Sustainable Cheshire Forum Themes - Energy & Climate Information

Cheshire has a number of large power stations within, and at the edge, of its boundaries. Fiddlers Ferry, Deeside and Rocksavage Power stations contribute over 2000MW of capacity to the national grid. Recent developments in Northwich have seen the construction of Winnington Combined Heat and Power Station, contributing heat and power to the Brunner Mond industrial complex. Ince Power station, located on the Mersey Marshes, closed in 1997, with subsequent demolition.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is produced whenever a fossil fuel is burned for energy. Carbon Dioxide is by far the most significant of greenhouse gases, due to its global warming potential. Targets for the reduction of Carbon Dioxide emissions have been established internationally, nationally, and locally. In 2000, data shows that the average Cheshire resident emits around 10% more CO2 than the average citizen of the North West. Cheshire is responsible for around 1.1% of the UK's total emissions of CO2.

Methane (CH4) is another greenhouse gas, and is mainly emitted from livestock and as a result of the decomposition of waste in landfill sites. Emissions from landfill sites across the North West are estimated to be around 313,000 tonnes per annum. The emissions of methane from landfill in Cheshire are considerably lower than the national average, due to the high levels of methane recovery operating across Cheshire landfill sites. Electricity is generated from methane production at Danes Moss, Gowy and Maw Green landfill sites.

There has been increased interest in renewable energy generation across Cheshire. The Cheshire Renewable Energy Initiative (CREI) has been established to help promote and co-ordinate activity in this sector. The greatest potential in Cheshire may lie in biofuels. This refers to the use of plant materials and animal wastes for energy including tree crops, forestry, agricultural and urban wastes. There is great scope for expanding the existing boundaries of the Mersey Forest through the use of willow coppicing and other energy crops.

Building regulations have considerably increased the minimum standards for insulation and energy efficiency in new buildings. The wider availability of grant aid and energy efficiency schemes has had a beneficial impact on homes and small businesses in the County. District Council HECA schemes have also played a considerable role in improving energy performance in Cheshire.

For further information see our Climate Change pages.


Sustainable Cheshire Forum Energy & Climate

	Cheshire has a number of large power stations within, and at the edge, of its boundaries. Fiddlers Ferry, Deeside and Rocksavage Power stations contribute over 2000MW of capacity to the national grid. Recent developments in Northwich have seen the construction of Winnington Combined Heat and Power Station, contributing heat and power to the Brunner Mond industrial complex. Ince Power station, located on the Mersey Marshes, closed in 1997, with subsequent demolition. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is produced whenever a fossil fuel is burned for energy. Carbon Dioxide is by far the most significant of greenhouse gases, due to its global warming potential. Targets for the reduction of Carbon Dioxide emissions have been established internationally, nationally, and locally. In 2000, data shows that the average Cheshire resident emits around 10% more CO2 than the average citizen of the North West. Cheshire is responsible for around 1.1% of the UK's total emissions of CO2. Methane (CH4) is another greenhouse gas, and is mainly emitted from livestock and as a result of the decomposition of waste in landfill sites. Emissions from landfill sites across the North West are estimated to be around 313,000 tonnes per annum. The emissions of methane from landfill in Cheshire are considerably lower than the national average, due to the high levels of methane recovery operating across Cheshire landfill sites. Electricity is generated from methane production at Danes Moss, Gowy and Maw Green landfill sites. There has been increased interest in renewable energy generation across Cheshire. The Cheshire Renewable Energy Initiative (CREI) has been established to help promote and co-ordinate activity in this sector. The greatest potential in Cheshire may lie in biofuels. This refers to the use of plant materials and animal wastes for energy including tree crops, forestry, agricultural and urban wastes. There is great scope for expanding the existing boundaries of the Mersey Forest through the use of willow coppicing and other energy crops. Building regulations have considerably increased the minimum standards for insulation and energy efficiency in new buildings. The wider availability of grant aid and energy efficiency schemes has had a beneficial impact on homes and small businesses in the County. District Council HECA schemes have also played a considerable role in improving energy performance in Cheshire. For further information see our Climate Change pages.