Rethink Reduce Reuse
ENABLING SUSTAINABILITY IN PULP & PAPER MILLS’ ENTIRE LIFECYCLE
Comment Contents
As we publish the Summer issue of Forest Bioenergy Review & PIM Renewable Energy, the drive for the move away from fossil fuels to more renewable sources continues apace.
Renewable power generation takes many forms such as solar, wind, tidal, hydro and bioenergy, all of which contribute to the aim to achieving net zero. What is interesting is the increasing development of secondary products derived from the forest-based biotechnology sector and energy production residues.
Unlike some renewable energy sources, bioenergy possesses the ability to use a mix of raw materials from forest harvesting operations to waste wood and even utilities waste. This gives the sector many advantages when compared to single source generation.
Looking to our next issue in Autumn, this year, we will be looking for contributions on the following: solar farms installation; combined heat and power technologies; plus multi-fuel solutions for energy production.
These should be submitted no later than 19th August by e-mail to Vince Maynard at: pulppaperlogistics@virginmedia.com
Vince Maynard, Publisher
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Weltek Biopower strengthens its presence in Japan
The German biogas specialist Weltek Biopower continues to be active on the Japanese market. Following the installation of several agricultural plants in recent years, the company from Lower Saxony has now reported an order for a 450 kW plant from the agricultural sector, as well as a 250 kW biogas plant in Yamagata Prefecture with additional Weltek Blue Water treatment, which is currently being implemented. In addition, a 450 kW plant for a pig farm near Nagano Prefecture is currently being planned. Thanks to its many years of project experience in earthquake zones – in Japan and Greece – Weltek Biopower can adapt its technical solutions to seismicallyactive areas in the shortest possible time using special structural engineering.
Two digesters are available in Yamagata Prefecture to feed the 80
tons of cattle manure per day, which is used exclusively for generating electricity and heat in the plant.
Weltek‘s scope of supply also includes two storage tanks, a pump container, a separation unit and the combined heat and power plant (CHP).
In addition to the biogas project, a Weltek Blue Water plant with a processing capacity of 50,000 tons of digestate (manure and wastewater from milk production) per year is currently being constructed. The treatment technology separates the digestate from the biogas plant in a multi-stage process into solid and liquid fertiliser and dischargeable water. The resulting solid phase offers a wide range of marketing options, such as use as fertiliser in the field or as bedding in stables. This enables the operator to make additional savings on transport costs by reducing the volume of the source material.
The distribution of output
materials varies depending on the dry matter content of the fermentation residue. In this project, the amount of solid fertiliser is around 3%, the nutrient concentrate 29% and the water 68%. Thanks to the sophisticated modular design, the industrial technology can be expanded in the future.
From 2025, the operators of the 450 kW plant will be filling a mix of 18 tons of cattle manure and food waste from the surrounding area into their digesters every day. Weltek‘s innovative modular digester system makes it possible to individually adapt the diameter and height to meet customers‘ volume requirements or local building regulations, such as height restrictions. Instead of the usual height of 6.30 metres, the digesters have been adapted to a height of 5.03 metres. At both plant locations, the electricity is fed into the grid
and the heat is utilised for efficient fermentation in the digesters. The fermentation residue from the 450 kW plant is processed in sewage treatment plants near the sites before being used as fertiliser. A further plant is currently being planned in Nagano Prefecture. The height of the digester is also adapted as a special solution to 05.03 metres and equipped with a capacity of 450 kW.
The installed, web-based Weltek Control software gives Japanese operators quick access to all important system parameters. The system with its intuitive user interface also simplifies feeding processes thanks to the FellowFeed and GuidoFill functions, as well as exportable reports as evidence for banks and experts. If faults occur, Weltek offers operators training and support via remote control.
More information: www.weltec-biopower.com
Iraq’s first fully solar-powered village
The Erbil-based Rwanga Foundation has announced the completion and official launch of the Kulak Solar Village, Iraq’s first fully off-grid, solar-powered community. This transformative project marks a new chapter in sustainable development and climate resilience for both the Kurdistan region and Iraq as a whole.
The village, which was inaugurated on 20 May, stands as a model of innovation, integrating renewable energy systems, sustainable agriculture and
climate adaptation practices. The initiative arrives at a critical time, as the region is facing escalating environmental challenges, including extreme heatwaves, water scarcity and rapid desertification.
