Essent is testing new types of biomass at the 100% biomass plant in Cuijk

Essent is starting to test new types of biomass at its power plant in Cuijk. As from today, among others, dried grass/sieving overflow, woodchips and paper pulp will be used for the production of green energy. The test is part of the so-called ‘Cuijk 2.0’ Green Deal, which Essent entered into with Dutch Minister Verhagen of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation in order to arrive at more (innovative) sustainable energy.

"We will be testing the new biomass during the next 6 weeks", said Peter-Paul Schouwenberg, project manager of Biobased Economy at Essent. "We will then evaluate the tests and examine the consequences on the power plant's technical installation. Following the tests, we will also take a closer look at the availability of the materials and the logistics relating to the new biomass, such as the opportunity to connect a heating grid to the power plant, with which companies in the vicinity can be heated". To perform an effective investigation into a potential heating grid, Essent shall request a so-called SDE + subsidy.

Opportunities for businesses

"It is good that tests are being conducted with new types of biomass at the power plant", said Michiel van Veen, alderman in Cuijk. "It offers opportunities for the businesses in the surrounding area."

Investigation into the optimum use of biomass

In addition to the practical tests in Cuijk, Essent is also starting to research the optimum use and cascading of biomass. Which means that as many valuable substances as possible are extracted from biomass for use in, among others, medication, food and cosmetics, and the remaining parts are advantageously used for energy and heat production. This forms the basis for the so-called ‘biobased economy’, in which Essent is involved.

About the bio-based economy

The bio-based economy offers new opportunities in the Netherlands for employment, the knowledge economy, agriculture, the chemical/pharmaceutical industry and the energy sector. Because of the central location of the Netherlands and the strong logistics sector, Rotterdam has the potential to develop into the largest biomass harbour in Europe.

Read more

Read more about Essent’s vision on the bio-based economy.

Published: 10 January 2012