The European rape seed crop, the world’s biggest, has suffered a blow, with expectations of a 7.8% fall in the crop. The UK however has a forecast surplus of approx 300,000-350,000 tonnes, which when converted to oil - enough to supply 3 Biomass plants the size of the proposed Blue NG plant in Blackrod,(note: Blue NG announced they proposed to halve the size of the Blackrod plant 14 September,2010, which would mean this surplus could fuel between 7 and 10 similar sized plants) although this surplus will be exported as demand is being stimulated by Germany, which has changed the rules allowing only vegetable oil from sustainable sources to be used in biodiesel plants – in-line with European law.
The madness has begun, with European Palm oil demand expected to rise 4.4%. The law of economics will put the cheapest oil into the European food Market. It is folly when it is said that only oil from sustainable sources will be used, the increased demand will force someone, somewhere to use oil from non-sustainable sources – there is reason why vast swathes of rain forest and peat bogs are being converted to palm oil production – Demand. Environmental groups claim this destruction of our natural resources, in the name of green energy actually leads to increased global warming rather than the desired aim of a reduction. Too much Biofuels make us biofools.
Why Blackrod for the proposed Blue NG plant. There does not appear to be a logical answer. It is reported that there are in the region of 12,500 gas reduction plants around the UK – mainly in industrial areas. Many are likely to have the advantage of being closer to potential users of the waste heat, closer to connections to the National Grid and closer to the proposed fuel source – all things essential for optimising the potential of an intelligent CHP biomass plant and making it greener. Most of these sites would not necessitate taking land out of agricultural production, reduction in the Greenbelt area else impacting an area of special landcsape characteristic.
Bolton councillors continue to act in the area’s best interests as “Trustees of the Greenbelt”, supported by groups like BHEAG and RAGE (Residents Against Greenbelt Exploitation)
A formal application by Blue NG has not yet been submited to Bolton Council
