Investment Firm’s Withdrawal Jeopardizes Controversial Barry Incinerator

The operational prospects for a contentious waste wood incinerator are now uncertain following the divestment by an investment firm from the project. Aviva Investors cited substantial cost and technological hurdles at the Barry Biomass facility, located in the Vale of Glamorgan, as the basis for its decision. For an extended period, activists have advocated for the closure of the wood incinerator situated in Barry Docks, citing environmental pollution concerns. Requests for statements have been directed to Barry Biomass, the plant’s developers, and the Welsh government. The Vale of Glamorgan council indicated its intention to obtain immediate clarification from Aviva regarding its intentions for the location. This privately managed undertaking, supported by Aviva Investors, received approval in 2018, notwithstanding public opposition and petitions driven by pollution concerns. However, since its approval, the project has been embroiled in an ongoing planning dispute, remaining non-operational while awaiting authorization to commence activities. In 2021, it was subject to a closure directive. Aviva Investors issued a statement confirming its choice to “made the decision to divest from the assets” located in Barry, as well as at English facilities in Hull and Boston. An Aviva Investors spokesperson elaborated, stating: “Since the original investment, it has become apparent that the gasification technologies at these plants have significant challenges in their current form.” The spokesperson added, “The assets have therefore not performed as we expected.” This action followed an independent assessment conducted earlier this year and subsequent notification to investors regarding the circumstances, leading to the decision to withdraw from these locations. The Docks Incinerator Action Group (DIAG), an organization that has actively opposed the facility, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, articulating its hope that no other entity would acquire the project. Council leader Lis Burnett commented that the plant had “failed to conform” with its initial planning permission. She further stated: “Two retrospective planning application were refused in March, decisions that are currently being appealed.” Burnett concluded: “We will now seek urgent clarification from Aviva regarding those appeals and its plans for the site.” Barry Biomass had previously characterized the Barry location as environmentally sound, secure, and poised to deliver a beneficial long-term effect on the surrounding community.