A POWER station in Newport could soon be a lot greener, burning plastic, paper, cardboard and wood instead of coal.

The company running the Uskmouth Power Station has applied for an environmental permit to convert the coal-fired facility to run on waste pellets.

And now Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has launched a public consultation on the plans by SIMEC Uskmouth Power Ltd, Newport.

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The waste pellets would be composed of about 50 per cent plastic and 50 per cent material such as paper, cardboard and wood.

To change its fuel source, the company needs NRW to agree a change to the conditions of its current environmental permit.

Steve Morgan, head of South East Wales operations for NRW said: “To date, the company’s facility in Nash has relied on fossil fuels to generate power, but as part of its planned conversion it intends to switch its fuel source to a more sustainable, waste-derived fuel.

“Listening to the views of local people is an important part of this of this process, and I’d urge people to take part in our consultation.

“We will only allow the change to the permit if we are confident the company can make the changes without impacting on local people or the environment.”

Public infomrmation sessions on the plans will not be held due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Information on how to take part in the consultation is available on the NRW website. Comments must be received in writing by May 8, to permittingconsultations@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk