Facts and Myths about Biomass Renewable Energy Plants

We have been presented with some information leaflets by a protest group which inaccurately portray our plans to develop renewable energy plants We have consulted widely on the development of the biomass renewable energy plants and we welcome feedback and comment as part of this process, however, we feel it necessary to address the misrepresentations within the protestors leaflets and we have dealt with these points in further detail on the FAQ page of our website.

“We have been very clear that the development of the biomass plants will meet strict national and international standards including those relating to carbon emissions, fuel sustainability and air quality.

Independent studies on the carbon lifecycles of our proposed plants demonstrate that the carbon footprint of the plants are around 90% lower in emissions than a traditional coal fired power station.

We have commissioned Scottish Institute of Sustainable Technology (SIStech) to undertake an independent study to examine fuel sourcing and availability to demonstrate that timber can be sourced from a variety of sustainably managed sources, including traditional partners such as the Baltic and Scandinavian Countries and new areas such as the Americas. We are committed to a fuel procurement process that maintains high standards on environment, social and economic grounds.

The impact assessment and modelling carried out by us, so far, indicates that the proposed plants will have no significant effect on local air quality and will meet strict European and Scottish standards. The design for each of the plants will ensure emissions remain within relevant health-based air quality objectives set for particulates. The plants will be monitored on an on-going basis and will be regulated by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).

Quite apart from the environmental benefits of producing low carbon renewable electricity, the plants have been designed to supply large volumes of low carbon renewable heat for local consumption.

The biomass plants will make a significant contribution to the Scottish Government’s renewable energy targets for 80% of electricity and 11% of heat to be generated from renewable sources by 2020.

We remain committed to engaging with the public and keeping them informed of project developments”

Calum Wilson
Managing Director of Forth Energy