A consortium including the University of East Anglia (UEA) is proposing to build a combined heat and power plant fuelled by straw pellets.
The Generation Park Norwich project is led by NPH (Norwich) LLP, a partnership which includes the University of East Anglia and energy firm E.On. Consultants include engineers Ramboll and architects Grimshaw.
The proposals will be put on show for a first round of public consultation at Norwich City Football Club on Friday 30th January 2015 and Saturday 31st January.
The intention is to submit a planning application this summer 2015 after a full public consultation. If planning permission is granted work could start in 2016 with a target date for opening the first phase in 2018.
Subject to planning permission, the development would transform a derelict 30-acre site near Norwich railway station into a new amenity for the city, with 11 acres of parkland plus new cycle routes and walkways along the banks of the river Wensum.
The brownfield site, adjacent to Crown Point rail depot, has been a gateway for energy supplies and production of power to local homes and businesses for almost a century. It has been earmarked for energy generation from biomass in the City of Norwich local plan since 2004.
The development would include approximately 120 Passivhaus standard homes, to help fund the project and assert its sustainable credentials.
The project would also have an Energy Research & Development Centre, led by UEA in collaboration with business partners and other local colleges.
Project spokesman Professor Trevor Davies said: “This is a hugely exciting and visionary scheme for Norwich that meets many needs. It delivers clean green energy as electricity, heating and hot water, whilst rejuvenating an eyesore site close to the city centre.
“The city has already established itself as a leading force in responding to the threat of climate change thanks to the UEA’s research in climate sciences, environmental sciences and sustainable development, as well as its leading-edge carbon reduction projects.
“This exemplar project will continue to draw on the UEA’s renowned expertise in these areas, as well as in other relevant fields such as engineering. Generation Park Norwich will be a powerhouse of ideas and innovation.”
E.On head of community energy Jeremy Bungey said: “This project sets out a bold statement of intent to generate energy for Norwich, in Norwich, developing a lower carbon heating and power source and at the same time revitalising a former energy generation site.
“Similar projects, where cities and communities take greater control over how their energy is generated and how it is consumed, are commonplace in places such as Sweden, frequently listed as one of the world’s greenest countries. The concept could be a model for making British cities equally sustainable by meeting the triple challenge of keeping energy secure, affordable and lower carbon.”
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