Moray biogas plants plans set for second round of consultation

A SECOND round of public consultations on plans to build two biogas plants in Moray is set to be held next week.

Renewable energy firm Acorn Bioenergy have unveiled proposals which, if given the green light by Moray Council planners, would see two plants built in Moray, one near Hill of Rathven by Buckie at the junction of March Road and the A98 and other at Longmorn, on the outskirts of Elgin.

Last month the company held two public drop-in consultation in Buckie and Fogwatt and are set to return for a second round next week.

The sessions are scheduled for Wednesday, January 18 at Fogwatt Hall from 1.30pm to 6pm and the following day in the Fishermen's Hall from 2pm to 6pm. These consultations will contain updates on the plans, including the results of various surveys.

If the proposals are approved, the plants would transform materials such as rye, animal manure, straw and distilling co-products into biomethane and CO2 by using naturally occurring bacteria to break them down in sealed tanks.

It is estimated that each plant would create around 15 permanent jobs.

Acorn Bioenergy has submitted Proposal of Application Notices (PoANs) for both sites to Moray Council.

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