Minister Alex Attwood approves planning permission to Lisburn gasification plant

ENVIRONMENT Minister Alex Attwood has granted planning permission for an Energy from Waste (EfW) gasification plant in Lisburn.

The gasification plant will be built at the site of the former Burn House Rendering facility.

The SDLP MLA said the plant will convert 80,000 tonnes of mixed waste each year into electricity and heat through the gasification process.

Waste is heated to create a synthetic gas fuel which can be used to produce steam and in turn, electricity.

“This facility will provide a boost for the Lisburn area creating construction jobs in the short term and permanent skilled jobs once completed,” the SDLP minister said.

“I am a firm supporter of Energy from Waste opportunities and of alternative, more environmentally sustainable energy plans. This facility will deal with our waste, prevent landfill and create renewable energy.”

The site, which will be developed by Lisburn Energy Recovery Ltd., will take waste from agriculture, industry, construction, as well as demolition waste and municipal waste.

Mr Attwood hopes it can provide an environmentally friendly waste solution.

“Whilst I am currently consulting on an ambitious 60% target of waste being recycled by 2020, there is still a need for facilities to deal with waste that is not recyclable,” he said.

“This proposal achieves the right balance in planning terms, is good for the economy and a better option for the environment.”