Sterling Pharma Solutions is a global pharmaceutical contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO). As part of its sustainability strategy, Sterling partnered with Clarke Energy to act as principal contractors, to design, construct and maintain a bespoke hydrogen ready, gas fired combined heat and power (CHP) plant. With on-site energy generation estimated to be 40% more efficient than off-site generation, the new facility will provide a more sustainable solution to buying electricity, as well as providing steam and hot water to the site.
Sterling’s manufacturing process is heat and power intensive. Their refrigeration needs require temperatures ranging from -20c to -90c, along with heavy machinery running 24/7. Clarke Energy worked in partnership with Sterling to not only provide the most efficient energy solution, but managed the design and construction of the CHP plant. Clarke Energy assessed the site’s half hourly data and installed a 3.4MW Jenbacher 620 gas engine, two gas fired and one composite boiler, to replace two existing boilers. The boilers are synchronised to respond to site steam load and prioritise waste heat contribution (lead source) from the engine to combination boiler.
3D Walkthrough
A new building was constructed on site, with Clarke Energy managing the scheme from assisted planning, groundworks, steel fabrication to completion. Now commissioned, the CHP plant provides 98% of the site’s electricity and heat and will reduce emissions by 400 tonnes (compared to the 2019 baseline year). There was an option to oversize the CHP, but careful consideration was given to creating available space for future engine upgrades and potential future hydrogen equipment.
Sterling’s ultimate goal is to become entirely carbon neutral, the first step is to reduce its carbon footprint by 50% by 2025. By installing a CHP plant they will drastically decarbonise their heat supply and plan to upgrade to a blend of hydrogen, once available. CHP forms part of it’s net-zero plans with future renewable hybrids in planning stages.
Key information |
|
Client:Â |
Sterling Pharma Solutions |
Capacity:Â |
3.4MWe |
Location: |
Dudley, Northumberland, UK |
Commissioning: |
2021 |
Engine Manufacturer: |
INNIO Jenbacher |
Installation by: |
Clarke Energy |
Engine Type: |
1 x Jenbacher JMS620 |
Primary Fuel: |
Natural Gas (Hydrogen Ready) |
