ABP's plan for 'green energy' terminal in Humber has set alarm bells jangling with other estuary users

 

Illustration indicating how the project is envisaged by the developers

A PLAN by ABP and Air Products to build, supply and operate a 'green energy'  processing plant in the Humber Estuary is proving more controversial than expected.

The joint venture involves importing  ammonia - probably from Saudi Arabia - for conversion to hydrogen for use as a fuel in  shipping, buses, HGVs and  other applications. 

But the project has set amber lights flashing with other industrial estuary users.

For instance, shipping operator CLdN is fearful that its own freight forwarding activities could be disrupted, for instance if speed limits for  Humber shipping are reduced in the vicinity of the proposed jetty.

Meanwhile both PD Ports and DFDS Seaways fear road traffic congestion, with the Queens Road and Laporte Road junction likely to be a particular pinchpoint for lorries sometimes carrying loads of 44 tonnes or greater. 

Among other organisations to have made representations are Cadent Gas, Royal Mail, Network Rail, Tronox Pigments, Knauf, Anglian watrer, Chrysaor Production (UK) Hull City Council, North Lincolnshire Council, North East Lincolnshire Council and the Environment Agency. 

On the ecological front, the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust have voiced disquiet at the prospective destruction of a native woodland, while Natural England fear wading birds and wildfowl will be stressed  both during construction and thereafter.

The project has also created a headache for one family who have been told their home will be subjected to a compulsory  purchase order in order for it to be demolished.

However, latest word is that the family has withdrawn their objection after receiving an offer of satisfactory financial compensation.

The various parties will have the opportunities to thrash out their differences at a series of hearings to be held at the Stallingborough Grange Hotel on Riby Road, Grimsby, between next Tuesday April 9 and April 18, with a site visit to be held on April 17.

ABP and Air Products are confident most of the issues  of contention can be resolved.

However, because of its scale and significance, the application will ultimately be determined not by North East Lincolnshire Council but at Government level.

* Natural England warns that Humber birds risk being incinerated by naked flame flare stacks - report at The Wryneck 

Artist's impression of the proposed development near Immingham