Plans have been submitted for a power plant near York that aims to generate power from farmwaste, supplying thousands of homes.

French power company ENGIE seek to build the scheme east of Long Lane near High Catton.

It comes as the company has also been consulting about a similar scheme near Sherburn-in-Elmet, near Tadcaster.

If approved, the agricultural anaerobic digestion facility, would take agricultural feedstocks and waste from local farms and turn it into renewable gas using a process called Anaerobic Digestion (AD).

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The facility – which will sit alongside new woodland and hedgerow planting – would generate enough power for 5,200 homes, reducing the UK’s reliance on imported natural gas.

Working in partnership with local farmers, it would also give them a regular source of income whilst reducing their carbon footprint.

It also supports day to day farming activities by providing digestate, a byproduct of the AD process and a natural fertiliser that replaces artificial and expensive alternatives.

Following feedback received during the pre-application consultation last month, ENGIE has outlined plans to restrict traffic movements through High and Low Catton to ensure the impact on local communities is minimised by the facility.

Rob McKeon, Head of Business Development for Renewable Gases UK at ENGIE, said: “ENGIE is a key player in the UK’s energy transition and is committed to creating a greener tomorrow. Anaerobic Digestion is both a sustainable solution for dealing with agricultural wastes and a local supply of renewable gas.

“We’ve worked closely with the local community over the last couple of months to understand the issues that are important to them. The planning application is supported by a range of detailed, technical assessments that show how the facility will be operated  with minimal impact on the local area.

“We’ve also had lots of positive conversations about how we can support local causes and give something back to the local community.”

ENGIE says it has a track record in such schemes, with it also supporting local causes through a Community Benefit Fund.

The development will help the UK reach Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050 and East Riding of Yorkshire Council address its adopted Climate Strategy.

It is expected that East Riding of Yorkshire Council will make a decision on the plans early in the new year. If approved, work is anticipated to start by summer 2025.

Further information can be found at www.ixoraenergy.co.uk/long-lane