Planning granted for Aberdeen Plant
21/01/2013
Planning consent has been granted by Aberdeen City Council for a biomass combined heat and power plant at Stoneywood Paper Mill in Bucksburn. The application, submitted by renewable energy company Estover Energy Ltd, was unanimously approved by the Council’s Development Management Sub-Committee. Committee convener, Councillor Ramsay Milne, said "The carbon savings of 80,000 tonnes a year will contribute to the city's efforts to meet our targets on carbon reduction and combat global warming. I'm hopeful that the electricity produced could be used for other future developments. "I welcome the increased viability of a long-established local industry and hope that the plan will safeguard jobs for many years to come." The plant will supply renewable electricity to the grid as well as heat and electricity to the Stoneywood Paper Mill. The development will create up to 40 local jobs – 20 jobs at the plant itself and a further 20 in the local forestry and transport sectors. A further 100 jobs will be created during construction of the biomass plant which will support the growth of Stoneywood Mill as well as the local forestry industry. Stoneywood Mill General Manager Angus MacSween was delighted with the result. “This decision is extremely good news; it will help to reduce energy costs, lower our carbon footprint and secure jobs for the paper mill’s future”. The power plant will go a long way to improving the sustainability of the Aberdeen paper mill for years to come. Stoneywood Mill has operated on the same site since 1770 and is the last of five paper mills in the region. Among other products, the mill produces the world-famous Conqueror premium paper. The plant will use clean low-grade wood from local forestry operations to produce electricity and heat in the form of steam. Agreements are already in place with a consortium of local forestry owners who will supply low grade wood on a sustainable basis, typically low grade wood unsuitable for sawmills and timber production, to the biomass plant. Andrew Troup from Estover Energy said “This is a huge step forward for the project and we’re delighted with the Council’s support. We know how important this is for Arjowiggins and their plans for the future and we’re excited for the forestry sector in the area.” As well as supplying energy for the paper plant, Estover Energy are looking at the possibility of the combined heat and power plant supplying district heating to local businesses and housing in the future. The Scottish Government and environmental groups agree this type of combined heat and power plant is one of the best uses for low-grade wood, from a carbon saving and environmental point of view. Click the link below to see Aberdeen City Council's press release.
http://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/CouncilNews/ci_cns/pr_StoneywoodMillCHP_170113.asp
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