Forth Energy submits plan for biomass energy plant at Rosyth port
Plans have been submitted for a biomass power plant at Rosyth that, its backers claim, could meet 42% of Fife's electrical needs.
An artist's impression of the proposed plant.
- By Lars Niven
- Published in the Courier : 23.11.10
- Published online : 23.11.10 @ 06.29pm
Forth Energy has earmarked part of the port at Rosyth for the multi-million-pound development, which it says will create 40 permanent jobs.
The application for the Rosyth Renewable Energy Plant has been made directly to the Scottish Government for determination.
However, Fife Council, as the local planning authority, has also been kept informed by Forth Energy of the proposed development.
The company argues up to 500 jobs could be created during construction. It also argues that, given its location, Rosyth has the chance to become a centre for Scotland's renewable energy industry.
It states, "The Rosyth Renewable Energy Plant will generate the equivalent of 42% of the electrical needs of the Fife region, using sustainably-sourced biomass fuel. Its output is 100 megawatts of electricity and 30 megawatts of heat."
If approved, the plant would be built inside the operational area of the port, east of the terminal used by the Rosyth to Zeebrugge ferry.
Forth Energy argues that benefits for the area would include:
► The plant saving 89% of the carbon emissions of a traditional coal-fired plant.
► Additional jobs being created handling the fuel at the port.
► The potential for education and training opportunities.
► Contracting opportunities for local suppliers.
Forth Energy also claims an environmental impact assessment it has had carried out shows that the plant would have "no significant effects."
It will be designed to ensure all relevant air quality standards and guidelines are met, and the plant would be monitored by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.
It adds, "There will be no significant adverse impact on human health and limited effects on designated natural habitats."
The company has already lodged plans for a similar development on Dundee's waterfront — an application that has proved controversial.
The application has gone to the government for determination under the terms of the Electricity Act 1989. Objections or comments must be made directly to the government's energy consents unit by December 17.
An exhibition is being held to explain the proposal at the following locations:
► November 23-29, at Rosyth Library, Parkgate, Rosyth.
► November 30-December 17 at Carnegie Library, Abbot Street, Dunfermline.
Details can also be downloaded from the Forth Energy website at www.forthenergy.co.uk
Comments should be sent to the energy consents unit by emailing rosythbiomass@scotland.gsi.gov.uk or writing to Scottish Government, The Energy Consents and Deployment Unit, 4th Floor, Atlantic Quay, 150 Broomielaw, Glasgow, G2 8LU.
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