Agenda item

(A report by Vanessa Strange, Accessibility and Growth Manager, in connection with progress of the Verge Biomass Project)

It was reported that in 2017 Lincolnshire County Council attracted funding from the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership (GLLEP) to progress the Verge Biomass project.  This money was matched by private sector funding to design and build specialist equipment to cut and harvest verge side cuttings to be used in anaerobic digesters (AD) to create energy.  This work created national interest and so the authority hosted an event at Riseholme College to showcase the work done so far.  The report provided members which an overview of the progress to date and were also advised of the opportunity to see the machine in action following the meeting.

Members were advised that the successful bidder to build the machine was a Lincolnshire firm.  With the first trial, there was a lot of analysis carried out with Leeds University in terms of calorific value etc. and research showed that verge cuttings were a like for like replacement for maize, which was important in terms of future food security.  This would also start to give a cost to the material harvested.

It was also noted that systems such as AD could provide wireless connection opportunities for electricity going forward.

It was acknowledged that there were limitations with where it would be safe to cut, which would still need to be worked out.  However, the amount of partnership working which had gone into this project was emphasised to the Committee.  Work with the private sector had also taken place to deliver this project.

Members were advised that currently the biggest challenge was the Environment Agency as dispensation had been received for this trial, but there was still uncertainty around whether individual permits for each AD plant would be required.  Detailed conversations were taking place regarding flexibility on this matter going forward.

Members were provided with the opportunity to ask questions to the officers present regarding the information contained within the report and some of the points raised during discussion included the following:

·         It was queried what happened to the plastic which would be collected with the verge cuttings, and it was noted that there was an element of this which could be coped with, but it was noted that this was not particularly a problem on B roads, but was more of a problem around junctions.  It was noted that in those areas with major litter problems, the grass may not be collected.

·         It was noted that some of the machines used on the continent did have the capacity to collect waste plastic in verges.  However, it was noted that whether the plastic was collected as well would depend on whether the facility the verge cuttings was taken to could cope with the rubbish as well.

·         It was suggested whether it would be worth talking to the Horncastle MP.  Members were unhappy that further implementation of this project could be delayed due to permits from the Environment Agency needing to be purchased which could affect the financial viability of this material.

·         It was noted that this project would turn grass cuttings into a profitable product.  AD plants were currently using a mix of products, and a certain amount would be stored for use as feed stock through winter.  There was also the potential for a much longer cutting window.  It was noted that there was no reason that the number of cuts could not be increased if it was economically viable.

·         In terms of the Environment Agency, an exemption had been granted for the previous work on this project.  But there were still discussions to be had regarding how the verge cuttings would be classified.

·         It was noted that any parish council could approach the County Council for additional cuts, and it was confirmed that there were a number of arrangements with parish councils in place.

RESOLVED

            That the content of the report be noted and that the direction of the project be supported by the Committee.