'Greenwash' claims over Leith biomass plant proposals

ECO-FRIENDLY claims made for the proposed biomass power plant at Leith docks have been branded "greenwash" by Edinburgh East Labour MP Sheila Gilmore.

She said the plant would burn wood chippings and release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, and claimed cutting down trees to burn them could not be considered green.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Ms Gilmore said: "One concern that has been raised by my constituents is that the concept of renewable energy as a good thing is being used to cover up or to disguise practices that are by no means environmentally friendly.

"Only 30 per cent of the fuel for the plant would come from recyclable elements and up to 70 per cent will be from virgin wood, some of which may be sourced from South America. There is a danger that things will be agreed that are by no means green."

Energy Minister Charles Hendry said criteria would be introduced to ensure biomass was sustainably sourced.

He said: "We recognise the critical importance of taking action to ensure that rapid growth in bioenergy does not result in the loss of important habitats or in the release of more carbon than it is saving."

Afterwards, Ms Gilmore said "I will be watching closely to ensure the UK Government does act ensure our overall energy mix is green."