“This project proves that we can protect our environment, empower our people and build a future rooted in resilience, dignity and hope. Our vision is to see this model grow across Iraq – one village at a time – until sustainability becomes the standard, not the exception,” stated Idris Nechirvan Barzani, Founder and President of the Rwanga Foundation
The Kulak Solar Village is powered entirely by solar energy, which provides round-the-clock electricity. Solar-driven irrigation might also be possible and there are plans to provide hands-on training programs in regenerative agriculture. The project serves as a replicable model designed to empower communities facing the harsh realities of climate change with the tools needed for energy independence, food security and ecological restoration.
With Iraq recently ranked by the United Nations as the country that is fifth most vulnerable to climate
change, this project represents a scalable solution to the urgent environmental and humanitarian crises facing the region.
The Kulak Solar Village is now fully operational, with plans underway to expand the model across Kurdistan and central Iraq by 2030. This effort will be implemented in partnership with regional authorities and international organisations, forming the cornerstone of Rwanga’s broader Green Kurdistan campaign.
More information:
www.rwanga.org
On 23 May, clean-tec innovator
Allye Energy unveiled the MegaMAX range consisting of two cutting-edge high-capacity battery energy storage systems (BESS), the MAX1000 and MAX1500. Designed specifically to address the urgent need for
grid balancing and infrastructure resilience, these systems deliver up to 1.5 MWh of dispatchable energy and instantaneous grid support, redefining the role of battery storage in modern electricity networks.
As electricity grids across Europe
face growing instability, highlighted by the recent Iberian Peninsula blackout and substation fires in London, Heathrow and Exeter, the need for flexible, fast-responding energy solutions has never been more critical.
Allye’s MegaMAX systems step in where the grid falters, offering ultra-fast frequency response and synthetic inertia to stabilise networks and prevent cascading failures. More information: www.allye.com
Enhanced forest harvesting equipment
New operator assistance features and enhancements have been introduced by John Deere on its 900 M-Series Tracked Feller Bunchers, 900 MH-Series Tracked Harvesters and 900 ML-Series Shovel Loggers. With a focus on customer productivity, the updates include an enhanced Dedicated Travel System, which has been updated for greater efficiency and is now a new feature on the 900 M-Series machines. In addition, the new Return-to-Level functionality and further undercarriage improvements help to enhance durability. The Dedicated Travel System isolates the travel functions from the other functions on the machine. This
enables the operator to focus on the task at hand by not allowing boom and swing operations to interfere and slow down the travel functions. The power balance and availability has also been optimised and can be adjusted between the upper and travel functions, allowing priority to the needed operations. Dedicated Travel is standard on the 859M, 953M and 959M Feller Bunchers, as well as the 959ML Shovel Logger. It remains optional on 853M and 903M Feller Bunchers and 859MH and 959MH Harvesters.
The new one-touch Return-ToLevel functionality combines multiple leveling system adjustments into one push-and-hold operator input. As the
machine moves to a different slope, the rotating upper can be brought to a level position (based on the parameters of the leveling system) by utilising a simple button function on the joystick. The individual leveling control buttons will remain. This new operator assistance feature has been combined with the field-proven John Deere Slope Monitoring system, which actively measures and displays the slope of the terrain to the operator. These two advanced features allow the operator to focus more on the application machine adjustments. They are available as the new Slope Management System, which is available as an optional upgrade on all John Deere 800 and 900 Series
leveling feller bunchers, harvesters and shovel loggers. In addition to these new performance and productivity features, all 800 and 900 Series leveling feller buncher, harvester and shovel logger models have received improvements to the leveling system cylinder pin joints. The leveling cylinder pins have been updated with a larger diameter, tighter machining tolerances and an improved grease path, enhancing the initial fit and ensuring grease is directed precisely where needed. These updates reduce bearing stresses under load and improve the system’s overall performance. More information: www.deere.com
Biomass power plant project completed in Hungary
International technology group
ANDRITZ has handed over a state-of-the-art biomass power plant to Hungrana, Hungary's leading sugar producer. The new plant marks a significant milestone in Hungrana’s efforts for increase sustainability and production efficiency.
ANDRITZ supplied the plant on a turnkey basis, from design and manufacture to erection of
the boiler and related equipment, including associated civil works.
