UK's largest biodiesel plant given green light

ABS Biodiesel, a UK-based biodiesel production company, will start construction of a new biofuel production facility in the UK, following a decision by Bristol City Council planning department on 3 October.

The company will invest over £21million (€30 million) in the 24,500 square foot facility in Avonmouth Docks, which will cover three acres of undeveloped land at Bristol Port.

Avonmouth Port was selected for the plant due to its close proximity to major oil terminals and refineries, as well its location in an area of high feedstock production.

The site will produce approximately 225,000 tonnes of biodiesel, with the capacity of the site enabling a potential increase to 500,000 tonnes. The company has already pre-sold its first and second year capacity.

'We see demand coming from three main areas – retailers which are looking to establish strong green credentials, petrochemical companies which will need to meet renewable fuel legislation, and hauliers, due to ever rising transport costs,' Alan Bailey, business development director at ABS Biodiesel, says.

The 191,000 tonnes of biofuels consumed in the UK is estimated to climb to 2.5 million tonnes by 2008.