WWF-UK: Lignite still the dirty fuel of Europe
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Lignite still the dirty fuel of Europe
According to the latest WWF report, lignite is the dirtiest and most polluting fuel in Europe. This evidence gives added weight to the call for the Northern Ireland Assembly to stop the plans for a lignite mine and power station outside Ballymoney, once and for all.
The 'Dirty Thirty' report, a ranking of the biggest carbon dioxide (CO2) emitting power stations in Europe, proves that twelve of the least efficient power stations are lignite powered. These include power stations in Greece and Germany.
"With our increased awareness of the influence that man is having on the climate and what climate change means for mankind, it would be indefensible to retain the option of digging up huge swathes of the north Antrim countryside for an open cast lignite mine and power station," said Malachy Campbell, Policy Officer, WWF Northern Ireland.
The proposed mine and power station at Stranocum, near Ballymoney, would produce 4.8 million tonnes of CO2 per year over the lifespan of the project. This would be the equivalent of an additional 1.2 million cars on the roads of Northern Ireland every year. This is not only highly polluting but flies in the face of current local government strategies, such as the Sustainable Development Strategy, to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
"The current Northern Area Plan, still leaves the door open for the lignite to be exploited. This doesn't make economic or environmental sense. We'd like to make sure that this door is closed and Northern Ireland never joins the ranks of the Dirty Thirty of Europe. Surely it would be better to exploit the real economic potential of wind, wave and bio-energy that exists here in Northern Ireland," said Malachy Campbell.
"With our increased awareness of the influence that man is having on the climate and what climate change means for mankind, it would be indefensible to retain the option of digging up huge swathes of the north Antrim countryside for an open cast lignite mine and power station," said Malachy Campbell, Policy Officer, WWF Northern Ireland.
The proposed mine and power station at Stranocum, near Ballymoney, would produce 4.8 million tonnes of CO2 per year over the lifespan of the project. This would be the equivalent of an additional 1.2 million cars on the roads of Northern Ireland every year. This is not only highly polluting but flies in the face of current local government strategies, such as the Sustainable Development Strategy, to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
"The current Northern Area Plan, still leaves the door open for the lignite to be exploited. This doesn't make economic or environmental sense. We'd like to make sure that this door is closed and Northern Ireland never joins the ranks of the Dirty Thirty of Europe. Surely it would be better to exploit the real economic potential of wind, wave and bio-energy that exists here in Northern Ireland," said Malachy Campbell.