Now fully operational, the modern plant enhances Hungrana's ability to produce steam from renewable resources, reducing its reliance on gas. It has the capacity to generate 32 tons of steam per hour at 12 bar(g) and 220°C using wood chips as fuel.
“We are very pleased with the timely completion of this project
and the high quality of the work provided by ANDRITZ,” said Zoltán Reng, CEO of Hungrana.
“The entire process, from initial design to final commissioning, was handled with great efficiency and professionalism. This new biomass power plant underscores our commitment to sustainability. We are proud of the positive impact it will have on both our business and the environment.”
Innovative hybrid and storage systems for a smarter grid
GreenPowerMonitor (GPM), a DNV company, has introduced significant advancements to its energy management solutions, designed to address key challenges in renewable integration. These innovations support the transition from fossil-fuelled peaking power to hybrid plants while ensuring grid stability. The updates include: Hybrid Energy Management System (HEMS), enabling seamless coordination between PV and battery storage, optimising internal power flow for efficiency, cost-effectiveness and grid compliance; and Enhanced
Energy Management System (EMS), improving battery storage performance by optimising energy dispatch, prolonging asset lifespan and maintaining grid reliability. Technologies such as energy storage enhance grid reliability by ensuring energy availability regardless of conditions. The latest HEMS system features aim to transform the renewable energy landscape. The GPM HEMS solution ensures hybrid project reliability and efficiency by maintaining grid compliance and optimising the performance of photovoltaic (PV)
and battery energy storage systems (BESS).
The GPM EMS system complements these capabilities by improving overall system efficiency, maximising the performance of the BESS and maintaining seamless grid integration.
BESS management is essential for maintaining overall grid stability and advancing this technology is key to achieving more efficient and resilient renewable energy generation.
Battery prices have been declining steadily, with a 14% drop in 2024 alone, a trend that is making 24-
The successful implementation of this project strengthens Hungrana’s position as an industry leader offering high-quality products while reducing its carbon footprint. It also highlights the expertise and reliability of ANDRITZ in delivering solutions for sustainable energy production that contribute to global environmental goals. More information: www.andritz.com
hour solar and storage power more accessible. GPM is meeting market needs and aiding advancements by pulling on its extensive experience, 90 GW under management, cuttingedge data science skills and support of more than 5,000 experts from DNV’s advisory departments. Ultimately, by reducing reliance on fossil fuels during peak demand, BESS and other hybrid energy storage systems will contribute significantly to lowering carbon emissions.
More information: www.greenpowermonitor.com
Transformative solutions from Senkron Digital
AI-powered energy performance management and OT cybersecurity solutions were launched at WindEurope 2025 by Senkron Digital. Showing its OnePact product and CyberPact service, the Amsterdam and Istanbul-based company highlighted efficiency, security, and operational continuity in renewable energy and critical infrastructure. Reinforcing its global vision with a renewed brand identity, Senkron Digital continues to be a trusted partner in digital transformation. Built on more than
three years of product innovation and proven market experience, Senkron Digital's flagship offerings reflect the company’s commitment to operational excellence and customer-centric innovation.
OnePact is an AI-powered performance management solution tailored for energy producers. With capabilities such as real-time asset monitoring, failure prediction and investment scenario simulations, OnePact is designed to maximise energy efficiency and operational resilience. It also supports energy storage feasibility analysis and
trading readiness, enabling energy companies to make smarter, more profitable decisions across wind, solar and hydro assets. CyberPact, on the other hand, delivers 24/7 OTspecific cybersecurity services. It aims to enhance the resilience of critical infrastructures through proactive vulnerability detection, continuous monitoring and compliance analysis. Backed by an expert-led OT Security Operations Centre (SOC), CyberPact empowers operators to reduce risk and ensure uninterrupted operations in an increasingly complex threat landscape.
With delivery hubs in Amsterdam, Istanbul, Dubai and Bangalore and growing global momentum, Senkron Digital is scaling up its presence across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the United States. With local teams in 11 countries, Senkron Digital continues to deliver added value to its customers by responding swiftly to regional needs. WindEurope 2025 once again demonstrated how the company’s strategic vision is globally recognised. More information: www.senkrondigital.com
Digital tool to optimise use of older wind turbines
The Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) is developing a digital tool to help wind farm operators decide whether to continue operating older wind turbines or replace them. The aim is to increase the efficiency and sustainability of wind energy use in Germany.
