GlaxoSmithKline moves closer to green power goals

GlaxoSmithKline took a step closer to becoming a generator of electricity in a bid to offset the high energy demands associated with operating its manufacturing plants. 

Faced with escalating energy costs, the company has been exploring the use of alternative power generation technologies in a bid to creating a carbon-neutral production facility.

GSK won a contract to site 15 tidal turbines on a stretch of seabed near Montrose in Scotland, which is also the site of a 45-acre facility manufacturing with active pharmaceutical ingredients for the company’s drug products. 

The marine turbines would be located in the estuary on either side of the South Esk bridge, said GSK, although before the project can go ahead the company still has to win approval from other authorities, notably Marine Scotland and Angus Council.

Wind power

The company has also been trying to erect two 400-foot wind turbines in Montrose, although that £8 million project is facing opposition from local protesters who are arguing that the masts would be an eyesore and could threaten migrating birds.

Others have expressed concern that blockade of GSK’s green energy plans might encourage it to downgrade the priority of the Montrose facility in its manufacturing network.  

GSK is currently carrying out environmental assessments in support of its application to erect the turbines, which it estimates could generate up to six megawatts of electricity a year.

Combined with the tidal energy project, the two turbines should cover the Montrose plant’s needs as well as provide surplus energy which could be fed back into the National Grid. The aim is to have the masts up and running in 2013, although GSK has yet to file a planning application to Angus Council for the project.

Other technologies under consideration include solar panels on the roof of the plant and a biomass heating system running on waste materials.

Phil Taylor