UK biomass power station cleared by EA

A proposed biomass combustion plant in Trafford, UK has been ‘minded for approval’ by The Environmental Agency (EA).

Low carbon energy provider Peel Energy’s plant, known as the Barton Renewable Energy Plant, were rejected by the local authority last year, but in a recent statement the EA said:

‘Following a rigorous assessment process, we are minded to give approval to Peel Energy and grant an environmental permit, however there is still time for local people to submit comments or information with the EA in writing before 11 July 2012. It is the Environment Agency's role to regulate energy from waste sites and a draft decision to grant an environmental permit to Peel Energy will not affect the need for them to gain planning approval before construction of the proposed plant can go ahead.’

Peel Energy's planning application for the 20-megawatt biomass-fuelled power station was submitted to Trafford Council in late 2010.

‘We are encouraged by the draft recommendation and the EA's confidence that the facility will not harm the environment or human health,’ says Peel’s project manager Jon England. ‘We look forward to the EA's final decision on the plant operating permit.’