Yorkshire will have best green energy scheme in the country, claims developer

02/02/2012

Yorkshire will have one of the best green energy schemes in the UK soon, claim the people behind plans for the county’s renewable energy scheme.

Jonathan Briggs, the managing director of 2Co Power (Yorkshire), believes that the £3 billion Don Valley Power Project in Hatfield, near Doncaster will be “by far and away” the best scheme of its kind in the UK in terms of carbon capture.

The plant, which will generate 650 megawatts of power and capture 90 per cent of its carbon emissions, has already been granted planning permission.

An initial 180 million euros (approx £149.56 million) in funding grants from the European Union and an application for more funding has already been tendered.

However, it is facing completion from a number of other renewable energy projects from across the UK and mainland Europe for the additional cash it needs to complete the project.

It will know whether or not it has made the shortlist later this month before a final decision is made before the end of the year.

If the bids are successful, the main construction work could start in 2013 led by a team including John Murray, 2Co’s facilities general manager.

“Having worked on some similar projects in different geographies, this project by far and away is the best timed, the most technically advanced.

“I think simply in terms of the local benefits it has the potential to unlock, there will be a lot of local support and government support...I’m very confident,” Mr Briggs told the Yorkshire Post.

As well as producing cheaper, more environmentally friendly energy, the scheme will also create around 400 new jobs (200 during construction and 200 when the plant is fully operational).

Independent analyst firm Verdantix recently estimated that companies spending on installing green energy measure will grow to £6.8 billion by 2015.