Haulage operations at the Port of Grangemouth were disrupted yesterday by environmental campaigners protesting against plans for a new biomass power station.
Members of Action Against Agrofuels chained themselves to scaffold poles at the entrance, blocking haulage trucks from entering or leaving the port. They claimed big biomass power stations cause climate change, deforestation and pollution.
Calum Wilson, managing director of Forth Energy, described the protestors as a minority fringe group who were from outside the area.
“Whilst the impact on shipping operations in the port itself was minimised, their actions today disrupted the local community and the livelihoods of members of the haulage industry across Scotland.
“They sought to bypass the proper planning consultation process and could have compromised safety had there been an emergency at the port.”
Mr Wilson said the proposed Renewable Energy Plant at Grangemouth would use sustainably-sourced woodfuel and would produce 84% less carbon than current average electricity generation from the national grid.
“It will make a significant contribution to Scotland achieving its 2020 renewable energy targets, help provide long-term energy security for Scotland while providing 500 jobs during the construction phase and 70 permanent roles.”
