We will not back down, say biomass developers

Published on 12/08/2010 17:45

AN ENERGY firm is to press ahead with plans for a wood-burning power plant in the heart of Edinburgh's waterfront - despite huge political opposition, fears it will be a blot on the landscape, and doubts about its environmental credentials.

Forth Energy said plans for the Leith Docks biomass venture will be lodged with the Scottish Government within weeks.

The company has refused to scale back the size of the plant, which will be dominated by a 100-metre smoke stack, and will process up to 1.3 million tonnes of material a year.

Government ministers, local SNP councillors and ministers, city council leaders and environmental groups all oppose the 360 million plant, which would be fuelled by woodchip shipped in from as far afield as the United States.

Although councillors will rule on the development, the Scottish Government will have the final say.