Power site planning to switch fuel
DEVELOPERS have revealed details of an ambitious plan to convert a coalfired power station into a sustainable energy producer.
The project proposes to convert the existing coal-fired power plant at Uskmouth Power Station, near Newport, to operate as a plant which would generate electricity through the combustion of waste-derived fuel pellets.
Simec Atlantis Energy said the waste pellets would be composed of about 50% plastic and 50% material such as paper, cardboard and wood.
The company is seeking planning permission from Newport City Council to build silos, conveyors, a de-dusting plant, an extension to the rail unloading shed and other developments on the site.
The developer has released a design and access statement providing more detail about what the plant would look like. A 28-day pre-application consultation (PAC) has also been launched which will run from June 1.
A design and access statement said: “The outward appearance of the existing power station buildings and exhaust stack would remain unchanged.
“The visible difference will be new fuel storage silos connected to the existing plant with new and refurbished conveyors.
“The primary storage silos would be constructed on the previous coal storage area.
“The footprint of fuel pellet storage silos is smaller than that required for the external storage of coal.
“As a result, sections of the previous coal stockyard will be revegetated.
“No demolition is required for the proposed development, the existing infrastructure will be reused where possible.
“The conversion process including, construction of the silos and conveyors, access and conversion of equipment within the power station buildings is anticipated to take around 18 months.”
Documents, including the planning statement, design and access statement and environmental statement, are now available to view online.
Following completion of the PAC, the report will be submitted alongside the full planning application to Newport City Council for determination.
Simec Atlantis Energy has said the evolution of the design has sought to address potential environmental impacts.
It is proposed that fuel pellets will be transported to the Uskmouth project site via rail from fuel production plants currently under development in England.
Following on from Welsh Government advice regarding PAC requirements during Covid-19 restrictions, the Uskmouth Conversion Project PAC will be hosted online on the Simec Atlantis Energy website.