Progress on new waste energy site proposal
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Proposals for a state-of-the-art Energy Recovery Facility (ERF) within the Kirkwood Commercial Park, Port Elphinstone, Inverurie, have taken a major step forward with the submission of a Proposal of Application Notice (PoAN) by Agile Energy Recovery (Inverurie) for the Inverurie Energy Park.
Similar proposals were consulted on in 2012 as part of the wider regeneration proposals for the Inverurie Paper Mill site.
The applicant, Aberdeen based Agile Energy, propose to develop a low carbon energy park on the site, with the development of the ERF the main catalyst for this ambitious project.
The development of the ERF is in direct response to the Scottish Government’s Scottish Energy Strategy and will contribute to the national zero waste strategy by recovering energy from discarded materials that cannot be recycled.
The forthcoming ban on the landfilling of food, paper, garden and any other biodegradable waste was recently extended by the Scottish Government from the initial 2021 deadline until 2025 due to a shortfall in available recovery facilities to replace landfill capacity.
A shortfall in the development of facilities capable of dealing with this waste has been identified right across Scotland, and Agile’s proposed multi-million-pound, state-of-the-art facility is designed to assist in dealing with the current shortfall.
The applicants comment that: “The plant will solve the problem that exists in north-east by removing the continuing need for landfilling of the regions waste.
“The facility will also provide low carbon heat and electricity, allowing local businesses the opportunity to showcase the very best use of these sustainable resources right here in the north-ast.”
It is expected that the ERF will receive around 200,000 tonnes of pre-treated residual, non-hazardous waste, otherwise destined for landfill.
Agile Energy state they will use proven energy-from-waste technology, which will thermally treat the waste to generate electricity and heat.
The ERF will accept predominantly business and commercial waste and will export circa 20MW of electricity, enough to power approximately 62,000 homes, and has the potential to supply circa 80MW of heat, enough to heat at least 32,000 local homes and businesses through a district heat network and distribution of heat batteries.
Crucially, Agile Energy plan to deliver the heat to a community owned energy company which will in turn be empowered to deliver the heat to consumers at a price which will be competitive with natural gas.
With the Proposal of Application Notice (PoAN) now submitted to Aberdeenshire Council this has kick-started a comprehensive public consultation programme.
Public exhibitions are due to be held in December, allowing interested parties the opportunity to find out more about what is proposed and importantly provide feedback
and comment.
Taking place over three days in Kintore, Inverurie and Port Elphinstone, members of the development team and representatives from Agile Energy will be on hand to provide further details and answer questions, with those interested, encouraged to come along and play a part in this major proposed investment into Aberdeenshire.
Speaking following the submission of the PoAN, Alf Robertson, Managing Director of Agile Energy said: “As the first phase of our vision to develop a world-leading, low carbon energy park, the Energy Recovery Facility is a vital component and the main catalyst for achieving this.
“By utilising proven, energy from waste technology, we can create new business and employment opportunities in the north-east, whilst playing an important and strategic role in helping to address the Scottish Government’s forthcoming ban on the landfilling of biodegradable waste.”
“As a combined heat and power plant, this facility will be able to provide local businesses with electricity cheaper than they would otherwise get from the National Grid.
“When combined with advantageous heat pricing, this ensures that Inverurie and the north- east of Scotland remain competitive against other locations for further investment and job creation.
“Over the coming months, the development team and I look forward to presenting our proposals to the local community, answering questions and importantly gaining local feedback.”
Agile Energy propose to submit a planning application to Aberdeenshire Council in the first quarter of 2020.
The Public Exhibitions will take place at Kintore Primary School Hall, Tuesday, 3 December 3 from 6.30pm-9pm.
Port Elphinstone Community House on Wednesday, December 4 from 4.30pm – 8.30pm and at the Acorn Centre on Thursday, December 5 from 4.30pm to 8,30pm.
During construction, the ERF itself will create around 300 jobs at its peak, with a further 40 permanent, operational jobs once in full operation.
