Controversial plans for a gas peaking plant in Markinch have been shelved amid a flurry of objections to the proposal.
Energy giant RWE had submitted a planning application to install 10 2MW gas engine generators and battery energy storage technology on the former Tullis Russell paper mill site next to RWE’s Markinch CHP biomass site.
Around 100 objections were lodged in relation to the plan after residents raised fears about the impact it would have on air quality and noise, while Fife Council’s own public and environmental protection team recommended refusal, also citing concerns the engines could be powered at night and disturb the sleep of locals.
RWE has confirmed it has decided to withdraw the application, suggesting the company cannot make some of the technology work.
“RWE recently submitted a planning application to develop ‘quick to start up’ power units next to Markinch CHP biomass site,” a statement from the company read.
“The application consists of 10 small, 2MW Embedded Containerised Gas Engines with a maximum capacity of 19.9MWe.
“This planning application closed for comments and we have been awaiting the final planning decision.
“We have been continuing the planning and scoping for this project and after a thorough evaluation have taken the decision to withdraw the planning application.
“It has come to light that we are unable to make the electrical connection of the proposed units viable at this point in time. We will now evaluate and consider our options.”
The system was billed as a reserve plant, operating for short periods at time of peak demand, with RWE arguing that the plant would play an essential role in the UK’s electricity supply system by providing a “reserve of reliable generating capacity which can be brought online at short notice”.
However, local residents expressed concerns about the current noise levels emitted at the biomass plant and said the new engines would simply add to the problems.
Council officials recommended refusal of the plan, suggesting there were no conditions which could be imposed which would mitigate noise concerns.
