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Feedback from the public consultation held on 20 and 21 July by Peel Energy has demonstrated solid levels of support for the proposed Barton Renewable Energy Plant on a site located on the south bank of the Manchester Ship Canal in Trafford.
Peel Energy invited members of the public to view the plans for the 20MW biomass-fuelled plant at an open consultation at the Powerleague Soccer Dome at Trafford Quays Leisure Village. The use of biomass to generate energy is often described as a carbon neutral technology as the fuel is derived from plants that absorb carbon dioxide from the air as they grow.
Senior members of the project team were on hand to explain the proposal to over 170 residents from Trafford and Salford who attended the consultation. An alternative plant design was also displayed for the first time at the consultation so that project staff could discuss the appearance of the plant with visitors present.
A questionnaire asked visitors for their views on the Barton Renewable Energy Plant plans. Overall more than three quarters of attendees who provided a questionnaire response said they broadly had no objections to the proposal put forward. Over 46% of respondents gave the plant a clear thumbs up by saying they strongly agreed or agreed with the proposal. 26% of respondents expressed neutral views.
The government also reaffirmed its support for low carbon energy generation in the UK on 27 July in the first Annual Energy Statement to Parliament when the Environment Secretary Chris Huhne told MPs: “We remain committed to developing generation from marine energy, biomass and anaerobic digestion.”
Peel Energy project director, Jon England commented: “We are extremely pleased with the level of interest shown in the Barton Renewable Energy Plant project by the community. The backing shown for the proposal is extremely encouraging and with the support of residents we will be formally submitting a project planning application to Trafford Council in the autumn.”
If planning consent is granted, the plant is expected to create over 100 construction jobs from 2012 and at least 15 local jobs once the plant is operational in 2014, as well as provide enough renewable electricity to power up to 37,000 homes – more than one-third of the homes in Trafford.
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