Every year, hundreds of older wind turbines reach the end of their intended service life. In 2024, 555 onshore turbines were decommissioned, while 635 new onshore units were connected to the grid. However, engineering studies show that many older turbines are safe and stable enough to be used for several more years.
For wind farm operators, the question arises: is it worth continuing operations? Are the supporting structures still strong enough? Is it worth retrofitting the turbines or is it more economical to dismantle them completely and invest in a new turbine? This decision is particularly complex in the offshore sector, where modern wind towers generate up to 20 MW and are thus three to four times stronger than older structures.
“So far, companies that operate wind farms have been left alone with this decision,” explained Ronald Schneider from the Wind@ BAM competence centre. “Every dismantling simultaneously ties up scarce resources in manufacturing and installation companies, as well as in the ships that transport
offshore wind turbines. These capacities are needed in Germany for an accelerated expansion of wind energy.”
Together with Jörss-BlunckOrdemann GmbH and RWE Renewables GmbH, a BAM team is developing a digital decision-making tool that takes all relevant aspects
into account. “We want to provide interested parties with a simple modular system so that they can make the optimal decision in just a few steps,” said Schneider. “There is a great demand for such a tool in the industry.”
More information: www.bam.de
UPM sharpens its focus on biofuels
On 27 May, UPM announced that, following extended technical, commercial and strategic evaluations, the company plans to discontinue the development of its potential second biomass-to-fuels refinery at the Port of Rotterdam. As a result, UPM plans to halt all engineering work related to the CAPEX investment in Rotterdam and to withdraw from all siterelated commitments associated with the Rotterdam investment. At the same time, it will continue to seek growth in biofuels by advancing the development of proprietary technologies enabling
the extension of feedstock options to other forms of competitive and sustainable biomass and the work related to the qualification and commercialisation of biofuels derived from Crude Tall Oil (CTO) for jet engine fuels.
“Renewable fuels and renewable chemicals are the central elements of UPM’s long-term growth in decarbonisation solutions. The Lappeenranta biofuels biorefinery will remain the nucleus of our growing biofuels platform,” said Harald Dialer, Executive VicePresident, UPM Biorefining and Technology.
Aligned with this strategic direction, UPM is focusing on three targeted growth areas in its biofuels business:
• Evaluating the potential to remove the Lappeenranta Biorefinery bottleneck in order to capture low capex expansion opportunities and further leverage the strong market performance of CTO-derived biofuels.
• Enabling the qualification of CTO-derived UPM biofuels as Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). This strategic direction is supported by successful SAF trials conducted with Austrian aircraft manufacturer
Diamond Aircraft using Austro Engine propulsion and by continued progress in the technical acceptance process at the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), where results from trials and stakeholder reviews have been consistently positive.
• Continuing feedstock technology development to qualify and enable the use of additional competitive and sustainable biomass, supporting the cost-efficient production of high-quality biofuels for both road and aviation applications. More information: www.upm.com
Biomass without the breakdowns
According to ecoprog, nearly 5,000 active biomass power plants generate over 83 GW of electricity worldwide, with 1,000 more expected by 2033. Matthew Slater, Director, Excitation & Engineering Services, explains how brushless excitation systems help biomass plants maintain stable voltage, reduce maintenance needs and ensure reliable grid compliance amid this growth.
Biomass power plants use organic feedstocks such as wood pellets, agricultural residues and forestry waste as fuel. These feedstocks combust in a boiler to generate high-pressure steam, driving a turbine connected to a synchronous generator. The turbine’s rotational energy is then converted into electrical power by the generator. These plants can operate as stand-alone power stations or in industrial cogeneration systems where electricity and thermal energy are produced,
Biomass generators face several challenges that directly impact their operational efficiency and reliability. Fluctuations in fuel, moisture content and energy density can impact combustion efficiency, leading to voltage and frequency fluctuations that jeopardise power supply stability.
In addition, biomass combustion generates significant ash build-up, residues and corrosive gases that can degrade equipment, increase maintenance costs and reduce operational lifespan.
Excitation systems are crucial in addressing these challenges. By regulating generator voltage and providing reactive power support, they
Engineer inspects an excitation system.
supply direct current (DC) power to the generator field windings, creating a magnetic field in the rotor that induces alternating current (AC) in the stator. When instability occurs, such as fluctuating fuel quality, the system rapidly adjusts the DC to maintain stable output.
