Biomass plant moves one step closer
Renewable energy joint venture Forth Energy’s plans to construct a biomass power plant at the port of Dundee, Scotland, are set to be lodged with the Scottish government.
With Scotland aiming for half of its electricity and 11% of its heat to be produced from renewable energy in 10 years’ time, it is thought that the facility would be well received by all.
However the power plant is facing opposition from various environmental groups, including ‘Residents Against Tay Turbines’, who are claiming that the plant’s 300-foot chimney will cause negative effects on Dundee’s air quality. But Forth Energy has dismissed such claims, explaining that no detrimental effects to the environment will come from the plant’s emissions.
According to Forth Energy 86% of Dundee’s population will be supplied with biopower produced at the site, while at the same time significantly decreasing the city’s carbon footprint by burning renewable materials, including wood pellets.
‘Biomass is as reliable as coal or gas but has a significantly lower environmental impact and provides the opportunity to supply renewable low-carbon heat,’ said the managing director of Forth Energy Calum Wilson. ‘We believe that our proposed development…will act as a very positive symbol of a modern, green and vibrant city. Furthermore our proposals provide clear economic benefits for Dundee, including jobs and potential contracting opportunities in the local area.’
Roughly 300 jobs will be created during the construction phase, while a further 40 permanent and 20 port jobs will also become available.
With Scotland aiming for half of its electricity and 11% of its heat to be produced from renewable energy in 10 years’ time, it is thought that the facility would be well received by all.
However the power plant is facing opposition from various environmental groups, including ‘Residents Against Tay Turbines’, who are claiming that the plant’s 300-foot chimney will cause negative effects on Dundee’s air quality. But Forth Energy has dismissed such claims, explaining that no detrimental effects to the environment will come from the plant’s emissions.
According to Forth Energy 86% of Dundee’s population will be supplied with biopower produced at the site, while at the same time significantly decreasing the city’s carbon footprint by burning renewable materials, including wood pellets.
‘Biomass is as reliable as coal or gas but has a significantly lower environmental impact and provides the opportunity to supply renewable low-carbon heat,’ said the managing director of Forth Energy Calum Wilson. ‘We believe that our proposed development…will act as a very positive symbol of a modern, green and vibrant city. Furthermore our proposals provide clear economic benefits for Dundee, including jobs and potential contracting opportunities in the local area.’
Roughly 300 jobs will be created during the construction phase, while a further 40 permanent and 20 port jobs will also become available.
