Biofuel power stations

5 November 2009

The UK is seeing a wave of developers intending to build power stations running on unsustainable biofuel. Many of these are designed to burn vegetable oil like soy and palm oil.

For some of these projects, planning applications have already been submitted. More are in the pipeline.

A number of local groups are already involved in campaigning against planning proposals for biofuel power stations across the UK.

If you're concerned about plans for a biofuel power station near you, the first step is to check if your local Friends of the Earth group is already involved in a campaign against it.

Key resources to help you understand the issues and build your campaign

For more background on local campaigns against biofuel power stations please read these campaign notes written by Robert Palgrave, of Guildford and Waverley Friends of the Earth.

We've also produced some tips on planning a campaign.

Understand the planning system

Understanding the planning system is essential to running a campaign against a power station - it's the best way to get your voice heard and influence the decisions being made.

Many useful resources to help you get involved in planning applications can be found in our Community Rights resource pack.

As an easy-to-understand introduction, this How To Use Your Rights in Planning Applications (PDF) is particularly useful.

Be aware that it's important to respond to planning applications within 21 days and to support your letter of objection with relevant planning policies.

More about biofuels

Read more about Friends of the Earth's policy on biofuels.