MARKETS/SERVICES
Introduction
Market Sectors
■	Aviation
■	Data Centres
■	Defence
■	Development Sector
■	Education
■	Harbours and Waterways
■	Healthcare
■	Highways
■	Hotels
■	Industrial
	■	Adnams Distribution Centre
	■	Argent Energy Plant
	■	New Whisky Distillery
■	Laboratories and Pharmaceutical facilities
■	Media & Broadcasting
■	Offices
■	Rail
■	Residential
■	Sports / Leisure
■	Water
Services - Buildings
Services - Environment
Services - Transportation
Sustainability
Capabilities A - Z

Argent Energy Plant

Motherwell, UK

Project outline

The project consists of the UK’s first large scale biodiesel production plant, fuelling the UK’s renewable energy drive. Meeting the requirements of a leading edge biofuel technology, the structural buildings, foundations and drainage infrastructure were designed to maximise available resources, perform to high specification requirements and minimise the impact on the surrounding environment. The new plant, which will provide nearly 5% of Scotland’s diesel needs, opened in early spring 2005.

A detailed geo-environmental risk appraisal report was undertaken detailing that the site was underlain by up to 6 potential mined seams of coal. Four potential mine shafts and 5 possible adits were also identified as presenting risks to the development.

Geo-environmental risks were also present due to the adjacent site being used historically as a chemical works, iron foundry and an animal waste processing plant.

Faber Maunsell designed a Phase 1 intrusive investigation to provide more information on the geo-environmental risks and to provide an overall picture of the superficial deposits and solid geological structure.

Once an overall picture of the geological structure of the site was gained, a Phase 2 intrusive investigation was undertaken to identify and clarify the extents of the mine entries on the site.

On completion of these two site investigations, we adjusted the location of the plant such that a minimal amount of grouting remedial works were required and only one mine shaft and adit required corrective measures.

Faber Maunsell designed the remedial works, tendered the package, acted as Engineer under the Contract and provided full time Resident Engineer supervision. The remedial works were subsequently completed 12% ahead of programme and 20% under budget. The remedial works also required some 14,000m³ of earthworks in relation to the mine shaft and adit.

The project required the design of a cut and fill balance as it was to be constructed on the side of a hill, with the remit from the Client that no material had to be taken off site and minimal material brought onto site.

The full structural, drainage and infrastructure works were also undertaken by Faber Maunsell as Lead Consultant for the project.

Contract value

£15,000,000

Key features

The plant will provide a safe and effective means of disposing of used cooking oils, such as those produced by the UK’s fast food and catering industries and convert them into Biodiesel.
The new plant will be capable of converting animal fats (Tallow), and this will ensure a disposal route for this material which may help put some value back into the agricultural supply chain.
Use of 3D modelling to fully coordinate the primary and secondary steel structures, vessels, tank farm, pipe work and services installations.

Appointment

Civil
Structural
M&E
Geotechnical
Mining Consolidation