A delegation from DIAG and FoE briefed Alun Cairns MP (3rd February) on proposed biomass subsidies and discussed the planned incinerators in Barry Dock with him, stressing they could both get "double ROCs" worth about 10p per unit (kWh), far above the wholesale price (2-3p/kWh). We pointed out that incinerators in England require public acceptability to get Government subsidy (PFI approval) yet public acceptability is not a criterion for ROCs. Alun Cairns agreed to take this up, pointing out that Dow Corning have a better site for a wood burner where it would supply the company with heat, and would be more acceptable than the 'Sunrise' burner planned close to Dock View Rd housing.
The Commons BiomassDebate 20 Feb. 2012 addressed some of these issues
Graham Stringer MP pointed out
… 17 deaths per yr from a small biomass (waste wood) plant near his consitituency, but rejected by the Planning Committee
… would have emitted small amounts of arsenic from CCA in demolition wood
Biomass plants depend on imported wood and whole trees
their carbon-footprint is higher than the average UK power, so it's high not low carbon and above the limit for ROC subsidy
The Minister Gregory Barker replied - the 17 deaths are an over-estimate and ROCs will have to meet sustainability criteria, including saving 60% carbon compared with fossil fuel.
