Planners back Ironbridge Power Station's biofuel trial
Controversial plans for Ironbridge Power Station to trial the use of biofuel, safeguarding more than 100 jobs, are one step away from approval, it was revealed today.
Controversial plans for Ironbridge Power Station to trial the use of biofuel, safeguarding more than 100 jobs, are one step away from approval, it was revealed today.
It comes despite hundreds of objections from environmental campaigners. Energy giant E.ON has been accused of spearheading a drive that will cause 'significant international environmental damage' over its plans for a new fuel store.
It is part of wider aims to convert the power plant from coal to a wood biofuel plant.
It would run on a trial basis until 2015 and Shropshire Council planners have recommended it for approval. Members will decide whether to grant permission at a meeting on Thursday.
The 138 metre-long fuel store will house dry wood pellets and help fundamentally change the company's fuel used to generate electricity from previously burning coal, largely sourced in Russia.
Developers say it will secure the future of the power station and all its workers but campaigners claim it is unclear whether the vast quantities of alternative wood fuel would be sourced sustainably.
They say the UK's biomass demand could have a devastating impact on forests in North America.
A spokesman for Telford Friends of the Earth said: "We believe through enabling this change of fuel that E.ON would be causing significant international environmental damage and unclear local air quality consequences.
"Given an intention to continue operating with wood fuel indefinitely it is unclear how the vast quantities of fuel can be sustainably sourced without the loss of established forests."
Hundreds of objections have been received, from groups such as Shrewsbury Friends of the Earth and Biofuelwatch.
But Stuart Thomas, Shropshire Council's central area development management officer, said: "It employs over 100 people, with consequent benefits to the local economy.
"If the biofuel trial were not to proceed, operational matters may necessitate an earlier cessation of energy generation at the site.
"Therefore, the proposals are linked to a process which has potential to secure employment at the site for an additional period."