Beer
Castle Rock brewery to use green-energy brewing process
The H2AD Micro AD scheme is designed to convert waste into cleaner energy and water.
Methane gas, a normal product of the beer’s brewing process, is converted into electricity through an anaerobic digester — a biological process where organisms break down into biodegradable material without oxygen.
The scheme aims to reduce energy bills by up to 70% and is said to be one of the few renewable energy brewing schemes in the UK.
‘Reap the rewards’
Castle Rock managing director Colin Wilde said: “We create a great amount of carbon-based waste from barley, hops and yeast.
“The brewing process leaves thousands of litres of water fit only for returning as sewage. Now these disposal issues are resolved.”
He added: “The test-beds prove how naturally occurring bacteria and our waste, heated to around 30˚C, can create something useful in a continuous and very cost-effective process.
“Once it’s up and running, all we have to do is pump the waste in and reap the rewards.”
The project was made in collaboration with the University of Nottingham and a local manufacturing company, Lindhurst Engineering.
Reducing energy consumption
Head of research and development Dr Laura Porcu said: “The technology significantly reduces chemical oxygen demand levels, energy consumption, and carbon emissions.
She added: “The most significant feature is that it allows all companies, big or small, to look at their environmental responsibilities.
“The H2AD Micro AD is not only plug in and play but, more importantly, low cost, modular and scalable with a smaller carbon footprint compared to traditional AD.”
Lindhurst Engineering’s chief executive Martin Rigley said: “In the light of the Paris agreement for climate change, our technology allows all companies and organisations in all countries, developed or developing and irrespective of size, to engage with renewable energy and reduce their carbon emissions and footprint.”
