Biomass study 'scotches myths' about air quality, says renewables chief
The chief executive of Scottish Renewables says a study into a proposed biomass plant at Dundee Port "scotches some of the myths" about the impact on air quality.
The site of the proposed biomass plant for Dundee's docks.
- By Graeme Strachan
- Published in the Courier : 19.07.10
- Published online : 19.07.10 @ 08.36am
Niall Stuart was speaking following research by consultancy firm Sinclair Knight Merz into the proposed plant at the port of Dundee, which has faced strong public opposition.
The independent study says Forth Energy's proposed plant in Dundee would have "no significant impact" on air quality. Similar studies are still to be carried out on the other three plants to be built by Forth Energy at Edinburgh, Rosyth and Grangemouth.
Mr Stuart said, "Expanding the use of biomass is absolutely key to Scotland hitting its targets for renewables and could make a massive cut in CO2 emissions for the way we heat and power homes and businesses.
"This report confirms what the industry has been saying for some time that these benefits do not come at the cost of poorer air quality in our towns and cities.
"Biomass is one way of increasing our energy security and keeping bills low for consumers. This report again scotches some of the myths that have been expanded about potential impact on air quality."
An action plan aimed at cutting air pollution in Dundee is being drawn up by the city council.
Although air quality in Dundee is generally regarded as good, there are hotspots, particularly in and around the city centre, which need attention.
Those pollutants causing concern in Dundee are nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and PM10, which is fine particulate matter. Both can cause health problems, especially for young children and the elderly and for those with conditions such as asthma and bronchitis.
Laura McLean, spokeswoman for Residents Against Tayside Turbines (RATTs), said that in the past four out of five years particulate (PM10) levels have been above what they should be and the biomass plant is going to make the situation worse.
"The study I find unsurprising given they pay these consultants to do it for them," she said. "Air quality is the big issue here and it's got nothing to do with visual impact.
"The World Health Organisation recently stated there are no safe levels for particles. Any amount will have an effect on public health.
Worse
"The studies are there that biomass burning increases NO2s and particulates into the air. Now if we're a city that is trying to actively reduce this, this is obviously going to make that situation even worse.
"It goes against everything that Dundee City Council should be doing."
The Dundee plant is due to be formally proposed to the Scottish Government in the next few days.
Forth Energy is a joint venture between Forth Ports and Scottish & Southern Energy. The formal applications are expected to receive decisions in around nine months and the plant would potentially be constructed by 2015.
Forth Energy said 300 construction jobs would be created at the multi-million pound works, in addition to 40 permanent posts operating the energy plant. An anticipated 150 jobs could also be created during construction at King George V Wharf, south of the Nynas refinery.
As well as generating enough energy to power 160,000 homes, its burning process will generate heat that nearby properties will be able to "siphon off."
The plant will be fuelled predominantly by wood chip and other biomass fuels, such as energy crops and recovered timber.
In addition, the majority of the fuel will be delivered by ship to the plant, although the plant will also be capable of accepting a limited volume by road if required.
Forth Energy is prepared to spend £1.7 billion on the four plants across Scotland that would generate up to 500 megawatts of power.
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