Cornwall ERC Biomass Power Plant | Cornwall, United Kingdom

Cornwall ERC is a biomass power plant located in Cornwall, United Kingdom, with a capacity of 20 MW. The facility is owned and operated by SUEZ, a global leader in waste management and resource recovery. As a biomass plant, it uses waste as its primary fuel, generating electricity through combustion. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the United Kingdom, which includes emissions standards set by the Environment Agency and compliance with the Industrial Emissions Directive (2010/75/EU). Biomass power plants of this scale are typically designed to meet strict emission limits for SOx, NOx, and particulates, often employing flue gas treatment technologies. Cornwall ERC plays a role in the local energy grid by providing a renewable source of electricity. Its operation supports waste management by diverting waste from landfills, reducing methane emissions. The facility contributes to the UK's renewable energy targets and provides a sustainable energy solution for the Cornwall region.

The plant's use of waste as fuel reduces landfill waste and associated methane emissions, but combustion releases CO2 and other pollutants. Located in a rural area of Cornwall, the facility's emissions are regulated under UK and EU standards. The 20 MW capacity places it in the small-to-medium scale for biomass, with typical environmental impacts including air quality management and ash disposal.