Newcastle’s new biomass plant criticised
Housing officials in Newcastle have been criticised after plans to build a new wood-burning biomass plant in the east of the city were announced. The proposal attracted public concern following a scandal involving biomass processing in the area between 1979 and 1999.
The Byker Wall biomass incinerator burned waste products for two decades before it was shut down. In 2000, Newcastle Council was prosecuted after tests revealed as much as 2,000 tonnes of harmful ash was released into the atmosphere.
The ash tested positive for significant quantities of dioxins that were known to cause cancer. Councillor Veronica Dunn has attempted to allay the public’s fears by insisting that the new biomass boiler would be entirely different from the old incinerator.
Councillor Dunn commented: “The Forestry Commission supports the use of biomass boilers.
“The ash is very high in potash content and is very much sought after by farmers and gardeners. I think there’s a history of concern in Byker regarding the similar plans for an incinerator. This is a different type of application completely”.
Director of St. Peter’s Marina, Brian Hunt, countered: “People just don’t want it [biomass]. I’ve been here for 20 years and I suffered from the incinerator when there were fumes all over this place”.
Mr Hunt added that biomass technology has been shown to produce ash residue, which is why people in Byker are so concerned about a new wood-burning plant.
Newcastle Council’s Chief Executive, Barry Rowland, insisted that the biomass plant is necessary to help tackle fuel poverty in the local community.
Biomass central heating provides housing firms with a relatively cheap and environmentally friendly way to generate energy. Although carbon emissions are produced by burning wood pellets and other biomass fuel sources, the technology is said to be carbon neutral because the amount released is equal to the amount of CO2 absorbed by the natural materials before they were converted into fuel.
In local communities, the energy generated by large biomass boilers is proving to be a cost-effective alternative to mains gas. Biomass plants can produce sufficient energy to provide heating and hot water to local homes. Whether ash residue is a cause for concern in Byker remains to be seen.
Published by Katie Anderson on May 16th, 2012 in Boilers, Central Heating, Renewable Energy
The bill was sent to Neil McGregor-Paterson, head of Realitas Community Arts Centre. The charity typically spends around £30 a month on gas
The initiative aims to make the cost of electricity and gas
The Trust, which was established back in 2005, aims to provide funding for not-for-profit organisations set up to help vulnerable families who fall into the category of fuel poor.
Nasty surprises are part and parcel of household energy bills. And the news that so many of them are wrong will only compound the negativity surrounding gas and electricity providers, who already suffer from tarnished reputations in an industry much hated for its escalating greed.
One of Britain’s largest suppliers of energy efficient
The RHI is a government scheme designed to “revolutionise the way heat is generated and used in buildings and homes”. EBTech Solutions announced on Wednesday the biomass boilers would be installed at Glen Avon Growers in Cottingham.
When Derek Mault turned to Boiler Guide for quotes to fit a new central heating boiler, not only did he get the job done to his satisfaction, but in doing so has just become the lucky recipient of a £100 Amazon gift certificate.
Analysis carried out by Consumer Focus has shown that Centrica, the parent company of British Gas, made £2.1 billion last year. French-owned EDF, meanwhile, accrued £1.7 billion from its activities in the UK. Scottish Power reported an even £1 billion, while npower made £526 million.
Npower is hoping its new policy will attract more customers at a time when many households are feeling the pinch of the struggling economy. The care product provides comprehensive gas boiler cover in addition to full support for controls and radiators. The policy also features inclusive parts and labour, an annual boiler service and 24/7 telephone support. Npower will even replace boilers aged under seven years that are beyond economic repair.