Glanpower seek to increase waste intake at massive pyrolysis plant in Tullamore

Glanpower the group behind a massive pyrolysis plant at Derryclure, 5km outside Tullamore is seeking to increase the amount of waste it can accept at the facility.

The company has entered pre-application consultations with An Coimisiún Pleanála in a proposal to expand the permitted tonnage and upgrade to ''commercially robust advanced conversion technology,'' at the site.

The Derryclure Energy Centre was granted permission in 2011 by Offaly County Council. At the time it was designed to accept 75,000 tonnes of waste which would be converted to energy using non-burn, pyrolysis technology which produces a medium BTU Syngas. The approximate output was 6 megawatts of renewable electricity for export to the national grid and 5 megawatts of heat.

The facility consists of an enclosed fuel recovery area, a reception and pre-treatment area, pyrolysis area, and engine area as well as offices.

In 2021 it was hailed as the largest of its kind in the world by TSK, the Spanish company tasked with the design, supply and commissioning of the waste pyrolysis plant to the value of €65 million euro. However, in 2023 TSK pulled out of the project.

Bord na Móna had also committed to supplying thousands of tonnes of organic waste but has since exited the partnership as well.

When it was first announced in 2010 it promised 200 construction jobs and an estimated annual boost to the midlands economy of €5 - €8 million.

Other benefits included incentives to local biomass producers worth €2 million per annum, investment in local community projects of €100,000, and knock-on benefits such as eco-tourism worth €4 million per annum to the midlands economy into the future.

READ NEXT: Eight retail outlets inspected in Tullamore by CCPC

Work on the facility began in 2020. However, there were a number of delays and the company sought an extension of time to complete the project in 2022. The development now appears to be finished.

An Coimisiún Pleanála say the consultation with regard to the increase in tonnage has yet to be concluded.