Irish national planning authorities have refused utility ESB permission to transition its 150MW Shannonbridge peat power plant to biomass.
An Bord Pleanala cited “unsustainable transportation movements” of biomass deliveries to the facility in County Offaly as the chief reason for shooting down the plan.
Using a “substandard regional road” would “endanger public safety by reason of traffic hazard and obstruction of road users”, planners ruled.
ABP also pointed out that “optimal sustainable utilisation of renewable energy emanating from the power production process is required in order that such development positively contributes to the environment”.
The bord pointed out that the cessation of peat in the electricity generation mix is a “key component within national climate and energy policy”.
ESB had sought planning permission to extend operation of the peat-fired plant beyond its permit expiry of end-2020 to 2027 and carry out a “phased transition” to biomass.