A well-designed excitation system precisely controls the generator voltage, rapidly adjusting to load fluctuations. It can handle sudden shifts without triggering instability and normally includes features like
fault detection and quick corrective actions. This ensures compliance with regulations like the UK’s Grid Code and the Connection and Use of System Code (CUSC) while minimising downtime and reducing maintenance needs in challenging conditions.
In brushless excitation systems, a rotating exciter mounted directly on the generator shaft generates an AC supply, which is rectified to DC and supplied to the field windings. This design removes the need for brushes and commutators, components that
are prone to wear and gathering carbon dust – common issues in static systems that can lead to reduced reliability.
Brushless systems offer fast voltage regulation, essential for smaller plants that must adjust to load fluctuations quickly. Their compact, self-contained design makes them ideal for decentralised biomass stations where space and consistency are critical. More information: www.excitationengineering. co.uk/consultancy
Briquetting technology in biocoal plant
In April, 2025, Europe’s largest torrefaction plant began operations in Joensuu, Finland, producing 60,000 metric tons of biocoal annually. Developed by NextFuel AB and operated by Joensuu Biocoal, the facility integrates C, F. Nielsen’s advanced mechanical briquetting presses as a key step in the
production process.
Biocoal is an energy-rich, carbonneutral alternative to fossil coal. Through torrefaction, biomass is heated in a low-oxygen environment at 200–300°C, removing moisture and volatile organic compounds. The result is a dry, high-energydensity material ideal for industrial
applications such as coal-fired power plants, cement factories and steel mills.
To ensure efficient and highdensity briquette production, the plant uses nine C.F. Nielsen BP6510 HD briquetting presses. These machines, equipped with 75 kW motors, generate an impressive
pressure of 2000 kg/cm², producing briquettes with a density of at least 1.0 g/cm³. With an output of nine metric tons per hour, the fully automated system aims for 24/7 operation, meeting the plant’s high production targets.
More information: www.cfnielsen.com
Modernising waste-to-energy plants for a decarbonised future
When looking to increase the availability and sustainability of its waste-to-energy plant located in NorthEast Bavaria, Germany, the Zweckverband Müllverwertung Schwandorf association turned to ANDRITZ for its expertise in flue gas cleaning technology. As well as the increased performance of the plant, the environmental factors have also been measurably improved.
Maximising efficiency and environmental performance are very important issues to the Zweckverband Müllverwertung Schwandorf (ZMS) association. Made up of 17 waste disposal authorities in North-East Bavaria, the association is already doing an important environmental job by collecting and
incinerating some 450,000 tonnes of municipal waste and transforming it into energy and district heating. However, it wanted to go a few steps further; in 2024, the association embarked on a major modernisation project at its Schwandorf plant. The project, named ‘Triphönix’, aims to renew the furnace lines of the wasteto-energy plant, ensuring improved
efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
Konrad Rieger, Technical Manager at ZMS, said: “We are very proud of our Schwandorf waste-to-energy plant, which has a long-standing history as an energy centre and is a vital energy supplier for the whole region. Since its inception in 1982, the plant has been feeding heat into the
Schwandorf district heating network, providing the neighbouring industries with production steam and supplying electricity to the public grid”.
ANDRITZ – a pivotal role
The plant's energy generation process involves using hot flue gases from waste incineration to generate high-pressure steam, which is then
used to produce electricity and heat. The three turbines of the plant operate with high efficiency through combined heat and power (CHP) and generate electricity, while the remaining low-pressure steam is used for district heating and industrial processes.
After more than 40 years of operation, ZMS decided to renew the furnace lines of its waste-to-energy plants as part of the ‘Triphönix’ project, but first, the flue gas cleaning system in furnace line 4 needed to be replaced. The association selected ANDRITZ for the challenging task of
retrofitting a new, state-of-the-art flue gas cleaning system due to its extensive experience in supplying decarbonisation technology.
The scope of supply from ANDRITZ included the replacement of the complete reactor and filter system, the reagent storage and supply system, and product discharge systems. ANDRITZ was also responsible for the engineering, delivery, installation and commissioning of the Circulating Dry System (CDS) TurboSorp.
