He spoke about the plan to have a biomass plant at Dundee Port. This, he said, was one of several different energy projects which included various forms of renewable energy which the company thought would help to meet Scotland's ambitious target of h
aving 50 per cent of energy from renewables by 2020.
Mr Ward gave a computerised presentation which went over the need for a 100 metre tall chimney, where the plant would be situated, possible emissions, jobs created by the plant when finished and during construction and what the plant would burn and how the fuel would get to the site.
He also said they were monitoring wind flow at the port to see if there was enough wind for wind turbines which would be situated at the Stannergate end of the docks.
Mr Ward answered questions on how they would avoid unsustainable sources and competition with developing countries who need to grow food, the differences in types of wood calorific value, the comparable size of the emission stack, the effect of the one ship every seven to eight days on other port traffic, noise pollution, prevailing wind direction towards Broughty Ferry and the skill level of the permanent jobs.
George Ferguson, chairman, thanked Mr Ward for his input.
The planning secretary, David Hewick, said he was concerned about the number of staff who would be based at the old Grove Academy building.
He explained that there was only parking for 60 cars and 10 visitor spaces and felt that this would be a test of Dundee City Council's determination to ensure that the conditions put on the staff parking would be enough to discourage bringing cars to work.
He said that the alternatives of walking/cycling/car share as part of a personal plan should be completed before parking is permitted.
The general consensus was that this had still not been properly thought through and members were doubtful that the City Council has the will to do anything about this issue. Mr Ferguson commented that, as they stood, he thought the council plans were naive. On the other hand he noted there were positives – an old building being put to a new use and the business that would be brought to the area.
Councillor Laurie Bidwell thought that Dundee City Council would eventually address the parking problem, particularly for residents, with a parking scheme.
Members were reminded that the next meeting will be in the Public Library at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 6.
