Plans to construct the world's largest biomass energy plant in Port Talbot have been given the go-ahead.
Environment Agency Wales (EAW) has studied the plans in detail and come to the conclusion that the plant's emissions will present no danger to public health.
When complete, it is believed that the facility will generate 350 megawatts of power each year.
EAW spokeswoman Mary Youell insisted that the facility's affect on air quality was the group's primary concern, and the plans would not have been approved if there had been any reservations about this issue.
"We have discussed these changes with health professionals from the local health board and other key organisations who have endorsed our decision," she added.
However, the Port Talbot plant may not be the largest biomass plant in the world for long.
Plans are afoot to convert a coal-fired facility in Tilbury, Essex, to a biomass power station capable of reproducing 750 megawatts of energy each year.
Typical Guttridge equipment used in the biomass industry includes:
