HGCA assists unique self-sufficient bio-fuels project

A Nottinghamshire-based group is taking advantage of a unique opportunity to produce biomass using its own raw materials, with the help of a £36,000 award from the Home-Grown Cereals Authorityís (HGCA) Enterprise Awards. The awards promote innovative uses for UK grain.

The group "Phoenix Fuels" comprises of fresh produce, cereal and oilseed producers. They have joined forces to capitalise on the increasing need for renewable fuel by combining the land, agri-business skills, marketing experience and innovative flair of the shareholders, to grow and produce their own fuel.

The funding has been awarded for the production of biomass in the form of briquettes and pellets, using a by-product from producing biofuel. These briquettes and pellets, which can be used in solid fuel heating systems, benefit from a high energy content, a low energy production process, and they are clean and easy to handle. Both are suitable for domestic use, while the pellets will also be aimed at commercial and community uses, and the briquettes for retail use.

Phoenix Fuels has already conducted considerable research into producing both solid and liquid products from rapeseed, and has sourced equipment which is currently being installed. The HGCA funding will focus on the completion of solid fuel development, and marketing of the various products.

Phoenix Fuelsí Project Manager Jon Hammond said: "The combination of knowledge, expertise, land and raw materials at Phoenix Fuelsí disposal will allow us to take full advantage of this opportunity to become self-sufficient in supplying renewable fuels to both the group and our customers. We are very grateful to HGCA for helping to bring us closer to production." Speaking on behalf of HGCA, Market Development Committee Chairman Julian Gibbons said: "This is a truly innovative project which we are delighted to be assisting. The biomass products planned by Phoenix Fuels will open up a new market for growers within the group and throughout the UK."

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Phoenix Fuels Limited, Stud Farm Cottage, Rufford, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG22 9HB, UK.
Telephone: 01623 871 755 Email: enquiries@phoenixfuels.co.uk

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