A controversial proposal to turn garbage into energy in Central Newfoundland has reached the environmental assessment phase.
EnviroPower Renewable Development Incorporated is proposing to develop a waste-to-energy plant in Lewisporte that would convert biomass and plastic waste into renewable energy and low sulfur liquid and gas hydrocarbon fuels through a process known as “gasification.”
A US-based company by the name of Synergy World Power Newfoundland Limited, which is yet to be established according to documents prepared for the Department of Environment, is proposing to develop the Terra Nova Energy Centre in Lewisporte.
The proposal to turn plastic garbage into fuel garnered some controversy when first raised a few years ago.
Then-NDP leader Alison Coffin worried that plans to ship garbage to Lewisporte would make Newfoundland a “haven for the world’s garbage.”
For economic reasons, the town of Lewisporte has been eager to redevelop the wharf and port facility in Lewisporte – once a busy hub for the Labrador coastal marine service.
The deadline for public comment is February 16th, with the minister’s decision due by February 24th.
Details of the proposal can be found here.