Weatherproof Biomass Storage: Zappshelter’s Solution for RWE Markinch

The Company:

RWE is a leader in the renewable energy sector, operating the state-of-the-art Markinch combined heat and power (CHP) biomass plant in Glenrothes, Fife. As a major renewable facility, the plant plays a crucial role in generating sustainable electricity and heat using recovered and virgin wood fuel. The company is dedicated to maximising operational efficiency, safety and maintaining exceptional site standards.

To support their material handling processes at the Glenrothes site, RWE Markinch required a robust and reliable covered structure to serve as a dedicated woodchip sweeping bay. Zappshelter was chosen to provide a durable, rapid-deployment solution tailored to their specific needs.

The Challenge:

In the biomass energy sector, the condition and management of wood fuel are critical to operational success. Loose woodchips and biomass materials can easily spread across a busy yard, leading to untidy site conditions and potential material waste. Importantly, exposing woodchip to the unpredictable Scottish weather can increase its moisture content, which can ultimately impact the handling process and fuel efficiency.

RWE Markinch needed a dedicated, weather-protected sweeping bay to effectively manage loose woodchips, keep the wider site clean, and protect the material from the elements, ensuring their biomass handling operations remained as efficient and tidy as possible.

The Solution:

To address this requirement, we provided a bespoke Zappshelter customised specifically for the site’s layout and heavy-duty demands. The structure was securely mounted onto precast concrete Legato blocks, which were entirely supplied and positioned by the Zappshelter team to create a solid, impact-resistant foundation.

The installation included:

• One 14m x 12.2m Zappshelter
• A partially enclosed rear with a custom end wall to block prevailing winds and safely contain materials
• An integrated guttering and outlet system for effective rainwater management

The Result:

The installation of the new Zappshelter has provided RWE Markinch with an exceptional, designated woodchip sweeping bay. By containing the materials within a weather-protected structure, the site remains cleaner, safer and highly organised. The integrated guttering ensures that rainwater is efficiently diverted away from the operational area, protecting the integrity of the materials.

With this robust storage solution in place, RWE Markinch can continue to lead the way in sustainable energy generation, backed by a clean and highly optimised material handling process.

Needing weatherproof, covered space for your biomass operations?

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