Representation by Pravina Ellis
- Date submitted
- 20 August 2022
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
Dear Sir / Madam, I wish to object to Drax’s application to add carbon capture-technology to two of its wood-burning units. I object because I believe the proposal is not a sustainable development as defined in the National Planning Policy Framework [Redacted] as it is not compatible with increasing productivity, supporting communities’ health, protecting our natural environment or improving biodiversity. According to Drax’s planning document, carbon capture will reduce the net efficiency of the biomass boilers to just 28.49%. This is because 28% of the energy generated, by each unit, is needed to capture and compress CO2. The actual figure could be even higher. Decreasing the electricity generated will mean a greater chance that this will lead to more fossil fuel energy generation in other power stations. This is contrary to the Overarching National Policy Statement for Energy’s [Redacted] commitment to reduce energy from fossil fuels. I am also very concerned about the potential harm to human health from the amine chemicals which Drax is planning to use to separate the CO2, from the other flue gases. The amines can combine to form other compounds, when they are emitted. These include nitrosamines and nitramines which are potential carcinogens [Redacted] . Yorkshire and Humberside areas already have high levels of air pollution [Redacted], and there is a lack of research into the impacts of these chemicals on public health. In addition, Drax’s Ecology Report [Redacted] for the project states that the development will lead to the degradation and destruction of a number of internationally, nationally, and locally important habitats where ecological surveys have found rare and protected species. These include orchids, water voles, otters, Great Crested Newts and many bird species. The government classes energy from burning trees as ‘low-carbon’ and argues that it can help ‘tackle climate change’. I strongly disagree with this, as do hundreds of scientists [Redacted]; and environmental NGOs around the world [Redacted]. They highlight that burning wood is as bad for the climate as fossil fuels. Also, Drax’s claim that BECCS can achieve “negative emissions” are based on a false assumption that logging, transporting, and burning trees in power stations can be “carbon neutral” [Redacted]. I therefore urge you to please note my concerns and refuse permission for Drax’s BECCS application. Yours sincerely,