Argent Energy has applied for planning permission to build a biodiesel plant on a 9 acre brownfield site at Ellesmere Port in Cheshire. If successful, this would be Argent Energy’s second biodiesel plant in the UK, the first of its type in England and the biggest of its type in the world.

The proposed plant would have the capacity to process 150,000 tonnes of used cooking oil and tallow to produce 170 million litres of biodiesel a year. This would displace up to 680,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

The company is considering the possibility of phasing construction in two stages, each with 75,000 tonnes capacity.

It would occupy around 6 acres of a 9-acre brownfield site. The site was previously used by the Burmah oil refinery and is currently owned by Ellesmere Port and Neston Borough Council. It is zoned for industrial use.

Once completed, it is expected to create around 50 skilled jobs, including some opportunities for graduates.

The project will cost up to £45 million. Construction and commissioning of the plant is planned to take around 20 months with production flowing thereafter.

The board of Argent Energy is committed to operating at the highest standards. This plant will represent the latest in purpose-built production and storage facilities incorporating advanced process control and safety features.

A sophisticated laboratory is at the heart of the Scottish plant to help ensure that all output meets EN 14214 2004 - the European standard for biodiesel. A similar facility is proposed for Ellesmere Port.

For further information contact:

Maria Limonci, Maria Limonci Public Relations on t: 01560 482683, m:07753 163186, e: info@argentenergy.com