Forth Energy claims Dundee's strategic plan could restrict city's renewable energy potential
The company behind plans for a biomass plant at Dundee harbour has demanded changes to the region's strategic plan.
An artist's impression of the proposed Dundee biomass plant.
- By Grant Smith
- Published in the Courier : 20.02.12
- Published online : 20.02.12 @ 02.50pm
Forth Energy has told an inquiry it is worried the wording of the document could hamper efforts to promote the docks as a centre for renewable energy.
It also wants planners to take into account the possibility of a substantial heat network being created by its proposals.
The company is a joint venture by Scottish and Southern Energy and Forth Ports. It is behind a project that would see 1.3 million tonnes of mostly imported biomass burned to produce electricity.
Its scheme has run into opposition from protesters worried about the environmental impact and the 100-metre chimney that would have to be built.
The companies recently reiterated their desire to go ahead with the development, despite scrapping a similar plant proposed for Leith.
Forth Energy is one of dozens of companies and individuals to submit comments to a consultation on TAYplan, the strategic development plan that will guide major developments in Tayside and north Fife.
Three planning appeals reporters have been asked by the Scottish Government to examine the plan and consider the issues raised.
In its submission, Forth Energy said: ''There is a key opportunity to build a heat network in Dundee, which would be one of the largest in the UK.
''There is a synergy with the national renewable infrastructure plan proposals, as heat from the plant could be used as part of the renewable energy manufacturing process, as well as attracting other large-scale users of heat or cooling.
''The plan needs to broaden its terminology to ensure that it encompasses the range of manufacturing and industrial uses that should be encouraged within the Port of Dundee, as 'port-related' use alone could be interpreted restrictively, to the detriment of the overall proposals for a renewables hub at the port.
''The plan also needs to further encourage heat networks and recognise that these will not always need to be small-scale and within individual developments.''
TAYplan has told the planning appeals reporters that it considers its policy to be clear on renewable energy generation and placing these close to areas of greatest demand and that no further strategic policy detail is required.
''Forth Energy's planning application referred to is still under determination and not a specific proposal identified in the proposed plan.
''As such, it is neither appropriate nor necessary for this issue to be considered through the strategic development plan,'' it said.
03.25pm - 20.02.2012 2nd dundonian - dundee, scotland Report This
Come on SNP take back the docks, tell FORTH PORTS it can build its HEAT NETWORK at Leith. We dont want our beautiful city ruined by greedy shareholders who live elsewhere.
04.27pm - 20.02.2012 TAX PAYER - DUNDEE, SCOTLAND Report This
There must be better things to subsidise with a £170million than Forth Ports biomass plants. Do they not get it Dundee's waterfront is getting a £1billion face lift, we don't want a stinking, polluting, incinerator in the middle of it!
05.58pm - 20.02.2012 Joe A. - Dundee, Scotland Report This
The deafening silence, sorry lack of criticism from our SNP councillors is lamentable. AS EVER, PARTY LOYALTY BEFORE CITY LOYALTY, AND JUST ISN'T GOOD ENOUGH.
08.25pm - 20.02.2012 John Jones - Dundee, Scotland Report This
2nd Dundonian: Do you really think the taxpayer has tens of millions to spend on buying Dundee docks from Forth Ports or by "take back" do you mean you advocate uncompensated expropriation which would be illegal and would cost us even more money as the courts forced its return to its lawful owner?
09.49am - 21.02.2012 AE - Dundee, UK Report This
Goodness it looks like a reincarnation of Methil Power Station..and not in a good way! A hideous juxtaposition with the V and A. Surely this is not being taken seriously...is it?
10.20am - 21.02.2012 Stuart Allan - Dundee, Scotland Report This
Dundee is a working city. Its people need industry. The Biomass plant looks iconic in itself and is to be built in an industrial zone next to a refinery, port and rig yard. It is well outside the waterfront development and WILL provide for many jobs. Dundee can't afford to let NIMBYs undermine this.
01.32pm - 21.02.2012 Dave - Dundee, Scotland Report This
get it built and create some much needed jobs
01.37pm - 21.02.2012 2nd Dundonian - dundee, scotland Report This
Yep, its for real. Forthports are holding Dundee to ransom by saying build this and we give you jobs. Of course not good jobs or as many as first said cause there going to Leith. Oh and Leith can have the cruise ships and Brittania, cause afterall we are FORTH PORTS. :)
02.08pm - 21.02.2012 joppie - dundee, uk Report This
Forth Energy running scared!
08.33pm - 21.02.2012 Joe A. - Dundee, Scotland Report This
Will provide for many jobs. How many iS that, Stuart? If this is the SNP looking after Dundee, then we may as well shut up shop now! Sheesh, one lot of politicians flattened the city in the 60s, and 50 years later another lot are looking to put in rubbish. Just say NO!
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