CLYDEBANK MSP has raised concerns in the Scottish Parliament about a proposed £20 million plastic to hydrogen plant for the town.
CLYDEBANK’S MSP has raised concerns in the Scottish Parliament about a proposed £20 million plastic-to-hydrogen plant for the town.
During general parliament business, Marie McNair was addressing the government minister for business, trade, tourism and enterprise, Ivan McKee, when she voiced opposition to the proposals for Rothesay Dock.
Marie McNair said:
Residents within my constituency of Clydebank and Milngavie have approached me with concerns over the application that has been submitted by Peel Plastics to build a plastic-to-hydrogen facility and hydrogen vehicle refuelling station in Clydebank.
“The development is proposed to include a thermal conversion plant that would utilise an advanced thermal treatment process involving gasification to convert waste plastic into hydrogen electricity and potentially heat.”
“Many of the concerns raised have been about the potential hazards and unknown level of pollution that this may cause.”
“I am on the side of my constituents, who also feel that they have not been consulted on this proposal. Does the minister agree with me that the views of my constituents are of major importance when considering this proposal?”
The minister responded by assuring Ms McNair that all applications would be assessed against their potential environmental, societal, and economic impacts.
In June, the Post reported how plans for the plant – only the second of its kind in the UK – were approved by West Dunbartonshire Council’s planning committee.
And in July, Bankies braved the rain to voice their frustration and disapproval of the plans when they staged a public protest on Dock Street.
Speaking after raising the issue, Ms McNair said “I am on the side of my constituents who have raised serious concerns about this proposal.”
“I have already conveyed my opposition in writing about this proposal but was keen to get it firmly on the record in parliament to the minister responsible.”
“There was a real lack of consultation with the people of Clydebank on this controversial proposal and I am adding my voice to help ensure our concerns are heard loud and clear before any final decision is made.”
READ the latest news shaping the hydrogen market at Hydrogen Central
Clydebank MSP Marie McNair voices concerns on potential hydrogen plant, November 13, 2022