Aerospace engineering firm Bombardier is seeking suppliers of AD-sourced biogas for a planned combined heat and power plant in Newtonabbey, near Belfast.
The biogas unit has received planning approval and will be constructed at Bombardiers Doagh Road facility, where engine component repair work is carried out, and will use fuel derived from anaerobic digestion plants, cleaned and polished at source by suppliers to generate 500kw electricity for its on-site operations.
Bombardier, which is yet to confirm a start date for construction or when the facility will become operational, is currently in talks with potential suppliers for the project, who would convert the waste and transport it to the facility.
The switch to biogas is part of a new strategy by the aerospace company to reduce its electricity costs.
Northern Ireland environment minister Mark H Durkan, who announced the planning approval, welcomed the decision as a boost to renewable energy technologies.
He said: This is a boost for one of our leading businesses which is exploring the benefits of new renewable energy technologies to reduce energy costs and reliance on fossil fuels. Renewable energy represents a real market opportunity for industry. This application demonstrates how we can minimise our resource consumption and sustain our environment, whilst boosting our economy.
This decision has been turned around in just six weeks and represents how a more efficient planning system is delivering the right decisions quickly for business. I will continue to ensure the right decisions are made as quickly as possible and that the Department of the Environment builds a better environment and a stronger economy.
Competitive
A spokeswoman for Bombardier added: This project would not create any new jobs at Bombardier, but it is one of a number of options we are currently considering to help us secure more competitive and sustainable energy sources. We cannot comment on whether it would create any jobs for a potential supplier.
Applications are now in the pipeline for additional biogas units at Bombardier Aerospace in Belfast, which will be presented at a town planning committee meeting of Belfast city council on December 12, and at Dunmurry on the outskirts of the city.
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A decision on the Belfast unit is expected within one week of the committee hearing, while a statutory consultation on the Dunmurry site concluded on November 22 with an outcome to be issued shortly.
Bombardier, one of the worlds leading designers and manufacturers of aeroplanes and trains, employs over 70,000 staff worldwide.
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