UK Government committee calls Forth Energy's biomass plans into question
A new report has cast doubt on Forth Energy's biomass plans for Dundee, Rosyth, Grangemouth and Leith.
The direction of Forth Energy's biomass plans is unclear.
- By Andrew Argo
- Published in the Courier : 08.12.11
- Published online : 08.12.11 @ 02.39pm
The document, published on Wednesday by the UK Government's climate change advisers, said that despite the forecast fivefold increase in bio-energy, large-scale biomass power stations should not be eligible for subsidies given the competing demand for wood from the construction and industrial sectors.
The Scottish and UK governments are consulting on what level subsidies for biomass as well as other renewable technologies such as wind should be set. The consultation is due to finish January 13.
Francis Stuart, Friends of the Earth Scotland parliamentary and policy officer, said: ''While we have concerns that the substantial increase in biomass forecast in this report could put pressure on world forests, it's clear the committee on climate change believe large-scale power plants, such as Forth Energy's proposals, have no role to play in our energy future and shouldn't receive subsidies.
''Forth Energy should take heed and withdraw their applications.
''Unfortunately, they show no sign of doing so. It's imperative then that the Scottish Government rule out subsidies for unsustainable biomass.''
Forth Energy's applications have been referred to the Scottish Government over concerns about emissions and their effect on public health.
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