Plans to build a biomass plant at the port of Dundee will be lodged with the Scottish Government today.
Forth Energy, the company behind the plan, claims the plant will generate enough power to provide 86% of Dundee with electricity.
It also says the heat produced by the plant as it burns renewable fuel sources, such as wood pellets, will help to greatly reduce Dundee’s carbon footprint and help put the city at the forefront of the renewable technology revolution.
The plants will have a 300-foot chimney and protesters such as Residents Against Tay Turbines have complained the plant could have a disastrous environmental impact on the city.
Forth Energy says, however, studies have shown emissions from the plant will have “no significant effect” on air quality.
Around 300 jobs will be created while the plant is being constructed. Once operating, it will require around 40 permanent staff plus another 20 port jobs.
Forth Energy managing director Calum Wilson said, “Scotland has ambitious renewable energy targets for 50% of electricity and 11% of heat to be generated from renewable sources by 2020.
“This development will make a significant contribution to meeting both targets.
“The port of Dundee offers unique opportunities to the renewables sector and biomass generation has a vital role to play in this.
“Biomass is as reliable as coal or gas but has a significantly lower environmental impact and provides the opportunity to supply renewable low-carbon heat.
“We believe that our proposed development, at the port of Dundee, will act as a very positive symbol of a modern, green and vibrant city.
“Furthermore, our proposals provide clear economic benefits for Dundee, including jobs and potential contracting opportunities in the local area.
“Dundee has the opportunity to become a hub of renewable energy activity.”
He added that this could help the city attract businesses and jobs associated with the renewable energy sector.
“There could be job creation and investment from Dundee’s renewable sector moving forward,” he said.
Mr Wilson added that the company had been keen to engage the public over the plans.
“We have gone through a process of consultation to listen to and address concerns. We want to be open and honest with people, want them to understand and see its impact and to understand the benefits.”
Forth Energy will also be submitting applications for similar plants in Grangemouth, Rosyth and Leith.
Plans for the biomass development can be viewed at Broughty Ferry Library from today until August 22, Central Library, August 23-29; and Tayside House from August 30-September 24.
Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce chief executive Alan Mitchell said, “The emerging renewable energy industry presents a great opportunity for Dundee.
“As the local chamber of commerce, we are in favour of long-term infrastructure investment, particularly when this means inward investment to the city.
“The proposed renewable energy plant will bring investment and create jobs, which we see as a very welcome and positive development, both in relation to the plant itself and the wider renewable energy opportunities for Dundee.
“We recognise that a development of this scale raises complex issues for the community but we are confident that they can be debated and resolved through the planning process.”
A spokesman for Solar Cities, a project which promotes energy-saving technologies, said, “Solar Cities Scotland recognises the need to investigate all forms of sustainable energy creation with the aim of creating a more efficient, decentralised and low-carbon energy network in the future for Dundee.
“An important element to this will be the establishments of partnerships that bring together the expertise and know-how of business with the communities that will benefit from the power.”
Because of the amount of electricity generated by the plant, it will be the Scottish Government which decides if it gets the go ahead, rather than Dundee City Council.
Any objections or submissions in favour of the development will need to be made to Holyrood.