Proposals for an incinerator energy development in North Lincolnshire are still awaiting a government decision for approval.
Nine months ago, the planning inspectorate gave its recommendations on proposals for North Lincolnshire Green Energy Park to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero. A decision has been delayed three times since, partly to await information from interested parties.
The most recent delay, to a decision by July 15, allows for Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) analysis of waste incineration capacity within the management of non-recyclable waste in England.
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The new energy park, based at Flixborough Industrial Estate and land to the south, could create up to 257 jobs. The incinerator would be capable of converting up to 760,000 tonnes of non-recyclable waste into 95MW of electricity. A £5.7m boost to the local economy is also estimated.
The project’s scale, not limited to only an incinerator, means it is too big for ordinary planning permission. It needs a development consent order, a lengthier process. The application for this was made two years ago.
What are the North Lincolnshire Green Energy Park proposals?
An energy recovery facility, or incinerator, is the core element of the scheme. Up to 760,000 tonnes of non-recyclable waste would be converted. It would be capable of producing enough energy for the equivalent of 221,000 homes. An application document suggests up to 150,000 tonnes of CO2 would be prevented from release to landfill.
There would be a carbon capture storage system to treat some of the excess gases released. The two facilities would be designed to be able to be linked to a Humber carbon pipeline, if that gets approved.
Ash produced would be treated too, and used for a concrete block manufacturing facility. Plastic recycling, hydrogen production and storage, and battery storage facilities are also planned. An electric vehicle (EV) and hydrogen (H2O) refuelling station, a new access road and parking, a visitor centre, a 65-acre wetland area, and reinstatement of the disused railway line between Dragonby and Flixborough’s wharf are also planned. The rail track ceased being used for steel-linked activities in 2012.
Solar 21 is behind the proposal, and has set up North Lincolnshire Green Energy Park Ltd to drive the application. Headquartered in Ireland, it specialises in the purchase and management of solar photovoltaic (PV) installations and the development of renewable power assets, like biomass.
Opposition to the incinerator
North Lincolnshire Green Energy Park has its detractors, with pressure group UK Without Incineration Network (UKWIN) making a number of submissions to government. These have largely questioned the green credentials of the project including emissions, and the need for another waste incinerator, suggesting there is already more than enough capacity. The applicant contends in planning documents it has demonstrated the green energy park will not cause overcapacity at local or national level.
Scores of nearby residents, including from Flixborough, Amcotts, and Burton-upon-Stather, had their say too, in 2022. While a mix of opinions were expressed, most raised concerns, particularly over noise, traffic and air pollution.
During the most recent document submissions, available to view on the planning inspectorate’s website, the applicant has also clarified proposed wildlife mitigation measures. Though it contends alternative technology types will remove adverse air pollution effects on Risby Warren SSSI, it has committed to a S106 agreement to mitigate any residual adverse effects. This involves negotiations with a tenant farmer adjacent to the wildlife site to stop pig farming there before the incinerator is running.
The announcement to delay a decision to by July 15 was taken two weeks before the general election was called. Should North Lincolnshire Green Energy Park get the go-ahead, its scale means it will be some time before it is completed. A six-year construction programme is anticipated in a submitted document.
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Original artice: https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/all-about/scunthorpe