Biomass plant support falls
Public support for the proposed biomass plant on Dundee waterfront has dropped substantially, with consultation results showing 50% of people are now against the move.
- By Graeme Bletcher
- Published in the Courier : 04.06.10
- Published online : 04.06.10 @ 02.50pm
At a presentation to Broughty Ferry Community Council this week the company behind the project, Forth Energy, revealed the swing in opinion from the "overwhelmingly positive" feedback in January.
The most recent consultation carried out at the Overgate Centre on May 21 and 22 showed half of those surveyed were against the large power station being built at King George V Wharf, with 30% in support and the remaining 20% undecided.
It is understood the turnaround is partly due to more information being made available to the public on the details of the project, with campaign group Residents Against Tay Turbines (RATTS) also likely to have made an impact.
RATTS spokesman Bob Adam said, "More people are starting to realise what the plant is going to mean for Dundee.
"It is not going to be a biomass plant, it is going to be a waste incinerator under the exact same licence that they have at Baldovie."
He added, "The people of Dundee are being hoodwinked into believing it will be an eco-friendly biomass plant, but in actual fact it will be doing nothing for the air quality at all.
"In three or four years' time when biomass fuel starts to run out all we will be left with is another incinerator making Dundee the world's biggest rubbish dump."
A Forth Energy spokeswoman rejected the allegations made by RATTS, confirming the proposed plant will have "no significant effects" on air quality in Dundee.
She said, "The Forth Energy public exhibition held in May received good attendance and the team welcomed the opportunity to speak directly to interested residents.
"A number of attendees were extremely positive about the proposals, citing the benefits to Dundee's economy, support for Dundee's proactive provision of renewable energy and an overall appreciation for the opportunity for Dundee to contribute to Scotland's drive to decarbonise the electricity sector."
Project update
She added, "Specific concerns were raised about the transport of fuel and the emissions from the biomass plant and we welcome the opportunity to address both of these issues, as there has been some scaremongering around the proposed Dundee renewable energy plant.
"Electricity produced at the plants will generate only 9-11% (depending on fuel mix) of the emissions associated with a traditional base-load coal-fired power station and it will comply with strict air quality guidelines set by SEPA."
At the Forth Energy presentation in Broughty Ferry Library representatives Calum Wilson, Craig Harrow and Michael Ward provided an update and fielded questions from community councillors on the environmental, noise and visual impact of the plant.
On the issue of air quality it was explained a large stack would be required meaning there will be some emissions, however these must meet Scottish Government and EU standards and be monitored by SEPA.
The plant would not be able to burn black bag waste, but would use wood pellets sourced from outwith Scotland.
However, it was mentioned that if the industry was to expand, fuel from the UK would be brought in by ship should it become available.
Community council chairman George Ferguson said, "I would say Forth Ports have been very honest and Calum Wilson said the reason for the swing is probably because more people know about it."
Forth Energy confirmed water would be taken from the Tay to use as a coolant within the building and would then be returned unpolluted but 10C warmer.
Only 25 trucks per day would be allowed to enter the plant, with an upper limit of 15% of the biomass fuel to be used brought in by road.
A maritime theme has been suggested for the architectural design of the building, although the exact specifications are still not clear.
If planning permission for the plant were to be denied Forth Energy would not consider switching to a nuclear alternative and would only consider coal if carbon capture technology was fitted.
03.01pm - 04.06.2010 David - Dundee, Scotland Report This
The cars in Dundee produce a minimum of five times the projected output of this plant. If people are really worried about air quality then walk or cycle more and drive less.
07.42pm - 04.06.2010 A mum - dundee, dundee Report This
In answer to Davids comment <br />I walk everywhere. But that does no mean I want to breathe in carcogenic fumes while I do so! Nor do i want may family to either !!
01.29pm - 15.06.2010 chelle - dundee, scotland Report This
I do not want a biomass fuel plant in Dundee and do not want to be breathing in carcinogenic fumes. I do not own a car and walk everywhere. It would be an eyesore for Dundee. As is the Baldovie incinerator.
Add a comment