Public consultation launched on plans to expand capabilities of Shotton Paper Mill

Plans to expand the capabilities of Shotton Mill have been announced by owner Eren Holding, the family-run business headquartered in Turkey.

The proposal includes constructing a new boiler building and a state-of-the-art Combined Heat and Power Plant (CHP) that promises low carbon power generation on-site.

This development comes as a significant boost to Shotton Mill which plays a crucial role in reprocessing recycled paper and a variety of recyclable materials, including glass and plastics, collected by local councils nationwide.

The proposed boiler building will initially house a boiler to generate steam for the mill’s containerboard & tissue machines.

Once the CHP plant is operational, this boiler will serve as a backup, ensuring continuous operation during maintenance or downtime of the existing Biomass Boiler.

The introduction of a CHP facility marks a leap in Shotton Mill’s fuel efficiency.

A spokesperson sadi: “A Combined Heat and Power (CHP) facility will allow Shotton Mill to be more fuel efficient and limit fuel waste. CHPs utilise heat, which is a by-product of the electricity generation process, and turn it into electricity.”

“By using the waste heat, the CHP facility can reach efficiency ratings in excess of 90%, in comparison of gas power stations, which in the UK range between 49% and 52%.”

“In the future, Shotton Mill aims to be able to utilise Hydrogen gas as a fuel source and the Mill is currently active in a number of projects to enable Hydrogen supply both to Shotton Mill and the Deeside area. The CHP design has allowed for 20% Hydrogen (H2) within the fuel blend.”

Eren Holding is set to submit three applications to Flintshire County Council for the new boiler building and ancillary structures.

An additional application for the CHP will be made to the Welsh Government. Ahead of these submissions, Eren Holding is holding two separate public consultations.

One for the applications under Flintshire County Council, running from 21st November to 19th December 2023, and another for the Welsh Government application, from 21st November 2023 to 2nd January 2024.

A spokesperson for Eren Holding, said: “We take immense pride in unveiling our vision to expand Shotton Mill’s production capacity and introduce a state-of-the-art power plant that significantly reduces our carbon footprint, thereby enhancing the sustainability of our operations.” 

“Our recognition of Shotton Mill’s vital role in the local economy and the lives of the people who work diligently within its operations drives our excitement to further its growth. As a hub of economic activity, the growth of Shotton Mill will strengthen the prosperity of our community.”

They added: “To ensure an inclusive approach to consultation, all materials, including the detailed planning documents, will be available on our website. Furthermore, local residents can get in touch via email at shottonmillconsultation@havingyoursay.co.uk or by calling our Community Information Line via 0333 358 0502 (Monday to Friday – 9am to 5:30pm).”

Following the consultation, Eren said all feedback will be “analysed before planning applications are submitted to Flintshire County Council and the Welsh Government.”

The consultations will include a virtual exhibition on the dedicated website www.shottonmillconsultation.co.uk, offering an interactive platform for local residents to learn about the proposals.