Councillors on the policy and resources committee approved a contract to explore and develop a microgeneration project at the Crow’s Nest landfill site. The project will turn gas produced by the site into energy which the council will use to power the local household waste recycling centre and other nearby projects.

It is estimated more than 160 tonnes of carbon per year would be saved by the initiative and will help meet strict greenhouse gas emission targets.

All gas produced from this site is currently burned off by an on-site flare, to meet the standards of the permit issued by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA). The landfill site was originally closed in 2010.

Richard Thomson, chair of the policy and resources committee, said: “It was with pleasure that the committee considered and approved this report, described to elected members as great news for the community. We look forward to future reports into this development.”

Councillor Jill Webster, who represents the Banchory community, added: “When the Crows Nest Landfill site was capped some time ago, I was very keen to see whether the resultant landfill gases created could be captured and converted into useful energy rather than flared off. It is great news that a viable microgeneration scheme has been identified and that the Council can reduce carbon emissions whilst producing energy to run the Household Waste Recycling Centre as well.”

Further reports will be presented to councillors at a future date to update councillors on progress.