Excellence in Galvanizing
Worksop Galvanizing has played its part in a renewable energy project that will turn farm and food waste into electricity with the potential to power over a thousand homes.
The plant has galvanized more than 120 tonnes of structural steel used to build an Anaerobic Digestion (AD) plant at St Nicholas Court Farm in Kent. Robinson Structures Limited and the main contractor Torran Construction Limited have used the steel to build the AD unit, which will convert maize, and potentially grass and damaged potatoes, into electricity.
Anaerobic Digestion is a natural process which converts organic matter, such as food waste, animal slurry, and crop residues, into renewable energy. The waste is stored in sealed tanks without any oxygen, where naturally-occurring organisms digest it and release methane-rich biogas, which is used to generate electricity, gas, or heat. The leftover waste can also be used as a fertilizer packed with nitrates and phosphates.
The new AD plant has been constructed alongside an existing array of solar panels at the farm, and will produce around 4.4 megawatt-hours of electricity per year, enough to power the farm and around 1,200 homes.
Paul Robinson, Commercial Manager of Worksop Galvanizing, said: “There is currently a massive growth in the construction of AD plants across the UK, as they are considered an environmentally and financially-viable method of creating renewable energy. Galvanizing the steelwork used to build the plant will provide long-lasting protection against rust and corrosion, helping to ensure the longevity of the structure.”
Edward Gregory, Sales Director at Robinson Structures Limited, Derby-based steel frame building specialist, commented: “We have a great working relationship with Worksop Galvanizing who we have partnered with for many projects. They always provide a quick turnaround time when we require our steel to be protected against corrosion.”