Cardenden biomass station say UK Government leaving them in 'limbo'

Operators of the site, Melton Renewable Energy UK Limited, warn that, come March next year, their site could be closed when Westminster's Renewable Obligation and subsequent funding come to an end.

The plant burns poultry litter, chicken manure, straw, and wood shavings to generate electricity. It opened in 2000, was selected by the EU as an alternative energy reference plant, and is the only one of its kind in Scotland.

But now, CEO Eddie Wilkinson says that local jobs and potential could now be at risk, with no news on whether the UK Government will step in to support the site.

Mr Wilkinson said: “Westfield has real potential to support Scotland’s energy security and net-zero ambitions, while protecting skilled jobs and bringing significant investment to the local economy. But that potential is now at risk.

“Despite our continued efforts to engage with the UK government, we still do not have the policy clarity or meaningful engagement needed to give us confidence in the site’s future. We cannot keep Westfield in limbo indefinitely. Without a clearer route forward, we have to consider difficult decisions about the future of the site, including the possibility of closure."

The company have been lobbying the UK Government for some time, but without success.

Mr Wilkinson continued: “That [closure] would be a deeply disappointing outcome for our workforce, the local community and Scotland’s wider energy ambitions. We want to invest in Westfield and secure its long-term future, but we urgently need the UK government to engage with us and provide the certainty needed to move ahead.”

A Department for Energy Security & Net Zero spokesperson said: “The Renewables Obligation was designed as a time-limited scheme, with generators aware from the outset that support would run for 20-25 years.

“We will provide further updates in due course.”