Warwick Emanuel PR: Press release

Sustainable energy plan to go on display

20th August 2009

Plans to generate electricity using bio-oils from sustainable sources will go on display next week in Newport.

Vogen Energy has submitted a planning application for a 25 megawatt bio-energy combined heat and power plant at Newport’s South Dock which could generate enough clean electricity to supply over 44,000 households* in the city. 

 And as part of the planning process the Newport-based company will hold an information day so local people can find out more about the project and its benefits - including new jobs for the city and opportunities for local businesses – which can register their interests accordingly.

Only bio-oils from accredited sustainably grown crops and  recycled waste vegetable oils will be used as fuel for the project, and Vogen will be one of the first power companies in the UK to sign up to legally binding obligations in this respect – setting a benchmark for truly sustainable energy production.  Bio-oils will also be transported to the site only by ship or rail - further improving the project’s environmental credentials by ensuring a ‘carbon efficient’ feedstock supply and delivery chain.

The construction phase of the plant will create approximately 30 jobs, with a further 30 full time, long term jobs created during the operational phase. Surplus heat could also be made available to neighbouring businesses, or companies considering relocation to the docks area, bringing further investment and employment opportunities to the area.

Harvey West, chief executive of Vogen Energy, said:” Wales wants to be seen as a sustainability showcase for the world and as a good place for clean energy businesses to locate to and thrive. The Newport bio-energy plant will utilize the latest in high efficiency energy conversion and emission control technologies available and along with other biomass energy projects under development in the area, will give the city a real and significant opportunity to establish itself as a centre of excellence in the field of bio-energy – a major clean technology industrial growth sector for the 21st century.

“Through our project, we also intend to set the sustainability standard that others will ultimately have to follow in the bio-energy sector. The action we are taking to ensure that we only use bio-oils obtained from accredited sustainable sources and the proposals that we are legally bound in that respect will, whilst setting the bar high, demonstrate that such approaches can work effectively to build a bridge between both environmental and commercial objectives.

“We would like to invite anyone interested in finding out more about this exciting project or in registering for any business or employment opportunities to come along to the information day.  Our team will be on hand to answer people’s questions and explain the many benefits it offers.”

The information day will be held on Tuesday 25 August at Newport Leisure Centre, 1 Kingsway, between 2pm and 7pm.  

The planning application was submitted earlier this year to Newport City Council and subject to approval, it is hoped the plant will be operational by 2011.



*    UK Association of Electricity Producers – average household consumes 4478Kwh per year