Representation by Nicola Mary Hall
- Date submitted
- 18 August 2022
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
Dear Sir / Madam, I seek to object to Drax’s application to append carbon capture technology to two of its wood-burning units. I object as I believe this proposal is far from a sustainable development (as defined in the National Planning Policy Framework I wish to object to Drax’s application to add carbon capture technology to two of its wood-burning units. I do not believe it comes under the definition of sustainable development in the National Policy Framework [Redacted] : it does not increase productivity, support communities’ health, protect our natural environment nor improve biodiversity. Drax’s planning document admits carbon capture would reduce the net efficiency of the biomass boilers to merely 28.49% because 28% of the energy generated by each unit would go be to capture and compress CO2. The real figure could be even higher. By decreasing electricity generation, this could well cause more fossil gas to be burned in other power stations to supply the energy needed. This is absolutely against the Overarching National Policy Statement for Energy’s [Redacted] commitment to reduce energy from fossil fuels. I have major concerns too about potential harm to human and wildlife health from the amine chemicals which Drax would use to separate CO2 from other flue gases. These amines form other compounds when emitted, including nitrosamines and nitramines, potential carcinogens [Redacted] . Yorkshire and Humberside already live with high air pollution [Redacted], and there is no evidence on the impacts of these chemicals on public health. Moreover, Drax’s Ecology Report for the project [Redacted] admits this development will degrade and destroy several internationally, nationally and locally important habitats where ecological surveys found rare and protected species, including orchids, water voles, otters, Great Crested Newts and many species of birds. The government classes energy from burning trees as ‘low-carbon’ and argues that it can help ‘tackle climate change’. Now hundreds of scientists disagree profoundly with this [Redacted] and environmental NGOs around the world [Redacted] highlight that burning wood can be as bad for the climate as fossil fuels and that Drax’s claims that BECCS can achieve “negative emissions” are based on the unsupported assumption that logging, transporting and burning trees in power stations can be “carbon neutral.” [Redacted] Please note these concerns and refuse permission for Drax’s BECCS application. Yours sincerely, (Dr) Nicola Hall