Waste to Energy facility at Singleton Birch.

Singleton Birch, the UK's leading lime producer, is proposing an innovative solution to reduce its dependency on fossil fuel sources of electricity by generating electricity at its Melton Ross site in North Lincolnshire. The company proposes to use an advanced thermal technology that converts waste and biomass to energy. The preferred technology is gasification, which is a thermal treatment that breaks down the waste and generates a gas which can then be used to generate electricity and heat, both of which are used in Singleton Birch’s large lime plant. Similar processes are already used in Norway and Germany for energy generation from waste and a plant is under construction in the Isle of Wight. Such processes achieve very high standards of energy efficiency, control and environmental protection. 

The energy generated at the facility would not only replace electricity that Singleton Birch currently takes from the National Grid, but would also supply the grid during periods when the company’s demand was lower than the plant output. Feasibility studies have been funded by the Carbon Trust, a government body that is dedicated to reducing carbon emissions from UK businesses. The new plant would make a significant reduction in Singleton Birch’s carbon emissions from fossil fuels– a very important consideration given the increasing concern about climate change.  The facility could treat a variety of waste and biomass materials, which might include residual household waste. Residual waste has already had all the recyclable materials removed from it and currently goes to landfill. Local authorities are being encouraged to divert waste away from landfill sites and must meet increasingly strict recycling and landfill diversion targets.

Colin Deas, Managing Director of Singleton Birch said “Today’s announcement demonstrates our commitment to addressing the environmental challenges that face us all. The energy from waste plant is a win-win development both for the company and the local community. By generating electricity and providing energy by this very efficient process, not only will we lower our carbon footprint, but we will also be able to offer a local solution to waste  handling in the North Lincolnshire area that reduces dependency on diminishing landfill capacity.

Richard Stansfield, Operations Director of Singleton Birch, added “ We are at an early stage of the planning process. Some community liaison has taken place already and it is intended to involve the local community and businesses at all stages of the development. The information provided on this open day is intended to contribute to this programme of communication..

 For further information, contact

Colin Deas

Managing Director