“This was an interesting and challenging project for us,” stated
Johannes Meyer, Technical Project Manager for ANDRITZ. “We supported ZMS from the beginning of the tender phase, sharing knowledge and applying our expertise, which was crucial in a project such as this. We immediately developed a trustworthy partnership with the customer, as well as with the sub-contractors working on the project at the site.”
The renewal of the flue gas cleaning system was successfully completed, on time and on budget, in August, 2024, and is the first step in the significant ‘Triphönix’ project, which is scheduled for final
completion in 2031.
Rieger added, “This retrofit increases the availability of the unit, and enables ZMS to deliver reliable and affordable energy to the industry and households in the vicinity, and provide safe waste disposal for local authorities.
“Furthermore, the new flue gas cleaning system complies with stringent German environmental standards and stricter EU emission limits. ANDRITZ has played a pivotal role in the ‘Triphönix’ project and despite the challenges posed by limited space at the existing facility,
we successfully executed the project on time and within budget.”
A partnership into the future
Clearly, the efforts of ZMS and ANDRITZ in modernising the Schwandorf waste-to-energy plant highlight the importance of innovative solutions in achieving sustainability and decarbonisation goals.
“The modernisation of the Schwandorf waste-to-energy plant not only ensures a secure energy supply for the future, but also contributes to the region's environmental goals,” confirmed Rieger. “As the ‘Triphönix’ project progresses, the plant will continue to play a key role in providing sustainable energy solutions and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”
Meyer concluded, “This partnership serves as a model for other regions
and industries aiming to reduce their environmental impact and secure a sustainable future. This project proves that ANDRITZ is the perfect partner for tailored solutions, meeting both environmental and procedural requirements”.
The ZMS Schwandorf plant in numbers
The Schwandorf waste-to-energy plant supplies the neighbouring company Nabaltec with low-cost energy. The waste-to-energy plant also feeds heat into the Schwandorf district heating network and electricity into the public grid.
Energy generation in figures:
l The hot flue gases from waste incineration are used to generate high-pressure steam at a pressure of 72 bar and a temperature of 410°C
in the steam boilers. Of this, about 7% is used for the company's own needs and approximately 2% for the neighbouring industrial plant.
l The largest portion (about 91%) drives three turbines with generators (2 x 12 MW and 1 x 32 MW) installed in the Schwandorf waste-to-energy plant and generates electricity.
l As the steam passes through the turbines, it expands and can be extracted as medium-pressure steam (26 bar, 350 °C) or lowpressure steam (6 bar, 160 °C).
l The amount of extracted steam corresponds to about 55% of the originally generated high-pressure steam in the plant and is used for the internal requirements
of the waste-to-energy plant (about 29%), as process steam for production purposes in the neighbouring industrial plant and in the sewage sludge drying plant (about 54%), as well as for generating 90,000 MWh of district heating for the city of Schwandorf (about 17%).
l Of the electricity produced by the generators, about 20% is used for the company's own needs, while the remaining 80% is supplied externally.
l The energy content of the waste processed in the waste-to-energy plant in 2024 would substitute approximately 115 million litres of heating oil.
More information: www.andritz.com
The leading Nordic professional event for the forest-based bioeconomy, as well as the pulp and paper industry, is coming again in spring 2026!
Pulp & Beyond brings together the latest innovations, products, services, technologies, and key industry professionals from Finland and around the world.
Popular conference and excursion packages are also on the way, along with much more – stay tuned for more details!
Secure your company’s spot at the event
First female-founded wave energy company secures funding
Aberdeen-based ZOEX Ltd, the UK’s only female-founded wave energy company, is riding a wave of investment success after securing £531,000 funding, which included investment from Equity Gap, one of Scotland’s leading angel investment syndicates, The University of Strathclyde and Scottish Enterprise. These newlysecured funds will support long-term sea trials to validate the technology’s reliability in a real-world marine environment before commercially deploying at the end of 2025.
The private investment by Equity Gap has been matched by Scottish Enterprise unlocking a contribution of £196,000 from Innovate UK, enabling the company to scale up development of its wave energy converter technology. The 100 kW full scale prototype, which was tested in Aberdeen Harbour last year, will now be transported to Ordu, Turkey, and tested there for a year to assess the seasonal performance differences.
ZOEX was founded by awardwinning entrepreneur, CEO Ash Penley, who is on a mission to help the blue economy to decarbonise by replacing diesel generators with clean, costeffective wave power. Designed with versatility in mind, the ZOEX system can be deployed across various blue economy sectors such as aquaculture fish farms, offshore wind, oil and gas, and remote ports.
