2008-11-13 : BEAT2 LAUNCHED AT DRAX

BEAT2 has been publicly launched at Drax Power Station today. BEAT2 is a software tool, developed by AEA Technology in association with North Energy, for the assessment of proposed biomass schemes. Commissioned by DEFRA and the Environment Agency in response to the Biomass Task Force Report, BEAT2 is intended to enable a more informed debate and overcome barriers in assessing the potential for biomass scheme development. BEAT2 provides a user-friendly interface, based on an ACCESS 2000 database, that enables assessment of the potential benefits, as well as associated environmental impacts, of biomass technologies.

The launch event included a tour of the Biomass reception and handling facilities at Drax Power Station, which is located at Selby, North Yorkshire. Nigel Mortimer and Andrea Ashley attended on behalf of the North Energy team. The launch aimed to introduce stakeholders to the functions and capabilities of BEAT2, including a hands-on demonstration by AEAT staff. It followed a BEAT2 Training Day which took place in London on 12th November.

BEAT2 is being hosted by the Biomass Energy Centre’s website – please see links below.

www.biomassenergycentre.org.uk
www.aeat.co.uk

2008-07-17 : Glyndebourne makes it 100% success for North Energy

Approval for world famous Glyndebourne's wind turbine thanks to North Energy!

The approval on 11 July 2008 by the Secretary of State, Hazel Blears, of the wind turbine for Glyndebourne Opera House in Sussex maintains North Energy’s 100% success rate with planning applications for wind projects.

In her decision letter Ms Blears said “the scheme would constitute the sensitive exploitation of a renewable energy source without significant detriment to the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.” She also said that any disadvantages were outweighed by the benefits.

The Glyndebourne project is a typical example of the services provided by North Energy to assist clients with finding the most suitable site for wind turbines and then guiding them through the United Kingdom planning process, delivering photomontage images, environmental impact assessment, wind monitoring services, public consultation programmes, and full pre- and post-planning application support.

North Energy's primary aim is to provide a sustainable solution which is specifically tailored to its client's requirements. In the case of Glyndebourne, the size of the wind turbine was selected to supply clean renewable power equivalent to the opera house’s total annual electricity requirement and to reduce the site’s carbon emissions by 70%.

Gus Christie, Executive Chairman of Glyndebourne Productions Limited, said, “North Energy’s consultancy has been invaluable; they advised us on the most effective and economic solutions to our renewable aspirations. North Energy’s planning expert, Adrian Smith, has been involved in the project at every level including the preparation of the extensive planning application documents, assessing, with the assistance of relevant specialists, the impact of the proposal on local wildlife, archaeology, ecology, landscape, shadow flicker, noise and traffic generation. North Energy prepared visual projections and spoke at local and public planning meetings as well as giving evidence at the Public Enquiry in February. North Energy’s consultancy presented a strong case which ultimately led to the decision by the Secretary of State.”

North Energy will now forge ahead with the installation of a wind monitoring mast at the site and will assist Glyndebourne with the purchase of a suitable wind turbine.

North Energy is currently working with clients in Morpeth, Northumberland, Birtley, County Durham, and near York and Selby in North Yorkshire, on investigations into renewable energy production from wind.

2008-02-15 : Royal Society Sustainable Biofuels Report

The New Year saw the eagerly awaited launch of the Royal Society "Sustainable Biofuels" Report on 14 January, to which Nigel Mortimer from the Sheffield office made a significant contribution as a member of the Working Group on Biofuels. This study looks at the scientific and technological developments that could help produce transport biofuels more efficiently, and covers issues such as the environmental and socio-economic impacts of biofuels.

The report can be found on the Royal Society's website. Further hard copies of the report can be obtained from: Science Policy Section, The Royal Society, 6-9 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5AG.