News

Blackbridge biomass subsidy blow

Published

8 years ago

August 25, 2016

THE COMPANY behind a controversial scheme to ship biomass halfway around the world to be burned in Milford Haven has failed to deny that its business model is threatened by a significant change in UK Government policy on biomass power generation.

Egnedol, whose head office continues to be a vacant shop in a Carmarthen side-street, was asked to respond to news that the Government is to significantly reduce the amount of money paid as subsidy to companies who generate power from biomass material.

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS, previously the Department of Energy and Climate Change) laid an amendment in Parliament to the Renewable Heat Incentive on July 7 to reduce support for biomass combined-heat-and-power (CHP) systems.

The changes in support are specifically targeted at biomass CHP plants that use less than 20 % of their fuel for electricity production (with the other 80 % being used for renewable heat). This change will affect all plants applying on or after Aug 1. Neither DECC or the new BEIS had formally consulted with relevant trade associations or directly with industry on this specific change prior to laying the new amendment in Parliament, surprising many in the industry and putting a number of projects at risk.

The REA surveyed 36 companies that are developing biomass CHP projects in the UK. Of those companies, 34 had already made major equipment orders for the construction of their facilities or put down non-refundable deposits; 25 companies have reported that the changes laid before parliament will have a ‘very negative ‘ impact on their project, and additional eight reporting ‘negative ‘ impact.

REA discussions with member companies involved in the biomass CHP industry (unrelated to the survey) indicate many companies are facing up to a 35 % reduction in their anticipated tariff.

James Court, Head of Policy and E xternal Affairs at the REA, said: “Despite the amendment claiming ‘no impact on the private or voluntary sectors is foreseen ‘, the abrupt cut in support significantly impacts the biomass CHP industry. It is the suddenness and the lack of consultation that is the core issue here. Over £140m worth of investment is affected by this change.

“The industry has invested in good faith in these projects, some which have been in preparation and construction for up to two years.

“This unexpected cut will prove damaging to investor confidence and significantly reduces the likelihood that many companies and investors will be keen to invest in this low-carbon technology in the future.

“We are therefore calling on BEIS to withdraw the amendment until a proper consultation has been launched to examine the impact on these projects, or introduce a grace period for those who can demonstrate that they have already made a significant financial commitment.”

Egnedol’s development has been dogged by controversy from the outset. A meeting between the company’s representatives and councillors was described as farcical, after the spokespersons sent were unable to answer even the most basic questions posed to them by councillors. In addition, it is not clear what amount of public money will be handed over to the company, whether directly by way of grant or by long-term ‘green’ subsidy and carbon-trading credits.

Although Egnedol has put some exhibitions on for members of the public in Milford Haven, it has declined to attend public question and answer sessions, leading to continuing suspicion about its bona fides and ability to commence the project, let alone complete it.

While Egnedol has made a public statement that it intends to start operation from the Blackbridge site next year, the South Hook development took three years from the same stage as the Egnedol scheme is at.

A 50MW generating facility would require 50 tonnes of biomass derived from timber each hour. And that assumes that it burns only timber. Once permission is granted, there would be nothing to prevent the plant’s operators burning waste in order to fuel its plant. The company has declined to say precisely what material will be burned at Blackbridge, although it has denied it will be the patented ‘miracle plant’ that features so prominently in the company’s promotional websites as being the source of its ambitious plans for biomass generation.

None of the existing (far smaller) similar facilities in the UK are operating at anywhere near their projected efficiency, while an operation in Carmarthenshire was denied by planners after it emerged insufficient attention had been given to the potential adverse effects of such a development on the environment.

Charity

Over 1,100 festive bathers enjoy Tenby’s famous Boxing Day Swim

Published

10 hours ago

December 26, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A RECORD-BREAKING number of 1,150 festive bathers have had a splashing time in the Tenby Boxing Day Swim this morning.

The fancy dress theme of Superheroes – in tribute to the RNLI in its 200th anniversary year – saw Batman, The Incredibles, Wonderwoman and a whole crew of emergency services dashing into the chilly water of Tenby’s North Beach.

RNLI mascot Stormy Stan was there amongst the huge crowds to cheer the brave bathers on their way.
The swim will be one to remember forever for one duo of dippers as they got engaged following a surprise proposal on the sand.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach Philip Frith, 34, made one of his best-ever moves when he popped the question to his girlfriend, former professional dancer Victoria Tansey, 34, who is originally from Hakin.

