Company seeks to build €85m green power plant

A COMPANY seeking to build an €85 million power plant which could create hundreds of jobs will pitch its plans to public representatives in Clare this week.

The Carbon Sole Group is proposing to construct a 60-70MWh combined heat and power plant (CHP) in Shannon using bio-energy and producing green energy, based on a Swedish model.

The company has been looking at suitable locations for carbon-free energy generation plants along the Atlantic coast in proximity to forested regions for the past three years.

It is understood it has already been in touch with airport authorities after identifying a suitable site on airport lands at Shannon.

Furthermore, the company says it has identified other suitable sites in the Shannon area.

Town and county councillors in Shannon have been told Carbon Sole Group chief executive Sean Daly will be available to brief them tomorrow on the proposed project.

Mr Daly declined to be interviewed prior to the Shannon meeting.

However, members are expected to hear details of the plan including how the raw materials will be completely non-toxic and locally sourced, as far as possible, from Irish forestry/miscanthus (vegetation).

The capital expenditure on the Shannon project is estimated at €85m with employment projections of 200 during the construction phase with 50 direct jobs when the plant is operational.

It is also estimated that an additional 150 jobs may be created in “forestry, haulage, services and supports”.

Primary target clients are believed to be industry and other big commercial enterprises such as hotels and the public sector while the power facility could be extended to private homes if the service proved viable.

Shannon Airport and businesses in the Shannon Industrial Estate, in particular, could potentially make substantial savings on their energy bills if the plant gets the green light.

Shannon-based Cllr Patricia McCarthy, former chairwoman of the Clare County Council’s strategic policy committee on the environment, says she will give the plan every consideration.

“This does appear to be a very ambitious but interesting project which could have substantial benefits for the local community both environmentally and economically. I will be giving it very careful consideration.”

Earlier this month, Sligo Borough Council was asked to consider a proposal to build a similar facility on the site of the old dump at Finisklin. Mayor of Sligo Cllr Rosaleen O’Grady confirmed the company had met with members and a proposal was made and is being considered.