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Biomass demand at UK’s Immingham to quicken

This would see the share of biomass in the port's total dry bulk throughputs increase to 27pc in 2020 from just 0.3pc in 2011. And biomass throughputs will total 10mn t in 2030, which will account for 32pc of the port's forecast dry bulk throughputs, Immingham port said in its 2030 masterplan.

“The port has seen volumes of biomass steadily increase over recent years and this trend is expected to accelerate dramatically as power-generating companies diversify their fuel requirements to meet UK and EU emission regulations,” Immingham said. “With its deepwater facility, the Port of Immingham is in a strong position to take advantage of the emerging demand for imported biomass.”

The port discharged a 46,000t wood pellet cargo in August, which was delivered to a large Aire Valley coal station, and expects to see further deliveries this year.

Several biomass developers are mulling the construction of plants close to the port. The UK's Real Ventures has received planning approval for a 49MW dedicated biomass facility at the port, while utility Centrica plans to build a 137MW facility in nearby Brigg.

UK generator Drax's plan to build a large 300MW dedicated facility at Immingham has been postponed while the company concentrates on converting three of its six coal-fired units to biomass. But Drax said its plan will progress in the long term.

In addition to Drax's biomass conversion plans, Eggborough Power aims to convert all four units at its 2GW coal-fired plant. Immingham is the nearest port to these plants, which would consume more than 15mn t/yr of wood pellets if all units undergo conversion.

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