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Project ARBRE: Lessons for bio-energy developers and policy-makers

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  • Piterou, Athena
  • Shackley, Simon
  • Upham, Paul

Abstract

Project Arable Biomass Renewable Energy (ARBRE) was a 'flagship' project in the UK to demonstrate electricity generation from dedicated energy crops, employing the high efficiency of gasification combined cycle technology while also contributing to the waste management problem of sewage disposal. The plant never reached commercial operation and this paper provides the first detailed public account of the reasons, drawing on interviews with the main actors. Project ARBRE failed due to three unfortunate developments: the withdrawal for reasons of commercial strategy of the main company that initiated and financed the project; bankruptcy of the turnkey contractor appointed to oversee the project; and technical problems with the gasification technology, which could not be resolved within the financial and time constraints. All these factors acted in reinforcing manner and they were individually preventable: documenting the process of failure is a learning experience that can prevent their recurrence.

Suggested Citation

  • Piterou, Athena & Shackley, Simon & Upham, Paul, 2008. "Project ARBRE: Lessons for bio-energy developers and policy-makers," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 36(6), pages 2044-2050, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:enepol:v:36:y:2008:i:6:p:2044-2050
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Thornley, Patricia, 2006. "Increasing biomass based power generation in the UK," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 34(15), pages 2087-2099, October.
    2. Upham, Paul & Shackley, Simon, 2006. "The case of a proposed 21.5 MWe biomass gasifier in Winkleigh, Devon: Implications for governance of renewable energy planning," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 34(15), pages 2161-2172, October.
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    4. Kirkels, Arjan F., 2014. "Punctuated continuity: The technological trajectory of advanced biomass gasifiers," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 68(C), pages 170-182.
    5. Shafie, S.M., 2016. "A review on paddy residue based power generation: Energy, environment and economic perspective," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 59(C), pages 1089-1100.
    6. Wright, Daniel G. & Dey, Prasanta K. & Brammer, John, 2014. "A barrier and techno-economic analysis of small-scale bCHP (biomass combined heat and power) schemes in the UK," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 71(C), pages 332-345.
    7. Narwane, Vaibhav S. & Yadav, Vinay Surendra & Raut, Rakesh D. & Narkhede, Balkrishna E. & Gardas, Bhaskar B., 2021. "Sustainable development challenges of the biofuel industry in India based on integrated MCDM approach," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 164(C), pages 298-309.
    8. Levidow, Les & Upham, Paul, 2017. "Linking the multi-level perspective with social representations theory: Gasifiers as a niche innovation reinforcing the energy-from-waste (EfW) regime," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 120(C), pages 1-13.
    9. Arunodaya Raj Mishra & Pratibha Rani & Fausto Cavallaro & Ibrahim M. Hezam, 2023. "An IVIF-Distance Measure and Relative Closeness Coefficient-Based Model for Assessing the Sustainable Development Barriers to Biofuel Enterprises in India," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-22, February.
    10. Levidow, Les & Borda-Rodriguez, Alexander & Papaioannou, Theo, 2014. "UK bioenergy innovation priorities: Making expectations credible in state-industry arenas," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 87(C), pages 191-204.
    11. Glithero, N.J. & Ramsden, S.J. & Wilson, P., 2013. "Barriers and incentives to the production of bioethanol from cereal straw: A farm business perspective," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 59(C), pages 161-171.
    12. Adams, P.W.R. & Lindegaard, K., 2016. "A critical appraisal of the effectiveness of UK perennial energy crops policy since 1990," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 55(C), pages 188-202.
    13. Adams, P.W. & Hammond, G.P. & McManus, M.C. & Mezzullo, W.G., 2011. "Barriers to and drivers for UK bioenergy development," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 15(2), pages 1217-1227, February.
    14. Glithero, Neryssa J. & Wilson, Paul & Ramsden, Stephen J., 2013. "Prospects for arable farm uptake of Short Rotation Coppice willow and miscanthus in England," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 107(C), pages 209-218.

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