Press Release
RICHARD LOCHHEAD MSP VISITS FOCHABERS ESTATE
2 July 2008
The Crown Estate today demonstrated its latest renewable energy project at Nether Dallachy landfill site to local Moray MSP, Richard Lochhead.
Mr Lochhead was meeting with The Crown Estate’s chairman, Ian Grant, and Head of Customer Management for the Rural Estate, Alan Laidlaw. The group also met with representatives from Renewable Power Systems who set up the energy retrieval system and Moray Council which helps to operate the landfill facility.
The energy retrieval project, which began in June 2008, is projected to produce enough electricity to power for 1,300 households. Over the year the project will save the equivalent of more than 22,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.
The Crown Estate owns the Nether Dallachy landfill site. The Crown Estate Chairman and Scottish Commissioner, Ian Grant said: “The Crown Estate is keen to see imaginative renewable energy initiatives thrive on our Scottish estates. The Nether Dallachy project is a good example of how we can lead in responding to new demands for more environmentally friendly practices.”
The gas drainage system uses methane gas from the waste to generate a much needed energy resource. Whereas previously the methane gas created within containment cells was collected and burned in a flare stack, it is now being harnessed to bring power to hundreds of homes.
Touring the site, Richard Lochhead said: “The project at Nether Dallachy is an excellent example of alternative energy supply using gas escaping from the landfill site, which would otherwise just be burnt off.
“Methane is highly damaging to the atmosphere as it is a potent greenhouse gas. By collecting it and using it to produce useful energy the by-products are less harmful and the power produced also provides and economic benefit.
“Ideally the best situation would be no waste in landfill but we have a legacy of landfill that will continue to produce methane gas for many years and projects like this ensure that we at least make the best use of it.”
Renewable Power Systems, based in Bedford, installed the 20 tonne engine that generates the electricity and expects it will operate for the next 20 years.
Following his visit Richard Lochhead as Constituency MSP for Moray, was given an update on key activities on the Fochabers and Glenlivet estates including plans for assisting new entrants, affordable housing and community projects. The visit to the estate coincided with a visit of The Crown Estate Board as part of their regular programme of visits to see first-hand the management of the estates.
Alan Laidlaw, Head of Customer Management for the Rural Estate said: “Mr Lochhead has always taken a keen interest in our work in Moray. We pride ourselves on excellence on our award winning Moray estates, and this project is just one of the many initiatives we are progressing to support the local community.
“We are now planning on making further investment in affordable housing and looking to help new entrants into farming as well as other initiatives such as the renewable energy project here at Nether Dallachy.”
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