A new Fife power plant could help to safeguard Britain’s energy independence, developers are claiming.
Proposals have been submitted to Fife Council for a gas-powered power station, the first detailed planning submission for the former Westfield opencast site near Cardenden.
Planning permission in principle was granted by councillors last week for a huge energy park and industrial estate at Westfield, with Durham-based Hargreaves Services’ claiming that up to 2,500 jobs could be created by the regeneration project.
Applicant Westfield Energy Limited is the first firm to submit detailed proposals for part of the site, claiming that up to ten gas engines could provide huge quantities of energy for the National Grid.
In a planning statement submitted to Fife Council, the firm says: “The national policy message on energy security is strong and unambiguous.
“There is a clear need to ensure security of supply through the development of a diverse energy generation system to support the increased deployment of renewable energy and increased peak demands.
“This is a material consideration that should be given significant weight in the planning balance when considering the merits of the application.”
Powered by natural gas, it is estimated the generators could produce up to 19.96 Megawatts of energy, enough to power thousands of homes.
The produced energy would then be exported to the National Grid during periods of extreme demand.
Developers say the natural gas engines are more environmentally friendly than fuel oils and would only run for short periods of time, typically between 7am and 9am and 4pm to 8pm.
Though adamant that noise levels would not be a concern, developers have also included an acoustic screen to minimise the impact of the plant on local cottages.
Councillors were told last week that a fully redeveloped Westfield would feature units for light industry along with a huge solar farm capable of producing enough energy for almost 15,000 homes.
The 423-hectare site has sat dormant since mining ceased in 1998.