ZOEX is supported by Glasgowbased Malin Group, experts in end-to-end marine solutions, and Applied Renewables Research Ltd, which brings wave energy modelling and commissioning expertise from prototype to commercialisation. International interest is growing, with vital project partner OREN Energi AS, a renewable energy subsidiary of Ordu Municipality in Turkey, providing the project with a consented site in Ordu, which has ideal met-ocean data essential for testing the technology. To date, Penley has raised over a million pounds in public and private funding for the venture. Her
journey from a career in oil and gas to founding a clean-tech company in a male-dominated industry is a story of innovation, grit and purpose. Commenting on the project, she said:
“This investment is a huge step forward for ZOEX and for women in marine energy. Our technology has been designed not just to survive at sea, but to thrive efficiently, sustainably and at scale. We’re grateful for the latest backing from Equity Gap, Scottish Enterprise and The University of Strathclyde, who share our vision for
a cleaner, more resilient energy future”.
Fraser Lusty, Managing Director of Equity Gap, added: “At Equity Gap, we’re focused on backing bold innovation and exceptional founders. ZOEX ticks both boxes. Ash has built a solution with global potential and we’re proud to play a part in helping this technology reach the market”.
Derek Shaw, Director of Entrepreneurship and Investment at Scottish Enterprise, said: “Our investment in Zoex underscores our commitment to creating an
internationally competitive energy transition industry in Scotland. By supporting ambitious companies in areas such as wave energy, we can help them drive innovation and capitalise on the significant economic opportunities linked to the shift from the production and consumption of fossil fuels to sources of renewable energy”.
ZOEX’s innovative link-arm design allows it to mount on to any marine structure, giving it a major edge over competitors focused on single-use applications. Its compact form and survivability features, including impact-resistant floats, submerged survival mode and no mechanical end stops, make it suitable for harsh sea conditions.
Wave energy is unique because it is the most concentrated form of renewable energy on the planet, with power density much higher than wind and solar energy. With the global wave and tidal energy market projected to grow from $1.3 billion in 2024 to $19.8 billion by 2032, ZOEX is in place to lead in both niche and large-scale markets. More information: www.zoexpower.com
Ash Penley, CEO of ZOEX Ltd.
Full scale prototype under test in Aberdeen Harbour, Scotland.
Solar energy powers glass packaging company
Ardagh Glass PackagingNorth America (AGP-North America), an operating business of the Ardagh Group, recently celebrated the completion of the 13 MW DC solar project that will soon supply its Madera, California, facility with clean energy.
The Madera solar field, built, owned and operated by Longroad Energy, will deliver renewable energy to Ardagh, accounting for approximately 20% of the facility’s electricity demand.
In collaboration with Longroad, partners that made the solar facility a success include First Solar, Valta Energy, McCarthy Building Companies, Nevados and A-C Electric Company.
“Longroad Energy is pleased that our solar project will help AGP-North
Ardagh hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the solar project.
America to meet its impressive sustainability goals,” said Eric Barnhart, Vice-President, Corporate Development at Longroad Energy.
“We are proud to collaborate with AGP-North America and contribute to a clean and more resilient future.”
Leticia Gonzalez, Chairwoman,
Supervisor District 4, and Nick Salinas, Chief of Staff, from the Madera County Board of Supervisors, presented Ardagh with a Certificate of Recognition for completion of the solar field.
“This renewable electricity project in Madera is a testament to Ardagh’s commitment to sustainability,” said Brian Brandstatter, President and CEO of AGP-North America. “Beyond protecting the environment, we are investing in our local community and our customers. By enhancing our sustainability efforts, we are ensuring long-term value, reliability and costeffective solutions for the brands that rely on us. This initiative underscores our dedication to being a responsible and forward-thinking glass container manufacturer in California."
More information: www.longroadenergy.com
Fast forward to a clean future
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To control emissions in the best possible way, both technically and economically, we at Valmet offer you an unrivaled combination of innovative technology, automation, and lifecycle services to improve your performance every step of the way.
Explore our wide range of solutions, including dry flue gas cleaning, wet flue gas cleaning with condensate treatment and heat recovery, NOx control, flue gas desulfurization, and carbon capture pre-treatment solutions: valmet.com/emissions
