Field trials to test a “biocoal” for coal-fired power stations have proved a success, according to Aberdeen-based Rotawave Biocoal.
The evaluation, conducted with SSE and Leeds University, was part-funded by the UK Government’s Technology Strategy Board, to assess the fuel as a more efficient and lower carbon alternative to coal.
According to Rotawave, owned by Aberdeen-based Energy Environmental (EEL), the 12-month evaluation proved the fuel could be used without expensive modifications to power plants.
The firm uses microwave technology to produce energy-dense pellets from wood, oil drill cuttings, refinery and food waste.
Mobeen Aslam, project design lead at SSE, said the tests had shown that the biocoal could be burned alongside normal coal unlike other biomass pellets.
EEL founder Bob Rooney said: “This will give governments an easier decision when reforming energy markets and meeting desperately-needed early decarbonisation targets.”