL will, at all times, aim to fully protect site personnel and those visiting the plant. Lynemouth Power Station’s exceptional safety record is testament to the highly robust and ever-advancing systems, protocol and procedures in place, in particular, those newly implemented as part of the plant’s transition to biomass.
LPL fully complies with and adheres to very strict industry legislation as well as recognised health and safety codes such as ROSPA. This ensures the very highest operational standards at all times.
Suppliers
Selected LPL tenders are coordinated with EPH’s group procurement and can be viewed by clicking the link below.
Media
Significant Opportunities and Advances at LPL
Formerly a site of heavy coal-fired industry in an area steeped in generations of mining history, the transformation at Northumberland’s Lynemouth Power Station over the last decade plus is nothing short of remarkable.
EC&I Craftperson
An opportunity has arisen within the maintenance department at Lynemouth Power Station for a Craftsperson with an Electrical bias to work within our onsite multi-disciplined maintenance teams. The successful candidate will carry out maintenance and repair of all plant and equipment relating to both electrical generation and fuel handling activities.
A letter from the UK Government
The Rt Hon Alok Sharma MP, Secretary of State for the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), has written to all energy sector employees thanking them for their efforts during the current COVID19 crisis.
UK decarbonising faster than other countries…
Decarbonisation of the electricity grid has occurred faster in the UK than in other countries over the last decade according to a new report.
