Campaigners join worldwide anti-incinerator action

Dozens of campaigners have gathered to demonstrate against a planned incinerator on the Dorset coast.

Stop Portland Incinerator Campaign (SPIC) took banners and drums to the gates of Portland Port, where Powerfuel Portland's waste-to-energy facility is due to be built.

It was part of a globally co-ordinated week of action with overseas anti-incinerator campaigns from as far as Indonesia, Brazil, Zimbabwe and Canada.

Powerfuel Portland said its incinerator project would "provide a safe and environmentally responsible facility" and create jobs.

The gathering on Wednesday came after the Environment Agency granted a revised permit for Powerfuel Portland to burn more categories of waste when the incinerator opens in 2030.

The global week of action was co-ordinated by the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) which has compiled a "Burn Book" of 20 incinerators and their "financial, climate and human health impacts".

SPIC spokesperson Etienne Scott said: "Efforts to stop this incinerator have galvanised the community over several years and our political representatives have steadfastly stood against it.

"The fact that we are now connected to other groups who are fighting and winning their incinerator battles will strengthen and inspire us."

MJ Saunders of SPIC said: "We don't want an incinerator on Portland, but equally we don't want incinerators anywhere.

"Incineration turns valuable resources into pollution, which has long and short-term health impacts.

"We want a world where waste is prevented at source."

Following the Environment Agency announcement on Tuesday, Powerfuel Portland director Giles Frampton urged "anyone with any concerns to read the technical reports produced by independent specialists".

"These reports confirm that the project will provide a safe and environmentally responsible facility that will enable Dorset to manage its own residual waste volumes," he said.

SPIC said Wednesday's action was intended to show that there was "no lack of local appetite to continue the fight".

It said further "anti-incinerator activity" was planned in the coming weeks.

The incinerator is expected to process up to 202,000 tonnes of waste a year, creating energy for 30,000 homes.

Planning permission was initially rejected by Dorset Council but approved by the government in 2024 following an appeal.

Campaigners challenged the planning decision in the High Court but their case was dismissed in 2025.