Anti-Tay turbines lobby claim 'hoodwink' over government biomass subsidies
Campaigner fighting against plans to build a massive biomass generator at Dundee docks say the plant would not be built if it were not eligible for government subsidies.
An artist's impression of how the Dundee biomass plant will look, if approved.
- By Stefan Morkis
- Published in the Courier : 05.07.11
- Published online : 05.07.11 @ 04.01pm
Last week Scottish energy minister Fergus Ewing announced there will be a review to see whether biomass plants that only produce electricity should receive subsidies in the form of renewable obligation certificates.
Mr Ewing said it is doubtful that electricity-only generators that need to import wood from across the globe are good for the environment or the economy.
Forth Energy intends to build large-scale biomass generators at Dundee, Rosyth, Leith and Grangemouth, but because each one would also be capable of producing heat, they would not fall within the remit of any review.
This means that the company — a collaboration between Scottish and Southern Energy and Forth Ports — would be eligible to receive subsidies worth millions of pounds each year.
'Con job'
Residents Against Tay Turbines has been opposing Forth Energy's plans and Bob Adam from the group said, "We really feel this is a con job.
"If Forth Energy go ahead and build the plant then it will only be made heat-ready. They've got potential customers lined up but nothing has been finalised."
Mr Adam added that even if the plant, which Forth Energy says can provide heat for 160,000 homes, does agree deals to supply some buildings with heat, most of the energy produced will be wasted.
"Even if people sign up then they'll only be using about 20% of the heat produced," he said. "The rest will be pumped out into the Tay.
"We feel the heat is only Forth Energy trying to comply to get the taxpayers' subsidies of renewable obligation certificates.
"The public are being hoodwinked. There is no way they would build this plant without subsidies."
Because of the amount of energy they would produce, the Scottish Government will decide whether the four Forth Energy plants can be built rather than the relevant local authorities.
Consideration of the Dundee application has been suspended while Forth Energy carries out an air quality study in the area.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has said nitrogen dioxide levels are already above the legal limits.
Forth Energy managing director Calum Wilson said last week that his company is committed to bringing "reliable, responsible and renewable" heat and electricity to Dundee.
The company claims the plant will be worth more than £26 million to the Dundee economy each year.
04.51pm - 07.07.2011 matt north - dundee, uk Report This
bob adam is right 80% goes in to river changing the environment there. also the polution caused by the million tonnes of fuel rotting away will be another consideration.how much do they intend to charge per unit??thats a bad one to answer. leccy too dear already!!!!
08.51pm - 07.07.2011 neil c - ferry boy dundee, uk Report This
it is a huge con. taxpayer funded subsidies and political egos driving it. thing is they will be all dead before we see the truth, just a con.
08.01pm - 16.07.2011 dek - Dundee, Scotland UK Report This
There is no surprise there, everyone Knows wind farms and the stuff they plan to whirr underwater won't provide all the energy we need, but try telling that to all those who voted for pinocchio, who said it will !!
Add a comment