Decarbonisation Technology - February 2024 Issue

Feedstock prep ar ation zone

Fuels development production zone (r ecycled DME and diesel from 202 4 )

Fuels & CO storage area

Ad v anced gasication island

Carbon capture & hydrogen (CCH 2 ) production (from 2024)

ROCs accredited engine

Control room, oces, visitor centre & parking

Utilities

Figure 4 Sustainable Energy Centre (SEC) layout

joint venture between SHV Energy and UGI International – two of the world’s biggest LPG companies – the production plant will take waste from the local area and produce more than 50,000 tonnes of DME a year, or just more than 5% of UK LPG demand. The sustainable fuel will be used by the LPG industry to benefit off-grid homes and businesses. It is expected that up to 250 jobs will be created during the construction phase, with more than 60 full-time jobs once the plant is operational and dozens of additional indirect jobs across the feedstock and fuel off-take supply chain. While the initial focus was to prove the concept with plants in the UK and Europe, KEW is now in early business development in Asia and the US. It is considering partnerships and co-operation around the world, including emerging economies, specifically in Africa. Earlier this year, the company was delighted to take part in Africa’s Inaugural Climate Change Summit in Kenya, reaffirming its commitment to supporting decarbonisation across the continent after its successful Alpha Project in the country, funded by UK AID. To date, KEW has completed trials for implementing sustainable waste management infrastructure and supplying clean cooking fuel (DME) to households as an alternative to harmful fuels. However well-managed, firewood, charcoal, and kerosene used for daily cooking

produce smoke, greenhouse gas emissions, and toxic particulates, which can cause coughing and lung and respiratory disease, particularly among women and girls as they are responsible for preparing the household’s meals. Firewood and charcoal are also a cause of deforestation in tropical rainforests. There were positive outcomes from the trials, with households expressing a preference for cleaner alternatives for both their local waste management and cooking fuel. The company is looking to develop this project further by working with waste partners in the country, academics, and others to create effective local ecosystems. By tackling the problems of waste disposal and lack of infrastructure by turning local waste into sustainable low-carbon fuels like renewable and recycled carbon DME, or providing industrial fuel switching for their industrial facilities, it can help power local industry and communities and move to a circular economy. Conclusion In 2024-25, as it reaches the tipping point of going from a pre-revenue company to a commercially viable proposition for industry and investors, KEW’s advanced gasification technology is proving it can be a multi- functional solution for decarbonisation.

Amna Bezanty abezanty@kew-tech.com