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.

News

Lib Dems blast Welsh Gov for ‘failing women suffering from cancer’

Published

45 mins ago

May 17, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THIS week in the Senedd, the Welsh Liberal Democrats have accused the Welsh Government of failing women suffering from cancer.

Speaking in the Siambr on Wednesday, party Leader Jane Dodds MS lamented the challenging experiences faced by many women suffering from Gynaecological cancer.

The Welsh Lib Dem leader highlighted how many women felt that their cancer symptoms had been either ignored or dismissed by medical professionals, with others reporting lengthy delays in receiving treatment.

According to a recent report from BBC Wales, the number of Gynaecological cancer patients starting treatment within the recommended 62-day time frame has worsened since it was prioritised by the Welsh Government last year.

A recent Senedd Committee Inquiry also found that women’s cancer concerns were often “dismissed, downplayed and unheard” as part of a “dangerous bias” against women when it comes to healthcare.

The Welsh Lib Dems have heavily criticised the Welsh Government for failing to tackle gender healthcare inequalities, stating that they have “failed countless women”.

Commenting, the Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats Jane Dodds MS said:

“I was ashamed and appalled to hear how so many women suffering from Gynaecological Cancer have had to deal with grave failings in our healthcare service.

Many of these cancer victims have reportedly had their worries and concerns sidelined by medical professionals who had dismissed serious symptoms that, if spotted earlier, could have resulted in a more positive outcome.

These biases present a serious threat to the health of thousands of women, we cannot allow these inequalities to take any more lives.

The Welsh Government has failed countless women by their lack of action in dealing with these biases.

These brave women and their families should not have to suffer from the indecisiveness of Welsh Labour Ministers.

It is now up to the Welsh Government to ensure that we will have a future where no woman will have to face the agonising experience of Gynaecological cancer alone.”

News

New Minister Appointed to Welsh Government Cabinet

Published

1 hour ago

May 17, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE WELSH Government has announced a new addition to its Cabinet team. Sarah Murphy has been appointed as the Minister for Social Partnership, bringing her expertise and leadership to a critical role within the government.

First Minister Vaughan Gething made the announcement earlier today, expressing his enthusiasm for Sarah Murphy’s appointment. In his statement, Gething highlighted Murphy’s responsibility to advance the government’s collaborative efforts with its valued social partners. Her role will also encompass providing leadership across the creative, hospitality, tourism, and retail sectors—areas vital to Wales’ economic and cultural vitality.

“I warmly welcome Sarah to my talented and ambitious Cabinet team,” said Gething. “Her experience and dedication will be invaluable as we continue our work in these key sectors.”

Sarah Murphy’s appointment is expected to bolster the Welsh Government’s initiatives and strengthen partnerships across various industries, ensuring continued growth and innovation within Wales.

Photo: Matthew Horwood

Entertainment

Dolly Parton ‘tickled pink’ by curiosity about her Welsh roots

Published

1 hour ago

May 17, 2024

Luke Sinclair

DOLLY Parton has expressed her delight over the interest in her Welsh heritage, saying she is “tickled pink” about the curiosity. The country music star traced her ancestry to South Wales for a TV programme.

In a brief clip played on Radio 4’s Today Programme, Parton mentioned she couldn’t “give away all the secrets yet”. She added that “all the juicy details” will be revealed when her documentaries air later this year.

Parton, born in Tennessee, has sold over 100 million records worldwide. Her niece, singer Jada Star, found it “a lot of fun” to discover their Welsh roots.

“Finding out about that side of our family is really extraordinary,” Jada said. “Especially with everything we’re uncovering about our musical connections—how it’s always been with us—is wonderful.”

Jada suggested that some of Parton’s music, and her own, may have been inspired by their Welsh heritage. “A lot of music, especially from the Appalachians and east Tennessee where we come from, reflects where those people settled. The skill of hearing a story and then relaying it memorably, so it lives on forever, is a big part of Welsh music. These are stories passed down for centuries.”

Jada also mentioned she is currently learning Welsh and hopes to use it when she visits the country. “I’m trying my best. I’ve got that little owl on Duolingo working double time for me. I can do some morning and afternoon greetings. I’m trying not to butcher it, and I hope everyone can help me when I get there.”

This isn’t the first time the “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You” singer has been linked to Wales. During a 2008 concert at the Cardiff International Arena, Parton reportedly told fans she had Welsh ancestry.