Hayes lifts red tape for investors in coal-to-biomass plants

Energy Minister John Hayes has lifted red tape for renewable biomass plants converted from coal power stations to give a boost to investors. Announcing the plan on Friday, the Minister […]

Energy Minister John Hayes has lifted red tape for renewable biomass plants converted from coal power stations to give a boost to investors.

Announcing the plan on Friday, the Minister said the energy plants will be covered by a voluntary reporting process under the Renewables Obligation.

DECC said this will slash regulatory burdens on generators and enable Government to better estimate how much financial support these schemes will need.

The UK is the biggest driver in Europe of the conversion of coal-fired power stations to biomass, according to a report from IHS. Suppliers like RWE npower have begun converting large coal plants like Tilbury to use biomass instead.

The Minister said: “The solution set out today means less new red tape for developers and enables Government to manage cost to consumers.

“Converting from coal to sustainably sourced biomass is good news for both investors and consumers.  It provides a new beginning for our existing power stations, enabling them to achieve radical reductions in emissions, whilst providing affordable, secure and clean energy.

“I hope that by setting a simple process, we can help safeguard jobs and encourage new investment in biomass generation.”

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