Kronospan seeks to build biomass plant at wood-panel mill site in Chirk, Wales, that will consume woodwaste, reduce dust, significantly decrease mill's carbon fueled-energy needs and secure operation's long-term future

Audrey Dixon

CHIRK, Wales , March 6, 2012 (press release) – On the 19th December, Kronospan held a Public Consultation event in Chirk Parish Hall, outlining their plans to build a state-of-the-art eco-friendly biomass plant on their existing site in Chirk. Over 170 people attended on the day, the vast majority indicating support for the scheme. Others sought reassurance on certain issues, which have been addressed in Kronospan’s project and planning application.

Kronospan have now lodged their planning application with Wrexham County Borough Council. You can view the completed application, either:-

· online at http://www.wrexham.gov.uk/planning under reference no: P/2012/0165 or

· at the Planning Department in Lambpit Street, Wrexham, LL11 1AR.

· Alternatively, you can view a non-technical summary of the application using the link below

Kronospan aims to secure the long term future of their Chirk operation with the proposed biomass plant which will safeguard the existing 600+ workforce, make a large contribution towards meeting the Borough’s renewable energy targets, and create 12 new skilled jobs.

The biomass plant and the associated infrastructure will allow Kronospan to use every bit of wood from the existing operation. In addition the delivery of recycled fibre material into an enclosed building will make a big contribution to reducing dust levels in Chirk. It will also reduce the number of vehicles in Chirk, as they will no longer be taking waste wood from the site. By generating heat from wood at the end of its useful life Kronospan will significantly decrease their carbon fuelled-energy needs. This all helps the UK’s shift towards renewable resources thus reducing the production of greenhouse gases, as well as avoiding a sub station for a third electricity line.

Wrexham Council and the Environment Agency Wales continue to be closely involved in the planning and development of the Kronospan biomass project, and work is progressing towards a separate application for an Environmental Permit for the proposed installation.

Link - Non Technical Summary

http://www.kronospan.co.uk/silo/files/Environmental/Non_Technical_Summary.pdf

Link - Public Exhibition Slides

http://www.kronospan.co.uk/silo/files/Environmental/Public_Exhibition_Slides.pdf

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