Emerson Selected to Help Convert UK Coal-Fired Plant to Biomass

Lynemouth plant to produce low-carbon electricity, supporting Europe’s goals to increase renewable energy sources, reduce pollutants

PITTSBURGH--()--EPH Lynemouth Power has awarded Emerson (NYSE: EMR) a contract to help convert the 44-year-old coal-fired Lynemouth Power Station to a new biomass-fueled power plant. As main automation contractor and main electrical contractor, Emerson is responsible for helping the project come online within budget and on time.

When the conversion is complete in late 2017, the plant, near Newcastle in the United Kingdom, will be fueled by approximately 1.4 million tons of wood waste per year, supplying the national grid with up to 390 megawatts of low-carbon electricity. The project supports Europe’s strategy of reducing greenhouse gas emissions while boosting renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Emerson’s ability to deliver full-scope project execution will help streamline workflow, mitigate risk and reduce costs. Emerson’s local team of experts will incorporate project innovations that are key to its Project Certainty initiative in order to deliver the project on time and within budget. Emerson will be responsible for demolition, engineering, installation, start-up, commissioning and coordination of work among multiple suppliers and contractors.

Unlike other suppliers, Emerson offers a single integrated automation platform for all applications – turbine, boiler, fuel handling and balance-of-plant processes, as well as electrical systems. This capability, along with the company’s project management expertise, were critical factors in EPH Lynemouth Power’s decision to select Emerson and its Ovation® solution for this project.

“Relying on a single supplier and a single technology platform for both the automation and electrical scope provides our client a number of benefits,” said Bob Yeager, president, Power & Water, Emerson Automation Solutions. “From a planning perspective, having a single interface and contract for design, engineering and delivery improves overall project efficiency. On the operational side, utilizing one technology platform will simplify plant operation and enhance plant performance on an ongoing basis.”

Biomass power plants are challenging to operate because the moisture content of biomass fuels can vary, having a negative impact on plant performance. Technology integrated into Emerson’s Ovation solution continuously monitors fuel for moisture content, adjusting combustion air as necessary to improve plant efficiency and reduce maintenance costs.

According to Yeager, the demand for biomass-fueled power continues to grow as utilities diversify their generating portfolio to meet evolving environmental mandates.

“We are helping the industry meet its targets by seamlessly bridging the automation and electrical aspects of these projects, resulting in a total solution that has a positive impact on the plant’s commercial and operational success,” Yeager said.

Note to Media: Photos available upon request.

About Emerson
Emerson (NYSE: EMR), headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri (USA), is a global technology and engineering company providing innovative solutions for customers in industrial, commercial, and residential markets. Our Emerson Automation Solutions business helps process, hybrid, and discrete manufacturers maximize production, protect personnel and the environment while optimizing their energy and operating costs. Our Emerson Commercial and Residential Solutions business helps ensure human comfort and health, protect food quality and safety, advance energy efficiency, and create sustainable infrastructure. For more information visit Emerson.com.

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Contacts

For Emerson
Denise Clarke, 512-899-0004
Denise.Clarke@fleishman.com

Contacts

For Emerson
Denise Clarke, 512-899-0004
Denise.Clarke@fleishman.com