Bristol Test Case for Biofuels

bristol | the environment | press release Monday August 09, 2010 15:57 by Ian - Biofuelwatch

A crucial and controversial Planning Appeal into a proposed biofuel power station will be heard in Bristol next week, starting on Tuesday 10th August.

Developers W4B Ltd want to build a power station at Avonmouth specifically to burn imported liquid biofuels. The biofuel industry is coming under intense scrutiny worldwide because of the devastating impacts that growing plants for fuel in tropical areas can have on local environments and livelihoods. Studies have concluded that the overall impact of burning liquid biofuels on global climate can be worse than the fossil fuels they are designed to replace.

W4B applied to build the power station to Bristol City Council, who turned down the application in February this year because of concerns over its environmental impact in tropical countries where the fuel would be sourced. The appeal by W4B against Bristol’s decision is now being heard by an independent Planning Inspector.

A coalition of objectors including Biofuelwatch, Bristol Green Capital Momentum Group, and Friends of the Earth, is presenting evidence against the proposal.

The key point on the first day of the appeal will be whether or not objectors are allowed to present evidence on the impact of growing biofuels. The inspector has ruled against this but will hear legal arguments from objectors that their evidence should be allowed.

Rob Palgrave from Biofuelwatch said “The use of Palm and other vegetable oils for energy is already exporting environmental problems on a large scale. If this power station goes ahead then it alone will double Britain’s share of this destructive industry. An area of land at least one and a half times the size of Bristol would be needed to fuel it”

Mike Birkin of Friends of the Earth said "Sustainable renewable energy on a large scale must be captured directly from sun, wind and water - destroying rainforests to produce a small energy contribution is unacceptable and allowing renewables subsidies to be spent on this would be a travesty. The government is expected to clarify its policy soon - in the mean time we need to ensure Bristol is not heading in the wrong direction."

ENDS

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY:
Demonstrators will be marking the start of the Appeal with banners and costumes on College Green at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday 10th August

CONTACTS:
Rob Palgrave, Biofuelwatch 07903 190209
Mike Birkin 07798 555737