Scottish Greens hail cancellation of incinerator plan
A decision to axe plans for a new incinerator to burn plastic waste for hydrogen in Clydebank is proof that new planning rules are helping deliver Scotland’s climate ambitions, say the Scottish Greens.
Scottish Government Minister for the Circular Economy and Scottish Greens co-leader Lorna Slater announced in June that the government no longer supports the development of new incinerators.
This decision was reached following an independent review of incineration commissioned by the Minister.
Developer Peel L&P lodged an application for a waterside site at Rothesay Dock in Clydebank which had initially been approved by Labour-ran West Dunbartonshire Council in the same month as the Minister’s announcement. This decision was then referred to the Scottish Government.
Now it has emerged the firm behind the proposed site has dropped its application as a direct result of the policy decision made by the Scottish Greens’ co-leader, stating that the moratorium was “one of the key drivers in our decision to withdraw the application.”
Scottish Greens MSP for West Scotland Ross Greer said:
“This is a significant win for the local community, who campaigned brilliantly against these deeply unwelcome plans.
“It is also proof that the Scottish Government’s new policy of not supporting new incinerators, delivered by the Scottish Greens, is already having a positive impact on our climate.
“This application was the first test of the new policy, and it's clear that the message is clearly getting through already - Scotland does not need more incinerators. I hope that other companies take note.
“I have to say though, the decision of a Labour-run council to support the application does confuse me. This is the opposite of the anti-incineration position which Labour claims to hold nationally. Whatever mess they are in, the Scottish Greens have ensured that the community and the climate are protected from these plans.
“There is nothing green about burning plastic to produce hydrogen. This is an unproven, expensive and deeply questionable process. Far better instead to recycle plastic bottles, which is what my Scottish Green colleague Lorna Slater, as a Minister of the Scottish Government, is focused on.”
“Scotland is on a clear journey to protect our communities, our environment and our climate, and this welcome news should send a clear signal to any other companies seeking to keep us dependent on dirty fossil fuels.”
Find out more:
- Scottish Greens deliver ban on new incinerator approvals - Scottish Greens
- Scottish Greens put brakes on incineration - Scottish Greens