Proposals for new gas engines to power Kronospan factory in Chirk

Proposals have been submitted to create two new gas engines to help power a factory in Wrexham.

An application has been entered by Kronospan to add to the existing three engines which provide energy for its wood panel manufacturing plant in Chirk.

The company said the proposed development would help to contribute to the sustainability of the business.
It forms part of a series of plans put forward as part of the firm’s Vision 2020 programme, which will see around £200 million invested in the site.

The overall scheme includes the addition of new buildings, improved raw material handling facilities and an increase in onsite energy generation.

In a planning document, the company said: “Kronospan is an important local and national business and is the UK’s leading manufacturer of high quality wood-based panels and associated products.

“The manufacturing processes which take place at Kronospan require large quantities of heat and electricity.

“The high voltage electricity network in this part of Wales is sub-standard for the level of demand it is required to meet.

“In order to safeguard against the fragility of the local electricity grid, and reduce the risk of the limitations of the local grid hindering the manufacturing efficiency of the site, Kronospan have previously installed three gas engines.

“The two additional engines would enable Kronospan to increase their self-sufficiency in terms of electricity supply.”

Previous proposals to create a new orientated strand board production facility at the site were put on hold following a meeting of Wrexham Council’s planning committee in March.

It came after concerns were raised about road safety with almost 1,000 extra lorries set to travel through the town every day if the plans go ahead.

Kronospan has since launched an appeal as it said the facility was a key part of the vision.

The latest plans will be considered by the local authority at a future date.

By Liam Randall – BBC Local Democracy Reporter (more here on the LDR scheme).