Dundee’s controversial biomass plant has overcome a significant hurdle, with Scotland’s environmental regulator not objecting to it in principle.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) wants up to three more years of air quality monitoring, however, before the site can be considered for an operating licence in 2017. That is one of three permits the Forth Energy project needs, along with planning permission and consent to open as a power station.
Sepa, a statutory consultee, has sent its views to the Scottish Government, which is deciding the power station issue first.
The agency’s qualified support was not regarded as an endorsement by pressure group RATTs and Friends of the Earth Tayside. These groups were represented at The Courier’s debate at the Gardyne Threatre into the £325 million harbour development.
Forth Energy wants to bring chipped wood by sea from North America to fuel the plant which would produce electricity for the National Grid and heat for local businesses.
It would also help meet First Minister Alex Salmond’s pledge for all of Scotland’s electricity to come from renewables by 2020.
FE says the plant would employ up to 500 people during construction, 70 a year thereafter, and significantly boost the local economy.
Sceptical opponents are concerned by the pollution from its 90-metre stack, which would cast a dark shadow on the skyline.
For a full report on Sepa’s submission, and reaction from other groups. see Saturday’s Courier or try our digital edition.