Orbital to build biomethane-to-grid plants for UK water sector

Orbital Gas Systems, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CUI Global, has been awarded a contract to design, produce and commission its first-ever biomethane-to-grid plants for the UK water industry.

Orbital received the contract from a major UK energy provider. The agreement covers the provision of an initial biomethane grid entry unit (GEU) followed by a second unit, both valued at around $550,000 (€503,000) and to be delivered in 2020.

According to a statement, the UK energy company 'audited and assessed' Orbital's technical, innovation and support capabilities to create a long-term partnership in providing biomethane solutions. Orbital is also working on a biomethane GEU upgrade project with an existing customer, as well as a service contract to cover 9 GEUs and a standalone propane enrichment system for a biomethane GEU in France, the company's first biomethane project in western Europe.

Orbital's UK managing director, Tony Wimpenny, said: "These orders, along with the project portfolio, demonstrate that the renewable energy industry in both the UK and Europe continue to recognise and value Orbital's technical expertise in the field of biomethane and renewable energy production.

"We've identified the green energy space as a strategic pillar of our growth plan, in-line with toughening global governmental decarbonisation targets, leveraging our strength and reputation in this field."

"Orbital has consistently demonstrated its excellence and technical know-how in this market sector," commented Jim O'Neil, CUI Global's vice-chairman and CEO. "Our track record of achievement, world-class facilities and innovative technologies has enabled us to develop these relationships. We are looking forward to enhancing our partnerships and our presence in this exciting renewable/alternative energy marketplace in 2020 and beyond."

Orbital is currently completing upgrade works on the Poundbury Renewable Energy Plant in Dorset, UK. Commissioned in 2012, the Poundbury facility is the UK's first full-scale anaerobic digester and biomethane-to-grid plant, providing renewable gas (or biogas) direct to the local community. The plant provides enough biogas to power 56,000 new-build homes in the summer and 4,000 in the winter and was the first UK plant to inject biogas directly into the local distribution network on a full-scale basis.