Cheltenham ice rink to be run by biofuel generators

The ice rink in Cheltenham will be powered by biofuel generators

An ice rink will be run by biofuel generators despite environment concerns because upgrades to the mains electricity grid have not started.

Cheltenham ice rink, run by S3K Group, will be in Imperial Gardens from 17 November until New Year's Day.

Officials thought the upgrades to the grid would have started in time to power this year's ice rink, but this has not happened.

Concerns were previously raised about using the biofuel generators.

Local resident, Peter Grimley, opposed the plans and disputed the claim that the hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) generators would improve CO2 emissions by 86%.

Cheltenham Borough Councillors said earlier this week that they had been promised work to upgrade the grid would have been started, but this was not the case.

Councillor Diggory Seacome asked council chiefs why the works had not gone ahead, reports the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

"Let us hope, in the interests of the residents of Imperial Square and the climate, that the supply is produced by electricity rather than by any liquid fuel," he added.

The ice rink will visit Imperial Gardens from 17 November until New Year's Day

Max Wilkinson, economic development, culture, tourism and wellbeing cabinet member, said the council is seeing if it can use funding from the government to help pay for the works and that they have appointed an engineering firm to work with the National Grid on the plans.

Mr Wilkson said the council is not expecting to receive any proposals now until early 2024 and that the plan in the meantime is to not use traditional diesel generators and instead pursue alternative energy supplies.

Mr Wilkinson said: "That is exactly what we are aiming to do this winter, by using an hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) fuel and battery method.

"This innovative solution is being provided by a locally based company at the leading edge of its field.

"This technology will make a substantial cut in event emissions compared to a traditional diesel generator."

Mr Wilkinson added the emissions will be measured and reported on after the event but that the air quality for locals will be better than a diesel generator.