100% biodiesel CHP starts trials in UK

Nick Brown, MP, Minister for North East England (left) opens a state-of-the-art biodiesel CHP system at the New & Renewable Energy Centre. The Clothier Laboratories at the Hebburn research centre will host the first demonstration project in the UK of a new generation of CHP engines fuelled by 100% biodiesel. Japanese firm Yanmar has installed two engines and will work with NaREC, Newcastle University and local partners in collaborative research to power, monitor, appraise and develop the engine to enable it to be brought to the UK market within the next three years. Yanmar intends to develop the engine to comply with various types of biofuels in the world through these tests. The investment and aftercare team at regional development agency One NorthEast worked with Yanmar to secure the project. Nick Brown said, ‘The knowledge which will be gained from research into this area will help increase the overall prosperity of our region and is a wonderful example of the North East’s commitment to leading the way in exploring and mastering emerging new technologies.’ Also in the photograph are (from left) Hiroshi Kanda (managing director of Yanmar), Margaret Fay (chairman of One NorthEast) and Andrew Mill (CEO of NaREC).