Frequently Asked Questions
What stage is the project at? 
Following consultation with the local community, we plan to submit the application for planning permission late 2008. If planning permission is granted we hope we will be able to sign contracts so work on the site can begin in April 2009. We anticipate the first phase of the project, which is the building of a new digester, will be completed by Autumn 2009 with phase two, the building of a second new digester, completed by 2011.
Why did you choose this site?
We selected the former Tate and Lyle Citric Acid Plant because it was already an industrial site and had an existing Anaerobic Digester which has been operational for 20 years. In addition, it already has a link to the National Grid for the electricity, good services and excellent access to the road network.
How big is the site?
The site is 11 acres, part of the 42 acre former Tate and Lyle Citric Acid production site.
What will be the main benefits of the project to Selby?
The £20 million project will provide an important boost to the local economy, generating 120 new jobs for the town, 40 directly and 80 indirectly. The low cost heat generated by the plant will also have the potential to attract new sustainable businesses to the area. The relative ease of disposing of their food waste could also attract new food manufacturing companies to the area. We hope Selby Renewable Park will position Selby as a leader in renewable technology, attracting new technology and potential new business opportunities.
What kind of jobs will be created?
A variety of jobs will be created. Working on the plant there will be security staff and administrative staff as well as fitters and technicians. Indirect jobs created include the drivers to transport the bio-fertiliser as well as people to administer it on the land. Jobs will also be created during the construction phase.
What is Anaerobic Digestion?
Anaerobic Digestion is the biological degradation of organic waste in a controlled oxygen-free environment. The process uses anaerobic bacteria, which occur naturally in the waste material, to breakdown organic matter into biogas containing Methane and Carbon Dioxide. The anaerobic bacterial are similar to those found in a cow’s stomach that breakdown and digest the cow’s forage intake.
How much power will the plant generate?
Once it is fully operational Selby Renewable Energy Park will produce 32,000 MW of electricity per year, which is enough to power 10,800 homes, or every home in Selby.
What kind of waste will it be?
It will be commercial food waste. For example out of date food from supermarkets, incorrectly labelled produce, discarded waste from food processors, restaurants and catering establishments.
How many tonnes of commercial food waste will be recycled at the site?
165,000 tonnes annually once the site is fully operational.
Does it smell?
No. The process is completely sealed and the degradation of the organic material removes the smell from the resultant biofertiliser.