Said swim chairman Sam Skyrme-Blackhall: “”Well, we said ‘come to the Tenby Boxing Day Swim and take the plunge’ but we weren’t expecting that! Congratulations to the happy couple”.
The swim has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for charities and good causes in its 52-year history, and this yeae’s event will see Tenby RNLI as the main beneficiary.

Town mayor Dai Morgan said: ”It’s great to see so many people from here, and for such a good cause. I just love it down on the beach on Boxing Day. The swim is such a fantastic tradition.”
The mayor’s daughter, 18-year-old Erin Morgan, who is Tenby’s town crier, gave a special ‘cry’ to welcome the swim.

Swim chairman Sam supervised 10-year-old Sam Fecci as he fired the swim’s starting pistol – a duty usually carried out by his dad, Stuart, who was not well enough to attend.

Festive tunes and a lively commentary from DJ Steve Briers ramped up the atmosphere on the beach and swimmers emerged from the sea to be presented with commemorative medals and warm up with hot soup donated by the Giltar Hotel and served up by Tenby and District Lions.

‘Taking the plunge’ at a festive swim in Wales this morning meant more than just a dip in the sea for one happy couple.

As hundreds of Boxing Day bathers at the legendary event in Tenby dashed for the water, a magical moment was happening between Victoria Tansey and Philip Frith.
Philip, 34, went down on one knee on the sand and asked Victoria, 37, to marry him.

Fortunately, she said an ecstatic ‘yes’ to the carefully-planned proposal, which saw the couple’s special song Ocean Eyes y Billie Eilish sound out over the beach as the newly-engaged couple celebrated with a splash in the sea.

As a former Royal Marine Philip – who is now a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu coach – has faced some scary situations in his life but the Boxing Day proposal was up there with the most nail-biting.
“I’ve been so nervous/special moment.

Victoria, originally from Hakin, Milford Haven in Pembrokeshire, worked as a professional dancer – appearing on the X Factor, Britain’s Got Talent and Pineapple Dance Studio: Survival of the Fittest -and before setting up her own entertainment agency.

Although now living in Guildford with Philip, she has always loved returning to her Pembrokeshire roots

“When we first met, Victoria couldn’t wait to show me all around Pembrokeshire and we have made the trip as often as work would allow us, to visit her family, go beach hopping and take in the breathtaking scenery,” said Philip.

“I absolutely love sea swimming, I believe that it is so worthwhile for your body and mind, however Victoria has never been one to enjoy the cold!

“So, on our first Christmas together as a couple, Victoria surprised me by taking me to Tenby for the Boxing Day Swim – it’s honestly one of my most fond memories from the start of our relationship!

“I wanted to return her the favour of surprising her by proposing to her at this year’s swim.”

Victoria’s mum and her childhood best friend , Sean Griffiths – who she set up Milford Haven’s Unison Dance Group with in 2004 –were on the beach to watch the proposal, with Sean bringing along the engagement ring in his pocket to fellow swimmers crowded round to congratulate Victoria and Philip, and swim chairman Sam Skyrme-Blackhall laughed: “Well, we said ‘come to the Tenby Boxing Day Swim and take the plunge’ but we weren’t expecting that! Congratulations to the happy couple”.

Charity

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

Published

1 day ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SUNDAY (Dec 22), Letterston Ring Craft successfully raised £755.55 for two Pembrokeshire-based charities during a fun dog show event. The funds were equally split between South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue and Letterston Memorial Hall.

The event featured a variety of well-attended classes, including child handling and fancy dress, drawing participation from dog enthusiasts of all levels.

This fundraiser marked the first charitable event supporting South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue. Founded and managed by Lizzy Austwick, the rescue organisation aids unwanted, feral, and sick cats across Pembrokeshire and responds to urgent cases in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The rescue provides neutering support for stray and feral cats, directs owners to available resources, and specialises in helping stray cats with severe injuries, raising essential funds for their care.

For assistance, Lizzy can be contacted via the rescue’s Facebook page or at 07575 131443.

Letterston Ring Craft welcomes new members interested in training and showing their dogs, from local companion shows to prestigious events like Crufts. The club meets every other Sunday in Letterston, and further details can be found on their Facebook page.

Looking ahead, the next fun dog show is scheduled for early next year and will support Belle’s Story Charity. For more information or to get involved, contact Gentle Lowe at 07956 653401.

Charity

£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital

Published

1 day ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.

Their 37^th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.

They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.

The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.