RCEP planning application submitted
Hive Aggregates submit planning application for carbon-saving pulverized fuel ash extraction project
HIVE Aggregates, part of the Hive Energy Group, have submitted their planning application for the Retford Circular Economy Project (RCEP), which aims to extract around 300,000 tonnes of pulverized fuel ash (PFA) waste per year from a landfill site, turning it into a sustainable cement replacement and providing a vital tool to decarbonize the building products industry at a time when ‘fresh’ supply of PFA from existing power stations is ending.
The planning application has been submitted to Nottinghamshire County Council which now has a target period of up to 16 weeks to make a decision. Key elements of the project include:
Beneficially using PFA that was disposed of as waste, providing a circular economy solution rather than leaving it in landfill
Saving close to 1 tonne of carbon for every tonne of traditional cement that is replaced by PFA from the site, amounting to upwards of 5 million tonnes of carbon saved over the lifetime of the project
Bringing significant benefits to the local area, including 20-30 jobs at the site and up to 60 additional jobs for local hauliers, contractors and manufacturers, amongst others
Providing a vital supply of alternative materials to the construction sector and conserving natural resources
Restoring the site to valuable habitats that will significantly improve biodiversity.
The project team undertook community consultation in autumn 2022 and received valuable feedback on the proposals from the local community that Hive Aggregates have reviewed and responded to. It is anticipated that there will be further community consultation in the coming months, including regular updates and meetings in the local community.
Project director Jake Barnes-Gott said: ‘Thank you to all members of the community who provided feedback on our proposals. We received a wide range of feedback, including support for reusing PFA as an alternative to traditional cement, as well as support for job creation and the carbon reduction credentials of the project.
‘Our planning application includes a full suite of environmental mitigation and management measures which have been discussed and refined with various local organizations and stakeholders, including the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust. We look forward to continuing to work closely with local stakeholders in bringing forward this vital project, including further meetings in the local community.’
